Larry's Bridge Blog

Sunday's Big Announcement...

2010-01-18T23:14:00.003-06:00

After over 18 months of praying, researching and waiting, we announced at the end of the worship services at StoneBridge Church that Diann and I are being led to move to North Carolina (Raleigh Durham area) and plant a church.

For more details and to follow us in this new journey please visit my new blog... www.gotritown.com

Second session on intimacy

2010-01-04T21:22:00.002-06:00

Charles Swindoll writes, "the initial move toward cultivating intimacy with the Almighty, it is essential that we reorder our private lives. (the discipline of simplicity) And that requires us to slow our pace as well as stop the envy (comparing ourselves to all that others have and do)... two tough assignments no one else can do for us. Furthermore, it is foolish to tell ourselves to sit back and wait until the winds of this world shift and blow us toward the shores of simplicity. It ain't gonna happen! Those who determine to simplify their lives quickly discover it is a rigorous solo voyage against the wind."

The word Diann and I are challenging each other with is getting "nimble"... uncluttering and seeking to be more free from stuff that weighs us down. I feel the wind in my face as I go.

New intimacy in the New Year

2010-01-01T09:31:00.002-06:00

Welcome to 2010!!
Intimacy in relationships is what we long to experience. Being truly open, honest and real... knowing the other person understands and loves you for who you truly are.
I am convinced that this type is open, intimate relationship can be experienced with God. In fact, for us to love other people unconditionally, we must experience God's unconditional love for us first.

I am reading a short, but very thoughtful book by Charles Swindoll, Intimacy with the Almighty. This little book focuses on what intimacy with God looks like and some practical steps to experiencing such a relationship with God. I recommend you read it early in this new year and new decade.

"More than likely, you've grown weary of superficial things... you're tired of skating talk and shallow thinking. You know there has to be more, you're just not sure how to get there. One thing is certain: You don't want to stay where you are. ... No one is ready to take on the depths unless he or she is fed up with the superficial. What you long for, unless I miss guess, is intimacy with the Almighty. You want to be profoundly aware of His presence, in touch with Him at the deepest possible level, thinking His thoughts, gleaning His wisdom, and living as close to His heart as is humanly possible, operating your life in the nucleus of His will. I desire the same..." Intimacy with the Almighty - page 17

Let this be a direction in which you move intentionally over the next few months.

Deep thoughts on humility... not from me :\

2009-12-23T07:36:00.008-06:00

Reading from Andrew Murray's book, Humility...

The creature's... chief care, its highest virtue, its only happiness... is to present itself an empty vessel, in which God can dwell and manifest His power and goodness.

In heaven He (Jesus) humbled Himself to become a man. The humility we see in Him possessed Him in heaven; it brought Him, He brought it, from there. Here on earth "He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death;" His humility gave His death its value and so became our redemption...

When the creature ... consents to be with his will, his mind and his affections, the form, the vessel in which the life and glory of God are to work and manifest themselves, he sees that humility is simply acknowledging the truth of his position as creature and yielding to God His place.

It is appropriate at this Christmas season to reflect upon... this amazing humility demonstrated by Christ in coming to this planet as baby... existing as a man and dying for me.
Asking myself how regularly and consistently I yield and consent to be a vessel for God's goodness and power to shine??

Thank you Father for the gift of Jesus and His humility!!

Snow in Houston!!

2009-12-10T11:23:00.004-06:00

Last Friday, December 4, 2009.... Yep, it really happened... the white flakes were falling like crazy.

Untitled from Larry Cotton on Vimeo.

Never Stop the Story

2009-12-03T17:27:00.002-06:00

Spoke to StoneBridge last Sunday... Looked at Hebrews 11 and the connection of each person of faith and how they fit into God's grand story. Abraham... Isaac... Jacob... Joseph... Moses' parents... Moses... the nation of Israel... then to Jesus... and ultimately to you and me.
How do you fit into God's story? Your story and my story are not about us... rather about His grand work.
Get in on His plans... His purpose... His story that never ends!!

The World's Longest Baskeball Shot

2009-09-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

There is a new Dude Perfect video out and there is a story behind this one!

After making this video Cory, Coby and Tyler were invited to speak for FCA at a middle school in Houston. Expecting to talk with 30-60 students they prepared their remarks and took this video to debut to the group. (before it was posted on YouTube)

To their surprise, over 400 students packed out the gym and listened to the guys express how God had given the Dude Perfect team strong faith and strong friendships to keep their relationship with Christ central in all they do. They were able to invite these students to start a relationship with Christ and explain how.

God is so awesome!!

The Weekend Message - Love That Sticks

2009-09-19T08:29:00.003-05:00

I am preparing to give the message at Stonebridge this weekend. I am encouraged as I work. Here's why... anytime I pause to read God's Word and reflect on what He has done to establish a relationship with me I can hardly believe it!! But what makes this love that God offers "stick" in our lives?

QUESTION: WITH TEFLON (THE NON-STICK COATING), WHAT MAKES IT STICK TO POTS AND PANS?

Hint: Jesus came into this world and submitted Himself to death on cross in order to make a way for me to know God.

As I prepare, my prayer is that this "sticky" love demonstrated by Christ will communicated clearly as I speak and everyone who hears the message will respond to God by saying "yes" to God's invitation.

Coby and Cory's Summer Project Report

2009-09-10T08:02:00.004-05:00

Thanks to God and to all of our friends who prayed for and supported Coby and Cory this summer. They each experienced God at work in very different and unique ways. Both grew in their leadership and ministry skills. They developed many new friendships and will never forget the summer of '09 in California!
Here's a report directly from them...
Summer Project '09 Newsletter

Dude Perfect is back at it!!

2009-09-07T12:29:00.015-05:00

As you know, Coby and Cory and their A&M roomates did some trick basketball shots last spring and the interest on You Tube really went big... over 600,000 hits on the first video and their own website -- dudeperfect.com. Crazy I know but it's been fun to see and talk to all the people who have watched.

So this summer at various locations they made some more shots and compliled them in the latest edition... enjoy!!

2009-09-03T08:40:00.002-05:00

Living in the "information age" where I am exposed to very large amounts of news, updates, reports and discoveries.... I find it hard to process all this stuff. How about you?

I came across this link that helped me understand in a fresh way a portion of the overwhelming data that floods my life. What if the world was a village of 100 people?

Let me know your impressions of this link... from Toby Ng.com.

2009-08-12T07:45:00.001-05:00

God's love is steadfast and faithful --always! I am full of gratitude for how God shaped Coby and Cory's summer ministry projects in California.
Coby returned last night -tired but filled with stories. We are all glad to be back together - and now we get several days of vacation to relax!

2009-08-08T14:42:00.002-05:00

It's been crazy as the summer wraps up for the Cottons. I have not taken the time to write... although I've done lots of thinking and reading...
I am going to keep a list updated of books that I've read or am reading. Hope this inspires you to join me in reading. Howard Hendricks says, "A reader is a leader." Let's read and lead together!

2009-07-19T14:50:00.001-05:00

Amazed as I watched Tom Watson matching up and surpassing the young guns at The Open. This should inspire anyone over 50 to stay focused, stay in shape and keep pressing on towards the calling God puts before you! It's never too late to make an imact and leave a legacy! Keep pressing on!!

2009-07-08T08:13:00.002-05:00

Ok... One of my new best friends... (authors that is) is Timothy Keller.

A pastor in New York, he has two recent books: The Reason for God and The Prodigal God.

I just finished The Prodigal God and loved it. The message here is one I will meditate on and talk about ... maybe for the rest of my life. I have always loved the Jesus' story recorded in Luke 15 and taught it many times. Keller brings it alive with insights that are powerful. I recommend this read in a big way!

I look forward to reading The Reason for God next.

The Heat and God's Faithfulness

2009-07-07T07:57:00.003-05:00

I've struggled to keep posting my thoughts and experiences over the past two months... sorry to the readers who check up and there are no new posts.

The summer weeks in Texas have been unusually hot... most days over 100 degrees! The heat has brought extreme dryness... no rain for weeks. The plants and grass seem to be panting for just a little moisture. Nothing would be green if not for irrigation. Our A/C cannot seem to keep pace with the heat and yet I constantly ask how people could endure this weather before A/C and sprinklers came to be. I am thankful for being able to drive, work and rest in spaces where the temperature and the water are cool.

Then, as God so often proves His faithfulness to me, I woke early this morning to the sound of thunder in the distance. It is raining this morning. You can almost hear the plants and grass sigh with relief.

Thank you Lord for sending the rain... let me rejoice in your enduring faithfulness.

Readings and Quotes to Ponder - Attributes of God

2009-06-15T06:27:00.005-05:00

When life moves and changes, I feel a much needed sense of stability in knowing that God doesn't change. He is, according to Psalm 18, my Rock, my Fortress, my Refuge. One I can rely on and retreat to for safety and perspective.
During our move I found and began reading again a classic book, The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer.

So ponder this with me: "The yearning to know What cannot be known, to comprehend the Incomprehensible, to touch and taste the Unapproachable arises from the image of God in the nature of man. ...
Left to ourselves we tend immediately to reduce God to manageable terms. We want to get Him where we can use Him, or at least know where He is when we need Him. We want a God we can in some measure control. We need the feeling of security that comes from knowing what God is like ...
What is God like? If we mean "What has God disclosed about Himself that the reverent reason can comprehend?" there is, I believe, an answer both full and satisfying ...
The answer of the Bible is simply "through Jesus Christ our Lord." In Christ and by Christ, God effects completed self-disclosure, although He shows Himself not to reason but to faith and love. Faith is an organ of knowledge, and love an organ of experience."

Colossians 1
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
...
17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
...
19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

Growing in my understanding and my knowing of God is a lifelong pursuit. Join me in asking God to water and grow these ideas and truth in our lives over time.

Four Days of Moving!!

2009-06-07T22:00:00.002-05:00

I finally surfaced after 4 days of packing, lifting and directing others through our move. We are exhausted. Everything is in our townhouse (new residence) or in storage. Lots of unpacking ahead, but we're in!

God gave us clear weather with low humidity. Pretty miraculous for Houston! Catherine, Coby and Diann worked tirelessly and the movers worked from 8 am til 2 am the next morning getting the big stuff moved.

I am amazed and troubled by the amount of "stuff" we accumulate over time. This has got change for us. I am seriously praying and working toward "nimble." This move is another good step.

Becoming Nimble

2009-06-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

nimble –adjective
1. quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile; active; rapid... nimble feet
2. quick to understand, think, devise, etc.: a nimble mind

We have prayed for weeks to be able to sell our house and downsize our budget and living situation. Many people are thinking this way with our economy going through it's current changes.
The timing is unfolding that as Catherine has completed her Junior year in high school this May, we now have a buyer for our house. If all goes as scheduled (and that's not always the case) :), we will sell here in June and move to townhouse for a while.

We a looking forward to just leasing a place and going nimble. Less stuff, less maintenance, more time for relationships... our family and friends. I am glad for a season of simple... a season of nimble. It's not easy or simple to get there. Lot's of work is ahead... moving, giving away, purging things we no longer need.

I have to admit I am really looking forward to this season. God's timing and his place for us is the best... I am loving becoming nimble.
So be on the lookout for something quick, agile and rapid... it's probably ME!!!

Update on Coby and Cory and Dude Perfect

2009-05-31T08:04:00.004-05:00

Over the past few weeks Cory and Coby have enjoyed creating more fantastic basketball shots with the "Dude Perfect Team".
Dude Perfect 2 - Ranch Edition

As a result of the second video other websites, news services and radio shows have shown interest in their story.
To take a look or listen to some of these go to DudePerfect.com or to their You Tube channel.

Steady Morning Routines

2009-05-30T07:07:00.002-05:00

I am in a routine of getting up early... before the rest of the family. Rising early was part of my childhood on the farm, but I do so now because I really like it. It's quiet and I can read and think and pray unhurried and undisturbed.
Here's the drill... I get up... get a pot of coffee going... grab my Bible and journal and sit in one of my favorite spots. It is usually still dark and during my reading the morning grows brighter. Sometimes I move out on the porch to feel the cool morning air and listen to the birds.
I hear from the Lord as I read his word. It's like sitting with a close friend... sometimes talking... sometimes sitting without a word. The Lord draws closer and my awareness and understanding grow stronger.
Although many cool things happen throughout the day, this morning routine is my favorite part.

Momentum

2009-05-18T06:09:00.003-05:00

mo·men·tum (mō-měn'təm) n.
Symbol - physics: A measure of the motion of a body...
Impetus of a physical object in motion.
Impetus of a nonphysical process, such as an idea or a course of events.

Today we are going to Cataylst One Day in Dallas. The topic is Momentum. We will hear from Craig Groeschel and Andy Stanley.

...How to create and sustain momentum in your organization
...Identify and break through the barriers to momentum
...Overcome personal leadership lids
...Create a culture of continual improvement

I am so happy that Coby and Cory are with me... they finished their exams and completed their Junior year at TAMU. It's hard to believe they started college three years ago.

Mother's Day and Providential Relationships

2009-05-10T20:50:00.004-05:00

God uses human relationships to shape and influence and grow our faith.
Not much to argue with on this point.
Mothers are an especially strong example of life shaping, faith growing relationships. Happy Mothers Day to all those reading this!!

I spoke today at Stonebridge and unpacked this truth. All of us have know people with BIG faith... they seemed unshakable not matter what circumstances came their way. That strong trust and faith in God results in closeness and intimacy with Him.

I can name dozen's of people God has used to shape and grow my faith.
Diann my wife, my mom and dad, Helen Senter, Berry Barbor, Ben Plesant, David Highsmigth, Lem Howard, Tommy Bridges, Mike Fields, Chuck Klein, Skid Logan, Charlotte Patrick, Nancy Mills, Steve Bradley, Joe McKinney, David Windley, Steve Dupree, Steve Cotton, my children Coby, Cory and Catherine and many more...
I thank God for these people who have allowed their faith and love for the Lord overflow into my life.

My application...
Be intentional to get into structured environments... designed to foster and set up meaningful relationships. Put yourself in environments where God can connect you with others that will influence your faith in positive way.
Also be willing and available to let God intersect you and use you in someone else's life. The things you have heard and learned and experienced can impact someone else.

In Atlanta at Drive 09

2009-05-06T05:49:00.002-05:00

Diann and I came to Atlanta on Saturday to visit North Point churches in the area and then attend the leadership conference -Drive '09.
We have observed and asked questions and sought to learn all we can from others who are successful in reaching those outside and away from church and God. So many have given up on God and church because of a bad experience or no experience at all. Story after story of individuals are told... they wandered from what they knew of God growing up and someone invited them to a relevant environment... a service project, a party, a church service and they were touched and changed by what they heard and saw.
Diann and I are inspired and challenged to focus even more on reaching back to the generation behind us, raising up leaders and creating environments that connect people with the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Nothing could be more fulfilling for us. It is what we started doing out of college and hope to do for the rest of our lives.

Prayers of Blessing - Part 1

2009-04-28T20:27:00.004-05:00

Hebrews 13
²⁰May the God of peace ... ²¹equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I enjoy reading the prayers from the New Testament letters. The writers of these letters give instruction, but in addition they pray for their readers. I am so glad they wrote out and included their prayers in the letters.
These prayers give me comfort as well as instruction.

God has and will equip me with EVERYTHING - not just some - but every single thing needed to do his will. PLUS it's him at work in me to make me and all I do pleasing to him.
"Heavenly Father, thank you for this far reaching promise. Help me understand more each day that you have provided and will provide all that is needed for me to live as you want me to live."

Some Random Thoughts

2009-04-20T21:07:00.002-05:00

Didn't seem to get much done today! It felt good to rest.
I'm so thankful for the people who came to New Connections at Stonebridge on Sunday. Telling the story of how God started SB and how He has worked thru our church is one of my favorite things to do!
One thing I did today was design a logo for a friend's business. It was just what they wanted... I love getting to design and be creative. Let me know if you need such work done-may start a side venture:)

Basketball Video "Dude Perfect" makes it on Good Morning America

2009-04-17T18:39:00.009-05:00

Well, we got a call from Coby and Cory early this morning with the news that they had been contacted by Good Morning America asking to show the basketball trick shot video (scroll down to April 9th to view video) on the GMA show!!! So this morning the show hosts talked all about it. >>GMA video below

A Happy Easter Indeed

2009-04-12T20:09:00.002-05:00

Even with thundershowers tempting people to stay inside, we had a crowded celebration today at Stonebridge. Great music, a great message and lots of people ... I am so thankful for all who served to make the services so great. It takes hundreds of volunteers to park cars, welcome, serve coffee, play music or sing, work the audio and video and take care of children.

We had a great time together with Coby and Cory home from A&M. We went to a movie, worked out at the YMCA and watched lots of the Master's coverage.

StoneBridge Church - 3 Years on New Campus

2009-04-09T15:54:00.004-05:00

It was April 9, 2006 that we marched from The Woodlands High School to our new SB 50 acre campus about 3 miles away. We called it our "Exodus Walk" and hundreds of people participated by walking, biking and running the distance.

Today marks our three year birthday on the campus. If you have not seen our building, here are a couple of pics.

I am so grateful to God and to the many people who so generously gave to help make this place of ministry a reality!!

2009-04-09T14:30:00.003-05:00

I know Cory and Coby are suppose to be studying in college. But this video they made with their roomates is still amazing.

This Week Before Easter

2009-04-09T09:35:00.003-05:00

I have been thinking about how the close followers of Jesus Christ must have felt when he began to talk about heading back to Jerusalem and dying. They were very confused and discouraged by this type of talk.
Clearly Jesus knew what God had planned and the importance of his death and subsequent resurrection. He would prove himself different than any other teacher and religious leader... to be the only man that conquered death!!
I listened to Andy Stanley's message on the final hours... very powerful. Take about 35 minutes to listen.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN >>
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/WeeklyPodcastNorthPoint?format=xml

A Memorable Visit in March - Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church

2009-04-02T14:38:00.017-05:00

While we were on the road at spring break, we made a very memorable stop. Over our 25 years of marriage, coming up this May 19th, Diann and I had never returned to the church in Birmingham where we were married. As a surprise, I drove our family over to the little church.
After the tears and initial surprise from Diann, we all walked around and took pictures. This beautiful, little white church was such a perfect place for our wedding. About half-way between Diann's home of Odessa, Texas and my home of Angier, NC, our family and friends met in Birmingham on May 19, 1984.
We told our kids some of our memories about our wedding and together stood at that church and prayed with our three children. What an amazing moment. Never in a million years could I have dreamed of such blessings as God has given me in my precious wife and three awesome kids. I pray for Coby, Cory and Catherine to experience the same joy some day.

A Good Kind of Tired

2009-03-28T21:43:00.002-05:00

Really tired tonight... We sold stuff in The Woodlands garage sale this morning. Got up and drove to the mall area to line up with our van, trailer and SUV at 4:30 am!!! The sale started before 7:00 and was over by 10:00. What we didn't sell we donated to salvation army... Nothing came back home - we made some money AND removed lots of clutter. This kind of tired is a good tired!

My Birthday Wish / Prayer

2009-03-24T07:50:00.005-05:00

51 years ago today I was born in Raleigh, NC.

Today I want to skip the candles... way too many to blow out... and go straight to the birthday wish / prayer.

I wish and pray for a spirit like Caleb's... to take the high ground... the hill country... the best land that will bear the most fruit for God's purposes. Caleb inspires my soul.

Joshua 14

¹⁰ "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! ¹¹ I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. ¹² Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."

I wish and pray for God's favor and love to be poured out on my children and their children up to ten generations. That they will follow Christ closely and serve Him!

Psalm 103

¹⁷But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children,

¹⁸To those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them.

I wish and pray that my life... the next season... will be a season of "much fruit!!"

John 15

⁷If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. ⁸This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. ⁹As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

Road Trip Wrap Up

2009-03-20T07:31:00.000-05:00

Today we are leaving Birmingham Alabama to get back home... about an eleven hour trip.
We have filled our days with great family times. Mom is always so excited to see us and her anticipation reminds me of how much God loves me and awaits time together.

As I read Romans 8, I see that nothing can separate me from His love and that the extent of His love is demonstrated in giving His own Son... "how will He not also with him graciously give us all things?"

It feels really good to be loved... "I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing!"

This weekend Mom is packing up her stuff to move to an apartment... away from the farm where she has lived for 49 years! This will be a tearful transition. Our whole family will pack up and carry memories with us... both joyful and painful memories of life on North Harnett Road. I cannot write about it yet... but I pray for the wisdom and strength to capture many of those experiences in writing... life lessons that will bear fruit when read by others.

Got to get on the road...

Further Road Trip Adventures

2009-03-17T08:05:00.000-05:00

Monday we visited SCAD... Savanah College of Arts and Design, the Atlanta campus. Catherine is beginning to look at schools that would allow her to develop her art and design interests and skills.
This school was very impressive and has lots of resources that even appealed to my art side. I wish I had studied and develop my painting and drawing further.

Today we head to Angier to visit with Mom and other family. My mom is moving to an apartment in the next few weeks after living on the farm where I grew up for over 48 years! This will be a big transition for her. We want to encourage and cheer her on in this move.

Family Road Trip on Spring Break

2009-03-15T14:36:00.001-05:00

On spring with our family we hit the road from The Woodlands. We have a tradition of listening to books and stories on CD as we travel. Ever since the kids were little we would listen to Adventures in Odyssey from Focus on the Family... Chronicles of Narnia... and the like.

What we liked was that as we listened we had to imagine the characters and the scenes. We talked together about the stories and what we liked the most. These are great memories and we all still look forward to road trips.

We stopped in Atlanta to visit North Point Community Church. This church has been a great resource for inspiration, training and leadership content as we lead StoneBridge. God has truly gifted the team at North Point and the communication / leadership of Andy Stanley.

Check out Andy's messages on iTunes.

Message on Expectations in Marriage

2009-03-12T06:08:00.000-05:00

Using what I learned from Andy Stanley, I had lots of fun communicating the message at SB on how expectations towards our spouse begin to grow from legitimate dreams and desires.
Take a look at the video or listen to the podcast... titled "U O Me."
Let me know what you think.

Preparing to give the message at SB on 3/8/09

2009-03-05T13:14:00.000-06:00

I am preparing to give the message at SB this Sunday, March 8 '09. I love getting the chance to teach. Continuing in the series - Unlearn Unlove, I will be talking about how we put unrealistic expectations on our spouse and the difficulty it causes. Hope God uses this to help others as He has helped me in this preparation time.

Power to love

2009-03-03T16:00:00.000-06:00

"...because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." - Romans 5:5
Romans, chapter 5 tells us God's love is in our hearts as followers of Christ... and with His love in us, this makes it possible for us to love others, especially our spouse.

How do you summon and tap into that love and power that God has deposited?
How can you be sure you are giving to others the best possible love?

So I was reading and found some very relevant verses about this and wanted to pass them along for you to ponder this week........ in Ephesians 3...

14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.
16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Paul does three things to keep the power and love flowing...
1. He humbly prays... knowing he needs help, he asks God the father in prayer (v14,15)
2. He admits the power to love comes not from his own strength, but the Spirit... shows dependence on and need for the Spirit's power (v16)
3. Then enjoys fellowship (hanging out with Christ daily) because Christ is "at home" in his heart (v17)

So let the love flow this week baby!!!!

Building Marriage

2009-02-23T07:33:00.000-06:00

I mentioned on Feb. 13th the movie, Fireproof. We are doing a series at church now about relationships... Unlearn Unlove... how we need to take an honest look at what we do in relationships and consider "unlearning" the "unloving" things we do by default, replacing those thoughts and actions with truly loving ways.

I would recommend not only watching the movie Fireproof, but taking the "Love Dare" which is a book that gives practical suggestions and ideas for bringing love back into your marriage.

Check out these resources.

2009-02-17T10:41:00.001-06:00

Wonder if I have the flu or something else?
I am feeling achy and a bit feverish. I'm sitting in doctors office to get checked. I am so thankful I have access to doctors - just call and go - so many around our country and the world can't see a doctor or get medications.

David's Prayer and Perspective

2009-02-16T19:52:00.000-06:00

So when have you prayed like this lately?
I came across these verses in a message I was listening to. David, the King of Israel, prayed this before a large crowd of people when he and the people had given literally billions of dollars to a fund to build a temple for God... a temple that would not be constructed for years to come... by David's son, Solomon. Most of the people, including David, would not live to see the construction even start, forget seeing the structure complete.
The part I like best is the perspective that David has and summarizes at the end.
"Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."

Take some time to read and think... have you ever stopped and told God that all you have, not a portion or a percentage, but all belongs to Him.
Everything belongs to Him and my responsibility is to HONOR God will all that I have.

"Praise be to you, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
14 "But who am I, and who are my people,
that we should be able to give as generously as this?
Everything comes from you,
and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

This is a good step and a source of peace as financial things unfold in our country.

A Big Help for Marriage

2009-02-13T08:37:00.000-06:00

Diann and I rented the movie Fireproof last night and watched it together with our teenage daughter. Great movie!
Movies are so subjective and hard to recommend... different tastes, different expectations about entertainment. But with all that aside... no matter if this film will win any academy awards... the story and the message are powerful.
We are going to use this to help other couples in small groups take steps to improve and strengthen marriages.

Starting Point at StoneBridge

2009-02-08T21:56:00.000-06:00

Leading Starting Point is one of my new favorite things.
This is a group... very conversational in design where folks can come and listen and discuss. It is perfect for people just starting out in a relationship with God... people starting back after some time away from church and God... people wondering if it's time to start a relationship with God and have real questions.
We have folks with little or no Bible knowledge and those with more background in the Bible.
We have couples and singles.
We have both young and old.

I love getting time with people who want to know more and want to experience God in real life.
For the next 7 weeks we will meet on Sunday's at 11:05. Should be a great time!

Diann's first book -NOW ... what do I do?

2009-02-06T09:25:00.000-06:00

I am celebrating with my wife Diann. She just completed her first book! After many hours of writing to capture her thoughts and ideas on the page, she has completed NOW... what do I do?

This personal workbook and journal is designed to address the growing number of women in transition... from single life to marriage... from career with no kids to motherhood... from teenagers to empty nest. These are challenging and often discouraging seasons when women question "what is next for me?", "what is my role?", "what am I really good at?", "what is my real purpose?" Her book will help women pause to assess and determine their next step at each crossroad.

She is setting up a website to make this book available. Until then Diann's email is dhcotton@gmail.com.

What if you could meet Billy Graham in person?

2009-02-04T06:36:00.000-06:00

This is a cool story from one of the staff at Buckhead Church in Atlanta.
I can so relate to how he felt and what he thought in the moment of getting to meet a man like Dr. Graham. http://blog.buckheadchurch.org/2009/01/30/billy-graham/

Back when I worked with Student Venture in Chattanooga TN, I met Dr. Graham when he spoke at the dedication of a chapel on the campus of Baylor School. His ministry is one of true inspiration and proof that as we follow Christ closely, in prayer and time reading God's Word, He will use us to spread His love to others. I cannot imagine a more valuable way to spend my life.

Rick Warren's Inauguration Prayer

2009-02-03T00:02:00.000-06:00

I appreciate and agree with Mark Driscoll in his blog about Pastor Rick Warren's work in California. I have alot of respect and admiration for Rick. Read Mark's blog...http://www.theresurgence.com/rick_warrens_prayer
Rick's Prayer is below.

Rick Warren's Prayer
Almighty God, our Father:
Everything we see, and everything we can’t see, exists because of you alone.
It all comes from you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory.
History is your story.
The Scripture tells us, “Hear, O Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD is one.” And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.
Now today, we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate a hinge point of history with the inauguration of our first African-American president of the United States.
We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where a son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.
Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity.
Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.
Help us, O God, to remember that we are Americans—united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.
When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you—forgive us.
When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone—forgive us.
When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve—forgive us.
And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.
Help us to share, to serve, and to seek the common good of all.
May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy, and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet.
And may we never forget that one day, all nations--and all people--will stand accountable before you.
We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.
I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, 'Isa, Jesus [Spanish pronunciation], Jesus—who taught us to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.

My New Most Favorite Book

2009-02-02T23:36:00.000-06:00

I have loved reading "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. His challenge to be a lion chaser is inspiring and emboldens me to pursue God and His dreams for me.

A great read... well worth your time.

Mark Batterson's blog is good too! >> http://evotional.com/

2009-01-31T18:39:00.001-06:00

Shopping right now down in Houston with my wife and daughter. I am taking a coffe break at starbucks. I love getting time away to think and read - this type of time recharges me and gives me energy.
Tomorrow we begin a new Starting Point group at 11 am -looking forward to building connection with some new friends.

Before the Super Bowl -an inspiring dad story

2009-01-30T09:25:00.000-06:00

With the Superbowl coming up an old email story has been circulating widely.
Snopes (a great webiste resource for truth in the email world) has the full and complete story... very inspiring... even if you are a Pittsburg fan, it's hard not to pull for Kurt Warner.
Take a moment and read this.

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/warner.asp

After Lisa Carlson's Memorial

2009-01-28T07:45:00.000-06:00

The service for Lisa was amazing. I wish I had known her better. Lisa touched so many lives. Family and co-workers spoke of the stories they remember and influence she had wherever she was. I am thankful for her demonstration of living life to the full.
Moses writes in Psalm 90
10 Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.
... 12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. ...
14 Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. 15 Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. 16 Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. 17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!

Life is short and my prayer is that I will live everyday to the full... following Christ closely and obedient to all he wants me to do.

2009-01-28T07:40:00.001-06:00

Now I can blog from my phone-pretty cool!

Speaking at a Memorial for Lisa Carlson

2009-01-24T10:19:00.000-06:00

Today I am preparing for and helping lead a memorial service for Lisa Carlson. We have become friends with this family through mutual friends and Lisa's daugther Caitlin graduated with Cory and Coby from John Cooper.

Lisa had brain surgery in June '08 and battled complications until January '09 before she passed from this life on Jan. 17, 2009. > more on Lisa
The experience of letting go of a loved one is all too familiar for Diann and I, since her father died in November of 2007 and my dad died in October 2008.

My remarks today will focus on the challenge life brings in "seeing to believe" or "believing in order to see."

Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians from the New Testament, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ...We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, ...So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." -2 Cor. 4:18, 5:7, 9

What a privilege to speak to all the people who loved and respected Lisa. Lord may all who attend today hear and understand Your message today through her life.
Check back in for more on this story...

Feelin' good and losing a few pounds

2009-01-22T20:44:00.000-06:00

The new year brings some exciting days... even with economy questions and a new presidents and all the changes... I am hopeful. God rules and does not slumber or sleep.

I started a new focus on exercise and watching what I eat... I would love to lose about 10 pounds... that would be a really good weight for me. So for the first three days ... I have gone to the YMCA... and with Diann's help really tracked by food.
I am down a couple of pounds and feeling really encouraged.
Hope you are having a good start to 2009.

A Good Book this Christmas

2008-12-08T07:41:00.001-06:00

I would recommend a good book for this season is The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren. I enjoy reading Rick's stuff because he has a special way of making things simple, plain and profound. I am enjoying this book now and will be reading portions of it aloud when our family gathers together this Christmas. Grab a copy for yourself, for your family or for a friend. It will appeal to anyone... regardless their spiritual beliefs and will help readers grow in their understanding of what God did for us at Christmas.

Enjoy this read.

We Have Hope

2008-12-03T08:01:00.000-06:00

Getting back into a routine flow was not easy after Daddy passed away. I feel like just in the last week or so clearer thinking is beginning to return. All that I read and hear from others is that it takes from 3 to 6 months to resurface after a loved one dies.

Thanksgiving was a sweet time with our family... Diann's brother Larry and our children. Diann's dad passed away at age 78 on Thanksgiving Day last year. My dad died on October 18 at age 79.

God is so good just to walk close with me and give me comfort through reading his words in the scriptures and talking with him in prayer. I have felt his closeness and love in newer and deeper ways. Our whole family has become even closer going through such losses together.

Hope in God and the future he promises in the Bible gives me great comfort. The promise of life that continues into eternity is an amazing experience to look forward to. I can only read of it and imagine being reunited with grandparents, parents and others who followed Christ in this world.

My prayer from my college days was and still remains, "Lord let me live for you and help others to know and follow you." Thanks for reading.

Listen before you vote!

2008-11-03T11:00:00.001-06:00

Does God's Word tell us who to vote for? If it did would you listen? Before you vote, if you haven't already, then take time to listen to this message by Ed Young Jr. I'll admit that he's a little bit over the top sometimes but he makes a really strong case. He's definitely an entertaining communicator and will keep your attention!:
Politicked - Rock the Vote from Fellowship Church on Vimeo.

Pray for my mom and dad

2008-09-30T09:28:00.000-05:00

Over the last month or so we have been adjusting to the news that my dad, Troy Cotton, has lung cancer. The doctors have said he has between one and two months.

Daddy has been fighting Alzheimer's for the past 8 years. The news of cancer stirs up mixed feelings. We wish for long life and as many days together as possible, but dad never wanted to conclude his days in a nursing home with no memory.

So we are waiting and giving thanks for God's perfect plan and that God is the only One who knows the number of our days... His plan is best.
...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:16-17

Daddy and mom have been married 54 years and daddy's 79th birthday is tomorrow... October 1st. Pray for mom as she waits on dad... day to day and as we all wait for his graduation to a perfect home in heaven and new body.

Daddy with the youngest grandchild ...Caroline.

Meme with Catherine and Diann

"Pop" sitting around the table with five grandkids ... waiting for some of Meme's great cooking.

After the Storm - Hurricane Ike

2008-09-27T08:05:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Ike came through Houston during the night hours of September 12, 2008 on into the morning hours of September 13. Here's how close the storm the storm damage came to our house. This pine tree trunk snapped about 40 up and fell toward our house... missing by this much from coming in our living room or bedroom!

This oak uprooted and fell toward the corner of the house... wedging on another pine and only touching on the roof and bending our gutter.

This oak snapped off about 30 feet high and fell toward our house... missing and hitting our side fence.

This type of debris and limbs covered our entire yard, the streets and neighborhood.

We gave thanks for how God protected us and our home. We it was light enought to see this damage for the first time... Diann burst into tears... I just said, "thank you Lord."

Even though the mess was extensive, we were so blessed by getting out and working with our neighbors... helping each other cut trees and haul limbs... we grew closer friendships and we encouraged by every one's positive spirit.

Would I stay through the next storm? Probably not... this was my first and hopefully my last hurricane up close.

Behind on blogging

2008-09-27T07:55:00.000-05:00

I have been sidetracked in so many other activities... can't believe it's been this long since I logged in my thoughts and experiences. I have some catching up to do.

The Valley of the Shadow of Death

2008-07-27T06:43:00.000-05:00

Last Thanksgiving (November 2007), Diann's father died. Being the first of our parents to pass away, we have traveled through lots of emotions and lots of questions. As a pastor, I sit by many beds and pray with lots of people who are facing "the valley of the shadow of death."

This comes from Psalm 23...
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ...

This summer Tony Snow passed away on July 12, 2008. I discovered this article that he wrote about one year ago. Please take the time to read about facing death through the eyes of a man experiencing it. >> Tony Snow ARTICLE

I would love to read your comments on this.

Birthdays and apart for the first time

2008-07-18T07:14:00.000-05:00

This week on July 14 (Diann's birthday) Catherine was away at Edge Camp and the boys are in Missouri. Diann and I had a great time together... but it has been a long time since we did her b'day without any kids.
Then on July 17 (boys birthday), Coby and Cory are away at Kanakuk working as counselors. I think this was the hardest change to swallow. We missed them and getting to really celebrate on the day they turn 21!
It worked out for them to call home briefly and Diann was able to talk with them both.
We will do a big birthday celebration in August when we all get back together.

I am so grateful for how God has worked in our children and keeps shaping them into his image. This is no greater joy than knowing and seeing your children walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

Journey with John 1.1

2008-07-12T08:05:00.001-05:00

In a Thursday morning men's group that just started a few weeks ago... we are reading and observing what John wrote in his account of Jesus' life. John was Jesus' closest follower... the one we see sitting, walking and talking with Jesus in the most personal way.

Each week, I want to capture some of the thoughts and insights and applications that come from our group. Hope this helps you as it does me.

Some catch up notes...
John the "washer" (Baptizer) (not the writer of the book of John-- John the disciple of Jesus is the writer) is telling people to get ready for a new day... to make themselves ready for The Lord... to demonstrate their humility and their turning around in a new direction, he asked them to be "washed"... he stands in the river and "washes" each person... dipping them into the water. This was not the same, but similar to the purification ritual practiced at the temple.

People were lined up to be washed... and Jesus shows up. He comes to John to be washed also. John does not feel worthy to wash Jesus... but Jesus is washed to validate the work John is doing.
ACTION Q: Am I "washed" clean and ready to follow Christ today and each new day? I can be in two ways...
FIRST... I can physically be baptized (washed) to demonstrate to friends and family that I am a follower of Jesus. Many youth and adults get baptized when they understand what it means... even if as a baby their parents had them baptized. This spiritual marker of "washing," as an adult can be such a memorable event in the spiritual journey. Talk with someone about your baptism (washing).
SECOND... I can be spiritually washed by simply talking with God and agreeing with him about any mistake or wrong that I have done or even thought... "when we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness..." (1 John 1:9)
Each morning or any other spot in the day... I whisper to God... "I was wrong to say or think that... wash me clean in your forgiveness... thank you that you love me so much."

Only with this attitude am I ready for God's work in and through me.

So much more to discover in this journey with John...

I welcome your comments, insights and thoughts.

Fully Connected

2008-07-10T16:17:00.001-05:00

For the next two weeks (July 13 and 20) I will be speaking on what it means to be "fully connected."
I am looking forward to this opportunity. I love to step back and observe the big picture. I hope to help those who hear these messages understand the value of connecting to other people in meaningful relationships.

Ask yourself ... Who's doing life with you? Who's cheering for you? Who's encouraging you to go for it and take that risk? Who's there to listen to you or pray with you about an important concern? Who's celebrating with you and who's crying with you? I hope you can name several close friends... but most people today cannot.

All of us need real friends that truly accept us, understand us and care about us. Pray that I will communicate accurately what God has established for all of us to understand about the value of being fully connected.

Parading on the 4th of July

2008-07-05T07:52:00.000-05:00

This has always been an big day for our family. Diann and I have always enjoyed the parades and the fireworks. We sought out the celebrations wherever we lived. We took the kids, we acted like kids and made the most of the experience.
For the past eight years in The Woodlands we have been a part of the parade. The StoneBridge Band has played "oldies" and the crowds that line the street love clap and dance as we pass by. We hand out bottles of water to the crowds... and in the Texas heat, the crowds are so glad to see us come by.
Yesterday was such a day... but one block into the parade route, Rodney (age 14) was working hard to give water bottles to the crowds, when some kids began to run up to our water trailer from the street curb. In an effort to keep the kids back, Rodney's leg was caught under the trailer wheel. The large trailer was filled with water bottles and ice... very heavy. The driver stopped and backed up... Rodney was brused and scraped. We were all frightened as we pulled out of the parade while the EMT's examined his injuries. Before leaving for the hospital, Rodney stood up on his own... later the hospital xrays showed no breaks or internal injuries!

God protected Rodney and showed us all his watchful care! We will not soon forget this 4th of July. Rodney will be the first to receive a "Parade Purple Heart" awarded to those wounded while serving on the SB parade ministry team.

I continue to be amazed at the how God is at work around me... never a dull moment... but never left alone... God is good... all the time.

Gold is refined in the fire.

2008-06-21T08:13:00.000-05:00

Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. -Mark 10:29-30

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Things don't always go as planned... it could be in your relationships, in your finances, with your job, etc. These problems and trials come with being human and living in an imperfect world with imperfect people.

I just never expected it to be so hard at times.

Diann and I are watching our parents and friends parents wrestle with aging and health problems.

I miss our kids when they leave for weeks and months at a time.

I watch money come and go and wonder where it went.

I know close friends who have been searching for work for months.

In the midst of foggy times, painful situations and days I face problems... I want my life to respond with ...

FIRST... a prayer of thanks to God that helps me remember how GOOD GOD HAS BEEN TO ME... HOW HE HAS FAITHFULLY HELPED ME AND HOW HE NEVER CHANGES... my circumstances may change but I desire to focus on who Jesus is right now... that He has not changed and that Jesus already has "overcome" the world.

SECOND... a prayer of trust that helps me remember that God will provide in the future all the relationships and stuff that I need (more than I need) to grow day to day.

Lord, thank you that through the pain of the cross you overcame the world... you overcame my mistakes and gave new life to all who follow you. Now You live in me to help refine and grow me into all that is planned for me as your child. Help me trust in the truth that you provide brothers, sisters and all that I need now and in the future. Let my life, my faith in you, my story to others be refined.

Family Vacation

2008-06-06T08:21:00.000-05:00

We took time off... always a challenge for me:)... and yet I love it when I get away. We drove to Missouri to meet Coby and Cory following their staff training for working at Kanakuk - K2 this summer.
They had a great time... tons of training and hard work... they were tired, but very excited about working with Joe White and the Kanakuk team. This camp has truly helped thousands of kids and served as a turning point for many students who were heading in bad directions.
I am very thankful to God for raising up such a powerful change agent like Kanakuk Kamps. I am also grateful that my sons get to be a part of this team and learn from them. I pray that God will use this summer to make a lasting impression on Coby and Cory and those they serve this summer.

Resources for graduates

2008-05-29T21:10:00.000-05:00

Podcasts to subscribe...
Search iTunes for:
Matt Chandler
Marcus Buckingham
Andy Stanley

The Bible online (various translations)
http://www.biblegateway.com/
Story of Daniel

Speaking at John Cooper Baccalaureate

2008-05-29T21:04:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to address the John Cooper Class of 2008 along with their parents, friends and faculty of the school. What a thrill for me. This is a great class and my challenge to them was to
1. Build on their strengths
2. Guard their passions
3. Invest their influence

There are lots of resources available on the web to help graduates and students pursue their God-given purposes.
Keep checking this blog as I plan to update and build this resource list.

Improving at Golf

2008-05-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

My golf game is really improving. I guess some would say... "so what else do you have to do as pastor, but practice your golf game."
The golf journey for me has been a slow one... overcoming the negative attitudes I frequently heard about the game. My dad sold golf cars, and yet did not "take the time" to play. Now my brother Steve and I both are beginner golfers.
I decided to get some real help and take some lessons with my daughter Catherine last year. We have enjoyed going to the driving range together and learning together.
The lessons and practice are paying off. My score is getting consistently better. I know the suspence is eating at you... my break through score was getting below 100! That's right, I scored 98 last week... legit... real score... no mulligans... no fudging! Then today I scored 95, sank some long puts and beat other players in our foursome! WOW!
Not ready to quit the ministry and go on tour, but it was very satisfying.

Like Spring Flowers

2008-05-03T07:14:00.000-05:00

I love planting flowers, seeds and young plants and watching them grow. I am sure it is because I did this with my mom and dad on the farm in North Carolina... Dad in the garden, Mom in the yard. We had a very large garden with corn, peas, potatoes, green beans, cabbage, squash, onions... We had even larger yard with azaleas, camellias, geraniums, daffodils, roses, dogwoods...

I watched and learned and now I get to try my hand at this in Texas. My favorite planting at this point is to do lots of pots on our porch, patio and around the yard. The plants respond quickly. When moved from their little plastic containers into fresh, rich soil in a much larger pot, they stand up alert after the first day. Then new sprouts and blooms begin to show. Soon the pots are full and overflowing with growth.

This winter we planted two Live Oaks in our front yard along with some new bushes and roses. These have been a joy to watch. New leaves and blooms cover them now.

Ephesians 3 talks about plants taking root and growing.

14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I also love to use and read the prayers of Paul when I pray for my wife and children, friends, and partners in ministry and for myself. The love of Christ is very deep and rich soil. We can grow in it forever. When we tap into and become grounded in that love, the fullness of God fills us and blooms over around us.

Lord, like the flowers in my yard that people have noticed and commented on... cause people to notice the love of Christ in me, my family and friends. Allow us to do far more than we could every ask or think by your power and love.

Incredible India

2008-04-12T07:51:00.000-05:00

Incredible India

As I exited the plane from Chicago in Delhi, I was greeted by a large tourism sign “Incredible India.” Little did I know how truly incredible my experience would be. In·cred·i·ble –adjective 1. So extraordinary as to seem impossible 2. hard to believe; unbelievable. 3. So implausible as to elicit disbelief.
4. Astonishing.

The sights, sounds and smells
As we loaded our 15 member team and our luggage on the bus, my senses were jarred awake, never to rest for the next ten days. Hazy and humid, the evening air in Delhi was heavy. It smelled of smoke, diesel fumes and sweat. I was surrounded by thousands of people in the airport and on the sidewalks. Taxis, cars, buses jammed together waiting to transport the crowds. The airport roads led to highways filled with traffic traveling on the “left” side. Moving quickly with unexpected aggression our bus pressed ahead and passed other vehicles. Through the hazy yellow glow of headlights and signs it delivered us in front of our first hotel.

In the villages
Every morning our bus would transport us for 30 to 90 minutes down small dirt roads, across wooden bridges and beside vast tea gardens or fields being plowed with oxen. During the five days of focused ministry, we entered villages where people lived in bamboo houses with thatch roofs and cooked in cast iron pots over open fires. Cows, pigs, chickens and goats roamed everywhere. The scents of plowed soil, smoke and manure mixed with the cool fresh breeze.
Northeast India
Northeast India has a population of over 3 million people and is made up of tribes or people groups, many of whom have never heard the good news of Jesus Christ. With today’s radio, satellite TV and internet, this may seem impossible. But literally millions of people still live spiritually uninformed. The Indian believers that we teamed with were enthusiastic and eager to introduce us to the people of their land.
They were our partners and translators as we entered villages where we would meet people in their homes and discuss their culture and spiritual beliefs. The people of the villages were very interested to meet and talk with “the Americans.”

Extraordinary, incredible story
In a village of tea garden workers, I was able to talk with one group of about 25 people. Men, women and children surrounded me as I asked them about their work in harvesting tea. I told them of my work as a young man on the farm and how often I thought about God when working on a farm. I asked if I could tell them the story about the One True God who created the heavens and earth and all the animals and men. As they nodded, many of them sat down around me to listen… (more details on the story later)
As I concluded up my explanation of why God sent Jesus Christ as the solution to every man’s separation from God, I asked if they believed and if they wanted Christ to forgive them and lead their lives. Two women, with tears in their eyes, raised their hands in front of the whole group (which was very bold in their culture.)
We prayed with them, recorded their names and gave them scriptures in their language. Then we proceeded to other homes in the village. A few hours later, as we were walking back near their home, one of the women greeted us on the road and held out a gift for me. She held a tattered piece of paper wrapped around some dried tea they harvested. Through my translator she said with tears, “Thank you for coming to my home. No one has ever explained how we could know God personally through Jesus. Bless you for coming.” Needless to say I will never forget this incredible encounter and the look of appreciation and joy on her face.

The harvest in India
I stood on a path looking across acres of rice fields surrounding me all ready for cultivation. Later I stood at the edge of a vast tea garden with lush green bushes that stretched as far as I could see. The tender tea leaves were ready for the first harvest. How could all this work be done? How many workers would it take to cultivate the fields and harvest the tea?
The same question resonated in my head about the spiritual harvest of souls. How could all the people who were ready to listen hear the story of Jesus? Matthew 9:36-38 says, “When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’”I thanked God for the opportunity to be a small part of the harvest that is beginning in this land. Please pray with me that the Lord will send the workers and resources needed for His harvest.

Turning 50 today!!

2008-03-24T17:12:00.000-05:00

It is a real praise to know that I can plan and prepare for such a trip to India on the week I turn 50 years old.
I do not feel like 50... but I've never been here before and don't really know what it feels like.

Thanks to God for his many blessings.
I feel that the prayer Jabez prayed, one that I often pray, continues to come to reality.
“Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request. -1 Chron.4:10

I look forward to many years ahead... serving God and loving people.

Adventure to India ... 3/26 thru 4/5/2008

2008-03-24T16:47:00.000-05:00

PRAYER CALENDAR
Sibsagar & Jorhat, India >>map
Wednesday, Mar. 26—Saturday, Apr. 5, 2008
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

On Wednesday, Mar 26th, a team of 17 Americans begin a 11-day mission trip that we pray will change lives for eternity. We will be ministering throughout North-Eastern India.

Please pray for our team during this cross-cultural outreach. The ministry of intercessory prayer is essential for a successful ministry trip. Please put this prayer calendar in a prominent place and join me as a prayer partner. God will use you and we as a team will experience the power of your prayers!

Our team will be focused on working with our Indian brothers and sisters
… to reach many people of Sibsagar and Jorhat who have never heard of Christ’s love and forgiveness
… and that many churches would be effectively established.
… and to serve Lipok Wati (Indian ministry partner) and his team to take full advantage of the God given opportunities to expand the ministry.

Our team includes people from North Carolina, and Texas. It is the desire of each member of the team to demonstrate God’s love and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of India.

Team Members
John Fitzgerald (North Carolina)
Stephen Canipe (North Carolina)
Carolyn Thompson (North Carolina)
Don Wimbish (North Carolina)
Adam Yount (North Carolina)
Tom McDonald (North Carolina)
Brian Dunn (Houston, TX)
Larry Cotton (Houston, TX)
Brad Greenstreet (Houston, TX)
Jack Pitney (Dallas, TX)
David Windley (Dallas, TX)
Kelly Shea (Dallas, TX)
Cy Cozart (Dallas, TX)
Barry Durman (Dallas, TX)
Rob Skiba (Dallas, TX)

India is 10.5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time so please pray accordingly!

Brian and I will try to give reports throughout the trip… via email, web, blogs, or phone. Check the following…
http://larrysbridgeblogs.blogspot.com/
www.eastwest.org for field reports or
www.portland.eastwest.org
We will do our best to get them to you.

Our focus for this particular trip will be working in three different people groups with three church planters who are experiencing incredible open doors.

People Groups we will be working with:
1. Assamise
2. Adivasi
3. Mising

Daily Schedule
Mar 26th (Wednesday) – Entire group departs Chicago together @ 7:40 P.M. for Delhi, India arriving on Mar 27th at 8:55 P.M.
Pray for…
Safety and rest as we travel. Opportunities to share Christ on the plane. All luggage to arrive. God to prepare hearts in India. Customs process to be smooth and quick, allowing all team members and their baggage to get through without problems.

Mar 27th (Thursday) – Arrive in New Delhi
Pray for…
Easy Customs check & smooth hotel check-in Emotional & physical adjustments to a new culture and time zone. Excellent health & a good night’s rest.

Mar 28th (Friday) – Travel to Sibsagar in-country flight and by car caravan
Pray for…
Team unity and bonding. Flexibility and continued adaptation to cultural differences. Preparations and details of campaign. Safety for in-country flights and land travel.

Mar 29th (Saturday) – Sibsagar Ministry, village for evangelism among the Assamise people group
Pray for…
Discernment for Lipok Wati (Indian partner - trip coordinator) on how to best coordinate our time. An awesome time of worshipping the Lord with our Indian brothers and sisters. Wisdom in matching interpreters and Americans. Continued bonding with our interpreters and our Indian brothers & sisters. Faithfulness & consistency for our prayer partners. Team members to be diligent in spending time daily with the Lord.

Mar 30th (Sunday) - Outreach in Sibsagar continued among the Adivasi people Group
Pray for…
Open hearts to the Gospel Multiple divine appointments. Boldness as our team steps out in faith to share God’s love and the Gospel message. Bonding and unity of purpose with our interpreters Servant hearts and attitudes. For a positive response to the Gospel.

Mar 31 (Monday) – Last day of evangelism in Sibsagar and travel to Jorhat by vehicle
Pray for…
Increased faith. People to see Christ in and through us. Wisdom in dealing with peoples questions about spiritual issues. Safety as we travel to Jorhat.

Apr1 (Tuesday) - Evangelism project in Jorhat among the Mising people
Pray for…
Open hearts towards the Gospel as we share the truth of God’s love. Each person to be fully clothed in God’s armor depending completely on Him. Satan to be bound. Physical, emotional & spiritual strength.

Apr 2nd (Wednesday) – Sharing Christ among the Mising people
Pray for …
Our American team ... that God would give them boldness to present the Gospel Many to hear and positively respond to His love New believers to understand the importance of becoming involved in and with the Christian community. Our families and friends back home. Team to do all things through Christ who strengthens them.

Apr 3rd (Thursday) – Continued ministry among the Missing people group for evangelism and encouragement
Pray for …
The name of Jesus to be Exalted and Glorified. Our team as we begin to process a life changing and spiritually profitable week.Spirits sensitive to cultural Differences. Servant Hearts and Attitudes. A wonderful last day of ministry in Jorhat.

Apr 4th (Friday) - Travel back to Delhi
Pray for…
Safety as we travel by road and air back to Delhi. Physical, Emotional & Spiritual strength. Flexibility Rest after an incredibly busy week of ministry. Emotional strength as we say goodbye to our Indian brothers and sisters.

Apr 5th (Saturday) – Fly back to the States
Pray for…
God’s new work in the people of Sibsagar and Jorhat. That it would continue to flourish and that many churches would be effectively established. Lipok and his team to take full advantage of the God given opportunities to expand the ministry Opportunities to share with those back home all that God did during this outreach. That our team would have a positive impact on our churches back home as we plug back into ministry in our own churches. Safety as we travel home today. A time to process all that has happened and to rejoice in God’s faithfulness. Follow-up of those who have made first time decisions for Christ. Our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as He continues to do His work in our lives after we return. An invigorated desire to share Christ with our friends, families, neighbors and co-workers. Restful transition.

A Rookie Blogger

2008-03-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

This is the beginning of a new form of journaling for me.
Starting in 1978, my mentors taught me the importance of keeping a journal of my thoughts and prayers. It is a written record of your spiritual journey.

I have many notebooks full of scriptures and reflections about what God was teaching me and what I was hoping for.... struggling with... seeking to change.... I am thankful for that record and I hope this will be profitable for me to write and others to read.

Psalm 119 (selected verses)

1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.

18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations.

32 I will pursue your commands for you ... expand my understanding.

The truths, values and wisdom from God's Word is the most reliable instruction we have on this planet. This is because if comes directly from God Himself... the One, True, Faithful, Almighty Teacher.
I have hidden this truth in my life ... but not as much as I want to in the future.

I want to memorize more. I want to have this Word shape my thoughts and actions. This is what integrity means... everything I think and say and do... integrated together in a joyful life.