Many people love to see the weather change as it refreshes the heart for the holidays. Some look forward to the cooler, crisper air and the changes in the leaves. Others hope to start drinking seasonal drinks and wear warmer clothing that has been in their closets. 

November is known for this transition, and many of us look forward to it. Yet, this year (2024), we also have election season, and it has caused tension, to say the least. I would even challenge one to ask, "Would it be safe to say that the most political tension happens in the church?"

Why?

If a church is to be united under Christ, why then do we see just as much, if not more conflict compared to secular society? 

I believe that it is several factors - 

First, local churches have made it a point to avoid politics or even conflict altogether. Any conflict in the church has become an instant stigma that most congregants look to bury quickly and quietly. To maintain what we might see the church provide would cease to exist with conflict. Instead, most twenty-first-century churches are hoping to give relief to their community not in discipleship but in satisfaction. This is an unbiblical approach to worship that excludes Holy Spirit-guided spiritual formation which will include conflict from time to time. 

Second, churches feel that they are to be obedient to Christ by either being inclusive or exclusive. What I mean here is that a congregation may forget that along with biblical obedience comes love and compassion (John 13:34). Therefore, the example of excluding anyone who doesn't vote like they do or belongs to the opposing political party of the majority becomes apparent. 

On the other hand, including everyone who wants to be a "Christian" without commitment to the gospel teachings allows for passivity of the Truth, thus a cancer to the church. We then see sin accepted and reasoned with simply for the sake of "love". This happens often with family members and friends as it hits too close to home. 

Lastly, the statement "Politics has no place in the Church!" is far too common. Ironically, Holy Scripture provides divine guidance for our daily living and yet, how we vote is based on our worldview. Yet, both politics and religion are the two most contested subjects. Christians today have no idea which end is up but know that their allegiance to their party is far too important to back down. How often have Christians fell for the "seperation of church and state" to be the ethical reasoning for our quiet tongue but bold resistance to civility with opposition?

Our constitution is not advocating for muffling anyone's worldview but instead, providing freedom of free speech while it does not hinder your neighbors right as well. So when we vote this November, do it with love and compassion, and with the understanding that Jesus doesnt need us but wants us to trust Him. We should not be in allegiance with a political party but with Jesus Christ! 

-Pastor Gabe Montez

I have to tell you that I have not experienced a hotter summer than the summer of 2023. I can see the earth crack around our property and the A/C begins to push harder than it's ever before. We crack jokes about how hot it is and how we desperately wait for a change in the weather-the slightest will be accepted. 

I was thinking about how we look at the present situation and look forward to what we hope it to be or how it might change for the better. We are struggling with the fatigue brought on by the sun and waiting for the cool air from the indoors or even a breeze. In most situations, it is what we are hoping for rather than what it is. 

Even when we are happily such as newlyweds experiencing the romantic early days of their marriage look forward to wondering where they might be in five years. Or when a newborn comes into their lives and how that child might grow up. 

Is it human nature or is it something that pulls us as if it is a need to be filled? Today I ask you to look at today and enjoy the experience whether it be a challenging one or a joyous one. Today, no matter the circumstance, ask what might be learned from it and glorify God through it. 

Also, in regard to our future- I believe that the hope or need for hope in our future is God himself. We were created with a purpose to glorify Him. That gap we may be feeling in all that we do is His....let Him take that place so that peace comes in all of it.

  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

June

Does anyone else know of the destruction of sanity that will bring me to my sneeze called ALLERGIES? I have tried everything but go to a doctor's visit. My eyes itch, my head hurts, and I have brain fog and weak and achy bones. 

Good times huh? It's been just another challenge being in a new environment. That's ok because while it is a challenge, it is necessary for my body to adjust (or get allergy shots). 

What do allergies have to do with Christianity? Not much, I just wanted to vent my frustrations. 

But since I got you, I want to encourage you this spring and summer. Accept the challenges as a part of life but also know that challenges are painful. Suffering and wondering how to get through it doesn't mean you failed. 

Instead, hope comes from crawling back up and standing firm. You will become those people look to as the pillar, the rock of their faith because you saw tomorrow through faith in Him. 

Romans 5:3-4

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope..."

October

In Mark 1:17, Jesus explained what it meant for His disciples to be used in growing the Kingdom. God's glory shines when we are a part of the mission to share the Good News. 

Bright Light has launched ministries that have already made an impact on the community. Some ministries seemed to have trouble lifting off the ground.

That's ok, God wants us to evaluate what we plan to do, do it, asses it, step back, then reassess again. 

Our church is one that plans to be in the trenches with God's people. What that means is that it will be exhausting while exhilarating, heartbreaking though spirit-filled, and with blessings along with criticisms and resentment. 

Yet, in the short time that my wife and I have served here in Central Texas, we have found it a privilege to be a part of Bright Light and those whom we serve. We have received loving support from a multitude of people rooting for us. 

We keep going, pushing forward, and loving every minute of this wild rollercoaster God has us on. 

"Come follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men."

August 2022

Bright Light has come to a point where we know what we need for the plans for our future. We are ready to get it done with the equipment and schedule for those plans. 

One example is the start of Bright Light Christian Learning Center (BLCLC) which kicks off on September 6th. Among other plans and items, we have a new swing set donated, a curriculum to use, and as of today, sixteen students are enrolled. The "Meet the Teacher" dinner will be set for August 11th. 

Our Thursday Service will begin September 8th which will include a 6:00p meal and a 7:00p service. This will include a "kid's club" and a study with Pastor Gabe.

September 11th will be the start of Celebrate Recovery @ Bright Light.  Come address your hurts, habits, and hangups with others through a Biblical perspective. 

These are just a few of what God has planned for our ministerial impact on our community.

Do you feel led to take part in these events or others we have planned? If so, contact us and let us get to know you and work together serving our King. 

-Pastor Gabe