Bryan Sederwall - Denver United

Moments

2010-10-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

"The first question that the priest asked, the first question that the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But...the good Samaritan...reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"
-Martin Luther King Jr.

Somehow our culture has become so egocentric that we miss amazing opportunities to make a difference...to be the difference. We are overly obsessed with MY time...MY finances...MY reputation...MY needs that we fail to do the very thing that Chris modeled for us...make a difference for OTHERS.

I love how Martin Luther King Jr. reframed the story of the good Samaritan! If I don't stop to help...what will happen to HIM! I truly believe that each provides its own set of opportunities to make and be a difference maker. So often we look for the BIG things and subtly miss the opportunities right in front of us.

Start right where you are, with the people right around you, doing something as simple as engaging with them and talking!!

SUMMER OF CHASING LIONS

2010-06-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

We have launched into our SUMMER SERIES at DC...CHASE THE LION! We are praying some big prayers...believing for some big miracles!

For the next 10 weeks we will be wrapped around becoming Lion Chasers...at our Sunday Celebration, in all our lifegroups, and in our service opportunities. Taken from the verse in 2 Samuel...we will discover what compelled Benaiah to defy the odds and overcome adversity...chasing a lion into a pit and killing it on a snowy day!

I can't wait to see what God unfolds in and through Denver Church this Summer!

“Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it.” – II Samuel 23:20

“Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshipping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion!”

DO I CARE?

2010-03-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

God continues to stir in the heart and culture of Denver Church...to live outside ourselves and be the difference we want to see!

It is exciting to see strategic partnerships and alignments begin to form...we can do more together than we can alone! Amazing people connected to MediaBridge, Save Our Youth, SoxPlace, Teen Challenge, Correctional Management Facilities...working together for the betterment of people! It is a beautiful thing!

C4group...Monty Hipp, have become a motivational and development piece for DC. Adopting into their CARE STRATEGY...DC is developing a strategic City Care Plan!

What is The Care Strategy?

The Care Strategy is a People Focused, Faith-Centered, Community Engagement Plan

“Tapping the Good in People To Do Good For People”
Matthew 12:35
Galatians 6:10
Philippians 2:4

The Care Strategy is a multifaceted community focused effort to mobilize the following:

Individuals (People from within the faith community and those connected to specific community concerns)
Students (public, private, and home-schooled)
Leaders (religious, civic and political)
The Faith Cooperative (churches and Faith-based organizations)
Community organizations (businesses, agencies, individuals, civic groups)

The Care Strategy provides solutions to the needs identified within our community.

This Sunday at DC...we begin to answer the question...DO I CARE? WHAT DO I CARE ABOUT? WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

Can't wait to unleash some major blessings this weekend!

Sorry...I can't come down!

2010-02-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

I have come to the full realization that time does not slow down...there are no slow periods or breaks...and completing one project produces three more! I also know that my adhd tendency pushes me to commit to too many things!

The goal...is to echo Paul in Philippians... "this one thing I do." Establishing clarity and focus...to be effective in my walk with Jesus, cultivating the relationship and role with my wife and 3 boys, and serving Jesus in the city of Denver is the goal.

As we have been studying through the book of Nehemiah I have pulled 6:3 as a life verse...a foundation for all I do! The vision that God has given me for Jesus, my family and my ministry is the greatest work! In the midst of opportunities (the struggle is the good opportunities...saying no to those in order to chase the best), despite critics (completion of the vision will silence them) and in spite of fear (the significance of the calling eliminates the potential for retreat)...I love Nehemiah's statement - "I AM DOING A GREAT WORK AND CANNOT COME DOWN!"

WORK

2010-01-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly;...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly."

-Teddy Roosevelt

One of the many things I have learned...am still learning is the value of PRAYER combined with PATIENCE and PLANNING! But I know that when God gives you a dream...a moment beyond logic and even understanding...you chase it down for all its worth. It is easy to get caught celebrating other peoples and other churches victories. It seems innate with us to watch a football game or basketball game and we vicariously live through someone else on the field. We even talk like... "I can't believe we lost that game" as if we were somehow a participant because we yelled at the TV from our couch while spilling our bag of doritos. I really love the connection to our favorite teams victory when we say things like... "We played amazing today."

The reality is that God has placed GOD SIZED dreams within each of us...it may be with our job, in our relationships, our ministry...but they are there! The challenge before us...we have to be confident in the one who created those dreams and we must be willing to work to make those dreams a reality.

At Denver Church we live within the value of Pray like it all depends upon God and work like it all depends upon us!

The Middle Road...

2010-01-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

As we continue to run the race that God has called us to in Denver...I'm amazed to look back and see some of the hardest times that we've gone through in our lives surrounded by some of the greatest wins!

When I was just entering the ministry I was encouraged to remember that those who can't see a long term vision set themselves up for a short term disappointment. It's truly hard sometimes to see beyond the moment, it's hard to take steps backward and it's difficult to sometimes wait...but in the midst of those moments I'm reminded of why I'm doing what I'm doing and who I'm doing it for! I so often need to be reminded of Paul's passion in Galatians 2, that it is no longer me living (I'm not doing this to get applause from people or personal gain) but it is Christ living in me and through me!

The reality is that the beginning (anything new...a new car, a new relationship, new shoes...) is fun and creates momentum...everyone gets excited about a great finish...but the WORK is done in the MIDDLE!

As we have entered 2010 I am truly excited about the opportunities that God has provided to connect with people in Denver, to become a city within the city, network with North High, Save Our Youth and Breaking Out!

The network of ARC (association of related churches) along side www.awaken21.org, a group of Remnant Pastors and countless friends has given us a stage to make the name of Jesus famous in Denver and around the world!

living life out loud

2009-11-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 2:14-17 (Message Version) Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup-where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

I have never been impressed by the person that talks a BIG game but doesn't back it up! What I love to see...what inspires me...is the person that doesn't have to use the words but let's his actions speak!

I love the DNA of Denver Church...people that love to serve and be a blessing! With everything from DC "GO" Days...DC Survival Packs for Homeless...serving at Restoration Outreach Center for Thanksgiving...DC Urban Christmas toy/food drive...there is a community of Christ followers that live it out loud everyday!

Living out the book of Acts

2009-11-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

I am always challenged and encouraged at the picture painted of the early church...so dedicated to the cause and call of Christ that they were focused on a very few foundational things! Their decisions...relationships...conversations were an overflow of their relationship with Christ. Taking to heart...the challenge that Jesus offered...that if you TRULY LOVE CHRIST...you will LOVE OTHERS! I am firmly rooted in the idea that your relationship with God can be measured by your relationship with others.

We cannot allow ourselves to get caught in the trap of the priest of levite...that probably on their way to "church"...SAW someone in need but passed them by! Living out the gospel...being Christ followers...we MUST engage the culture and the community around us!

Over the last few weeks...it has brought joy to my life to watch Denver Church engage this mission! On a "DC GO DAY"...people giving up $10 and one hour to do random acts of kindness... to know that a group of girls from a sorority would collect can goods and personally deliver them to a shelter...a lifegroup would embrace someone new and in need and help her get furniture for her apartment...THAT is the picture of what GOD has called us to be!

EAGLES WINGS...

2009-07-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ok...so not quite eagles wings...but a cool day in the sky! Had the cool opportunity to go up in a helicopter today and pray over downtown Denver and North High School!

It's amazing how perspective changes...being 6000 feet high going 110mph and having a small scale view of God's...looking down at Denver below. Truly is a beautiful city spread over a beautiful location. As we circled over downtown we were eye level with some of the taller buildings. We made our way over Coors Field and across the city...then I had this amazing view of North High School. It sits open and on a hill looking over the city! WOW!! We are positioned...as that city on a hill...to let our light shine into the darkened places in Denver. I have never been so burdened but excited to be a part of Denver Church and all that is going to unfold over the next couple of months!

2009-07-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

I can only imagine what it could have been like for David as a young man...to have spent many a night on a hillside...sheep bedded down...no distractions from cell phones, city lights, tv, email, text...only the amazing display of God's creation spread out before him in the night sky!

This week I got to take a day with Noah, Jakan and Joy (and the one in the oven...I call him little no name...can't think of one yet) and go to Vail. I am in awe of our creator as I take in his creation...I see the design and can't help but worship the designer! Ps 46:10 so often comes to mind in the middle of so much STUFF...to just "be STILL...and KNOW that I am GOD!"

David, through all his ups and downs...good moments and plenty of crazy ones, understood this! That moment where everything else becomes dim...the glory of God takes over...he writes in Ps 19:

Psalm 19

God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening. Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

Lessons from In and Out

2009-06-29T09:30:00.001-07:00

We got to spend a week back in SoCal from LA to San Diego. It's amazing how things change with kids...you pack a couple of items for yourself and cram everything else around strollers, diapers, car seats and kids essentials! By the time we hit the road you would have thought we were leaving for a month!

The great joy of being back in SoCal...In and Out! The amazing insight to this burger place is the value of focusing on the essentials! Where some places have gotten so trendy and complicated...you don't what to order or what it is going to look like...In and Out offers burgers, fries and drinks! The biggest challenge I faced...was deciding between a double double or stepping my game up to a four by four!

In a world that is filled with so much stuff...too many things...an overload of info...it is nice to be reminded of focus and simplicity! Paul reminds us of that in Philippians 3. He says... "I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal."

Keeping FOCUSED on the goal...not letting a multitude of distractions and diversions take us away from what is truly important...is the race that we are running!

Entheos

2009-06-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," - Ralph Waldo Emerson

There is nothing greater than knowing that I am a part of something that is life-changing and eternity altering! That word... "enthusiasm" is such a great word. It is formed from en - meaning "in" and theos meaning "God". So the reality is...that if you are living a life connected with Jesus Christ...if you are truly "IN CHRIST" ...there should be such "ENTHUSIASM" flowing from you from what's in you!

I know that in my own life...there are times that I let the "stuff" of life pull my attention from where it truly needs to be.

One of the greatest enemies to achieving great things...of living an enthusiastic life...is NEGATIVITY! A negative outlook, coupled with negative speech can be amongst the most limiting and polluting factors in the lives of people!

Negativity has the power to trap you. It will hold you down well below your potential, and cause you to miss out on the existing plan for your life. It's been quoted.. "I have never seen a monument erected to a pessimist!"

When things around us are so unstable and uncertain it is easy to be pulled into to negative thoughts and expectations! "...the market will never recover...i'll never find a job...my relationship will never make it..."

You should never underestimate the power of what you believe, even if it is only a perception! When you believe something, that belief becomes as powerful as if it were the truth. Both truth and perception have equal potential to powerfully influence reality!

REMEMBER...your outlook depends on what you are looking out from!

If you are harboring negativity...pain...hurt...that becomes the focus from which you are looking out of! If we can truly place...and keep CHRIST in the center...the core of who we are the outlook dramatically changes! We change the way we see things and the way we say things! The "I can't" becomes "I can".

When the en "in" ...theos "God"...exists...there is true passion...excitement...ENTHUSIASM for others...for Christ...for LIFE!

MY HERO

2009-04-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Easter at DC yesterday and brought the idea...the image of HERO'S to a climax and a close around the greatest HERO of all time!

Throughout history we have recognized heroic figures not only by the way they lived...but ultimately by the way they died! We are captivated by William Wallace...King Leonidas...Maximus Decimus Meridius...legendary figures that have been immortalized through stories and movies. "Death is the final measure of a man". There are moments that stir us... words that excite us...a sense of connection to someone and something that is bigger and greater than any one person!

There is no death more noble...having greater impact...linked to a more significant cause than the life and death of Jesus Christ! Standing before Pilate...abandoned...betrayed...denied...now questioned by the Romanan Governor...his response "FOR THIS CAUSE I WAS BORN AND FOR THIS CAUSE I CAME INTO THE WORLD" - John 18:37. Something deep within Christ...tracking through the all of history...the story of creation to redemption... Hebrews 12:2 "For the JOY set before HIM...he endured the cross".

Pilate again questions him in John 19...with no response from Jesus...Pilate emphasizes his power to release or to crucify Christ! Jesus, on task with a distinct focus and purpose, reminds Pilate that all authority is from above...(John 10 reminder that Jesus as the shepherd lays his life down and has the AUTHORITY to take it back up). We see in Jesus...a HERO of EPIC proportions...JESUS did not have his life taken...but HE GAVE UP HIS LIFE! When he uttered the words...IT IS FINISHED in John 19:30...it was the completion of payment...the fulfillment of his CAUSE...the redemption of humanity to its creator! DEBT PAID IN FULL!!

Jesus not only died for the sins of humanity...cancelling our debt...but 3 days later rose from the dead...conquering sin, death, satan and God's wrath!

THAT IS MY HERO!

HERO!

2009-03-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

When I hear the word "hero" I immediately begin to think of larger than life people and stories! Too often I let the images of a Mother Teresa...Martin Luther King...Billy Graham...become unreachable...almost "superhero" types!

We have been running through a series at DC...recognizing HEROES all around us...Coach Mario, the boys varsity basketball coach at North High for putting so much time into those boys...he is more than a coach...he is a big brother, a father, a role model! Daren, who is serving his country through the air force and is about to deploy again...part of a cause greater than an individual. Phil Sainz, who after coming back from Vietnam has served Denver as a fireman for over 30 years! This week we will recognize Luis Villarreal and Save our Youth, who for 16 years have poured time and resources into developing mentors for kids all throughout Denver!

THESE ARE HEROES! Heroes are those ordinary people...with something extraordinary happening inside them...that are willing to look beyond themselves to bring change to someone else's life!

JESUS is our greatest HERO! Born of a virgin...teenage girl. His first stop was a manger...surrounded by sounds and smells that I can't even imagine! Chased by a king wanting him dead. I can't even fathom the pressure and expectations...prophecies...pressure from religious leaders!

I think the heart and purpose of Christ is seen in John 18:37 "for this cause I was born, for this cause I came into the world"

Hero's live for something greater than self...personal gain or accomplishment! They are linked to a cause...and cause produces perspective and purpose!

HERO

2009-03-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

In a time filled with fear...doubts...and negativity...it is a JOY to find hope...compassion...and service! We launched last week into a new series called HEROES. Week 1 we took time to recognize Coach Mario...the coach of the North High Vikings. Here is a man that has committed his life to investing everything into the lives of the boys on the team. Nationally...there is almost a %50 dropout rate for latino males...at North High almost %80! Coach Mario is committed to developing champions both on and off the court. We are blessed to be a part of the journey with him!

We took a look at the story of Benaiah from 2 Samuel 23...who took on a lion in a pit on a snowy day...and WON! There is an opportunity to run head on into what looks and feels like lions...maybe in a pit...even on a snowy day...and WIN!

The next few weeks are going to be big at DC as we prepare and pray for a catalytic day on Easter! Praying for 400 people and over 50 people to make commitments to Christ!

09...

2009-03-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe 2009 is already running...the move to North High School for Denver Church has been HUGE! We feel planted in a great location...slightly on a hill with an incredible view of the city.

Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine!

We have such an amazing opportunity to do HUGE things IN and THROUGH the city of DENVER! This year is off to a great start...building toward a CATALYST DAY on EASTER!

I GOT YOUR BACK

2008-12-01T14:45:00.001-08:00

The miracle of a changed life is something that continually amazes me! Christian was one of the first guys I met after arriving to Denver. Through a process of bad decisions...he had been on the streets...in jail...various shelters...trying to get on the right track. Over a year into the journey...Christian is living in a house...serving God...and making huge strides forward! He has launched a ministry called "Armor Bearers" that has now pulled in over 10 guys that are committing everything to Christ and to service. They have adopted the motto... "first ones in ...last ones out...no sheep left behind!"

These guys have become the backbone to so much of what we are able to do as Denver Church! Christian has become a best friend...partner in ministry....an armor bearer! I know if something needs to get done...he's got my back! Random days and in random ways Christian and I hit the streets...passing out McDonald sandwiches...buying coffees...serving in whatever way we can!

HOME RUN!

2008-11-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

I can only imagine the feeling of being up to bat...bottom of the ninth...2 outs...down 1...the pitch...the swing...going...going...GONE! To win the game...hit the shot...to run the bases and step on homeplate! The amazing feeling of THE WIN!

On November 4th we watched and celebrated as 350 volunteers made their way to North High School! Painting, cleaning, fixing, installing...an amazing group of volunteers serving North High School and the community of North Denver. It was a JOY to watch and a privilege to be a part of.

This past Sunday, November 16th, we made the BIG MOVE from Ebert Elementary School to North High School for Denver Church services. It was an increase of over 600 seats...that is a lot of space! We were honored to have Monty Hipp be with us for our launch...as well as other great friends! I was humbled to watch as over 80 people came early to help set up...greet...serve coffee...and be DENVER CHURCH! Considering we had 35 people in January...it was awesome to see changed lives now serving as the church. What an amazing service as 195 adults and kids made their way to North High School! God has truly set something in motion that is full of passion, vision, changed lives...and I can't wait to see what the next few months have in store for DC!!

SERVE

2008-10-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

As we make the transition from Ebert to North High School we are amazed at how God has lined up so many things! The school and staff have embraced us with open arms...how cool...a public high school and local church working together to impact the community!

We starting planning a "serve" day at North about a month ago...thinking that it would be awesome to bless the school...serve the school before we ever move into it! November 1st became our strategic date to volunteer and work at the school. It started with the thought of what could 50 volunteers do for the school in a day...the vibe caught and spread...we are now expecting 400 volunteers on Saturday!

Through the help of other churches...organizations...local community...we have secured a $20,000 sound system to give and install for the school, thousands of dollars in paint and supplies, and over 1200 hours of labor! We are praying and believing for an amazing day and a start to a revolution and revival at North High and the city of Denver!

DOING IT!!!

2008-09-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been amazing as we see God do HUGE things! We were praying for 200 to show up for Michael Franzese...260 made it out! Over 35 people made decisions for Christ!

I am amazed to see and be a part of people stepping up being a part of the team! Any given Sunday...there is almost 50% of Denver Church people actively involved in serving, worship team, setting up, kids, outreach...it is a thing to behold!

We are amazed to see God open doors for us within perfect timing! The elementary school we are in is filling up and we are almost at max capacity. Through a string of situations we knew it was time to prayerfully pursue the next venue for DC. A few weeks ago...we met with the administration at North High School. Within minutes...we knew it was a God ordained opportunity! The school welcomed us with open arms...there is a distinct opportunity to establish a partnership, community opportunities, mentoring...to become a lifehouse and life source for the city of Denver!

On November 16th we will make the move from Ebert Elementary to North High School! What day that will be...

Mobbin...

2008-07-23T17:31:00.001-07:00

Each day provides an opportunity for us to be excited about what God is doing in Denver! There is a sense of excitement and anticipation each week as people are bringing friends that need Jesus. We are fully committed to serving the city and people of Denver through authentic community...intentional prayer...feeding and helping the needy...providing opportunities for people to come into a life-changing and life-giving relationship with Jesus!

Christian (who has been through an incredible journey of finding JESUS through jail...living on the streets...to just tough luck) and I hit the streets every Sunday morning early passing out breakfast sandwiches to homeless people. Through Adopt A Blocks we have been able to do service projects...clean up the neighborhood...and see lives changed!

August 3rd is going to be a BIG DAY for DC! We have been able to set up a weekend with Michael Franzese...former Mob Boss from NYC. His story is an unbelievable picture of God's saving Grace and Mercy! Jesus broke the Mob's blood covenant with a blood covenant of His own. We are praying...believing...expecting August 3 to be a defining moment in countless lives as well as in the story of Denver Church!

summer...summer...summertime! time to kick back...

2008-07-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that Denver Church is closing in on ONE YEAR!! We will celebrate our one year bday in Sept. Going into the summer we prepared ourselves to encounter the "summer slump". Our goal became this...to grow relationally and spiritually and prepare DC for an amazing fall!

We have changed our focus on "outreach" and "evangelism"...to a more direct and personal approach. We have no money...so the thought of doing direct mailers and marketing campaigns just don't make sense for us. Our team has hit the streets...16th st mall...events...and has made a personal presence and connection. Through conversations...handing out water...and just being around we have created in depth opportunities for growth!

In the month of June we have seen over 25 people commit their lives to Christ! On June 29th we baptized 12 people in the Platte River downtown Denver. It was absolutely amazing as there were over 200 on lookers there hanging out as we publicly proclaimed our commitments to Christ. We had people that recently have broken free from meth...another guy that I picked up from jail...a lesbian that has just been set free! The stories are amazing and life changing!

God is alive and well in the MILE HIGH CITY!!! Keep dreaming and praying with us for the city of Denver!

DC INK

2008-04-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

In Galatians 6 Paul says that he has been "marked by CHRIST". I wonder...if you were to take a poll of people that know you...what would they say is the "mark" of your life? How do people know you...what reputation have you built...and ultimately...what do you want your "mark" to be?

It is imperative that we take time to live life outside ourselves...the someone you work with...see at Starbucks every week...pass by on the sidewalk...what difference can you make in their life? Jesus, in Matthew 22, put a measuring stick out there for us...it is critical to love GOD with all you got...and the revelation of that is seen in how you love people!

It is a religious answer to say how much you love GOD...with your heart and mind...it is a relational and practical way to show how much you love GOD with your hands and your feet!

Body by GOD!

2008-01-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

As we have launched into 2008...as the DENVER CHURCH...we have decided to pursue the "body" that we have always wanted! A "body" perfectly designed by GOD! I feel a little like Oprah...without the billions of dollars...and I am not black...and not a woman...not on TV...so any way...like Oprah in the fact that we are developing the whole person.

1 Timothy 4:7-8
Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.

We have dedicated ourselves to the pursuit of being fit...spiritually, physically, financially, relationally and intellectually in 2008!

There is a major benefit to any investment into these areas. God's word is full of insight and wisdom on how we are to eat...invest our money...care for relationships...take care of our mind...keep ourselves rooted in prayer...the word...with other believers!

The problem is that most of us fall into the statistical pattern of giving up on resolutions! Over 50% of people that make new years resolutions quit before the end of January!! Where are you at in your commitments...what goals do you have for2008 in these areas of your life? Have you shared them with anyone...who is your workout partner?

Keep investing...keep going...and watch God make a difference in 2008!

2007-11-28T10:38:00.000-08:00

DC on the MOVE!

Lately I feel a bit like Abram...in Genesis 12 he was doing well and I would guess fairly content in life! God calls him and says to "get up and move...you...your people...your household and go to the land I will show you!" Not a lot of absolutes there...where is the next pay check...how am I going to manage everybody in this move...where are we going to live...will I like the neighborhood....is there a Starbucks there? Yet the MOST IMPORTANT ABSOLUTE...was the GOD TOLD HIM...and HE OBEYED!

It has now been one year since Joy and I packed up our household...left a great gig...moved across the country...not knowing those exact things (except that Denver did have Starbucks)! We have had the privilege of being a part of something new. These first few months have been challenging and rewarding!

As of this Sunday...DEC 2nd...we will be in a new location. We have left the movie theater and will now gather in an elementary school just a few blocks away...still in the heart of the city.

We continue to pray for the BLESSING of GOD to be on the DENVER CHURCH! We can't believe all that he has done and can't wait to see what is still ahead!!

GET n THE GAME

2007-11-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Being a sports fanatic brings insight into my relationship with God...with others...with the church. There are several amazing similarities to the investment and involvement of people with sports as there are to people with God! There are the spectators that just hang out and watch from a distance...checkin things out...no real commitment. Spectators then become fans...there is an alignment to a team...a player...a game. Fans begin to put a little effort in but remain in their comfort zone! Fans then become participants...they actively get involved in a level that keys off of aligning themselves to a team. There is an investment factor that takes place...risk is opened up. As the investment increases...participants become players. They join a team...discover their role...put time and energy into the outcome of the game!

We are challenged to move into the role of a player! Someone that moves out of their comfort zone...makes an investment...allows risk to be a key ingredient...and ultimately cares deeply about the outcome!

You Got Attitude!

2007-10-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Philippians 2 tells us to have the same attitude as Jesus Christ! What a challenge that is! This week we have been talking about learning to activate Ephesians 5:21...to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ".

We are challenged to channel our focus on Christ...realize what he did for us...in response to that...treat people how he treated us! Learning to SUBMIT...means to literally put other people ahead of ourselves! Not to easy to let the guy who shortcuts the traffic to squeeze ahead of you at the last minute...and let him in! What about the person grabbing the last ticket, seat, candy bar...and letting them have it? Learning to submit to someone that has treated you bad or ugly...you say "they don't deserve it". Neither did we...for what Christ did for us! In light of how Christ treats me...treats you...that is how we are to treat the people that God has placed in our lives!!

Back to Ephesians 5:21...we submit not because of the people...in response to them...but out of reverence for Christ!!

FIRST DC DUNK!

2007-09-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

What a great day...SEPT 2nd! That will be our first baptism! We have a group of people that are as diverse in backgrounds as you would ever find that have made decisions to FOLLOW CHRIST! Within that commitment they have chosen to follow CHRIST in water baptism!

We are headin down to the PLATTE River in downtown Denver to have a public celebration of those decisons! God is truly amazing as we are continually reminded of HIS love and mercy for us!

PAUL made the MESSAGE clear in I Corinthians 15 by reminding us that what we need to know is that "Christ died for us...was buried...rose from the dead...and was seen!" It isn't complicated...it is a clear message that the world HAS TO HEAR!

No Matter WHAT!!!

2007-08-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

Faith is one of those crazy ideas to try understand...yet it is so pivotal to everything that embodies our relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ! Believing in what we don't see...hear...touch...or smell!! Hebrews 11 describes faith as being "sure" and "certain" of what we "hope for" and "do not see"! What a wild concept!

The reality is that our faith is and will be tested at every turn and step in this journey! We are provided an amazing lesson through the lives of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the book of Daniel. They had purposed in their lives who they were in God and the basis of believing and living in faith. The ultimate test came when they were told to worship a false image or be thrown into a fiery furnace. They decided to not bow...were called out in front of the King and asked one more time... bow or be made into smores!!

I love their response... "the God we serve is ABLE to save us from it, and he WILL rescue us from your hand, O King". What an answer and declaration of their faith!! That would be easy for us if we knew that the King would respect that answer...back down...everything work out!

The finish of their response is what true faith is all about... "BUT even if he does not..." This is the NO MATTER WHAT faith!

If God answers the prayer...if he doesn't...if I see the money in my pocket...if I am poor...through the good..the bad...the ugly...NO MATTER WHAT...I WILL TRUST IN GOD...I WILL NOT TURN AWAY!!

What a statement! God help us to trust...follow...obey...NO MATTER WHAT!!

Blessed!

2007-07-23T21:16:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful to the leadership team of the DC! Their passion for God overflows into everything they do! Serving each other...giving time and energy so that others may know the love of Christ...encouraging and challenging each other to go beyond our limitations!

I thank God for men and women who love Christ...love each other and love this City!

-pb

Just To Know...

2007-07-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Just thinking about how awesome...with all that is happening in life...to know GOD!

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am GOD!"

Your Story...

2007-07-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

I love to read about Paul and the path that led him to stand before Agrippa in Acts 26. "Agrippa spke directly to Paul: 'Go ahead - tell us about yourself.' Paul took the stand and told his story."

Paul wastes little time in getting to the core of his story...his life...his message! There was a moment when he met Christ...everything changed...he describes it in Philippians 3 as being apprehended or laid hold of. He then committed the rest of life trying to lay hold of that which laid hold of him! Paul had an encounter...a moment that forever moved him...he would spend the rest of his life moved around that moment!

By then end of Paul's defense to Agrippa...Agrippa says, "keep this up and you will make us Christians like you!" Paul...I am sure with a grin...says, "That's what I am praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me!"

Wow...what a story...a message...his life!

As people hear your story...what is the message? Is it that of hope...love...passion...purpose...ultimatley of Christ? Everyone will have moments that matter...it is what you do with those moments that matter!!

-pb

Dream Big!!!

2007-07-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Helen Keller was once asked if there was anything worse than being blind...she responded, "Having sight but no vision!"

I am humbled by the beginnings of such a huge dream! God has called us to the city of Denver...to capture the city with the love of Christ! We are not building a church that is marked by a building...a location...physical structure. As the body of Christ...we are the CHURCH...it is the individuals that have come and are coming together to LOVE GOD...LOVE PEOPLE...SERVE THE WORLD!!

Romans 12:21 directs us to "not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good".

As the Denver Church moves forward may we be known within the city for doing good! To follow the example of Christ and feed the hungry...clothe the naked...help the hurting...release those in captivity! In all things...Matthew 5:16 "...let your light shine before others, that they may see your GOOD deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

I passionately LOVE GOD...I truly LOVE PEOPLE...and am driven to SERVE the WORLD!!

DREAM BIG - PB