TMG
Hello, Crossroads Family!
The following Bible verse, and the little rhyme that goes with it, encouraged me this week:
What God is there in heaven or in earth that can do according to Thy works, and according to Thy might? (Deuteronomy 3:24)
That’s an encouraging question if you take time to ponder both the question and the ramifications of the answer to it.
The rhyme that accompanied this verse talks about how we should pray in light of the fact God does mighty works, greater than any other so-called god:
My soul, ask what thou wilt,
Thou canst not be too bold;
His own blood for thee He spilt,
What else can He withhold?
What else can — or would — He withhold? Well, nothing, is an answer that comes to mind.
In light of these reflections about God, may we be bold pray-ers, praying boldly and specifically for matters that affect our lives, our world, and our church! If you believed God says He’s not willing to withhold any good thing, how would you pray for your family? How would you pray about your role at Crossroads Church? How would you pray for the decisions and appointments and assignments that await you in your work today? … for the people you know and love, and for people you know less well or not at all but will encounter today?
Yet, I’ve found that as I accept God’s invitation to pray boldly for all things, He often begins by working on me! He impresses on me some adjustment or correction to the things I’m asking for; He points out some wrong attitudes (sins??!!) that need prayer and correcting in my own life! He does more than I ask for or expect — sometimes surprisingly — and withholds no good thing!
In this season of decision-making and growth for all of us at Crossroads Church, let’s pray regularly, faithfully, trustingly, specifically, and boldly. Sunday mornings are an enjoyable time of fellowship, worship, and teaching, but the life and effectiveness of our church hangs in the balance during the week as we pray … or not.
I enjoy music in the morning as I begin work at my desk. I often put on a little song called “Come and Let Us Go.” I have no idea where the song comes from or even what the lyrics are! I like the melody and the title, “Come and Let Us Go.” I like to think of it as, “Come and let us go to see the Lord,” or “Come and let us go worship,” or “Come and let us get this new day started together with God.” It reminds me of the Jews of Nehemiah’s day who were inspired to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They said, “Let us arise and build!” May this sense of rising up to do the things God has called us to do also be part of our praying today!
Happening at Crossroads Church
There are several things going on at Crossroads. Here’s at least a partial list:
Nominating Committee
This year’s Nominating Committee is made up of Angi Dahmer, Donna Rodriguez, Julie Kemper, Heather Vestal, and Erin Reedy, and Dave Reedy. Please pray for the committee and help them out if they approach you with questions about a potential candidate for the Elder Board for next year. Thank you!
Membership at Crossroads
If you are a regular attender at Crossroads and are interested in being a voting member of the church, please speak to me or to one of the elders. We ask that you have a personal faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior, that you go through the short membership course we have that explains the background and vision of Crossroads, and that you meet with the church elders to share your story of faith in Christ. Simple steps and a big help in decision-making. Thanks!
Elders Report
Our elders gave a short report at the conclusion of worship last Sunday. They are preparing a lease agreement to submit to the owner of the rental space on Highland Avenue for possible approval. Please be in prayer for this process. Thank you.
Youth Group
Our “youth group” is meeting again starting this Sunday afternoon at Jessica’s. Please pray for the young people at Crossroads, and for Jessica and Forrest as they lead the group. Thank you!
Thanksgiving Dinner
We are planning to have a Thanksgiving carry-in dinner following worship on Sunday, November 19. More details to come.
This Sunday
Don’t forget that the time changes this weekend! We’ll fall back an hour. Sunday’s worship will include the Lord’s Supper, and Sunday’s sermon will be on “Accessing God’s Reservoir of Hope,” from Psalms 42 and 43. These psalms tell us to “hope in God,” yet the writer of the psalms is in a place of desperation — a desperation that remains unresolved when we reach the end of the psalms. How do we access a God of hope?
Elders Meeting
The elders will meet next on Sunday, November 12, following the worship service.
Congregational Meeting
Our congregational meeting — at which we will vote on an elder nominee and on the 2024 church budget — is scheduled for Sunday, December 17, following worship.
Christmas Eve Service
Plan to join the church family for a time of worship and fellowship on Christmas Eve. More details coming. If you would like to help plan the evening with me, please let me know. Thank you!
Tom vacation
I’ll be taking some time off November 20-26. Shane McCasslin will preach in my place on Sunday, the 26th.
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
— Psalm 42:11
Tom
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