The Bridge Petoskey

06/23/2026

Pastor Robb's Random Ramblings

An Inside Look – by Robb, III

There’s a fear that comes with looking inside. Not just a surface level glance... but a real, honest inventory of who we’ve been… and who we are becoming. Because if we’re honest, the past can try to define us. It whispers, “This is who you are. This is all you’ll ever be.” But that’s not truth. That’s bo***ge.

The truth is... we are not defined by what we’ve done. We are defined by who God says we are. But here's the thing... In order to become who God created us to be… we have to look at what’s been warped inside of us. Not to live in shame. Not to beat ourselves up. But to be set free.

The curtain hiding our true purpose doesn’t get ripped open all at once. God, in His mercy, reveals things slowly—layer by layer—as we stay willing, as we keep cleaning house, and as we walk closer with Him.

And as that happens, something incredible takes place… Our purpose becomes clear. Page 25 of the AA Big Book tells us there is a solution. Page 29 and Step 12 tells us what to do with it. The 12th Tradition reminds us it’s not about us and "the program". Put it all together—and there it is...

We are called to be disciples. To carry the message. To help others find the same freedom we’ve been given. Not because we’re perfect… But because we’ve been redeemed.

I beg of you to be honest today and ask... What part of my life am I still afraid to look at honestly? Am I letting my past define me… or am I allowing God to redefine me? Ask God to reveal one area of your life that still needs correction... not to shame you, but to free you. Then take one small action toward cleaning house. And don’t stop there… Look for one person you can encourage, help, or share your experience with.

That’s the mission.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
- - - - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
🙏🐪❤️

06/22/2026

Pastor Robb's Random Ramblings

Adversity Introduces the Man - by Robb, III

Adversity doesn’t create who we are... it reveals who we are. It’s easy to feel strong when life is smooth. When things are going our way, we can mistake comfort for character. But the moment pressure hits… when life pushes back… that’s when the truth comes out. That’s when we find out what we’re really made of.

Every trial we face forces a decision: Will I retreat… or will I rise? Because here’s the truth... growth only happens when we step off the ledge of comfort and into the unknown. Just like that climber in the reading… the next step always feels dangerous. But it’s the only way forward. And when we take that step — when we face the fear instead of running from it — something changes in us. We don’t just survive the challenge… we become stronger because of it.

The Bible reminds us of this truth clearly... “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:2–3

Adversity isn’t punishment. It’s preparation. But here’s the part I love most... we don’t have to do it alone. The enemy wants isolation. God calls us into connection. There is strength in reaching out. There is power in being honest. And there is real courage in saying, “I need help,” while still choosing to move forward.

Ask yourself... Where in my life am I avoiding discomfort right now? Am I staying on the safe ledge… or am I willing to take the next step God is calling me into? Today, don’t run from the hard thing... lean into it. Make the call. Have the conversation. Take the step. And if it feels overwhelming, bring someone with you... don’t isolate. Because the person God is shaping you to be… is waiting on the other side of that step. 🙏🐪❤️

06/19/2026

Join us at THE BRIDGE tonite 6PM - 7PM
Great Music!
Coffee & Cookies will be served.
Special guest speaker!
Come out, come out, wherever you are!
If you can’t join us in person, join us on line!
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88440870432...
Meeting ID: 884 4087 0432
Passcode: Bridge

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06/19/2026

Pastor Robb's Random Ramblings

Spiritual Action in Ordinary Living - by Robb, III

“The life of the spirit is… a life of action.”

It’s easy to think spirituality is something we feel, think about, or talk about. But this quote flips that idea on its head. Spirituality isn’t just belief—it’s action.

The Big Book reminds us on page 85 that we have a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. That can sound overwhelming at first… like we have to go do something big or dramatic to stay connected to God. But this reading simplifies it beautifully.

Spiritual action happens in the ordinary. It’s the quiet prayer before a conversation. It’s choosing patience instead of frustration. It’s offering a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand. These small moments don’t feel spiritual... but they are exactly where God meets us.

I used to think I had to step out of life to be spiritual. Now I’m learning that God is found right in the middle of it. Every moment becomes an opportunity to stay connected—IF I’m willing to act. Because when I stop taking these small actions, I drift. And when I stay intentional, I stay close. My spiritual life doesn’t depend on what I know... It depends on what I do.

Let's look in the mirror and ask... Am I looking for God in my daily actions... or only when it’s convenient? Where can I turn an ordinary moment into a spiritual one today? Today, pick three ordinary moments—driving, working, or interacting with someone—and turn them into spiritual action. Say a quick prayer, offer kindness, or pause and thank God. Keep it simple… and stay connected. 🙏🐪❤️

06/18/2026

Pastor Robb's Random Ramblings

Rejoice in the Fire — by Robb, III

We all come to God expecting peace… and rightly so. Scripture promises joy, freedom, and a new way of living. But then something strange happens. We start doing the right thing… and life gets harder.

We speak truth… and people push back. We change… and suddenly we don’t fit where we used to. And if we’re not careful, we start asking... “God, I thought this was supposed to get better?” But Jesus already told us this would happen... “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…” Matthew 5:10

That’s the paradox. Doing God’s will doesn’t always make life easier... it makes it eternal. It separates us from the world, and the world doesn’t always like that. But here’s the shift… Persecution isn’t punishment... it’s confirmation. It means you’re no longer blending in. It means something in you has changed. It means you’re walking in truth, not comfort. And when we understand who we really are—children of God, not prisoners of this world—something incredible happens… We stop reacting… and we start rejoicing. Not because pain feels good. But because we know it’s producing something greater.

James says it like this... “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3. This is where real freedom is found. Not in avoiding hardship… But in knowing that nothing can touch your identity in Christ.

Ask yourself... Where in my life am I facing resistance for doing the right thing… and secretly resenting it instead of seeing it as growth? Today, when something feels unfair or difficult, pause and ask... Is this refining me or just frustrating me? Then choose to trust that God is using it for good. 🙏🐪❤️

06/17/2026

Pastor Robb's Random Ramblings

The Paradox of Giving – by Robb, III

God’s world is full of paradoxes... The world tells us: hold on, protect, accumulate. God says: give... and you will receive. At first, that doesn’t make sense. It feels backwards. We’re wired to believe that if we give something away—our time, our energy, our love—we’ll have less. But this reading reminds us of a the truth... When we give in the right spirit, we don’t lose... we gain.

That’s the paradox of God’s economy. The book of James puts it plainly... “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” James 4:17. Well thats a harsh, but needed, reminder. Because giving isn’t just a nice idea... it’s part of how we live out our faith. When we withhold what God is prompting us to give, we don’t protect ourselves… we actually rob ourselves.

In my old life, I was constantly taking—seeking validation, chasing fulfillment, trying to fill a hole that nothing in this world could satisfy. And no matter how much I got… I always felt empty. But today, when I give—whether it’s my time, my attention, or my experience to help another man—I walk away feeling full.

Challenge yourself with this today...Where am I holding back today? Is there something I’m afraid to give—my time, my honesty, my forgiveness, my love—because I think I’ll lose something? Or is there something I know I should do… but I’ve been avoiding? Give something away today—on purpose. Reach out to someone who’s struggling. Offer your time when it’s inconvenient. Share honestly instead of protecting your image. Encourage someone without expecting anything back. And don’t do it to “get” something… Do it because that’s who you’re becoming.

Because in His kingdom—the hand that gives… gathers. 🙏🐪❤️

06/16/2026

Pastor Robb's Random Ramblings

Right Now Is the Gift – by Robb. III

“This instant is the only time there is.”
- Unknown

How often do we miss what God is doing right in front of us because our mind is somewhere else? Either replaying the past or trying to control the future. But the truth is... God only meets us right here. Right now. The peace we’re looking for isn’t in yesterday. The answers we want aren’t in tomorrow. They’re in this moment.

When I’m stuck in my head, I miss the smile, the conversation, the quiet nudge from God. But when I slow down… when I become present… everything changes. Life gets clearer. Simpler. More beautiful. That’s where God is.

Ask yourself... Where has my mind been living lately... yesterday, tomorrow, or right now? What might I be missing that God is placing directly in front of me today? Today, I’m going to pause throughout my day and ask... Am I here right now? I’ll take a breath, look around, and thank God for what’s directly in front of me... not what’s behind me or ahead of me.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
- - - - Matthew 6:34(NIV)

🙏🐪❤️

06/15/2026

Pastor Robb's Random Ramblings

Head Knowledge vs. Heart Knowledge – by Robb, III

There’s a big difference between knowing something… and actually living it. Most of us didn’t lack information. We knew right from wrong. We knew the consequences. But knowing didn’t stop us. If knowledge alone was enough, we could’ve stopped after reading the doctor’s opinion. But our problem goes deeper than the mind... it lives in the heart.

There’s a kind of knowledge that stays in your head… and then there’s the kind that transforms your life. Heart knowledge. That only comes through surrender to God. Through prayer. Through walking with Him daily. Because the truth is… we all have a hole inside of us. A God-sized space that nothing in this world can fill. And for people like me, we don’t just struggle with that… We can die trying to fill it with everything but Him.

Ask yourself... Am I trying to think my way into a better life… Or am I actually letting God change my heart? Today, don’t just learn something... live it! Spend time with God. Ask Him to move truth from your head into your heart. That’s where real change happens.

"'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."'
- - - - Matthew 5:8(NIV)

🙏🐪❤️