When the kids come home

I've been in ministry for 34 years.  As a 19 year old, I took my first church position as a summer youth director at a local church, and and also working with a local Baptist Association reaching out to a town to start a Bible Study that would one day lead to a church plant.  Those roots go back to the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Potsdam, and the Calvary Baptist Church in Canton, New York.  I would go back to Roberts Wesleyan College that fall as a sophomore and be called to serve as youth director of the Penfield Wesleyan Church.  I was privileged to serve there for three years.

Then it was on to seminary and a new place of service.  I was called as Associate Pastor for youth and children's work at the Faith Baptist Church in Atoka, Tennessee.  I held that position for four years and then was called to be their pastor.  All in all I served almost 7 years in that church.  Then I was called to return to my roots.  I became the pastor of First Christian Church (SBC), Brushton, NY.  I served there six years.  In 1993 we moved to Northside, and I've been serving here 18 years.  That's my 'career' so far.  As much as I love it and as important as it has been to me and my family, there is another story I want to tell.

Our first child, a daughter, was born in Memphis, Tennessee.  I was in my sixth year in that church.  I still remember her birth and the joy she brought then to our hearts and still does today.  When we moved to New York, my wife was pregnant with our second child.  That first year, our son was born in the same hospital that Kathy and I had been born in years before.  Three years later we had another daughter, and she too was born in that hospital.  The kids brought us great joy then and still do today.

In 1993, we moved to the Syracuse area to accept a new ministry and a new opportunity.  We had an 8 year old, a five year old, and a two year old.  Today they are 26, 23, and 20.  It seems like that blink of an eye.  Since arriving here, we discovered we were having another child, only to go through the great pain and difficulty of a miscarriage.  A few years later God gave us another another child, a daughter, and she is soon to enter middle school.  In the blink of an eye, one has married, two are out of college, the third will be a senior in college, and the fourth is not too far from the teen years.

This weekend, the oldest came home with her husband.  I love when the kids come home.  Oh, I know they are not kids - but they are such a blessing to us.  They will always be my kids - and I mean no disrespect by that.  They are beautiful ladies and a fine young man.  Why am I writing this?  Because the theme of this blog is, 'Keep the Fire Burning'.  My family is a key for me to keep the fire burning.  They know me best, yet love me most.  I can't imagine my life without them.

Most of all, I am grateful for my wife, and their mother.  She has poured her life into them, and I see it nearly every day.  I love her for that and so many other reasons.  Ministry is busy.  Ministry is a blessing.  Ministry can be brutal.  Whatever the case, remember this - there's no one like your family.  Don't make them idols, and don't neglect them.  Just love them.  You will never regret that - and it will keep the fire burning!

Ironically, this blog started as a result of a book I was reading for a doctoral seminar.  I started reading it on vacation last April, on my oldest daughter and her husbands back patio.  The seeds for this outreach and ministry were planted last spring.  Now they are visiting us and the blog is a reality.  One more step in sharing my life, family and ministry for the glory of God.

Soon the movie Courageous will come out.  I have seen it twice at pastor's special screenings.  I was asked this week what two takeaways stick out in my mind for me personally from this film.  I would say this:  cherish every day, and never underestimate your influence as a father.  Pray for the release of that film and it's impact globally.  Enjoy your kids while they are home, and look forward to the times when they come home as they grow older.  It will help you keep the fire burning!

grateful,
Bruce

Staying Healthy

I like sausage biscuits.  I’m a northern boy, but seven years in Tennessee taught me some things!  I can still remember driving my wife to catch her ride with another lady who taught school at the same school where Kathy taught.  I would go inside that gas station/corner store in rural Tennessee and buy a sausage biscuit and the Memphis paper.  I would head to the church where I was on staff and having devoured my biscuit on the ride to the office, would then open the paper and begin my day. 

When I to this community, the church where I serve was right next to a McDonald’s restaurant.  I can’t begin to tell you how many days I left home without feeling hungry at all, only to have the STRONG urge for a sausage biscuit!  Since then, McDonald’s has moved, but I still know where two of them are!  Now I’m not a huge fan of McDonald’s, but I do like breakfast there on the go.  Through the years it is not uncommon to drop off one of my own family for praise team practice and then head to McDonald’s to grab breakfast to go for both of us.

As I’m getting older, I find myself asking more and more questions about health.  You might say it’s too little, too late – but I would say, I’ve cared for much of my life – though at times not enough!  For whatever reason, this past Sunday I decided to check calories and fat content on foods at McDonalds.  Now that was informational!  I discovered that there are something like 430 calories in a sausage biscuit – and a lot of it is fat calories.  The egg mcmuffin has just 300 calories and much less fat.  But, here is the problem.  I don’t like egg mcmuffins nearly as much as sausage biscuits. 

Ironically, I had already been to the gym for my Sunday morning routine.  I know how much it takes to burn 300 calories, much less 430.  For some reason, my mind went to the Bible and this verse:  ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge’.  (Hosea 4:6)  It’s true that I was preparing to preach the word of God in two services that morning.  I wanted to share the word and help God’s people know His word more clearly.  The Lord’s rebuke had to do with their rejection of him (recorded in Hosea) – but as Dr. Adrian Roger’s used to say – there is only one proper interpretation of Scripture and that is the one the Holy Spirit meant when it was written.  But – there are a thousand applications. 

As I reflected on the verse from Hosea – the Lord reminded me of this application.  I thought how my lack of knowledge on the nutrition of my breakfast choices was not allowing me to make the wisest decisions for my health.  Now you can argue and I would agree, that there are far healthier options.  I will be pursuing those as well.   To keep the fire burning, you have to stay healthy.  That involves, diet, exercise, sleep, emotional health, intellect and a host of other issues.  Most of all we need to be spiritually healthy.  But don’t bypass the simple things.  As for me?  I saved the 130 calories and the fat content and made the bold move – I had the egg mcmuffin. 

Bruce

The Heart of God

Perhaps the most famous Bible Verse is John 3:16.  'For God loved the world in this way:  He gave His One and ONly Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.'  This verse reminds us of the greatest gift ever given!  I believe this verse declares the heart of God.

When we consider this verse we see that the source of the gift is God.  The strength of the gift is that it is given out of love.  The scope of the gift is the whole world!  God has expressed His love to the whole world in the sending of His Son.  Next we notice it is a sacrificial gift.  God gave His Son - His only Son.  What a sacrifice! He died for us!  Lastly, it is a salvation gift.  The greatest gift ever given is the gift of eternal life provided by the Lord Himself in His substitutionary atonement on our behalf.  All who trust in Him are saved forever.  Glory Hallelujah!  His resurrection was the final expression of how he broke the chains of death, sin and the grave.

God has a huge heart - a heart for the whole world.  Our privilege as His children is to take this glorious gospel to the ends of the earth as He commanded.  This week, at Northside we have 35 people in Puerto Rico rebuilding two homes and ministering to 150 children in Vacation Bible School.  Recently a team went to Bulgaria, another team went to Guatemala, one member went to the Ukraine.  We have a member serving in Paraguay.  This fall, our missions pastor will take a small team on an exploratory trip to East Asia.  Within just a few days a group of 40 adults and youth will minister at a wonderful retreat center.  They will minister at a children's camp and work on the property and facilities as well.

When you care about the things that God cares about, you will find it keeps the fire burning.  For me, going on mission with the Lord to the whole world is just another way of making sure I'm in step with God's agenda and not simply asking Him to join mine.  The difference is known in attitude, gratitude and fruit.

If you want to know the heart of God, love the world like He does.  Start from where you are and consider going to the ends of the earth as He directs, short term or long term.  It will keep the fire burning.  Whether that trip is across the street, a few minutes down the road, an hour away, a few hours, or across the globe, it's a trip worth taking!

For the sake of souls and the glory of God!
Bruce

Discipleship Is Not An Option

Jesus said, ‘If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’  (Luke 9:23, Holman Christian Standard Bible).  Discipleship is a word that can become a buzzword some latch on to and others ignore or give less attention.  Frankly, I was reminded again this week, discipleship is not an option.

Discipleship is the process of growing in your faith.  Remembering my own spiritual journey led me down memory lane.  I recall now the faithfulness of a Methodist pastor who encouraged me and taught our weekly mid-week Bible Study, when I first came to know Jesus. 

I’m reminded of the gift of a subscription to a Christian magazine, from a friend of my mother.  With that magazine subscription, I also received a copy of the Living Bible New Testament.  The word of God fueled the fire in my heart.  The magazine articles were like a fresh breeze on the fire.  God used it all to encourage me in my early walk. 

In addition, somewhere around 1974, I purchased for a few dollars, The Navigators Topical Memory System.  I learned the important lesson early that discipleship involves hiding God’s word in our hearts.  While I struggle to remember things that happened three years ago, I remember those verses memorized in my teen years with amazing accuracy. 

I would work on two verses a week.  Each week had a theme.  The Bible is the Word of God – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Joshua 1:8.  Another week was on the Christian Life – 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20.  Also, I memorized Luke 9:23.  I learned that the Christian life is not about me – it’s all about Jesus.  I am crucified with Christ – but more alive than ever before.  Now, I must deny myself, (my old nature that likes to have it my way), and take up my cross – daily – and follow Jesus.  What a privilege.

To keep the fire burning, you must memorize the word of God.  If these verses are new to you, I just listed six that will get you started.  Go for it.  Memorize two per week.  That’s 104 in a year.  Repeat the new verses you are working on seven times, each day, for a week.  Then review them once daily from then on out.  And remember – discipleship is not an option!

Refocused to hide God’s word in my heart,

Bruce

Remember Who You Are

Remember Who You Are

This has been an intense week.  My mother-in-law had a heart attack.  We’ve learned again the importance of family and even more so the value of faith.  I’m grateful that she is doing well and we are hopeful for good days ahead.  Though we will return soon to be with her in the hospital nearly five hours away, we have come home for a brief respite and some rest.

On the way home, we traveled through the little town of Burke and passed by the cemetery where my father is buried.  Kathy and I stopped.  I have often visited the grave of my father.  I know he is not there.  Praise God, he is with the Lord.  His body was buried there.  I go to honor his name, respect his memory, and frankly to remember who I am. 

Today, I sat down on the ground in front of the grave.  I stared at the tombstone.  It says, ‘Jesus Saves’.  I like that.  I noticed that there was a hyphen between two numbers.  1920-1979.  My first thought was ‘that was too short a life’.  To be certain, plenty of people have lived a shorter life, but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you it seems short to me.  Life is the dash between two dates, and how ever many years it is, it is a blink in light of forever. 

You may say, ‘Ok, Bruce, so what’s the story?’  I go to remind myself who I am.  I remembered again today that I am the son of a man who loved his wife and was faithful to her.  I’m the son of a man who loved his kids and was very good to us.  I’m the son of a man who believed the Bible, and was a man of prayer.  I’m the son of a man who loved the local church and respected the office of pastor.  I’m the son of a man who was a hard worker and lived an honest and respected life.  I want to be like him.

The other name on the tombstone is my mother’s.  I clearly recognized today there is no end date on her side of the stone.  She’s still living.  I talk to her regularly, but don’t visit her nearly enough.  I was made aware again today.  She is still alive.  My father-in-law and mother-in-law are still alive.  Having been with my in-laws earlier in the day, we also visited my Mom, after leaving the cemetery.  She was so glad to see us. 

For me, to keep the fire burning, I remember the past.  I remember who I am.  And I want more than ever to embrace the present and cherish every day.  I don’t know the future.  God does.  That’s enough for me.  I trust Him.  Oh, and by the way, if you are saved, you should really remember who you are:  child of God, redeemed, forgiven, assured of heaven, and you have a Savior who died for you to have an abundant life.  Embrace that.  Remember who you are.

Oh and by the way – when I leave my father’s grave, I now find myself saying in a whisper – though I know he is not there – ‘I will see you again!’  It’s the reminder to me of the hope we have in Jesus Christ.  That keeps the fire burning in my heart!

For the glory of God, and the sake of souls,

Faith, Family, and Friends

This weekend we celebrated the 235th anniversary of our nation, the United States of America.  For us, it is becoming a time to go and celebrate with our son and the church where he serves.  Dave is worship and youth pastor at First Southern Baptist Church, in Dover, Delaware.  Each year for the past five years or so, they host a block party type event right on their church property called 'Son Jam' on July 4th.  There is free food, games for the kids, and music.  We've been a couple of times.

This year I had the privilege of playing and singing in the band for the event.  I told my son he was scraping the bottom of the barrel to ask his Dad to play!  Actually, it was an honor, and a blast!  After preaching three services (one Saturday night and two Sunday morning) at Northside, my wife and I and our two youngest daughters headed to Dover.  We arrived a little before 7pm.  It was great to see our son again.  Then it was time to rehearse!  An hour and a half and about 9 songs later, we settled in for some late night burgers and chicken around an RV some new friends brought in as a blessing for some quiet and cool in the midst of the busyness.

Monday morning, we rehearsed again most of the morning.  Then we took everything out of the church and moved it to the platform out in the field on the property.  That transition took some time and diligence!  Then we did the soundcheck outdoors, ran about a dozen songs again and then took our final break.  When 5:30 came, people were lining up for dinner and all the festivities, which would conclude with a great view of the fireworks over downtown Dover from the church lot.  For me, I was about to do something I love - play and sing music - with people I love - new friends, and old ones - and sing between my son and one of my daughters.  Now that's about as good as it gets!

We played three sets of music, and I had the privilege of sharing the gospel in a ten minute presentation midway through the night at the pastor's request.  Only eternity will tell what a night like that accomplished - but I believe the Lord was doing a lot.  More than 1600 people came, enjoyed food, time with friends, and family.  In the midst of it all they were challenged in their faith as well through music and the word.  It was a WONDERFUL night.

At one point I thought - I wish this night would never end.  That's when you know it's going well!  I also respect and admire the faith and outreach of Pastor Jeff Osgood and the church he leads under the Lord's leadership there in Dover.  This congregation of between 300-400 reached out powerfully, generously and selflessly to their community with bold faith.

Faith, Family and Friends.  When you break it all down - well that's as good as it gets.  Without Jesus, my life would be a total mess and without hope.  Without my family, I don't know where I would be.  They know me best and love me most.  I thank God for them.  And friends?  Well - I have old ones and new ones and many somewhere in between - but this weekend I learned again they are a blessing from the Lord.  It makes me want to be a better friend to others.  I'm so grateful Jesus is the friend of sinners!

To keep the fire burning, you will need faith, family and friends.  Invest in all three.  You will be glad you did!

For the next generation

Today is my day off.  So you might say - Bruce what are you doing writing a post for your blog?  Good question.  Short answer?  I have a propensity toward being a workaholic.  But I'm not sure that is the problem today.  I've been a bit sick or I might be on the golf course!  Actually, there is another reason.  This week is Vacation Bible School and Youth Zoom (grades 6-8) at Northside.  We have a great staff and wonderful volunteer leaders and helpers.  I'm so grateful.

To be honest, I could have not showed up today, and not taken any flack for that.  Most people know that this is my weekend (Thursday night through Saturday afternoon).  Then I will preach three services - one Saturday night and two Sunday morning.  To preach is to die a little.  It takes something out of you.  But what a privilege.  I definitely need to refuel to keep the fire burning.  I want to be an instrument in the Carpenter's hands to inspire others to know Him!

I decided however that I would go by the church and just be incarnational.  That's what Jesus did.  Be among the people.  To be sure - there were times he withdrew to a solitary place - and we all need to learn that lesson as well.  It was my joy to speak with a number of people, greeting and encouraging them I pray.  What happened next was the joy of my morning.  I saw some of the youth zoom kids playing nerf baseball.  Well they were pitching and hitting.

When I was a kid growing up, I loved to ride my bike to my Grandma's house and get some pick up ball going with the neighbor kids.  I loved baseball.  This morning I said, - 'Hey, I want to pitch!'  For the next 15 minutes, I got to pitch and play some baseball with a great bunch of middle school youth.  Later on our leader gave me one of the bracelets being passed out for this group.  Our middle school ministry is now called 'Ignite'.  I grabbed the bracelet and put it on.  What it says sort of stunned me - in a good way - it says - 'Ignite the Fire Inside'.  WOW.

This keep the fire burning thing is not just for our generation but for future generations!  Before going to Bible School I had breakfast with a man who is a member of our church.  We talked about our families and encouraged each other in the Lord.  I reminded him and myself that as important as the church is, it all starts at home.

So let's keep the fire burning for yet another generation!  I'm confident they will ignite the fire inside - and if we are not careful will outrun us!  In one way that would be great - and in another - a sad commentary to my generation.  We need to keep blazing the trail for them!!!

I leave you with this challenge from the word of God.  'He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children so that a future  generation - children yet to be born - might know.  They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God's works, but keep His commandments.'  Psalm 78:5-7, HCSB.

So - let's keep the fire burning for the sake of this generation and the next!!!