Bubble Blog

Saturday, September 8, 2007 - Cyndi Roberts

I've had the unique privilege of spending a lot of time during the past month thinking and planning the communications aspects of this new series, "Out of the Bubble." In other words, I had a pretty good idea of what Dave was going to share before he spoke. I have to admit that from the moment I learned of the concept of the bubble, I just didn't want to believe that I could possibly be that kind of person/Christian/follower of Jesus. Ha! How quickly it became obvious yes, I am not only full-swing IN the bubble, but I even have the amazing ability to create a bubble around myself while living IN the bubble (does that make sense?) I feel SO challenged by this series, simultaneously excited and scared. For me, it will mean taking intentional, baby steps to change. As we progress through this series, I hope you'll share this journey with me and with each other. Feel free to use this bubble blog as a place to share your stories - what God is teaching you through this series about your "bubble" and how to venture out of it. I anticipate hearing from you!

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40 comments (Add your own)

1. Lou wrote:: The analogy of the bubble is so like the church. In bringing others to Christ, we need to be able to expand and make room for them. The health of the bubble needs to be strong enough to stretch and only if we are all using our gifts can we provide the nutrients for the health of the bubble. Otherwise, the bubble will burst and not be effective to provide for the needs of those within and those outside wanting to come in. Scripture says that we are to care for those in the fellowship as well as to reach out to others. There needs to be a balance. May God keep us balanced, effective, and open to the stretching of each of us by the Holy Spirit.
September 8, 2007 @ 9:27 PM
2. John Harvey wrote:: I hear you Cyndi, I'm scared too!

I remember sitting at Willow Creek, amid all the flashy technology thinking, "Is this what church is supposed to be about these days?" At the same time, pretty much wanting all the same stuff for Montrose.

Listening to Dan talk about how we, the church, have created our own culture to live and be comfortable in, instead of reaching out to the world to bring God's love to their culture was pretty convicting. Of course, I came home and went back to work and sort of put that idea away while trying to keep up with the Jr. High group.

What if in my desire to make a safe place to be an adolescent asking questions and learning about God, I'm just making a place where I feel comfortable doing ministry-like things and not really ministering? I certainly hope not!
September 9, 2007 @ 12:15 AM
3. Byron B. wrote:: Wow. What a powerful service tonight. I prayed that God would speak powerfully, but I could have never scripted it the way He did. I am always convicted about being in the bubble world of professional church ministry, and I am really hoping that God will show me how to pop that bubble I live in. Maybe that will mean more golf for me, with people I have never met before? (smile) Anyway, it will be deelply humbling for me to sing the closing song I have to sing 3 more times this weekend, praying that God will speak to me and the rest of the congregation in a life transforming way. Mostly, I hope this series will stay with me the rest of my life. Here I am Lord, send me, even when I don't want to go!
September 9, 2007 @ 12:43 AM
4. Cyndi Roberts wrote:: John - Ditto on "doing ministry-like things and not really ministering." Thanks for keeping it real...THAT ministers to me!
September 9, 2007 @ 2:32 AM
5. Robyn Harvey wrote:: What has stuck with me since leaving church today was Dave's comment about the church becoming irrelevant to the world because we have no idea what they are thinking. I have noticed that over the past few years I have really withdrawn into the world of church. I am immersed in ministry. It has separated me from friends who are not Christians to the point where it's common for me to not see or talk to them for six months at a time. I have become irrelevant to them and their lives and I am uncomfortable around most non-christians my age.
I love what John and I are able to do at the church with the Jr. Highers, but I want to find a balance. I don't really know how to do that. I think a good place for me to start is by calling up my friends and inviting them over for dinner. Maybe if I just face my discomfort I can get over it.
September 9, 2007 @ 5:08 PM
6. Becky wrote:: I am so thankful to Pastor Dick Mason in Denver who saw what was important to his church, stepped out into the real world and met people where they were at in their relationship with or without Christ. If it was not for this minister's choice to meet Pat where he was in his life, go running with him on Saturday mornings and took time to know him, Pat would not have given his life over to Christ. At the same time, I have to look at where I am at today. I know it is much easier to witness to people in other countries by going on mission trips than in my own back yard. I am challenged to really try to let my life to be an example and to be real to people in my own community about what it is that sustains me, Christ!!
September 9, 2007 @ 9:35 PM
7. Cyndi Roberts wrote:: Robyn - I agree that taking those simple steps is where we have to start. Like you said, "start is by calling up my friends and inviting them over for dinner." For me, there are so many little things right in front of my face that I can do. As I started praying about one particular old friend that I've lost touch with...would you believe I literally left my house and who was the first person I saw! I think just by taking the step to pray about it...God opened the door for me to begin reconnecting! I had to laugh.

Becky - I love hearing the story of Pat...I never knew that. Isn't it neat when we think back to those seemingly-simple things that someone else did that changed our lives...it wakes up my sensitivity to those who I come in contact with. It's easy to forget that maybe "I am the one who is supposed to help them put their hand on the door latch." Thanks for sharing.
September 9, 2007 @ 9:54 PM
8. Maryjo Stone wrote:: Today was an amazing day. About 17 years ago I was saved at this church. It has taken me 17 years to come back to where I met christ for the first time. As the pastor would say standing out side the door is not a safe place to be. My friends are not all saved, but I know God placed a special gift on me so as to touch others for him. I too was praying about an old friend of mine that I had not seen in a while, and there she was coming through the door at the market as I was going out. 'Wow' God does have his timing!! Today I took the time to talk with her about God,and how it feels to me. It was wonderful to share the word. I want to add this. The beautiful person who sang to day made my heart swell with love and tendeness for Jesus. It has been a beautiful day. Thank you
September 10, 2007 @ 1:01 AM
9. Wayne wrote:: John 17:15 "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." When Pastor Dave quoted this passage it reminded me of the fact that as followers of Christ we are insulated but not to be isolated. We are covered by him in all circumstances, and as such are called to be in but not of the world.
While I am in the "bubble" it feels safe and warm to be surrounded by those who look and act like me. Why can it be so difficult to want to let others know what I know?
September 10, 2007 @ 10:04 AM
10. Lou wrote:: This topic is my first on a church 'blog' and I have enjoyed reading the responses submitted. I have spent the majority of my life "in the church". I have been involved in a variety of ministries and loved them all. However, looking back and at the present, I think I have always sat close to the door, figuratively and literally. In my two life careers, I have dealt almost exclusively with non-Christians and have actually been rather comfortable there. Not that I wanted to "be like them" or that being with them made me feel better about myself, but at least I knew what they were all about. They are real people. My life long friend is one of the most Christ-like individuals I have ever known, and he is not a believer. I had many opportunities to share with others and have been able to sow many seeds. Some of those folks are even pastors now. I have to believe that God used me, as well as scores of others, to bring them to where they are now. God is so very gracious and I am so glad that I am comfortable at the door. "The bubble" is a fragile place. I have to agree with Dave in that many nonbelievers feel that those in the bubble are irrelevant, and that they cannot enter into the bubble because of the way they are perceived by Christians. The strength, the tensile strength, of any bubble is on its edge.
September 10, 2007 @ 10:55 AM
11. Sharie wrote:: One of the things I remember most about my time at Willow Creek last June is that sense of disappointment in myself as Dan Kimball asked us to make a list of the non-believers who we spend time with. Sadly, I could not even name one, not one. My time is spent day to night in a sea of "ministry" busyness and my social life, what little there is, spent with those who I have built relationship with through my small group, all believers and serving in the church. This is powerfully convicting to me and I was reminded through Dave's message that God does not want me to stand around gazing into the heavens but wants me to "GO". So now my prayer is "Here am I, Lord...send me!".
September 10, 2007 @ 1:39 PM
12. Lisa M. wrote:: After church I had a lot of thoughts. Am I in the bubble??? I came to realize that I'm the exact opposite. I'm still working my way into the Bubble. After switching churches this year I really felt on the outside. I have soooo many friends who are not Christians. I do believe I have asked almost everyone I know at one point to join me at church. It was just like Dave said, they believe in God but not church. It amazes me how so many people believe that. I must note-that they think they can live however they want as long as they're a "good person and believe"!
What can I do?? I decided to plant the seeds, and let God take over. When my friends call me to do something on Sunday's or Wednesday nights, I let them know-I will be at Church.Now they call me and say-wanna do lunch when you get out of church on Sunday? So I know it's planted. I have told all my friends I will only date Christian men. Right now they may think I'm crazy but my life will reveal the GLORY of my choices.
Thank you Dave for reminding me to work harder on my Non Christain relationships.
I also need to work harder on getting in the bubble!
September 10, 2007 @ 2:21 PM
13. Lou wrote:: Lisa, thank you for your thoughts. It is an amazing insight about trying to get into the bubble. Leaving a church or a fellowship is a major change, and believe it or not, there are aspects of loss there. Unfortunately, sometimes getting into a new church is like breaking into a family. It can be a difficult transition. I've made a similar transition and I have a sense of how you are feeling. And, you're right, planting seeds is an essential part of being a Christian. Many times those of us who plant might not reap the joy of the harvest, but the Lord will bless your efforts for Him. Keep planting those seeds and know that you are here at Montrose for a reason. We are glad you are here although we haven't met yet. Have a great week.
September 10, 2007 @ 9:18 PM
14. Dave wrote:: As I read your comments (thanks for taking the time to write) I am thinking that there is one core value that helps burst the church bubble and also helps build community within the church. It is authenticity. People inside and outside the church long for authenticity. Practicing sincere care and concern for every person we meet, whether at church on a weekend or at the mall on a Tuesday breaks down walls and builds meaningful relationsips. Thanks Lisa for reminding us that every week people come into our community and feel a little lost. It is our call to burst the church bubble even at church!
September 11, 2007 @ 4:07 PM
15. Linda wrote:: As I reflect on the message this past week, I am reminded of how large the 'church bubble' is, and how desperately we need to create an opening in that bubble to allow movement from inside out, and outside in. The only way to accomplish that is to go outside the bubble ourselves, and allow God to work wonders by His grace. Sometimes the church bubble seems large and intimidating to those outside. (I know because I have been there.) I also know for myself that I have my own little bubble around me. I am very comfortable in my own little bubble, and venturing outside of my shell is often scary and self revealing. I believe it is human nature for each of us to have our 'comfort zone', but I pray for myself, that I will allow God to break down those walls, and allow his love and grace to abound to others, through me. Thank you Pastor Dave for another inspiring message!!
September 11, 2007 @ 11:06 PM
16. Cyndi Roberts wrote:: I'm really loving to read everything you are all sharing...It's good to be reminded of all the "sides" there are to the bubble and then challenges we face all around (no pun intended) :-) I've been amazed so far this week to see how many times God has made it easy for me to get out of mine! I think that just simply opening my eyes and being intentional in my prayers is definitely a positive first step. One tangible step that we as a family are praying about is to let the kids stay in some activities this year that we were considering not doing because they are time-consuming. I'm not talking about having upside-down priorities...but rather seeing the opportunity to establish relationships outside of church that we might not otherwise have. How about everybody else? I'm excited to hear your thoughts!
September 12, 2007 @ 11:58 AM
17. Brian Leon wrote:: The message last week was amazing to me personally, most of my life I have be out side the bubble caught in the hectic work flow to the fact that I thought that church was a waist of time in-till seven years ago hen my wife bought to Montrose and thats all it took one time, at the age of 35 god open my hart and my eyes. Now I love the church and doing what I can to learn more about god, thats what it is all about, just trying to learn to LOVE and carry that Love in and out side the Bubble. Like dave said we must burst the bubble and spread the LOVE.
September 13, 2007 @ 12:10 PM
18. wrote:: Cyndi
I know how hard it is to be everything to everyone, but those girls will remmeber those times that you were there to support them in what they enjoy doing. Having the opportunites to be there it also allows you to meet so many families which bring new friendships into your lives. We have seen how that has brought many families into the church because you and your children became friends. I reflect back to when we were out playing ball and the children were in there sports and the many friendships we built from being together event after event, and now how many of them have come to the church because they saw that we were going to the church and felt comfortable and not alone. ( besides the great speaker!!, great music!!)
September 14, 2007 @ 8:10 PM
19. Mike wrote:: For me, my perspective has changed over the past several years. I have been fortunate to be in contact with many people outside the church and yet many with-in it. Although, I can see a definite delineation when I am inside of church settings and when I am outside of church. I believe there are many bubbles that exist in each of our worlds. Some of these bubbles collide and some are very remote from one another. I guess the best that I can to do is make the bubble walls as thin as possible, until they break:)
September 15, 2007 @ 11:25 AM
20. Andrea wrote:: Last week's sermon struck me in an odd way. I have never been part of any church. I did not grow up with any formal belief system, and I have to say I was one of those that said, yeah that Christ thing sounds kinda good, but oooh those Christians!
Montrose Church and Pastor Dave have changed that for me. I am thankful. Thankful for the meaningful sermons, the warm greetings (from many of you that I have known for years outside the Church), and for God opening my heart and allowing Jesus to come in. I find myself still outside the bubble, but I am tiptoeing in. And therein lies the oddity.
September 15, 2007 @ 8:18 PM
21. a soldier for Christ wrote:: Ok here goes...
I have to share this with you all or else I'll burst my bubble (he, he, no pun intended). For about a year now God has shaken my world by giving me a deep burden for the lost. I decided that I would order some very inovative "gospel tracts" and simply leave them in inconspicuous places ie. shopping carts, in-btween the gas pump handles etc. Then after a few weeks of doing that, I started to smile and try to hand people the tracts fearing and experiencing some occasional rejection (this was definitely difficult for me since I have a hugh background of family rejection). Fast forward to just last week. I have linked myself up with a group of believers who out and hand out tracts but are also challenged to "open-air" preach. We follow a foundation format and let God use our personalities to convey His message of "Law to the proud and Grace to the Humble"
Well, it took me a year, but last week between 2 sigificant days--My "born again" birthday and my 1st physical birthday, I stood up on a soap box in Burbank, and "open-aired" the gospel message.
I'm sharing this with you not because I am some polished public speaker because I'm not, but I wanted you to be encouraged. I'm am not denying that bursting out of the bubble is not painful but once out Jesus is there work through you in ways you never thought possible. Again, I just wanted to let you know (and we've heard it time and time again) "you can do allllll things though Christ who strengthens you".
September 16, 2007 @ 9:27 PM
22. Debbie wrote:: I guess I had the chance to risk and get out of the bubble today at lunch but I didn't. I usually have lunch with the same people here at work. There were 3 of us there today. One woman (that I actually know the least) was sharing about the problems she is having at home in her marriage. I've heard before of many other things she is going through with her family and medical issues. She was saying today she is ready to move out. I just listened with my other friend and didn't really say anything. What can I say to her?
September 17, 2007 @ 4:16 PM
23. David wrote:: As one reads these many comments, a few things become very apparent. Some interpreted Dave's sermon as identifying the "bubble" with church. Others feel that the "bubble" is an attitude, not the physical church. Still others talk of the "bubble" as their personal life circumstances and the rest of you are working on getting into the "bubble." Wow, quite different takes on one sermon! That raises the question, "Is the 'bubble' a bad thing we need to destroy?" "And, if so, what do we say to those 'working their way into the bubble?'" I'm being unfair at this point because I am simply posing the questions without giving my own opinion. I think it is better this way because I would like to hear the feedback first. Do we know exactly what the "bubble" is and why we want to "burst" it? And what is waiting for us on the "outside?" Is there more to it than evangelizing unsaved friends? Does the "safeplace" (the "bubble") strengthen us to do battle "outside?" Study the sermon notes and define your terms before "bursting" anything. Inside or outside, what do you think?
September 17, 2007 @ 5:11 PM
24. JuliAnn wrote:: As I have listened to the last two sermons I clearly identified as someone who is comfortable outside the bubble... I love to find any opportunity to share about Christ Luckily my mother was a great example! I do "fail" many times, but have hope that my sharing or action may be one of the tiny "softeners" of a hard heart that one day may open... BUT... when Dave mentioned "what risk are you taking?" I realized that "outside my bubble" was actually some of those closest to me. Home is where I was afraid to take a risk. I did take two "risks" on Saturday night and now two of my family members will join us in heaven!
Yeah God!
September 17, 2007 @ 10:00 PM
25. Lou wrote:: David, I really enjoyed your posting. It gave me a lot to think about. Here are my thoughts.

• "Is the 'bubble' a bad thing we need to destroy? Jesus Christ saves those who believe in Him. He is the Bridegroom, and no, we shouldn't destroy His church (the bubble). The first bubble is shown in the book of Acts. It is the ideal, but it is certainly not perfect. We should strive to follow the precepts set in God's word to nurture the health of the church, or in this case, the bubble.

• What do we say to those 'working their way into the bubble? If we are following God's word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct those whom He is leading into our fellowship, we must make ourselves available to listen and to share the journeys of others. We come alongside nonbelievers so that they will hopefully see something different in us as we try to walk with Jesus. We are to be salt and light to the world. Everything will be in place for others to be nurtured in the bubble if it is healthy, expandable, Spirit filled, and relies on God alone.

• Is there more to it than evangelizing unsaved friends? There is more to being a Christian than evangelizing others. We need to be continually in the Word of God and taking our own steps of faith if we are to be effective in our witness. Reaching out to others is an overflow of our love for Jesus and it takes time, commitment, and prayer. New believers need to be nurtured in the word of God. We dare not only give them only a great social fellowship because trials will come and we all need to be strong to stand alone in tough times. Also, the word of God is a road map that shows His plan for the world and for each of us individually. The bubble or the church needs this component to help believers to grow.

• Does the "safeplace" (the "bubble") strengthen us to do battle "outside?" Without the word of God, we have no strength for the battle. Without each other to hold us accountable, to encourage, to remind us of God's word and His purpose for our lives, we will do little to help others to stand their trials of life. In that case, the bubble is not safe…no safer than the world.

I don't think anyone is trying to burst the bubble. I think we are trying to understand what the bubble really is…the church. More than the sermon notes, the Bible gives us the book of Acts, a wonderful 'bubble' book full of trials, miracles, steps of faith, and full of people trying to live for the Lord…just like the church today. People were coming to the Lord daily being saved because of the testimony of Jesus Christ. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that changes lives, if we are open to make the choice to accept Him. We still need to take risks to share with others, and yes, you will get hurt and discouraged many times. But if the church of Jesus Christ is not there to nurture those in the bubble, it will be difficult for believers to stand alone. Times are getting hard, but Jesus is still with us today through the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe God intended for his people to be nourished in the bubble to be effective inside and outside the bubble.
September 18, 2007 @ 11:24 AM
26. Jill Burkholder wrote:: When we were kids one of the things we did as a family every year was go to Disneyland. The first thing my parents did was showed us where to go if we got lost. Knowing there was a place to go to find my parents gave me the courage to enjoy the surroundings rather than worrying that my parents would lose me. That's how I look at the "bubble". Whether we stay in it or venture out of it depends on our own comfort levels. Dave's sermons sometimes challenge us to take risks and other times remind us where our support is and that God is always just a prayer away. I personally need the challenges to fan the flame so to speak, but I also get courage from knowing that once I take the risk,no matter who I come across, at the very least, I know where to take them to find their Father.
September 18, 2007 @ 1:06 PM
27. David wrote:: Lou, thank you for your response and candor. Let me understand you though because I think you have raised an extremely important perspective. You talked about the "health of the bubble," "nurturing people in the bubble" and "the bubble is the church" but "without each other, the bubble is not safe." It doesn't sound like you want to "burst the bubble" (the church) but you want to see it stay healthy. "I don't think anyone is trying to burst the bubble," you said. Given your definition of "the bubble," I would agree; however, what I am focusing on is Dave's point that "It is our call to burst the church bubble even at church!" I'm not sure he is identifying the bubble with the church rather something (an attitude) that goes on in the church. If this is true, then we can begin to narrow our aim at "bursting the bubble" as we share our thoughts and "bursting" seems to be the goal of this sermon series. That is why I was intrigued by the multiple interpretations of "the bubble" and I thought it helpful to define the goal as intended by the sermons. Please continue to share your thoughts so that ultimately we continue to "think God's thoughts after Him."
September 18, 2007 @ 1:51 PM
28. Maryjo Stone wrote:: I would like to take a moment to say Clara, Chris and Cindy, thank you for making my home coming a soft loving human embrace. I was gone for so many years from this church, to come back and have my name called out by Clara on Sunday, touch the very debts of me. Then along came Chris and once again called out to me with love and hugs. Cindy Roberts last Wednesday asking Maryjo is that you..pushed me over board. Thank you girls so much for stepping out and taking me in. That is what the bubble is all about. Human kindness and love. Even though two of these ladies did not know me. nor did they know if I knew Christ or not. Just I was there and they stepped towards me. Thank you!!! About this bubble that seems to move in peoples thinking many different ways. It is just a word!! Funny, how a word can make us feel or think. We all live in some kind of comfort zone like it or not.
Using the word bubble was a great idea. I have given lots of thought to how I live in my bubble zone. I'm working on if you will to be part of the bubble for Christ and give some of my bubble to those who don't have it. What should matter to all people is how are we getting to God!! and are we the light that shines bright for our Father so others see it too. I'm loving the teaching on the bubble!!! it seems to effect people in many different ways. I guess it is food for thought. I'm working on walking towards God. Sometimes I fall and skin my spirit, but that's OK. Jesus is there when I ask to be picked up. Well, Pastor Dave thanks for teaching on the bubble. It has given me lots to think about and share with others, about going to God!!
September 18, 2007 @ 2:45 PM
29. Lou wrote:: David, very interesting prospective. I believe there is an attitude in the church; actually many attitudes, some very good, and others maybe not as good. We all have attitudes about almost any issue. I know from many years of experience that if you were to have ten people witness the same event, you would probably have ten different accounts of that same event. Having said that, I believe that the Word of God will cause a different reaction/response from as many people as hear it. It is something that reaches deep into each soul and cuts to the heart of an issue; and we all have issues. I'm sure that Dave's sermons have a slightly different "ring" in each ear that hears them, and that's very good for the health of the church. I believe we need to burst our own individual " attitude bubbles " so that we can be most effective for the Kingdom of God. Praise God we have this format to share ideas in a positive, meaningful way. I know that, if we are open to what God has for each of us, our church and the Christ's Church worldwide, will benefit. I think Mary makes my point. What really matters is that we are all moving closer in an intimate relationship with God. 8-)
September 18, 2007 @ 7:32 PM
30. David wrote:: Lou, Your analogy of ten people/ten accounts is so true and it underscores the exact point I have been highlighting. Truth is more than our subjective recounting of an event. It has objective existence with universal application. Truth is true even if no one knows it, admits it, agrees with it, grasps it or follows it. I believe Dave believes he is preaching eternal truth each Saturday and Sunday and although the reaction may be a "different 'ring' in each ear," ultimately, that "intimate relationship with God" is our sanctification which is "by the truth; Thy Word is truth." Jn17:17 My focus in writing in this blog is to uphold the idea that Dave has an important truth he is trying to convey in this series and although people will apply it differently, we should never lose sight of the fact that our sanctification is based on the objective truth of God's word and not our subjective "hearing." Our goal as Christians is to know that truth, ponder that truth, dig for that truth, pray for insight into that truth, etc. I join you in praising God for this "positive" and "meaningful" forum. Your wisdom is evident and your passion for God is exemplary. You and I can go back and forth with our thoughts but we can rejoice that "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are deposited in Christ."
September 19, 2007 @ 12:54 AM
31. Cyndi Roberts wrote:: More on "the bubble" - This analogy has spawned many thoughts, reactions and application for all of us. David, thanks for reminding us that "our goal as Christians is to know that truth, ponder that truth, dig for that truth, pray for insight into that truth, etc." That is my prayer!

For purposes of THIS series, getting out of the bubble is referring to the "subculture" that Christians and the church have created that actually creates a barrier for people to come to know Jesus. We're not saying that all churches and all people in each church are always creating barriers. But I do have to take a long, hard look at the personal application: are there things that I do/say/etc that [could] create a barrier for those people who I come into contact with who don't know Christ? Church lingo, hypocrisy, lack of relationship and authenticity (with non-believers)...all of these types of things. And if I am honest with myself...I am guilty of all of those. For me, the digging comes from prayerfully placing all those things about myself that I think are "good Christian things" before God. It can be hard to swallow when he shows me how I really come across and what I need to work on. For more on the inspiration behind that topic, refer to Dan Kimball's book, "They Like Jesus, but not the Church" - there is a link on Dave's blog.

I love that many of you have pointed out the experience of being one of those people trying to overcome those "barriers to entry". I love to hear your stories of how through relationships and seeking to find a "safe" church you are making that journey. How encouraging :-), that's what it's all about!

Juliann - OK...I have shivers! You knew it was time, and you took the risk. There are no words to express how awesome it is that 2 lives have been changed!!!!!!!!!

Debbie - Thanks for sharing. I understand that feeling of not knowing what to say...and even avoiding the relationship because of feeling inadequate. I have a similar situation and I'm just praying that God will direct the next step. (And that I don't become so impatient that impose a "risk" on myself that isn't of God - know what I mean?) Sometimes it's hard to feel like you don't know if you did the right thing (and sometimes saying nothing is the right thing). One of my most frequently prayed prayers is "God will you just make it crystal clear?" - crystal being the key word" God knows my tendency to doubt and I find that when I pray that, he restores my confidence.

Jill - I love your analogy of knowing the place to go when you're lost...and knowing the place to take people. I think that's what the poem "I Stay By the Door" is referring too. Staying relevant to people, knowing when to hold there hand and put it on the latch to that safe place.
September 19, 2007 @ 10:42 AM
32. a soldier for Christ wrote:: Today is my 50th birthday. This is a big marker for me. The 30's were my child-bearing years and the 40's were the care and raising of my little offsprings. Those 2 decades fizzed by and now I'm looking at this crazy number--50. I am a wife, & mom of 3 children.
As you may have noticed that I go under the name of "a soldier of Christ". I guess I am doing that because I carry the baggage of rejection. Frankly, I'm afraid and just don't feel as safe within the bounderies of the church as I would like but the Lord is helping me work through some important issues. We all are broken whether we can see the effects on the outside or they sit within the depths of our hearts. But you know what, God already know that! Although it's important to continue cultivating a relationship with our Creator, it is equally and ultimately important to bring Him glory. It's the least I can do for the suffering, pain and death He went through for me. The "bubble" starts here with me whether in or out and I'm responcible for every idle word to my brothers and sisters in Christ and to those dying without Christ. I am to "do" those things He commands us to do and not just read about it and tuck the Scriptures back on the shelf until next time.
I am challenged by this theme. I want what God wants.
A sis-in-Christ
September 19, 2007 @ 4:10 PM
33. Anonymous wrote:: Dear Soldier in Christ,
Thank you for being real and sharing your heart. It is hard to be vulnerable, and I can relate to your feelings about rejection. Jesus paid the price for us, and it will cost us to follow Him. It is hard to be obedient. Keep that submissive love for the Lord and He will use you to do mighty things for the kingdom. I'm so glad you are out there. Happy 50th Birthday, Sis.
September 19, 2007 @ 5:39 PM
34. David wrote:: Wednesday evening Bible study on "Foundations" hit the nail on the head and complemented Pastor Dave's series perfectly by focusing our attention on the ultimate standard, the Bible. "Sola Scriptura" was the battle cry of the Reformers. God's Word is the only sure guide as we navigate the often treacherous waters of life. If we are to come to an understanding of what it means to "burst the bubble" and then take action on that understanding, it will be because we "rightly divide the Word." "Searching the Scriptures daily to see whether these things are so," like the good Bereans we are. "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life." Jn 5:39 Two characteristics of bubbles is that they isolate those inside from those outside and bubbles are burst catastrophically, not by melting. It takes the power of the Spirit and the Word, not the enticing ramblings of psychobabble, to remove the scales from our eyes and motivate us to reach out to a world that "groans." God's message of love is the true "global warming."
September 20, 2007 @ 4:14 PM
35. SUSAN POTRYKUS wrote:: I SPEND NOT ONLY MY WORK WEEK WITH MANY NON BELIEVERS, BUT ALSO AT HOME. ALTHOUGH I KEEP THESE DEAR ONES IN PRAYER, I WAS STARTING TO BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD JUST GIVE UP, UNTIL PASTOR DAVE'S MESSAGES THE PAST SEVERAL SUNDAYS. HIS WORDS HAVE GIVEN ME ENCOURAGEMENT AND STRENGHT TO CONTINUE TO SEEK THESE PEOPLE OUT ANDI WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE THEM HOPE THRU MY WALK OF FAITH. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US SEE WHAT WE NEED AND THAT WE DO HAVE FREEDOM TO LEAVE THE BUDDLE TO GIVE OTHERS LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR LIVES WITH HIS GRACE AND MERCY. IT IS AMAZING THAT SOMETHING SO GOOD AS TO LOVE ANOTHER IS SOMETIME THE HARDEST FOR US TO DO. WE ARE SUCH SILLY CHLILDREN--I AM SO GLAD OUR GOD DOES NOT FORSAKE NOR LEAVE US.
HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS WEEK.
September 23, 2007 @ 3:32 PM
36. Luci Gutermuth wrote:: As I reflect over this past weekend, I realize that I spent time with people who have been 'hurt' by Christians and won't go to church or some of them look at Christians as 'preachy' people trying to get everyone to be as judgmental as them. I definitely think that our prayers and our time with them will make the biggest impact. My heart so resonates with Pastor Dave's messages. Thank you!!
September 23, 2007 @ 11:24 PM
37. Kelly wrote:: When I think of a church bubble, I thank God (literally) that people have a heart to reach out and pop that bubble. I was not raised in a Christian family but, due to the neighborhood I was raised in, I came to know Christ as a child. One family, who must have been active in their church, would hold a VBS in their backyard and basement every summer inviting all the neighborhood kids. It wa