Graffiti

Sometimes life is more like a forest fire than a camp fire.  Camp fires are warm and cozy- forest fires are out of control- intense- and leave a wake of destruction.   Christians are not promised lives that will be free from fiery trials.  In fact, Jesus said, “in this life you will have trouble…”.  The thing that separates a person who describes his life as ‘great’ from the person who describes his as ‘miserable’ has little to do with circumstances, but everything to do with how we respond to our circumstances.  IF God loves you, IF he is interested in your life, IF he listens and responds to your prayer, IF he is GOOD, THEN you can trust him to either walk with you through the fire, rescue you from the fire, or, if he chooses, take you home in the fire.  All three options are ultimately for our good, so why worry?  See you next week! -Brad

The School of Hard Knocks

One of the most interesting men in the Bible spent the beginning of his life rich and privileged, lost everything, and then spent the rest of his life as a slave.   That’s a recipe for misery, but Daniel didn’t see it that way.  He figured that since God chose to allow tough times to come into his life, he was going to serve God as best he could in spite of his circumstances.  We all go through tough times.  Sometimes the challenges we face seem to come from out of nowhere and knock us flat.  How do you respond when life hits you hard?  Daniel “resolved” that he would not dishonor God.   He “chose” to be respectful to those in authority.  He “worked” hard to excel in spite of his circumstances.  And God blessed him, protected him, and honored him because of it.  Great lessons for life!  See you next week!

Using Your Gifts

Wasn’t it great to have an opportunity to laugh together on Sunday?  Torrey Martin did a great job of sharing God’s truth a personal (and entertaining) way.  The next step for each of us is to rise to the challenge of using our gifts for God’s glory.  What is your passion?  What unique skills do you possess?  Now— how can you use those things to minister in the name of Christ?  Let me know what you decide!  See you next week! -Brad

“Scattered”

The top of my desk looks like the surface of a typical landfill.  Why can’t I get organized?  It seems like every time I get one thing finished, two more are added to my ‘collection.’  No wonder I’m scattered!  (Or maybe this is WHY I’m scattered…)  Anyway, Jesus told a parable about a farmer who scattered his seed.  Some fell on hard ground, some on rocks, some in the weeds, but some fell on good soil and produced a huge crop.  His reminder to us is to stop worrying about the soil and get busy scattering the seed.  Look for people to bless this week- people to invite to church or your small group- people to talk to about your faith.  God promises that if we do our part, He’ll do His!  See you next week!        -Brad

Easter 2009

I am fairly notorious for ability to misplace things.  One of the most common things I lose is keys- keys to my car, my office, my house- you name it.  This week’s message focused on things that are ‘Hidden’- specifically, the keys to fulfillment, peace and purpose.  We looked at Jesus’ parable about the kingdom of heaven being like a ‘treasure hidden in a field’ that is worth so much that we would JOYFULLY give all we own to obtain it.  Here’s a promise- if you’ll seek God’s hidden treasure, you WILL find it!  Easter was an incredible celebration at The Crossing.  Over 1200 people came together for a morning committed to worship and rejoicing!  Thirteen adults and numerous children prayed to become Christians in our Easter services!   Thank you, Lord, for using us!  See you next week! -Brad

“Seamless”

The Bible says we are to ‘clothe ourselves with Christ.’   We are to have faith that is perfect- “seamless.”  We can sum up what that looks like in two phrases:  Talk the Talk & Walk the Walk.  It is not enough to pray, study, attend church, read the Bible, and serve others.  Nor is it enough to simply share the gospel with others.  ‘Seamless’ faith has both ingredients.  This past weekend we had a mission team in Nome, at least 5 couples at a marriage retreat/conference, and almost 30 men at a Men’s Retreat.   We also had around 60 people who served in ministry at the church- people who are all both ‘talking it’ and ‘walking it.’  I encourage you to find a place to serve.  God will bless you for it!

“Knock-Offs’

There are a lot of different ideas out there about truth.  Some pursue it, some deny it, and some have no interest one way or the other.  It all boils down to a heart issue.  IF you are interested in the TRUTH, and IF you will seek the TRUTH, God promises you will find it.  Spend some time looking for answers to your current questions- (questions like: How can I improve my marriage?  How can I be a better parent?  How can I improve my financial situation?  How can I make and keep more friends?)  Did you know that the Bible answers all of those with specific advice?  But don’t forget the most important questions:  Is there life after death?  Did Jesus tell the truth?  Pick up a Bible and read the Book of John, asking God to reveal himself to you.  Here’s my rock-solid guarantee:  If you’ll read John with a tender, open heart, God will change your life.  Also, read Galatians through for each of the next four weeks- that’s where I’ll be preaching.  have a great week! -Brad

“Threads”

The Bible says we are to be ‘clothed’ with Christ.  I don’t know about you, but that’s a tall order.  We need to wake up every morning and ‘put Jesus on.’  Our thoughts, our attitudes, our expressions- none based upon how we ‘feel’ necessarily, but all based upon the incredible truth of what it means to be a child of God.  Read Galatians weekly over the next four weeks and ask God to show you how to ‘clothe yourself with Christ.’  Let me know what happens.  See you next week!

Building Bridges…

One of the great challenges we face is ‘creating space’ in our lives to simply enjoy the company of other people.  I encourage you to schedule time for friends, but also to include others who are ‘new’ to your circle.  ‘Building Bridges’ is all about creating pathways for hearts to come together.  Every man needs godly men in his circle of friends.  Every woman needs godly women in her circle of friends.  Build those bridges!  God will bless you for it!

Connect/Re-connect

There’s an old song that has a tag line that says, “Alone again…naturally.”  Sometimes we feel that way, but God is clear in his word that it is ‘not good for man to be alone.’  Get connected in a Small Group or Bible Study, or get connected in one of hundreds of service opportunities for you at The Crossing.  Life is meant to be shared!  God will bless you for it!  See you next week!  -Brad