TMG
Tom’s Midweek Greeting
Crossroads Community Church
Nevada MO
July 11, 2019
www.nevadacrossroadschurch.org
I find that I often pause and take note when, in the Bible, I come across the Lord’s commands to sing. I find it interesting that this is one of the things we are invited (commanded) to do.
The beginning of Psalm 33 gives this invitation at least three times:
Sing for joy in the Lord, O you righteous ones; praise is becoming to the upright.
Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.
Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.
Those are verses 1-3. Then, in verses 4-5, reasons are given for singing and making music:
For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.
This morning I was reading in the book of 2 Kings about one of the greatest kings of the Jews, Hezekiah, who reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah from 716-687 BC. It is said of Hezekiah that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him (2 Kings 18:5)! He trusted in the Lord; he clung to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him; he kept His commandments. All of these things are said about Hezekiah. And then there is this line: “And the Lord was with him” (2 Kings 18:7).
I wondered, “How do we know today when the Lord is with us?” I think one of the evidences is that he gives us a song. Even if you may feel like you’re not a great singer, and even if there’s not a song on your lips, the Lord gives us songs in the heart. Do you find yourself singing today? Thank the Lord for that. It’s likely one of the evidences that He is with you!
Ministry Teams
We had a good meeting of our Worship Team last night — a chance to discuss how things are going in worship at Crossroads, and how we can grow and improve as worshipers. We discussed a lot of the big ideas, and a lot of the small details of planning and leading worship at Crossroads. I’m thankful that we have a good team right now that prepares the worship service for us Sunday after Sunday. I hope you’ll pray for them and encourage them in their ministry of leading us into the Lord’s presence on Sunday mornings – Erlinda, Chosen, Erin, Esther, Phill, and myself.
We also had a good meeting last Sunday of our Children’s Church teachers. I am thankful for this group of people who have a heart for blessing children who are part of the Crossroads family. We discussed lesson themes, ideas for engaging the kids, how to meet the needs of young children and also toddlers, and even a party for the kids this fall on Friday evening, September 6. Again, please pray for and thank those who work in Children’s Church: Julie, Lindsey, Angi, Esther, Kim, Donna, and helpers : Vicky, Erika, Sabrina, Heather, Evan, and Paije!
Giving Thanks
We have much for which to give thanks at Crossroads:
- good times of worship
- good times of fellowship
- commitment to growing spiritually
- hearts of service
- interactions and growing friendships during the week
- opportunities to minister to the community through Young Life and other efforts
- people committed to prayer, and many answers to prayer
- unity
What will the new school year 2019-2020 be about for us? Are you praying that God will lead us in the paths He wants us to walk in? Last year there was a major emphasis on “Walking the Walls,” establishing some ministry teams. We will likely continue to “walk the walls” and set up gates this year, but what else will 2019-2020 be known for? Ask the Lord to give us eyes to see, and a willingness to follow in obedience. May it be said of us, “The Lord was with them.”
Calendar
Thursday Afternoon Prayer today: If you’re free between 4:00 and 5:00 today (Thursday), stop by my house to pray with a few others. **contact us for location**.
Worship this Sunday. 10:00 at the Y. Come early and enjoy some fellowship before the service. The sermon will be on our Unchanging God, from James 1. Children’s Church & Nursery during the sermon time.
Men’s Discipleship & Fellowship, Monday evening. All men, you’re invited to a good time of fellowship and Bible study, Monday from 6:30 ‘til around 8:00, at Precision Coffee, 127 E. Cherry Street.
Youth Group, July 17. If you’re in high school or middle school, mark Wednesday, July 17, for some time to hang out with other young people from Crossroads. Time – 6:30 pm. Location to be announced. Food, fun, and friends.
Elders Meeting, July 21. Our elders will meet July 21 following the worship service.
Baseball in Kansas City. If you’re interested in going to the Royals-Cardinals game August 14 with the Crossroads Caravan, please sign up on the back table before or after the worship service. Sign-ups and money are needed by July 28. Thank you!
Thanks for all each one of you does as a part of the church family!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
See you Sunday!
— Tom
Leave a Reply