It's been 10 years!

Sunday Crossroads Church will celebrate 10 years of weekly worship services. It seems like only yesterday we were canvasing 500 homes and growing 400% when four of my family joined. In some ways it was just yesterday compared to houses of worship with 140 and 150 years and more under their belts. It always seems so long when it has been your sweat and tears involved and yet in the scope of eternity it has been but a single moment. Yet, here we are surviving 10 years beating the failure rate of approximately 70% (not unlike small business start-ups).

I have to admit that I thought it would be easier. I thought by now we would have 300 in attendance each week and building a building etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Well we are rebuilding a building our permit came a few weeks ago and we are off. Ask me when we will be in there and I must say I have no idea. I do hope by Easter 2015. That has been God’s timeline and not mine. He has provided as we have needed. We have been at and around 45-50 people in weekly attendance. I believe every planter hope to reach un-reached people. I do know that we have a majority of folks who were not connected to any church some never many in many years. I did not expect that but that was my dream as we began and God has made that dream come true. I can point to a large number of folks and tell you a story of God’s work in their life through Jesus Christ and Crossroads Church.

That is happening in many churches. I can say that because that is the very heart of God to draw people to himself through his son Jesus. That is his heart Jesus. It has always been all about Jesus. So, our birthday celebration is not about me and my effort or about the church and its accomplishments, no it is a celebration of grace found through faith in Jesus. Our 10^th birthday is a celebration of Jesus at work in individuals and families changing lives and home to be Kingdom people and families. He is the way the truth and the life. I have the most ridiculous task contextualizing the truth found in God’s Word into the culture of today. It’s ridiculous because it’s great material. How can you go wrong? Even when I do (go wrong that is) God’s Holy Spirit speaks in spite of me ensuring the communication of truth to those with ears to hear.

It has been a crazy 10 years and not matter what I may think will happen, I really have no idea and that is O.K. I’ve only been at it 10 years. That time is but a comma in the manuscript of eternity.

 

I have been crucified with Christ 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  Galatians 2:19-20 HCSB           

In HIS Service and yours

Bro G

Persecuted? Say Amen!

It seems we are in a season of difficulties for many families. Relationship failures, car accidents, trouble with children, unexpected bills you can name more I am sure. This season seems different in that some of these families are facing multiple difficulties at the same time or within a short period. When it rains it pours seems to be the case for many of them.

 

Maybe that is the life you are living at the moment and you wonder why the persecution? Let’s consider if it is persecution or just the effects of life in a sin infested, infected world or are you suffering for your faith? Be assured much of the planet suffers for their faith. Christians in Egypt of any Muslim dominated country suffer because of their faith. Believers in North Korea are jailed and worse for “crimes against the state,” their faith. Believers in China worship in secret to avoid beatings and worse all because of their faith. So maybe your situation is not persecution as we see in our world or in the New Testament. But, we are still left with how to live through it and have victory in it?

I want to remind you that for most of us this is not the first tough season in our life. No, it is one of many and yet you are still breathing. You might check but I am pretty sure you are breathing. Somehow you made it here. How did that happen? How is it you are still alive and breathing? I was listening to the radio Thursday afternoon when these words from Finding Favour found their way to my ear. “Say Amen”

This life is a journey we walk by faith And there will always be the mountains in our way But right here in this moment, may our strength be renewed As we recall what God has done and how we've seen Him move.

If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful Anybody here who knows He's able Say Amen And if there's anybody here who's seen His power Anybody here brought through the fire Say Amen Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow Just Say AMEN!

In the midst we forget what has already been done for us at the cross by Jesus. We forget so easily by thinking what is going on is the MOST important thing in the universe. It IS NOT! Jesus is the MOST IMPORTANT in the universe. What he alone did at the cross for you and me IS enough even if he never did anything else. The Key has always been CHRIST. Can I get an AMEM? Think about the cross!

 

^1-3 Oh, thank God—he’s so good! His love never runs out. All of you set free by God, tell the world! Psalm 107:2 The Message      

In HIS Service and yours

Bro G

To be happy or not?

This morning I have been wrestling with a new website template. Well, really I have been wrestling since last night. I purchased the thing and then have been unable to upload it to our hosting service. Now I like a problem, researching the options and solving it. That’s what I like. That is what makes me happy solving the problem. I did not know until recently how happy that made me.

About a year ago I bought a brand new compact tractor. Within 6 months it became difficult to start then difficult to get the starter to operate. That went on until May when I replaced the ignition switch (under warrantee) and both problem are solved. Just to test it I have gone out at various times to start it and each time when it started quickly. I was happy. Seems strange I was happy but I was and still am when it starts right up. I did not know it had been bothering me or that I was unhappy!

Happiness is an internal emotion and one that is fleeting. We can be happy one moment and sad the next. Tears of joy can lead right into tears of sorrow. No one else makes us happy. The founding fathers knowing that did not guarantee happiness rather the “pursuit of happiness.” Recently a ministry leader made a statement that God wants us to be happy so do what makes us happy. Our happy is fickle. Solomon tried everything and did everything and nothing made him happy. His exploits and conclusion are found in Ecclesiastes. No, even God is not out to make us happy. Jesus promised something different.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

Did you see it? Jesus promises REST. Come to him and “you will learn how to live freely and lightly.” I love that. Rest comes when we give up the struggle of trying to be god of our family, job, church, friends, relationships, ourselves, well, you name it. We just need to STOP, come to HIM and REST. Sit and soak in the presence of the PRESENCE. HE is where we find rest, peace and in the most intimate way happiness. Our happiness is only found in the completeness of Christ who has sealed and made certain a believers past, present and future. What could make me happier? Well maybe a new “working” website? No not really!

In HIS Service and yours

Bro G

I found this video of Brad Millard from MercyMe. It is along the lines of the happiness we so long for.