Chuck Bridges Blog

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.