Bridging Life...

It's Time for the POW!

2012-01-23T21:26:00.001-06:00

Most of you have probably had the OPPORTUNITY to hear Pastor's Duane's word for the year by now...It's TIME! If you missed a Sunday make sure you download the podcast so you don't miss anything.

EMBEDDED IN EVERY SEASON OF OPPORTUNITY IS INCONVENIENCE. WHAT WILL WE FOCUS ON...THE INCONVENIENCE OR THE HIDDEN DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY?

For about 3 years now I (Kris) have had a reoccurring dream that I was in labor, but I would never birth the baby! (Talk about frustrating!) On the first day of this year I had the same dream, but this time I held the baby! It's was time. I'm not sure what the baby is symbolic of (because believe me it's not a natural one), but it's time for us to see breakthrough and those "POWS" in areas where it's been nothing, nothing, nothing...in the past.

Since the first of the year we've had 3 "all clears" for cancer, and many other great testimonies of healing. Don't give up...it's time to see your POW!

Be encouraged by some of these great testimonies from The Bridge family:

Testimony by Tonie M: Received a bad report as a result of labwork last Friday. Had more blood draw and had to wait until Monday to get the results. Sunday morning Jimmie and I went to prayer partners Shawn and Rebecca Storey for them to be in agreement for my healing. Shawn told me that God showed him that God had already been taken care of and it was gone. So when we prayed we praised and thanked God for my healing. I received a call this morning from my doctor telling me the test came back normal. I am praising God that it was gone before I even asked. POW It's Time!!!

Testimony by Kim H. Some of you may have already heard our awesome news, but I'm gonna shout it from the rooftop anyway. GOD IS AWESOME!!! He just blessed our family with a beautiful 2007 Ford Explorer! After months of trusting Him to provide a vehicle that we could all fit into, an amazing couple felt led to bless us with a vehicle. So I want to encourage everyone who reads this to continue believing God for your miracle. He knows your need & He is so faithful! As Pastor Duane would say, "POW."

Testimony by Lucas E.: I just spent my entire day (daylight) in sunlight, studio light and fluorescent light, without a had or sunglasses, and have not had even a hint of a headache. This marks the first day I have been able to go without a hat or headache since November 6, 2010. IT'S TIME.

Keep them coming...

"It's Time" part 1, by Pastor Duane White from The Bridge Church on Vimeo.

New Year Revelations

2012-01-05T11:12:00.001-06:00

People spout out funny things for their New Year's resolutions with the best intentions. Sadly, many times they fade to forgotten indifference by the end of January. We believe in New Year's REVELATIONS at The Bridge. Revelation is a fresh understanding of God's truth in your life.

REVELATION: disclosure of truth or instruction concerning things once unknown; made visible or manifest (New Testament Greek Lexicon)

Resolution is our will-power or RESOLVE to change ourselves; Revelation is God's PERSPECTIVE and POWER to change us!

The beginning of the year is a great time to pray and discern God's leading and purposes for the next year. That's why every year we ask people to join us in some kind of fast, whether it's food (many of us do the Daniel Fast), coffee (oh Lord, help me!) TV, Facebook, or whatever the Lord directs you in. Read and pray Ephesians 1:17-19 every day in January, believing that God is "enlightening" the eyes of your heart and aligning it with His.

Goals are great, we all need to them to keep us focused and from following the shiny objects appearing along the way. The great thing about REVELATION is realizing when my goals line up with God's plan, then HIS POWER backs it up--not my resolve and fading will power!

DON'T MISS THIS SUNDAY WHEN PASTOR DUANE WILL DELIVER THE WORD FOR THE YEAR!

CHECK IT OUT...

Need a great Bible reading plan for the New Year? I love this one by NavPress. It mixes it up with a reading section from the Old Testament, the Gospels, the Epistles and then Psalm and Proverbs. The other great thing is each month has 25 readings, so if you miss a day it's easy to catch up. Check it out... The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan

Info about Daniel Fast and recipes: www.daniel-fast.com

(Note: Check with your doctor to make sure it is healthy for you to fast.)

Courage to Lead On All Levels

2011-11-29T09:48:00.001-06:00

I just read a Forbes article entitled, "Where Are Our Leaders? Blaming and Dividing" describing the leadership crisis our nation is suffering. The author proclaims,"Leadership is easy when times are good. But times are not good today and they may get worse."

A leader always asks this question, "If EVERYONE does what I do, what would the world look like?" Take a minute to think about this question. If everyone stole stuff from work, what would the company look like? If everyone picked stuff up around the house like I do, what would the house look like? If everyone obeyed the traffic laws like I do, what would the streets be like? If everyone was always 15 minutes late, what would happen?

Gideon is a great inspiration for the courage to stand up and lead on all levels. In his day the children of Israel were terrorized by the Midianites because they had turned from the Lord. Just as their crops were ready to harvest, the enemy would swoop in and burn them. Just as their cows were fat, they would steal them! Does this seem familiar in your life? Just as you are on the verge of harvest...the enemy seems to steal it! Don't give up!

LEADING was the last thing on Gideon's mind. He was much more concerned with SURVIVING! But, the Lord had a greater plan for him by calling him to LEAD on these levels...

1. Courage to LEAD yourself. (Judges 6:10-15)

Out of hiding.
Out of dysfunction. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress. (vs. 11)

Dysfunction: a behavioral pattern that undermines the stability of the original purpose or function.
If Gideon had continued to do this, his children would think it was normal to thresh wheat in a winepress! This is where our society is today. Kids think it's normal for dads to live, and for parents to divorce. Dysfunction can become the norm, but just because everyone thinks that 2 + 2 = 5, does not mean that it is the truth!

Listen to Pastor Duane's message on "Leading On All Levels"

Out of weakness. (vs. 15) Gideon gives all the excuses to disqualify himself from leadership, but God calls him because he would be a testimony to His strength. The problem in Gideon's mind was not if God was able, but if God was able through him!

2. Courage to LEAD at home. (Judges 6:25-32)

Gideon had to remove the idols from his father's house and replace them with righteousness.

3. Courage to LEAD a few others who have courage. (Judges 7:1-8)

Courage to CHOSE & REFUSE

2011-11-21T13:17:00.001-06:00

I flipped through television channels on our satellite guide the other day amazed at all the choices transmitting through space into our TV. All these choices, and I have the power to chose what plays on the screen. Sadly, many of us lose the courage to chose what voices we answer to and which ones we refuse.

One of the greatest gifts God has given us is our freedom to CHOSE. We decide. Even if someone else makes us conform to certain rules -- no one can chose our heart's interior attitude but us. Like the little boy who proudly stated, "I may be sitting down on the outside, but I'm standing on the inside!"

The life of Moses teaches us the importance of choosing and refusing. Here's the three things we talked about last Sunday at The Bridge...

1. The Courage to Chose the CALL and Refuse the CROWD

Listen to Courageous Living pt. 3

Yesterday, I had random people in the audience start calling my cell to interrupt me speaking. Every time it rang -- I had to chose, "Do I answer it? Or, do I refuse it?" We need God to give us the courage to answer HIS CALL, and REFUSE the crowd's!

Hebrews 11:24 "By faith Moses...refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward."

Moses faced the burning bush (Exodus 3) and had to make an important choice...Do I answer THE CALL or do I remain complacent. Matthew 22:14 says, "For many are called, but few are chosen." We need the courage refuse the crowd and CHOSE TO BE CHOSEN.

God's divine invitation is sent to us all, but must chose to accept it.

Revelation 3:20 "Here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." If you read the verses, before this you find the church at Laodicea did not have the courage to CHOSE and REFUSE the right things and became lukewarm.

2. The Courage to Chose Correction and Refuse Condemnation

It takes courage to be corrected! No one enjoys it. It's not fun, but it's necessary to improve.

Correction: adjustments made to increase accuracy and proficiency.
Anyone that plays a sport knows that small adjustments can make a big difference!

We know that God corrects those He loves (Rev. 3:19). In Numbers 20: 8-12 we see how God had to correct Moses for his disobedience in striking the rock instead of speaking to it. The interesting thing to me is in verse 10 where Moses asks the people, "must WE (meaning he and Aaron) bring water from his rock?" What did he mean WE? How many miracles had he seen GOD perform and now it's come down to he and Aaron to do it? The Lord corrects him and says...

"Because you did not trust me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I will give them." Numbers 20: 12 NIV

God had to correct Moses as a model for the people. If God can't correct us, how can he correct those we influence...our children...our employees?

The beautiful thing to me is how God wants us to humbly receive correction but not CONDEMNATION! Condemnation is the feeling of hopeless penalty and judgement, like we are sentenced or doomed to be unloved and without God. Even though Moses would not enter the promise land himself, God took him for a redemptive walk up the mountain and showed him the land, assuring him that his children would inherit it!

Romans 8: 1 "There is therefore no no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus..."

3. The Courage to be Thankful and not Cynical

What is cynicism? It's a bitter or sneering distrustfulness of anything that looks good. One person said a cynic is the person that sees flowers and looks for the funeral!

We read Moses' song of thankfulness in Exodus 15 after crossing over the Red Sea. The people are dancing, praising and thanking God for delivering them from all their enemies...until 3 DAYS LATER...and they have no water! Suddenly their thanksgiving turns to cynicism.

In verse 22-27 we see how the people finally came to water, but when they drank they discovered it was BITTER! Here, Moses could have joined the people in their whining and CYNICAL complaining, but instead he "cried out to God" (vs. 25) and showed him a piece of wood to place in the water and it turned it SWEET. The wood is a redemptive foreshadow of the cross! The only way we can remain thankful and inoculated to cynicism is to apply the cross to all our bitter waters!

May your Thanksgiving holiday abound with thanksgiving and refusing cynicism from any disappoints from this year. Through the power of the cross, we will overcome!

Courageous Living - part 1

2011-11-15T13:21:00.001-06:00

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon

Many times I have heard Joyce Meyer say, "Just do it afraid." If we are waiting for the feeling of fear to disappear before we obey, we never will! Pastor Duane read many documented phobias that paralyze people with fear such as hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, the fear of long words, or anarachibutyrophobia, the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth. While we know phobias are real and serious--just watch Hoarders on A & E and you quickly realize how fear can define and immobilize your life! But, the majority of us might not struggle with a phobia per se, but FEAR threatens with a different voice. It finds many persuasive agreements to talk us out of our promise...

One that says... "You'll never live up." "What will people think of you?" "If I love, I'll just get hurt." "How will I make ends meet?" "What if I try and fail?"

Disappointments try to rob us of our DIVINE APPOINTMENTS! Just as God told Joshua after a surprise defeat in Joshua 7:13, "Get up, sanctify yourselves for TOMORROW..." There will be a TOMORROW if you will rise up in courage and not quit!

Listen to Pastor Duane's encouraging message that will help you find the COURAGE to walk in faith, hope and love!

Courageous Living pt.1 www.findthebridge.com

The Valley of Stalemate

2011-11-10T10:14:00.003-06:00

We were so blessed with a wonderful message by Pastor Jack Groblewski last Sunday at The Bridge entitled, "The Valley of Stalemate." Pastor Jack had a great take on the classic story of David and Goliath and the call to face our giants with courage.

Pastor Jack Groblewski speaking - www.findthebridge.com

Just in case you were wondering...
Stalemate: a position or situation in which no action can be taken orprogress made; deadlock
In the game of Chess a position of the pieces in which a player cannot move any piece except the KING!

Have you ever felt you’ve come to a stalemate in life? Or inan area of your life? It's time for the KING to move and take down the giant to seeprogress! Read Duet. 20:4.

“Courageis not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testingpoint.” - CS Lewis

This month we are starting a new series called COURAGEOUS LIVING. If you haven't seen the movie, Courageous, see it this weekend! http://www.courageousthemovie.com/videos

Bridges 2012 - This Week!

2011-10-30T23:02:00.000-05:00

Join us this week for the annual BTS Bridges Leaders Conference -- Nov. 3-4! We are so excited about all our friends traveling from around the world including, Bishop Tony Miller, Stuart Bell and Jack Groblewski. I can't wait for The Bridge to hear our friend and amazing speaker--Jeff Lucas.

Jeff Lucas www.jefflucas.org (Don't miss Jeff Thursday & Friday!)
Duane and I had the honor of meeting Jeff when we lived in Lincoln, England. He is a very busy and sought after speaker, but we were amazed at how he took the time to get to know us. Jeff is the real deal and what you see is what you get. He'll have you laughing so hard you're about to pee your pants and crying the next. When we moved to England I was in a great need for a change of pace. I was drowning under the stress of trying to figure out the demands of being a minister's wife, raising three kids while my husband was traveling full time, and managing a full time job. I felt like I was on the brink of burn out with everyone's opinions of what I should "live up" to be and God sent Jeff's book, Lucas on Life, like a special delivery to my heart. (My favorite chapter is Surviving Cynicism.) I cried through most of the pages, as God peeled religious expectations and burdens off my heart and energized me with a fresh revelation of GRACE. Here's some quotes from this book to encourage you and don't miss him this week!

"Perhaps it's as well to know that God is not waiting for me to be complete before loving me. He considers me his workmanship: scaffolding, broken tiles, wonky bricks and all." - "Under Construction" pg. 43

"We rightly fear cynicism: the cancer that so readily strikes the hopeful. The cynical heart is freezer-cold, unable to be warmed by the God who really does come and work among people. Cynicism takes the tenderhearted worshipper and turns him into an arms-folded spectator, a scowling analyst with a stopwatch and clipboard under his arm, and a bless-me-if-you-dare expression on his face...There is only one cure for cynicism-we must repent of it. It is unbelief by another name." "Surviving Cynicism" pg. 57

"But isn't the gospel call far more than 'four spiritual laws'? Isn't it a warm invitation to a life-long friendship with Jesus, a Companion and Leader for the here and now? How did we reduce a banquet invitation to being a summons to a courtroom, a legal deal struck with a judge, rather than a homecoming to a Dad who always has the barbecue waiting?" "Angry From Chichester" pg. 82

Join us this week...Nov. 3 & 4 at the BTS Bridges Conference.
For more information click the DEEPER logo.

Knee Jerk Reactions

2011-10-27T10:28:00.004-05:00

I'm sure you've seen or had the doctor check your reflexes and hit you in the knee to see how you'd respond. This practice birthed the phrase we use today of a "knee jerk" reaction or response. The Farlex dictionary defines this as...

" immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive..."

These "knee jerk" reactions cause us to be a real JERK to others! This parallels the wisdom from Proverbs 12:18...

Proverbs 12:18 Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(NRS)

Today I faced a challenging situation, and I heard the Lord say to my heart, "Don't have a knee jerk reaction." I knew what He meant. Don't respond from my IMMEDIATE emotion, but seek God for the truth. Many times there's more mess to clean up from HOW we react to a situation than the situation itself. If we restrain our first impulse, and pray--His peace will come and instruct us how to wisely walk out His will for the circumstance. We can start to see how He works all things for good if we aren't too occupied with expressing the bad!

I'm praying today to have the mind of Christ when the enemy hits us "below the belt." May we respond with God's answer and not our first RASH emotional eruption. Let our words sow seeds of healing, not the turmoil of a rash and fleeting emotion. There will be much less carnage to remove if we will.

Beyond Feast to Famine Living

2011-10-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

MONEY! Yes, experts say money arguments are a leading cause of divorce in our nation. The economy and America's financial well-being is a determining factor for many in choosing who will lead our nation. As they say, "Money makes the world go round," but does it make it go in the right direction?

Do we worship money by giving
it power only God should have
in our lives?

This Sunday Pastor Duane preached about wisdom from Proverbs concerning money. I (Kris) have to admit money issues have been a source of many disagreements in our marriage. (I'm sure you are so surprised right now!) It seems in most partnerships there is the SAVER and the SPENDER. (Are you guessing who is which one?) I do consider myself to have a shopping gift that is not always understood and appreciated by my husband. (Smiling) Duane mentioned how we have a "Spending Plan" instead of a "Budget" because the later word makes me break out in hives! But, yes I have come around to see the wisdom of staying in agreement and unity in our spending, giving and saving, because God commands a blessing on UNITY.

When you have a SPENDER mentality (or consumer mentality) the thought is--it's in my hand--let's have a party! Carpe diem--let's have a feast and some fun! Then the next morning you awaken to overdue bills and famine spreads across your bank account! But, of course the SAVER can be out of balance too--hoarding out of fear for the future instead of sowing. Early in our marriage, we began living on the "envelope system" where we put cash in envelopes for upcoming bills and for fun stuff (that was my favorite one--although, I do like having electricity too). There is a wonderful online program, called MVELOPES, that makes the envelope system relevant for our technology age. We use it for our "spending plan" and highly recommend it!

God has WISDOM to keep us in balance and help us properly steward what He's given us.

Proverbs 3: 9 Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. 10 Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.

I believe as we seek God and honor His word--we will see those BARNS BURSTING to bless this city and the nations!

To hear this week's message, Sink or Swim pt. 4, go to www.findthebridge.com.

From Duane's notes...

Let's look at 5 areas we can gain wisdom in our finances, primarily from Proverbs:

1. How we SEE money.

As A Tool - to be used for God's Kingdom purposes. It is not something to be grasped at or longed for, but simply received and used for good.That's why He speaks about so much about GREED. (1:19, 28:25, 15:27, 23:6-8)
Money is not evil - the love of money is evil. Money is an inanimate object, it takes on the character of the person using it. (1 Tim. 6:10)
Money is one of the BIGGEST competitors for our hearts. (Matthew 6:24)

2. How we SECURE money.

Honestly not dishonestly. (21:6, 11:1)
Faithfully not looking for a quick fix. (13:11, 28:20)

3. How we SPEND money.

Paying our bills (3:27, 3:28)
Not wanting what we don't have or can't pay for. (27:20, 21:25-26, Ecc. 1:8)
Not borrowing what we can't pay back. (Proverbs 22:7, 37:21)

4. How we SAVE money.

Proverbs 6: 6-7

5. How we SOW money.

General generosity (11:24-25)
Poor (14:21b, 28:27, 22:9, 9:17)
Tithing (3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-11)

Welcome Home

2011-10-20T23:48:00.001-05:00

Many of you know that one of our Bridge families has been in the process of adopting a daughter from the Ukraine. The process began in March and today--October 20, 2011--they returned to begin their life as a family. Lisa left at the end of August and traveled to the Ukraine to finish the adoption process. Two months and many adventures later, she returned home today as the mother of a new daughter!

As pastors we are blessed to make many hospital visits to hold newborn babies and witness the miracle of a newly formed family. Today we had the privilege of celebrating a new family, but instead of gathering at the hospital--we gathered at the airport. Instead of holding a newborn, we saw a newly adopted teenager run to hug her father. To say it was a moving experience is definitely an understatement! Jon jumped over the divider wall and ran to embrace his daughter. I couldn't help but think about how our heavenly father overcomes every wall to reach us.

He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us. Ephesians 2:14 (New Living)

Congratulations Hendrickson family & welcome home!

Are your words sinking your life?

2011-10-19T12:26:00.000-05:00

This month we are studying the book of Proverbs. God's wisdom helps us swim and overcome in life, instead of sinking in our present circumstance!

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

Pastor Duane shared six different types of words Proverbs teaches us. Take a little inventory of your words this week. How would you measure up in these categories?
1. Careless

There is LIFE or DEATH in our mouth!

Proverbs--15:28, 13:3, 29:20
2. Critical
Proverbs--11:12, 19:13, 25:24, Also look at Numbers 12:1-2 for an example of critical speech

"A critical tongue magnifies, exalts & exploits the bad or weak, and ignores or refuses to see the good."

3. Cancerous

Cancerous: any evil condition or thing that spreads destructively

Note: Many times proverbs calls these words PERVERSE (this is FROWARDin the KJ) words. (It means crooked, turned away from or rejecting what is right, good and proper; wicked or corrupt.)

TYPES:

a) Lying - Proverbs 25:28, 26:18-19, 12:22, 6:16-19, 19:5, 10:18

b) Flattering - Proverbs 26:23&28, 29:5, 28:23, 6:23-24, 7:21 (What's the difference in flattery and exhortation? The motive! Flattery is manipulative and self-serving; exhortation is to build up and serve another.

c) Gossip - Proverbs 16:27-28, 17:9, 1:9, 26:20-22, 18:8, 20:19

How do we STOP gossip from spreading like wild fire?

TEST: Would I say this if the person were here?

· Matthew 18: 15 --- GO to that personand work it out.

"Gossip is the Devil's radio." - George Harrison

4. Controlled
Proverbs--10:19, 21:23, 25:28, 17:27-28; Read James 3 about controlling the tongue
5. Constructive
Proverbs--14:1, 11:11, 10:11,20-21, 25:11, Hebrews 11:3
God framed the world with HIS words...He calls us to do the same!
6. Curing
Proverbs--15:4, 12:18, 16:24, 12:25, 10:11, 15:1, 27:9
Our words can bring HEALING!

Listen to Sink or Swim - pt. 3

What's your VISION for 2011?

2011-01-01T13:34:00.009-06:00

"The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but no vision." Helen Keller

VISION: act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be (dictionary.com) God's dream over your life to accomplish your divine mission. (Kris)

As we rang in the New Year, my daughter turned her video camera to a seven-year-old guest and said, "What do you want in 2011?" The little girl shrugged and shook her head no, then with a sudden inspiration shouted, "A puppy!" I took my turn next and started declaring what I am believing for this year, "I see a new church building for The Bridge!" The question starting turning in me and I began asking people what they "saw" for the coming year. Sadly, most of us resort to living our lives by whatever circumstances manifest in front of us, instead of living by FAITH--God's unseen possibilities before us.

The Hebrew word for vision, CHAZOWN, teaches us that true vision is divine communication and revelation from God through prophetic insight. It's God's dream for your life! As Proverbs 29:18 reveals, "Without vision, the people perish..." As The Message version says,

"If people can't SEE what God is doing they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed." (Prov. 29:18, MSG)

Many times the disappointments of the past blind us from the possibilities of today. I am inspired by the story of Blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52. He called out for mercy as Jesus passed by him, and Jesus responded by saying, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Without VISION for a better future, Bartimaeus would not have known how to answer!) He answered, "I want to SEE!" Jesus told him his faith had healed him and then Bartimaeus' vision became a reality--he could SEE! With his new "insight" how did Bartimaeus respond? He followed Jesus.

There are some important principles in this story for our sight recovery.

1.) First, there most be a cry for new sight. Every season of our lives requires new insight and revelation. Bartimaeus cried out for mercy as the Rabbi, Jesus, passed by. We must position ourselves in His presence and take the time to ask for His vision, not rely on our own "great ideas?"

"We are limited not by our abilities, but by our vision." (unknown)

2) It takes faith to step out and SEE into the unseen, before we see in the natural. If we can't see it, be can't BE it!

"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others." - Jonathan Swift

3) After Bartimaeus could see, he took action! He followed Jesus. It's not enough to have a dream or vision, but God will give us an action plan to take steps towards seeing our vision fulfilled. There's a deeper call in our relationship with God beyond just "seeing" to "being"--and becoming a disciple as we follow his steps.

"Vision without Action is a dream. Action without Vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference." - Joel Barker

What do you SEE for 2011?
What is God calling you to FLEE? (Put an end to and walk away from)
What is He calling you to AGREE and DECREE? (God has a word to put in your heart to speak out this year!)
What is He calling you to LEAD? (As we follow Him, we are called to lead others into God's purpose and vision for their lives too. As we receive vision and hope, we encourage others out of their blinding hurt and doubt too.)

This is our prayer: Ephesians 1:17-18--God open the EYES OF OUR HEART!

As we enter a month of prayer and fasting, let's believe God for fresh VISION!

Don't miss The Bridge, Sunday 9th as Pastor Duane shares the vision for 2011.

It's the thought that counts

2010-05-26T14:18:00.003-05:00

Week 20 of the 2010 Challenge: Psalm 31; Galatians 4-6

"The mind of man is the battleground on which every moral and spiritual battle is fought." (J. Oswald Sanders)

Why is our thought life so important? It's where every action begins.

Sow a Thought = Reap an Action
Sow an Action = Reap a Habit
Sow a Habit = Reap a Character
Sow a Character = Reap Destiny

Stop entertaining the enemy's lies. It's time to serve an eviction notice to every lie of the devil! Our hearts and minds are guarded by PEACE that passes understanding.

Philippians 4:7, 8 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

The Great Invasion

2010-05-19T11:41:00.003-05:00

2010 Challenge Scriptures: Week 19 - Isaiah 43, Galatians 1-3

This year are GOING BIG! B = Battle I = Invasion G = Generate. The I in "BIG" stands for INVADE, but before we can "invade" our promise land--we need God to invade us!

Invasion: to enter as if to take possession; to penetrate; spread over into

When God invades my inner world...

1. He changes my choices
2. He heals my hurts
3. He overcomes my obstacles
4. I surrender my secrets

John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease." When we think of this scripture, we usually get it backwards and think, "I have to decrease so that He can increase." I love how The Message version paraphrases this scripture saying, "This is the assigned moment for Him to move to the center, while I slip off to the sidelines." How does this power transfer and soul invasion happen? By, inviting Him to come into every area of my life, and praying to see things through His spirit and not through my temporary fleshly feelings--then my way begins to take a backseat.

God wants to come in and renovate some thing, have you given Him the permits?

What's worth fighting for?

2010-05-11T08:58:00.003-05:00

(2010 Challenge Scriptures: Week 19 - Isaiah 43, Galatians 1-3)

"Fight the GOOD fight of faith." 1 Timothy 6:12

Are you a lover or a fighter? My grandfather used to ask me that question, because I was a little spunky and seemed to be looking for a fight. Generally, people tend to lean toward either running from a fight (those who hate any confrontation) or starting them (those who initiate confrontation). In our personalities, balance is not something we walk in easily--it's something we learn as we yield to the Spirit. The fact is there is a time to fight and a time to hold still because the battle is not worth the risks. (Notice I didn't say a time to surrender, because we have the victory in Christ. There is no white flag waving here.)

Pastor Duane's message Sunday will get you thinking about what we are fighting "against" and what we are fighting "for". Joshua and Caleb were the only ones who had the revelation that the battle was not against the GIANTS, but for the promise land. The difference may seem subtle--but it's the difference between victory and surrender.

"Don't waste your time and energy fighting battles that have no spoils." When David went down to fight Goliath, one of the first questions he asked was what the reward for killing him was. Look at the major battles of your life right now. What are the rewards for the victory? Is it really worth fighting for? How many churches split or friendships end over trivial things like what color the carpet should be--in the scope of eternity, does it really matter?

5 Things Worth Fight For:
1. Inheritance Received - Joshua 1:1-3 Our promises from God are worth the battle.
2. Kingdom Realities - Matthew 6:10, Romans 14:17 What is the Kingdom about?
3. Local Church Release - Matthew 16:18 What's Jesus building?
4. Real Relationship - Ephesians 1:17 If my relationship Him is growing, so do all my other ones.
5. Races Ran Well - Acts 20:22-24, 2 Timothy 4:7-8 As I fight to fulfill my calling, I enable others to do the same.

We are GOING BIG this year. The months of May, June, July, August we will focus on the "I" in BIG which is INVASION! Arise, (strike your position) our day is here! (Joshua 1:2)

2010-04-26T23:35:00.002-05:00

Cause a Commotion! (week 16 Isaiah 42, 2 Cor.4-7)

If you didn’t quite understand physics at school then don’t break out into a cold sweat when I tell you that Pastor Kris taught us physics at the Bridge yesterday! Don’t worry…she admitted that physics didn’t make that much sense to her either but then she went on to explain Newton’s Laws of Motion in a way that made me think I’d actually have passed physics if she’d been teaching it! Anyway…her points, as always, made so much sense…I’m sure I’m not the only one who says ‘oh, I get it now’ every time she preaches! Newton’s Laws are so true in our everyday lives but what we really need are God’s huper Laws of Motion…the exceeding, abundantly, beyond all we could ever think, dream or imagine laws of God.

Law 1: objects at rest will stay at rest…also known as the law of inertia (or the law of the Sunday afternoon nap on the sofa!). Inertia = a dullness with regard to motion, inactivity, inaction, a lack of purpose or direction. As Kris said ‘the huper life of God needs to push us out of our inertia’. I wonder what areas of inertia there are in my life…where do I need a huper push from God?

Law 2: objects will move further and faster when they are pushed harder…if you’ve ever taught a child to ride a bicycle then you’ll know this is true! But in God’s huper laws, Kris explained that our momentum is a result of our yielding to the force of Heaven – the more we yield the further we go…yielding = obeying! Galatians 5:25 shows that we are created to move in partnership with God.

Law 3: for every action there is an equal and opposite action…or in the huper laws…there is always an opposing force resisting your momentum (see 1 Corinthians 16:9). But when that opposing force or pressure comes, how do we respond? Do we respond with the fruits of the spirit or our flesh? (Ouch, she asks some tough questions sometimes.) Kris said that when we respond in the flesh we end up doing the enemies work for him!

COM = with or together, MOTION = move…working with the Holy Spirit we can together, move the forces that are coming against us! We’re getting ready to invade, so what kind of commotion are you going to cause?!!

Lift Up Your Head

2010-04-12T16:34:00.004-05:00

Week 14 on the 2010 Challenge: Psalm 24 & 25; Romans 15

Psalm 24:3,4 "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, he who does not lift his soul up to an idol, or swear by what is false."

I have always read this part of Psalm 24 and thought, "Well, that leaves me out!" Boy, I've messed up too much! But, it is really encouraging to keep reading through the Psalm...

Psalm 24: 7-9 "Lift up your heads...that the King of Glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle...lift up your heads, O you gates, that the King of glory may come in."

This is the hope of the world. As we lift up our heads, up from our shame and sin, we see JESUS! He is the way, through the cross that we can enter in to "the hill of the Lord" or God's promise places from our life.

Bridge we are going BIG and "entering in -- in 2010" through the King of glory -- we will overcome!

Easter - Celebrating Life!

2010-04-05T16:29:00.005-05:00

Week 13 of the 2010 Challenge! Reading: Isaiah 41 & 1 Corinthians 12-14

We are still basking in the joy from this last Easter weekend. We are especially thankful for a team of young adults from England who came to help with the weekend. On Saturday we had a team of over 80 hit the streets of Denton to paint 3 houses, clean up streets and mow around 26 yards. We were amazed at how people came up to us and said, "I don't need my yard done, but will you pray for me?" We had the opportunity to pray and encourage whole blocks of people. As always, God not only touched the people we were reaching, but He changed us as well!

On Sunday, we had an amazing service from the great music and worship to our CSI (Cross Scene Investigation) message with over 30 decisions for Christ. In the foyer, our own Jake Hayhurst crafted an authentic cross that was breathtaking, causing people to stare in wonder.

Afterwards, we walked across to Traditions Field where 15,000 eggs and candy were scattered to be collected by eager little fingers. There was even an appearance by Spiderman and the Disney princesses. We are going BIG this year! We will continue to celebrate Jesus' resurrection life all year long!

Week 11: Do You "Shrink-wrap" God?

2010-03-23T10:53:00.005-05:00

Week 11 verses: Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 1, 2

Psalm 23: 5,6
You revive my drooping head, my cup brims with blessings. (6) Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. (MSG)

How we GO BIG to "enter in" this 2010...

1. By growing BIG. (Ephesians 4:11-15)
2. By finding the BIG in the small. (Luke 16:10)
3. By sowing BIG. (Luke 16:38)
4. By connecting to something BIGGER than myself. (Ephesians 4:16)
5. By speaking BIG. (Hebrews 13:5,6)
6. By knowing BIG. (Ephesians 1:17)

Reggie McNeal asks in his book, A Work of Heart, ...how many would be leaders turn away from the burning bush. Having decided their own destiny, they close themselves off from the call of God on their lives...They have SHRINK-WRAPPED God down to the size of their personal frailties and limitations...Not willing to risk or explore a world that has something besides themselves at the center, they never make it onto God's stage."

Can we let God be God and not limit Him to our past experiences, hurts or misrepresented ideas of who He is. His ways are BIGGER & BETTER than our ways -- let's trust His "Super-Sized" life for us instead of our own--shrunk by fear. We are GOING BIG!

The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. Proverbs 11:24 (MSG)

Week 10: 2010 Challenge

2010-03-17T00:33:00.002-05:00

2010 Challenge: Reading Isaiah 40 / Romans 13-15

Isaiah 40: 5 "And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it."

We believe this year God has BIG things to reveal to us that we will witness together--all ages, all races, all kinds!

We chose not to live small lives of offense and pettiness. We are GOING BIG by seeing the BIG in the small choices we make.

"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue other small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you!" - John Rohn

Week 9: Transforming into Big GROWTH

2010-03-08T11:45:00.006-06:00

2010 Challenge: Week Nine - Reading: Proverbs 2 / Romans 10 & 12

This year to Go BIG, we have to Grow BIG from the inside outside. That's what transformation is all about...

Romans 12:2 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. (NIV)

(The Message) Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well formed maturity in you.

The word transform here is the Greek word, Metamorphoo, which means to change from one form to another. It's the same word we use as metamorphosis, such as when a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. What outside forces are influencing your inner transformation?

Remember voices determine choices and attitude determines altitude. Without a constant focus on our life, we will be shaped our culture without even realizing it. We are called to be "reshaped and renewed" in God's presence where we know Him more and are able to live BIG in the things He's promised us.

Measure your growth in these areas:

1. In my Spirit: - When, where, how do I pray during the week? - Do I worship during week other than just Sunday morning? - How, when, where do I read my Bible?

2. In my Soul: (mind, will, emotions) - What am I doing to grow mentally? - Am I expanding my knowledge and intellect? - How do I work on my attitude? (Do I need to forgive an offense or let something go?) - How do I care for my emotional well-being?

3. Body: - Am I out of balance in any area? (eating, sleeping, exercise, coffee, soda, salt etc?) - Do I get plenty of exercise? - How can I live a healthier life style? -Am I teaching my kids healthy habits or teaching them to repeat negative cycles? - Do I have addictions I need to be delivered from? This week my small steps toward the change you want to see."Be the change you want to see."

"You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can your direction." - John Rohn

Determine an Action Plan this week to go in the right direction!

"Marching" On

2010-02-28T18:32:00.004-06:00

February 2010 is now history and MARCH is upon us. All this month at The Bridge, Pastor Duane will be sharing about "Going Big--entering in 2010."

Duet. 6:18 "And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore..."

The B in BIG stands for battle. This battle isn't so much a defensive battle, but an offensive battle--which involves going in and possessing the promises of God for this year. It dawned on me how ironic it is that we are beginning our study of "the battle" in March. It's time to MARCH ON!

Joel 2:7 "They charge like soldiers, they climb over the wall like warriors. They all MARCH straight ahead and do not move off their path." (New Century Version)

As we march forward, there will be giants in the land, "shiny objects" to distract us off the path, and the temptation to turn back. But, we are not those that shrink back and quit! We will courageously sojourn on and enjoy the "good land" God has promised us.

Hebrews 10: 39 "But we are not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way." (Message)

Have your received your MARCHING ORDERS for this year? Let's go... Right, Right, Right, Left, Right. Right, Right, Right, Left, Right.

"Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our MARCHING FORWARD." - Henry Ford

Eternity Begins Now

2010-02-25T10:10:00.004-06:00

Week 7 of the 2010 Challenge: Isaiah 35, Romans 5 & 6

Last week we talked about how Jesus came to give us abundant life now. (John 10:10) Once we are born again, we are born into the Kingdom of God. Eternity begins now!

Jesus doesn't locate his offer to us only in some distant future after we have slogged our way through our days here on earth. He talks about a life available to us in this age. So does Paul: "Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)... When we he hear the words eternal life, most of us tend to interpret that as "a life that waits for us in eternity." But eternal life means "unending" not "later". The scriptures use the term to mean we can never lose it. It's a life that can't be taken from us. The offer is life and that life starts now. Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, NOW we also may live NEW LIVES. (Romans 6:4) - John Eldredge, Waking the Dead, pg. 12

We are called to bring the power and rule of God's kingdom -- His Kingdom come, His will be done on EARTH as it is in HEAVEN -- into our families, our communities, our nation. This rule is not a forced government as the disciples thought, but a spiritual Kingdom of light, penetrating the darkness.

Colossians 1:13 " Who has delivered us from the authority of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the son of His love." (The Darby Translation)

I was inspired this week by an example of expanding God's Kingdom in the small. My daughter was blessed to have a special guest at her school who spoke about her experiences in Haiti following the earthquake. She went with a group of medical professionals to give aid. When they arrived, she was handed a small child that seemed to be an infant but not sure of its age. A man had found the child and said he didn't know what to do with it, because it was about to die. Surprised, the lady took the baby back to her room and made a baby bed out her suitcase, nourished it with what she had, and prayed for it. A few days later, the rest of the group was shocked and amazed when she put the baby down and it walked! It wasn't actually an infant, but a small child. That child will be raised in the church's orphanage and grow up knowing God's love.

This seems a small thing like this goes unnoticed. The media didn't report it, few will know. But, there in the middle of the darkness--the light of God's kingdom love saved a little child. Our daily choices reflect the light of heaven or is diminished by the pull of the enemy. Which Kingdom do you serve?

What's love got to do with it?

2010-02-17T16:49:00.016-06:00

2010 Challenge: Week 6 - Proverbs 1, Philippians Ch. 3 -4

We had a great Valentine's Day at The Bridge with some fun surprises. (You never know what might happen!)Pastor Duane has been preaching a series called, "Hey, that's my question." Sunday we looked at some questions on love and relationships. You can download it for free from the podcast.

It is so interesting how REAL LOVE, (Agape love) which is the unconditionally, purely unselfish, divine love of God answers so many of life's questions. You can see a life-size picture of this kind of love in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8. "Can I live with my boyfriend?" Answer: vs.4...Love is patient. "How long should I be mad before I forgive?" Answer: vs. 5...love keeps no record of wrongs. What questions are you asking that REAL LOVE can answer?

Our culture thinks love is a temporary feeling that you accidentally "fall into" when you least suspect it and "fall out of" when it doesn't serve your agendas anymore or provide warm-fuzzies. I'm all for warm fuzzy feelings, but they are a by product of emotion that comes and goes, like an ebb and flow of the ocean. Our feelings can't be trusted to make relationship decisions. They have to submit to a higher standard--Agape. LOVE IS A CHOICE.

Jesus said people would know we are his followers, by our love for one another. (John 13:35) Our prayer for The Bridge Community is that our love for one another will be a witness to the powerful love of God for them--"All ages, All races, All kinds!"

Yes, love is a risk. But relationship means so much to God, that WE WERE WORTH the risk.

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for while we were yet sinners. " (Romans 5:9 NLT)

Praising God for our Miracle!

2010-02-07T22:46:00.005-06:00

This weeks reading for the 2010 Challenge:
Psalm 16, Philippians chapter 1-3.

I call your name, Lord you reply, You bring your Kingdom and stand by my side... ("I Call Your Name" from Free Chapel, Moving Forward Album)

This was the testimony of Paul and Sonja this Sunday at the Bridge, as they thanked the church for standing by their side when they found out their 11 year old son, John, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had been struggling with lose of sight, fatigue, nausea, and many other side effects for months, and last week they finally discovered why. He had a massive tumor (10cm) on the front of his brain. He was rushed to Cook's in Fort Worth and surgery was scheduled to remove it.

The Bridge rallied prayer support for John and his family as they faced this staggering challenge. They were told John would probably not retain his sight, his memory, and even his personality and face a hospital recovery of four to six weeks. There were many daunting facts facing this brave, young boy, but his family choose to believe God's report was different.

John surprised The Bridge yesterday by walking out on the stage just 10 days after the diagnoses and surgery. Cheers and praises erupted from the crowd to see a walking miracle! We are praising God the tumor was not cancer, he has his sight, memory and his funny personality! The doctors were amazed at his recovery and we are praising God for John's healing! We know God has a special plan for his life. They did have to take his pituitary gland, but his body has adjusted amazingly.

We are also thankful to the doctors and all the staff at Cook's Children's Hospital for being an instrument of healing. We appreciate you!

If you are facing tremendous challenges and negative facts this week, discover what God's TRUTH is over the facts and stand in faith this week!

Walking by Faith -- You're Not Alone

2010-01-31T20:49:00.007-06:00

Week 4 into the 36 weeks (see 2010 Challenge) : Reading - Proverbs 25, John 14-15-16

John 14: 18 "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (KJ)

Entering the 4th Week of our 36 week in the 2010 Challenge, we now get to WALK OUT everything God's been speaking to us in the 21 days of prayer and fasting. As we walk by faith, He sends the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us -- holding our hand along the way.

I have been reading the book, Walking With God by John Eldredge. It gives a vulnerable look into his journals, and shows how he walks with God through the challenges and celebrations. I thought this passage was poignant...

"When it comes to crises or events that really upset us, this I have learned: you can have God or you can have understanding. Sometimes you can have them both. But if you insist on understanding, it often doesn't come. And that can create distance between you and God, because your upset and demanding an explanation in order to move on, but the explanation isn't coming so you withdraw a bit from God and lose the GRACE THAT GOD IS GIVING. He doesn't explain everything. But he always offers us himself."
John Eldredge, Walking with God

No matter what circumstance we are facing--He wants to be there with us to help us through it. Invite Him into your every day life, invite him in to heal your past--no matter how messy. He longs to walk out this journey of life with us--as a great adventure! Our life is not meant to be an episode of "Survivor" where God is watching from the sky wondering if we'll go the right direction, eat something poisonous, or be able to hack the elements. He is there with us taking our hand, and guiding us along the way. You are never alone. (Read John 14 & 15)

Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me. Psalm 23: 4 (NCV)

21 Days Ends Sunday--Join the Celebration!

2010-01-27T10:26:00.004-06:00

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the conclusion of the 21 days of prayer and fasting with testimonies, special music and Duane's final message in the Faith For the Future series. WE ARE ALSO STEPPING OUT IN FAITH FOR A FUTURE "BRIDGE BUILDING" AND TURNING IN OUR BUILDING PLEDGES!

Challenged to GROW
(Watch funny video from Sunday by clicking on pic.)

Yes, we've almost completed our 21 days of prayer and fasting for the 2010 Challenge! In these past weeks God has really challenged me personally to receive a NEW STRENGTH for this decade.

Isaiah 40:29-31 says, "Those who WAIT (hope in, expect) on the Lord will gain NEW STRENGTH, they will mount up with wings as eagles, they will run and not get tired, and they will walk and be weary."

I found myself frustrated a few weeks ago and couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. (Ok, lack of coffee might have been part of the problem, but I knew it was deeper than that!) Then during morning prayer, I felt God showing me that I couldn't go into this year with the same faith of last year, or the same power--I needed a NEW STRENGTH, which meant I was going to have to grow!

Psalm 84:7 - "...we go from STRENGTH to STRENGTH before we appear before Him..."
2 Corinthians 3:18 - "...transformed from GLORY to GLORY..."
Romans 1:17 - "...revealed from FAITH to FAITH..."

I so appreciate how God never expects us to be perfect, but to keep growing and being "reshaped" from faith to faith, strength to strength and glory to glory. I once heard a great man of God say, "The price of greatness is your ability to be RESHAPED." During this last week of the 21 days, let's ask God how He needs to grow and reshape us, and give us the STRATEGY we need to walk out the 36 weeks!

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to SHAPE the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended SHAPE of our lives there in him. Romans 8:29 (Message)

Take the 2010 Challenge

2010-01-10T21:33:00.007-06:00

Challenge: a call or summons to engage

It's the beginning of a new decade! We want to begin this decade with "Faith for the Future" by discovering God's dream over our lives for this year and the next decade to come. That's where the 2010 CHALLENGE comes in...
36 hours (to de-tox from negative thinking) / 21 days (fasting and prayer for our future) / 36 weeks (to walk out the vision).

Note: If you missed the starting date--just begin now!

36 hours – This first 36 hours is a detox of all fearful, anxious and negative thoughts. It is 36 hours to reset your direction by only thinking and speaking things that are in agreement with God’s dream over your life. In these 36 hours we’ll focus on the promises of God instead of complaining about the problems. (See special verses for this time, but write out your own that God gives you for your specific circumstances.)

21 days – They say it takes 21 days to form new habits. The next 21 days is a focused fast* and time of prayer. (You can choose to do a different fast each week.) We believe for God to speak to us about his dreams over our lives, to reshape our hearts and to change our mindsets. During this process keep a journal about what God is speaking to you and write out what your goals are for this year spiritually, physically, and financially. (It's also great to add goals for your family as a whole.) Write out your “Declaration of Faith” and pray it out loud. We will focus praying and believing the Apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17-20. Ends January 31, 2001.

36 weeks- In the next 9 months continue to walk in your new revelation and healthy habits formed from the 21 days. Look at your list of goals or what you’re believing God for in 2010 and make an “Action Plan” of practical steps to see your dream come true. Share your goals with someone to hold you accountable and keep a weekly journal of your progress. Read and mediate on the weekly verses provided. Ends September 19, 2010.

As we take the 2010 Challenge, The Bridge is “entering in” to all God has for us in 2010!

Listen to the video message "2010 Challenge" to hear Pastor Duane explain the challenge, and how to discover God's dream over your life.

Scripture Guide:
Write these out in your journal or note cards where you can see them throughout the day. Make sure you have a translation you can understand. For more in-depth study, or to look up different translations go to www.biblegateway.com or www.crosswalk.com.

36 Hour Detox:

Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 18: 20-21, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:23 & 29, Colossians 1:9
Add other scriptures of personal promises to you this year

21 Day: Read through the book of Ephesians, specially praying 1:17-20 over your life every day. Continue declaring the other verses the Lord gives you.

36 Weeks:

Week 1-3 – as above

Week 4 – Proverbs 25, John 14-16; Week 5 – Psalm 16, Philippians Ch. 1-3; Week 6 – Proverbs 1, Philippians Ch.3 -4; Week 7 - Isaiah 35, Romans 5 & 6; Week 8 – Psalm 18, Romans 7 & 8; Week 9 – Proverbs 2, Romans 10 & 12; Week 10 – Isaiah 40, Romans 13-15; Week 11 - Psalm 23, 1 Corinthians 1 & 2; Week 12- Proverbs 3, 1 Cor. 4-6; Week 13 - Isaiah 41, 1 Cor. 12-14; Week 14- Psalms 24 & 25, Romans 15; Week 15 - Proverbs 4, 2 Corinthians 1-3; Week 16 - Isaiah 42, 2 Cor. 4-7; Week 17- Psalm 27 & 28, 2 Cor. 8-10; Week 18 - Proverbs 5, 2 Cor. 11-13; Week 19 - Isaiah 43, Galatians 1-3; Week 20- Psalm 31, Galatians 4-6; Week 21- Proverbs 6, Colossians 1-2; Week 22 - Isaiah 44, Colossians 3-4; Week 23- Psalm 34, 1 Thessalonians 1-5; Week 24- Proverbs 7, 2 Thessalonians; Week 25 - Psalm 37, 1 Timothy 1-3; Week 26- Isaiah 45, 1 Timothy 4-6; Week 27 - Proverbs 8, 2 Timothy 1-4; Week 28 - Psalm 42-43, Titus 1-3; Week 29- Isaiah 52, Philemon 1 & Hebrews 1-3; Week 30 - Psalm 51 & 52, Hebrews 4-6; Week 31- Proverbs 9, Hebrews 10 & 11, Week 32 - Isaiah 54 , Hebrews 12 & 13; Week 33 - Psalm 62 & 63, James 1-3; Week 34 - Proverbs 10, James 4-5; Week 35 - Isaiah 61, 1 Peter 2-5, 2 Peter 1; Week 36 - Psalm 118, 1 John 1-5.

Bridging into the Community

2009-11-06T14:07:00.003-06:00

Since The Bridge started over 2 1/2 years ago, something exciting has begun to happen...the community is coming to us asking for our partnership. On Friday October 30th The Bridge Church was asked by Lee Elementary school to partner with them in their Fall Fair. Armed with bounce houses, face painting, animal balloons, a whole bunch of candy and a group of excited Bridge volunteers we had a great opportunity to serve the school, families and the city of Denton in a real, tangible way! It always amazes me that such a seemingly insignificant act such as painting faces can have such a huge impact on people’s lives. Watching the kids faces when they walked around the corner and saw the bounce houses and the friendly faces of The Bridge volunteers showed how easy it is to have an impact in people’s lives. With over 1000 people turning out from the community the event was a huge success!
- Pastor Jamie

Two Times for Ladies Bible Study!

2009-09-23T21:46:00.004-05:00

Hey Girls, now you have two opportunities to participate in the study "Me, Myself and Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild. We are meeting at the office on Thursdays AM: 11 - 12:30 (with childcare) and PM: 6 - 7:30 (no childcare).

Even if you miss the first sessions, you are welcome to come at any time. Each lesson is really awesome. You can view Jennifer's testimony and preview the study by clicking on the link. It is truly thought and life changing! Don't miss out on your "thought closet makeover!"

Second Start

2009-08-20T12:50:00.014-05:00

"So many fail because they don't get started--they don't go. They don't overcome inertia. They don't begin." - W. Clement Stone

It's that time of year, again--back to school, and good-bye to summer! (Yes, I can hear all the parent's thundering applause!) Just as it's the beginning of the Jewish New Year, it's also like a SECOND START for us as classes resume and we anticipate the Fall and the rest of the year.

Could anyone use a SECOND START to this year? It's time to begin again. As W. Clement Stone said, "...so many fail because they don't start...they don't overcome inertia." What's inertia? It's "dullness with regard to motion and action; inactivity, sluggishness, unresponsiveness." Just as the Texas heat drains the energy out of you, so can disappointments, hassles, and struggles deplete the motivation out of you to "get going" and do the things you know God has called you to do. Need a push? God longs to be the power and energy in us that overcomes our inherit human inertia. (Phil. 2:13) I am challenged by what the Spanish writer, Baltasar Gracian said, "Dreams will get you nowhere; a good kick in the pants will take you a long way." For a SECOND START we need to look at where we have failed before and make hard choices for lasting change.

I am so happy our God authorizes SECOND STARTS. God is handing you a new notebook, a sharpened pencil, and a fresh start. Remember those dreams and goals you had at the beginning of 2009? Let's overcome the inertia of fear and procrastination and see them fulfilled.

Zechariah 10:6, "They'll get a FRESH START as if nothing ever happened. And why? Because I am their very own God, I'll do what needs to be done for them." (The Message Version)

We had lots of people get "FRESH STARTS" at The Bridge a few weeks ago when they were baptized at our annual Waterpark Outreach.

For more inspiration on Overcoming Inertia, check out...

Great Sunday in Texas and Virgina

2009-08-03T01:34:00.005-05:00

Duane and I were honored to spend today with a wonderful church in Harrisonburg, VA while Billy Epperhart preached at The Bridge Denton. We had great reports from both services--I'm sure that The Bridge Marianna and Brazil were awesome too! It's really hard to be away from everyone at The Bridge on Sunday mornings, but I'm thankful that God is always there no matter where Duane and I happen to wake up!

What is good?

2009-07-31T23:15:00.002-05:00

Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good. Proverbs 16:2 (Message Vs.)

Today the girls and I visited the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C. I was happy my girls even had a desire to go to the Art Museum in the first place, but as we began the walking tour, it was obvious we didn’t agree on what we thought was “good” art. I wanted to see the famous painting of George Washington, Georgia O’Keefe flowers, and the “Rainbow over the Grand Canyon” painting by Thomas Moran. The girls wanted to see the photography and the modern art. We comprised and walked through all of it. Although some of the modern exhibits were amazing, there was a few that caused you to stand with a puzzled look on your face and whisper, “What’s so great about that?” This brought up the question of “who and what” determines if art is “good”?
It’s kind of like our society, what or who determines what is “good” anymore? It is all relative to the person’s unique perspective of value and worth. When there is no higher standard or scale to determine if something is right and good, it can only be measured by personal likes and dislikes, which are subject to change with mood and moving media.
One time the girls and I were separated because I was absorbed in the presidential official portraits and they moseyed on over to something “better”. I called Kelsey and asked where she was. She replied, “Look for the man in a dress holding a poodle.” Enough said.