I Got Some Juicy Information About...........

Have you ever been greeted by a family member, co-worker, neighbor or friend with that line. "Hey, I know something that I have to share with you, but you have to promise not to tell anyone!" And what do we do, we fall hook line and sinker and say, "i won't, tell me." The next thing we know we are jammed packed with the good stuff. We know something about someone that no one else knows. WOW! We feel powerful over that person. It gives us a false sense of security in ourselves. Unfortunately this type of behavior is the norm in our society and very few people take a stance. What would happen if all of us stood up and said, "Nope, stop there. I'm NOT interested in hearing anything about anyone." Wow, that would take some awesome courage, but would be cool to see.

Yesterday we looked at James 3 to see what God has to say about the tongue, but specifically about gossiping. It is like a small spark that explodes into a massive wild fire. We can control such massive things like horses, ships with tiny things, but this small tongue we cannot control at all. The truth be known, the Bible says that the heart reveals the true you. The mouth only says what is in the heart. So the challenge is this week to ask God to give us a new heart, then to also step back and take some time to think about what I will say in response to someone. My natural tendency is to reply instantly, but that is NOT always the right response.

I was sent this email about a man and his office that take the issue of gossip very seriously. How cool would it be if everyone took this approach. Check it out.

Sam Chapman, founder of Empower Public Relations in Chicago, Illinois, has banned gossip in his office. Two years ago, Chapman left a larger company where office backbiting was epidemic and damaged both careers and morale. Now he calls the shots, and one of his primary rules is that if you have something to say to or about a colleague, you must say it to their face.

The penalty for breaking this rule is stiff. "If you're committed to gossip," Chapman says, "you get fired."

While censoring water cooler conversation was difficult at first, most Empower employees appreciate the environment honesty creates. If they must vent, they do so elsewhere. "If I still have some unresolved issues at the end of the day," says Empower executive Jayne Spottswood, "I save the drama for my mama."

["Caution: This Office Is a Gossip-Free Zone," ABC News online, 11-13-07]

Philip Thurman

Time Off

Every now and then, it is important for all of us to have some time off to refresh, rest and relax. I got to have one of those weekends this past weekend. Well, I got to do most of the R's. I went with my oldest son to Fairfax, Virginia for an invitiation soccer tournament. Adidas had a youth showcase tournament for U-14 only along with the MLS (Major League Soccer). We played three teams. One from Southbay, California, one from Virginia and the last one from Massachusetts. Oh, wait, no body else really cares about that except this crazy father.

I had the privilege of attending NCC (National Community Church) that meets in movie theaters around the D.C. and surrounding areas. I went to Union Station service and man it was awesome. Sitting beside me was a street guy who really had an odor, but he was welcomed and seemed to know a ton about that church. After church I was walking out and aother guy two rows behind me was out cold. It was probably the first food and warm spot he had been in for a while. It was a great service, but I got to tell you something! Our band rocks! I think we have some of the best music around. It was great to worship with someone else though and have a Sunday to relax. He taught on Super Ma III. Wow! The video clips were awesome.

The icing of the weekend was to be able to go to RFK stadium and watch the MLS championship game between Houston Dynamo and the New England Revolution. It was a great game and the Dynamo won their second championship in a row. The celebration and party was incredible. They had a huge fly over at the beginning of the game. It was an emotional event for me. Well, I'll probably refelct more on all this later.

I hope when you travel out of town on Sunday's that you will take time to worship somewhere and see what they do and be encouraged by what God is doing at LifeBridge.

Philip Thurman

What the H___

If you missed Sunday, you missed the big comment. I read a verse out of II Philip 3:1 that stated men can be judgmental, difficult to deal with and a__h____. Yep, that's right, we said it in church in regards to the way we use our tongue. We started a new series in regards to the power of the tongue. It has the power to give life, but to also kill people. We talked about those among us whose spiritual gift is "Compaining." If you havent heard it, please go to www.mylifebridge.com and then click on the tab "Experience A Service." By the way men are airheads, I know where you were going though. By the way, there is no such verse in the Bible II Philip 3:1.

I am currently reading a book that is really challenging the socks off of me. It is called unChristian. It is a researched book that has interviewed many people outside of Christianity about what they see and feel about Christians. We are known for being hypocites, not living what we say we believe. He also says that we are homophobic. We treat the sin of homosexuality with greater consequence than we do someone who is in pornography, or lies, our cheats on their spouse. We become compartmentalists in our levels of sin and thus become known for what we're against instead of what we are for, or whose we are. The authors challenge me to think beyond my southern Bible belt background and challege me to think about how Jesus would treat them. He always showed compasion and love to those who disagreed with Him. Yet time and again through the New Testatment we see people outside of the faith who loved to hang out with Him. They had nothing in common with Him, but yet loved to be around Him. Those that hated Him the most were the religious people who knew the laws, systems etc, but yet could not love. By this (LOVE) men shall know we are His disciples.

I want to challenge us as a church, as individuals within the larger body, can we get beyond that and see people through the eyes that Jesus saw them. He did not see black or white, Republican or Democrat, Liberal or conservative. He always saw them and felt compassion upon them. It never says He felt judgment, condemnation, but COMPASSION. I hope and pray we will be a church that will continue to put HIS compassion into play for all who enter into our doors.

So what the heck! Love like there's no tomorrow.

Philip Thurman

Remedy

This past Sunday was amazing! We spent the day reflecting on all God had done for LifeBridge, but we also looked to the future of what God might want to do through His church LifeBridge. We started the morning at the school and then loaded on busses to go to the property where we had our service. Comments ranged from "WOW" to "beautiful piece of land." But in this blog I want to recognize some amazing folks that give, give, and keep giving.

First, Jim and Tracey Fries led out with the Biker Life Group to make the weekend a celebration to remember. You guys rock. Thanks Johnny and Dianne Gilmore, Woody and Melanie Osborn, Wayne and Kim Williams, Mike and Terri Traylor. This group provided the food tent, decorations, the trimmings for the food, drinks, ice and on and on I could go. They also help Woody Osborn paint and erect the incredible wall on the property in the prayer garden. They spent Friday night sanding, cutting, and painting everything. Then on Saturday they spent the day putting it all together. We also had a first time guest who helped a ton. Jay Gujrati thanks for your contribution. You were a huge help! The food was amazing.

Thanks to Sean Dodds who lined up the busses, the grill to cook on, and for getting the inflatables for the kids. You always go the extra mile. He built the cross that will stay on the property and arranged for getting the rocks on the property. He also enlisted a good friend who also did a huge job. Tommy Jones, thanks for cutting the trails, cutting the grass and so many other things. You're a huge help. Joey Butler, thanks for escorting the busses to the property and making sure that the trip went smoothly.

I also want to say a massive thanks to some other volunteers that I think ROCK. The First Look Volunteers and Xtreme volunteers who stayed behind and loved on our kids while we were gone. Thanks Natalie Cain, Nancy Miller, T.J. Williams, and John Mark and Sharon Coon. You guys and gals are real heroes. I love and appreciate this amazing group of believers.

All of you did a great job making a lasting impressions. I heard many guests talk about how awesome their experience was at LifeBridge. You all are truly incredible. Thanks for "Investing and Inviting" into people's lives.

I hope you will spend this week thinking about what it is God is calling you to do through LifeBridge. The best is still yet to come.

THANKS EVERYONE FOR MAKING IT AN AWESOME SUNDAY!

Philip Thurman