The world has a way of beating up on us, doesn’t it? It’s been a while, but I love to sit on the beach and just watch the waves roll in. The waves just keep coming, sometimes bigger than others, but they just keep coming. It’s a lot like life…it just keeps coming. There’s not much I can guarantee you, but there are a few things, and one is this: if you watch the news tonight you will hear some bad news. You will hear about a depressed economy, layoffs, death, criminal behavior and more. Wave upon wave, the world just beats up on us.

So we need encouragement. We need to be reminded of what is good, and pure, and lovely and a good report. Today the Lord has encouraged me in more ways than way with the following words: “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” (Ps. 3:3) Hallelujah! And put it to music! Check this out and just see if you won’t be encouraged too!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y284YvkYrZo

Youth Bible Study: This Wednesday evening our Revive Student Ministry went to see the movie, “To Save a Life”. It’s especially written for high schoolers…but…I think every Christian can be helped by seeing this movie. I really encourage you to go check it out. Beginning next Wednesday night, Lord willing, we will be discussing some of the truths we picked up from the movie in our Wednesday evening Bible studies. Mom and dad, if your teen ever needs a ride on Wednesday nights, please let us know. We will work with you to provide transportation. Wednesdays @ 7PM

Sunday Evening Family Movie Night: I know we have moved this twice now, but this Sunday evening @ 6 we will actually have this. I think we will be showing “Father of the Bride” (comedy), unless someone offers a really great alternative. Let’s invite a friend, bring some food and snacks along and have a great evening of fellowship together!

Super Bowl Night! No surprise that our church family loves football, so on February 7 we will have a Super Bowl Night at the church! Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors. Also, we want you to come up with a 60 second – comedy or commercial. Can be about anything…just make sure it’s appropriate for our church family lol! Can be live or on dvd. You can enter more than one. Do it alone, or do it with family or friends, but have some fun and see who can bring the most laughs during the Super Bowl!

Upcoming Church-wide Events:

January 31 – Family Movie Night @ 6 pm
February 7 – Super Bowl Night @ 5 pm
February 21 – Launch new Sunday evening Bible study @ 6 pm

Be a part of the excitement Sunday at 10:00 am at CrossBridge! Invite someone to be your guest this Sunday!

Have a Great Day!

Pastor
713.248.6205

Here’s a question sure to stir up some vitriolic thoughts: what if Christians were more like Satan? I know, I know, we are supposed to be different from Satan. It could readily be stated that Christians are in fact too much like Satan as things are already in our culture, and that would be true. Surely there are enough nasty words and accusatory statements made in judgmental, angry expressions even amongst Christians. But let me quickly turn your thoughts another way. I remember back to my high school and college days and hearing a preacher from time to time that made some pretty outlandish statements. But I vividly remember him teaching we could learn from everyone, including the devil. (I’ll spare you some of the colorful words he used in casting this statement, but let me just make my point.) I think he was “spot on” with that statement.

For times sake here, let me just list a few things about Satan for your consideration: 1) Satan is very good at what he does, 2) Satan has been doing what he does for a very long time, 3) Satan is very persistent in his efforts, and 4) Satan is not influenced by popular opinion, but rather used all of his influence to change popular opinion. I could go on, and in fact, feel free to write me with things you might add to the list about this father of lies. But I’ve just listed a few things here quickly that most Christians could learn a thing or two from Satan and employ these characteristics in a godly way in their lives. What if every Christian was as good at producing disciples as Satan is? What if every Christian stayed at their work of being “salt” and “light” for their entire lifetime? What if every Christian were as persistent, as faithful as Satan is? What if every Christian were not so concerned with popularity and trends so they could fit in, but rather used their influence to effect change in our society? Think about it…there is much we can and should learn…even from the likes of Satan himself.

Youth Bible Study: Calling all CrossBridge students: Bible study tonight at 7 at the church! We’ve been missing a few of our teens…we want to see you back!!! Mom and dad, if your teen ever needs a ride on Wednesday nights, please let us know. We will work with you to provide transportation. Thanks!

Great job!!!: Last Wednesday evening our Revive Student Ministry purchased clothing and household items for a Harris County Deputy and his family that lost everything in a Christmas Day fire. It was so great to see our young people reaching out and showing compassion! Great job everyone!!!

Sunday evening Family Movie Night: Due to so many being out sick this past week we moved movie night to this Sunday evening @ 6. I think we will be showing “Father of the Bride” (comedy), unless someone offers a really great alternative. Let’s invite a friend, bring some food and snacks along and have a great evening of fellowship together!

Super Bowl Night! No surprise that our church family loves football, so on February 7 we will have a Super Bowl Night at the church! Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors. Also, we want you to come up with a 60 second – comedy or commercial. Can be about anything…just make sure it’s appropriate for our church family. lol! Can be live or on dvd. You can enter more than one. Do it alone, or do it with family or friends, but have some fun and see who can bring the most laughs during the Super Bowl!

Way, way back in 1993 (yes, I can remember back that far!) a movie came out entitled “Rudy”. It’s a powerful story of a young kid with a dream and a relentless passion to pursue that dream. I love the movie, and the music. In fact, I’m listening to the soundtrack as I write these words.

If you remember the story, Rudy experienced many “ups” and “downs” in pursuit of his grand dream of stepping on the field as a football player for Notre Dame. Just as it seems his final window of opportunity is shut before him, Rudy decides to quit in frustration, feeling he had wasted his time. In the movie, and older and much wiser man reminds Rudy of all he has learned and achieved in pursuit of his dream, and pointedly tells Rudy to get back and finish. Almost miraculously, on the final play of the final home game of Rudy’s senior season, Rudy realizes his dream and sacks the quarterback to end the game.

What if Rudy never hadn’t gone back and finished that week? What if his friend and mentor of sorts hadn’t encouraged Rudy to go back? He had gone through so many disappointments already, and to give up now? Seems to me the story of Rudy is a story of a great host of people, but too many never finish. They give up, and perhaps just before, even moments before the dream of so many years comes to fruition.

Today, I want to encourage you…do not quit! Pursue that which God has placed in your heart! While you may not currently see the opportunity for your dream to be fulfilled, God is at work! He has not given up on you, do not give up on Him! Don’t let doubt and frustration suffocate you! Be relentless as your go after your God-given dream! “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Sunday Evening Bible Study:
We will be announcing a new Bible Study very soon. For now, make the most of your Sunday evenings and spend some time with your family, or reaching out to someone in need. Opportunities are all around you!

Upcoming Church-wide Events:

This Sunday – A special message from God’s word. Do you have a friend or acquaintance that is struggling to see the opportunities around them for restoration, or God’s purpose in their life? Maybe you are struggling right now, having a difficult time of seeing God’s place for you…be at church this Sunday, and bring everyone you can to see things that are already in place that perhaps you’ve never noticed before!

January 17 – 2010: A Look Ahead – This will be an important day for our church as we look forward to the year ahead!

Be a part of the excitement Sunday at 10:00 am at CrossBridge! Invite someone to be your guest this Sunday!

Have a Great Day!

Pastor