It Was Love

It Was Love

I love Easter.  It is the greatest day on the Christian calendar.  In fact, for me, every year Holy Week becomes more meaningful and significant to me.  The chance to commemorate and celebrate all that Jesus did for me grows richer and deeper.

This Easter weekend is already proving to be like a drink of clear water on parched lips.  Last night, our very young and still forming church community (transFORM Communities) held a love feast, climaxed with worship and holy communion.  It seemed so reminiscent of what the Early Church must have done--eager believers sharing life together.  The reflection on Christ's sacrifice was deep and the cheers by beaming believers were throaty and love filled.  It was pure joy to be together.

Today (Saturday) was such a highlight for LaWanda and me.  We hosted all our family (3 kids, their spouses and all our grandkids) for Easter dinner, an Easter egg hunt and a rousing game of kickball for all of us.  What a blast!  And what love radiated all over the place as innocent children scampered through the house and all over the yard.  The food was great, but the love that we share for one another was the greatest, by far.  The hugs when we all parted were so warm and heartfelt.

And now, I'm left to reflect on it all.  There's only one thing that can make this happen.  Jesus Christ is the center of it all.  Once again, it washes over me.  It was love.  His love is the reason we can know the kind of human love that we have for one  another.  My heart almost burst with love just watching kids and grandkids today, but that can only happen because of Him.

"It was love that sent a Savior

To this world of sin and woe;

It was love that left heav'n's portals,

And came down to dwell below;

It was love that stilled the waters

On stormy Galilee;

It was love that paid sin's ransom,

One dark day on Calvary.

Refrain:

Love so divine,

Love so sublime,

Love that is deeper than any sea;

Love for us all, oh, how can it be!"

And I'm still trying to understand it all, but I'm learning more about it when I commemorate His death and tomorrow (Easter Sunday) we will celebrate His resurrection.  Hallelujah!

While I Mused The Fire Burned--"It's Still All About Jesus"

When we think of the "Bride of Christ," the Church, we still think of buildings and programs. Our consumer-driven society has deeply affected how the Body acts and how we perceive ourselves. In order to have an effective, successful "church," we think we have to have all the right "stuff." That means the building has to be customer-designed, with nice grounds, convenient parking and breathtaking bathrooms. Once we get to the building we have to have state-of-the-art programs which have been focus grouped and tweaked for just the right outcomes.

But is this really what God had in mind for His Church? Never once in the New Testament is the church described as a physical building. I've never read about one customized program in the New Testament. A large amount of what we do today is extrabiblical at best and unbiblical at worst.

When you read chapter after chapter of the New Testament there is the picture of a body made up of members. There's the picture of a family with brothers and sisters who have died to themselves and their selfish ways and who are living in Christ. In this picture of the church, people aren't just parking for an hour and participating in certain programs. Instead, Christ's Church is comprised of people who share the life of Jesus every day.

So how do people come to know Christ without all our paraphernalia? Well, Jesus said, "if I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me." Indeed, it's still ALL ABOUT JESUS.

"Down Into the Mess"

In my early morning fireside musings ("...while I was musing the fire burned," Psalm 39:3b) thoughts on personal leadership continue to emerge. In the arena of life, as a Christ follower, what is my responsibility to those who are broken and bleeding? After all, those people are all around me. What is my attitude? More important, what is my action?

As Jesus was teaching throughout the country, He would go into towns and villages and there he would see people who "were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36 says that He said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

The clear implication is that He was confronting broken and confused people who were crying for someone to help. Jesus looks around and pleads for helpers...workers who will pour in healing oil and bind up wounds.

The need for harvest hands has not lessened in our post modern world. Will I turn my back and fail to inhabit this space? In her book, "Concerning the Inner Life," Evelyn Underhill says, "(The saints) do not stand aside wrapped in delightful prayers and feeling pure and agreeable to God...They go right down into the mess; and there right down in the mess they are able to radiate God because they possess Him."

Today, go down into the mess and He'll go with you!

Rex Bullock: 2013! Can You Make the Trip? We made it. We just...

Rex Bullock: 2013!  Can You Make the Trip?
We made it.  We just...: 2013!  Can You Make the Trip? We made it.  We just crashed through the threshold of a brand new year.  Some partied hard with champaign...

When the Church Prays

When the Church Prays

2013!  Can You Make the Trip?

We made it.  We just crashed through the threshold of a brand new year.  Some partied hard with champaign and fireworks, and some "hung it up" and went to be early.  Some worried about going over the "fiscal cliff," while others didn't care, because to them Washington is always in a state of perceived crisis.  Whatever our state of mind, Happy New Year is now more than words on everyone's lips.  2013 is here.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  This new year is untried and untested.  Whether you're an optimist or pessimist, I am assured, based on God's Word, that He goes before us into the unknown future.  The Master of the wind and waves will give us all the grace and victory we need. 

It's our attitude that will make the difference in HOW we make it.  Recently, I read a poem which puts it into perspective.  Written by former University of Illinois football coach Ray Elliot, I think it is appropriate as we enter 2013.

The Proper State of Mind

If you think you're beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

For out in this world you'll find 

Success begins with a person's will.

It's all in a state of mind.

For many a race is lost

Before a step is run,

And many a coward fails

Before his work's begun.

Think big and your deeds will grow.

Think small, and you'll fall behind.

Think you can, and you will.

It's all in a state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are.

You've got to be sure of yourself before you win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man.

But sooner of later the person who wins

Is the person who thinks he can.

It's all in a state of mind.

By keeping our faith in God, in 2013 we WILL win, because He is going to give us a winning mind.  We're going to minister to more people than ever before.  We are going to see more people come to Christ than ever before.  We're going to see God's Kingdom around the world grow as never before.  It's in our minds, but more than that, it is in our hearts.  It's in God's heart to help us accomplish His purpose and His path.

I welcome 2013, though I have no idea what He has in mind for me.  It will be a significant year.  Make  it a Jesus filled year.  Can we make the trip?  YES, with His help we can.  And we will.  

2012 Christmas Letter

             

                                                                                                                        December 2012

Dear Family and Friends,  

Every year seems filled to the brim with activities, but 2012 has to set the record for us. What a year! 

After ten years in St. Petersburg, FL, at Cornerstone Church, LaWanda and I have transitioned back to the Portland/Vancouver area.

We arrived in August, put all our earthly treasures in two storage units and spent four wonderful months with our daughter Sherilyn, son-in-law Allan, Gordon (11) and Canon (10). They were all so gracious and generous; we had a great time. When we weren’t traveling and speaking, we used our extra time to get readjusted to the area and look for a house. Sherilyn and Allan remain very busy and successful in their careers.  The boys are growing so fast and doing great in school. One of the highlights of the year is that they both achieved Black Belt in Taekwondo.   

                                                                        

We also began a very rewarding project with our son Brittian and his wife Kristi. The four of us, along with a core of friends are raising up a new church community. TransFORM Communities is a unique group of believers seeking to encounter Jesus Christ in deep change and engage the world around us. It is so rewarding to work with Brittian and Kristi and we're already experiencing growth, but most of all, God's rich presence.  To be with Ransom (7 ½), Judah (6) and Maxine (18 months) is a grandparent's greatest thrill. 

All of our family is in the same area now. A few weeks before we moved, our older son, Jonathan, transferred here from Los Angeles, so it is wonderful to get to be with him on a regular basis. He lives just 10 minutes from Sherilyn and is spearheading an exciting new project for Kaiser Permanente.  You would know that we're very proud of him.

We’ve managed to keep up with individual ministries, including travel schedules.  I spent two weeks in Lagos, Nigeria, in July teaching leadership at West Africa Theological Seminary to some of Nigeria's most gifted leaders. It was truly a ministry highlight!

LaWanda continues her work as president of Women's Ministries International, leading the U.S. team plus traveling, speaking in women’s conferences in many countries and raising awareness and funds for women’s issues. She’s been to fifteen countries since 2007, the latest being to India in September, where she and the team spoke to hundreds of women in five conferences in four cities. What a privilege to bring hope, instruction and encouragement to these beautiful women.

We've moved and are now in our new (to us) home in Vancouver.  The yard and big trees are beautiful and we’re thrilled to be here. We would love to see you and have plenty of room, so please come visit.

The hymn writer said, “Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.” So, most of all, as we close 2012, we're glad for the privilege to know our great Emmanuel.  Truly, our “God is with us.”  We are thankful for that knowledge and know He will lead us whatever the New Year brings.  May you have a blessed and happy Christmas season and New Year.

With our love and prayers,
Rex and LaWanda