Month: May 2011

Shut Down

Ever seen this sign?  I imagine you have.  If you powered up a PC, a notebook, or a smart phone and are reading this blog, it is more than probable that you have this sign, this button right there on your device.  Now it may not look exactly the same — especially if your device is a bit dated.  I know this all too well.  The desktop I use in my home office was purchased in 2002.  For what I need to do and utilize it for, however, it is more than enough.  Back to the point and what I’m alluding to:  Just as every PC, desktop, smart phone, and TV has a “power off” button and function — we too must know how to “power down” and “turn things off.”  I submit that a true test of our spiritual lives and intimacy with God is related to how we power things off, and down, so that we may focus (exclusively) on our Lord. 

You know the passage in Psalm 46:10:  “Be still, and know that I am God…”  I know that passage too.  The verb, to be, to be in a state of being still, is a present tense verb that predicates an action.  God is speaking it and the psalmist is writing it.  I believe that today, in 2011, God is desiring that amidst all of the devices, gadgets, programs, and real time news overload, that His people……His very sons and daughters……would shut it all down and spend some time with Him in “still” presence.  What does that mean?  How can I do it?  You really mean me?  I don’t know if I can?  The demands are too great.  —  You may be saying all or some of these statements, and that is perfectly fine.  The fact is:  Each situation will vary — but the Message from the Lord will remain the same.  We need to find stillness before God and with God.  This has been a priority for me in my own life and I hope it will somehow spill over in yours. 

Lastly, and in some relationship with the whole “shut down” and “power off” model — I have to remind myself that nothing is happening in our world today that is taking God by surprise.  So with war waging, tornadoes demolishing, hunger spreading, government corrupting, people running, lives crashing, and politics dividing (on both sides), I know that our Lord has the helm and we do well to put our faith, our confidence, our lives in His hands.  Read Jeremiah 18:1-10.  It is in His plan and will that we, His body…His bride…The Church…is to take the light and life He has given to us and illuminate a lost and fallen world.  A world addicted to devices, gadgets, games, apps, and news commentaries; among many, many other things.  Let us be still, right now.  Let us know He is God, today and tomorrow and in the time He has apportioned that we have left.

Glory to His Name!  Praise Him for His presence!

Pastor Porter

Good Times

   What a wonderful day in the Lord!  As many of you know by now, tomorrow evening @ 5 pm we are hosting the May 2011 Worship for Until the Whole World Hears.  Each month, the group of church bodies and families from all over Carteret County are coming together, removing all barriers, and joining for a time of celebration, unity, worship, and encouragement.  I almost changed the title of this blog to “Great Times!”  In fact, it has been great times and I can’t imagine or fathom anyone not wanting in on what God is doing.

   Tomorrow night, beginning at 5 pm, we will come together as the children of God for the furtherance of His Kingdom.  As the pastor at Bridgeway, I want to take just a moment and publicly testify to my deep appreciation and excitement.  About 2 years ago, when I first sat down with Janet Spriggs, Leslie Overby, and the vision team at Floyd’s Restaurant in Morehead City, I was absolutely convinced that this was going to far exceed all human expectations.  I truly didn’t think that we could process or take in everything that God was going to do.  And from my standpoint, I know that I couldn’t.  Even in witnessing how it unfolded and how He has continued to bring people and church bodies on board, what joy and encouragement it has brought. Thank you Janet and Leslie, for your incredible faithfulness; and to all who have engaged and supported what is continuing to occur. 

   The July event at the Civic Center is going to be the culmination of what is unfolding now, in real time.  Yet, that is still not the end.  There is a deep desire and willingness to continue this — to not allow it to be “one and done.”  So I am inviting, encouraging, and really pleading with each and every one of you to get on board and join us.  This is for anyone and everyone who is able, interested, and willing.  I can’t imagine opting out of God’s clear movement and work here in Carteret County and in this region.  Too many miracles and acts of grace have occurred, over 2 years, for Him not to be in all the details.  I could spend pages telling you the stories and testifying to His love, mercy, and grace.  So please don’t forget:  YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR WORSHIP CELEBRATION @ 5 PM ON 5-15-11, AND BE SURE TO MARK DOWN SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2011 @ THE CIVIC CENTER.  You can find out more by visiting: www.untiltheworldhears.org or email me directly.  I would love to share this opportunity with you, personally.

Please join us in prayer, and know that you are loved!

In His grace with joy, joy, joy…

Pastor Porter

Refreshed & Renewed

   Good afternoon family!  Well, it seems like its been a while since my last blog, April 19th to be exact.  So yes, that is a rather long time.  However, I do want to communicate on the front-end that the past 12-13 days have really been a time of refreshment and renewal — for me personally and for my family.  Many thanks to all of you who prayed, sent cards and emails, and even left messages on our home phone #.  Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and love is greatly appreciated.  Please know that I reciprocated those prayers and lifted up the many needs and requests within our family.  One day especially, as we were lounging on the beach in Honolulu, I took my directory and went through it page by page.  I also recalled many who are extended family, friends, and church bodies needing prayer.  One of the miraculous things prayer does is connect us regardless of distance, space, and time.  Again, many thanks to you all!

   These first few days back in the saddle have been spent catching up on several of the ministry opportunities that we have in front of us.  How exciting!  We have several things coming up that are truly times of anointing, worship, unity, and encouragement.  So for this blog entry, on May 10, 2011, let me simply share a brief overview of some highlights.  If you want more details, be sure to visit the Bridgeway online calendar at:   www.BridgewayNC.org.  Much more detailed information can be found there. 

  • This Sunday evening, 5-15-11, at 5 pm:  “Until the Whole World Hears” monthly Worship Celebration in the Bridgeway Worship Center.  I know you already know about it — but let me really encourage you to join us right now.  It is going to be a time of worship, community, inspiration, and blessing.  God has shown Himself faithful in so many ways regarding this Vision, and He truly is bringing together church bodies and families who are seeking first the Kingdom of God.  Please be in prayer as we lead up to this weekend and be sure to join the celebration.  For specific questions contact Leslie Overby or Janet Spriggs.
  • Friday evening, 5-20-11, 6:15 pm:  “Men’s Chili & Connection Night” in the Bridgeway “Studio” Youth Ministries Room.  This is a great time to make your first visit to a Men’s event.  No matter if you’ve been coming a couple weeks or since Bridgeway’s inception — our chief goal in this group is to unite, empower, and equip men on their Christ journey, together.  So we will spend some time getting to know each other and talk about a powerful new Men’s program titled, ‘Band of Brothers.’  In fact, that is what we are called to be.  Be sure to come on out men and feel free to bring a friend, a brother, a dad, or a neighbor with you.
  • VBS 2011:  Mission to Mars.  Not too far away!  Registration Forms and Medical Release Forms are now available to print online or pick-up at church.  If you look at your calendar, you will see that we are closing in on the 5 week mark fast.  Please don’t delay in contacting Debbie Blankenship at CEDirector@BridgewayNC.org for questions, to sign up, or to volunteer.  We are planning for 40 kids, and remember, VBS remains one of the Top 2 ways that children between ages 4 and 12 come to know Jesus Christ as Lord for the very first time.  Powerful!

   More than anything else, please join me in prayer.  We really need to pray for these opportunities the Lord has brought to us to minister, to share, to extend, to keep the light shining forth.  Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and goodness!  Find us to be faithful, in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

To God be the glory!

Pastor Porter

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