Something Different

We still have three awesome weeks of “A Church” left but I am already getting pumped about our next series in March “CRAZY LOVE.” My question is is it too early to hype this series? Here are the reasons I’m asking the question.

• I’m guessing confidently that March 7 will be our highest attendance ever – beating last years Easter attendance.
• March 7 will be a service that no one I’m aware of has ever tried before.
• March 14 will be the most messy service we have ever had at a different location.
• March 21 will be a special guest Sunday – more to come on why this unbelievable.
• March 28 will be the most unique worship set ever – and the launch of eggstravaganza week!

So let me know if it is too early to start hyping next month. Did I mention that it is called CRAZY LOVE!

Can I get an AMEN! Wow that was fun yesterday. Here are a few of the highlights.

• The morning crew is a joy to work with.
• Love the faithfulness of our Caisson crew.
• The worship team is unbelievable. Good job to Phil!
• We had record numbers in BridgeKidz – Thanks to the two peeps who jumped into Baby Bay.
• The stage prop of the church was killer awesome. I love that we can keep using the gears set piece.
• The bulletin went through a massive upgrade. What did you think?
• An element that no one noticed was that we switched computers and presentation programs. It took us a half hour to figure out how to project it on the screen. We will have a few weeks of getting use to it but this was a massive upgrade. Sarah is amazing at what she does back there.
• 40 Hours of Prayer still needs some names – I’ll kick out the sign up and openings today.
• Check out the picture below. That was the first time I have ever given a Sunday message in a suit.
• The message had three parts – The unpacking of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, the personal application of what would our defense be if we were on trial for our motives and actions, and the corporate response.
• I called out Ed – I liked it – I don’t think he did. :O)
• Who you are as the closing song was a random choice on my part. On the front end I had no idea why we were suppose to sing that song. Then it came time for the blessing and God made it all come clear. I wish I would have encouraged people to write what they needed Jesus to be in reference to Savior, Redeemer, Creator, Maker, Father on their connector card.
• Eggstravaganza sign ups went well. You should hear from us this week. Time to get to work on loving our city in a most radical way!

Here is a sneak peak at what we may be singing tomorrow at thebridge.

• I am Free
• I Asked You For Life
• Blessed Be Your Name
• How Great Thou Art
• Who You Are

All songs subject to change but my guess is you will likely hear most if not all of the above.

Reading in the morning was thrown off. Here is the late version.

• One day (making it look like any other day) Jesus was praying (this is something Jesus did) in a certain place (he designated a place to pray).
• I was toying with the idea of teaching on the Lord’s prayer for the month of June because I wasn’t sure if we were going to be able to participate in One Prayer again. Turns out One Prayer is alive and kicking and thus this series will be put on hold.
• The drive of Ask, Seek, and Knock seems to be for the Holy Spirit.
• I wonder how many people are a divided kingdom in and of themselves. They want to be a part of God’s team and yet they make choices that counter that. They end up not standing for anything.
• What an interesting verse – see to it then that the light within you is not darkness -
• A crowd of many thousands – meaning more than 2 two thousand – a mega church?
• Jesus talks of the Holy Spirit more and more.
• The Rich Fool did something so horrible that God killed him on the spot and what was the horrible deed? It appears to be greed, laziness, or not be generous.
• I’ve had a small case of the overwhelmedness also known as a bit of worry. God is quickly reminding me that every little thing is going to be alright.
• Dressed and ready for service. Jesus is looking for us to be in the posture of serving.
• I love how 12.49-12.53 counters everything we teach about Jesus. We say he’s putting it back together – he says he’s tearing it all apart.
• Jesus drives a message of repent. Is that our message?
• 13.22 and 13.33 both speak of Jesus staying on mission. Do you know what your mission is? Are you staying on it? Some days are just easier then others.

Here we go.

• In reading the do not pack list given to the disciples I am thankful that my trip to Cambodia looks a little different.
• Herod wanted to see him. Again this idea of wanting to see Jesus is glossed over because we have to many thing to do.
• Jesus withdrew with the disciples. They were interrupted but the idea was after significant ministry it was important to hunker down and recover. January was a high output month for me. I will need to go at a different pace in February.
• Jesus prayed in private. What plan do I have?
• I never noticed that the disciples were very sleepy on the mountain. I can relate.
• Jesus seems quite annoyed with the people at the bottom of the mountain. Is this permission for us to be annoyed with people?
• There is a lot of bashing going around in the blog world of Christian leaders and pastors. It puzzles me because I don’t see how this is helpful. Further I look to the words of 9.50.
• One of my favorite passages is 9.51 – Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He had a destination and a purpose. Do we?
• Jesus ups the number to 72 – a number often associated with the whole world.
• I’m fascinated with the idea that what the people were doing on earth was impacting Satan’s domain in heaven.
• The one who had mercy.