Hello, Crossroads Family !
Some encouragements and prayer requests for today and this week. Thank you for praying for each other. There were several specific requests this week, which were shared in text and email. It’s encouraging to be part of a church that prays well for one another.
Some of you mentioned that you enjoyed the hymn we sang last Sunday, “Nothing Between,” by Charles Tindley, a man born into slavery in 1851 but who, by God’s grace, learned to read and later became the pastor of a large church in Philadelphia. That hymn is hard to find in most hymnals, but you can re-read the lyrics at hymnary.org.
Here are lyrics to another of Tindley’s hymns called “Stand By Me.” No, not the “Stand By Me” that is right now playing in your mind — something better than that ! The words of this hymn are a prayer we can pray, especially if you’re experiencing challenges in life.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the world is tossing me like a ship upon the sea,
Thou Who rulest wind and water, stand by me.
In the midst of tribulation, stand by me.
In the midst of tribulation, stand by me.
When the hosts of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail,
Thou Who never lost a battle, stand by me.
In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.
In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.
When I do the best I can, and my friends misunderstand,
Thou Who knowest all about me, stand by me.
When I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When my life becomes a burden, and I’m nearing chilly Jordan,
O Thou Lily of the Valley, stand by me.
Psalm 27:1-6 is another valuable help from God if you’re going through hard times.
- “He will lift me up on a rock” (v. 5). That’s an echo of Psalm 12:5 — “Now I will arise and set him in the safety for which he longs.” It also reminds us of Psalm 18:19 — “He brought me forth into a broad place.”
- The final verse of Psalm 27 is a call to take heart and trust : “Wait for the Lord ; be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord” (27:14).
Finally, in regards to help in the midst of challenges, I had time this morning to listen to a classic sermon by Warren Wiersbe about Jesus walking on the water, through the storm, to the disciples who struggled in the boat. Warren Wiersbe was a gifted Bible teacher from a few years back ; he lived from 1929-2019. Wiersbe’s preaching always stuck to one main point, and he had a gift of imagination that gave life to Bible stories such as this one. If we were to hang onto the “five encouragements in the storm” which Wiersbe teaches in this sermon, we would probably never be afraid again. You can listen to his sermon on BBN or on YouTube.
Coming up at Crossroads …
Women’s Breakfast & Bible Study this Saturday morning, 8:00-9:30
Meet at the church. All women are invited ! Don’t forget about the women’s Abound Conference in Joplin on the evening of February 21 and all day Saturday, February 22. Please contact Erin Townsend (ektownsend12@gmail.com) if you have questions or need more information.
Worship this Sunday morning, 10:00
Children’s Church available for those 7 years old and under during the sermon. There will be an elders meeting following worship.
Immerse begins Wednesday, February 19, 7-8:15 pm.
Everyone is welcome. Sign up at the church, and books are available if you’d like to get a jump on the reading. It will be an 8-week course with a week off in the middle for Spring Break.
Men’s Recharge – Thursday, February 20, 6:30-8:00 pm.
All men are invited for fellowship and the first session of the study, “The Ten Greatest Struggles of Your Life.” Please contact Cris Rodriguez (crisandonnarodriguez@gmail.com) or Tommie Ray (twray2006@yahoo.com) if you have questions or need information. Hope to see you there !
Next Bible Class for 8-13 year-olds – Sunday, February 23, during the sermon
All young people in this age range are welcome to join Emily Lewis in a time of learning from the Bible.
Baby Bottle Boomerang, February 23
Baby bottles or other donations for Birthright of Nevada are due back to Kim Reedy by Sunday, February 23.
If there are changes in the schedule due to weather, watch the church Facebook page, the church website (nevadacrossroadschurch.org), and don’t hesitate to call someone if you’re not sure. In most cases, we’ll also try to reach out to you by text message. Thank you !
Lord willing, we’ll gather for a refreshing time of worship this Sunday morning ! I look forward to it !
— Tom
Leave a Reply