Blessed

This past Sunday was a great day at The Bridge.  After sharing a basic, but important message on how Jesus came to "show us the Father," between 8-10 people indicated a desire to surrender to Jesus and begin a life of following Him.

This illustrates how the human heart, when awakened by the Holy Spirit, yearns to be joined to the God who loves them.  I left church once again feeling so blessed to be able to share the greatest news in the whole world with people God loves so much that He gave His Son to ransom them from sin and make them His own.

I was also reminded of what a wonderful church we have, here at The Bridge.  Every week so many people serve joyfully in order to make it possible for others to come and receive ministry, connect with other believers, or to experience the new life Jesus alone provides.  I hope we never forget what a wonderful thing it is to be able to enjoy a church family the way we do at The Bridge.

Connect Groups

A very important way to begin to enjoy a family experience at The Bridge is by getting involved in a Connect Group.  Over the next few weeks we will be introducing the groups that will be offered in the upcoming semester.  Be sure to pick up a Connect Group catalog at church this Sunday to help you find the group that will be best for you -- and then be sure to make attending that group a regular part of your week. This will not only help you grow in your walk with Christ, but will connect you with some of the wonderful people God has brought our way.

You may also visit our website at www.thebridgenky.com, to see a list of all the groups being offered this semester.

"Abba"

In closing, I would like to share with you a devotional that goes along with what we talked about this past Sunday.  It's about how God is our "Abba," or "Daddy.

Matthew 6:9b, NASB

"Our Father who art in heaven,"

The name "Abba" simply means "Daddy."  No Jew would have dared address God in this manner, yet Jesus did it constantly, and He invites us to do so also.

Max Lucado writes, "One afternoon in old Jerusalem, as my daughter, Jenna, and I were exiting the Jaffa Gate, we found ourselves behind a Jewish family, a father and his three little girls.  The four-year-old fell a few steps behind and couldn't see her father.  'Abba!' she called.  The father stopped immediately.  Only then did he realize they were separated.  'Abba!' she called again.  Immediately the father extended his hand and the girl took it.  I made mental notes.  I wanted to see the actions of an 'Abba.'  The father held the girl's hand tightly as they descended a ramp.  When they stopped at a busy street, she stepped off the curb and he pulled her back.  When the signal changed, he led her and her sisters through the busy intersection.  In the middle of the street, he reached down, swept her up into his arms, and continued their journey."

Isn't that what we all need -- an "Abba" who will hear when we call, Who will take our hand when we are weak?  Who will guide us through the hectic intersections of life?  Who will swing us up into His arms and carry us home?  Well, the good news is we have one.  No matter what you are facing today, all you have to do is pause, reach up, and whisper, "Abba." He will be there for you.

From The Vine -- Bob Gass Ministries

Have a blessed day in Abba's care!

Bo