Abide in me, and I in you.

Many of us are very familiar with this powerfully short sentence from John 15. Jesus is sharing a final Passover meal with his disciples before his crucifixion the following day. During and after dinner Jesus is instructing, clarifying, and encouraging the disciples to remain faithful to God’s calling on their lives.

Part of Jesus’ instruction uses the illustration of a vine and the command to abide in him as the true vine. As I continue to grow in my faith and understanding of God’s calling for me, the command to abide stands as a key to obedience and truth. What does Jesus mean to abide in him and him in me? Although there are several related definitions of the word abide, within the context of John 15 it means “to be in close and settled union.”

This gets us to the spiritual principle that the Spirit has emblazoned upon my heart. What must I do, and let Jesus do, to be close and have a settled union? 

Let’s start with what Jesus has and is doing:

• My salvation, and therefore a settled union is all the work of Jesus. I’m the recipient of his grace and mercy. Even now Jesus is protecting our relationship and preparing me to join him in God’s heavenly eternity.

• There’s nothing for me to add or improve upon. Jesus just wants me to mature in my understanding and experience of his loving call as a member of God’s family.

There are several actions and attitudes that bring me close to Jesus. They include:

• Talk to him regularly. Jesus is interested in every aspect of my life and wants to listen to my joys and difficulties. He also has several things that I need to hear!

• Spend time learning who Jesus is … AKA read the Bible. Jesus tells me everything I need to understand about him in the Bible.

• Join Jesus where he’s working. I’m not the only one in God’s family. Jesus has invited me to join him in doing God assignments.

• Use the giftedness Jesus gave me. A humble heart will open the door to serving others and invite them to hear God’s calling.

Through the years of abiding in Jesus and he in me, I’m consistently reminded that I need to let him be the bond that holds our union together. My part is to stay in close contact with him! 

Steve Howard, Small Groups Coordinator

God Knows

As a children’s pastor I often find myself studying the Old Testament narrative portions of Scripture. In one of those studies several years ago I stumbled across a passage in an early corner of Exodus that I often refer to for comfort and counsel.  

When Exodus begins, the children of Israel find themselves as a people without a country. They live in Egypt, serve as slaves, call to God for help, and nothing seems to happen. As Exodus 2 draws to a close, the Israelites, ignorant of God’s coming work, continue to cry out for help. The author writes this: 

Exodus 2:24-25 - “And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.”

The four verbs in those two verses tell us everything we need to know about God’s work in our hard times. They explain exactly what God does when we cry for help.  

God heard their groaning - Ever wonder if your troubled prayer reaches the ceiling only to bounce back down? Ever wonder if God is too busy with the other concerns of the universe to really pay attention to you? Exodus is clear. God hears our groaning.  

God remembered his covenant - It’s one thing if God merely hears us. It’s another when he reacts in light of our needs and his promises. The word “remember” doesn’t mean he forgets. God doesn’t have “senior moments” when it comes to his promises. The word ‘remember’ signified that he would act on his promises.  

God saw the people of Israel - Even though God heard his people and began to act on his promises, there’s great reassurance to be found in the words, “God saw.” God isn’t getting his information from us secondhand. He sees exactly what our needs are. He sees every hurt we experience, every pain placed on us, every unkind deed we face- even the hidden ones. He sees it all. 

And God knew - Perhaps the most reassuring phrase in these two verses is the phrase that ends the chapter. God knows. Our theology teaches very clearly that God knows everything, but these words imply something much greater. God doesn’t merely have a mental awareness of what we are experiencing. God understands it. God gets it. He knows how we feel. He knows the pain, frustration, and fear. God knows.  

What are you facing today? What prayers have you cried out to him? God hears your prayers. He remembers all the promises he’s given you. He has seen and continues to see all you face. And he understands.  

Pastor Ken Kistler

Setting Our Minds

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”  (Colossians 3:1-2)

Life is full of distractions. Fair statement? So, when we are called to set our minds on the things above, that’s no small task for me. Life is busy … work, family, friends, chores around the house, ministry. You already know the list. Lately, I have been reminded that while many of the things that distract us are in themselves good and necessary, they are not to be separated from the focus of this calling. I have been learning (again) that I ought not to view life as different compartments but rather to remember that I need to “seek the things above” in everything I do. And sometimes that’s hard to do and easy to forget.

I have been reading through the Proverbs recently and this concept seems to be showing up as wise practical living that is rooted in “setting our minds” on the fear of the Lord. It is described as hating what is evil and “setting our minds” to choose the righteous path. This is where it starts to get a little difficult. This perspective should affect every part of our life; our reactions to circumstances, the direction and tone of our words, our compassion, attitude toward others, how we handle money and prioritize work, etc. Romans 8:5-6 tells us that “those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (I like life and peace!). God has been working on me, teaching me to set my mind on the things above in everything I do, while I’m doing it!

As the Spirit gives this reminder, it becomes more natural to put our trust in God and find joy in Him. This world (the things of the flesh) continues to disappoint us when that’s all we see. Right? There is so much more meaning in what we do when we set our minds on the things above, where Christ is, seeking His glory. 

Don Hamilton, Men’s Ministry Coordinator

Be Silent

“Be silent before the Sovereign Lord”

Zephaniah 1:7

 Silence and solitude, as spiritual disciplines, are very rarely talked about. This has never been truer than in our modern always-streaming, on-demand, made-to-order, online, no contract, unlimited data, always connected society. We long to get the updates and to be heard. Call it narcissism, modernism, or some other ‘ism’—we are pathetically and desperately crushed by our inability to “be silent before the SOVEREIGN LORD”.  Look at social media. Look at our conversations. Look at our worship services—ouch! We talk too much. 

I have never been more convinced of this and more convicted of this than when I read Donald Whitney’s book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. In it, he outlines the long-lost discipline of silence and solitude as not only Christlike but also Christ-worshiping. Over the years I have found that I cannot go without times of silence and solitude. I have come to cherish these times, and spiritual disciplines as a whole, to “apply the heart to discipline” (Proverbs 23:12) “for the purpose of Godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).  

Although western culture has an aversion to quiet, we see in Scripture Jesus who was led by the Spirit to solitude for prayer and fasting (Luke 4:1). We see Him regularly go up to mountainsides to pray alone (Matthew 14:23), often very early in the morning (Mark 1:35), often to solitary places (Luke 4:42), and it was very normal for Jesus to do so. Contrast this behavior with our modern culture and it would appear we’re missing out on a blessing that the Lord enjoyed.

To be silent before the Lord has many benefits; learning to control the tongue, seeking the will of God, regaining a spiritual perspective, physical restoration, spiritual restoration, and worship to God. But the greatest, in my opinion, is hearing the voice of God better. We are crowded with voices. They come from friendships, phone calls, earbuds, the TV, and ads. Silence truly allows us to hear the voice of God better, but this requires we do something uncomfortable and leave the noise pollution behind.

So, start with a silent commute to work once a week. Try one-minute silence retreats to sit and “be” at various times in the workday. Maybe try blending your quiet time each day with some uninterrupted silence before the craziness of the day starts. Ask your spouse for a retreat day with no strings attached where you can drive to the hills and be silent for a few hours and allow God’s voice through Scripture to calm you. Just start with something.

I’ll be quiet now, I’ve said enough.  

Pastor Ed Boness 

Called to Trust

God calls us to trust Him. To put our faith in Him alone. As far as my salvation goes, I have full confidence and trust in His work.

But how about the circumstantial parts of our day-to-day lives?

I trust Him for the big salvation elements, but can often get stuck in the daily living part. God calls us to trust Him with all of our heart, not in part: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

What does this look like practically? We often crave to see tangible evidence of God at work. I find it interesting that sometimes the Lord gives us obvious evidence that He is indeed at work, but more often than not, He may keep any physical sign from becoming evident.

It occurs to me that this is just further evidence of His work in our lives. It’s actually part of His grace toward us. Isaiah reminds us that “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 30:18).

I don’t know about you, but if I have some tangible evidence that something I have prayed for and waited for will transpire, my temptation is to move my gaze. My gaze then centers on the physical sign of hope, not on the perfect hope. What am I then trusting?

We are so often looking for reassurance through physical evidence of God’s hand that we miss out on resting in Him, who is our unchanging hope. My experience has shown me that He may remove all evidence of physical hope because of His greater plan. His plan is for my good, to further strengthen my walk with Him, to ground my dependence on Him, and to open the eyes of my heart and deepen my trust in Him.

The next time you are waiting and trusting and there is no crumb of tangible evidence, lift up a prayer of thanks to the Lord.

• Thank Him for knowing what you need.

• Thank Him for developing in you a stronger walk with Him.

• Thank Him for His grace toward you in waiting.

• Thank Him for removing all the crumbs so that you can enjoy the fullness of Him.

• Thank Him that all His work is done in faithfulness (Psalm 33:4).

Laureen Mgrdichian, Women’s Ministry Director

Seeking Joy in any Storm

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21) 

The spiritual principle God is teaching me continually is to have “joy” no matter the situation. Those of us who trust Christ have the privilege to experience “joy in fulness” no matter the situation (Psalm 16:11). Yet, many Christians are not experiencing this privilege. Why is that?   

I have learned and am constantly being reminded I need to change my thinking and attitude! The apostle Paul faced many hardships, yet he had joy (2 Corinthians 16:16-33). In his letter to the Philippians, Paul uses that word “joy” or “rejoice” around sixteen times. James says to have joy in any trial that comes your way (James 1:2a). 

How did Paul keep his eyes fixed on Christ, especially during hardship? 

The key is the word “mind” which he uses ten times, along with the word “think” or “remember” which he uses a total of sixteen times. Paul is saying the secret to joy no matter the situation is the way we think. I am learning daily to not be “double minded” which God hates (James 1:6-7). The key is to ask in faith and believe (James 1:6a). 

I love how Warren Wiersbe in his book Be Joyful Even When Things Go Wrong explains the apostle Paul’s teaching. He says, “Paul does not look at his circumstances, rather he keeps fixed on Christ. He is not a prisoner of Rome; he is a prisoner of Christ (Ephesians 3:1). He is not bound in chains to a guard, but he is bound to Christ” (Philippians 1:13).

This week let your circumstances bring you closer to Christ not further from Him by serving someone. When our mind is fixed on Christ even during the worst circumstances, it will work for you not against you. Be aware of the things that rob you of your joy. This could be circumstances, people, worry, or things of this fallen world. 

Here are four things that are found in the book of Philippians. (1) Have a single mind—know your purpose in life and walk through each circumstance. (2) Have a submissive mind—consider the good of others more than yourself. (3) Have a Spirit-filled mind—think about the things above and not here on earth. (4) Have a secure mind—fix your mind on Christ and see life through the lens and promises of God. 

Pastor Jeff Tritt

Do I Need to Keep Repenting?

For this second round of blog posts from your Grow Ministry Team, I have asked everyone to share one of the top spiritual principles that the Spirit has emblazoned on their heart … and I’ll start:

Do you find it puzzling that we are taught to repent when clearly the Bible teaches us that our sin has been removed as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12), and that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)? What am I now repenting of as a Christian if my sin has already been once-and-for-all dealt with at the cross? I needed help with this, perhaps I can help you too. 

Repentance is a change of mind, or as some have described it as a complete 180-degree turn-around. I was going this direction toward sin, and now I have stopped, turned around, and am headed the opposite direction toward Christ. We do that once … at the point of our conversion. So, we must acknowledge then, that every other “times of repentance” are something a bit different than our initial “turning from sin and to Christ”.

Sin is punished in only one of two places - At the cross for all who have trusted Christ, or in hell for all who have rejected Christ. Therefore, God does not punish His children for their sin … period, full stop. Our Heavenly Father has already removed the barrier of sin and death that stood between us and Him. Christ forever dealt a deathblow to sin and separation. We are His, and He is ours … forever! 

But we still sin. We still chase after things other than God to find pleasure. Thankfully, the Spirit brings us to conviction over that sin, and we … repent! But what are we doing and why are we doing it? 

As Disciples of Christ, this is how we are to think about repentance …  

(1) We are acknowledging that we still need the mercy and grace of Christ as much today to save us from our sin as we did the first time we turned to Him. That means, our acts of repentance as Christians are acts of rehearsing the saving power of Jesus in our lives. We are not practicing penance.

(2) We are choosing to turn, yet again, from false objects of our worship and lift our eyes to the One alone who is worthy of our worship and in whom all our delight is found. That means, our acts of repentance as Christians should produce an ever-deepening sorrow for sin and ever-growing hatred for sin. We are not condemned for our sin but developing a deeper hatred for sin.

(3) We are committed to walking in brokenness (Psalm 51), so that nothing will inhibit our intimacy with Jesus, steal our joy, or trick us into throwing our affections into lesser things. That means, our acts of repentance are simply the fruits of our obedience and the evidence that we love Christ more than we love our sin. We are walking a path of repentance that leads to joy!

I want joy! Therefore, I worship my Savior through a lifestyle of repentance that seeks to find my delight in Christ alone, and flees the lesser pleasures. 

Pastor Mark Spansel

Pray First...

Several months ago, God convicted me that I had work to do when responding to frustrating or irritating circumstances. Although my actions may have been appropriate from a society perspective, they certainly weren’t when viewed through God’s standard of grace, mercy, kindness, and patience. I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences, maybe during a phone call to discuss your mobile phone service or a medical bill when the representative just wasn’t interested in resolving your concern. A right perspective of my relationship with Jesus and his gracious kindness to me, especially when I’ve been rebellious and selfish, should bring my behavior toward others into opportunities to express God’s love for them.

So, the question I asked myself is how do I change my behavior to be in alignment with God’s plan and purposes for my life? God laid on my heart a need to “pray first” before responding to difficult situations. I need to ask for wisdom, understanding, empathy, and a desire to share the love of Jesus instead of simply solving my problem or getting what I want. Asking God to help me isn’t difficult, developing the habit of praying first is where the work begins.

For several years, I've been blessed to have a mutual mentoring relationship with two godly men. We meet once a week to run, share life, and pray. I asked them to help me develop the habit of praying first. For the next 40 days we would text one another with a simple phrase that we had prayed first or not. As you know, there isn’t anything special about sending a text between good friends. Having friends who pray for me and have godly influence in my life encourages me to act in a manner that is pleasing to God. 

God tells us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness and through that relationship all things needed for daily living will be provided. Living out a righteous life in an unrighteous society can be very difficult, or we can see it as an opportunity to be salt and light to so many that are bitter and rejected.

I’d love to tell you that my forty-day journey of seeking to pray first before responding in a manner that draws others to Jesus is complete, that I’ve successfully mastered that aspect of righteous living. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I’m still working on my attitude, perspective, and actions to bring those into alignment with God’s character. As I continue to mature in this area, may I ask you to help me along my journey? As you see me please have the freedom to ask me if I’m praying first!

Steve Howard, Small Groups Coordinator 

Learning From Trials

Trials accomplish a number of things in our lives, but perhaps most basic of all, they cause us to stop and admit our need of God.

If you asked me randomly on any average day, “Do you need God?” my answer would always be “Yes.” But on average days we don’t see that need too quickly. My body breathes in air. My phone calls for help. My money pays the bills. My brain thinks and allows me to talk through problems. Me, myself and I seem to take care of everything that needs to be taken care of, even if I know on a doctrinal level that I can only do those things through the grace of God.  

But when a trial strikes, God makes it plainly obvious I can’t fix everything. In a trial, my body becomes sick so that it doesn’t work like it should. Or, my phone can’t access help. I don’t have enough money for the bill. Or, despite the best efforts of my brain or the most eloquent words from my mouth, the problem isn’t solved. It’s in those devastating, but necessary, moments that we are reminded of the truth we already know. We need God.

All through history, the people of God have been made to realize their need of Him through trials. God’s own people, the Israelites, needed Him to free them from slavery. They needed Him to get them across the Red Sea. They needed Him for water, then food, then more water. They needed His commands to organize their society, needed His strength in battle, and needed Him to establish them in their long Promised Land.  

This isn’t only true of the Israelites. It’s a truth that evidences itself repeatedly in the Old and New Testament. In fact, the very arc of the Word of God can be boiled down to humanity’s need for him. We couldn’t even make it through the first three chapters of Genesis before we ruin everything, and God has to step in with a plan to redeem the creation that our sin has cursed.  

While each Biblical character expresses his or her need for the Lord in different ways, I love how David described it in Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Some people suffer in trials for years. Some struggle for a lifetime. Some people face trials, the depth of which I can’t even imagine. But somewhere in the trial, no matter how big or how small, echoes the gracious, Biblical reminder - we need God. 

Pastor Ken Kistler

His Love is Greater

Our firstborn spent the first three weeks of his life in the NICU. He still faces ongoing challenges to this day. It is a constant reminder that God is lovingly in complete control over every aspect of our lives. 

In a dimly lit room full of medical machinery, the nurse looked over to me from the warming bassinet, “Ok dad. It’s time for a diaper change.” As I looked down at my three and a half pound newborn son, hooked up to so many devices, I remember thinking, “Why don’t they make diapers his size?” Little did I know that the preemie size was as small as they get and that they wouldn’t be tight on him for quite a while. 

Over the course of the next three weeks we would spend 15-18 hours a day in that room praying that God would heal our little boy and that He would increase our faith and our joy. I learned a lot in that little room about being a husband and a dad. I learned a lot about my faith and security in the Lord. 

It is in these moments where we are stretched, that we learn if we truly trust that God is who He says He is. God taught us so much about ourselves and of His character during our stay, and I want to briefly share with you a couple quick take aways from our experience:

1. God will take you where you don’t want to go, in order to give in you something that you can’t produce on your own. 

God so lovingly places us in difficult situations to show us that we need Him. Like a good Father, He teaches us how to be strong. He teaches us what true wisdom is. He teaches us how to love others. Though, unlike an earthly father, God is the source of all strength, wisdom, and love.  

2. God loves your loved ones infinitely more than you do and only He has the power to intervene.

I can’t imagine anyone loving my three children more that I do, but it’s true. I’ve had only a few years to know and love them; as well as a flawed sinful dad can. God has known and loved my children perfectly from all of eternity. Out of this love, He formed them and brought them into existence. He wants them to have good things, namely to have Himself. What a joy it is to partner with the Lord in praying that He would work in our loved ones lives. His desire to do so is greater than ours, because His love is greater. 

Pastor Greg Clark

Partly Cloudy with Intermittent Rain Showers

It’s Sunday afternoon and my wife and I just got back from moving my daughter and son in law to Dallas. We drove for two really long days, with three cars full of everything they owned (fortunately it fit, but barely). The drive alone was stressful and tiring. Moving boxes in the heat and humidity of a hot Texas day was exhausting. There were a lot of small disagreements on what goes where and the order in which we do things. No big arguments, just trying to work through a difficult move. In the back of my mind all weekend were several things at work which are stressful, as well some serious health issues with some older family members I’m dealing with. We were coming to grips with the separation from each other becoming a reality and feeling the emotions of it all. While struggling through it, I was too silent, and very obvious with my lack of sensitivity and empathy. My bad attitude was making things worse, as it always does.  

Then it the midst of me lacking patience, kindness, self-control and love for others, the Spirit brought to mind a passage of Scripture that has become one of my favorites to ponder. In fact, if we get to watch the videos of Biblical history while we are in heaven, this is one I’m really looking forward to. 

While on a boat out at sea with the disciples, a storm comes without notice and becomes so devastating that the disciples think they are about to lose their lives. While the storm rages, Jesus is summoned to the deck and … wait for it … He commands the wind and the sea. Okay, now we know the story, so we saw it coming, but let’s really consider the power of Jesus. The wind and the sea are tossing them all around and Jesus comes out on deck and literally says “ssshhhh”. The wind and the sea obey His command. All at once it was calm. All at once the disciples were safe. All at once, they realized Jesus was in total control.

It wasn’t even a storm I was in. More aptly it could be described as partly cloudy with intermittent rain showers. Just a hand full of small trials building this underlying frustration and stress resulting in a complete lack of the fruit of the Spirit. My self-centeredness took over because things weren’t exactly as I wanted them.

You would think I would know better by now. But I suppose that’s why we need to continually renew our mind in Scripture. So here I am, aware of my weakness again, and reminded of the comfort and joy that only comes in trusting God alone.

Don Hamilton, Men’s Ministry Coordinator

Intended for Good

Genesis 50:20- “What you meant for evil, God meant for good, to bring about that many people would be saved as they are today”. I love this verse. It was a little over a decade ago now when I started the week studying the end of Genesis for a series I was preaching that traced the life of Joseph, and by the end of the week, this verse nearly saved my life.  

This verse, spoken from Joseph recounts the evils he had to endure as a result of the evil plot against him from his brothers. Their father has died, and the brothers come to Joseph sure that now that dad isn’t watching, now he will have his revenge. But Joseph knew the full picture. He saw how God used this tragedy to preserve his entire family in Egypt. He didn’t hold grudges, but surely he walked with a limp knowing that his attempt at serving justice would fail miserably compared to Gods perfect plan.  

In that one life-changing week in 2010, I found out that I would be mistreated in a way that would cause me to forever walk with a limp. The details don’t get the glory in this story, just the Lord’s goodness. As soon as I found out what was happening, and the fog of shock wore off, my wife Valerie and I hugged, cried and prayed—in that order. I remembered a calm that the Lord gave me to take this passage I had studied and that I had planned to preach in a few short hours, and directly apply it to my now. We put faith forward and clung to the God who is surprised by nothing and holds all things—even this, in his massive, loving hands. Although we didn’t know the answers to “why” this was happening, we simply trusted God’s great goodness and we remained faithful. But faithful to what? Well, faithful to Him, faithful to each other, and faithful to a reliance on a bigger plan—a 20-years-later-preserved-in-Egypt sort of later. And God did what He always does. He worked.

Both before 2010 and since 2010 my family and I, as well as my church family have encountered countless “issues”, “mishaps” and “mistreatments”, but there was something that happened to me and in my marriage on this early summer day, that would forever cause me to anticipate watching the Lord work—even if it is in the midst of a catastrophic storm. 

Pastor Ed Boness 

The Heart Work of Waiting

I currently live a mile down a dirt road. All dirt, all the time; not my plan! What was supposed to be a temporary living situation has morphed into the last 10 years of my life. I’m feeling impatient.

A friend gave me several large flower pots, and I decided to plant some beautiful flowers so I could have something nice to look at when I drove up the driveway. Pansies, petunias, ranunculus, and more were planted in these pots.

A few days later as I drove up the driveway, I noticed that the flowers were gone. Not only were they gone, but there wasn’t even a stub left! I began to sympathize with Elmer Fudd when I realized it was those cute little bunnies eating my flowers.

I went to the local nursery to share my woes with the owner. He asked, “What did you plant?” When I shared my colorful assortment, he replied, “Well, that’s like cotton candy for rabbits.” He recommended another flower from the ‘Balsaminaceae’ family that he thought would be more sustainable than the bunny smorgasbord I had been sponsoring. I went home and expectantly planted these colorful flowers.

A few days later as I drove up the driveway and viewed the colorful flowers in front of me, it was as if the Lord tapped me on the shoulder and said “These are for you.” You see, the popular name for these flowers are “impatiens” – pronounced like the word impatience. Yes, God does have a sense of humor. He was preparing my heart. 

My lesson had just begun. The following week I happened upon Ecclesiastes 7:8: “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” I thought that was an interesting contrast: the beginning from the end makes sense, but the patient and the proud? Shouldn’t it be the patient and the impatient? The truth of this contrast struck me hard—pride is the flip-side of patience!

But think about it, why am I impatient? Is it not because my timing is not happening, my plans are not laying out as expected? God hates pride (Prov. 8:13)! Yet, I had deceived my heart thinking it to be mere impatience.

I am still waiting, but am much more mindful of my heart’s response and am expectantly aware that my God is faithfully at work.

Laureen Mgrdichian, Women’s Ministry Director

No Matter the Situation, I Have Learned to Rejoice

My mother in-law who loved the Lord died at the age of 54 to cancer. 

There have been many times in my life when God has grown me through a trial, but first in my memory is when my mother in-law, who was battling cancer, was hospitalized for the last time. One day in particular changed my life forever. I had gone to see her early in the morning, but she was not responsive. I remember crying uncontrollably and pleading with God to let her live. Later that day, I went back to see her knowing my wife Denise and her siblings were by her side. As I started to walk in her room, I made a U-turn to head to my car. While walking to my car, I accidently ran into a guy at the elevator. We both asked if the other was okay and then went our separate ways. I remember staring at this man for a few seconds. As I was sitting in my car, I knew I had to head back to her room. As I entered the room, she was speaking softly to a man who had his back towards me. It was the same man I bumped into at the elevator; it was her pastor. She said to him, “This is my son Jeffrey who we’ve been praying for.” Before I knew it, she grabbed my hand and they prayed for me. Her pastor and I talked for quite some time that night. Two days later she passed away. 

The reality of her not being around anymore hit home. The very first book she had me read was the Book of Job and especially the verse “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the Lord.”  She shared this verse because I would always ask her how she could serve and love a God who keeps allowing trials to come her way. It was out of this time/trial in my life that I came to the Lord. And her pastor? He is one of my closest friends to this day and has been a mentor to me for over two decades. Though we all miss her daily, the blessings we received and continue to receive cannot be described. I often wish she were here right now, but I know she is with our Lord and for that I have great joy and I rejoice! 

Pastor Jeff Tritt

September 20, 2020 Crossroads Ministry Update

CROSSROADS WILDERNESS 3.1

Sermon Series:
“First Californians” - a study through the book of 1 Corinthians.

Service Times:
Our worship service times on Sunday are 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Thursday's service time is 6:30 PM. 

Thursday Venue Options:
We would love to see you on a Thursday night in the Worship Center or under the Tabernacle! Please note that safety protocols such as masks, physical distancing and frequent hand-sanitizing are strongly recommended while on campus. Livestream is also available.

Sunday Venue Options:
Join us on campus (Worship Center, Tabernacle, Loft, Family Room, and Health Sensitive Venue) or via Livestream. You do not need to sign up, just come ready to worship! Please note that safety protocols such as masks, physical distancing and frequent hand-sanitizing are strongly recommended while on campus. 


KNOW MINISTRY

Life at Crossroads Classes:
Life at Crossroads (LAC) classes will be offered virtually on October 4th, 11th, & 18th.

LAC is a 3-session sequence designed to introduce you to the Crossroads family, let you know what we’re about and see if God is calling us to partner together in his design for his people.  At the end of these 3 virtual classes, we will discuss what it looks like to partner together in the gospel and give the opportunity to join the Crossroads family. Register here.

Parent Dedication:
Parents, join us on October 25th to dedicate yourselves and your children to the Lord. Parent Dedication celebrates the commitment to raise your child in the ways of the Lord, and invites you to join a community of believers who can help you and hold you accountable. If you would like to be a part of our Parent Dedication service on October 25th, register here.

Baptism:
Crossroads practices and teaches believer's baptism. Baptism by immersion is for the individual who has received the saving benefits of Christ's atoning work. If you would like to be baptized on November 8th, register here.
Serving at Crossroads:
We would love to connect with you through serving the Crossroads family!  We have a variety of ministries that would love to plug you into their team. Our Connections Teams are listed below:

• Ushering Team:  Serve by ushering on Sunday mornings at any one of our services.

• Refreshments Team:  Serve by setting and maintaining our refreshment stations with coffee and donuts.  

• Welcome Team:  Serve by being one of the first points of connection for guests and regular attenders. 

• Communion Prep Team:  Serve by helping prepare elements used within our communion weekend services.  

• Parking Team:  Serve by helping our church attenders find parking on weekend services and/or special events.  

• Medical Team:  Serve by being available to be a first responder during any one of our services. (requires specific training) 

• Security Team:  Serve by being available to be a first responder during any one of our services. (requires specific training) 

• Helping Hands Ministry:  Serve by helping the brothers and sisters of our church body in a variety of ways.

Thursday Night Connections Team:
We are looking for Thursday night volunteers! Do you have an awesome personality? Are you good at smiling with your eyes? Be a part of the Connections Team and help make your church family feel welcome!

To sign up, simply click here.  We'll put you in touch with the team lead within a few days.  We look forward to serving with you!


GROW MINISTRY

Introducing our new Men's Ministry Coordinator:
We are excited to announce our new Men’s Ministry Coordinator, Don Hamilton. He has a heart for the discipling of men and is committed to Christ and His Church. We can’t wait to see how God will use his service to the men of Crossroads for their blessing, growth, and joy! Please extend a warm welcome to him, and more importantly pray for him and a great new season of men’s ministry!

Crossroads Institute:
Tune in to lifeatcrossroads.org/institute every Monday at 4:00 PM to watch the next lesson of Crossroads Institute: New Testament. All are invited to join virtually!

Join a Grow Group:
Our Grow Groups are off to a great start! Go to www.lifeatcrossroads.org/fallgrow to learn more and register today.

• Men's Offerings:  Walking Together: 1 Peter, Conquer Purity Group

• Women's Offerings:  Hebrews: Better by Jen Wilkin, Momsense, Women in the Workplace

• Co-Ed Offerings:  Small Groups, Oxford College Ministry, Pre-Marital, GriefShare, ReEngage Marriage Ministry (begins September 3), Crossroads Institute

Registration is open online for Small Groups and Classes.

Friday Nights at the Tabernacle:
Beginning September 25, we are offering a new event each Friday Night at the Tabernacle. Here is a list of all the offerings:

9/25 - Fellowship of Women in the Workplace
10/2 - Men: A Night of Praise
10/9 - Homeschool Encouragement Panel
10/16 - Marriage/Date Night
10/23 - Fellowship of Women in the Workplace
10/30 - NexGen: Fall Harvest Festival
11/6 - Men: A Night of Thanksgiving
11/13 - NexGen Family Event
11/20 - Fellowship of Women in the Workplace

Register at lifeatcrossroads.org/signup.


GO  MINISTRY

Care Portal Ministry Training:
CarePortal is a ministry that connects churches to a child in need. In every community, there are children and families at a point of crisis, who need help. In those same communities, there are churches and people who care and want to take action. But what they need is a connection point. CarePortal works with caseworkers at government child welfare agencies or other child-serving organizations and make churches aware of real time needs of children, giving them an opportunity to respond. 

We are excited to begin this new ministry at Crossroads with an interest meeting with equipping for those who desire to learn more. Join us on Saturday, September 26, from 9:00- 10:30 AM in our outdoor Tabernacle. Sign up here and please email go@lifeatcrossroads.org with any questions you may have! 


SCV Pregnancy Center Walk for Life:  
Join the SCV Pregnancy Center for their annual Walk for Life on Saturday, September 26! This year, instead of gathering in one location, the Walk for Life event will take place throughout the Santa Clarita Valley or place of your choice with your family or group. The Virtual Walk will allow us to participate in a new and creative way to continue to be an advocate for life and a beacon of light in our community. On September 26th, at 9:00 am, SCVPC will livestream the event on Facebook. Sign up and walk 1 or 2 miles in your neighborhood or a FUN location of your choice! Visit SCVPC’s website today and register here.


ELEVATE STUDENT MINISTRY

Elevate is back on live and in person!! Join us rom 7-9pm under the Tabernacle for weekly ministry! Junior and Senior High School will meet together during this time. If your child is high risk or comes from such an environment and would like an online option please contact us ASAP at students@lifeatcrossroads.org.

Covid Relief Days:
3rd Sunday of every month through December.
We're heading out of town to have some needed outdoor and together socializing time.  Every third Sunday of the month after the first service.  We will caravan “beach bus” style and leave from church.  The cost is $10 to ride the bus and we will be back at 7pm. Please pack lunch and bring $$ for dinner.  Our first trip will be to the beach, so plan accordingly!

There is no sign up for these, it's show up and first come first get seatbelt. All students attending must have a CCC Medical Form on file. If you submitted one with your Summer Camp Sign up sheet, we have one on file. If not, you can fill one out at www.lifeatcrossroads.org/medform. 

Instagram  - @weareelevate – Follow us for daily stories.
YouTube - WeAreElevate – Subscribe for weekly teaching, Afterparty, and worship videos.
Email - students@lifeatcrossroads.org to be placed in a small group.


NEXGEN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Facebook - NexGen Children's Ministry at Crossroads Community Church
Instagram - @wearenexgenkids - Follow us for updates.
YouTube - NexGen Kids - Subscribe for weekday devotionals, Sunday lessons, and more.
Email - nexgen@lifeatcrossroads.org.


CROSSROADS WEBSITE

Visit www.lifeatcrossroads.org to connect to all things Crossroads during Wilderness 3.1.  


THIS WEEK AT CROSSROADS

Monday, September 21st:
• Crossroads Institute (Virtual)
• UP (Virtual)
• Men’s Study - 7:00 PM

Tuesday, September 22nd:
• Women’s Study - 9:30 AM, 7:00 PM, Various Virtual times
• UP (Virtual)

Wednesday, September 23rd:
• GriefShare - 7:00 PM
• Elevate - 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 24th:
• Worship Service - 6:30 PM
• ReEngage - 7:00 PM

Friday, September 25th:
• Fellowship of Women in the Workplace - 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 26th:
• Care Portal Ministry Training - 9:00 AM

Sunday, September 27th:
• Worship Services - 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM  
• NexGen with Pastor Ken Kistler on YouTube
• Oxford Fellowship College Ministry - 6:30 PM


GIVE THREE WAYS 
PUSH PAY: Easy online giving just log onto our website www.lifeatcrossroads.org/giveonline
MAIL: Checks can be mailed to 25300 Rye Canyon, Valencia, CA, 91355. 
DROP OFF: Come by the church & drop off your giving in the “secure box” next to the church office door.

Your continued worship through giving is so critical at this time. We have frozen all spending and reduced expenses in every area. However, our fixed expenses continue to come in each week.


FINAL THOUGHTS 
Crossroads Family, you are greatly loved and prayed for during these days. Please let us know if we can serve you or your family in any way and how we can pray for you specifically. 

Learning Through Loss

This ministry year as we begin our Grow Leader Blog, I’ve asked our pastors and directors to write content of a more personal nature. In this first series of posts, each of us will be writing about a time in life where God grew us through a trial. Let me share one as we get started … 

My dad died when I was 19 years old. There’s a lot I don’t remember about those days, but there are a few “realities” that I’ll never be able to erase.  

The first memory that immediately comes to mind is of me sitting on the floor, out of sight, in our dining room, crying uncontrollably. I was trying to write in my journal, and I remember tears staining the pages faster than I could get ink to page. I was trying to process what had happened but had no idea that was what I was even doing. About that time, the phone rang. Yes, the home phone. One of my youth leaders asked if he could pick me up and take me to ice cream. I’m not sure I really wanted to talk, but I also didn’t want to be alone. As we spent the next couple hours together, we didn’t really talk about much at all. Yet, to this day it is emblazoned in my memory. Why? The ministry of presence! I needed it, you need it, we all need it. It doesn’t always require hours of intense conversation, just the commitment to be present and engaged in someone’s story. God used it to shape how I think about ministry, both then and now.

The reality hadn’t hit me at 19 that I wouldn’t have a dad to talk to me about getting married, having kids, or starting a career. All those realizations came much later as I relived the loss with each new father-less chapter of my story. But God! One of the greatest blessings I have experienced out of this trial of loss over the years has been the amazing way God has provided older men in my life to fill that spiritual gap for my growth. Men to disciple me as I got married, men to give me feedback as I started to lead in ministry, men to speak into my parenting, and men to pray with me about walking in humility and grace. Though I often wish I could have shared more “grown-up” memories with my dad, the blessing of God’s people has overshadowed any lingering loss in my story, and I can truly “consider it all joy”. 

Pastor Mark Spansel

How Can We Come Together in Our Pursuit of Loving God and Each Other?

We hear about growing in our walk with the Lord, but when was the last time you heard someone talk about growing in their love for God? We sing about loving God all the time. Words are easy.

When one of the scribes asked Jesus what the most important commandment was, He responded:

“The most important is ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength’” (Mark 12:29-30).

All the time, with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.

We often measure our walk by what we do, say, or think (or what we don’t do, say or think). Yet, love for God is evidenced in our obedience to Him, and not just in the doing. This in itself isn’t true obedience. True obedience is evidenced by the posture of our whole being (i.e., heart, soul, and strength) in the doing. 

Jesus continues, “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31). Bummer, it was so much easier to just love God; He’s awesome. People on the other hand, well not so much. 

1 John 4:20-21 reminds us of this commandment: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

Full obedience (with heart, soul, and strength) is evidenced in our love for whoever God has placed in our path. Consider this: Have difficult people been placed in your life as an invitation from God to pursue a deeper love for Him?  

In our loving, we also express an invitation to others to seek out the one who loved us first.

Having believers in our lives to keep us accountable is absolutely invaluable. It takes humility, knowing that someone will see our imperfections and where we fall short. But how can they help us if they don’t know our struggles and what gets in the way of loving God (and others) fully? On our own, we can deceive ourselves by rationalizing unhealthy behaviors and patterns of thought, which then become habits of behavior and thought. We need others to help us see ourselves more clearly.

We love God by how we love others, and we honor Him with the posture of our heart in that process.

Laureen Mgrdichian, Women’s Ministry Director

How Does Reading the Bible Provide Self-Counsel?

“I love the word of God. I don’t say it lightly” – John Piper 

In Psalm 19, David says that the Law of the Lord is perfect in every way. In the first six verses of that Psalm, clearly every person is held accountable to the Creator’s word and is left without an excuse. Then in Psalm 19:7-11, we see why Scripture provides self-counsel as we read and meditate on Scripture, especially now through difficult times. 

Scripture restores my soul (19:7a). Scripture contains the power to restore and revive lost souls back to him through the work of the Holy Spirit and the word that produces faith (Romans 10:17), as well as save those who believe (Romans 1:16).  Know the word of God is pure while it restores and revives the soul! 

Scripture can make me wise (19:7b). Scripture is God’s personal testimony to us promising to make one wise if we seek and obey. God’s word moves us from foolishness to wisdom since Scripture reveals Christ who is wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Know the word makes one wise if they seek and obey! 

Scripture brings joy to my heart (19:8a). Scripture implants joy even within a sad heart. This is a promise that I cling to in times of heartache and misery. God promises that during the unknown we can find joy in Him as we seek and trust His word (John 15:11; Proverbs 3:5-6). Know Scripture can give us joy despite adverse circumstances! 

Scripture is pure enlightening my eyes (19:8b). Scripture empowered by the Holy Spirit supernaturally opens eyes that were once darken by the fall of humanity. His word is pure and holy, opening one’s heart and eyes to His truth. Only the gospel can pierce the minds that are blinded in order to see the beauty of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 4:12) that alone can open my eyes and walk away from darkness (Acts 26:18; see John 9:27-33). Know Scripture alone has the power to open your eyes to turn from darkness!

Scripture endures forever (19:8-9). Scripture always leads us to a life of godliness as we submit and obey Him. Man’s ways will come and go but the word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). God promises that His abiding word is not “perishable seed but it is an imperishable seed” (1 Peter 1:22-23). Know Scripture will never die or become irrelevant, but it is pure and will stand forever!

Scriptures warns us of the consequences of disobeying His word while promises great reward to those who do obey His word. Get in the word, so that the word gets in you!

Pastor Jeff Tritt

Why is it so Hard to Love Others?

Has this time of quarantine revealed parts of your heart that you thought you had dealt with? Are you finding it more difficult to walk in selfless love toward others? You’re not alone. In fact, the data coming out of the news outlets shows a rise in abuse and domestic violence. The squeeze has come, and it is no respecter of persons. I pray it hasn’t come to that extreme in your home, but I know it has come. It’s come to ours. So why is it so hard to love others? What’s really going on?

You’re Afraid 

The Bible is clear that the opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s fear. I’m afraid that my needs will be neglected, forgotten, or mocked and so as a result I withhold the energy that should go out toward others, and instead use it to insulate myself and make sure I’m “ok”. Of course, when I do that, I’m never “ok”, but only revealing the very opposite. My fear keeps me from loving others and walking in the freedom of God’s love. In my attempt to “get love”, all the while “withholding love from others”, I end up feeling unloved in the end. But praise be to God, that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). When you trust the unending, steadfast love of the Father, you can freely give to others, even when your needs go unmet and you feel unloved, because you know you never are!

You’re Human 

Listen, we were built for divine love, but most settle for the cheap imitation. Our Creator God designed us primarily to be in relationship with Him, and that is what our heart yearns for. When we experience the gift of human relationship and human love, we are already set up for disappointment because we long for something that person can never provide. Now don’t get me wrong here, human love, marital/familial love, brotherly Christian love is a sweet and precious gift from God to His creation. But it will never fill those recesses of our soul that were designed by God and for God. We can’t pretend that another human can love you the way only your Maker can. Therefore, having an expectation to never be unloved or unseen, is a trap that will only lead to greater disappointment. Human love is always a shadow, and Divine love the substance!

Oh, that we would love one another well during this season. But let’s also be careful to not let our fears control our loving (or lack thereof), and our expectations exceed what is humanly possible to experience. “God is love” and the source and supply of any real love we give and receive to others (1 John 4:8).

Pastor Mark Spansel

Sharing What We Learn

How can I share what I’m learning individually so it becomes of greater help to others?

Sharing life together spans the range of great joy to enduring the shame of failure. Does that mean we should hide those areas of our lives where we’ve made poor choices and the resulting consequences of an unwise decision? Does God only use the “successes” of our lives to help others? As we read the Bible it’s easy to see that failures as well as examples of obedient success are both provided for our instruction and encouragement. There are several foundational truths that we must remember and act upon if the events of our lives are to be of help to others. 

King David had a colossal failure in his life through the adulterous encounter with Bathsheba, and the murder of her husband Uriah. The events of King David’s sin, repentance, forgiveness, and consequences described in 1 Samuel 11-12 serve as the background to these truths David writes in Psalms 51. Whether the life experience we are sharing is born out of obedience or failure the truths in Psalm 51 will guide us in helping others. 

These Foundational Truths Are:

· God’s steadfast love for each of us is manifested through His mercy. An attitude of mercy welcomes others into our lives and opens the door of influence. 

· We are all sinners who, at times, choose to live life our own way instead of God’s good plan. Failures will come, and most of the time they leave consequences, but God’s good plan is bigger than us. 

· God is the restorer of the joy of His salvation and creates clean hearts. Right relationships are based upon clean hearts. We must consider: what’s my motive in sharing?

· God delights in those who come before him and others with a broken spirit (for the wrong they’ve done) and a broken and contrite heart. Humility and love must permeate my words, attitude and actions.

Once these truths are alive within us, then we are able to be of help to others in their life journey. God has an amazing way of using each of us to bring encouragement, correction, discernment, hope, and purposefulness to others! Please join me in making sure we’re prepared to be His vessel as we practice these foundational truths.

Steve Howard, Small Groups Coordinator