New Directions

He Called Me Dad!

2012-02-02T07:58:00.002-07:00

This awesome thing happened yesterday... Sarah, Malachi & I were at Wal-Mart grabbing some stuff (ftr, we bought The Last Unicorn for Sarah's nostalgia sake) & I walked away to go get a picture for twitter. Prior to that, Mal (my step-son) & I went to the bathroom & hid from Sarah when we were done (just a little game we often play). That led into what happened when I walked away to get that picture. So I walked away & when I walked back Sarah said "Mal just called you dad!"

She said, when I walked away Mal said, "Dad, Dad!" and hid. Now, I may not have got to hear it, but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that HE CALLED ME DAD!!! This was huge for my heart. For the last nine months I've tried to make sure that Mal knows that I love him & that he feels secure that this is HIS family, so for him to call me Dad & acknowledge to Sarah that he gets that he has two dads let me know that what Sarah & I are doing is good & right.

After she told me, I picked up Mal around the waist to play with him, to which he promptly farted (such a boy).

My hope & prayer has been & will remain that regardless of what Mal calls me, that he always sees me not just as his mom's husband, but as a man that love Jesus, loves his wife & loves him. In that he'll grow to be a man that does the same. My hope is that he'll see me as a man that he can trust, depend on, confide in & that will lead him well. I'm already so proud of my boy.

A Dad,
Bruce

You Loved Me Anyway - The Sidewalk Prophets

2012-01-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

I feel like this sometimes. Ok, maybe a lot...

The question was raised

As my conscience fell.

A silly, little lie.
It didn’t mean much,
But it lingers still
In the corners of my mind.

Still You call me to walk
On the edge of this world.
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future’s so far.
My heart is so frail
I think I’d rather stay inside

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
Yes, You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
How You love me

It took more than my strength
To simply be still.
To seek but never find
All the reasons we change
The reasons I doubt.
And why do loved ones have to die?

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
Yes, You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me

I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway

See now, I am the man who yelled out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground.
Yes then, I turned away with a smile on my face,
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace.

And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life.

But You love me anyway

It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
Yes,You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
You love me, yes You love me
How You love me

He loves you regardless of you. Here's the video...

He Loves me anyway,
Bruce

The Best Of 2011

2011-12-31T16:13:00.001-07:00

I'm not a "resolution" guy when it comes to the New Year. However, at the beginning of 2011 I did say I intended to blog more and I did. I actually blogged almost 50% more than 2010. Still not as much as I wanted, but more than the previous year.

With that, I figured I'd jump on the "Top Posts" bandwagon. Of the 31 blogs I posted in 2011 here are my top 5. (For clarification, I ranked them by my favorite and most read... enjoy!)

#5...

BIBLICAL GUIDED COMMUNITY V. GOSPEL CENTERED COMMUNITY

Over the last couple years God has really been working the importance of gospel community into my heart and mind, but it’s only been this past year that I’ve REALLY got to see it played out. Over the past year I’ve been fortunate enough to see this group of young adults (that I was blessed to lead within Element Church’s college/20 somethings ministry called theSHIFT) form this community of believers where the accepting & fulfilling love of Jesus Christ was actually experienced and lived out.

Never before had I had the opportunity to be part of a group that lived and experienced life together, but these people did. They shared in each other’s successes and failures, in love and anger, gain and loss…they lived life, together, across the entire spectrum. Now, I’m not typically a formula person, but I’ve been so taken by what I got to be a part of that I have spent the last year trying to figure out the nexus between biblically guided community and gospel centered community. Before I get too much into it, I think it’s worth mentioning that community IS church and church IS community. At least that’s how it’s meant to be. They are synonymous with each other. FULL POST

#4...

BUYING THE HOUSE

#3...

THE 40 YEAR OLD...FAILURE TO LAUNCH...THE NOTEBOOK!

(This was actually part of a series PT2, PT3 & PT4)

#2...

DESPERATE PRAYERS!

And #1... (Mainly because it's MY favorite, but it IS also my #4 ALL TIME viewed blog. And because ALL the best things are about her.)

IT WAS ALWAYS HER!

Today…I write about HER!!!!

She is an amazing soul. First and foremost, she loves God; she has a deeply intimate relationship with Jesus and her anointing by the Holy Spirit is readily apparent. Her heart for people is incredible; she extends grace the way that God gives it to her. She is creatively brilliant; she writes (if you want a peek into her psyche check out her blog Daily Offensive…she signs her posts with a heart [update: Her new blog is called sarahmichal, and it's AMAZING!]), she makes jewelry, she’s a photographer, and has an amazing eye for art (I’m pretty sure her brain operates in art mode most times). She has the best sense of humor (she gets my sense of humor so that may not be saying much), a laugh that’s SO infectious, the best Eeeeee!!! ever, and she’s an amazing mom. She is also absolutely gorgeous; she has THE most captivating eyes I’ve ever set mine on and that smile…oh that smile, it melts me every time. FULL POST

There they are, the Top 5 of 2011... enjoy. See you in the new year.

Headed toward 2012,

Bruce

My Love

2011-12-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since my last "real" post, but things have been crazy, busy (especially with the holidays). In this post, being that my lovely bride just had her twenty-****th (it's close to 30 so I'm censoring it for the protection of her youthfulness), I'm going to brag on here for a bit. For the record, this is in no way prompted by the amazing blog she posted about me (HERE). I would have done it anyway; she just beat me to it.

Being that her actual birthday was on Monday, we celebrated it on last Saturday. It was such a fun night. I don't think we've had that many people in our house at one time since the last SHIFT event (shameless plug for the most awesome college ministry I know HERE), which was maybe New Years Eve 2010. In an attempt to make her birthday the best I could, we not only rocked a chocolate fountain, but also a Photo-booth (by the amazing Charity Remington Photography) and cupcake decorating (which I unsuspectingly provided as ammunition for cake-smashing into my lovely's face. she'll get revenge. It's already started, right Denae?) It was a night chocked full of friends, food and fun (I know, I know, cheesy. But, I'm going to be a pastor; alliteration is a key part to preaching, so I have to practice). But I digress, this isn't a blog about her party, it's about her. Not so coincidentally, this blog will probably follow a similar path and feel to the one she just posted. Mainly this is because we have a lot of the same things we love about each other.
Not all of us are lucky enough to marry our best friend. But as for me? I got to become friends with this amazing woman, that in the end. I couldn't live without. Here's my brag list. (and why I can't without her)

She loves Jesus. Did you expect the first one to be different? This is what binds us together. He is the foundation for where our marriage starts, everything it's about and where it's headed. Her love for Him is so evident and I love getting to see it lived out. I've joked that the main way the Holy Spirit speaks to me is through my wife, but the truth is God often really does use Sarah to speak to me (correct me, teach me & reveal truth). I think it's meant to be like that. The way she loves Jesus makes me want to seek Him more. The thing I love the most is that although we have our own personal relationships with Him, we get to share in a relationship with Him together. One of the best parts of my day is after work when we close our "reconnecting time" in prayer together.

She makes us her priority. After Jesus, her family is her first concern. She loves me and our boys fully and without reservation. With me, she makes sure we have time for each other. She also makes sure I have time for myself. With our boys, she's gentle with them and encourages them. Often time she brings calm and balance to the testosterone fueled chaos that is a house full of guys. She takes care of us and it's not a burden. When we got married I offered her the choice to stay home or work outside the house and she chose to make our house a home. and she does it quite well.

She trusts me. As much as I'm still figuring out how to lead my family well, she's confident in my ability. When I have doubts, she reminds me of why she has confidence in me. This is huge for me; it's the trust she has in me that builds my confidence to lead. I don't always do it right and I definitely don't do it perfect, but she maintains a faith in my leadership that encourages me. When I make a decision for our family, she trusts that I'm seeking and listening to God and that the decision I make, even if it doesn't make sense at the time, is what I feel is best for us. And she continues to trust me even when those decisions don't turn out the way I thought or intended.

She reminds me of who I am. This kind of goes with the previous one, but it's a little different. Sometimes I forget that I'm not the same guy I used to be. Sometimes the "who I was" tries to sneak his way into the "who I am". When that happens, it can be frustrating (to say the least). But I have this amazing woman that points me back to Jesus. She helps remind me who I am. And for the record she knows who I was. I've told her it all. I've shared details and stories with her that would make my parents cry. And none of it matters to her. She sees me for whom God has made me and introduces me to that guy anytime I need to reconnect with him. She also reminds me of who I'm called and desire to be. I've not hidden that fact that although I am full time active duty military, I'm not called to this. That's what I do for the time being, but this is only the mean time and preparation for what God has called me to. My wife reminds me of that frequently. Sometimes God uses a still, small voice to remind me of the big plans he has for us; sometimes that voice is my wife's.

She is creative and brilliant. This actually holds a lot of different meanings. It is her unmatched creativeness that has made our house into a cozy little home. I can't tell you the number of times people have said (something to the effect of), "Wow, Bruce. Being married has dramatically increased the attractiveness of your home. Sarah has done amazing work." Prior to marriage, decorating consisted of a picture hung on the wall. After marriage, decorating consists of hours poured over Pintrest for that one more decor idea that will make the house perfect. Here creativity doesn't stop with the house; she makes jewelry, is a photographer (I know. EVERY ONE'S wife is a "photographer" but mine is ACTUALLY really good.), can cook, writes and does the occasional voice over for Element Church promotional videos. OH and she is a fabulous clothing aficionado. The girl can dress. which adds to her smokin' hotness! She's also brilliant. She shines brighter than anyone I know. She is smart and witty and funny. She has a wisdom that never ceases to amaze. She often has the perfect words for the situation.

She's amazing and I'm luck and SO blessed to have her.

Oh, and her eyes. Oh those eyes. I get caught in them every time I look at her.

Happy Birthday, love.

Checking In...

2011-12-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything (over a month and a half, yikes). But, just because I haven't doesn't mean there is nothing to write about. On the contrary, there is a TON to write about; I've just been slammed busy. God has been quite active in our lives and has been reintroducing me to some simple, but important truths. In the coming days I'm hoping to post some really cool (HUGE) new. But, this post? This post is just me checking in so that you know I haven't fallen off the edge of the blogging world.

In the mean time, here's some tidbits of what God has been reminding me of...

Prayer is our LIFE LINE! It should be the basis for how we approach life (and God). Philippians 4:6 tells us so.

When we faithfully give our time and money (joyfully), God will indeed, "pour out a blessing so great [we] won’t have enough room to take it in." (Malachi 3:10) It's a simple, but absolutely profound truth.

Alright that's just two things, but they're big in the wake of this most recent news in our life. I'll be back in a couple days. Can't wait to get the word out there (and I mean that literally).

Can hardly contain myself,

Bruce

I can do it MYSELF!

2011-10-29T20:47:00.000-06:00

I think there are a lot of times that we believe, although I'm not sure how we logic it out in our brains, that we can control sin. Maybe we don't call it sin in our heads, which is another blog and issue all together, but I'm talking about whatever that temptation we face that we believe is easily controlled if "only we have enough self-control." But whatever we call it, let's be honest and call it sin. We get this idea that we can control sin and that we don't need God to resist it.

I've been reading out of the book of Judges right now for my quiet time and noticed that this has been the take on sin for quite sometime. When God gave the promise land to the Israelites He commanded them to drive the people living there out of the land (many were to be destroyed), to not make covenants with them and to destroy their alters. However, we see (starting in Judges 1:19-36) the people Israel fail to drive the Canaanites out of the land and instead take them as slaves.

Judges 1:28 says, "When the Israelites grew stronger, they forced the Canaanites to work as slaves, but they never did drive them completely out of the land." (emphasis added)

The truth of the matter is, when the Israelites grew strong enough that they felt they could run things themselves (pride), they made the decision to take the Canaanites as slaves (because they believed they could control them) and ignored the command of God.

So what then were the consequences of this disobedience? Judges 2:1-3 say, "¹ The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said to the Israelites, “I brought you out of Egypt into this land that I swore to give your ancestors, and I said I would never break my covenant with you. ² For your part, you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? ³ So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.”

Verse 3 tells us that the Canaanites would be a thorn in the Israelite's sides and their gods a constant temptation to them. Essentially, the Canaanites would be a constant problem for the Isrealites and their way of life would be a continuous temptation, ever drawing them away from God.

They chose to disobey God because they believed they were capable of controlling the source of temptation, without God. Eventually this decision will lead to Israels downfall (on more than one occasion).

They were so pompous, so prideful, so disobedient and we think (somehow) we're different. We've been making that same decision ever since. How many times do we know (with certainty) that God is trying to remove a source of sin from our lives and we either completely resist him on it, until it consumes us or so ruins things that we have no choice to surrender it to Him. Or we achieve some victory (whether it be large or small, many or few) in it and we assume that it was our own doing and we allow bits of it to stay, because "we have the self-control" to resist it. Truth be told, we don't have the power (apart from God) to resist temptation or beat sin by ourselves.

When God wants to take something completely out of your life, the only option is COMPLETELY.

Tuesday Talks (CALLED Session 3 & 4)

2011-09-27T16:48:00.003-06:00

Last week was kind of a rough/full week. I started writing the Tuesday Talk for Called Session 3, but before I knew it... it was Tuesday again. So last week we talked about Submission. The lesson was 100% based on a blog I wrote on the same subject as part of the series "The 40 Year Old." HERE is the link to that blog. (Consider this last Tuesday's Talk).

Before I get into this weeks Tuesday Talk, I need to confess. I didn't write this. I tweaked it a little, but it's mainly the same lesson that Sean Brink (Leads theSHIFT) taught during Every Guy's Orders (EGO). As I tried to figure out what we would talk about in Called, I couldn't escape the fact that we're getting ready to start a new series at Element Church directed towards men, aptly named The Man Series, and this was the perfect time to talk about the way we talk. Because, let's face it, we can sit in church on Sunday and listen to a sermon about being salt and light, Jesus' ambassador and acting like God's Children, but that sermon is proven in the way we act the rest of the week, around others that don't know Jesus. So here's this week's Tuesday Talk...

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

One of the most important things we need to know that what we say has the power to tear people down and has the power to build them up. The way we talk to, about, and around others is fully determined by how active our relationship is with Jesus and whether or not we are submitted to Him.

James 3:9-11 says, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?"

Basically, some of us sit in church on Sunday and belt out every lyric of the worship song, then come Monday hurl every obscenity we can think of at "our" team for not completing a pass during the game. A lot of guys need to not open our mouths until we learn how to use them. We often fail to realize or ignore that what we say effects people because our tongue is a mighty thing.

James 3:3-8 explains that strength. It says, "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships, as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."

With our mouth, we tell crude jokes, sexual innuendos, cursing, and swearing. It's not okay and shouldn't be a part of us. As I mentioned, we (Element Church) are getting ready to start a series where potentially lots of guys will be coming. THIS IS WHERE WE BECOME THE EXAMPLE! This is where we shine as lights, flavor as salt, be Jesus’ ambassadors and act as God’s own Children.

Here's what the bible says about what not to say:

Ephesians 5:4
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

James 5:12
Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

Psalms 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

Most of us know what not to say, so what then should we say? Here's what should pour from our mouths.

1. Words of encouragement
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Titus 2:6
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

2.Words of truth
1 Peter 4: 11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.

3.Words of praise
Psalm 35:28
My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
Psalm 66:17
I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.

I can't close this without speaking to husbands. If you're married or have kids, this is where leadership starts for you. What you say to your family matters.

To your wife - She needs to hear that she is lovely. That she is brilliant and desirable and that your eyes are for her and her alone. Affirm her and reassure her. I heard a pastor say once that it is your job to prepare her to hand her to Jesus one day.
To your sons - He needs to know that they are good enough. You need to tell them they can do all things through Christ.
To your daughters - She needs to know that she is a jewel in her King's crown. That she is worthy of pursuit.

Read:
James 3:1-12

Prayer:
- Pray for The Man Series and Element's 4th Service starting on October 2nd

Put into Practice:
Pay attention to what you say. Make it a point, at least once a day, to speak a word of encouragement, a word of truth and a word of praise.

Tuesday Talks (CALLED Session 2)

2011-09-13T21:16:00.000-06:00

This will be the first of three posts on Spiritual disciplines. Of course I won’t cover all of them in three posts, but I will cover as many as possible.

The first one will be prayer, mainly because it’s hugely important in our Christian walk. I would say that after the consumption of God’s word (reading the bible), prayer is THE most important aspect of our relationship with God.

What I’ve noticed is we get so caught up in our “everything right now” culture that we approach our relationship with God that way. As long as we accept Christ as our Savior, the rest of our relationship will work out. We act like just because we did the “hard work” of accepting God’s FREE gift of salvation that we’re good. As if the work is done, and now it’s up to God. But that’s not the case. We have work to do. There are things that help build our relationship with God that we need to discipline ourselves to do. Prayer is one of those things.

It is so important to not only understand, but believe that prayer is our life line. It is our connection to the Divine. Sadly most Christians look at prayer as either a duty or reserved for moments of desperation. But, it’s neither of those. It’s a benefit of our relationship with God. We get to talk to Him. We get to commune with our God without going through a priest. In order to grow deeper, EVERY relationship requires communication and that’s what prayer is. The bible is God’s means for talking to us and prayer is our way of talking to Him.

I think another problem that a lot of Christians have with prayer has to do with the fact that there are past prayers that they prayed that weren’t answered they way THEY wanted. When that happens they begin to question whether God even hear their prayers. 1 John 5:14 & 15 reassures us that God hears us when we pray. It says:

14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

Andrew Murray said it this way, “Faith in a prayer-hearing God will make a prayer-loving Christian.”

I tried really hard to figure out what to say about prayer, but then I thought who better to teach on prayer than Jesus. Jesus tells us how to pray in Matthew 6:6-13.

6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Jesus is telling us that we need time alone with our Father. There are numerous times in the NT that Jesus went off by Himself to pray. It is in those moments of silence and solitude that we can focus on God and experience Him.

7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

So many guys are afraid to pray because they think they don’t have the right words. They think they sound funny or odd. But Jesus is telling us that it doesn’t matter what you say. He says not to babble on just for the sake of talking, because God knows what you want before you even ask for it. Billy Graham said that “Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God.” So talk to Him like it is. This is how Jesus instructed us to pray.

9 Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven,

may your name be kept holy.

10 May your Kingdom come soon.

May your will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today the food we need,

12 and forgive us our sins,

as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,

but rescue us from the evil one.

This is a fairly well known prayer model that I learned early on and it covers all the stuff that Jesus prayed. It’s called ACTS.

A – Adoration is to adore God, to worship him and to fulfil the commandment to love him with all of our heart, mind and soul.

C – Confession allows you to clear up the things in the relationship between you and God which are displeasing to Him. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us.

T – Thanksgiving. God is always blessing u and so we need to be constantly thanking God for his blessings.

S – Supplication is to ask God for our needs and the needs of others.

Bottom line is that prayer is a discipline. We have to dedicate ourselves to it. If we are to be men that lead, we first have to seek Him who leads us.

Read:
Matthew 6:6-13

Prayer:
Pray through the ACTS model of prayer.

Put into Practice:
During your prayer time, spend some time being quiet. Don’t focus on the way you talk to God, just talk to Him and let Him talk to you.

In Him,

Bruce

We Are Not... Called!

2011-09-07T18:48:00.003-06:00

I posted the first "devo" for Called yesterday (Here). It was the focus of what we talked about yesterday and my main hope for this community group. As God birthed the vision for this group I felt Him keep leading me back to Psalm 45:16 & 17. It says, "Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands. I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever." I felt like God was telling me that we are meant to be Kings like our Father. That we are meant to lead and rule and when done like we were created to, like Jesus, honor would be brought to His name and nations would praise Him. That is my hope. That we would realize we are kings like our King and that when we lead it is meant to bring honor and praise to His name. So that was the first part... essentially.

The other part of what we talked about is what our group would be. Or rather, what it would not be. As I was writing the vision for this group I really tried to articulate what it would be and kept coming back to what we were not. So here's what we're NOT...

We are NOT a Club. We are not there to simply hang out. Although we will fellowship, my prayer is that we commit to and develop meaningful friendships. Friendships that resemble brothers more than anything else. A brotherhood that you can call at 2am when you need prayer or when you need someone to rejoice in blessing and victories.

We are NOT a Bible Study. Not in the traditional sense anyway. We will study God’s word and seek what He has for us as individual leaders and as a group. We will seek not just to know more ABOUT God, but to KNOW God more. We will seek His purpose and His presence for us, our family and our city.

We are NOT an Accountability Group. We as a group should not expect more from each other than God does. Accountability is a vitally important aspect of community, but it can’t be forced or it won’t be authentic. It has to come as a natural result of developed trust. We’ll move towards accountability as God moves us. But accountability is more than just “Don’t look at porn”. It’s accountability to reading God’s word, to prayer, to family time, work commitments, sexual purity in and outside of marriage, responsibility, etc…

We are NOT a Community Service Group. Our goal in this group is not to go out and change Cheyenne. Our goal is to seek Jesus and let Him change us. When that happens we can’t help change our city. Pastor Jeff once told me, if we seek God to set us on fire with the Holy Spirit, people will come to watch us burn. The thing about that is, some will get too close and when that happens,they too will catch fire.

So, that's Called... or not Called.

I'm not,
Bruce

Tuesday Talks (CALLED Session 1)

2011-09-06T21:53:00.001-06:00

Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands. I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.

~ Psalm 45:16 & 17 ~

There is so much in my heart for this group. With that said, in Session 1 I simply shared the vision that I felt God had given me for this group.

First and foremost there are some things that I know:

First, God so desperately wants the men of Cheyenne to rise up and be the MEN and leaders He created them to be. It is our job to CHANGE and SET the spiritual climate of our homes.

Second and I want to make this point absolutely clear, God ABSOLUTELY honors when women gather together and seek Him. Ministries like WOW do amazing work for the Kingdom. Here at Element we have some absolutely phenomenal woman prayer warriors and I don’t want to discount or down play any of the work that they do and the power they possess. But, imagine what would happen if the men took up arms for them. I truly believe this is not their war to fight. There are some great biblical accounts of women heroes, but biblically it is the men that are meant to be the guardians, the watchmen, the warriors. The women in our lives should be comforted with the knowledge that their men are willing to and do take up arms in defense of them, their families and their homes. THIS is what we, as MEN, are Called to.

Lastly, Every great revival (and I know I’m saying EVERY and that may not be entirely accurate, but it’s mostly true. And besides, I’m sure there were lots of strong women involved) started when men got together to pray. And they weren’t coming together to pray for revival. They were coming together to pray for themselves, for each other, for their families and church and city. And here’s the thing, God heard them and honored their commitment to answer their calling to lead.

Psalm 118:5 the writer reminds us that God answers us when we pray. It says, “In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free.” Make no mistake that we, as Men in the church, should be in distress for our families and for our city. We live in a city that stands #1 in the nation for divorce, where we rank 23rd in the nation for teen pregnancy (we have a 65% state wide teen pregnancy rate), where 10% of our state lives in poverty, we have an out of control drug problem (with I25 being a main thoroughfare for that problem), there are people addicted to pornography, there’s abuse and all sorts of other crap. We LIVE in a state of distress. And when we get together and cry out to our God, He answers. And His answer is freedom. We receive freedom not to sin, freedom to lead the way we’re called to and in that He equips us to change the spiritual climate of our homes and of our city.

Read:
- Psalm Psalm 118:5 and reflect on what is means that our God not only hears our prayers, but answers them.

Prayer:
- For God to make clear and solidify our calling as leaders and to point out areas where we lack in our leadership.
- That the men of Cheyenne would rise up and lead their homes, work places, churches and the city.

Put into Practice:
- Set time aside each day (it doesn't matter when) and spend it in prayer to our God. Remember, it's not about the things you say or how you say them, but just that you talk to Him.

Introducing...Tuesday Talks!

2011-09-04T18:13:00.002-06:00

This last week started the new season of community at Element Church. Starting this Tuesday, I'll be leading a Men's prayer group aptly named Called. I don't want to go to deep into the vision God gave me for this group (that would ruin session 1 on Tuesday morning), but I'll tell you that it is focused on the calling God has placed on every man to lead. As men we are Called. We are called to be men of character, men of conviction, men of righteousness and Men of Honor (shameless plug for my friend Shane's group and Blog). We are called to be leaders. In our home, in our work place, in our churches, and in our cities. I'm super excited for what God is about to do in the men of Element and and Cheyenne.

Here's the deal... Called will be on Tuesdays (starting this Tuesday, September 6th) at 6 am in the Element Church Well. All dudes are invited! And, because I feel like I need to chronical what God does in Called and in an effort to write on a more frequent basis, I plan on posting a blog, every week called Tuesday Talks, on the stuff we cover as a group. I'll include some sort of devo and maybe a weekly challenge or something, we'll see how it develops. So stoked for Tuesday!

Called,

Bruce

Lazarus At Your Door!

2011-08-31T17:53:00.002-06:00

First off, let me say that this is by NO means meant to call anyone out. This is 100% based on what I feel God has challenged ME with over the last few days. If you feel a twinge of conviction, it’s not me doing it. With that said, normally I don’t feel a need to defend or disclaimer stuff I say, but I felt it was important this time.

So the last few days Sarah and I have been presented with the task of helping one of her friends find a place to stay for a couple weeks, while she waits for her new apartment to become available. We’ve asked a couple of people and so far no luck. Keeping in mind that there are some absolutely valid reasons for not being able to accommodate her staying (i.e. accountability, etc…) and I’m not challenging any of them. Anyway, I was talking with my father-in-law about the difficulty of finding a place for her to stay and he brought up the parable of Lazarus at the rich man’s door. (Ftr, he’s a stinking smart guy. I’m really blessed to have him as a father-in-law. <--Heh, brownie points!) I’ve read that parable a number of times and have always read it as conveying the importance of listening to those that preach The Truth of God (that being that Jesus died to save us from our sin and reunite us with God). I’ve always read it as a warning to “listen AND act now, because later is too late.”

There are so many different commentaries as to why this parable is important and what Jesus meant by it, but as I talked it out with my father-in-law, it hit me a different way (mainly because he presented it differently). He pointed out that Lazarus, a poor man who was covered in sores (v. 20), lay in a place that the rich man had to pass routinely (probably multiple times) throughout the day. What’s significant about that fact is that the rich man never noticed him, never once offered to help, and never gave a second thought to him. That is until they sat across from each other, staring over the chasm of eternity. Then the rich man noticed Lazarus. I'm not going to speculate as to what the rich man's sin was that landed him on the far side of eternity, separated from his God. But, by his own request for Abraham to send Lazarus to “warn” his five brothers, Jesus makes the point that the rich man refused to listen to the teachings of Moses and the prophets. So where does that leave us as it applies to our Lazaruses and listening to what Jesus taught? Here's some of what He said:

On loving each other: So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. - John 13:34

On serving others: “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ - Matthew 25:40

On our status among others (and serving): And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each others' feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. - John 13:14-17

Here it is. We are called to love and serve others. Even when (and I'd add especially if) it is uncomfortable for us. To truly be love and community for others, we have to give generously and sacrificially. That's where Jesus lives. We say we follow Jesus then refuse the ones He loves. I follow a God that, in human form, lowered Himself to that of a low servant and washed His disciples' feet. Who hung out with the least of these and loved them. Who told us point blank that He came for the lost, broken and hurting. If that's the Jesus we follow, why do we make excuses and choose not to actually follow His example? How do people that don't know Jesus experience His love? Through US loving them with the love He gave us.

Even as I type this I am challenged with the excuses that I had for not reaching out and we (Sarah and I) are going to remedy that tonight.

Opening the door to my Lazaruses,

Bruce

Where From Here?

2011-08-19T11:06:00.003-06:00

As I write this I am bombarded with thoughts of the countless number of “I knew it” comments I’m sure to receive. But “know” this, you didn’t know. I didn’t even know what the future looked like, only God did and being that I desire to be obedient to Him, I was always open to ANYTHING and ANYWHERE HE moved me.

With that said I know that many have spent the last few years hearing me say that I felt like God was leading me to separate from the military at 17 years and forgo the guarantee of a forever retirement check and medical insurance. I’m not recanting that. Over the last few years I felt lead to that and I believe that God would have absolutely honored that decision and provided for me had I done so. Sometimes I think God asks us if we are willing to do certain things without expecting us to (the whole Abraham and Isaac story). Maybe He asks as a test; maybe He asks just to get us thinking like Him. Regardless, I’ve prayed, fasted and cried out to God for confirmation to stay in the military or go and He just didn’t confirm either way. Sometimes I think God gives multiple ways, all of which glorify Him, allows us to make the choice and uses and blesses us with which ever we choose.

So here’s how this thing went down. Over the last few years and up to this point God has confirmed every other major calling in my life with scripture. Here’s the list:

- Call to ministry
- Call to theSHIFT
- Call to inner-city ministry
- Call to Element South Campus
- Call to my gorgeous & lovely wife, Sarah
- Call to Oakland, CA to plant a church (I’ll get into that in a sec)

All confirmed with scripture. I’d put them on here, but they are scattered about in various journals I was writing in at the time. But separating from the military… never confirmed. So where does that put us? For that I need to back up a little. The decision made about the military is largely connected to our call to plant a church in Oakland, CA.

After God confirmed that call in my heart to Oakland, Sarah and I attended a church planter’s assessment in Las Vegas, NV. It was an amazing couple days, we met some truly wonderful people and God connected us with some people that I have no doubt will have a face in our future ministry. Prior to going to that assessment, Sarah and I talked about everything we could think of surrounding us being capable and ready to plant a church in Oakland, CA. Here’s what we discovered:

1. We’re absolutely NOT capable. We know we’re called to it, but it has to be ALL God because if it depends on us, it fails.

2. We’re scared to death. This is not only a big calling, but a dangerous one. God is asking us to take our family to the 4th most dangerous city (in 2009) in America. We don’t fit the demographic and I cannot relate to a lot of the issues faced there, except that we all need Jesus. But it doesn’t matter. God will use us, protect us and sustain us. We trust Him.

3. We’re not ready. There is a difference between being called and being called and ready. God has absolutely placed a burden on my heart of Oakland, CA (ftr… I’ve never been there. EVER.), but there is some preparation that has to take place before we answer that call. We need to spend time allowing God to prepare us as a married couple. We need (and want) Him to season our marriage and build a strong foundation for us. We need to spend time allowing Him to prepare us as a family. Our call is ALL of our call. It isn’t simply my call, but our call as a family. Our children need to be prepared as well.

So we went to Las Vegas knowing this and God used Vegas to confirm all of that. The assessment team didn’t tell us anything God hadn’t already revealed to us. We came back from Vegas sure of our call and sure that we needed time to prepare. With that said, we know that we are at LEAST 2 to 3 years from starting any ministry. Once that realization was made, we began talking about what that meant for getting out of the military. We started to discuss the logic of separating in June 2012 and not being ready to plant a church until at least 2014. The question that came up was, “What do we do for the 2 years between?” Do we give up a guaranteed job and look for another job for those two years? Do we stay in the military an additional 10 months to get retirement and then pursue the ministry God has given us a heart for? Realistically the choice to stay in the military is obvious. Knowing that we are at least 3 years from planting a church, why would I give up a steady job for the uncertainty of no job for two years prior to moving to Oakland? The choice to stay in the military all the way to retirement was largely based on how that would affect my family. Because I was unsure about my job in the military and whether it would require me to leave my family for up to 4 days a week I was not certain I would stay. Had my job moved towards me having to do that, I would absolutely separate in June, because I’m not willing to sacrifice my family for anything.

So, here’s where we’re at.

We are staying in the military. I have some guarantees from my leadership that provides my family and I the security we need, not only financially (or medical insurance), but stability wise too. We have 3 years 10 months left and then I will retire with 20 years of service (and not a day more… maybe a day or two). After we retire we’re moving to Oakland, CA (we’ll need a team… hint, hint) to serve the people there. I have a whole blog on the vision God has given me for Oakland, so that’ll follow in the coming days.

In the mean time, we will most likely (and I say that because God can do whatever He wants) remain in Cheyenne until we retire. We’ll continue to serve at Element (where ever God and Element need us), and we’ll continue to prepare ourselves and family for what’s to come.

Love to you all. I look forward to the next few years.

Here,
Bruce

You Are Known (Recap from Sunday's Fusion Message)

2011-08-15T16:00:00.000-06:00

Pastor Andy invited me back to teach at Fusion last night. I stinking LOVE hanging out with our youth. We have an amazing group of young people in our church. I’ve said it before and I hold to it, this generation is poised for great things and I’m stoked to see what God does in and through them.

Anyway, I just wanted to share some of the stuff that I shared with them. I talked about the Samaritan woman at the well. That encounter with Jesus can be found in John 4:4-42. I have read the story of this conversation so many times before and there are SO many lessons that can be drawn from it.

For one, it is so obviously a passage that talks about salvation and how it’s offered to everyone (equally) regardless of whom you are or what you’ve done. It also addresses the power of testimony and evangelism. And as near as I can tell (someone correct me if I’m wrong, like I even need to say that), the Samaritan woman was the first person that Jesus declared who He was to, which is a sermon all its own. Did you get that? A Samaritan WOMAN! Jesus told a Samaritan woman that He was the Messiah before He told anyone else! Crazy. But that’s not any of the stuff that I felt God saying to me. This time it was about being KNOWN.

As people we have this desire to be known. We want others to know us deeply and intimately. We spend time with those we love and share our hearts so that others might know us. The joy and fullness that comes with realizing another person KNOWS you is indescribable, but pales in comparison to the joy and fullness that comes with the realization that you are known by the Messiah. You are known by a King, by the Creator and Savior of the world, by our God.

So here’s the take-aways from last night:

1. Jesus knows everything about you.

When Jesus encountered the woman for the first time, He asked her for a drink of water, to which she questioned why He (a Jew) would ask her (a Samaritan woman) for a drink. There was some very deep and rich dialogue between the two about living water, then Jesus tells her to go get her husband. Her response and Jesus’ response are seen in verse 17 and 18.

17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

She didn’t exactly lie to Jesus, but she did try to hide her real situation from Him. But, here’s the thing, she didn’t need to tell Him anything because He already knew. He told her about her circumstances and the best part is, it didn’t matter. It didn’t matter where she had come from or where she currently was, He didn’t condemn her. He understood her pain and offered the same living water to her that He offers to everyone else. A Samaritan woman, the lowliest of the low, was given the same offer of life as everyone. Once the junk she was trying to hide from Jesus was exposed, she was ready to hear what Jesus had to tell her, but not before. Jesus knows us. He knows EVERYTHING about us, so maybe it’s time we ask ourselves:

- What am I trying to hide from Jesus?

2. Jesus will reveal Himself to you.

Once she opened her heart to Jesus and laid it exposed before Him, she was ready to receive what He had for her. And can I tell you that He didn’t split hairs. He was VERY clear. Verse 26 says,

26 Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!”

He flat out told her who He was. Jesus used the same “I AM” as God did in Exodus 3:14 when Moses asked God His name. He said tell them “I AM has sent me to you.” Jesus straight said, “I AM HE! I AM THE ONE YOU”VE BEEN WAITING FOR! I AM THAT SAVIOUR YOU WERE PROMISED! IT’S ME!”

And here’s the beauty part, He offers us the same thing to us. The Bible is God’s declaration of who He is and who Jesus is. But Jesus also reveals Himself in other ways. In His creation, or the way that someone extends love you, or helps you in a difficult time, through the study of His word, in prayer, or even through the blessings we might receive and often (though it seem odd) through our times of suffering. Jesus is active in our life and wants to reveal Himself to us. Once you open yourself to Christ, you should be looking for ways that He reveals Himself and ask:

- How is Jesus showing Himself in my life?

3. Jesus wants you to tell others about Him.

Once Jesus told her who He was, she couldn’t keep it to herself, she had to tell others. Jesus told us to go and make disciples (other Christ Followers). Jesus reveals Himself to us so that we will tell others that are hurting and lost. The woman was so excited that she left her water jug. After Jesus revealed Himself to her, she wan back into the city saying,

29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?”

(Ftr, I think it’s funny that Jesus flat out told her and she still said “Could he possibly be the Messiah?” HE JUST SAID HE WAS! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!! But, maybe we all do that with Jesus from time to time. I do, sometimes.)

There are lots of ways we can tell others about Jesus. One of the best ways is to live what He teaches us. Our lives should reflect Christ to others. People should see Jesus in us. So maybe we ask ourselves:

- How do I tell others about Jesus?

4. Jesus will use you to reveal Himself to others.

Once we start telling others about Jesus, He will use those encounters to reveal Himself to others and we get to be a part of that! Part of our relationship with Jesus is meant to involve other people. If we are fully surrendered to Him, Jesus will show Himself, to others, through us.

And when that happens, hopefully people will respond to you as they did to the woman:

42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”

So we should be asking:

- How am I letting Jesus use me?

The last thing I left the students with was this:

There is nothing you can do to save others from anything. You are not their savior and you’re not meant to be. But, you can introduce them to their Savior.

Known,
Bruce

The Long Walk

2011-08-04T16:04:00.001-06:00

Disclaimer
I actually started writing this almost 2 weeks ago. But with Cheyenne Frontier Days, my time to do anything but be an honorary carny was limited, so it's been sitting (unfinished) during that time. Should this bare any resemblance to Pastor Jeff's sermon Sunday (which was amazing btw), it's not wholly intentional. Of course God often speaks to my heart through our Sunday morning teaching so there will be some that is gleaned from Sunday's sermon. But, being that we serve the same God and this is something He has been moving Element towards, it makes sense that He would be speaking the same stuff to different people's hearts.

~Ftr, this happens a lot~

This was originally meant to be Part 3 of "Who Needs 'Revival'?", but it took a different turn, so it's not. Part 3 will come in a couple days... In the mean time, read this.

I have a friend that recently texted me something that caught me. The topic of his text was ultimately the importance of testimony, but he started it out by saying that so many new Christians lack hope and asked how we can best address this issue. Then he said, "many younger (not age, spiritual maturity) Christians have not taken the challenge to trust in God and lean on Him so that they could have the honor of seeing God move in their lives." I don't pretend to have the answers, but I do know if you seek God, He will show Himself to you. The Holy Spirit draws hearts unto the Father and needs nothing from us.

But there is still that one thing. There is still the tiny issue of the commission that Jesus issued to all of us. He said we would be His witnesses to the world (Acts 1:8) and commissioned us (or gave us the authority to) make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). Pastor Jeff delivered an amazing message on discipleship and what it means to follow Jesus (check it out HERE). One of the closing points he made was that once we fully surrender all of us to Jesus, and WILLINGLY take up our cross, Jesus carries it with us. He walks beside us. In our surrender we get ALL of Him. All of His strength. All of His victory. All of His purity. All of His love... All of Him! This is the amazing truth of Christ. So knowing that truth, how do we address the concern of the "many younger Christians that have not taken the challenge to trust in God and lean on Him so that they could have the honor of seeing God move in their lives"?

That's where the great commission comes in. Once someones spirit is awoken to the truth of Jesus' love, they begin a walk. It's important to remember that just because someone feels the Holy Spirit's drawing and responds to it, doesn't mean they get or understand the decision they've made. This is where discipleship becomes vital. At first the walk seems lonely. And it is. It's long too. This is the way I've seen (and experienced personally) the new Christian walk happen. First, you make the decision to follow Jesus and everything starts out amazing. You're swept up by this idea that the living God loves YOU. Despite all the wrong you've done, you're loved and accepted. You feel peace for the first time in... who knows when. You're reading your bible and talking to people about God and out of nowhere the things you used to do BC (Before Christ) become significantly unsatisfying. You start feeling like Jesus wants you to give stuff up. Maybe a bad relationship or a habit. At first you thing it's for the better, but eventually it becomes harder and harder and more painful to let go of it and you can't understand why you "just can't let it go". Eventually the "Jesus thing" just become too hard and it just fades out of your life. You allow the BC stuff seep back in and they choke out those early "feelings". You don't see Jesus "work" for you, so it must not be for you. It wasn't as easy as you thought it would be, so you return to what you know. That's how it happened for me so many time.

I so desperately wish that the church would get into the habit of telling new Christ followers this,

"The decision you've made to follow Christ is the best one you'll EVER make, IN YOUR LIFE! It's amazing, but it's hard, especially at first. It does get easier as you learn to obey Him, but He told us that we'll experience trials and we do. So this next season of your life is going to be hard. He's going to ask you to give up stuff and ask you to take on some stuff. He's going to completely change your heart and the very core of who you are. It's going to hurt because you have to die to be reborn. It will suck a lot; there's no telling how long that season will be and realistically, He changes you continually, forever until you're made perfect. But for all that initial pain. Through all the first parts of tearing the bad away to replace it with His good, it's worth it. Because NONE of the pain that comes with Him changing you can ever compare to the love that you feel when He's close to you. If you faithfully commit yourself to Him, He'll be faithful to you. He takes all the junk from you that keeps you from experience Life and this is what you get: Love, Truth, Victory, Glory, Righteousness and so much more. And you know what? I've been there and I will walk with you in this season, until you experience the majesty of the Lord and KNOW it's real. And I'll do that because I know it's hard. Then when you've experienced His glory, I'll walk with you just to keep you company and we can sharpen each other."

Because of His love, Jesus can't leave you unchanged. He wants better for you. We are meant to look like Him. The truth is that He commissioned us to make disciples, because we are disciples. As disciples we are meant to embrace and assists in spreading the teachings of Jesus. For all the places that Paul brought the Good News, he never simply taught about Jesus and left them to their own journey. He would disciple someone, (Timothy, Titus) building them up in their faith and leave them there to disciple others. Then, even if just through letters, he remained in a giving relationship with them.

How do we address the issue of the many young Christ followers that have not yet taken the challenge to trust in God and lean on Him so that they can have the honor of seeing Him move in their lives? We lead them, journey with them, teach them, share our testimony with them, encourage them, cheer them, weep with them and love them. We do that until they get to that place where they can look back and see the string of victories given them by Jesus., until they have seen and recognize His glory and until they have experienced His undeniable faithfulness.

Desperate Prayers!

2011-07-18T22:24:00.001-06:00

This last week I got the awesome opportunity to attend Desperation with our youth group (Fusion Student Ministry – Pastor Andy’s blog HERE & twitter HERE). Desperation is a youth conference put on by New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Really it isn’t JUST a youth conference, it’s more than that. Now I know that may seem cliché, but there is such a focus on prayer and obedience to the Holy Spirit, that it isn’t just an event. I loved being able to go. I went as one of the leader/chaperons. Realistically I probably required a chaperon more than the students, but Andy let me lead… I even got to drive the 12 passenger van.

When we arrived Pastor Andy gave each of the leaders a journal that he had wrote each of the student’s names on their own page. He asked the leaders to pray for the students and to write our specific prayers for each student on that student’s page. I thought this was an amazing idea. I did pray for the entire group, but I felt led to pray some specific stuff for those 11 students that rode in my van. Here are my prayers for those students:

All of them:
The first thing that I prayed for them is that all of them would aggressively seek purity. Of course I meant that they would maintain sexual purity and that they would “flee from sexual immorality.” But I also prayed that they would seek purity for their hearts (emotional connections and what they attach themselves to) and purity of mind (what they subject themselves to in entertainment and the stuff they choose to believe).

The ladies:
The first thing I prayed specific to them was that they would believe what God says about them. I prayed Psalm 45:10 – 15 over them. This is what it says:

Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget your people and your family far away. For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The princess of Tyre will shower you with gifts. The wealthy will beg your favor. The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown. In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids. What a joyful and enthusiastic procession as they enter the king’s palace!

God is telling them that they are royal daughters of the King. That they are beautiful and that God delights in them. That all they need to do is come to Him.

Second I prayed that they know and accept that they are worth being pursued by their King and that they can find their approval in Him and not anyone else.

The Guys:

My first I prayer for them was that they know they were made to be leaders. That when they lead the way that God desires them to, people will be led to Christ. I prayed that they know they are able to all things in Christ when they submit to Him.

Second I prayed that they know who God has called them to be. That they would grow into men that resemble Jesus. I prayed Psalm 45:16 & 17 over them. It says:

Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands. I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.

God is telling them that they are sons of the King. That they are meant to be kings. That when they lead the way God has called them to nations will praise God.

A lot of my prayer for the group had to do with where they find their identity and worth. I want so desperately for them to find it fully in Jesus. I got to see this amazing group of young people truly and genuinely engage God. Some had a more outward expression of that interaction, but you could see all of them enter into that place where they met with Jesus. Sadly a lot of people discount this generation. They say that there aren’t a lot of opportunities left for them, they’re too lazy or unmotivated, but the young people I saw are headed to the heart of Jesus. This generation is poised for great things and I’m stoked to see what God does in and through them.

In the end, my prayer remains that they would leave Desperation wanting more of Jesus, not because of an emotional response to a moment of passion, but because they encountered Him; but because they beheld His majesty and glory and they can’t do anything but seek after Him! Look out world… they’re coming!

Who Needs "Revival"? Part 2 (Guest Blogger: Thomas Hogan)

2011-07-12T22:27:00.003-06:00

This wasn't meant to to be a multi-post blog (never is), but I got to talking with Thomas (Blog love HERE) and here's part 2. We had this brilliant idea that it would be a "conversation" of sorts. I post one, he posts one, I post one, he... well you get the idea. So as much as this is a conversation between us, feel free to add your thoughts. Here's Thomas' thoughts.

First reference previous post (HERE).

Revival is for the dying folks. They literally need to “be revived.” In this context it fits that if you have a dying body or a dying vision, that only the resurrecting Spirit of God can bring them back to life. The last blog was an indictment on using the word revival with little to no regard of its actual implication. A great point is made when we consider that the active vibrant life of the believer in Christ is in no need of “resurrecting”, because it should already be experiencing “life, and life more abundantly”.

A more appropriate word for what the church as a corporate body desires to see is “an awakening”; a literal groundswell of salvation and drawing of hearts back to the Father. Like the old worship song “Salvation Spring Up From the Ground”. When we refer to “revival” this is the more precise idea we are thinking of. The idea of a dying church is very unattractive but also appropriate in some cases (I pray not yours).

Of Course, this is only half of the story. If revival isn’t what we truly need (unless you are dying then by all means desperately seek out resurrection) then what is it inside of us that cries out for an “increasing measure”? I believe that the Power of God and the life of God are organically attracted to seeing the “Movement” of God.

[Practical application of that statement:] God gives us His power when we ask for the Holy Spirit. As we submit our lives to His will and grow in obedience, the Holy Spirit begins to move more actively.

The combination of life and power create a stirring in us to see the active will of God played out in the community around us (spiritual and physical). This is a rudimentary introduction to what we refer to as “missional”. That early church saw revival because it was new to the life of God. And they saw “an awakening” that affected everything around them because they fully committed themselves to the unique call on each person’s life.

Thomas

Thoughts?

Who Needs "Revival"?

2011-07-07T10:46:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I had an amazing meeting with Pastor Andy Hazlet. It was so encouraging and brought with it an excitement for some potential opportunities to serve God and His people. One of the main topics that came up was revival. Now I know the word revival is met with thoughts of great prayer meetings in far off places and a time passed and we view it as something so distant we can’t experience it. Or we swing the other way and believe that we can schedule it… “Join us for our 3 day Youth Revival!” But both those are so far off. The truth is this… while “revival” is sometime necessary, if we steward our relationship with Jesus well, it really isn’t needed. WHAT?!! Yeah I said that. Here’s what C.H. Spurgeon says,

“It is a sorrowful fact that many who are spiritually alive greatly need reviving. It is sorrowful because it is a proof of the existence of much spiritual evil. A man in sound health with every part of his body in a vigorous condition does not need reviving. He requires daily sustenance, but reviving would be quite out of place.”

What he’s saying is those that are “spiritually alive” (saved by the atoning work of Christ) need daily sustenance and if they receive that, revival is wasted on them. In order to understand that you have to get what revival means. Dictionary.com defines it as, “restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, etc.” With that definition in mind revival is for those in The Church. It is meant for those of God’s people that have allowed the carnal world to seep back into their hearts and have so distanced them self from the sustaining and changing power of the Holy Spirit that they need their vigor for truth to be restored.

But, if we consistently and intentionally seek the sustainment of God’s truth and seek to be continually molded into Christ’s likeness, revival isn’t needed. A life full of the power of God doesn’t need to be revived. Here’s Spurgeon again,

“For a church to be constantly needing revival is the indication of much sin, for if it were sound before the Lord it would remain in the condition into which a revival would uplift its members. A church should be a camp of soldiers, not an hospital of invalids.”

Revival is only necessary to bring us back to the place we were always intended to be. That isn’t to say that revival doesn’t benefit the lost. Here’s the truth, when Christians are invigorated (or reinvigorated) with the power of the Holy Spirit, “they live more consistently, they make their homes more holy and more happy, and this leads the ungodly to envy them, and to enquire after their secret.” When our hearts are quickened by the power of the Holy Spirit, the result is “longing, loving prayers for sinners.”

Today we may well need a revival in The Church. But here is what I truly believe, if men begin being Men (the Men that God calls us to be – here’s my previous blog series on it HERE) and they would seek God on a consistent and intentional basis, then amazing God things WILL happen. Community will be built, the hungry fed, the sick healed, the broken restored and the lost brought home.

I’m excited for this next season of community at Element. Keep your eyes peeled for some amazing Community Groups this season (I plan to be leading one that I pray is huge for the guys of our church).
I’ll end this with Spurgeon again…

“The true vital spark of heavenly flame comes from the Holy Spirit, and the priests of the Lord must beware of strange fire. There is no spiritual vitality in anything except as the Holy Spirit is all in all in the work; and if our vitality has fallen near to zero, we can only have it renewed by him who first kindled it in us. We must go to the cross and look up to the dying Savior, and expect that the Holy Spirit will renew our faith and quicken all our graces.”

Radical Change & Radical Obedience (Recap of Sunday's Fusion Message)

2011-06-29T13:03:00.003-06:00

This past Sunday I got the distinct honor of preaching for our youth (Fusion) here at Element Church. The last time I spoke at Fusion was April 14, 2009. I remember the date because it was significant for 2 reasons: 1 - it was 3 months EXACTLY after God confirmed my call to ministry and B - it was the very first time I got to preach...EVER! So Fusion holds a special place in my heart and when Pastor Andy asked me to teach on Paul, he didn't even finish the question before I answered, "Abso-freaking-lutely!!!"

The first part of the message was just laying out Paul's life. I pointed out some facts about who he was before his conversion, what happened during his conversion and what his ministry looked like. Then I got to share the stuff that God revealed to me about Paul's life. There is so much in Paul's life that God used that absolutely applies to our lives today as it relates to living a radically changed life marked by radical obedience.

1. Paul responded to Jesus’ call.

Jesus called him on the road to Demascus and instructed him to go into Demascus and wait (Acts 9:6). So Paul got up and went to Damascus (Acts 9:8). Then he didn't wait to be told to preach the Good News. Instead he immediately began teaching about Jesus (Acts 9:20).

I think for some of us we struggle to hear from God. So how do we hear what He wants to say to us? Through spending time with Him. Prayer is how we talk to God, the Bible is how he talks to us, and spending time with other believers (The Church) is how we get to see Him move and work.

2. Paul acknowledges his sinfulness (1 Tim 1:15), but also acknowledges his righteousness in Christ. (Phil 3:8-9).

In 1 Tim 1:15 Paul says, "This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'—and I am the worst of them all." He calls himself the worst of all sinners, but he doesn't leave it there. He doesn't wallow in the guilt of who he used to be or what he had done. In Phil 3:8-9 he says, "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith." Paul acknowledges that his righteousness is in Christ.

Not only does he acknowledge where his righteousness lies, but he also understood that Christ was making him different, new. He got that Jesus had radically changed him and that he was meant to look like Him. In Col 3:10, Paul tells us to, "Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him." So it isn't enough to just acknowledge our righteousness in Christ, but we must also reflect it to others.

3. Paul was obedient even though he suffered.

The Holy Spirit told Paul time after time that he would suffer wherever he went, but the thing is...he still went. And the flip side to that coin is even though he was obedient, God still allowed him to suffer.

In 2 Cor. 12:7-10, Paul tells the church in Corinth, "even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

You see, the fact is that neither our good times nor our bad times are evidence of how much God loves us. God’s grace and what Jesus did on the cross is THE evidence of how much He loves us and our obedience (regardless of our circumstance) is evidence of how much we love Him.

4. Paul lived a missional life.

Paul lived his life for the purpose of seeing others brought home to God. Here's how he says it...

Rom 10:1 - Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.

1 Tim 2:7 - And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.

Not only did he desire to see people saved, but He trained others to preach the Good News and sent them out to tell others.

You see, Paul knew that Jesus had radically changed him and wanted to live his life with the same radical obedience. So Paul responded to Jesus’ call, acknowledged his righteousness, he was obedient (even through suffering) and lived a life on mission for Jesus. That is Radical change…and the ONLY response to that is radical obedience.

So if you want to know if you’re living a life that has been radically change and desire to live a life marked by radical obedience here's some questions you can ask yourself:

1. Am I responding to what God is saying to me?
2. Do I acknowledge and reflect the righteousness that I have in Christ?
3. Do I trust Jesus through the good and bad times?
4. Am I living my life on mission for Jesus?

Asking those questions,
Bruce

REPOST: Dreams...And All That Come With Them

2011-06-08T21:38:00.001-06:00

This is a blog I posted back in October after my friend Ricky died from leukemia. After he passed I took another look at my life and reevaluated where I was headed and what I dreamed for my future. Anyway the result was this blog about having big dreams and the things that come with that. As I read it, I just felt like this it needed to be re-posted. Maybe it'll speak to someone.

Here's the link DREAMS!

Still Dreaming Big,
Bruce

We Did Because We Do

2011-06-07T16:43:00.003-06:00

<----------------------It started with this guy (that's me).

If you've read any of my other stuff on this blog, then you know that over the last 2 1/2 years God has laid a beating on my mind and heart. Jesus has done quite a work in changing the person that I was into the person that I am. Although I am a completely different person, He's still working things out in me, but the point is He's made me into a Man. After I became single I wasn't actually looking for a wife. I did make a list of what I wanted and needed in a wife (you can read about that HERE), but I didn't put a ton of effort into looking. Regardless, I was settled on the idea that God was preparing me for the perfect woman.

Then I met her (that's Sarah, grogeous right?)------------------------------>

Our story is in that link above, but to make a long story short...she was kinda in the same boat as me. God was teaching her patience and she was just waiting for what He had for her. We met at as co-workers at our church (she was the Pastoral Assistant and I was the Director of our College ministry, theSHIFT check it out HERE). Actually we met just over 1 year ago, during Staff photos...and barely noticed each other.

So there was him (me) and her (Sarah), but the more important part of this blog is that him and her is now THEM (us).

That's us.

I like to call this picure "On The Rocks...but in a Good Way"

So now that you know that they are them and them is us, let me tell you about the amazing wedding they, we, had. The first thing we did was reserve our wedding photographer (coincedently it was before I even proposed...Sarah is pretty slick). We booked the amazingly talented Charity Remington (who took all these stunning photos - website HERE). She initially suggested that we elope, to which we both promptly responded, "Psh, yeah right." As we started planning and realized the magnitude of the task, one of us jokingly said, "We SHOULD just elope." The other responded, "Let's do it." Quickly followed by a, "Are you serious?" Confirmed with a, "I don't know. Are you?" And finalized with a, "Yeah, I think so." That doesn't seem so final, but it was. So started our super secret plans to elope (which noone knew about except for those that "called it" and the ones that my big mouthed kids told).

We decided that the perfect place to elope had equal parts sun, sand, water and amazing...so The Grand Bahams fit the requirements. We arrived on a friday evening (after quite a little adventure) and rested that night in preparation for the big day. Honestly I barely slept, I couldn't wait!

That morning as Sarah dolled herself up, I met with the pastor from a local Christian church and we picked a spot on the beach. When Sarah was ready, I walked her down the super awesome boardwalk and led her to that spot on the beach that God would bind our hearts and souls together for all time. Then the pastor commenced our ceremony.

Isn't it perfect looking?

Pastor Duncanson offitiated an amazing ceremony for us. I think the best part of the ceremony were our vows. I had always heard of people writting their own vows and often thought about how amazing that would be, but having been able to actually write vows that I got to promise my whole self to the woman that I love maddly far surpassed any of that. It was PERFECTION. Then Pastor Duncanson ended with the traditional...You may kiss your bride. And...

BAM SUCKA FISH!!!

We were Mr & Mrs!

We spent the rest of the week lounging on the beach reading and sunbathing, on scooters (checking out the island), in caves and in tide pools, snorkeling and parasailing, browsing shops and tasting the local delights...it was amazing.

God even made sure the weather was perfect for us. The sun started shining the day before we got there and the rain stayed away (literally) until we boarded the plane to come home. Really though, the sun started shining for us last June, we just didn't know it then.

So here we are--------->

This is the start of our "Happily ever after" and I can't wait to experience all of what it takes to get to the end of that. Really I'm in no rush, I'd rather revel in all that is amazing and beautiful about her...and us. We have a lot coming over the next few years, a move, one kid in high school, one in Jr High and one starting kindergarten, maybe a bigger family ;)...so much coming.

SO BLESSED,

Bruce

Follow the Leader! (The 40 Year Old...Part 4)

2011-05-29T22:59:00.001-06:00

I know it's been a little bit since the last post of this series, but a lot has gone on since then...like I got stinking MARRIED!!! (That's another blog) Anyway, here's Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

I think one of the most important things that a man needs to do is lead is to lead by example. In the military we have a saying that goes, "Lead from the front". The implication being that a leader gets out in front of those following them and leads the way.

As men we are called to lead. That leadership must be one based on God's word and geared toward leading others, by example and in righteousness, to Christ. In Titus 2:7 Paul directs Titus and all of us in this by saying, "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching."

Also in his letter to the Thessalonian church Paul, in talking about living an idle life, says, "For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you." (2 Thes 3:7)

We are called to be Christ's example to the world. We are called to live lives worthy of God, righteous and set apart as His. We are called to holiness. We are called to be different than the world. The important part about this idea is that this isn't about legalism. It isn't about blindly following a list of rules that make you look different. This is about BEING different. It starts by allowing Christ to change our hearts, transforming and conforming us into His image.

In that we become different from the world...set apart as God's holy nation. And it starts in our homes. The way you live your public life should simply be a reflection of your private life. What your wife and kids see at home (or your parents, other family, roommate) should be the same thing that people see in public.

If your kids never see you open the bible and read it, will they?

If you never pray with your wife, will she know that she can trust you in EVERY part of your marriage?

If you never ask forgiveness from your wife and kids, will they know what responsibility look likes and how grace works?

That's just three of the many questions you should be asking yourself. Leadership starts in your home and has to be by example. And our best example died to save us and resurrected so that He could lead us to the Father.

Leading by example,
Bruce

Danger Among the Hungry

2011-05-10T16:34:00.008-06:00

Currently I’m in the middle of seeking God to clarify and confirm some stuff for me. I’ve intentionally made it a point to read the bible (and other stuff…blogs and such) a lot more throughout the day than I normally would. That’s not to say that I don’t have an intentional daily quite time or that I don’t periodically pick up the bible and read at different points of the day, but lately I’m reading as much as I can.

So yesterday I was reading in 2 Kings 9 (which btw, if you want some exciting bible reading…read Kings…CA-RA-ZYYY). As I read v. 1 -13 God showed me something that I’d never seen before. If you’re not familiar with the story of Jehu, here’s the jist…

During this time Joram was king of Israel and Ahaziah was king of Judah. Essentially both kings were bad guys and the time had come to “oust” them (for lack of a better term). So God commanded Elisha to anoint one of the commanders of the Israelite army, Jehu. So Elisha sent a man, from among the prophets under him, to anoint Jehu as king over Israel.

What caught me differently were Elisha’s instructions in v. 3. He instructed the young prophet to:

“Say to him [Jehu], ‘This is what the Lord says: I anoint you to be the king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run for your life!”

At first all I could think was, “Why would he have to run for his life?!! The news he was bringing was good news.” But then God interjected.

During that time, prophets were commonly received as crazy and often times killed. And to be quite honest, the word the young prophet brought from the Lord, as viewed by men, was an act of treason. There was already a king of Israel and for Jehu to be king the current one would need to go. Elisha knew that the word that the young prophet would bring, most likely, would not have been received well by those in the company of Jehu. Elisha knew that delivering that word carried with it a danger and that was the reason that Elisha instructed the prophet as he did.

The truth of the matter is that sometimes (probably more often than not) delivering the word of God is dangerous. Sometime the Good News isn’t received as Good News, but as offensive (which ftr, it is. The Good News offends every bit of pride that our flesh holds on to). BUT, that is not to deter us from delivering it. The young prophet still went.

So even though it was dangerous, the young prophet delivered the Lord’s word as God directed. And what happened? There was rejoicing. When people heard the news they celebrated.

After the prophet ran off, Jehu tried to hide the message from his fellow officers, but they insisted on knowing what the message was. Eventually, Jehu relented and told his fellow officers that he had been anointed king over Israel. After telling them, “they quickly spread out their cloaks on the bare steps and blew the ram’s horn, shouting, “Jehu is king!”

Here’s the other truth that God revealed. Even though bringing God’s word is dangerous and some will take offense to it, there are those that are starving for it. Those that want to hear it and will rejoice upon hearing it. We are all called to be Christ’s witnesses and when we ignore the voice of God, we are starving people of what God desperately wants them to hear. Our responsibility is to listen for the voice of God and act on it.

Buying the House

2011-04-26T14:59:00.000-06:00

I am currently in the process of buying the house that I currently rent. First off…holy junk, I’m gonna be a HOME OWNER!!! As I make the transition from renter to home owner I started thinking about how it applies to so many of us as Christians. Here’s what I mean…

As a renter there is no real investment. Your commitment to the house you live in is limited to the contract you signed. You pay the rent you are obligated to pay, but beyond that you don’t have to commit anything else to it. If the water heater goes out, it’s not yours, so you call the owner and they fix it. Anything that breaks or needs attention outside of normal care taking isn’t your responsibility. Eventually, when you no longer like the place, disagree on your commitment level or find something better, the contract allows you to simply walk away with no obligation. Because the house isn’t yours, because you weren’t invested, you can walk away with zero loss. On the surface this sounds like the best deal. But contrasted against ownership, it really isn’t.

When you own a home you get to invest in it. Yes you become responsible for all the imperfections and things that need repair, but everything else is yours too. Will you put money into it? Absolutely. In addition to money will it cost you time, sweat and hard work? Most definitely. But it’s yours. You get to make it YOUR home. You can decorate and make it yours. There is also the potential for amazing return. If you stay committed, put resources into it and invest in it, eventually it pays off (whether you sell it or pay it off and stay in it forever). Obviously I’m not saying you can sell Christianity, but the investment/return principle correlates (I’ll address that in a bit).

Many people treat Christianity this way. They go through life simply “renting” the title Christian. They may throw resources at it; they give up Sunday mornings for church, maybe they tithe, maybe they even serve on Sunday mornings, but they never really invest in it. They never own what it means to follow Christ. They maintain a contractual mindset in which they have come to believe that as long as they continue to pay what is “owed” they’ll always have a place to live. In essence they believe that as long as I believe in Jesus, go to church and pay tithe then I’m a Christian and I get to go to heaven. While that may be true, they never get to experience the fullness of life, here on earth, that Jesus promises. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” If we “rent” Christianity, the time will come when you become frustrated, disagree with the pastor, no longer agree with the commitment required, or you find something better and you just walk away, because you have nothing really invested and have no obligation to it.

In choosing to follow Christ we have the opportunity to invest our whole self in something amazing that has an immeasurable rate of return…the lost found. Is it messy? For sure. Do you run the risk of being hurt? Yeah. But anything worthy of pursuit with that rate of return brings the potential for great personal loss. Besides, “what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Fullness of life isn’t meant solely for heaven, it’s meant for and can be experienced now. But it requires that you fully and completely submit to and follow Christ. And that…you just have to own.

The Four Letter Word (The 40 Year Old...Pt. 3)

2011-04-25T14:09:00.002-06:00

Ok, here's Part 3 to the whole men being men series. (Here's PART 1 & PART 2)

There is one word that we must not utter. This word will bring a man to his knees, or more accurately, make him stand tall, chest puffed, chin out determined not to "give." It's a word that brings to mind horrible thoughts of giving in, giving up, and weakness. The very thought of this word causes "real" men to pull up their pants, tighten there boots and stand firmly in opposition! What is this ever so foul four letter word I speak of? It's: submit!

For far too long guys have held firmly to the idea that a wife should submit to their husbands, never once even offering to lift a finger to serve their spouse. Let me first clarify this point. While the bible does direct wives to submit to their husbands, submission does NOT mean subservience. Ephesians 5:22 tells women to submit to their husbands as they do to the Lord, but does not tell them they are slaves to their husbands. (Just as a point of interest, EVERYONE that follows Christ is a slave to Christ - I'll explain in a second - and Ephesians 5:21 - just one verse prior - says to submit to one another, blatantly telling HUSBANDS to submit to their wives!)

Here's the difference between submission and subservience: one is voluntary. Dictionary.com defines each as:

To submit is - to give over or yield to the power or authority of another (voluntary)

To be subservient is - slavish: abjectly (with great shame, desperately) submissive; characteristic of a slave or servant (not voluntary)

I think where we begin to associate submission with weakness is in our view of slavery. Obviously slavery in and of itself is wrong. But the way that we've come to understand slavery is fully based on the abduction and bringing over of Africans to America and forcing them into horrible conditions. This understanding is far different than that of the Hebrew culture's understanding of slavery. Pastor Matt Chandler (Lead Pastor of The Village Church in Dallas, TX) did a sermon in Aug 2010 on this subject. He does a far better job breaking this down (you can listen HERE), but I'll summarize as best I can.

Our understanding of slavery is this dark, vile forced way of life that involved forced labor, abuse, beating, rape and murder, in which one race forcefully subjects another to their will, desires and needs. However, the Hebrew culture slaves were often times Hebrews who voluntarily sold themselves, often times because of a debt they owed, into slavery as a means to receive a better life & to become educated. Many times this would result in there being no noticeable distinction between slaves and freemen of wealth. (There is far more to this than what I've written, so it would be beneficial to research yourself or listen to the sermon above.) The more important part to understand about Hebrew slaves is the Year of Jubilee. The Year of Jubilee was the freeing of the slaves. During that time, slaves were allowed to go free and owners were required to provide them with material goods to ensure they left slavery equipped to live. At that time a slave could choose to voluntarily stay within that household as a slave. In doing that, they were acknowledging that remaining in their master's house was far better, far safer and preferable to anything else in the world.

We have that same choice today. Before Christ we are bound by sin. We are slaves to the world and can do nothing else but live controlled by our sinful nature. But, in Christ we are freed from that. But here's the rub...Romans 6:22 says, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." So we trade being a slave to sin for being a slave to Christ? Yes. It has to do with choice. God does not force Himself on anyone, but when we CHOOSE Christ we are acknowledging that remaining in His house is far better, far safer and far more preferable to anything the world has to offer. Ok, so practical submission...what does it look like?

The first act of submission must be to God. I re-posted a blog by Pastor Jeff Maness (Lead Pastor of Element Church in Cheyenne, WY) about reverence for God, to which I added some comments about submission to God (you can read it HERE). So what does submission to God look like?

The bible says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God.” James 4:7 This is the surrendering of your control of your life to the control of God in your life. For some that means letting God remove stuff from it, for others that means letting God add stuff to it. Submission to God should cause an inward change that reveals outward fruit. In other words, what God changes and does in your heart should be visible to those around you.

I also think that acts of physical submission to God are important to remaining submitted to Him. Things like kneeling during prayer, dedicated devotional and prayer time and other spiritual disciplines are all ways of submitting to and holding God in reverence.

We are also called to submit to others (in this instance I'm going to primarily address husbands to wives, but we're also called to submit to those in authority over us). Ephesians 5:21-33 spells out the responsibilities of husbands and wives as they relate to each other. And let me start by pointing out that v. 21 says, "And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Then it goes on to spell out what that means for both wives and husbands individually. But here is what I would contend...there are more scriptures talking to the husband about his responsibility than there are to the wife. Realistically how can you ever expect your wife to submit to you if you refuse to serve her. Ultimately, as a man, submission is YOUR responsibility. The first step in submitting to your wife is to stop worrying about others and worry about what God expects of YOU.

For wives submitting to a husband does NOT mean serving them. That is an aspect of that submission, but it goes both ways. Submission is allowing him to lead your family and sometimes that means he'll fail. When that happens, all he wants from you is to know that you still support him and will still follow him. He needs someone that will stand by him regardless of his successes or failures. Not a slave, but a willing partner that will yield to his leadership.

Submission doesn't mean that you are weak. It takes great courage and strength to admit that you can't do everything on your own, then voluntarily yield to the authority and power of Jesus Christ. You cannot lead your home and expect your wife to submit to you until you first submit to Jesus, then submit to her (and serve her). Then and only then can you claim manhood and take your rightful place as the head of your home.

Submitting to Him (and soon her),
Bruce

P.S. Girlfriends are NOT required to submit to you. Submission comes with commitment. Just "dating" a girl with no real commitment to pursue anything further does not afford you the right or privilege of her submission. Being that I am engaged (and will soon be married) there are areas that I have started submitting to and serving my future wife in, but full submission comes after we're married.

SUCCESS: as defined by God

2011-04-20T10:56:00.001-06:00

This past Sunday, at Triumph High School, marked the last Element Church South Campus worship service. While it was a great time of worship and an amazing last Sunday, it was marked by a mix of joyful and sorrowful emotions. It was bittersweet to say the least. Some will look at the closing of South Campus as a failure. And by human standards maybe it looks that way. Did we do everything right? No. Did we learn a lot? Yes. Did it go exactly the way we wanted it to? Nope. But…that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a success. When you define success as God sees it, we were a screaming success. And why were we? Because our success is fully defined by our obedience to God. God called us to start South Campus and whether it was destined to last 4 months or 4 years, we obediently answered that call. Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15) Our love for Jesus left us no choice but to be obedient to God’s call. And the best part is this…through our obedience God did some amazing stuff at South Campus.

Back on January 8th, the day before launch Sunday, I felt that there was some stuff that God laid on my heart to share with the people that would put their hearts, sweat and blood (a couple people did bleed…you know who you are) into making South Campus happen. I was doing my devotional out of Romans 12 and as I read I felt that God was telling me that what I was reading was for S. Campus, but I was unsure of how or when to share it with them. In my journal that day I wrote, “This is going to be such an important chapter for South Campus. Eventually they will have to hear this.” When I found out that God had closed the door for South Campus, the message He gave me on that day fit perfect.

The verses that God specifically used to speak to me were 6 thru 10. Realistically God had been speaking v. 9 & 10 to my heart for a lot longer than Jan 8th. As I led the theSHIFT last year (post about that transition HERE), we often focused a lot of time trying to teach the importance of loving each other within Christian Community. We had taught Rom 12:9 & 10 on a number of occasions. What we were able to do was build this community that wanted and did their best to follow Jesus (we didn’t always do it well, but that was our focus) and we took serious His command to love one another.

Last August/September God began stirring my heart for some stuff and a part of that stirring included my call to serve at the South Campus. I eventually met with Pastor Jeff and Pastor Kody and joined the amazing team of leaders in preparing for the SC launch. But it wasn’t until the day before we launched, as I read R 12, that God used v. 9 & 10 to confirm my purpose/our purpose at SC. They say:

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

That is what we’re called to: to love each other, to honor each other. THAT is Christian Community. Really there is more involved in Christian community, but at its core that is the point of Christian community.
When I finished reading R12, I prayed. I asked God what that looked like. For us as Element Church to love ALL of Cheyenne (including the south side of town) and to take Jesus to them. As I prayed, I felt like I had missed the real point that God was trying to get me to see. So I re-read it. As I read v. 6-8, that point smacked me in right in the heart. This is what they say:

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

The most important part of those verses is the very first sentence: In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.

You see, God, IN HIS GRACE, has equipped each of us with certain abilities to serve others with. EVERYONE needs to know, understand and BELIEVE that God has equipped ALL of us with a specific talent to serve others with.

The verses that follow, in v. 6b – 8, instruct us that if God has equipped you with a certain gift, then you are to use it to serve others in that way. If you’re gifted in giving, give generously, whether it time, money or materials, because the truth is, giving does come easier for some. If you’re gifted to teach, you should be teaching, leading a community group. If you’re gifted to serve people, you should be serving people, whether it's in FI or the children’s area. The point is, God has equipped all of us for a purpose and that’s to serve others.

So, what does that mean for SC and Element Church in S. Cheyenne? That we take the gifts that God, by His grace, had equipped us with and serve them. That we continue to take the Good News that Jesus saves to them.

Here’s what it means for those that call or want to call Element Church home. There are still opportunities to serve at NC. There are still areas that need people to step up and give. People that will obediently use the gifting that God has given them.

The truth is, while there absolutely are differences in what people in S Cheyenne may need compared to what people in N Cheyenne may need, there is actually only one REAL need in all of the Cheyenne area and it’s Jesus Christ.

It’s still OUR job, OUR call, OUR command to love and serve ALL of the Cheyenne area to Jesus and we’ll continue to do that. All YOU need to do is decide if you’re willing to be obedient to that call.

Just in case you’re wondering what this means for me, here it is. Since there isn’t a SC anymore, there is obviously no need for a SC Pastor. But, I have a ton of change coming up in the next year. Soon (not soon enough though), I get to marry the love of my life, Sarah (Blog HERE). Between us we have 3 boys (that can be a full time ministry in and of its self). Then, next June I get to separate from the USAF and seek what God would have me do in full time ministry. So the next year will be spent preparing my family for the calling God has placed on us. The truth is that SC was just a small part of what I felt God stirring my heart for and calling me to. What’s next is sure to be difficult. It will require a lot of sacrifice from me and my family, but it will be perfect because it has to be ALL God.

I deeply believe in and support the vision God has given Pastor Jeff (Blog HERE) for Element to reach the lost in the Cheyenne area. So because of that, I will, of course, continue to answer God’s call for me to serve Element Church as long as I’m in Cheyenne. Sometimes you’ll see me at the front doors, sometimes doing announcements, and maybe teaching in youth a couple times this summer (stoked for that), and even facilitating a community group or two. But make no mistake; I and my family will continue to serve God’s people and the Cheyenne area, in and through Element Church.

Thanks to those that put their hearts into South Campus. I love you all more than you know.

Excited for what’s to come,
Bruce

The God of Your Father... (The 40 Year Old... Pt. 2)

2011-03-29T21:58:00.002-06:00

I painted the last post with broad strokes of what it meant to be a man. Actually, it focused more on what the man crisis in our church looked like and what our children don't learn as a result of man-boys that happen to some how receive this amazing blessing called a family - you can read it HERE. So, over the next few post I'll try to nail down a couple areas that I feel like God has challenged me on in the past. Over the last few years He's revealed these things to me about being a man.

Over the last year God has challenged me to pray this prayer over my boys, "God, I pray that my boys would know you. That they would come to know you, not as the God of their father, but as their God. I pray that your Holy Spirit would capture their heart and draw them to you and I pray Lord Jesus that they would know you intimately as THEIR savior." I've prayed it over them privately in my devotional time, in their room after they've fallen asleep and while praying with them. They know that my hope for them is that they would have a personal and intimate experience with the God that I lovingly serve. That's where being a man starts...at the feet of Christ (really that leads into submission...SPOILER ALERT - that's the next blog).

The way God prompted me to pray that prayer for my sons was through my devotionals. What? Does that mean God speaks to you through the Bible? Uh...YES! I started to realize that a lot of Israelites referred to God as the "God of Abraham" or the "God of our fathers". As I read, I started to see that there were some very specific points at which the "God of Abraham" became Isaac's God and the "God of Isaac" became Jacob's God. In Genesis 26:3 God confirms He is with Isaac. Then in Genesis 28:13 God confirms He is with Jacob. Actually, I think the point at which God became Jacob's God was after he wrestled Him in Genesis 32, at which point his name was changed to Israel. Prior to that in Genesis 32:9 he prays, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac..." But later, in Genesis 33:20 "he built an altar and named it El-Elohe-Israel" which means "God, God of Israel."

This happened with the Disciples in the New Testament too. During His ministry, Jesus was referred to by many different names and God was also still called the God of Abraham at times. But in John 20:28 after touching Jesus' wounds, Thomas exclaims, "My Lord and my God!" That was his intimate experience; that's when Jesus became HIS God.

So I started noticing that there were specific moments when God interacted with people on an individual level and became their God. That's what I want for my boys. However, I did not notice that without noticing that until He had that "moment" with them, each son still knew God. They knew God because they saw that their fathers knew God. They knew God's voice, what He was like, what He expected because they saw their fathers interact with God. They knew to follow God because they saw their fathers follow God.

Your kids watch what you do. Often times the faults we see in our kids are simply reflections of us. That doesn't mean that if you do everything perfect that your kid will grow up perfect. Even then, your kid will still make the decisions they're going to make and you can't stop that. But, what you reflect matters. Anger reflects anger, hate reflects hate, cynicism reflects cynicism and it's the same with love and patience and God.

As men in the church we should do everything possible to reflect Jesus to our children. It should be our goal to prepare our children for an intimate experience with God. We should teach them what His voice sounds like, what His character is like and what He expects from us. That way, when He calls them to Himself they know it's Him and can answer. Then He become their God.

Trying to be more like Jesus,
Bruce

The 40 Year-Old...Failure to launch…The Notebook!

2011-03-22T17:42:00.004-06:00

First, let me open this post by saying this is about men being Men…and I get to write this post for two reasons: 1 – It’s my blog and I get to post what I want and 2 (and more importantly) - I’ve been this or should I say, not been this. I’m not proud of it, but I was and I’m not anymore. The fact that in the past I’ve struggled through this, skirted responsibility to lead my family and often chose the selfish and highly immature road to personal comfort qualifies me to relate to this sad & pitiful way of life, but does not qualify me to write this post. What qualifies me to write this post is the fact that Christ has called this out in me, led me toward confession and repentance and drastically changed what I understand it to mean to be a man and to lead.

It used to be that I thought a man was the guy that pushed his way through others. The guy that could make people feel smaller than him or get others to accept his point of view, even if by force or embarrassment. The guy that cursed the most and loudest, viewed women as a means to their personal happiness and pleasure, and could out drink the other guys was my view of a man. That stuff was SO far from the truth that I can’t even see it from where I’m now standing. If you’d have asked me then, I wouldn’t have said all that. That wasn’t all consciously thought out back then. And at the time I didn’t know I had the wrong idea of what a man is supposed to be. I thought I was tough, virile and confident. Really that stuff amounts to cowardly, disrespectful and cocky. None of that makes you a man…at best it makes you a boy, at worse…a predator.

I know better now, it cost me a lot to learn, but I know what God calls us to be as men. 1 Timothy 6:11 & 12 says:

But you, man of God, flee from all this (talking about the 5 prior chapters), and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

So here’s the point of this blog…we have a man problem in the church. Not that we don’t have males coming to church (that’s an issue too, but that’s also another blog), but that most of the males in our churches aren’t men. They resemble, almost identically, those outside the church. This is a problem because as Christians we are called to be different than the world. Sadly our culture glorifies this man-boy idea. “Romantic Comedies” like Failure to Launch, The Notebook, and The 40 Year-Old Virgin make failure to progress into manhood funny, cute and quirky. They glorify adultery, living at home and discontentment with “growing up.”

But when we fail to be Men, then our kids fail to grow into men. It’s because of this we have guys that grow up and refuse to lead their families, that can’t commit to a career or that can’t commit to one woman. They readily move to the bed of another woman, because they’re “just not in love with their wife anymore.” They live at home and refuse the responsibility of the “real world” and that same refusal to grow up is translated to their children when they finally decide to “settle down.” Their sons never learn what it means to be a gentleman (because chivalry is dead), what it means to protect their loved ones, to stand firm and strong in their convictions, or to lead with sensitivity and confidence. Their daughters don’t know that they should EXPECT for a man to treat them respectfully and with honor, that they are worth being pursued not as an object of sex, but as an woman to be admired and adored, that they should slam the door in the face of any man that even attempts to belittle them or make them feel inferior and that God says they are lovely and beautiful and worth every bit of devotion capable of being given by a man of God.

The following video is aimed at Pastors being men that lead the other men in our church. And while one of the best examples of a man in the church ought to be the Pastor, THE example of a man in the home has to be the husband/father in that home. The growing of a man starts in the home. Notice the stuff that Pastor Patrick says…One third of guys in the 20s & early 30s live with their parents (a 100% increase in the last 20 years), guys 18 – 42 change jobs an average of 11 times, the average age of video game users is 35 yrs old and every second of every day $3000 is spent on pornography…check out the video…

The current state of the men in The Church breaks my heart. We’re supposed to be the example of a man to those outside the church, but more important than that, we’re supposed to be the example of a man to our wife and kids. I have other stuff to say, but this post is already too long. I’ll post another one at the least; maybe more…we’ll see how it develops.

In Him,
Bruce

The Weight of His Mercy

2011-03-11T11:42:00.001-07:00

I was listening to Kim Walker sing “How He Loves Us” the other day and there is a line that goes, “Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.” I had heard that line a number of times before and considered what it meant in my head, but the other day it really hit my heart that there is a weight to His mercy. It is so heavy, but it isn’t a crushing weight. The very purpose of it is to bend us toward God.

I think the weight is more specifically about the effective influence of His mercy. Mercy itself is the withholding of deserved punishment. When we consider the seriousness and magnitude of sin and what we deserve because of it is death (Romans 6:23), then God’s mercy takes on a whole new importance. Suddenly that mercy, that He so readily gives, becomes a reflection of His intense love for us and the evidence that He desires that we not be separated from Him. But there is still the need for justice. The price for sin still needs to be paid. Because of God’s holiness, we cannot enter His presence soiled by sin. There had to be a way to atone for that, to reconcile us. That’s where Jesus’ crucifixion comes in. His death on the cross is the singular, most beautiful crashing together of both God’s justice and mercy. After all, the whole of the Gospel centers on that event.

But I digress, what Christ did and God’s mercy should weigh so heavy on our hearts that our only response can be to humbly submit to Him and surrender all of us to His call. For some that’s when the crushing comes. Psalms 51:17 says, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” This gets into a whole other blog (I kind of wrote one that addresses that awhile back…HERE). The point is, there is heaviness to God’s mercy, an influence purposed on drawing our souls to Him. It is meant to weigh on our hearts so much so, that our only response can be to approach Him to receive the joy and peacefulness of that unmerited favor called grace. And the beauty part about His mercy, it begins “afresh each morning.” (Lam 3:23)

In awe of His mercy,
Bruce

REPOST: the road to brokenness . . . (By: Thomas Hogan)

2011-03-08T22:58:00.002-07:00

This is a post from one of my best friends in the world, Thomas Hogan. I've had the opportunity to serve with him in ministry, to experience a lot of brokenness with him (mostly in my life) and figure out just how very important Christ is in both those circumstances. Regardless, brokenness is his thing (kinda mine too) and this is too great a post for me not to re-post. You can read the original HERE, or check it out below...

the road to brokenness . . .

. . . the real attack comes when things get slow and monotonous, when training and dedication seem like they haven't yet or are not quite paying off. that is the time that intensity is needed.
I've been running pretty intensely (in the physical) for this fitness assessment I have coming up and i can tell you that during a 5k there is a specific point where you look at your feet and wonder "Why am I doing this, is this really going to help, i could just lighten up and i'll get to the same place, right?" that is the precise moment that gutting up and pushing harder becomes the key to success.

in the same way all of my friends who have "fallen" or experienced devastating defeat in their lives are self-admittedly the ones who gave up for just a little bit. their intentions were usually noble, "everyone needs rest", "it's just not fun anymore", "I'm tired of not getting anywhere" "man, this chick is worth it". But the Christian Walk is a daily fight, if this reality isn't accessed and lived in early on, you will never be prepared for this journey. spirituality isn't something that "comes naturally" (that's why it's called "Supernatural") ask a monk how long enlightenment takes, find a shaman who isn't ready to sacrifice.

Christians are easily overly concerned with other's salvation and less focused with our own, but the opposite is necessary to effectively be "in Christ". Phil. 2:12, Matt. 24:13

Well said for sure. You have to remember, there is a part of our relationship with Christ that is meant for other people, but there is also a part that is meant just for us. You have to be selfish with your time with God. Jesus was. He knew His need to be alone with the Father and many times "went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

In Him,

Bruce

It Was Always Her!

2011-03-04T23:28:00.005-07:00

Originally this blog was meant to chronicle what God was doing in me as He walked me in a New Direction for my life. Eventually it morphed into what God was teaching me largely related to ministry & leadership. Today I’m moving back toward what God is doing in my life.

Today…I write about HER!!!!

She is an amazing soul. First and foremost, she loves God; she has a deeply intimate relationship with Jesus and her anointing by the Holy Spirit is readily apparent. Her heart for people is incredible; she extends grace the way that God gives it to her. She is creatively brilliant; she writes (if you want a peek into her psyche check out her blog Daily Offensive…she signs her posts with a heart), she makes jewelry, she’s a photographer, and has an amazing eye for art (I’m pretty sure her brain operates in art mode most times). She has the best sense of humor (she gets my sense of humor so that may not be saying much), a laugh that’s SO infectious, the best Eeeeee!!! ever, and she’s an amazing mom. She is also absolutely gorgeous; she has THE most captivating eyes I’ve ever set mine on and that smile…oh that smile, it melts me every time.

Most call her Sarah, a few call her Sarahface, one handsome little boy calls her mama, but I…I call her My Love.

When I was involuntarily thrust back into singleness (about 2 ½ years ago) I sat down and made a list. This list was the collection of needs and wants I would hope for in the next woman that God brought into my life. Once compiled, I set it aside and surrendered to the workings of God in my life. He quickly made clear that what I needed and wanted in a wife was second to what He needed and wanted in my life and what would be expected of me as a husband and father

Over the next two years God transformed everything, from the way I lived my life, what I believed and the way my heart and mind work. (I won’t go too deep into what God has done, but if you’re curious, here are a couple blogs that review the two years – Year One & Year Two.) So that list lay dormant for two years while God worked me over. During that time I met this sparkly eyed woman that had just accepted a position as the Executive Assistant at Element Church. I met My Love in early June 2010. At that time God was in the middle of a particularly rough working over of my heart, so I met Sarah and thought nothing more of her than a new co-worker.

As the months progressed, so did our friendship. I started to realize the amount we had in common was not only ridiculous, but almost unreal. Round about September I had finally surrendered to God on some ministry decisions I had been struggling with (i.e. resisting God’s call to). Almost the minute I surrendered that stuff to God I was hit with this overwhelming NEED (not want…that was there too, but this was definitely a need) to be with Sarah. I needed to be in her life, to serve her and love her. At the time I actually prayed against those feelings. I didn’t want to be disappointed and didn't want to step out before it was full of God. Eventually I surrendered those feelings to God and embraced them quietly because it wasn’t time yet. So, nothing was ever said. We never discussed it, I never shared it. Our friendship sat as it was and would continue to grow.

Then in mid-October I had the honor of escorting a friend to his final resting place in Pennsylvania. For months prior to his passing I would sit in his hospital room and watch as his wife just sat there. Helpless, scared and frustrated she just sat there. To me, her willingness to just sit with him, as he lay dying, was the greatest display of love I’d ever seen. Her willingness to just sit with the one she loved, just so that he knew she loved him, pierced my heart. It was then, in a hospital room in Denver, that my need to be with Sarah turned into the realization that I would sit there for her. All of the sudden I knew that I loved her, that I would just sit and BE there for her and that I wouldn’t want anyone but her sitting at my bedside. I knew then that I was going to marry her. But alas, it still wasn’t time. Nothing was said and our friendship would remain just that for another couple months.

By the end of December I couldn’t not be with her anymore, so my friend Sarah became My Love. So where are we now? We’re ENGAGED! I know what you’re thinking, “What? You haven’t even dated THAT long!” Ultimately the time doesn’t matter. If I hadn’t sought God on this over and over, this post wouldn’t even have been typed. But I have and it’s right for us. She’s my best friend. We’ve built an amazing relationship as friends first, we’re cut from the same cloth and I love her more than I can ever promise her. And what of my list…in Sarah, God has fulfilled every need and want that I voiced on my list, every one that went unspoken for fear that I was expecting too much and every one that I didn’t think or know to ask for.

Both Sarah and I know that marriage isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. We’ve both been there and fully realize the work it requires. We also know the power of Christ in us and in our relationship. Our success in marriage fully rests in our submission to Him first, then each other and in that…we’re gonna make it Till the End! (Plug for Pastor Adam - Blog & Album. FTR, he’s been amazing accountability for me through this.)

So Blessed,
Bruce

Examine Yourself

2011-02-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

I've been doing my devotional out of 2 Corinthians the last couple months and God is revealing some great stuff that I haven't seen before. For example, this morning as I read, listened to some Jazz (which is weird during devo time, but that's what happened to be playing) and made my way through chapter 13, I was halted at verse 5 which reads,

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Paul tells us that we should examine ourselves to ensure that our faith is genuine. I started asking how we do that. What should we be asking ourselves to ensure whether our faith is genuine? What are the areas in our lives that we can look at to determine if we have genuine faith in our Jesus and if He is among us and lives in us? I think there are three areas (questions) of our life that we can look at that will reveal our genuine faith (these are not the only areas I'm sure, but this is what God showed me this morning).

1. How much time do I spend with God? (This area will effect every other area.)

Do I read the bible? If so do I read it as part of a routine or do I read to actually hear from God? Do I pray? Do I pray a list of needs to God or do I seek God's face and humble myself in praise, worship and awe of who He is?

2. How do I interact within community?

Do I use community or give to community? Am I in it for me or do I concern myself with with filling the needs of others in my community? Am I about what I can get or what I can give?

3. Do I follow the leading of the Holy Spirit?

Do I allow His conviction to draw me towards God or do I allow the worldly guilt to push me farther from Him? Do I seek the Holy Spirit to be my comforter or do I seek the pleasures of the world to comfort me?

Like I said, these aren't the only ways to examine the genuineness of your faith, I'm confident there are more, and it isn't about keeping a list of rules either. Things like, I don't watch certain movies or listen to certain music, I don't curse and I attend church, I even give my money and time to my church are absolutely not good measures of genuine faith. In fact, that's legalism and is more focused on behavior modification. Sadly that mindset traps so many people into this idea of Christianity that is no more fulfilling than obeying laws like don't speed. Not speeding might make you a good citizen of the area you live in, but you're not invested in your city, you're not a real part of the community. There is no loyalty or devotion, at best you're just good at staying within established boundaries. Eventually though, after not being stopped by or seeing a police officer for awhile, you'll speed.

Examining Me,
Bruce

SHIFTing Seasons

2011-02-09T10:13:00.011-07:00

This is kind of a continuation of the blog posted on Jan 17 titled Biblical Guided Community v. Gospel Centered Community (HERE). This is the stuff that I wanted to culminate that blog with, but as I typed I realized that the length of the actual blog itself was only rivaled by the length of the title of the blog. So I decided to hold it for another blog and HERE IT IS...

Over the last two years I was fortunate to see the process of building community played out in this amazing group of young adults, that banded together to allow God to form them into a community sometimes called theSHIFT. Just to recap the community building process before we continue it's goes like this...

Fellowship  (Connection with other believers)
Seeking  (Two parts: Part 1 - Seeking Knowledge of God and God's purpose for the Group...often times occurs through study of His Word. Part 2 - Seeking God's Presence...often time through corporate worship & prayer)
Accountability  (to God and to the group -- can be a set of standards or an accountability partner or smaller community group)
Sacrifice  (The giving of yourself to the group and the giving of the group to others...culminates in the sending out of believers to find the lost and bring them into the fellowship of community and ultimately Christ).

Since the birth of theSHIFT God has placed it under the leadership of three different people. I had the honor of being number two. Since being released from leadership in theSHIFT and placing the reigns in the very capable hands of Sean Brink, I've been able to step back and see the bigger picture of the road God has led us down and have caught a glimpse of where they may be headed.

So here is what that process looked like in theSHIFT.

When God birthed the vision for theSHIFT in the heart of Curtis Marshall, there was literally a handful of young adults that would band together under this vision. In the early days of theSHIFT, the group dynamic was fairly dependant on Curtis providing the atmosphere for fellowship. He facilitated the environment and organized events that encouraged fellowship. This was so necessary in those early days.  The connections to each other, the friendships developed and the commitment to group that grew out of those early days would be essential as theSHIFT moved forward in what God expected from them. As the group began to build fellowship, this fostered a desire to seek what God had for theSHIFT as a group. Through group study and discussion theSHIFT began to discover who God is, what it meant that He was relational and what He intended as the purpose for them. Eventually, as God revealed Himself to theSHIFT, they would begin moving into the early stages seeking God's presence and Accountability. Soon after, God (and the military) would call Curtis away to Arizona.

As God moved me into my season of leading theSHIFT, it quickly became very clear that my role would be quite different than Curtis'. While Curtis played a necessary role in facilitating and building fellowship (which meant he was very much a part of community), God made it repeatedly clear that I was not called to be community for theSHIFT (or even be part of it at times). Instead I was called to lead them to a place where they built community themselves. No doubt I routinely got to facilitate the the environment that encouraged community and often time got to be a part of it, but there was a distinct difference in the group dynamic and what God was doing in it. I got to see theSHIFT as a whole desire more of God's presence and move toward a sincere desire for Accountability. Smaller community groups formed, people met with each other, corporate worship became a regular occurrence and the group began to move toward selflessly give to each other. This group of friends that cared for each other transformed into a community that loved each other. As God began to call me away from theSHIFT to lead in other areas of ministry I began to see God calling the group to more. People who had been long time SHIFTers left theSHIFT and a new generation began to emerge (which is actually quite common in a college ministry). It was more than obvious that God expected theSHIFT to give to those outside the group.

As Sean Brink moved into leading theSHIFT, God began to change a lot of stuff. The face of theFAMILY began to look different, community groups had a renewed vision, even the night theSHIFT met on changed. Now, I can't honestly speak on where God is taking theSHIFT because He hasn't told me (and why would He?), but I can see that God had already started moving theSHIFT in a direction where sacrifice is going to be a major theme. It seems to me that God is bringing theSHIFT to a place where they move from Biblical Guided community to Gospel Centered community. This road won't be an easy one. It will be paved with selfless giving, sacrificing personal comfort and resources and the giving of your whole self all for the purpose of bringing the lost into fellowship with Christ. And although it won't be "easy", I know no better man than Sean Brink to lead theSHIFT through this next season.

Only God knows where theSHIFT is headed (and Sean as God reveals it to him), but from where I'm standing it looks to be an amazing journey and one that is covered in the presence and purpose of God.

Excited to see God move,
Bruce

Biblical Guided Community v. Gospel Centered Community

2011-01-17T13:09:00.003-07:00

Ok, so it’s a new year, and over the last year my bloggishness has lacked in frequency. I don’t make resolutions, but I do plan on more blogtivity, so bare with me.

I first got to see the building of genuine community in this young men’s group that was intended to be a Men’s Accountability Group for theSHIFT. The group was called Iron Sharpens Iron, or ISI. As I began to see community develop within theSHIFT, I was able to look back at ISI and see a pattern forming. It wasn’t a program, but a process and although not completely identical, it had an air of similarity. Genuine community within a group can’t be forced. It only happens as the Holy Spirit draws the group together toward Christ. Here’s the process that I saw take place each time: Fellowship à Seeking à Accountability à Sacrifice

I really felt like this process is what the Holy Spirit was leading me toward and had been leading theSHIFT toward for a long time. But, I had to have some biblical basis for it. So where do you turn in the Bible when you need to read about community? Acts, of course. Here is what Acts 2:42-27 says:

⁴²All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. ⁴³A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶ They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity⁴⁷all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Here is how I feel like it breaks down:

Fellowship: This is the building connections within the group and identifying commonalities with other believers and with the members of the community. In verse 42 it says, All the believers devoted to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), 46 & 47 says, They met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. This step is vital to the building of community. Fellowship with others believers AND fellowship with Christ is what draws you to wanting more for yourself, but also for the group as a community.

Seeking: Like I said, two parts that can happen separate or simultaneously. The first is the seeking of the knowledge of God and purpose of God for the group. This typically comes in the form of studying and discussing God’s word. Whether it be in a discussion about personal devotionals, Bible studies, or listening to the teaching of His word, the point is that the community is seeking to know more ABOUT God and what he requires from the group. Verse 42 says, all the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

The second part is the seeking of the presence of God. This typically comes in the form of corporate worship and prayer. As the community seeks to grow closer to each other and God, they are drawn by the Holy Spirit to spend time in worship together, singing God’s praises, calling out to Him and lifting up prayer. Verse 42 says, all the believers devoted to prayer. Verse 46 & 47 say, they worshiped together at the Temple each day…all the while praising God.

Accountability: This is a difficult for a lot of people, but as the Holy Spirit leads you into communion with Christ and draws the community together toward God, the need to be accountable to the leading of the Holy Spirit, to those above you, those beside you and to the group itself becomes something you cannot deny. You may try to skirt it from time to time, but ultimately if you want what God wants, you give in. Verse 44 says, all the believers met together in one place. I think this was intentional. Not only did meeting together in one place bring them unity, but it allowed for an atmosphere where everyone was present before everyone and ultimately would have to answer to the each other. This does not mean that everyone in the group has to have complete personal knowledge of your life, but someone in the group should and the whole of your life should ultimately be transparent to everyone else.

Sacrifice: This is the hardest part for most. Sacrifice is not only the giving of yourself to the group, but also giving as a group to others. This may mean time, money, property, could be anything. Verse 45 says, they sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. And verse 46 says, they shared their meals with great joy AND GENEROSITY. Here’s the thing though, sacrifice is awesome, but without the goal being to bring the lost into fellowship with the group and ultimately with Jesus, it’s useless. Verse 47 ends with, “and each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” This was the result of the believers allowing Christ to invade their community and become the center of it.

I wanted to run through how I’ve seen this play out in theSHIFT over the last couple years, but it’s already too long, so I’ll post that in the next couple days. Here’s the bottom line…

It is easy to get trapped in biblical guided community. You can read God’s word, pick out the stuff that tells you what community should look like and model your group after it. You can get together with friends, eat and drink, study, pray & sing worship songs together, meet all the time for accountability, even serve in the local soup kitchen together, but to what purpose. To know each other better? To secure your seat in heaven? To pat each other on the back for how well you’ve beaten your struggles and temptations? All the while people living next door are desperate for community and are headed for hell.

Or you can allow the Holy Spirit to draw the group toward God, centered on Christ. This will pull you out of your comfort zone. You can and should do all that other stuff, but it has to culminate in the sending out of people from the smaller community into THE community to build fellowship with those in need of it. This is what brings others into the greater community called The Church. This is the seeking of the lost that Jesus was talking about. If your group is focused on the lost being found and brought home, then your group is a Gospel centered community.

In Him,

Bruce

Hello, my name is Gomer and I am a…

2010-12-14T16:41:00.002-07:00

Wanderer. Prostitute. Whore.

I actually wasn’t even reading Hosea, I was reading Joshua. But in reading Joshua I came across 10:25 in which Joshua relates God’s instructions to Israel and says, “Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua told his men. “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is going to do this to all of your enemies.” After finishing my reading I started journaling all the things that I’ve been afraid or discouraged about. There are a couple things on that list, but one of the main ones was how discouraged I am with the amount of (or lack of) time that I give to God on a daily basis.

Immediately God took my thoughts to Hosea, but more specifically his wife Gomer. If you’re not familiar with the story, the short of it is this: God told Hosea to marry a prostitute, Gomer, and bare children with her. After marrying Hosea and having children with him, Gomer returned to her life of prostitution. Upon doing so God sent Hosea to bring his wife, out of her filth, back into his home and make her his wife again. God had Hosea do this to illustrate the sin of idolatry Israel had committed. Israel had turned their back on God and began worshipping other gods. God used Hosea and Gomer to show the extent of Israel’s sin and that even in their adultery with other gods, He would be their God and return them to Him. In 2:20 God says, “I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord.” Then 14:4 says, “The Lord says, ‘Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.”

So here is how God related that to me. I’ve previously mentioned that the things of life can sometimes highjack our time with God. Of course I’m not worshiping “other gods”, but recently I’ve put some things before my time with God. What God asked me is this: Is my putting time with friends, TV, other hobbies, functions and meetings before time spent with God any different than Israel’s sin of idolatry? If I’m honest the answer is, “No it’s not.” In that aspect I share in Israel’s sin of idolatry. This isn’t to say that I’ve spent no time with God, but it gets easier and easier to make excuses for missing devotional time or to hurry through that time with God as opposed to soaking in His presence.

The bottom line is this, even though we don’t view the things that draw our attention from God as “bad” as Israel’s actual worship of other God’s…it’s not at all different. Our back is still turned and our affection for God is drawn away from Him. And God just wants to be faithful to us and make us His, so that we may finally know Him as Lord.

REPOST: God Heard His Prayers Because… (By: Jeff Maness, Lead Pastor, Element Church)

2010-12-02T23:33:00.002-07:00

I was reading Pastor Jeff's blog and his post on Dec 1st about prayer (HERE) really got to me. Lately I've realized that I pray but recently it hasn't felt the same. Recently it seems so rushed, so hurried. Almost as if it hasn't been an intentional act of submission or this time of intimate connection surrounded by deep respect for who my God is. Then I read Pastor Jeff's post and...well God shined His light on it. In the verse Pastor Jeff mentions (Hebrews 5:7) the word "reverence" is used in relation to how Christ prayed.

To get this, understand that reverence is defined as honor or respect felt or shown or a gesture of respect. What God showed me through reading Pastor Jeff's post not only had to do with how my heart was focused in approaching God in prayer, but for me it also revealed how I physically approach God in prayer.

In the past couple months I've gotten to a point where I have let everyday life high-jack my time with God. For me prayer time has always been very much about intentionally submitting myself to God, both spiritually and physically. Not just in the time I gave Him, but in the way that I gave it to Him also. As an act of reverence I spent all of my prayer time (during morning devotional and prior to bed, then if I felt it necessary and had the opportunity throughout the day) on my knees. Sometimes I would bow low, but I was ALWAYS on my knees. It was my "gesture of respect." But recently I'm so hurried that 5 or 10 minutes sitting in a chair was "good enough." Realistically, it just doesn't suffice and with God there should NEVER be a "good enough."

Here's the original post:

On Sunday, I was doing my normal quiet time with God before heading to church and I read a verse that I saw for the first time, or at least saw it in a new light. I’m in Hebrews right now, which by the way is an INCREDIBLE book. So rich and deep. Anyway, I came across Hebrews 5:7 which says this “⁷While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.”

Now think about it. Theologically, Jesus WAS God. God incarnate. God in the flesh. THE God man. So you might think that the verse should read “And God heard his prayers because HE WAS GOD”. But NO! It says God heard them, because of his “deep reverence for God.” (We won’t get into the lengthy and unending discussion of “If He was God then why did he need to pray, and was he praying to Himself?”) It just made me think. If Jesus’ prayer was heard because of His deep reverence for God…what does that say about me?

I think sometimes when I pray I have a deep regret…or a desperate situation…or adeliberate request…or a demanding requirement…and there isn’t anything bad necessarily with any of those things. The problem is, I often feel like God will hear me because I have the deep regret. Or because my situation is desperate or my request is deliberate or I’m facing a requirement that’s demanding. And I’m not saying that God doesn’t hear us, it just struck me that JESUS was heard because of His DEEP REVERENCE for God, not for ANY of those other things. Not because of his pleadings, loud cries or tears…but His reverence.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be the kind of prayer that comes to God out of deep reverence for WHO He is, not WHAT He can give me. I get the feeling from Hebrews 5:7 that that is why Jesus went to God in prayer. And because of that, God heard Him.

Learning,

Jeff

Good stuff. God deserves our physical acts of respect, submission and praise AS MUCH AS (I'd say if not more than) our verbal ones.

Back on my knees,

Bruce

REPOST: Hurt People, Hurt People. Loved People, Love People. (HPHP/LPLP - Part 5)

2010-11-29T18:01:00.002-07:00

Here is the final blog in the 5 Part Series. The first 4 can be seen here (Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3, & Pt. 4). This is a repost of the original posted on July 8, 2010. I wrote it initially as a stand alone post, but there was so much more to this (hence posts 1 through 4). So this is the precursor & culmination of this series...enjoy.

I was listening to a song by Manafest called "Wanna Know You" and there is a line in the second verse that really got me. It says, "Loved people, love people. Hurt people, hurt people." I recently read a book (for one of my counseling classes) by Dr. Sandra Wilson called, "Hurt People, Hurt People." It was about understanding why people that have been hurt continue to hurt others.

With that and for the last six months God has been really working on me about what it means to love people and ultimately Him. So that line in the song really struck me as something that is important for everyone that claims to follow Christ to understand.

Hurt People, Hurt People

I'm not actually gonna say anything about why or how hurt people, hurt people. I am, however, gonna direct this toward those that have accepted Christ's love (the secret is - and it's actually not a secret - Christ loves us all, all the time...we just need to accept it).

I get SO tired of hearing how Christ's people are "done" with someone because they hurt them while they were "trying to love them." News flash...people that are hurt are not there to love you, it's the other way around.

Here's the thing, in going in to love someone that is hurting, you have to expect some resistance. You have to expect them to be somewhat leery of your intentions, because they were just hurt. People that are hurt or hurting are that way because someone they cared for either left them (whether it be intentionally i.e. divorce/break-up or unintentionally i.e. death), betrayed them or broke their trust some how. So you have to understand that they may not be so readily accepting of what you want to give them.

We are called to love people, to comfort the hurting and even pray for those that persecute us. If you are the recipient of Christ's amazing love, you have a responsibility to give it away to others and you have to understand that in trying to love them, you may get hurt. My friend, Grant Clark, has a saying that goes, "Where there's people, there's poop." The idea being that caring for people can get messy and if you are actually engaged in their lives, you WILL get messy.

On the other side of that coin...

Loved People, Love People

If you are a person that has surrendered your life to God and seeks to follow Christ, this is you. If you are actively engaged in a relationship with Christ, in which He is pouring out His love on you, you will love people. In John 15:12 Jesus says, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." Jesus was telling us that the way He loved us was an example of how He expected us to love each other. If you are truly the recipient of Christ's love, you WILL love others.

The Bible is very clear on this point. 1 John 4:20-21 says:

If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.

So, loved people, love people.

I'll close with this...How badly did we hurt Christ (and still do at times) while He was trying to love us? What if He would have given up on us because He got hurt?

I Will Love Regardless,
Bruce

Loved People, Love People. (HP/HP, LP/LP Part 4)

2010-11-28T23:29:00.006-07:00

So here it is…the last installment of Hurt People, Hurt People. Loved People, Love People. Here are parts 1, 2 & 3 (PART 1, PART 2, PART 3). For me, this whole last year has been SO much about what it means to love people. Do I always do it well? Nope, but I realize I don’t and I seek Christ to change that in me. I’m a work in progress…

So in original blog (HERE) I said,

“In John 15:12 Jesus says, ‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.’ Jesus was telling us that the way He loved us was an example of how He expected us to love each other. If you are truly the recipient of Christ's love, you WILL love others.”

As I’ve thought about (and I’ve had 4 ½ months since the original post to do so) I found myself asking, How did He love them? What were the things that Jesus did that we could follow after Him in doing; things that proved our love the way He did?

So in John 15:13, Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.” I'm fairly certain that what Jesus meant was that the greatest love is displayed in the laying down of one’s life for a friend. The idea being that true love for another means that you would literally do ANYTHING (even die) for that person. The point is that Jesus willingly laid down His life for those he loved (us). If we love Jesus we have to be willing to do the same for Him and by proxy for those He loves (everyone else). For the record, it’s not a foreign idea…thousands of people have laid down their lives for the sake of Christ. So this is what Jesus said about true love. BUT, He didn’t just say it; He followed it up with action.

The fact is you can say whatever you want, but if your actions don’t support it, it’s pointless and meaningless. There are three parts to the events leading up to and after Jesus’ crucifixion that, I think, displays the depth of His love for us and that I think are examples meant for us to follow.

The first were the pre-crucifixion events. The arrest, the poor excuse for what was called a trial and His walk up the hill in which He would pay our penalty. During that entire time Jesus was whipped, punched, slapped, spit on, had His beard torn out and beaten beyond being recognizable as a human. He was utterly humiliated. And He did it for us. At any time He could have ended the torture, after all…He’s God…but He chose not to. Instead He willingly endured humiliation for our sake. With that said, how much humiliation are you willing to endure for Christ? How much will you be humbled for the sake of your Savior? Looking at it deeper, how much will you allow that to translate to those people you say you love? Are you willing to be humiliated for the community that God has placed you in simply because you love them? Christ did and I have to believe that He expects the same from us. After all, where would we be if He’d have said enough?

The second is His willing surrender to the cross. I think I’ve already made that point. Actually, Jesus did. He said, (paraphrasing), “You show the depth of your love for your friends by what you’re willing to do for them and frankly I love you all to the point that I WILL die for you.” Then He did. The greatest display of God’s justice is seen at the cross, but in it we also see the greatest act of love. It’s the willingness of our savior to lay down His life as a ransom for ours simply because He couldn’t bear to be without us.

The last act has to do with His ascension. In John 16:7, Jesus said, “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.” Jesus was telling the Disciples that He was leaving them in order that the Holy Spirit could come. Jesus followed this up by explaining why it was necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. He said (v. 8-11), “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.” In essence, Jesus knew that in order for God to do what He need to, in the Disciples and throughout the world, He had to leave. He told them that if He didn’t leave the Holy Spirit wouldn’t come. And because of His love for them (and us) and His deep desire for God’s will for us, He willingly departed from us and ascended into heaven. How does this translate to how we love others?

There are times that in giving to someone else we block the presence of God. I once had a friend tell me (in reference to giving to a person that is obviously taking advantage of your desire to be Christ to them) that there is a threshold in which you are able to give to a person and they are still able to see Christ. But eventually, there comes a point where they no longer see Christ working through you, but rather only see you. It is at that point that it is essential that you step out of the way of God and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. Sometimes stepping aside for the moment is the best way to love someone. You have to ask yourself, “Do I love them enough to step out of the way and allow God to do what He needs to do in them?” If the answer is “Yes” then move.

But you don’t just leave them. There will come a point that, if you truly love them, you step back into their life…you have to. The Holy Spirit will make it evident when that time is. The point of stepping back into their life is to be community for them. To encourage that person in the work the Holy Spirit has done in them. Jesus even set that before us. In John 16:16 He said, “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” Jesus was saying that even though He had to leave, so the Holy Spirit could do His work, a time would come when the Holy Spirit has completed that work and Jesus would return. That’s our example.

Loved people, Love People. It all comes back to the idea that people that are actively receiving the love of Christ just love people. They are compelled to; it’s their nature and character. The bottom line is this, words are meaningless without action. If you love Christ and others, you have to willingly lay down your life for Him/them (that is do WHATEVER you need to do to prove that love), you have to be willing to be humiliated for His/their sake, you have to be willing to step out of the Holy Spirits way to allow Him to work in their lives, all the while looking for that prompting to step back in and encourage them in the work He’s done in them.

In Him,
Bruce

Dreams...And All That Come With Them!

2010-10-21T01:40:00.002-06:00

This post will be a slight departure from my usual writing style & topics. All with good reason of course...writing isn't intended to be stale. Think of this as a literary vacation. The Greece to the written state in which I live, if you will.

I've recently had a few conversations with a friend that broached the subject of the future...the plans of God and the dreams of man. Obviously I have hopes and dreams for the future, but I also have a heart to be submitted to the plans of God for me (even if they’re contradictory to mine...I should actually say, especially if they are). But with the recent passing of my friend, Ricky (Let me pause here and take a moment to say that TSgt Ricky Smith was a great friend and an even greater Patriot if ever I met one. I had the distinct honor of escorting him home to Pennsylvania. My deepest sympathies are with his wife Calyssa, his parents Rick and Caren, and the rest of his family. My heart cries for you...Ricky, you will be missed.) I’ve been thinking about just how fleeting life is and what that means to the dreams that dwell in the same places of my heart and mind that hope is cultivated in.

I sometimes wonder if we dream too small or if we too easily dismiss our dreams as unattainable, ridiculous, or irrational. I’m not sure when it became not acceptable for adults to dream the same way we did as children. I think back (and I look at my 11 & 13 year old sons) and as a kid I had some (and they do too) amazing dreams. It’s not that I wanted to do or be everything, but that I totes (heh, totes) believed I could. It’s that right there that made the difference...I (we) believed I (we) could. Because I believed I could, I was willing to dream big. Whoa! Dream big!

Sadly, at some point that all changes. We’re told to be reasonable. We’re told to dream rationally. The ability to dream big is conditioned out of us and replaced with acceptance for what the world says we're capable of. I don't for one second want to give the impression that we can dream big, then have the ability to achieve it. Some people are able to achieve great success and make it "big" and NEVER give a second thought to God. But, they also never reach the fullness that God intended for them. Our humanity comes with a limit to the "fullness" we can experience, a thresh hold if you will. Christ meets us at that threshold and allows us to cross it, into complete fullness. <----That's another blog.

When we get to the place where we realize we can still dream big and God can still move us toward those dreams, there are a few things that come connected to those dreams and need to be realized. Things that if not realized can send us crashing back to rational.

1. Hope
Dreams are built out of hope. Hope is that thing we can only see with our heart. It is attached to things unseen and unrealized. Our logical side would call it silliness for us to hope. But, here's the rub...dreams also build hope. When you dream of the future it gives you a hope of what's to come. The bigger the dream the deeper the hope. A "dream" that is rational and easily attainable requires little or no hope. Without hope we begin to lose faith in bigger stuff. Hope is what our faith is built on, but not hope in the dream. Hope in the God that can fulfill that dream.

2. Expectancy
With any unfulfilled and longed for notion there is an anticipation of it's coming...an expectancy. Whether it is known or not as to when the desire will come to fruition, anticipation still hangs low. Dictionary.com defines expectancy as anticipation and anticipation as hope. It all returns to the idea that hope is the basis for all of this. Essentially the idea remains that if we are to dream big, we should hope in God big. We should be taking our desires and dreams to God in the deepest sense of the word. When we depend on our own strength and ability to see our dreams through, the results are mediocre compared to when we let God meet our expectations. Why settle for average when we have amazing available to us?

3. Disappointment
I didn't want this post to be negative, but this next part is a reality. Sometimes, sadly, our dreams are not only unrealized, sometimes they're shattered. Although it is amazing to dream big, if we live in a state of delusion in which we cling to the idea that just because we dream it, we can have it. When the dream is shattered and disappointment comes (because it sometimes will) devastation surely follows. And because your hope is tied up in the dream itself, there is no comfort. On the other end of that, if you live in a state of surrender (in which you see the One that can fulfill the dreams and not the dream fulfilled) then you place hope in the one that can comfort you when disappointment comes. I don't say this to cause you to dwell on the fact that that your dream may end in disappointment. I say this to draw you to a realization that although what we dream may not ever be realized, if your hope is correctly place, so to will your openness to be comforted by the One your hope is in.

Dream BIG, hope deeply, expect the amazing and realize that disappointment is not synonymous with devastation. What was is not the best there is...so dream dreams that make your memories jealous.

Dreaming Big,
Bruce

Loved People. (HP/HP, LP/LP Part 3)

2010-10-09T17:35:00.002-06:00

So I’m almost totally done with this series and it’s only taken me FOREVER to write. Honestly I’ll probably reread these and rethink them a number of times until I’m satisfied that I’ve got everything God put on my heart out in an orderly & sensical fashion. This is Part 3 of the 5. You can read Part 1 (HERE), Part 2 (HERE) and Part 5 (HERE).

I don’t think I can…correction…I cannot talk about “loved people” without talking about the Gospel. When I talk about loved people, technically I’m talking about everyone. Loved people are defined by the God that loves them and our God loves every single one of us. Sadly the real fact is that most people don’t realize or accept this to be truth. Because of that and for the sake of this blog and the whole Loved People, Love People idea, the loved people I’m talking about are those that believe and accept the truth that God loves them and embrace that love with the intention of reflecting it back to God and those He loves.

The entire Bible tells us how God loves us, John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” In this verse we learn that God loves us, the price He paid for us and the promise associated with our belief in Christ. But many still question why? The answer is simply that He loves us. No matter what we've done or do, He loves us. Romans 5:8 tells us, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Loved people understand this. They understand that while we are still filthy, dirty people and on our best day what we have to offer God is filthy rags, He still loves us. They understand the mercy and grace aspects of God. They get that though we deserved what Christ received, God compassionately and undeservedly held that justice back from us. He extended to us unmerited favor and kindness...simply because He loves us.

But God does not aim to love and leave us where we're at. God’s true desire for us, the foundation of the Gospel is so beautifully delivered in 2 Corinthians 5:21 which reads, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The Amplified bible explains "the righteousness of God" as - "what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness." Us being separated from God was not ever an option for God, He took His perfect and blameless Son (a beloved part of Him) and literally MADE Him to BE sin for us. Then He was beaten, killed by crucifixion and buried, receiving the punishment we deserved.

Loved people understand that because of what Christ did on the cross, we are brought into right relationship (RELATIONSHIP...this is important and will be seen in the next part) with God. God aims to change us into what we ought to be and not without reason.

Bottom line is this: If you claim to love God and are allowing God to pour His love into you, you WILL be changed by it and you'll understand that there is one reason that God fills you with His love. It's NOT to horde it or to be set stagnant. It's to be emptied out. Emptied on those that don't get it. Emptied on those that need to be loved. Sometimes you may feel as if it's wasted on certain people, but it's NEVER wasted. Whether you see the fruit or not, it isn't wasted and it's not yours to protect from being "wasted." If you pour it out and it's rejected, you did your part...you've only "wasted" it at the feet of Jesus. Ok, this kind of got into the next part, so I'll end with this (which is the title of the next post), Loved people, love people.

Loved,
Bruce

Hurt People, Hurt People. (HPHP/LPLP - Part 2)

2010-09-27T22:58:00.000-06:00

So here is Part 3, which is actually Part 2 of the 5 Part series on Loved People, Love People. Hurt People, Hurt People. You can read Part 1, which is actually Part 5 (HERE) and Part 2, which is actually Part 1 (HERE). Now that you’re thoroughly confused…we can start.

Just to preface this, hurt people, hurt people, in that people that hurt people are generally hurting themselves. Obviously I am not a counselor, but I’ve done some study on this. I don’t plan on going into the deep psychological aspect of this idea, and I’ll only mention why this happens briefly, the rest of the post will be focused on what this means to those that aren’t hurting.

So the verse that, for me, confirms that hurt people, hurt people is Proverbs 10:12a. The NLT says, “Hatred stirs up quarrels” or as the MSG says, “Hatred starts fights.” The concept being that those that hate are going to cause dissension among others. So it should follow that those that are sad, bring a spirit of sadness with them (we have all been there when we’re having a good time and someone that is locked in this sadness shows up and it changes the whole spirit of the room), anger begets anger and so on.

Now, I don’t want to speculate as to why any of this is the way it is, because I’m sure there are many reasons. I suppose that some are comfortable functioning in environments that are unsettled, some may figure that others should feel what they do or need others to relate to them, and some may not even realize their behavior causes others to hurt. What I do know is this: There is a world of hurting people and a lot of them don’t see any hope for a life different that what they have.

My frustration in this comes when others, namely Christians that are called to LOVE others, say things like, “I tried to love them, but I just can’t, they’re too hard to love.” This is a cop out. Here’s the essential understanding that needs to be had about hurt people: THEY…ARE…HURTING. Hurt people are by definition hurting. Often times, especially if they’re trapped in that hurt; they cause others to become hurt. And sometimes the people they may hurt are the same people that are trying to love the hurting person through that hurt.

When dealing with a hurting person, there is potential for them to lash out at you, maybe turn their anger on you and maybe, quite intentionally, seek to hurt you. They may seek to belittle and criticize your attempts at love, but the Bible says, “Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.” Romans 12:14

Now, I’m not saying to let them humiliate you and walk all over you, even though Jesus did… But, far too often it is convenient and easy to walk away from some one that is in desperate need of the love of Christ that you already possess and have been commanded to share. They are looking for the cure all, we have it, and their “hurt attitude” is too much for us to bare. In a word that’s…Crap!

Here’s the bottom line: Part of the nature of hurting people is that they are going to do things, either intentionally or inadvertently, that hurt others and sometimes it might be the person that is trying to love them. But that doesn’t matter. We are called to the hurting. We are called to love them and bring them the love that surpasses all understanding and is the source of all comfort. We don’t have to have all the answers or solutions to their problems…that’s not our job, we’re not their Savior. Sometimes we just have to be willing to “Be” with them. Sometimes that's the love they need, but the point is, they need you.

In Him,
Bruce

Relevantly Wrong

2010-09-23T15:05:00.005-06:00

Ok, so this idea of being relevant in the church is driving me crazy. There are some that have the idea of relevance as it pertains to the Gospel and the church all wrong. When something is relevant it has “bearing upon or is connected with the matter at hand.” I’m not saying that relevance is unimportant, on the contrary, it is, but many have it backwards.

Here’s what drives me up the stinking wall…there are those that believe we need to make the Gospel relevant to where we are so that it fits into our life and culture. During the three years of His active ministry, Jesus Christ NEVER attempted to make the message that He preached relevant to His time. It simply was not a message that people related to. He was telling people He was God, that regardless of how “unclean” someone was God still desired them, that prostitutes and thieves were more important to the Kingdom of God than the Pharisee that spent decades dedicating his life to the law. This was not a message that related God to the culture they lived in. It was NOT relevant to their culture, how can we be so pompous to believe that it’s relevant to ours. The Gospel message spans eternity. It exists outside of time. How can something that existed before time was created (and thus before there was any culture) be made to relate to any culture.

The idea that Christ gave us the Gospel to relate to us, suggests that God was sitting in Heaven and had no idea what we suffer or go through. It suggest that the only way for Him to know was to send His son, so that we could relate to us and once He figured out that earth was a cesspool, then He hatched His plan of a sinless sacrifice to atone for our sins. NO! His plan can be seen in Genesis (Gen 3:15). The fact is that God sent Jesus to earth to show us the visible image of our invisible God. He came down to us, to lift us up to His Father. He didn’t come to just be with us, but to show us THE example of a life lived to glorify His Father. He didn’t come down to relate to us, but that we might relate to God.

Sadly relevance in our churches has become a catch phrase that allows people to sit in their Christian infancy, never graduating from spiritual milk to meat. Relevance has become our way of excusing ourselves from the uncomfortable parts of the Gospel. The parts that say, Ask and you shall receive are easy because they're for us and who better to relate to us than…us. But the parts that say, die to yourself, take up your cross and love others without exception or expectation demand of us and don't benefit us, so all of the sudden those parts are not relevant to our culture.

Like I said, I am not against relevance. My church (Element Church) makes it a point to be relevant…in their practice! The method by which we deliver the Gospel is important for the culture you’re reaching. Even Jesus was relevant in His practice. He did stuff that was relevant to that time. The parables He told contained elements that the culture would understand. The stuff He did, eating with tax collectors, washing His disciples feet, riding in on a donkey colt (prophecy fulfilled), were all things that were relevant to the culture He was teaching in. BUT, the message NEVER changed!

The bottom line is this: When you attempt to make the Gospel relevant TO the culture you're teaching in, rather than delivering it in a WAY that is relevant, then you end up with something that isn’t the Gospel. You end up with things like the prosperity gospel. I heard Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church, say that adding anything in front of the Gospel (Prosperity Gospel, Social Gospel, etc.) makes it NOT the Gospel. The Gospel is revolutionary not relevant (prelude to another blog).

In Him,
Bruce

Year Two...

2010-09-11T00:01:00.002-06:00

So it’s been two years since that fateful day. That day that turned my world literally upside down. This is the two year anniversary (can I call it that) of my awakening. I say it like that only because had things not happened that way, I’m not sure what it would have taken for God to get my attention…I shudder to think.

So where am I now? I’m in a far different place than last year, to say the least. First and foremost, I don’t teach in Elevate (Element Church’s 1st through 5th grade students) anymore. I do miss them so, sometimes. Then I peak my head in on a Sunday morning and remember why I’m not called to children’s ministry. God bless Pastor Derek… (BLOG)

Shortly after the last post, at the end of October 2009, my divorce finalized. At first I thought I was free and released. Then God started stirring my heart for something I really couldn’t define. In February God made it painfully clear that He desired reconciliation between my ex-wife and I and that He was capable of restoring us. If I’m honest, at the time I wanted NOTHING to do with it, but because I desired to be in God’s will, I began praying for reconciliation and in short order God birthed in my heart a deep desire for reconciliation.

Around that same time, Curtis Marshall, theSHIFT Pastor at that time, was scheduled to move to New Mexico. So theSHIFT was facing a slightly uncertain future with no actual leader in sight. Sure we had the roundTABLE in place, but that couldn’t sustain forever. Soon after giving me the desire for reconciliation, I felt God saying that I was supposed to talk to Curtis about leading theSHIFT and unbeknownst to me, God was telling Curtis the same thing. So Curtis and the Element Lead team talked, then he and I talked and viola…this past Easter I was officially announced as theSHIFT Interim Director. (Since then, I’ve been told the Interim part has been dropped…I love that God lets me be a part of this.)

Over the next few months there were moments that my ex-wife would contact me and my anticipation for reconciliation grew, but it never panned out. At the time she was living in Casper, WY, but moved back to Cheyenne in the beginning of June. Shortly after that, I began to feel this disconnect from the deep burden (and yes I mean it that way, my heart was burdened by it; lots of sleepless night and sick feelings) and desire for reconciliation. I think at the time it was essential that my heart be devoted to what God was calling me to in my personal life for me to lead theSHIFT well. The months went on and I felt as if I was in this “waiting” pattern. I had made it known to my ex-wife that God could fix anything and really it was on her shoulders. I prayed EVERY single day and night for God to get her heart and for His will to be done in reconciling us. I wish I could say that a miracle happened and God got her heart and reconciled us, but that’s not what happened. On August 27th my ex-wife married the man she’s been living with for the last two years.

But here’s the thing on that. Understand THIS…God did NOT fail me. He was and is still faithful, He still desired it, and I was obedient to what He called me to. He is my portion, He is enough and He is my prize. Just because my ex-wife rejected reconciliation, doesn’t mean God abandoned me in that desire. He grew me into the man He needed me to be through that and fulfilled His promise to sustain me. He is still God and He is still Good.

So, in that time here’s what happened. Even though I had already forgiven my ex-wife, I really got the opportunity to release her from any residual anger I had held on to. I got to confess absolutely everything to her and ask her forgiveness. I got to help and bless her a few times, which was often quite humbling. I got to tell her, then boyfriend, I forgave him for his part in what had happened (also quite humbling). And I got to look at my responsibility in the whole mess, accept it and hand it to Jesus (also humbling, but so freeing). Through all of that, God has allowed me to lead this AMAZING, out of control awesome, group of people called theSHIFT (BLOG). I have a team that rivals any team I’ve ever seen (they’re ALL volunteers and they pour every ounce of their heart into what God has called them to). I love them and am so lucky to serve in ministry with them. Oh, I’ve completed 8 of my 15 classes for my Master of Arts in Religion, but I’m taking the next school year off to focus on my boys and ministry. There are other things coming down the pipe that I won’t share quite yet, but I’m so excited for them.

Although I learned a boat load of stuff, there are two things I want to focus on.

1. Last year I said, “Obedience is the axis on which everything in God spins.” and quoted John 14:15 in which Jesus says, "If you love me, obey my commandments.” I WAS WRONG! The key to that verse is not “obey my commands,” but “If you love me.” Here’s the way it should have read last year…”Love is the axis on which everything in God spins and the foundation on which everything in Christ is built.” Obedience, like everything else, is simply a byproduct, a result of our love for Jesus. It’s also the action that proves what you say. If you truly love Jesus, everything you do will teem with the obviousness of that love. It will permeate every part of everything you are, have and do. He just wants to love you and have you love Him back.

2. Ministry is NOT about you. And more than that, your relationship with Christ (while there is a selfish part that you must be concerned with) is not about you either. I’m in the middle of a series on this subject so I won’t go too far into it, but Christ pours His love out on you so that it will flow though you (had a great conversation with Thomas BLOG about this) out to others. He loves you and expects that with the love you receive, you will love who He loves…which is everyone else. So many times he said, you feed them, love others, love each other, and take care of my sheep. He wants you to give to others, to serve them, to die to yourself and BE for others. He did. I’ll save the rest of this for another blog.

All in all it’s been an amazing year. Didn’t see most of any of that coming and wouldn’t have been able to plan it better (God saw it though). I’m excited for the year to come and the year after that more (I separate from the military that year – 2012…if the world doesn’t end, heh!).

So Stoked,
Bruce

Hurt People. (HPHP/LPLP - Part 1)

2010-09-08T20:19:00.002-06:00

Quite some time ago (specifically July 8th) I posted a blog titled, Loved People, Love People. Hurt People, Hurt People (HERE). I originally intended for it to be the only posting on that subject, but a couple days later I (and I mean that God impressed on my heart) decided it would be the last (created first like in the Star Wars Saga) of a series of 5 posts. I hadn’t figured out how I was going to put it together until this morning after a friend posted a verse from Ecclesiastes 4:1. That verse broke my heart and sealed this post.

The last few months God has been wrecking my heart about some very specific stuff, culminating in a Holy Spirit induced melt down last Thursday morning. Some great conversations and amazing appointments came from submitting to what I strongly felt God telling me to do. In the coming weeks I’ll share what that stuff was, but for now…I’m going to watch God unfold it. What I can tell you is this…man does God want us to love the hurting and man are there a lot of hurting people out there to love.

Ecc 4:1 says, “Again, I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and their victims are helpless.”

I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. There are SO many people that are hurting. I look around and see family after family ravaged and torn apart by divorce; children trapped in violent and vile situations; women told that they are worthless and useless, abused and mistreated, men trapped in their addictions to pornography, helpless to get out and incapable of leading their family; young men and women told that they’ll never amount to anything because of the part of town they live in and they are all helpless. They are bound by their oppressor, ensnared in the lie that there is no hope and it tears my heart to shreds.

As if all that isn’t heart wrenching enough, what about the other hurting people? What about the people that don’t even look like they’re hurting? The people that on the surface look like they have it all together, but deep down they are a mess. They are broken, rejected, torn apart by life and bitter against it. What about those people? The earlier mentioned group might be easier to spot on occasion, but how do you see the other group?

Sadly our culture has allowed us to become content with just showing up to church. If we do that, then we can check it off our “Christian To Do List” and go about our week feeling good about our “holiness.” But there is no commitment in that, ZERO! Just because you drug yourself out of bed at 8:30 to make the 10:00 service so you can get on with the rest of your day ISN’T commitment, it’s self righteous and self serving (key word SELF). The problem is that if we do anything more than that, if we get too close to people we may realize they are hurting or have issues. If that happens we may be obligated (maybe even compelled) to step outside of ourselves and give to that person. We may have to care about someone else and that takes away from our “me” time.

While we sit in our cozy homes, watching NFL ticket on or 50 inch flat screen, eating our coma inducing junk food, there is a world of hurt people literally right outside our doors. I’m not saying that you can’t have that stuff, but at what point does that stuff become pointless? At what point does the fact that people are hurting matter?

Here’s the bottom line, there are hurting people all around us…some sitting literally in the chair next to you. They are helpless victims in a world of oppressors. They are crying out, tears not always visible, but there nonetheless (sometimes those are the worst kind). Without Christ they are hopeless. Without hope, there is nothing.

You Don't Get to Choose

2010-08-25T10:26:00.006-06:00

I also posted this on theSHIFT Insider (HERE).

The last few weeks at theSHIFT we’ve been in a series called Back to the Basics. The series is focused on the most basic and important command that Jesus gives (that being Luke 10:27 - Love the Lord your God and Love your neighbor). Steven Frausto (BLOG) is leading the series and will write a series reCAP blog, so I don't want to take away from that by going too deep into it, but I wanted to address one specific thing that we talked about this past Sunday.

The topic was “Loving Each Other Through the Holy Spirit.” We got into a lot of great discussion about what that means and what it looks like to worship in spirit and in truth, but one of the most poignant moments of the discussion (for me) revolved around 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 in the context of loving other. It says:

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."

While studying for this lesson the word that hit me was “compels.” I was pretty sure I knew what it meant, but looked it up anyway. It means “to force to a course of action.” Then I started thinking, “So Christ's love forces us to do stuff.” So I looked up “force,” which means, “power to influence, affect, or control.”

When we accept and have Christ's love it powerfully influences us to a course of action...that being to love and serve others. It doesn't just force you into an action, but actually changes who you are at your very core. It no longer becomes a matter of what you should do, but what you ought to do. It becomes who YOU are, or rather who CHRIST is in you. If Christ lives in you, you have no choice in the matter, you WILL be a new person. Romans 5:17 says,

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

That transformation can only come from Christ in you and only when you choose to submit to Him. So with all that said I can get to the real point...Christ replaces you. He destroys who YOU were and replaces it with who He is.

One of those ways of submitting to Christ is through prayer. There is a TON that can be said about prayer and I'm not gonna even scratch the surface of it. But since we're talking about loving others, prayer is a huge part of that. Prayer is one of the ways that we can lay aside our desires and seek those of God.

I’m going to confess something and it may make people gasp in disbelief, but understand this…I’m a flawed and fallen man (just like everyone else), constantly in need of God’s grace and mercy and through my daily seeking of Christ He makes me the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21) and causes me to look more like Him. So here it is…I don’t always like everyone. There are some people; they have even been in theSHIFT, that I’ve thought, “Man I do not like that person. I wish they would leave.” With that said I know that’s not ok and I seek God to change that in me daily.

BUT…EVERY time I’ve felt like that (and some took longer than others), because I love Christ and I desire to love His people, I didn’t just let those feelings settle. Instead, I would seek God on it, ask Him to reveal the deeper issue, pray that God would lead me through it, sought wise counsel from those in authority over me and those close to me, and then I would go to that person. But I would go to them in love, not to attack them. Here’s what I found…through all that God didn’t change the other person, He changed me. He changed my heart for the person, exposed my short comings as they related to that particular person and changed the way I saw that person. Every time I sought God (with the right motives and truly seeking His heart) I changed, not the other person

Here’s the bottom line: Some of those people are still doing the same junk that annoyed me before, but that’s not for me to be concerned with and really it doesn’t bother me anymore. My concern is that there are things that God still needs to change in my heart. Because I love God and I desire His heart, I submit myself to Him and allow Him to replace me. In submitting to Christ and seeking His character, the Holy Spirit changes you and you start seeing people as God sees them: as the object of His affection and love. If you submit to Christ and accept His love, you will be compelled to love others the same way He loves you…you WON’T have a choice.

Glad I don’t get to choose,
Bruce

The Way It Was

2010-08-03T23:31:00.005-06:00

Being in the military something I hear often is, “At my last base we...” or “The way we used to do it was...” The impression is that the way we used to do things is always better than the way we are doing them or are leading toward doing them. That way of thinking never made sense to me. As if the type writer was a better, more effective method of doing paperwork than the computer. Or propeller planes were more effective than the amazement of technology that we call jets.

What I've realized in the last few years is that those type of comments are not exclusive to military life. It seems that it is a prevalent way of thinking in most areas of our culture, ministry being no exception. The more I hear that stuff lately the more I wonder if the Apostles longed for “the way it was”. Specifically, when they were years into their ministry, facing persecution and imminent death, did they long for the days of old? The days that they physically walked with Jesus or the days of the early church when 3,000 people were added to the church in one day. I think they probably did. I have to believe that at the moment Stephen was facing death from stoning, while Peter was being crucified, as they were getting ready to throw James from the temple roof or the years Paul spent chained in prison, one if not all, longed for the “good old days.” Who wouldn't miss lounging with Jesus as opposed to stoning? But here's the thing...even though what they were facing was, well...death, they NEVER recanted on their faith. Their service to Jesus, their calling from Christ to advance His kingdom trumped EVERYTHING else. And it's because He changed them. Peter was no longer the same guy that blatantly denied Christ, Paul was no longer a murder and persecutor of Christians. They were different men all together.

That's the point of what Jesus does in us. We are to die to our old selves and be made new in Christ. In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul tells them, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 In Romans 12:2 he says, “Don’t copy [conform to] the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” We are NOT meant to stay the same, He means to transform our hearts, our minds, our whole self. He did not come so we would remain the same selfish, self seeking, hurtful and hurting people that we were before Him.

He came to save us, to love us and to reconcile us into the arms of His (and our) Father. 2 Corinthians 3:8 says he came, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” He came to change us into people that look like Him and reflect His glory. If we stay the same, we don't reflect Him. Jesus' love and everything else about Him says revolutionary, not relevant. He didn't come to relate to us, but to introduce a radical change in us that allowed us to relate to Him.

Bottom line is this...Christ came with the intention of changing us. That change is meant to draw us to a place that we desire to love people, advance His saving grace and see others changed by Him. We are NOT meant to hang out (that's a club) and we are not meant to focus on “the way it was.” We are meant to be so impacted by the love of Christ that we are transformed (made into something entirely different) for His sake. If your relationship with Christ is based on what was and not focused on what He's doing now, then you're not advancing His kingdom. No one that has ever sat on the side lines, ever scored a point. The aggressive player is the one that helps to advance the team. After all, “from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.” Matthew 11:12.

His kingdom is being attacked everyday, are you just gonna keep “sitting this one out”?

Seeking His Transforming Power,
Bruce

Update: My Son The Teacher

2010-08-03T00:03:00.001-06:00

This is actually the first time I've done an update on a previous post, but I thought this was worth sharing. I probably should have wrote this last month when I realized it, but I was pouring through some old blogs, came across "My Son the Teacher" and felt I needed to follow up to share the amazing things our God does.

Back on April 9, 2010 I wrote a post titled "My Son the Teacher" (HERE). In that post I talked about a kid in my sons 5th grade class that was so desperate for friends he brought money and was willing to pay other kids to be his friend. This boy was often reluctant to answer invitations to play with what the other kids were playing and instead often chose to walk the playground by himself. My son didn't take the money and concluded that he would just walk with this kid until he was ready to accept him as a friend.

Now, understand that both my sons are amazing young men, but Andrew has this heart for people that can only be given by God. He also hands out church invite cards by the dozens because he wants to see his friends in church. So after a couple weeks of just "walking" with this boy, Andrew gave him an invite card. Soon this boy and his family began attending Element Church (probably some time in the beginning of May) and Andrew was STOKED (really that's an understatement, but he was super pumped about it).

After a few weeks of attending Element, Andrew told me that his friend accepted Christ in Elevate (our children's ministry - lead by Pastor Derek, Blog HERE). Again...super stoked! So as if that weren't enough, I had the opportunity (I think during Element's Stripped Series - Sermon HERE) to witness the father of Andrew's friend answer the invitation to surrender his life to Christ. SO STOKED!!!

So here's the bottom line...two kids, one that just wanted some one to walk with him and one that was willing to, changed an entire family. That's God.

Super STOKED,
Bruce

Somebody To Love?

2010-07-19T23:46:00.002-06:00

This post is kind of a follow up to my last post, Loved People (HERE). Not really intended to be a part two, but more of a continuation. I've been thinking a lot about the whole "Loved People, Love People. Hurt People, Hurt People" idea lately.

Without argument, as I'm sure many would agree, that trying to show love to someone that either doesn't care or blatantly rejects it, is often very difficult...who talks like that, it outright SUCKS. So recently I found myself wrestling with that idea and actually said out loud to God, "This is hard. I just want to love someone that will reciprocate that love!" God's response to my heart was, "Me too." Ouch...straight punch to the face. That's when He started speaking this idea of loving without expectation to me (He spoke it through a friend). The intent being that you love people without any expectation of them. Not that they'll love you back, not that they'll be grateful, not even that they'll come to Christ. In fact, not only do you love them regardless, but we should expect to be rejected or hurt, at least in the beginning.

So then I started working on theVISION series for theSHIFT (website HERE). We’re talking about: Who We Are, What We Do and Why, When God Calls-How to Answer and Where We’re Called To. In preparing for this series, God keeps bringing me back to this unexpectant love idea. This week we talked about “What We Do and Why” and God broke my heart, like His does every day, for His people.

Without going too far into detail, here’s the jist of what we talked about.

God has called theSHIFT to do three things for the college/20 something in Cheyenne (Laramie County), WY.

They are:

1. To connect with them where they’re at in life.
2. To provide a community of acceptance, where love is experienced.
3. To challenge them to grow.

After that I really struggled to put to words why we do what we do and this is what God revealed (again, three reasons).

1. We love them.
2. We’re called to it.
3. We see a need.

Reason # 3 (above) is what broke my heart. In researching the need for Christ in this area I came across a 2007 report that listed Wyoming #4 in the US (we moved from #1 in 2006) for suicides. Of those, about 10 percent were between the ages of 15 to 24. Aside from that I poured over report after report that talked about hundreds of thousands of college age adults that (self admittedly) drink enough to be diagnosed as alcohol abusers, almost half a million that routinely have unprotected sex (a quarter of which were too intoxicated to remember if the even consented), and identified nearly 2,000 that die in unintentional alcohol related accidents every year. I also read a report that 76% of college age adults admit that they are looking for meaning and purpose in life.

Here’s the truth, 76% of college age adults are searching for meaning and when they don’t find it, they turn to drinking, sex, and some of them give up looking and end it. They are hurting each other, hurting themselves and they are literally DYING for what we have! We CANNOT and will NOT keep Christ to ourselves! That is what we are ALL called to…to share the love that Christ has poured out on us without exception or expectation. You want somebody to love? Look around...they're right next to you.

Hurt People, Hurt People. Loved People, Love People. (HPHP/LPLP - Part 5)

2010-07-08T22:18:00.006-06:00

So I haven't blogged in what seems like forever. And the last time I did blog, I was on this "community" kick and had a series of 5 blogs that revolved around what community is supposed to be. I am still on that kick and still intend to write those blogs, so soon I hope.

With that said I had to make time to write this one.

I was listening to a song by Manafest called "Wanna Know You" and there is a line in the second verse that really got me. It says, "Loved people, love people. Hurt people, hurt people." I recently read a book (for one of my counseling classes) by Dr. Sandra Wilson called, "Hurt People, Hurt People." It was about understanding why people that have been hurt continue to hurt others.

With that and for the last six months God has been really working on me about what it means to love people and ultimately Him. So that line in the song really struck me as something that is important for everyone that claims to follow Christ to understand.

Hurt People, Hurt People

commUNITY: Love

2010-05-05T22:51:00.001-06:00

Lately God has really challenged me to look at how I love Him, specifically what the outpouring of that love looks like. Through that I found myself kind of lost on how I actually show God my love. God's question was completely rhetorical and He eventually showed me that we are to show our love for Him by pouring it out on His people. Essentially, if we love God, we'll love the ones He loves (basically that's everyone else). He clarified through a number of ways (my devotional time, my youngest son) and I was able to flesh that out in a few previous posts. (My Son the Teacher & You Feed Them)

After clarifying the loving Him part, God started moving me toward what it means to love well and what forum is required for real, genuine love to exist. At theSHIFT we have a set of core values that revolve around four "Cs". They are Connection, Community, Challenge and Christ (my friend Thomas [BLOG love] has a great article on this if he'd ever post it). With that said I knew that community was important, but God began to show me just how important it is to this love relationship is. The idea is that when you connect people to each other and Christ, they begin to develop community with each other and Christ. Within community is where love, fellowship, accountability, worship, sacrifice and service to others occur. When that happens, Christ begins to challenge you to a place where you want to connect more people with Him. Then the cycle continues.

So, this post is meant to talk about community (there will probably be a few of them). I think the first thing that is important to get about community is that it's not just a place to hang out. Gospel community is a place where people that love each other, live openly with each other. They are honest and transparent within their community. They care about decisions others make and offer wise council and accountability. They gently, lovingly and firmly call each other out when one is engaged in sinful behavior. They worship, pray and fellowship together. They provide for each other generously and without grumbling. They don't backbite or seek to hurt others.

The key to community is love. Love is the foundation for everything. Christ identified two commandments in Luke 10:27, "You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus reiterated the need for love within community in John 13:34-35, which reads, "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." If you want to really know what community is supposed to look like, read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, that's love and that's community. The New Testament is filled with places that the Apostles tell various churches what it means to live in community with each other and all of them say to love each other. In Galatians 5:14-15 Paul says, “The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” In 1 Peter 3:8 Peter says, “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” And in 1 John 2:10, John says, “Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.”

The point is this: Love is what community is built on. If anyone says they are a part of a community and does not display the action of love, they are a liar and are only there to under mind what Christ is building. Once community is developed and love flows outward from it, everything else comes naturally; accountability, servant-hood, fellowship, worship, and sacrifice.

The last thing I'll say about love within community is this: the love within community should also draw and invite others in. The lost, unloved, unloveable and hurting should be attracted to community as a place where they will be accepted and loved. If people from the outside see your “community” and see jealousy, back-biting, gossip, selfishness, distrust and bitterness, they're gone. They won't come near you. That isn't community, that's the same thing that others, in the world, are trying to escape from. People should be able to find refuge, not refuse, in Christ's church.

My Son the Teacher

2010-04-09T06:51:00.001-06:00

This kind of goes along my post from the other day, You Feed Them, but it's been the thing that God has been trying to get across to me.

A few day ago my youngest son, Andrew, told me about a kid in his class that is so desperate for friends that he brought $100 in $20 bills and began handing them out to other kids to be his friend. I asked my son if he took it, he said no and that all the money was retrieved, the Dad was called and given the money. But I asked Andrew why couldn't he just be the kids friend and he said, "Well, I tried but all he does is walk around the playground. He won't play anything." So I said, "Maybe you could just walk with him. Then once he sees you're willing to just do that and really be his friend, then maybe he'll play." Andrew replied, "Yeah, I don't have to play all the time. I could just walk with him."

The thing is, that's all people want. They want you to walk with them. As The Church it isn't our job to wait for people to come to us, nor is it our job to drag people to where we want them or think they should be. People want us to walk with them and we have to be willing to go to where they are and just be with them. Once they see that our agenda involves no other item then to love them, then they will trust that we actually love and care about them. We are called to bring Christ and be Christ to them. Jesus told us to seek out the lost sheep and bring them home, but he wasn't saying to just make sure they made it through the church doors. He also told us to care for and feed His sheep and that must be done where they're at. If people don't recognize His voice, they won't follow Him. It's our job to introduce Him to them, where they are at, so they begin to recognize and find comfort in His voice. Then, and only then, will they follow us to the foot of His throne. If we know the way, we HAVE to share it with others and that can only be done through loving them to Christ. As Christ walks with us, so we should walk with them. They just want you to walk with them. Will you?

He's the Same!

2010-03-31T22:37:00.005-06:00

Last week I was in a class and there was some scripture that was presented. One was from the the Koran and the other was from the Old Testament of the Bible. The question was presented as to whether they were scripture from the same God. The argument was that the verse from the Koran was very similar in feeling as many Old Testament Bible verses. The verse from the Koran spoke of the wrath of God being poured out and read something like Jeremiah 25:31 which says,

“His cry of judgment will reach the ends of the earth, for the Lord will bring his case against all the nations. He will judge all the people of the earth, slaughtering the wicked with the sword. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

The Old Testament verse is unimportant, except that it dealt with God's love. The comment was made about the belief that the Old Testament is the portrayal of God's wrath, anger and justice and the New Testament is the portrayal of God's love and mercy. First let me put out there that the God of the Bible and the God of any other religion are not the same. Without accepting Jesus Christ as God, it cannot be God. With that said, I get so frustrated with the theory that the Old Testament holds one half God's character and the New Testament hold the other half. If you read the Bible, I mean really seek God in it, you cannot miss the fact that God is the same from Genesis to Revelation.

Yes the Old Testament is a reflection of God's wrath, justice and anger, but it is also riddled with God's true desire to be Israel's God and to pour out His love and mercy on them. So many times throughout the OT God pleads with His people to return to Him, so many times He promises to restore them, so many times He gives them the chance to turn from their evil ways. So many times He says stuff like “I - yes, I alone - will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.” Isaiah 43:25 or “And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God.” Ezekiel 36:28. These are undoubtedly signs of God's love and mercy.

On the other side of that, the NT is a reflection of God's love and mercy, but the NT also holds the greatest display of God's wrath and justice. Read about the crucifixion in any of the four Gospels (Matt 27:34-44, Mark 15:21-32, Luke 23:26-43 or John 19:16b-27), and you'll see God's wrath poured out. But you'll notice that His wrath was not poured out on His people. Instead it was poured out on His son, Jesus Christ. Romans 3:24-26 says,

Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

Here's the bottom line...the OT and NT are not two halves of the same God. God is unchanging throughout the Bible. He continually displays a desire to love and restore us to Him, and yes some times that means He disciplined His people (sometimes pretty harshly), and He still does today. But the difference is this, He saved up His greatest outpouring of wrath and justice for that moment when His son hung on that cross, beaten, bruised and broken. He withheld the full force of His wrath from us, knowing we were not capable of baring it and instead poured it out on the most precious part of Himself. And He did it for no other reason than because He loves us. That's it...He Love Us!

Knowing He's the Same,
Bruce

You Feed Them!

2010-03-30T17:42:00.002-06:00

This morning during my devotional time I was reading in Luke and noticed something I hadn’t gotten before. I was specifically reading the story about Jesus feeding the 5000, found in Luke 9:10-17. As I read I came to verse 12 which says,

Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.”

Then I read Jesus’ response in verse 13. It smacked me right in the face. Verse 13 reads: But Jesus said, “You feed them.”

Most of us know the rest of the story involves the disciples collecting a few fish and loaves of bread, in which Christ blesses them and everyone was able to eat their fill, with a lot left over. That part is amazing and I’ll address that in a minute, but today (for me) the main point of the story was not (as it has been in the past) that Jesus can do a lot with a little. Or that even a little faith can be multiplied, or that Christ can do the miraculous. All those are true and I assume others have learned so many other things from that story, but today the message in this story lies in three words found in verse 13 – YOU FEED THEM.

After reading those words I thought back to all the times that I (or someone I’ve seen or known) have come across or had a need brought to me and my first instinct was to send them away to somewhere or someone that could help them. I so easily identify with the 12 that said “send the crowds away.” Unfortunately, I think this is the church's response more often than not and that's not ok.

I’m not saying that it is the churches responsibility to actually feed EVERYONE who is hungry (although we should be trying to make a substantial dent in the number of people that are), but I am saying that it is our responsibility to “feed” those that are hungry for Christ (regardless of whether they know they are or not). What God spoke into my heart today is that those 5000 were out in a "remote place" because they knew that Jesus was there. They may not have understood why at the time (some may have), but they knew that they needed to be in His presence no matter what, even if it meant not having any food with them.

Instead of sending them away, we should be ushering them to His feet. When we do that Christ will not leave it to us to figure out how to feed them. He will provide the sustenance they need, just as He did with His disciples on that day. It is our job to know and understand where the provision comes from, then to lead people to Him, not send them from Him. We have to KNOW that Christ is our provider and through our seeking Him out, He will ensure we are fully equipped to handle feeding our 5000. We also need to understand that He doesn't simply provide "just enough". He overflows our baskets and expects us to serve beyond the 5000 in front of us.

I'll Feed Them,

Bruce

Love Him, Love Him, Love Him

2010-03-21T00:35:00.002-06:00

Just want to preface this by saying this will be a blog of quotes, for the simple reason that they all fit together so beautifully.

I just recently read Gene Edwards' book, The Divine Romance. First let me say...AMAZING book. This book will challenge everything you think you know about how and how much God loves you and will turn on it's ear the feeble understanding you have about what it means to love God back.

The book is written as a play and is told mainly from the view point of the angels. One of the most impacting moments in the book, for me anyway, is after God meets with Moses on Mt. Sinai and tell him that He will be Israel's God and they will be His people. He tell Moses to tell His people that the ONLY thing He requires of them is that they love Him. Later God walks through the Israelite camp and overhears people talking about how they will give their money and obedience to God, and how the will worship, praise and serve Him. God let's out a groan of sorrow and says,

“I did not require of you
your wealth nor coins of gold.
What need have I of these?
I did not ask of you
that you serve me.
Do I, the Mighty One,
need to be waited upon?
Neither did I ask you
your worship nor your prayers
nor even your obedience.”

“I have asked but this of you,
that you love me...
love me...
love me...”

So that was the beginning of my wrecking. I began to ask how and started trying to figure out God's love and what that exchange should look like. I knew God wanted our love, but to consider that fact that everything else is unimportant, even prayer, was crazy to me.

After The Divine Romance, I read a book by Brennan Manning called The Furious Longing of God. I bought them at the same time and little did I know it would be a great follow up book. It gives a very real and applicable approach to what God's love looks like in our life and how to reflect His love. (Let me throw a disclaimer out...I don't depend on Christian books for my understanding of the things of God, I read my Bible everyday and that is my sole source of truth.)

With that said, Manning, in speaking of God's love, warns us “to stay alert and aware, especially of God smiling at our silliness.”

Just prior to that he quotes, Ephesians 3:17-19 which says,

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” This confused me, because if we “have the power to fully understand” then how is it “too great to understand”?

Here's what I think it is, one of the things that God thinks is silly and smiles at us about is our attempts to not only beautify His love with our words, but also our attempts to make it understandable. The truth is, nothing we can say can convey the beauty or depth of God's love. What it ends up being is that we are but silly little children running around trying to learn the unlearnable things of God. God simply wants us to be still and know His love, but not in the intellectual/cognitive sense, but know it in a way that we experience it. Edwards says that while God loves us continually, He wants us to love Him with, abandoned, innocent, unbridled passion.”

The bottom line is that God wants nothing more than our love. The other stuff flows out of that love. Our worship, obedience, prayer, tithe should all be byproducts of our intense love for Him, not our obligation to Him. Just as Eve was built out of Adam's side to be his counterpart and reflect his love back to him, we, as The Church, are built out of God's side and made to be His counterpart and reflect his love back to Him. So how do we do it? First through spending time with Him. Consumption of His word (that 66 book love letter He wrote YOU called the Bible) and prayer are how you spend time with Him. The other is through loving others. The great commandment...Love you God, with all you heart, soul, mind and strength and love you neighbor as yourself. That means spending time with and loving other believers in gospel community. Jesus did say, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” ~ John 13:34-35

I love Him,
Bruce

Perpetually Broken

2010-03-06T00:10:00.002-07:00

I’ve had this post saved in draft since September last year, but I never really felt right about posting it. A couple days ago it came back around when I got the opportunity to talk to one of my discipleship partners about it. So, I started feeling like it was time to finish and post it, then we talked about it in Life Group last night and that confirmed it. So, here it is…

Over the last year and a half I’ve really began to understand just how important brokenness is. Christ's is a ministry of suffering, there is no way around that. If we choose to share in Christ's glory, Romans 8:17 says we must, not should, share in His [Christ's] suffering. Brokenness doesn't necessarily involve suffering as we understand it. But brokenness is the key to so much in God's Kingdom. God desires us to come to Him with a broken spirit. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” I've come to understand, through experience, that brokenness is where God teaches you. I've said it in a blog before, while God is present both on the mountain and in the valley, His purpose is in the valley (this is a spin off of something that my friend Thomas – his blog HERE – and I have talked about in the past). God uses the valleys, or the wilderness, to purify us, to teach us, to grow us and move us toward the promise He holds for us. While brokenness is vital to growing in Christ and becoming the person that God desires us to be, it's importance isn't the point of this post.

As I walked in and out of my various seasons of brokenness, I began to realize that God seemed to talk to me and direct my steps more as I was walking through the valleys. Not that He didn't when things were good, but there was, what seemed like, continuous interaction throughout the actual suffering. Once the season of brokenness lifted, there seemed to be a decrease in the amount of communication between God and I. I now realize that God became more silent to allow me to implement the stuff He had taught me. In doing so I was able to realize His purpose in that suffering and it helped me grow in faith and holiness. However, at that time I began to actually long for the days of suffering because I desired to hear from God. I began to look for opportunities that could be considered brokenness or suffering. Many times I would look at a circumstance that was less than desirable and call it suffering and brokenness. I was trying to live this life of brokenness that was fully based on my outside circumstance. In essence I believed that if I remained perpetually broken, then my connection to God would be more constant. I was fabricating this false brokenness hoping that it was the kind of brokenness God wanted, but in reality I spent more time trying to be “broken” than actually trying to seek Him more and use what He had taught me though that season.

God doesn't require the type of suffering or brokenness that comes from outside circumstances. Of course as Psalm 119:71 points out, that suffering is good for us and He does use it to teach us, lead us and even discipline us, but I don't know that He is looking for circumstances to define the brokenness that He desires. He desires our hearts to break for the things that break His, He desires our spirits to constantly long for more of Him. David is a beautiful example of what brokenness before God should look like. Even though he was a king and could have, and did, literally anything he desired, his spirit was always in agony because he desired to be closer to God, to know Him more. Through the Psalms David praises God, but he is constantly tormented by the thought of God abandoning him. He wanted God that bad and the thought of losing Him caused David to live in this constant state of suffering and brokenness.

Early Christian monks used to fabricate suffering in the form of physical punishment to their bodies, such as whipping themselves or banging their heads against wooden boards. They used this self inflicted suffering as proof of their piety. I think we often still do that, only we've traded in the whips and wooden boards for late bills and jobs we hate, but endure. That is not to say that God is not or will not use that suffering to teach us, but (and I know I have) we can often use that stuff as our evidence of suffering. Unfortunately, when used this way, instead of driving us toward God, as suffering for the sake of the cross should, these things cause God to decrease and us to increase as the focus of concern. This is backwards and only serve to drive a wedge between us and God's presence.

I also figured out that brokenness and suffering are not mutually exclusive. You can be high on the mountain and still have a heart that is constantly broken by the desire to know God more, to be with Him more and to want what He wants. I thirst for God and to thirst for God is one thing, but to desire to always thirst for Him is a whole other level of brokenness that I've not achieved and can't imagine what it would even be like. The bottom line is this: God does desire us to come to Him broken, but He doesn't want it to be fabricated out of the circumstances of life. He desires it to be a genuine suffering for the sake of Christ and a brokenness caused by a deep longing to be close to Him always. It's a longing that doesn't cripple you (because the truth is...you can't completely achieve that fullness here on earth), but drives you ever toward Him at a furious pace.

Broken,
Bruce

Desire - Part 2

2010-01-30T12:01:00.004-07:00

In Part 1, I spoke about knowing where the desire we have come from. Are they born out of your wants or are they there because God placed them there? If you are trying to fill the desires for the stuff you want apart from God, then you’ll be disappointed because what we desire is worthless. God longs to replace our desires with something real and perfect. So what more can be said?

It’s easy to say that I want my desires to be consumed with and fulfilled by God, but actually doing so fully and completely isn’t as easy. Sometimes, and I know this is true for me, we pick and choose what desires we want God to effect and hold onto the ones that we don’t think He will “get right”. We somehow convince ourselves that God is not capable of handling the stuff that is really important. We’re afraid that if we give every desire to God, He may not fulfill that desire the way we want and then it won’t be perfect, because if anyone knows perfect, we do…right?

I think this is a bigger issue than surrendering every desire completely to God. I think it has more to do with complacency in our walk with and refusal to take the steps toward growing in Christ. Our first desire should be Christ. He is the perfect fulfillment of every desire. If He is truly our first desire, all the other desires can be put into perspective behind Christ and more easily given to God. A.W. Tozer addresses this, by saying, “The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of Holy desire… Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain.”

Tozer said we should have an “Acute” holy desire for Christ. That means that our desire for Christ should be of “critical importance and consequence”. Our desire for Christ is so vital that without it Christ in His people will not be obvious or plain to others. Without people plainly seeing and experiencing Christ through His people, why are we here? Our desire for Christ is essential to showing others Christ, which is what He’s called us to. Then all of our desires will be from Him and fulfilled by Him.

Desiring Christ,

Bruce

Desire - Part 1

2010-01-25T15:17:00.001-07:00

Lately God has challenged me to evaluate where my desires originate from. For me it's a few specific things, but through that challenge God has revealed that it doesn't matter what the desire is for, but where it is born out of. Specifically, God gave me this question, "Are my desires born out of my wants or out of something that He placed inside me?"

So I spent days praying on it, meditating on what His word says and really struggling with answering that question. Then a few days ago, as is usual for God, He answered the question He asked, for me. Turns out it was rhetorical and He already knew the answer. For the record, this is always the case. God doesn't ask us questions because He doesn't know; He asks to get us to seek the answer through seeking Him and to draw us out into the open. (That last part is compliments of Thomas, who by the way recently joined the real world of blogging - check out his blog HERE. He still does myspace, but this is a huge step.)

The specific answer to my part of the issue is inconsequential, but the bigger answer was revelational (I know not a real word), for me anyway. The words that God kept pushing me to reconsider are found in Psalm 37. In Psalm 37:4 David says:

"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires."

I always thought that meant if I found satisfaction in God, He would give me what I wanted. I was kind of a lot, way off. What God revealed is this: When I get to a point where EVERY desire I have, no matter what it is, is consumed with God and fulfilled in Him, then He will give me the desires He has in His heart for me, to me and those will be the desires of my heart. Then and only then will He fulfill the desires of my heart. I know it sounds a little confusing and I tried to make it not, but that's what He said to me and it really does make sense if you read it 187 times.

The thing is this, we look at the desires in our heart and they look perfect to us. They look like gold and diamonds, but all the while they're pyrite and glass. They look like the real thing and we can talk ourselves into believing they are, but they're actually worthless. God looks at our desires and longs to replace them with something real, something perfect. It may not always be the material things you want, that new car or home, but what He does give is so fulfilling, none of that other stuff matters. In his book, The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer says it so simply. He says, "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in one." For the man that has his desires given to and consumed by God, he already has EVERYTHING.

You Don't Have to Like It, You Just Have to Do It

2009-12-25T21:50:00.003-07:00

Does God ever ask us to do things we really don't want to do? I don't know about you, but it seems like there are a lot of times that God tells me to do stuff, that without Him telling me, I would probably never do. So I think it's a pretty safe bet to say that God WILL ask us to do stuff we don't want to do. Maybe a better question is, Do we have to like everything God tells us to do? I was talking with a friend the other day about this (I'd give him a blog mention, but he still blogs on myspace. I thought they actually shut down myspace or that it got hacked and turned into a recipe sharing site, but he insists it is still functional as a social networking site.) Anyway, while talking about this, he mentioned God commanding Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.

If you're not familiar, God promised Abraham, when he was 99 years old, that he would be the father of many nations and that his descendants would number that of the stars in the sky. At this point in his life, Abraham had no sons. But God fulfilled that promise through Abraham's son, Isaac. Isaac was the hope and beginning of the entire Israelite nation. Many years later God commanded Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. Now, God did not actually want Abraham to sacrifice his son, it was a test of faith, but Abraham did not know this. Abraham had faith that God would take care of the situation and that God knew what He was doing. If Isaac was God's fulfillment of the promise to make Abraham the father of many nations, surely He would take care of this. But...imagine just for a second what Abraham must have been thinking. Not only was Isaac the way that God would fulfill His promise, but he was Abraham's son. It was his son, his only son and he loved him. In Genesis 22:2 God even acknowledges Abraham's love for Isaac by saying, “"Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love...”

Imagine the pain and frustration that Abraham must have been experiencing as he traveled, with Isaac, to the place of the offering, as he led Isaac up the mountain, as he bound his son (whom he loved) and placed him on the alter and finally as he raised the knife to offer his son to the Lord. I can barely comprehend the excruciating agony in all those tasks. How much anger, sadness, hurt, confusion did he carry? I' sure that he did not like or agree with what God had commanded him to do. Regardless of how he felt, Abraham did it. He was obedient to God. Now, he didn't actually sacrifice his son, but he went as God commanded. The Bible doesn't record whether he struggled with what God commanded of him, it simply says, “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.” (Gen 22:3) There is nothing written between God's commandment in verse 2 and Abraham's action in verse 3. Abraham just simply obeyed God, whether he liked it or understood it or not.

I don't think God expects us to be excited about everything He requires of us, but He does expect us to be fully obedient to everything He commands. Will we fall short? Of course we will, but we should desire to get to a point that when we hear the promptings and direction of the Holy Spirit, we obey them. Obedience is how we express our love to God. Being obedient in the things we desire is easy, real obedience is found in the things we don't understand or like. That is where God grows us and accomplishes God size stuff.

Pastor Tim Ross - Are You Worth Following?

2009-11-18T21:38:00.006-07:00

Now that I got that suffering stuff out (by the way, that is not the last post on suffering or brokenness. There is so much more to it, but that’s many other blogs.), I want to focus on some of the leadership stuff from RightNow ’09. Pastor Tim Ross, The Potter’s House, spoke a few times at the general sessions and I went to a couple of his break-out sessions. Pastor Ross had some great words from God about leadership. The first topic he spoke on focused on Philippians 3:17-19 and was titled, “Are You Worth Following?” Pastor Ross had so many important points; I’m just going to list them in a bullet format. Here’s the verse:

17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

- Paul is a confident leader. He tells others to follow him (imitate him). He’s telling them that if they want to be like Christ, then do what he (Paul) does.

-- This begs the question: If you told people to follow you, would they get to Jesus or something else?

- Unfortunately, there are people in the church that call themselves leaders, but their actions don’t match what they’re saying.

- Paul was unarguably a great leader and man of Christ. But what about his past? His past was horrible. It was riddled with bad stuff, stuff that was specifically directed at persecuting Christ.

- So what made him a good leader? What was different about Paul? Paul was different because his past propelled him forward. It didn’t hold him down or back.

- Paul was very honest about his past, he hid nothing. This drew people to him because they knew he was genuine and they could relate to him (and vice versa).

- What does that mean for leaders in the church today? It means we need HOT leaders!

-- Leaders that are Honest – Open – Transparent.
-- The truth is, whatever you are hiding, your followers can handle it. They are not fragile and they won’t be surprised at you past.

- How can we, in good conscious, pick up the Bible and find weakness in any of those leaders, but not see ours?

- Leadership is a calling!

-- If you are not called to it, it will kill you.
-- If you are called to it, it will kill you (it will kill who you thought you were).

- Being a leader in the church means you have to be an ally of the cross. Paul was an ally of the cross regardless of his past. Paul allowed the cross to transform his life.

- Part of having a transformed life does NOT mean omitting that you have wounds.

- When your followers see that God used you in spite of your wounds that gives them hope that He can use them.

- It’s an upside down kingdom. People don’t want to follow someone that they think can’t relate to them. Your followers want to know you’re wounded too, so they know you can relate to them.

Pastor Ross led a great discussion. There is absolutely nothing I could even feebly attempt to add. I’ll leave it with this, God became a man and suffered and was wounded. He didn’t need to go through everything He did. He’s God, He could have done it anyway He wanted to. But He chose that way. He did it so we could know that He could relate to us. He did it out in the open, for all to see, so we could know that He understands what we go through. He did it so we would know that our King can relate to us and us to Him. What makes any church leader today different?