TMG

Hello, Crossroads Family!

“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am,” the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Christians in Philippi (chapter 4, verse 11).  This coming Sunday we’ll consider this “mystery of contentment.”  It’s a concept that intrigues and excites me.  What a change in our lives, homes, and families if we, too, could learn this secret, this mystery.  I believe it’s entirely attainable through Christ, and we’ll talk Sunday about how that can happen.  10:00 at the Community Center.  I’ll have a recording of the sermon posted on the Crossroads Facebook page, and on my Facebook page, sometime this weekend if you’re not able to be with us in person.

More Crossroads News…

Reception for our 2022 Graduates following worship this Sunday.

Plan to stick around following worship this Sunday so we can honor and pray for those who are graduating this year.  We’ll share some refreshments, pictures, and love for these special young people:

• Sam Rea, College of the Ozarks
• Kyle Dahmer, Lamar High School
• Vicky Parker, Nevada High School
• Evan Rea, Nevada High School
• Chosen Reichard, Nevada High School
• Kylee Vestal, Nevada High School
• Asa Wilson, Nevada High School
• Cody Jenkins, Nevada High School

Prayers and Praise

We praise God for the arrival of a baby granddaughter to Cris and Donna.  Maria Ann Hinds was born to Emma and Garrett on May 3.  Congratulations!  At the same time, our hearts go out to Kim Reedy and the entire Reedy family at the passing of Kim’s dad, Bobby Murphy, this week.  Please be in prayer for the Reedys and for Kim’s mom, Linda.  A visitation will be held at Nelson Funeral Home in Berryville, Arkansas, this Friday, 5 – 7 pm.  A graveside service will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 at Gobbler Cemetery.

More…

• Crossroads is one of the sponsors of Gospel Night, Thursday, June 9, during Bushwhacker Days.  The scheduled singer this year is Jason Crabb who in the past has sung with Gaither Vocal Band and has a new song out on his own.  It will be a night of refreshing music and fellowship.  If you’d like to serve in the concession stand that evening which helps fund next year’s festival, please contact Julie Kemper.  Julie is looking for help from either 5:30-7:30, or 7:30-9:30.
• I’ll be preaching the Senior Sermon this Sunday evening, May 15, at Nevada High School at 6 pm.  I would appreciate your prayers for me and for that special evening.  Plan to come if you’d like, as a way of supporting our NHS graduates.  The high school choirs have also prepared an outstanding musical piece called “Rejoice and Sing Out His Praises.”  The entire service should last about 45 minutes.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday morning at 10:00 !

— Tom

TMG

Hello, Crossroads Family!

Just a few notes as we head toward the weekend ….

Garage Sale

Don’t forget the garage sale at Mark and Michelle’s tomorrow and Saturday benefiting the Crossroads building fund.  *contact us for the location*  Thanks to Mark and Michelle, and to all who have contributed items!

Worship This Sunday

I hope to see you this Sunday for worship at 10:00 at the Community Center.  Our sermon will take a look at some Old Testament passages that speak to us of God’s special love for women.

Reception for our Grads

We’ll have a short reception following worship on Sunday, May 15, in order to honor, and pray for, graduates from Crossroads.  I hope you’ll join us then!

Congratulations

Congratulations to Donna and Cris who have been blessed this week with a new granddaughter, Maria Hinds.  We praise God for this new life and family member!

Missions

A reminder from last Sunday’s bulletin to pray for ReachGlobal.

Thank you for praying!  

Please pray for members of the Crossroads family as their faces or names come to your mind.  This time of year brings with it many transitions, and there are some definite needs in lives, along with the joys and cares that are part of all our lives.  Some small word of encouragement may do more for someone than you realize.  I love Psalm 78:65 which says, “Then the Lord awoke as if from sleep ….”  Although it’s in the context of God awaking in order to judge wrongdoers, it’s a reminder to me that many times in life we are waiting on God, almost as if He’s sleeping.  He will awaken and, I believe, will surprise us with what He will do … just as He has done so often in the past!

I look forward to seeing you, Lord willing, this Sunday morning!

— Tom

TMG

Hello, everyone!

Yes, I’m taking a break from work this week!

But I just wanted to make one quick correction on something from the sermon yesterday on “Reassurance.”

The Bible verse I cited in the section “I need reassurance about me” should have been Jeremiah 31:20, not Isaiah 31:20.  Thanks to Ryan Walker for that catch!

Jeremiah 31:20 —

“Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the Lord.

Ephraim is another name for Israel.  Here, God, after spending much time recounting Israel’s sins, says that, nevertheless, He yearns for His wayward people and has compassion on them.

Dane Ortlund, in his book Gentle and Lowly (another one of yesterday’s bloopers!), reminds us that the word for “heart” in Jeremiah 31:20 is literally a reference, in Hebrew, to “bowels.”  In other words, God concern and love for His children is churns deep within Him.

Ortlund puts it this way:   “God’s saving of you is not cool and calculating.  It is a matter of yearning – and not yearning for the Facebook you, the you that you project to everyone around you.  It’s God’s yearning for the real you, the you underneath everything you present to others.  We are the cool and calculating ones, not God.  We feel it’s right to be stern with ourselves — not let ourselves off the hook easily – and so we see God in the same way.  Such sternness feels appropriate and serious.  But it also deflects God’s yearning heart which is the Bible’s description about how God feels toward His own.”      (Gentle and Lowly, p. 166).

I hope that offers you some reassurance.  Yesterday’s sermon is on the Crossroads Facebook page if you missed it or would like to recommend it to a friend.

Reminders:

• Don’t forget to sign up to bring food for the Easter breakfast we’ll enjoy on April 17.  Michaela will have a sign-up sheet again this Sunday, or you can contact her at 417-684-3118.
• On Sunday evening, April 3, at 7 pm, I’ll be offering some helps for preparing a sermon.  Everyone is welcome.  I hope the Lord will raise up some lay preachers and teachers from among us.  And you might be encouraged in your own personal study of the Bible.
• Jason Burrows, seminary student at Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City, will preach this coming Sunday.  You’ll enjoy meeting Jason.
• Mark Sunday, April 24th, on your calendar.  We’re invited to an evening of fellowship, music, and games at Nevada Assembly of God starting at 5 pm.  More details coming.
• Thank you for your prayers for events happening in Europe and Russia.  We praise God that the Vestals have received good news concerning Misha, Kristina, and baby Matthew.  Due to a medical disability, Misha will be able to accompany the family out of Ukraine very soon to Poland and then beyond.  Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

In closing,…

I received the following today from a friend and former Evangelical Free Church missionary colleague.  I hope you’ll take the time to read it.  I believe it will encourage you for the week ahead.  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday morning at 10:00!

More than anything else I desire to be faithful to the end of my life – faithful to God, faithful to His Word, faithful to my calling, faithful to my family, and faithful to my responsibilities. Of course, I haven’t always lived up to this desire. In fact, to be honest with you there have been times I could “have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith” (1 Timothy 1:19), but God was watching over me. I love David’s prayer in Psalm 14:14: “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” In all things, God is our deliverer, and we are wise to seek His power over sin.

The Bible has many examples of those who began well, but became unfaithful later in life. These examples bring home to us the danger that we are all in. For example, there is the account of King Uzziah who began his reign at age 16 and was faithful for many years. “But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16.)

“We are called to serve the Lord faithfully not just in the big things that people see but in the little things that few, if anyone, see. Life is made up mostly of little things like making dinner, washing dishes, talking to a neighbor, or changing a diaper. Most of our faithfulness to the Lord is striving to be faithful in the little things of life. We know that God always sees. He sees the big things we do, and He sees the little things we do, and as our heavenly Father He cares about them all. He sees and rewards (Matthew 25:21), as long as our motives are right and we are not practicing our righteousness before others in order to be seen by them (Matthew 6:1-4).” (Burk Parsons)

“Smaller victories along the way: Slow plodding between these victories is the pattern, not the exception. We live day to day, not miracle to miracle. And there is something wonderful about the ordinary days and years spent between the high points. They are where the story is lived out and character development takes place.” (Matt Rhodes)

The faithfulness of God is true and has been proven many times. In the Holy Scriptures, we can see that God is faithful and His Word is true. Hebrews 6:18 says God cannot lie, nor can He break an unconditional promise that He says He will fulfill. Every covenant He made is kept. Every promise or foretelling has or will come true. Testimony after testimony of God’s faithfulness is certainly found throughout the Bible and is still given in testimonies by people today. In fact, accounts of covenants between God and His people can be found approximately 277 times in the Bible. Deuteronomy 7:9 says “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

Jesus was faithful in everything. He obeyed every jot and title of the law, and He died on the cross for our unfaithfulness to Him. Our ultimate hope is not in our complete and utter faithfulness to Him but in the faithfulness of the One who has called us to rest in Christ by His grace and for His glory.

 

TMG

Hello, Crossroads Family!

Often in the morning while I’m having my quiet time, I have some worship music playing on YouTube.  One song that has got me through the dark, cold mornings of winter is a tune called “Come, Let Us Go.”  It’s actually all instrumental, and I can’t recall ever hearing or singing the song, so I don’t actually know what the words are!  So this morning I decided to look up in the Bible where that expression, “Come, let us go,” is found and what attracts me to it so much.

The first Bible entry I came across was from Genesis 11 (story of the Tower of Babel) where God says, “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other’s speech.”  I don’t think that was the verse I had in mind!  A different kind of “Come, let us go”!

But then several others showed up in my search:

• Isaiah 2:3 — “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord.  There He will teach us His ways so we may walk in His paths.”
• Micah 4:2-3 — “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob, so that He may teach us about His ways, and we may walk in His paths.  For from Zion will go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.  And He will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty, distant nations.  Then they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.”

Even this verse, from 1 Samuel 14, about Jonathan’s surprise attack on the Philistines, is a good “Come, let us go …” verse:

• “Come, let us go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men.  Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.  Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6).

I love the courage of Jonathan, and the joy of all those who say, “Come, let us go!”  In these anxious times, we find hope in hearing the Lord say (and in saying to each other), “Come, let us go and see what the Lord will do.  Come, let us go do the thing He’s asking of us!”

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday morning when we’ll receive from God’s Word a message of reassurance for these challenging times.  The sermon will be from Genesis 28, the story of Jacob’s ladder, and I think you’ll be surprised at all God has to say through that story.  Worship starts at 10:00 at the Community Center.  Don’t forget the time change this Saturday night ; spring forward one hour in order to show up on time Sunday morning!

Notes and Plans from Elders Meeting

Thank you for praying for last Sunday evening’s meeting of our Crossroads Church elders.  It’s important that the elders are prayed for.  Shepherding a group of Christ’s disciples, even a small group, is a spiritual task that doesn’t come naturally to most of us.  It requires a work of the Holy Spirit in those who receive this call.  Thanks for supporting them and everyone as we move forward as a church!

The main part of our meeting was a discussion concerning our transition as a church to a new pastor.  God willing, this is the plan moving forward:

• The elders will begin the search for a new pastor using a tool available to us through the Evangelical Free Church Central District called PastorSearch.  It will involve taking stock of some of the unique characteristics of Crossroads Church and crafting a job description for the kind of person who the church believes would be a good fit for ministry among us.  There are other search tools available to us as well.
• For me personally, I anticipate staying in Nevada this fall and continuing my two music-related jobs at Nevada High School and at Cottey College.  I will officially resign from my position as pastor at Crossroads on August 1.  After that time, I will no longer be on the Elder Board.  I will take a break from all church-related responsibilities during the month of August.  Beginning in September, as the church continues its search for a pastor, I will be available to preach as needed on Sunday mornings three times per month, and I’ll be available to continue on the Worship Team.  I’ll step away from my other leadership roles and allow some of you to fill in the gaps as God leads us forward during the search process!

That’s it in a nutshell.  I sense God leading us.  I sense, too, as I believe you do, that this is the right step for me.  Thank you for praying!  Thank you for being the church … all the time, not only on Sundays.  Please pray for these specific needs:

• a new pastor
• a more permanent home
• new families, individuals, to join us
• greater outreach
• greater involvement in ministry to children and families

All of this requires prayer.  God is looking and waiting to see if we really will depend on Him, if we will believe Him by faith.  We can trust Him, and I know that you do!  In many respects, we’re in a good place as a church — spiritual growth, healthy finances, a happy spirit, lives being touched.  Thanks to all of you who serve, pray, and give!

Other Announcements and Dates

Easter Breakfast

We’re working on plans for an Easter breakfast on Sunday, April 17.  More information coming soon.

“Breathe” Women’s Bible Study

The study will take a break this Sunday.  Everyone invited back on Sunday, March 20, at 9:00.

Tom Time Off During Spring Break

I’ll be off next week.  Please contact one of the other elders if you have a need.  Jason Burrows, seminary student from Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, will preach in my place on March 20.  You may remember that Jason was scheduled to preach for us in January but was unable to come due to illness.  You’ll enjoy meeting Jason, and I look forward to being with you that day for worship.

Sermon Training

Reserve Sunday evening, April 3rd, at 7 pm, for a very basic session on how to prepare a sermon.  Those interested will meet at my

house.  We’ll share some tips on how to prepare and deliver a good teaching from the Bible.  Even if you’re not called to preach or teach others, come anyway to gain some ideas that will help you grow in your own personal study of the Bible.

Missions

In our bulletin last Sunday, we were encouraged to continue praying for Ukraine and Russia.  Here are some ways we can pray:

• For God’s glory to be revealed in the midst of this struggle.  God often uses very serious situations to draw people to Himself.
• For peace and strength.  Let’s ask this for all concerned and, in a special way, for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
• For comfort for those who are scared and who have suffered loss.
• For God’s intervention in the war.  Pray for wisdom as world leaders strategize, speak out, and take actions.  Pray that God would move their hearts and guide their plans.
• For God’s truth to help cleanse world governments of corruption.
• For repentance, grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation throughout Ukraine, Russia, and the world.
• For open doors for the Gospel.

Thank you for being a praying, serving, aware church!  I look forward to seeing many of you this Sunday!  Come early and enjoy some fellowship prior to the service.

— Tom

 

TMG

Hello, Crossroads Family!

I wonder how things are going for you?  It’s exciting to watch the sun in the sky a little longer each day and to experience (today, anyway) warmer temperatures and a hint of spring.  Yet, maybe you, like me, feel swamped with work, needs, and other responsibilities.  The news from around the world continues to be bad.  It’s easy to get discouraged!

I read this morning passages in Deuteronomy where Moses recites the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Moses reminds the Israelites that God chose them, not because they were good or because they were numerous, but because He loved them.  Deuteronomy 4:37 is actually the first time in the Bible (147 pages in, in my Bible) where God says He loves someone (even though He had demonstrated it many times).  It’s a good reminder to me that it’s not because of our goodness that God loves us, but because of His character.

Ultimately, the following truth is the best good news ever:

“God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”  (Romans 5:8).

This Coming Sunday

We’ll enjoy some good worship and fellowship at the Community Center starting at 10:00.  Come early if you can!  Our women’s “Breathe” Bible Study will start at 9:00.  We’ll start the worship service at 10:00 with announcements.  Don’t miss out!

We’ll be back in Genesis for the sermon this Sunday.  We’ll take a look at Genesis 25, God’s choice of Jacob over his twin brother Esau.

This is another of those Genesis stories that seem, at first glance, to be just old, unimportant stories.  Actually, however, this is an event that reverberates throughout the rest of the Bible and carries with it principles for us today.

• In Malachi 1 (the last book of the Old Testament, written over 1000 years after the birth of Esau and Jacob), God says: “I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.”  That sounds strange to our ears.  What does it mean?
• In Romans 9, Paul continues: “For though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad,… it was said to their mother, ‘The older will serve the younger.'”
• In the gospels (Luke 13, Matthew 20, Mark 10), Jesus adds a similar thought :  “Behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

We’ll ask three questions this Sunday about the Jacob and Esau story:

• What does God seem to have against firstborn children?  (It seems He’s always choosing the younger over the older — Joseph, David, Jacob, others.  Does that bother you?)
• What does the choosing of the youngest child show us?
• What did Jacob have that Esau didn’t have?

If you’re not able to be with us in person, watch for a recording of the sermon on the Crossroads Facebook page or on my personal Facebook page.  I’ll try to have it up there before the end of the weekend!  As you know, we’ve been having some trouble uploading sermons recently.  Thanks for your patience!

Announcements

Youth Group this Wednesday, 6:30 pm

Come for some fun, food, and fellowship tomorrow evening at the Rodriguez home, *contact us for location*.  Bring a friend!  Thanks to those leading our Crossroads young people, and to the Rodriguezes for hosting!

Elders Meeting this Sunday, 7:00 pm

Please be in prayer for our elders as they meet this Sunday evening to seek God’s wisdom and help in their role as shepherds of the  Crossroads flock.  If you have a need to bring to the elders’ attention, please contact one of us.

Prayer Needs

If you didn’t get, or have lost, the copy from last Sunday’s bulletin of ways to be praying for Ukraine and Russia, see the section “A Call to Prayer” under the blog post found at https://blogs.efca.org/posts/a-country-on-the-brink .  These are helpful guides for knowing how to pray for what’s happening in that part of the world.  Thanks to all who are praying!  May God show Himself powerful; may lives be spared; may evil intentions be confounded; and may doors be opened for the Good News of eternal life in Christ.

I hope to see you this coming Sunday!

— Tom