I hope this first day of a brand new year has proven to be pleasant for you. It is a great day to rest, watch some college football, eat, visit with family, etc. It is also a great day to meditate on the year to come. Are there some things you’d like to change about yourself? Are there some things you’d like to strengthen? Are there people in your life you need to make amends with? Don’t miss this opportunity! Your future awaits the plans God has for you!!!
By the way, there’s only 358 days until Christmas.
January 2, 2009
December 29, 2008
It’s that time of year when we are all encouraged (and rightly so) to spend some time thinking about the current STATUS of our lives, contemplating how we can adjust some things and be better in the New Year. For those who are “goal-oriented” it is hard to plan with certainty because everything changes so quickly. There is a part of me that lacks confidence to make any plans for the future because of my past experiences with failed goals. The question that looms large for me is this: “Were my goals based on personal desires instead of God’s intuition?” You see, I am becoming more and more convinced that it is only when God invades our reality with thoughts too mysterious for us to understand that we are able to plan for the future with any degree of accuracy or any hope of fulfillment.
In light of this, for those who are seeking God’s Will for their lives in the New Year, the best advice I can give you is to WAIT patiently and intentionally for Him to reveal His plan! The problem with this is that those who take the time to set goals and plan ahead are usually plagued with the kind of personality that is not fond of waiting. My impatience is a constant battle in my pursuit of God’s BEST for my life. Isaiah 40:31 still comes to mind when I think about waiting! And, Psalm 46:10 shouts at me to “BE STILL!” In 21st Century rhetoric that means, “slow down, free up your schedule, take time to listen, etc.”
I am convinced that God wants His Followers to become less and less consumed with non-eternal activities so that we can spend more time “WAITING” upon Him! I encourage you to take time to “Look Ahead” into the New Year, seeking the things God wants you to do (and accomplish). And, on the topic of “Waiting” I want to say that this is not something that is “PASSIVE.” Waiting on the Lord is a discipline that involves every activity of our lives! We continue to DO the things He has shown us in His Word while expectantly waiting for Him to give us further instructions.
Years ago I heard Jerry Falwell say this: “God will not reveal His unrevealed Will to us until we are living in obedience to His revealed Will.” To that I say AMEN! Looking Ahead begins with looking back on the past few months and looking within our hearts to honestly evaluate our “standing” with the Lord. As we invite God to once again occupy “First Place” in our hearts, the plans He has for us will become Crystal Clear! (cf. Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Along with my wishes for you and your family to have a Happy New Year, I also wish you a profitable season of goal-setting that is inspired from above!!!
December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope today will bring some much needed rest for you. If not, enjoy the time you spend with family and friends because you never know how quickly things can change. Our plans were changed this Christmas because of sickness. We will use this change in plans to focus on celebrating the Birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am already thinking ahead to a New Year. Closing out an old year and looking ahead offers time for both reflection and refocus. I hope you will also take some time to evaluate your life in 2008 and make adjustments for the new year. I noticed in looking at my profile page this morning that my “About Chuck” information was outdated. So, I updated it with some basic information about me. I am certainly not sharing this to get you to read more about me. I just tried to share a quick glance of who I am so that, when you read these posts, you will always remember where they come from. We never go far from where we’re from! Knowing something about our past helps us interpret what is said.
As you read my posts, feel free to comment letting me know some things about you. Also, don’t ever hesitate to let me know what subjects or ideas you have for posts to this blog. I have thought about offering devotional thoughts and/or teaching on certain topics. I would love to hear what you think!
I usually try to post something about 2 or 3 times a week but I don’t always accomplish this. I do appreciate those who continually check to see what is written on this blog. I check the stats almost daily and always shake my head in amazement that anyone would want to see what I write. THANK YOU!
May God bless you in this opportune season of reflection and redirection for a New Year!
December 23, 2008
I want to wish everyone who checks my blog a very Merry Christmas! I hope there is some time planned for resting (this is the best after a huge meal). May God richly bless you during the celebration of His Birthday!
December 20, 2008
I just wanted to send a quick reminder to our Washington Avenue family. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day in worship. We have some special things planned to make our final service before Christmas one to be remembered. Please come prayed-up with an expectant heart for the things God wants to do in this service.
Highlights:
- Praise Choir singing your favorite Christmas songs
- Creative Team sharing a powerful message by using the arts
- Special guest speaker (Trust me, you don’t want to miss this guy’s message)
- Communion (The “Ultimate” Nutrition!)
You see why you don’t want to miss this service?! See you tomorrow. (By the way, if you can’t be in the service at any time, just go to our website and watch the service)
December 20, 2008
In my quiet time this morning I just spent some time reflecting on another year that is almost over. The only predictable thing about this past year is how unpredictable things can be. In our personal life, jobs, economics, etc. things have really changed. I doubt very seriously that many people of faith thought this time last year that we would elect a President who was considered to be the most liberal Senator among all the Democrats — including Hilary Clinton, Edward Kennedy, and a host of others! Now our country awaits an uncertain future that will be accompanied by some of the most moral-less decisions we’ve ever seen as a nation.
I don’t think any of us could have predicted over $4.00 a gallon for gasoline at one point followed very quickly by plunging oil prices and savings at the pump. Who could have guessed this would happen? And, how about the volatile condition of Corporate America. The sad/humorous aspect of all this is how our government spends hours talking about “bail outs” when the government itself has no money! Where will they get any of the money for the bailouts? You guessed it! They will have to borrow it!
It seems to me that the Bible says something about the “terrible times in the last days” (2 Timothy 3). We are front-row spectators in this season of prophetic fulfillment. There is no way to anticipate the “evilness” of evil. Those of us who try to be GOOD and who like to see the GOOD in others are always appalled by the new manifestations of evil. For those who are somehow thinking or wishing for the government to change things, wake up and smell the coffee! The trouble in this world is not “solvable” (I think I am making up words) by human effort!!
Face it friends, we live in a world of growing hostility towards the ONLY ONE who can do something about our problems! He is the Christ of CHRISTMAS! HE is the HOPE who was Promised! The Anointed ONE – the MESSIAH! Instead of running around for these next 4 days trying to finish up that shopping list, maybe those who “profess” to be Followers of this Messiah (i.e. Believers in Jesus Christ) should spend time with God; then, go out and find creative ways to let His LOVE BE Experienced by those we come in contact with.
A Song says: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” I agree with that statement. The “Wonderment” of this season has captured my heart over this past week. As we finally were able as a family to decorate our home (a place for which we are very thankful), the “Christmas Spirit” took over. I am one of the luckiest people on earth to have the greatest wife and two of the most wonderful children that any parent could hope to have!! Lisa and I are blessed beyond our wildest imaginations and want to Wish everyone a very “Wonderful” and peaceful Christmas holiday season. JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD IS COME!!!
December 15, 2008
The last post I wrote reminded all the people at Washington Avenue about our special, first annual churchwide meeting that took place last night. I really didn’t know what to expect because we haven’t done anything like this in my time here. Our objective was to share a time of food and fellowship; give everyone a copy of next year’s budget (asking our people to commit to the Lord to do their part); share exciting mission opportunities in 2009; and celebrate ALL that God has done through these ministries in 2008.
I have to say that, in my humble opinion, this gathering accomplished all of these objectives — AND MORE! When the group of people who have become a part of Washington Avenue this year stood, there was a spontaneous erruption of applause (which I believe was genuine Praise to God!). Then, when the people who stood testifying that 2008 marked the year when they received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, my heart was filled with JOY and my eyes were wet with tears. This reminded US of why we are here!!! And, it renewed an anticipation to think about how many more people will find their way into the KINGDOM of GOD through Washington Avenue’s ministries in 2009.
We also experienced a special time of Community together. You could feel the Love in the room. As I stood before the group it felt as though I was sitting down with a cup of coffee sharing with a few close friends. Scott and Arlene did a great job sharing the budget for next year, explaining to our people where we are financially and encouraging everyone to pray, give, and trust God to lead us in the area of our finances. I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO THE STEWARDSHIP TEAM FOR DOING A GREAT JOB PUTTING THE BUDGET TOGETHER! They will also be meeting regularly this year to monitor receipts and expenses, helping us operate within this budget. Of course, increases in giving will also be monitored and decisions about using any extra money will be reviewed by this Team!
Lisa Freeman did an outstanding job sharing with our people about the fantastic Mission Opportunities we have planned for 2009. Just hearing these “Visionary” plans fired me up! We are so blessed to have a Missionary like Lisa in our Fellowship. If you want to know more about these opportunities for service, pick up a brochure at the information desk in the atrium.
Finally, Tommy Turner closed our time together by sharing some of the trials and victories Washington Avenue Church has experienced over these past few years. He encouraged our hearts by reminding us that God knows exactly where we are and He will guide us into this uncertain new year. Tommy is a special man of God who loves the Lord and his church family. He is passionate about seeing others come into the Kingdom! I pray that his zeal and compassion will spread through our entire fellowship.
God Needs ALIVE Churches where He can draw the masses of people in this world who are wandering in darkness. I think our time together last night reminded me that God has a purpose for Washington Avenue and has assembled a group of special people to BE this lighthouse for so many. As the prophet Isaiah said hundreds of years before Jesus was born: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” (9:2&6) I pray that people walking in darkness will see this light shining brightly at Washington Avenue Church in 2009!!
December 13, 2008
Just a quick reminder and encouragement to all who read this post and who are a part of Washington Avenue Church. Tomorrow is a big day for our church family. In the Main Events (am services) we are talking about Jesus’ Advent to this earth giving us the STRENGTH we need to cope in this uncertain world of ours. Don’t miss it! We are going to literally pump some iron on stage tomorrow.
Tomorrow afternoon is a very important time for our church family. We are having our first annual end-of-year meeting to talk about our church’s future. God has blessed Washington Avenue Church through the years and many faithful people have hung on through some difficult times, believing that God still wants to build His Kingdom through these ministries. We will be sharing our budget for next year; hear about some exciting Mission projects that everyone can get involved in; and be challenged by God’s Spirit to DO OUR PART to make the ministries of Washington Avenue Church be everything they can be in 2009.
O yeah, I almost forgot to mention that it is a “Potluck” supper. We are asking everyone in attendance to bring a meal with dessert and put it together for everyone to share. It is going to be FUN to share this meal with our church family. The church is providing beverages, plates, napkins, cups and eating utensils. I am looking forward to this time together! I hope our people will make a special effort to be here.
December 9, 2008
Things You Don’t Want to Miss…
Posted by cbridgeswabc under Fit for Life | Tags: Get in Shape |No Comments
I am not talking about the best deal on that special Christmas gift you’ve been looking for!! I’m sure you will find a way to get that special something for that special someone by December 25th!
Actually, I just wanted to share some things coming up at Washington Avenue that I believe are going to be great times of seeing God’s blessings poured out:
- Wednesday, December 10 — BAPTISM! The Bible says that all of heaven rejoices when one person accepts Christ as their Savior. On Wednesday night we have the privilege of baptizing those who have publicly professed their desire to Follow Jesus Christ! The service starts at 7:00pm in the large sanctuary. We will have Praise and Worship; Baptism celebration; and a Message from God’s Word!
- Sunday, December 14 — Getting “FIT For LIFE” — This Sunday we continue our focus for this month. Jesus came into this world to give us a Quality of LIFE that is impossible without Him. Last week we saw how important it is to have a HEALTHY HEART if we are going to be “FIT” — both physically and spiritually. This week we are focusing on STRENGTH TRAINING. Come and watch some live “Iron Pumping Action!”
- Sunday, December 14 — POTLUCK SUPPER — This coming Sunday at 5:00 we are asking our entire church family to come to this very important gathering. Each family (or person) is asked to bring a prepared meal for your family (including dessert). We will put the food together (i.e. “Potluck”) and share a wonderful time of food and fellowship. The church will provide all the beverages. After the meal, we will be sharing our budget for next year, asking each person who feels like Washington Avenue is the church home where God wants you to serve, to be committed to helping us exceed our current financial situation. We will also be sharing some exciting Mission opportunities for 2009. And, finally, I will share some things that God has been showing me concerning the future of Washington Avenue Church. This gathering will be in the Gym.
- Sunday, December 21 — “FIT For LIFE” — This Sunday worship experience will help prepare our hearts for a day of rest and worship on Christmas Day. In keeping with our “Fitness” theme, we will be talking about the importance of Good Nutrition. It is important for us as Believers to be conscious about putting good things into our bodies. In the same way, we need to be careful about the things we put into our “Spiritual” nature. Trust me, you don’t want to MISS this special service. The Praise Choir will be singing some of our favorite Christmas songs; the Creative Movement Team will be sharing something that will bless you; we will have a special guest speaker; and we will share in Communion together. WOW! I can’t WAIT!!!
AS I said in the title to this post: These are things you don’t want to MISS! I’ll see you there.
December 8, 2008
I must admit the passion and power I felt in sharing God’s message today have been absent in me for some time. God has gripped my heart with a similar obsession that I had back when I first started preaching. Back then I thought it was possible to make a difference in and through the ministries of God’s church. Unfortunately, the status of today’s Christian community seems to be headed in a downward direction. When this is happening, leaders who really want to see things grow get discouraged. (Of course I am speaking about myself) Like a particular coach who I will not name, when things are in decline you lose your confidence to make any decisions; you question your own abilities; and you wonder why in the world you are trying to do what you’re trying to do!
Let me just say that some time over the past few days God took me back to the time when He called me to Preach His Word. He reminded me of my calling, my original objective in pursuing His CALL, and He told me to stop being weak and indecisive and go forward with building His Kingdom! The Kingdom of God is a mighty force that cannot be defeated! We belong to the winning team and should expect God to move us forward in His strength. I know without a doubt that God has called me to be A KINGDOM-MINDED PASTOR/PREACHER/TEACHER!!! Trust me, when you are about the KINGDOM OF GOD, some “church members” who are more concerned with their own comfort and convenience will not be happy (and may decide to go swim in another aquarium).
I think we have the opportunity to be about our Father’s Business. He is INTO PEOPLE. That means we need to make sure we are about helping people not maintaining a particular location or propping up ineffective methods. Some exciting and challenging decisions await any Christian Community who make the Kingdom of God their primary focus. NO matter where you choose to worship (i.e. which church you go to) make sure you are about the Kingdom and then watch what God will do!
He is looking for people who have their HEARTS SET on Kingdom agendas! When our hearts are AFFECTIONATE about “things above” (cf. Colossians 3:1-2) we will see God Show Up and Show Out! How’s your HEART? You cannot be physically fit without having a strong heart. Every exercise program has a cardio section to help build and strengthen our heart. IN the same way, we must have a well-defined system for attaining the “Spiritual Heart-Health” required for God to give us the ABUNDANT LIFE!
Start this week doing something positive and proactive for your HEART — both physically and spiritually! They are mutually dependent.
