Hello, Crossroads Family !
I hope you are well and that God is meeting all your needs. He promises to, so it’s safe to say that wherever we are and whatever we’re doing today, He has met — and is meeting — our current needs. I’m grateful for that.
As I’ve probably said in the past, two of my favorite psalms are Psalm 20 and Psalm 21. Psalm 20 is prayer before the battle ; Psalm 21 is praise after the battle.
There are some bold requests made for the king in Psalm 20 before the battle ; for example,
- “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble !” (v. 1)
- “May God set you on high and send you help from the sanctuary !” (vv 1-2)
- “May He remember all your offerings !” (v. 3)
- “May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your counsel (or purpose) !” (v. 3)
Then, in Psalm 21, we discover that God did answer :
- “You have given the king his heart’s desire !” (v. 2)
- “You have not withheld the request of his lips !” (v.2)
- “You met him with the blessings of good things” (v. 4).
I’ve found it helpful in these psalms to insert my own name in the places where the king is referenced and be encouraged to know that God hears and answers my prayers just as he did the prayers for (and by) King David.
I currently have three lists in my journals that help me in praying and in living. I don’t know if these should be called my own lists or, rather, lists I’m making for God — things I need to get off my own mind and give to Him.
- One is my “Burden List,” based on Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you.” I put on this list things I carry around with me that bother me — not necessarily things that worry me, but things that are bothering me. When I realize that something is really bothering me, writing it down on this Burden List is a helpful way of transferring it to God’s care.
- A second list is my “Worry List” which is a list of things that are, actually, worrying me. Jesus said, “Don’t worry about your life, for life is more than food, and the body more than clothing” (Luke 11:23). In Psalm 56:3 we read, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Worries are a kind of fear ; writing those worries down on paper helps me mentally transfer them to God.
- Lately, I’ve established a “Fish-and-not-a-Snake List,” based on Luke 11:11 where Jesus promises that the Father, if we ask for a fish, will not give us a snake — something which should be a comfort to us. I’ve begun listing there (for God’s attention) certain things I need, remembering that God will give a good answer (and not a snake).
Let’s keep up our strong praying that began two weeks ago with our Day of Prayer & Fasting. God is answering prayers ! Let’s keep in mind what we heard last Sunday in Ephesians 3 about prayers for strength in the inner person. Let’s keep Forrest in our prayers that God would give him healing for his wound and from his infection. We praise God that Forrest is back at home as of yesterday (Tuesday).
Coming Up at Crossroads
Women’s Breakfast & Bible Study Saturday morning, 8:00-9:30
All women welcome for fellowship and study in the book of Numbers.
Worship this Sunday morning, 10:00
I look forward to our worship celebration this Sunday morning ! Always a good time !
Elders Meeting next Sunday, February 19
Please let the elders know if there is a need you would like them to address at the meeting. Thank you.
Men’s Recharge, February 20, 6:30 pm
Men, meet at the church for fellowship and the start of our study, “The Ten Greatest Struggles of Your Life.” We’ll finish around 8:00 pm.
Women’s Abound Conference, Feb 21-22
Be sure to contact Erin Townsend if you’re interested in joining some other Crossroads women at the Abound Conference with Ruth Chou Simons Friday evening and Saturday, February 21-22, in Joplin.
Sign-ups for Immerse
Immerse will start up again soon on Wednesday nights. Please sign up at the back table at the church if you plan to participate this semester. It will be an 8-week course in the “Kingdoms” section of the Bible (Joshua – Kings).
Coming Up
- Next 8-13 year-olds Bible class : Sunday, February 23, during the sermon.
- Baby Bottle Boomerang bottles (or other donations to Birthright of Nevada) are due back by Sunday, February 23. See Kim Reedy if you have questions. Thank you !
— Tom
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