"Scrooge" - Act 1, Scene 2

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 40 Part 2

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 40

WHO'S WHO?

The Baby was born in a manger, which is a feeding trough for an animal in the barn.  That's one reason why you see animals in this picture.  The man holding the torch would be Joseph.  This guy was engaged to the women next to him.  Earlier, (about nine months earlier) an angel came to the girl and said she would have a child, not from a man but it would be of the Holy Spirit. (Thus being called "God with us").

Joseph probably didn't believe her at first (ya think).  An angel came and told him the good news and Joseph kept her and took her to Bethlehem and that is where they are in this picture.

The young girl is Mary and is the mother of the baby, duh.  There is a lot of history in the family line that you can check out in Matthew chapter one.  It is awesome how God brought this into reality.

Oh yeah the baby...His name is Jesus (which means savior).  It was predicted hundreds of years prior in the book of Issiah and others.  It's okay to be a spoiler here Jesus came to die on the cross to pay for sin and die sacrificially in our place . It's hard to grasp at first but when you do? you know it. and you discover that there's more to Jesus than Christmas.  You can go to the back of the book and see what happens, because the story is not over yet.

This is all good news. Christmas, Good Friday and Easter are celebrations of Christ's miraculous life, death and resurrection.
 If you haven't yet, pray then read Luke chapter 2, the letter to Colossians, Philippians and Ephesians, all fairly short.  Have a Merry Christmas!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son that whoever BELEIVES in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

The Bride Church Band - My Victory (cover)

What have you done for me lately?

                     

Right in time for Thanksgiving, a secular mindset and a humanistic worldview has blown into town. 

May I.. remind you of Bedford Falls turning into a Potterville.   I didn't demand they put the ten commandment in a courtroom, or Godly references all over Washington D.C. yet they did, while some have had a "change of heart."

Why were we so red hot in love with Christ,  celebrating His birthday.  Now it's about ...us?    The meaning for Christmas on a Charlie Brown Christmas, but now.....?    How did the big choir numbers shouting "Hallelujah!" during high school cantata turn to;  "If you sing Silent night we'll sue!?"

 At one time we had our eye on the bigger picture.  We were at one time thankful.  We think we have moved forward.  We didn't have a blow out. It was more like a slow leak.

  There was evolution alright.  We have evolved into people who feel entitled and a generation that asks;  "What have you done for me lately?" I thought evolution was supposed to advance.  We are headed back to the animal stage.

 "Thank You!"

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Perilous Times and Perilous Men

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

 

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 37

THANKFUL IN ALL THINGS.

   So many memories as a child, and young adult of Thanksgiving.  The cold, football watched and played, hot dinner rolls, deviled eggs, turkey and ham!

The world stopped as we entered a world of family unity and love.  Most of the adults from the living room of the past are gone. 

 

The condensation on the windows, laughter and holiday television specials are all part of the imagery of those early Thanksgivings. I suppose it was special in those days because we were actually thankful for what we possessed or what didn't happen to us.Thanksgiving was a statement for family, country, love and gratitude to God.

My Uncle would pray and tell God how thankful we were for one another and all of His blessings.  A huge feast was eaten, complete with cookies, fudge and pies that all had brought. 

 I pray, as everyone attempts to shock and rewrite history, accompanied with an attitude of entitlement, Thanksgiving day doesn't get diluted.  Black Friday and Halloween having risen to the forefront is a statement as well.   

Happy Thanksgiving!  I am thankful for family memories throughout the years.  I thank God for His presence, power and provision in our family this year. May they come over the hills and through the woods to grandmothers house because grandfather loves to see her face light up!

  Be Thankful and share, help others to have a good day.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep - Luke 15:1-10

Faithful Stewards in Uncertain Times - Luke 16:10-18

The Parable of the Unjust Steward - Luke 16:1-9

Pastor Tim Encourages us to walk in JOY!

Today's Choice is Huge.

Joshua 24:15

If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Ex. 32: 26

then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!”

Deut. 30: 15

“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;

Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,

Ephesians 2:13,14.

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

CHOOSE:  The Gospel, True Worship, Biblical preaching, prayer. 

John 3: 16

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION!

Are you a good steward?

             Luke 16:1 - 18 - The Bride Church - Tim Flener 

The question will be; " What did you do with what I placed in your care?"  Saint and sinner will be "audited" when it comes to our stewardship (or managing) of God's world and Christian mission.  For those who are not saints, they will hear "Who do you say Jesus is? and what did you do about it?"

Listen to the sermon message from the sermon series on LUKE. We have arrived at Luke 16: 1-18

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 32:1-7 You are my hiding place!

Now is the time!

  

   We often wonder when God is going to use us, saying: "I'm waiting on God."  I have voiced that as well.  When I sit down in the Word of God and spend time in prayer, I discover He's been waiting on me!  Some have asked:  "Where is the God of Elijah?"  While He may be asking; "Where are the Elijah's and Esther's of God?"

   Time is of the essence. The Church must be intentional, focused and urgent in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in multiple venues.   It is also with urgency, that the message be received, applied and shared by those listening. When it comes to the Great Commission or the Great Commandments, so many can just take it or leave it. Let this gospel not end with us.  Thank God others spoke to us about our eternal destiny.  Now for some reason it is no longer important, or is it we have lost that first love for God and a lack of concern for others?

The culture around us has lost it's ever loving mind!  So more the need, of the Gospel message and us being a people of prayer.  The conscience of society is burning away at jet speed and are quick to blitz the globe with their mindless, godless message.  We must be people of effort, blood, sweat and tears!

IF NOT NOW WHEN?

IF NOT US WHO?

TICK, TICK TICK, GOES THE CLOCK OF THIS WORLD.  LET US WORK WHILE IT IS STILL DAY!

EPHESIANS 2:8-10,  ROMANS 10:14

WE ARE HIS AMBASSADORS!

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 30

What is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? Luke 14:15-24

The same mind

It would be cool if the themes of this year in our families, friends and churches were "Harmony" and "Unity" being in the same mind and one accord.

Maybe it's easier said than done.  That kind of walk takes dependance on God while standing on His Word and not our emotions.  Prayerfully reading the Word brings change from selfishness to; Loving God with all our hearts and our neighbor as we love our self.   

The pastor has been given a Godly direction and vision.  We have the choice of being a part of that or moving on, rather than causing distraction, drama and division.    

Pride asks;  "What have you done for me lately?" Life and relationship is not a one way street.  That paradigm brings drama and those around the person putting out fires and in time looking the other way when they are approaching.

With that said, if we are all in relationship and community, there has to be a realization that we are all at different levels/places in life or even maturity. Diversity is a blessing not a curse. Interests are different, personalities will require compromise and grace on the part of everyone.

Let's pray that in the church and Christian homes the Fruit of the Spirit maybe evident and we have, (as in the book of Acts) "All things common."

READ ROMANS 12 & 13.

Joan Bakewell Interviews Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 27

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 23

Three Ways you and your Church can help your community.

                                           

We have a community of people and business located around the church I attend. Our goal is that God receives the glory and worship He deserves. We are to go, with bread for life and The "Bread of Life."

  Here are three ways we as a community of disciples of Christ can practically, engage the community around us.  Ther

e are more. Some may depend upon seasons of weather.

  1.  CROSS THE STREET-  Along with saying "Come and See" a great idea is to "Go and Tell."  It is something we all can work on, as we pray for boldness, to talk to someone washing their car or knocking on the door and ask "How can we pray for you" and "What are your needs"?  We can pray and/or be the answer to prayer or even guide them to someone who can.  It may sound different but you can walk and merely talk to the resident/business neighbors of the Church without any agenda other than to meet them, letting them know you mean them no harm.  We then can realize an open door to tell the good news of Jesus Christ.

  2.  PIGGYBACK-  One awesome idea is to come along side another church or non profit organization that has community services already in place.  Resources of all kinds or volunteer workers are needed at food pantries, clothes for shelters or monetary donations for local and global missions coming from your small groups or entire church. Churches I have been a part of, worked with men/women shelters, Boys and Girls club and Salvation Army as well as senior adult campuses.

  3.  OFF CAMPUS AND INFINITY GROWTH GROUPS-    The best way for true  "community Development" is going in the area and having meetings, bible study in homes and apartments, library, motel conference room, beaches. It is one church with many locations. I mention infinity groups which are merely a segment of your city that will have the same interests and like others might not enter a church building but might meet on the Bike trail, cooking  recipes, Artists or Book club. All the above can share scripture prayer and worship and then take part in the similar interest.  It is us sharing the gospel leading others into discipleship.  They then share the gospel leading others into discipleship.

 I believe God is relational and seeks to have a relationship with people. He sends you and I into our own church's back yard and zip code being ambassadors speaking to others on His behalf.
What a great adventure we would have experiencing the purpose and power of God.

    Thank You.

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 20 part 2

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 20 Part 1

Trust In The Lord Psalm 37

Why Church Cannot Be Business As Usual? Luke 12:13-34

Is it wrong to doubt or question God? Psalm 13

Is It Evil To Seek Signs And Miracles? Luke 11:29-30

Whose Side Are You On? Luke 11:14-28

We The Kingdom – God So Loved (Storybrooke Sessions)

Why should we trust God in a crisis? A Study in Psalms Chapter 11

We The Kingdom – Don’t Tread On Me (Live)

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 8

CAIN - Great Things: Song Session

A Study in Psalms - Psalm 4

A Study in Psalms (Psalm 1)

“One God“ Ghost Ship (cover)

"The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ" Luke 9:28-36 The Bride Church (ful...

2020

We look at the roller coaster of life with it's, one year up, the next down.  Community is the plan, yet we spent the last six months alone.  Others have the experience of many around them, knowing loneliness in the crowd.

The plan is to accomplish New Years goals, only to find ourselves soon doubting and frustrated. It seems time waits for, or respects no one.

Now is the time to think like athletes and sports teams.  When asked of the past loss or the future championship game they reply; "We are only thinking about and focused on the next game."

Churches and individual Christians experience the roller coaster ride as well.  We look for the next big event that will cause our peace or equilibrium to return.  Some feel a huge step like a baby or new career might bring new attention or fulfillment. When the next big event God has for you might be merely, taking one more small yet effective next step.

Paul wrote something like:  "I don't look back, but strain to reach the high calling."  Hebrews says to lay aside every weight and sin that would slow us down while running the race sat before us.

Strive, strain, reach and press on!  He will never leave you or forsake you. Have a great year.

                                                                           

The Dark and the Light

Be Anxious For Nothing! Philippians 4:5-7

"Faith In Action" Luke 9:1-17 The Bride Church(full service)

For peace we train. For freedom we fight.

"The Called Out Essential Church" Prayer and Devo

Spiritual Maturity

“Indications of Spiritual Maturity” Wednesday Prayer and Devo

"Worship of The Forgiven" The Bride Church

The worship and sermon message of the Bride Church
Michigan city, In.

The Ins and Outs of Christian Development.

                             
                                    EFFORT GOES INTO GOOD THINGS COMING OUT

Words like; endeavor, long-suffering, bearing, yoke, indicate effort and maintenance.  They come along side words like; grace, love, faith, hope etc.

Being a Christian is a result of Godly sorrow, choosing to cross over from trusting myself to trusting in the work of Christ's death and resurrection in order to spend eternity with God.

When we are weak, He is strong. As I work at Prayer and meditating on His Word, I know His commandments are not a burden and my efforts are a labor of love, out of my relationship with Him.

The true believer relies on the grace of God as we walk by faith and not sight. That believer also desires the pure milk of the Word to grow by it. We intentionally take time and energy to be in quiet (sometimes loud) moments with God. We enter that prayer closet being still before God, followed by going out and living out loud.

While many are immature, demanding their way and agenda...there comes times in our spiritual growth (though we never arrive) we are then faithful, mature, unselfish, follower/leader, resilient and a team player in the body of Christ.

No matter the time as a christian,  spiritual maturity can be described by how much of God's Word has been converted into lifestyle.  We often talk the talk but do we walk the walk?

The leadership of organizations as well as churches must then slow the progress in order to put out unnecessary fires. Instead of discipleship the spiritual toddler turns it into a tug of war of preferences and demands.

Enabling instead of equipping, results in an unhealthiness that not only dwarfed the immature believer but the rest of the body of believers,

Let me encourage us all to be teachable, humble, loving God and loving others.

Read the letter to the Ephesians and Philippians.
                                                                                              Tim

Your Voice, His message.

It is always great to see the Christians from around the world that take a peek at each others blogs, pics and videos.  It is a great opportunity to be a blessing and to be blessed.

What unity.  Be encouraged that you are not alone.  God is always with you.  He continues to send others into your life.  Thank God we can find grace and mercy to help in time of need.

If you haven't posted or commented for awhile, or e mailed , even sent a text, Today is the day.  Some one wants/needs to have that communication.

Looking at the audience of this blog it was of course throughout the world.  You may know the same with your words.  We could never come in contact with as many, in our day to day.   He is sending your voice across the street and across the globe.

Keep on talkin' baby!

Christlike.

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk as He walked.”- 1John2:6
His life in us working, that our walk (the outward expression of the inner new life) becomes like His.  Paul wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me.”

Quickly you’re Christlike when:
* You abide in Him.
* You serve others
* Deny self
* Are not OF this world.
* You are Fulfilling our mission.

In this hour it should/can’t be business as usual.  Not just another phase or fad.  But faithful followers and disciples of Christ being Christlike!

Quarantined with the Slobz family. (sequel to Christmas with the Slobz family)

(To be read with an English accent)

"I have lost track. How long have we been quarantined together? Asked Antwerp.
"I haven't any idea." Shouted his wife Sally, as she wiped her mouth of the last piece of blueberry pie.
"Two weeks and seventy-three hours." My wife whispered to me in the kitchen.

"What's for lunch?" Ima asked.  She was finally growing bored. Her and Ura (her brother) had hid my antique glass chess pieces playing hide and seek, and were unable to find them anymore.

"I'm wondering if this is all a bloody hoax!" coughed Antwerp.  "If only Sally hadn't caught it from the pub and brought it here, but our two families wouldn't have had this quality time together."

"What did you say was for lunch?"
"I didn't say sally." My wife looked as if she was about to do something she would regret.
"How about chops and chips." I intervened.
"We had that yesterday." Both kids shouted, sounding like fingernails on a school chalk board.

It sounded as if the entire Manchester football team was quarantined with us. The sound was unbearable.  Antwerp was begging the children to let him play the video games (they had brought with them).  While Sally continuously bragged about their ability to stack my books from our shelves so neat and so so high.

My wife ran in the living room with a grin.  "It's over.  A nurse from the hospital just called and the time has expired.  Now you all can go back to the place you call home!"

The children began to whimper and cry. 

"Ima Slobz, pack up your things in your back pack and let's go!"
"I'll help you!" I said jumping into action.

"Bit of tough news" Antwerp came from outside.
"The car won't start and there is petrol all over your lawn. the man from the garage said they were under quarantine as well and it would be a week until they could take a look."

My wife and I went to the back garden and collapsed in the chairs by the water feature.

“Uncertainty, Unprecedented, and Unchanging “ Wednesday Night Prayer and...

For Such a Time as This

Palm Sunday Full Service

THE BRIDE CHURCH

MICHIGAN CITY, IN.

 

Fear: Kill the spread.

Many times Christians are guided by fear.  The consequences can be long lasting and damaging.  We can experience the appropriate fear of snakes, lions, tigers and bears.  These fears may resemble wisdom, when facing a snake... it might be time for flight rather than fight.

Fear is a God given emotion. I believe God understands when we experience the rise of physical reaction inside our bodies. It's natural to be there. I believe God does not desire we park there.

You may think it strange I suggest standing, even moving in the face of fear, while we face the dangerous/deadly Coronavirus event.  I am not by any means suggesting to go out and infect or be infected by the community around you. On the contrary, I myself am staying home as wisely directed to.

We might recognize a snake or bear when we see one, but it's the wolves in sheep clothing that capitalize on times of separation like the one we are experiencing now.  These talk peace and safety as not to stir up the appropriate fear the sheep should have. This results in the division of the flock and the wolves devouring them.

The actual idea is; Though this is a difficult time, It is a great time for ministry and coming to the aid of others, building and encouraging each one, informing them we are praying for/with them! We must not take a step back but lean in.

We must seize the day! This is not the time to be paralyzed by fear but rather mobilized by HIS peace.  We have entered a "New normal."  Today we can call, text, tweet, Facebook, e-mail etc, etc.  Even if this situation is short-lived, there are many things we have realized, as the need for and doing the great commandment and of course the great commission, as well as the "golden rule."

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments.

2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches will be in his house,
And his righteousness [b]endures forever.
4 Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5 A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion.
6 Surely he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 112: 1-7

While it is natural to fear, let the church walk in Supernatural courage.
Stand fast. Be of good courage!

                                                                             -Tim Flener

TobyMac - Lights Shine Bright ft. Hollyn

The Bride Service - Book of Luke, Pt 14 - Aaron Podgorski

Due to online coronavirus this is an online worship.