Here we go

"Worry is when we trust ourselves." I read this in the book Crazy Love and it has stuck with me. As followers of Christ I, we, must fully rely on Jesus. I know that is sometimes hard to do. Believe me I know. God has really hit me these past few weeks on trusting Him totally in all things. So trust Him, Love Him. Jesus is so Awesome. Have a blessed day

Today I was reading Acts chapter 25. In that chapter Paul is being falsely accused by the Jews. They are trying to kill him any way they can but God works it out for him to see King Agrippa. Paul tells Agrippa his story. When I look at what happened to Paul, I see a man who was willing to tell the truth and stand for God no matter what his circumstances. I feel like in our day sometimes we as Christians want to hold our tongue when God wants us to say a word of encouragement or take a stand when the truth of the Gospel is being torn down by others. I am really enjoying the Last Days series that Pastor Ferrell is preaching on this summer at Whitley and the Bridge. I truly believe that the return of Jesus is very soon. As a Christian I encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity that God has for you. Live a life of worship. In saying that I mean live the life that He has planned for you. There have been times when I did not listen to God and I missed out on some things. I never want to do that again. Be bold, be strong for the Lord your God is with you. Have a great day and be encouraged that He holds you in His hands.

Matt

I'm sitting here at The Bridge thinking about how great God is. No matter what happens or what we go through in this life, He is our Joy. This week I've seen families pull together in hardship and I've seen families come together to celebrate new life. Through it all God is glorified. I love what Jeremiah 29:11 says: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Be encouraged today that the God who formed you, the One who made you, holds you in His hands. Have a great day.

First Time

Hey my name is Matt Bartlett and I am a worship leader at Whitley Church and the Bridge Church in Goldsboro NC. This is my first time doing something like this so here we go. My wife and I just found out some exciting news that we are having our first child. We are so happy that God has blessed us with this new addition to our family and lives. I'm very excited about being a dad for the first time. Not only in my family is God doing some incredible things but also in our church. This past week we had our annual youth camp at Whitley Church. The title of the Camp was called Awakening. This camp was one of the most awesome experiences I have ever had in my life. The power of God was very present every day of this camp. On Friday night after our concert we had with Kristian Stanfill we had a late night session. Walt Anderson delivered a message that really struck a chord in me. He talked about how God is our true Father and many of today's generation do not have a true father figure in there lives. I will never forget this night because once the altar call was made, God moved mightily. I saw students who for the first time came to grips with personal issues and made a new commitment to Jesus. True worship happened that night as well. It is pleasing to God when we come with a heart anticipating Him to show up. I love where it says in the Bible that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We have truly had a great Awakening in knowing our Creator and Savior more. Praise God for the lives saved and changed. I know my life will not be the same after this past week. Thank you for taking time to read this and have a great day

Matt