“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”- Isaiah 41:10

Earthquakes are not the only thing you have to be prepared for in California. For us living in The Golden State, the threats of wildfires loom large. Fires are so common that it is nearly impossible (walk on water level) to find property insurance providers, and almost everyone has a phone app (Watch Duty) to stay updated on any nearby fires and evacuations.

If you think we are fire ready, you should visit London. Every facility was fitted with multiple fire doors (heavy enough that just opening them counted as “arms day”) and plastered with instructions on what to do should a fire take place. At one point on our trip, I made a snarky comment to Joanie about England being “Fire Crazy.” You would think my familiarity with fires would have caused me not to be so surprised. Her reply to my gruff was gracious as usual, reminding me that London has had many devastating fires over their history. 

Let me take on Joanie’s “graciousness” gene for a moment and address the difference between being Fire Conscious and Fire Crazy. It is important to stay alert and be prepared. This is a common command in the Scriptures.  We are to stay awake and stay on guard when it comes to the devices of our flesh, the deceptions of the enemy, the delights temptation offers, the dangers and darkness in this world. It would be foolish, naïve, immature, and dangerous to move through life as if there are no real threats out there. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8 the Apostle Paul instructs, “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” Notice the necessity and location of this holy, heavenly equipment, covering the precious place of our heart and mind.

The key for us is to not allow our conscious state to put us in a panicked one.  We are to be aware of things, not afraid of them.  We are to be sober-minded, not scared-to-death.  We are to be cautious but not cowering to anyone or anything.  Just as the Bible commands us to be awake, we also are to hear the call “do not be afraid”.  Again, Paul provides clear instruction in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

My friend may the peace of Jesus rest on you as the Spirit of Truth lives inside of you and leads you. Let His perfect work remove the paralyzing worry we often feel.  Receive these words of Jesus as a fresh message and a daily reminder.  In Matthew 6:26-27 the Savior speaks, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feed them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Put your faith in the One who is greater than false alarms, fire doors, and the fears of this life!

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”- Psalm 19:14

Why are we so busy and in such a hurry?  We see the damaging effects of our quick-paced, multi-tasking lifestyles.  From working too many hours, juggling too many pressures, and consuming too much information, our bodies are fatigued, our brains are overstimulated, and the blessing of God’s peace is robbed from us.  As our summer series is in Paul’s letter to Philippi, I am reminded of the apostle’s instruction in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

On my recent trip to England, while studying in Oxford, this dilemma caught my attention from a cell phone.  As we were in class, I glanced over towards another student sitting next to me and noticed that their display screen showed almost every app having a RED DOT hovering over it.  Unless you are still in the 20th century and using a rotary phone (or payphone), you immediately recognize that these ruthless red dots indicate you have unread messages or uncompleted tasks.  Even our phones are reminders of how rushed our lives have become.

Being in the RED is never a good place to be. From our finances to our emotions and even to our phone apps, we need to get out of the red and resist the rush that is reducing us to becoming a “human doing” rather than a human being. Psalm 95:6 speaks to slowing down to reclaim our true place of identity, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”  Doesn’t that sound way more peaceful than the constant pressuring, planning, and panicking we do day in and day out?

In rushing to write this, I want to take back one thing I just said.  Not all red is bad. Allow the red dots popping up on your phones remind you of the great benefit and daily deposit that happens by getting into God’s Word, studying the life of Jesus (many bibles have His words in RED), and applying its truth and promise to your life.  His Word will give us true peace; His Word will give us clear perspective; and His Word will give us effectual power to deal with the pressures of fast-paced living. In Matthew 4:4 Jesus shows us how key the Word is to us, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” When Jesus was all alone, very hungry, and facing pressure to getting immediate answers, He didn’t rush to needs being met. His focus was on resting in and relying on God’s Word.

Don’t let the red rush you anymore!

The path of the righteous is level; You, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.”

- Isaiah 26:7

One of my fondest memories about summertime are the road trips with family.  When I was a child, we would drive out of the city at least once a month to our countryside cabin to enjoy some summer fun and beauty. As adults, Joanie and I have enjoyed taking family trips to Mammoth, the desert, and even a special excursion in 2018 up to Seattle for a family cruise in celebration of our firstborn’s high school graduation. 

Road trips may be fun, but they also require focus. There is a mapping out of the route, a planning of food stops, overnight stays, and places to visit along the way. There is a staying alert on unfamiliar roads, narrow highways, and long drives.  Just like long road trips require attention, there is an importance in staying on the path, staying alert, and staying focused on the Lord.  In John 8;12 Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

As many families from our church have special travel plans this summer, our prayer is for a safety covering and special connections along the way.  May there be a health covering over your activities and over what you eat. May there be a protective covering over your personal possessions, your travels, and your bodies. May there be a spiritual covering over any area where the enemy seeks to get in a steer someone off course.  Psalm 91:4 declares, “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be Your shield and rampart.”

Allow the illustration of summer road trips to direct us in the indispensable truth that God’s route for our lives always is right.  He will guide you all along the way; He will make you aware of what to watch out for; He can keep you from detours, roadblocks, oncoming traffic, and breakdowns.  He does not want to just be a passenger onboard your life journey, but the one who is making and leading the way!  Psalm 73:24 teaches us, “You guide me in Your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”

The Lord is making our roads smooth, He is leading us in the right direction, and He has plans that are always for our good and for our care! 

“May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”- 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Longer summer days means soaking in the benefit of more sunlight.  As much as we wear sunscreen to protect against too much of the sun’s rays, we know that the sunlight gives us a rich daily deposit of Vitamin D.  The benefits of Vitamin D include a boost in the immune system, strengthening of bones, muscle function, and reducing inflammation. 

In the same way Vitamin D brings bodily benefit, the Lord wants to bring a rich deposit for those battling discouragement.  I believe that one of the superior supplements for the bad reports we receive, is the Good News from God’s Word, filled with a wealth of wisdom.  Proverbs 3:5, 8 instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” This need came alive the other day, on a visit to my favorite local coffee shop, as I spoke with a barista who frequently asks for Bible verses to brighten his day. He came over expressing a need for God’s Word after a recent disappointment.  He inquired if there was a word that would bring encouragement after a setback.  After a moment of pondering, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the following promise in 1 Peter 5:10, “And the God of all grace, who called you into His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

As summer heat is hitting, my heart is that yours would not be wilting to discouragement.  Receive refreshing and reinforcing from God’s presence and promises when: A job interview or final exam doesn’t go well; physical rehab and post-surgery recovery is way behind schedule; an attempt to make peace with someone turns into a greater fight and fiasco; when a dating relationship that you felt could lead to wedding bells is now sounding off like a fire alarm.  Psalm 42:5 is a call to drink in God’s goodness for the everyday fights we face, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”

When the depths of discouragement hit, dive into the depths of Divine love and truth!

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”- Isaiah 30:15

In Loud We Trust?  This slogan by a celebrity on a current commercial about an American made truck came screaming out of my television set.  Seeing the ad now multiple times is communicating what we are already seeing take place: In many ways our country has shifted over the decades and distanced itself from the pure and pious phrase that marks our currency, “In God We Trust.”

With the amazing run from the men’s national soccer squad at the World Cup, to the always festive Fourth of July activities this week, and the commemorative 250th anniversary of our nation, this July has an even higher level of patriotic spirit.  This summer is a reminder that the Spirit of God is where our true joy and strength rises from.  In John 6:63 Jesus proclaimed, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” A team victory, popular holiday, and special moment for our nation are great, but nothing compares to the liberty and victory we have in Jesus! 

I want to encourage us to find our pride, find our cheer, find our boast, and find our victory in the Spirit of God!  Most of us remember the classic cheerleader call out at a high school event, “We’ve got spirit, yes we do! We’ve got spirit, how about you?” There is nothing wrong with loving where we live, praying for blessing over our land, and recognizing the unique role our country has in the world and the many opportunities it provides for citizens and foreigners alike.  Our love for country is a good thing, but our reliance of God is a life-giving, daily-seeking, bigger-than-anything-else need.  The Apostle Paul had much to say about the Spirit as the true deposit and difference maker in our lives.  In 2 Corinthians 3:17 he wrote, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  That kind of freedom should light up our countenance more than any fireworks show we see on Saturday night!

On this celebratory and historic Fourth of July, take time to pray for our country; to celebrate the many freedoms we have in this land, and to be a possessor of promise and distributor of His blessings wherever you go.  As Jesus said in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” 

Loud may be a thing, but it’s got nothing on the Lord!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”- Philippians 4:4

Summer means more water.  I am not just speaking about pools, beaches, water parks, and super soaker battles.  The heat from the summer requires a need to stay hydrated. Fluids in our systems are mandatory for outdoor activities, otherwise we may encounter an unwanted wipeout. 

Just as we need to stay hydrated in the heat, we need to stay celebrated in the heart! The month of June can be a time of milestones and celebrations.  The end of school and graduations; Weddings and anniversaries fill up the calendar; family’s vacations and church’s Vacation Bible Schools are beginning. Celebrations, graduations, and meaningful moments fill our schedules and flood our spirits with extraordinary joy.  Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Staying in a celebration mode can be difficult when circumstances say otherwise.  Research has shown that it takes 3 to 5 positive comments to offset one negative comment and that the average person has tens of thousands of thoughts a day, with about 80% of them being on the negative end of the spectrum.  Focusing on the gaps we have, the negativity we hear, the insecurities we feel can create a dampened mood and darkened forecast.  As people who walk by faith, we need to find joy in God’s presence and hope in His promises.  Nehemiah 8:10 tells us, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Rejoicing requires a faith focused mindset and faithful repetition. Take time to tone your celebration mode muscles.  This mindset is not minimizing areas that need to be addressed or improved upon in your life, but prioritizing living with joy on the inside and gratitude on the outside. Put praise to practice in your day-to-day activities, challenges, and thought life.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 directs us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” One of the practices we have for our church team is the “48 Hour Rule”.  This means that we are going to wait (48 hours/two days) before we address any hiccups or missteps from a Sunday service. Rather, than producing a list of what needs to be resolved, our first response from a Sunday is to celebrate what God did! 

Try these steps to see your celebration levels soar:

- For every negative word and thought replace it with a joyful truth about God.

- For every trying circumstance in your life, replace it with a heartfelt prayer of help and hope.

- Read Philippians (New Testament Letter) which will be our Sunday teaching series this summer and has a theme of JOY/REJOICING in it.

- Before going to bed thank God for one blessing from that day.

Don’t let the summer squeeze you dry when you can have joy filling your cup!

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may also have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.”- 1 John 1:3-4

Staying in network matters.  There is a troubling feeling and people go into emergency mode when their cell phone signal is weak.  People will walk around a room/location, wave the device around in the air, and look down at the screen every thirty seconds to see if they have connection.  It is as if we cannot make it for one hour (let alone one day) without being able to make/receive calls, check emails, or surf the internet for content. 

This common (and sometimes silly) example provides us with an important reminder of our need to stay connected to the Lord and to one another.  We need our faith network to stay connected, grow stronger, and be covered in life.  There is an increasing and incomparable deposit and effect that happens when we find ourselves in God’s presence and with God’s people.  Consider these Scriptures as a clear call for connection:

Psalm 133:1- “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Hebrews 10:24-25- “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Proverbs 27:17- “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

How important is connection and community?  People are willing to change phone providers and plans over it; our core mission statement at CROSSPOINT is, “Where Christ, Community, and Care Matters!”; and the idea for FELLOWSHIP in the Greek language/New Testament writing has only one word to describe it, Koinonia.  This word means: sharing, participation, and even having communion.  Our life only survives, grows and thrives in communion with Christ and with His people.  In John 15:5, 9, 12, Jesus speaks of His complete coverage plan, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. As the Father has loved me, so I loved you. Not remain in My love. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Summertime challenges our faith connection just like bad service can lower our phone’s signal.  Summer schedules may include traveling, extra activities, and even weeks of missing church. Our busy calendars require even more commitment, discipline, and intentionality in staying connected.  Here are a few tips to stay in network this summer:

1. Set aside daily time for Bible reading and prayer- One chaptr and even ten minutes of prayer will make a difference!

2. If you miss being in-person on a Sunday, you can watch the service anytime on our YouTube Channel (youtube.com/@CROSSPOINTSCV)- Our summer series will be in the Book of Philippians (my favorite book in Bible) entitled, “Unlocking Faith”. 

3. Schedule a time to meet up with others from the church- Hanging out together will make for some special memories while building solid relationships.

This summer you can have a network that stays strong everywhere!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”- Philippians 4:8

IN SUMMER!  This does not just mean June is here, it’s a summer feeling like the one Olaf, from the movie FROZEN, has and belts out in song. A line from our favorite snowman, “When life gets rough, I like to hold on to my dream, relaxing in the summer sun, just letting off steam.” When summer comes, we are basking in the sunshine, taking in longer days, anticipating vacation, enjoying beach trips and pool parties.  In other words (mine not Olaf’s), we are all about the summer hang outs! 

Dwelling at a favorite summer stop brings good vibes, but dwelling on the wrong things may darken your mindset and outlook (yes, even in summer). One of the best lessons I am learning and living by in this season is to not DWELL ON THINGS.  In Isaiah 43:18-19 God commands, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”  If God is good with us letting go of stuff, we need to free our hands and hearts from the weights that keep dampening our thinking, reminding us of our past, and blocking us from true freedom in Christ.

Dwelling on things can be exhausting. We get caught up and hung up on something we said or did.  We regret and replay a conversation, when the other person has already moved on. We are convinced that we botched a job assignment and our job is in jeopardy, when it really wasn’t a big deal and nobody is calling you into their office.  Hebrews 12:1 tells us, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Dwelling on the wrong things brings with it lingering symptoms…

A wearied mind.

A distracted heart.

An interrupted fellowship with God.

The best place (even a great summer spot) we can be is dwelling with God.  I have said before that a great definition of worship is, “Dwelling in God’s presence and dwelling on His goodness.”  Psalm 84:10 tells us, “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”  This summer I have already had a special, Olaf type, joy take place. I noticed a recent tough situation, which in the past would have made me anxious and kept me up at night, was not even on my mind.  Praise the Lord!  It is not because I have matured to a level of being untouchable. Rather, I have found myself in the unmatched place of dwelling more on the gift and life I have in Jesus.  John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

 Would you join me there?

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”- Psalm 112:7

With school reaching the finish line this is the time that report cards will be prepared by teachers and highly anticipated by students (or at least by parents).  Despite how well someone does on a final exam or their sense of doing well in a class, there is still a “wait and see” approach, as the envelope is slowly opened (with a drum roll) to behold the grades.  Sorry, if that imagery created an unnecessarily dramatic flashback. 

A bad report does not just happen with school grades, but it can be news someone shares with us.  For whatever reason I become triggered and worried whenever someone says, “I need to talk to you” or “Can I meet with you?” Maybe you are like me, where these phrases cause you to rehearse any wrongs committed or any number of topics they want to discuss.  Our minds prepare for the worst, but God wants us to believe for the best.  My imagination runs wild and most times it is way off from what the actual conversation ends up being.  I spend far too much time being anxious over it, rather than surrendering it to the Lord, praying for His peace, and being good no matter what is spoken. In Philippians 4:8 Paul tells us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  This instruction includes pending report cards and conversations.  

There is more to being freed from this tormenting tendency than just reading a Bible verse and shaking off the negative vibes.  We must cut down the root issue for our “bad report” mentality. The reason I go to a dark place with bad reports is due to an issue of TRUST AND LOVE.  I believe that there are several factors informing me (incorrectly) of what may be coming my way.  The application will be denied; the job will go to a different candidate; a family member didn’t like the gift I gave them; that friend hates me because they are not replying to the text message or phone calls.  In these times the Holy Spirit wants to work on us and heal us from personal imperfections, from past rejection, and our trusting in the Lord’s protection.  My bad vibe feelings are not what my Good God is saying. In Jeremiah 31:3 we hear from Him, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

The Lord’s message to us is not a bad report but is full of love and hope.  1 Corinthians 13:7 speaks of love this way, “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Be of good cheer my friend:  God grades on a grace-curve, He has good news to share, and loving words to shower you with.

“He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘By His wounds you have been healed.”- 1 Peter 2:24

As a pastor there is one word I don’t want to hear, something that has impacted almost everyone at some point…CANCER.  The devastation and destruction that cancer has on the human body is difficult to watch.  And even with prevention screenings and cancer treatments there is currently no known cure for this terrible disease. 

As God’s people we have comfort and confidence in the fact that Christ is the cure that makes us well and whole.  His words bring life and His touch brings healing.  There is no sickness, no struggle, no condition, and no brokenness that He cannot answer or apply His authority over.  In Luke 4:40 we read, “At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness and laying His hands on each one, He healed them.” This story from long ago became a present reality for me a few days ago, while I was praying in the church sanctuary. That day I had a pain in my throat whenever I would swallow.  During my prayer time my faith grew to a level of boldness and belief where I laid my hands on my throat and commanded the pain to go.  Within about ten minutes the issue in my throat was gone and never returned.  Jesus is still healing us!

Our Great Physician is present to address the problems we have by applying His promise and power. One of the greatest struggles in one’s faith comes in the form of sickness and suffering. Why is it happening? Why is it taking so long? When will God help?  Perhaps before we see an answer to the personal/physical battle, God desires to answer us in a way that confirms his love and clarifies our longings. In Psalm 119:28 the writer cries out, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Our believing that Jesus is the ultimate cure brings about a response to set our hearts to seek Him first and seek Him continually.  We lean into His promise, even when we don’t see change.  We ask for His will when we don’t understand the suffering. We learn to rejoice, even at our lowest points and toughest battles.

Jesus is our first responder and ultimate healer. Jesus stands before us with a cure to the areas that need a transforming touch. He has the cure for our physical sickness, internal anxieties, feelings of deep loneliness, addictions needing to be overcome, the financial strain that is stressing us out. Despite the timeline and the resources used for our healing being different than what we may have first envisioned, may we always remember that Jesus is constantly faithful and forever in control! Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

“And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great.”- Job 8:7

Unchartered territory.  Stepping into a new season, adapting to what life brings your way, or trying something new can cause the unfamiliar to feel uncomfortable at first, but lead to unparalleled growth and goodness.  In 2026, I have ventured into something I thought had passed me by long ago…I recently got braces (Invisalign).  Despite this need being long-overdue, I am taking this step to ensure greater health and longevity for my teeth. 

We tend to put timetables on our lives, which can lead to further procrastination or a complete resignation of ever experiencing something new and better.  This is where we can apply the popular phrase, “Better late than never” to places we need to enter into and embrace. Just like getting braces in my fifties, it is not too late to go back to school, to learn something new, start a retirement account, visit a desired destination, work out a strained relationship.  In Joel 2:23 the prophet declares the promise of God (the same chapter where the Holy Spirit is promised), “Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has poured down on you abundant rain, the early and latter rain, as before.” With God it is never too late, you are not too old, and there is nothing too limiting or daunting that He can’t overcome!

Instead of braces, let’s brace for a building up of our faith.  Begin today and watch Jesus bring so much farther than before! 2026 may be drawing towards its midway point but there is still time to do something meaningful that will bless your life, your future, and the people around you. In Philippians 1:6 Paul emphatically exclaims, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  It is not too late to begin a daily Bible Reading plan. It is not too late to serve in a new area at church. It is not too late to take a class, register for a conference, or listen to a podcast to learn a new skill. It is not too late to work on an area of personal growth or a problematic relationship that needs peaceful reconciliation.

Jesus is in the business of new beginnings and strong finishes! 

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”- Ecclesiastes 1:2

Few things are as unnerving as dozing off while driving.  We have all been there.  The constant yawns, rubbing of the eyes, slapping of the face, blasting the air conditioner or music to get us back into focus.  Being behind the wheel is a “no sleepy” zone and demands our full attention.

In the opening words of Ecclesiastes from King Solomon (BTW- the wisest man on earth), he declares that this life feels like a carousel of vanity. The endless pursuits, the daily monotony, the wicked enduring, the gathering of possessions, personal delights, and the destiny of death’s door, can leave a person cynical, deprived, and hopeless.  The interesting thing about King Solomon’s vanity viewpoint is that there was no hostility or war during his reign. The lack of engagement in battle may have made him more prone to idle thinking and living. Having too much time on our hands and too much thinking can lead to a limited view and concession to what is happening around us. The Bible warns us about such idleness in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

King Solomon was focusing on vanity in this life, but King Jesus was preaching on victory in this world!  Now, I am not saying that we should be engaging in war with others, with this culture, or with things we want changed.  Our battle is not of this world, and we do not engage it at a physical dimension.  In John 16:33, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We need to follow our Chief Shepherd, the Author of our Faith, and the Victor of our lives, to experience an overcoming and all-encompassing victory in this world. There is a heaven victory for all we hold dear here on earth (i.e.- physical healing, provision, protection of loved ones, a life of purpose).  

As much as we desire rest and peace, we know that there is a spiritual battle taking place in our world, in the lives of those we love, in the issues that mar humanity, and in our very beings.  Just like we must stay awake and alert while behind the wheel, God’s Word calls us to a constant alertness and readiness.  We need to be aware of our surroundings and be steadfast in prayer, staying alert to the schemes of the devil and the sways of this culture. 1 Peter 5:8-9a provides a clear warning, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him.”

 Let’s not fall asleep in idleness. Let’s not lose heart due to the circumstances we face. Let’s not see all as vanity. Let’s stand firm in the faith, engage the spiritual battle, and take hold of our Savior’s sweet victory!

“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”- Psalm 84:10

 Everyone knows Disneyland is crowded, I just didn’t realize it had gotten to “sardine” level stuffiness.  Our recent trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth’ was enjoyable, but it being so crowded and cramped dampened the experience.  On one morning we arrived at the park, shocked at what seemed like endless lines at the security stations.  It took us an hour just to get through the front gate (that is longer than waiting for Space Mountain)! 

 The security gate is the last place anyone wants to be, but being at the gate represents SERVING THE LORD and this is the best place we can be stationed at.  Over the last month a Bible story has come alive with this truth of remaining in the amazing place of prayerful service.  In the Old Testament, Esther to be exact, there is a wicked servant of the king, Haman, who wanted to destroy the Jews, and especially despised Mordecai (Esther’s uncle).  One night the king was reminded that Mordecai had stopped an assassination attempt.  At that moment Haman shows up with bad intentions for Mordecai, but the king has other plans.  Haman ends up leading Mordecai out for a parade in his honor.  To make matters worse, based on Haman’s suggestion (and presumption that the parade would be for him), Mordecai gets to ride on a royal horse while wearing the king’s robe and crown. 

Talk about a plot twist and high place. But what struck me most is how both men responded to Mordecai’s ten minutes of fame.  Esther 6:14, “Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.”  Mordecai returned to the place where he faithfully and fervently waited to hear reports of Esther’s status and the Jews welfare.  Being at the gate for Mordecai was being positioned in prayer and watchful for those he loved. In our highest moments, greatest victories, and latest achievements, let’s not lose sight of the great role and status that serving and praying for the kingdom has in the sight of God and in the impact of changing lives.  In Colossians 4:2 the Apostle Paul exhorts the church, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Just as Esther needed Mordecai, the world around us needs Christians who will remain faithful in watching, fervent in prayer, and focused on the mission. Keep praying for your family and you will see God’s salvation. Keep praying for our nation and the world to see God’s peace. Keep praying for the most impossible situations and you will see God’s miracle power.  Keep praying at the gate and you will receive the King’s highest honor!  Psalm 5:2, “Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray.”

“God tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.”- Isaiah 40:11

Earlier this month I officiated a Celebration of Life Memorial for a family that doesn’t attend here.  The father had passed away, and the family had been rocked to its core. He was a faithful and loving father and grandfather. The family frequently described him as a strong rock and steadying presence. As we approached the day of the service, based on meetings and communications, I became keenly aware and sensitive to the family’s feeling of CAUTION about having “too spiritual” of a service.  The man who passed away was a believer, but none of the family attends church.  In their caution my heart was focused and determined to give them the extension of God’s heart and care to help them through the pain, the grief, and the loss.  1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Casting all your care upon God, for He cares for you.”

Just as I used CARE as the answer to the CAUTION, we can apply loving, gentle care for those whose wounds are still sensitive and stinging. This idea of CAUTIOUS CARE reminds me of how a parent will take a damp cloth that is warm (not scolding) and soft (not abrasive) to gently apply on the eye of a child who has gotten something in it.  The eye can be extremely sensitive, requiring a steady hand and a soft application.  One of the countless reasons we are to give thanks to God is for the gentle manner by which He attends to our very deep wounds.  Isaiah 66:13 provides us this powerful parental picture of God, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”

The great cleansing work of God is available to all who are hurting, afraid, and even have cautiously put a guard up to His loving care.  God’s work as our great physician is not rushed, is not harsh, is not a quick-fix, work-around, or cheap-alternative.  The Lord has the right instrument for the spiritual surgery needed and the right remedy for our present pain.  His touch makes us well, makes us whole, and transforms us.  Listen to the great numbers and great needs that came to Jesus in Matthew 14:35-36, “And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to Him and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touched it were healed.”

Back to the family and the memorial service.  It went well because they felt cared for, their father was honored, and the gospel of Jesus was shared.  I ended my message with these words from Psalm 62:1-2, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”  In the midst of great caution, there is greater care because Christ our greatest hope has come!

Ephesians 6:18- “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Different types of glue have different levels of strength for different types of tasks.  There is the classroom-go-to of Elmer’s Glue which kids around the world are using even as you read this.  There is hot glue for crafting and hobbies; Epoxy for serious bonding; Construction adhesive for big-time projects; and Super glue (Crazy or Gorilla) for instant repairs on cracked or broken items. 

Just as the stronger types of glue hold together much longer (and even stick to our hands), prayer is the glue that binds together our hearts to the Lord’s will, our earthly needs to heaven’s design, our mountain-sized obstacle to Jesus’ miracle answer!  Pray is not just a religious practice, but a petition to a God who hears, sees, moves, and answers.  The prayer taught by Jesus to His followers should still be applied to every area of life.  Matthew 6:10 Jesus offered this transformative prayer template, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Our prayers are pivotal in filling gaps, meeting needs, reaching hearts, changing situations and outcomes.  Picture your prayers as filling gaps in the same way we fill a bookshelf to keep books staying upright.  When you have a shelf that is missing some books, the rest of them tilt over and fall.  Not only does that not look great, but it can leave the books in a damaged state. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of the righteous person is powerful and effective.”  Our prayers in the spiritual realm are identifying the gaps, addressing the problem, and filling it through surrender to God’s master design and divine authority. Listen to God’s very plea to find people praying in Ezekiel 22:30, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not destroy it, but I found no one.”

Let’s make prayer a daily practice priority. One of the places we will keep focusing on, inviting people to, and filling our calendar with is being a praying church.  One of the most vivid occasions of Jesus rebuking the religious people and programs had to do with the lack of prayer for the exchange man-made systems.  In Matthew 21:13 He cried out (whips and all), “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.” 

Let me give you four opportunities to engage each member of the Trinity (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit) and to enhance your prayer life.

1. Take time each day to pray. Find a quiet space and bring along a notepad (or use your phone) to write down anything that comes to mind or any promptings on your heart.

2. Show up early (5-15 minutes) to your work, school, or other appointments/activities.  Rather than rushing to that place stay in your car and pray for God to be with you and help you.

3. Join us on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm (at the church) as we take thirty minutes to seek God in prayer for our lives, church, city, and world.

4. Attend our special National Day of Prayer Gathering (Thursday, May 7 – More details to come). 

 Praying not only brings perfect answers, but it connects us to God’s heart and will, as Proverbs 15:8 says, “the prayer of the upright pleases Him.”

Philippians 2:14- “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

Put down your weapons and put on your witness of Jesus.  It seems that everywhere we turn there are tensions, verbal/physical assaults, and a drawing a line in the sand mentality.  In the first month of baseball, the new technology to challenge ball and strike calls is raising the ire of managers, players, and umpires.  Daily talk shows (even non-political ones) seem more like verbal sparring and character assassination. Social media posts seem like poison arrows fired in every direction. In the recent nation-wide “No Kings” Protest, we see individuals on each side who are extremely passionate, quickly agitated, and giving little to no room for “the other”.  The visceral and the violence we see exploding everywhere does not seem to match the words of Jesus in the garden at His arrest in Mattew 26:52, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” Or from His first message in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

The saddest thing in my estimation is that we have lost the heart of finding a common ground—a place of meeting to reason and standing on the Solid Rock of our faith.  Watching the war of words and people being worlds apart has taken a toll on the Body of Christ. This does not mean that people cannot have differing views on matters, areas of conviction they are willing to voice, or even injustice that they seek to stand against.  What I am referring to is the cynical and judgmental comments coming from both sides that question the salvation and/or sincere faith of a person based on the person who votes a certain way or holds differing views.  This is not only a prideful position, but a dangerous one which will not end well.  In Luke 6:37-38 Jesus warned, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven…For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I believe the Church of Jesus should be leading the way and setting the standard in how we process difficult conversations, relationships, and issues.  Finding common ground does not mean complete agreement on every topic, but giving space and grace to better understand someone, to learn something without judging it, and to hold the relationship as of greater value than the viewpoint. This Wednesday (April 15 at 7 pm) we are going to put this Christ-type living to the test and seek a common ground as we address the topic: The Church and Politics, Immigration and Justice (with special guest Pastor Jennifer Thigpenn).  Despite this kind of topic seeming toxic and causing people great stress (many churches and believers want to avoid it), I look forward to leading us in a way that looks to the Bible, prioritizes humility, and extends love. Let’s come with not just “open” hearts but peace in our hearts and love for those who see things differently. 

 It is not about getting it right and proving others wrong, it is about living right in God’s eyes and giving grace to all wrongdoing.  Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.”- Psalm 62:1

 A season to forget and need for soul treatment. Before the worldwide pandemic of 2020, I went through a personal physical battle and panic in 2017. Throughout the summer of that year, I was not myself.  I felt physically off, which triggered multiple bouts of anxiety and a prolonged cycle of insomnia.  The struggle became exasperated by doctor visits which overlooked and misdiagnosed my symptoms.  After a couple of months passed, a fourth doctor’s visit finally brought a diagnosis. I had been struggling through a severe case of Sinusitis.  Blocked sinuses were triggering fatigue, anxiety, nasal congestion, and brain fog.  Not only was my body depleted, but I became irate by what went undetected for so long. 

 Fast-forward and faith-forward to 2026, I wonder if there are areas going undetected that are dealing significant blows to us physically, emotionally, and spiritually?  As we continue in this year of Growing Maturity let’s not misdiagnose the pain we feel and the needs we have.  The Lord is wanting to bring healing, wholeness, liberty, and fullness to our lives.  In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus gives one of the most wise, compassionate and transformative invitations, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

 Soul Care is just as crucial to our personal calendars as Spring cleaning.  Our recent spring teaching series, THE GREAT GETAWAY, highlighted the huge benefit that comes with getting away for personal time with God.  And we are just a few weeks away from our SOUL CARE MINI RETREAT (May 1-2).  This retreat is a pivotal prescription for any of us who are dealing with misdiagnosed pain and needs. This time is meant to provide a safe space and even a healing place for issues like emotional overload, external pressures, anxiety, depression, family wounds, and past trauma.  There will be intentional teachings, intimate times of worship and prayer, impactful resources, and a “Jesus Invitation” to receive what you need. Use link for more information and to register-crosspointscv.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3522502

 Even in my fifties, being a pastor, someone who spends daily time with God and is committed to following Jesus, I can see places that need His help and care. I still need to open to His work over issues such as abandonment, shame, and self-worth. He is still revealing and redeeming places that need a touch. I am thankful for the way Jesus redeemed my life over thirty-five years ago and I am open to the ways He continues to address the areas in me that need newness, wholeness, and freedom. I will be at SOUL CARE RETREAT to encounter Him, grow in Him, and find my true identity in Him.  I would love to see you and join you on this journey!

John 14:1- “Jesus said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me.”

 Seeing is believing.  Most everyone has heard or uttered that phrase before.  We are looking for proof and evidence before taking the next step, trusting a person, or making a transaction.  Because of letdowns from others and the circumstances we face, we sometimes fail to see or trust in the Lord’s working in our lives.   Sometimes the hardest place to trust God is not in a series of commands to follow, but in the faith steps He is asking us to firmly take. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

 Jesus calls for BELIEF. In John 14:1, He is calling the disciples to believe in Him in the same manner that they believe in God. We may say, “Of course, He is Jesus, I am a believer!”  But those Jewish men who knew YAHWEH, the Creator of the Heavens/Earth, the Promise maker to Abraham, the Deliverer out of Egypt, the Mighty Warrior over stronger nations, were being called to place their same and complete trust in Jesus to be just as faithful, merciful, and powerful.  John 12:44-45, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me only, but in the One who sent Me. The one who looks at Me is seeing the One who sent Me.”

 Easter is a day to believe in the greatest miracle and celebrate the biggest victory. Jesus has risen, death is defeated, and the tomb is empty!  The evidence showed that Jesus was gone from the grave, yet His followers needed to have faith that He was truly and fully alive.  At first, their lack of seeing Him caused a lack of believing in His resurrection.  But soon enough and sure enough they would believe and even behold Him.  When Jesus encountered Thomas in John 20:29, He showed him the living proof (nail-pierced hands) and spoke, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 

This Easter Jesus is still working in dead places and bringing miracle life to us. As we choose to connect belief to our hearts we allow for the entrance of the impossible that only God does. When our hearts stay connected to belief in Jesus (like a USB to a device) our seeing, our hearing, and our thinking begins to operate at full capacity, have clarity and be in complete harmony with the truth He speaks and the works He does.  Romans 5:5 tells us, “And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who He has given us.”  Take Him at His Word and trust in His resurrection power to bring health to your body, bring breakthrough in your finances, bring change to the hardest relationship you have, bring hope to a long-standing prayer or cry you have given up hope of ever seeing take place.

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego…He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual.”- Daniel 3:17, 19

 Is it hot in here?  We ask the question when feeling extremely pressured or cornered into what feels like a no-win situation. The pressure cookers of life can come from almost any direction: deadlines at work, financial woes with the skyrocketing costs of living, giving our kids the childhood we didn’t have, a heated conversation with a friend over a hot button topic, a personal attack of your character that you want to address with an immediate and equally harsh reply.

God’s reach is not just for a marvelous rescue but also for a mighty victory. The three young men in Babylon were facing the heat for not bowing down to the king.  In the pressure they faced they positioned themselves by faith, standing firm in God’s loving care and mighty hand.  In Isaiah 41:10 God declares, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” God is reaching to the hardest places in your life, the darkest places in our world, and the most pressing situations that seem without relief.  He is reaching to you with victory!

Even when the pressure rises, you will not perish!  Notice that King Nebuchadnezzar calls for the furnace to be set at a record heat index (much like last week in our city and across the nation).  It is not the average type of pressure they are facing, but an all-time attack, a do or die moment.  As a pastor, I feel unique pressures in caring for people, rightly stewarding my time and church resources, in preparing a message from God’s Word, standing before hundreds every Sunday to declare it (that is a big-time pressure for someone who had a fear of public speaking growing up).  I want to encourage you that when the stakes are highest, God’s salvation is higher.  In John 10:27-28 Jesus declares, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.”

 Let praise of God, bowing down in His presence, be your faith response when the pressures are wanting you to kneel in defeat.  In our trust we give thanks.  For His goodness we display gratitude. For His mercy and might we make a joyful noise and take a faithful stand.  In 2 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul gives praise despite the pressures, “Known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” 

 The pressures around you and around our world may be rising, but God is reaching to those who cry out, stand firm, and trust in Him.

Emojis have taken over! We use various images like smiling faces, praying hands, fireworks/confetti to express what we are feeling and to accentuate our communication with one another. Whether you feel emojis are being used too much or are too silly, there is actually an image that speaks to our identity, hope, and why we live out our faith with such joy, purpose, and mission.

It is all about the CROSS! The Cross communicates so much and is a stand-alone symbol of significance (may I say it is even an "eternal emoji"). The Cross is where Jesus paid the price, delivered peace, and ushered us back into a personal and precious relationship with God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 tells us, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

We are CROSSPOINT because fulness of life and perfect love flows from the CROSS! At the cross we are moved from enemies to friends; from far to near; from debt to deep love. In John 5:24 Jesus declared, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my words and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” The cross is where heaven and earth meet; the place different people can find common ground. It was from the cross that Jesus uttered a forgiveness that was meant to remove all offenses. Luke 23:34, “Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

The vertical and horizontal converge at THE MIDDLE of the Cross. That would have been where Jesus’ chest/heart were. I believe that Jesus would say to us, “I took it here (nails in the hands) to bring you here (near to my heart).” From His heart, He wants Democrats and Republicans to meet there; those who liked the Bad Bunny half-time show and those who didn’t; those who see vaccines as saving us from unnecessary diseases and those who think it is sheepish to obey these controlling rules; those who see low-income housing as bringing more people and those who see it as bringing bad crowds. The Cross is where we find forgiveness; see deep love; meet despite our differences; put aside all secondary issues. 2 Corinthians 5:18, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

As we approach Easter (April 5) allow the message, gift, love and power of the cross to be activated in your life. Easter is where the stoned was rolled away leading to His victory over death, but the cross is where love flowed allowing our debt to be paid in full and every division to be removed. Ephesians 2:14, 16, “For Christ Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. And in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.”

Throw up your prayer hands, hearts, and happy faces because the cross is still communicating vividly and working wonderfully!

“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”- Matthew 11:30

The above words of Jesus may be ones that I quote most frequently, because it tops the list of important reminders needed to steady my path and free me up from undue burdens. My tendency to be task-oriented and overthink things quickly escalates to an unsettled and anxiety filled state. This precarious position is far from the peaceful places God promises. In Psalm 23:1-2 David celebrates with confidence and calm, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.”

At a recent men’s gathering we were having a discussion about the challenges in trusting and following Jesus. During the convo, I was surprised by an admission my soul was about to utter aloud, “My struggle in being like Jesus is I linger in my stress far longer than I should.” What I discovered in that moment was that when I linger in my stress it is extremely hard to live in my Savior. It is not that Jesus is rejecting me from bringing my burdens to Him, but that those burdens block my sight line and hearing levels, keeping me confused, distanced, and afraid. My stress lingers on how to pay the bills, on why a person hasn’t responded to my note, or why a family member keeps having struggles. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Being “IN” Christ Jesus is the key whenever we find ourselves in these desperate, deep stress places of life. As I consider why I allow stress to linger, I also find that Jesus did not allow it to in His own life (He even slept during a storm). It is not that Jesus never faced high pressure, high leverage situations. If anything, it felt like He was always being pressed to meet a need, defend His actions, answer a question, stare hate and death in the face. And we also see that Jesus was deeply moved with compassion for the crowds, weeping at Lazarus’ tomb, being heartbroken by the religious leaders’ rejection, being disturbed by the disciple’s lack of faith. But He didn’t allow the stresses to linger. Even at the point of death, as He prayed in the garden, our Savior spoke these words of surrender in Matthew 26:39, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

When the stress builds up and is hovering over you, be sure to accept Jesus’ invitation to draw near and download all the weights, chains, and needs you have. Hebrews 10:22 says, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Coming to Jesus will make you feel lighter and have you looking and living more like Him!

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”- Romans 15:1-2

Accidents can cause a standstill and series of challenges.  Anyone who has been in an accident knows the shock of the collision, the damage to the vehicle, and the lingering body bruises that take a toll on our physical well-being, our minds, our bank accounts, and our schedules.  For those who have seen an accident, we know that traffic on the road slows down but very few stop to offer any true help and comfort. 

A primary mission of the church is to deliver hope to the world and help to the needy.  As believers we need to be “the few” who do stop to assist people amid the accidents of life.  The word of the Holy Spirit to us is that we would rush into the crash site to rescue people out of the wreckages of this life and world.  Jude 22-23 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupt flesh.”

When it comes to SAVING SOULS there is a need for a quick response, decisive action, and bold conviction.  Nothing should be as urgent to us and cause us to “be ready in season and out of season” as reaching the lost and broken.  In Luke 5:31-32 Jesus declared, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” With Easter approaching (April 5th), let’s become more aware of the many around us who need the gift of eternal life and the good news of resurrection life.  Invite a friend to church, engage in some faith conversations, offer to pray for people’s needs, share a good word and do a kind deed that displays God’s love. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves souls.”

Just as there needs to be a priority for the spiritual crash site there also needs to be patience and compassion for the person’s recovery.   As urgent as we need to be about sharing our faith we need to be even more understanding about the processing and progression of a person’s faith.  Just as a real accident may mean weeks (or months) of physical rehab for the individual and the vehicle being in the repair shop, we need to be compassionate and long-suffering as the person mends, moans, and make small steps in their faith journey.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:14 the apostle Paul writes, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”  In every season as a community, let’s help people with reading the Bible, offer godly instruction for their complex challenges, walk with them through areas of weakness and temptation, encourage young believers to stay connected on Sundays, in serving, and in attending a small group. 

People need your help at the crash site and your grace during the crash repair.  Let’s spring into action leading people to Jesus and let’s stay the course loving people to health!

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”- Ephesians 6:18

One of the seasons to circle on our calendars is Lent. Lent began last Wednesday (February 18) and will lead us to Easter. Lent is a 40-day, solemn Christian season of fasting, prayer, repentance, and doing charitable deeds. It symbolizes Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). The term originates from the Old English word, lencten, meaning "spring" or "lengthening".

As we begin the Lent season and head towards our Easter celebration, I am focused on giving my life, my daily needs, and the mission before us in prayer. Prayer is much more than an instrument to be implemented, it is a direct communication which brings intimate relationship with God and the impact of His perfect will into our personal lives. In Matthew 6:9-10 Jesus provided a model of how to pray, “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Prayer connects our dependency to God, releasing His wisdom and power from above. One of the most striking features and examples of Jesus’ own life was how often He was found alone in prayer with the Father. Time after time we see the Son prioritizing fellowship with, looking to, leaning on, and receiving from the Father.

Luke 5:16- “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Matthew 14:23- “After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray.”

Mark 1:35- “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

In this Year of Growing Maturity (our church’s theme for 2026) one of the best ways to deepen your faith is to map out daily times of prayer. Prayer can be done anywhere and with almost any activity. You can pray while driving or on a walk; while doing household chores or grocery shopping; when choosing what to eat, what flight to book, or what classes to take; when you first wake up, when you lie down to sleep at night, and everywhere in between! Colossians 4:2 reminds us, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

If you are needing some prayer prompts for the Lent Season, here are some great ways to stay seeking the Lord and find yourself regularly in His throne room:

1. Take a walk in your neighborhood each day, praying for neighbors, schools, and other businesses/organizations you pass by.

2. Each day choose a specific topic/people to pray for. An example would be on Monday pray for family members; Tuesday for friends; Wednesday for pastors; Thursday for political leaders and peace in land/world; Friday for police officers, firefighters, and teachers; Saturday for homeless and sick.

3. Each day set aside ten minutes to pray for a different continent. I introduced this to our church last month.

4. Be sure to pray before each meal (whether alone or with others).

5. Start with prayer before a meeting, an appointment, an exam, giving your offering.

That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. One of the most iconic quotes in human history came to us about 250,000 miles away on July 20, 1969 from astronaut Neil Armstrong. This pivotal, unprecedented moment arrived as man had landed on the moon. Talk about an astronomical announcement and awe-inspiring advancement in space exploration and human achievement.

One of the things I have been processing in this new year is the need for my steps (each one) to be ordered by the Lord. In our daily pursuits and pressing needs let’s learn to listen to His voice, trust in His ways, and walk in a clarity and confidence that has us moving forward and possessing promise. One of the challenges is that we tend to look way in advance for the answers and arrivals for which we are hoping. By doing this we may miss the importance of what God is teaching us about, guiding us in and providing for us today. Proverbs 17:24 tells us, “A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.”

Your NEXT STEP is just as important as a BIG STEP. We get locked into searching for the “final destination” of our breakthrough, our job search, our healing, who our spouse will be (for the singles out there), our next home, our big break or epiphany moment. It is not that believing for these “BIG” things are wrong, as God calls us to have “mustard seed” faith and “move mountain” type prayers. But our faith in God to make a way and open a door, is about simple trust and staying on His path. Each inch forward can bring the increase to our faith! I have said before that when it comes to God’s signs and answers that often we are looking for the big billboard, but He is sending us daily postcards. Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

An example of taking the next step over the big step has been lived out in our church family by those seeking employment. I have been deeply encouraged and spiritually inspired by multiple women and men who keep asking for prayer when knocking on different job doors; who have kept a positive and joyous outlook even when a job has been offered, but the hire date and paperwork is lagging; who have taken on a temporary assignment with a peaceful perspective that this is a placeholder until God brings the better answer. Their ability to take a next step without needing to know timelines and outcomes speaks to a faith that is on the move and maturing leaps and bounds (Neil Armstrong style). Hebrews 10:23 tells us, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Let’s live out that type of faith, obedience, and joyful expectation with each step, with each test, with each setback, and with each day. God is good and will cause a “LIFT OFF” and LANDING SPOT for you that will end up being the perfect place and powerful answer you have been longing for. Psalm 37:23, “The Lord makes firm steps of the one who delights in Him.”

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”- 2 Corinthians 3:18

It’s hard to keep up with how much things are changing! Each year that passes reminds us of how quickly life goes by and brings with it a whole new set of definitions, demands, and realities. Each year new lingo (words) is added to the dictionary; there’s inflation from the grocery store to the gas pump; new laws get passed that cause confusion, complaint, and consternation. Take for example, plastic bags are no longer available in stores. The outcry makes it seem that something apocalyptic has taken place.

As we continue forward, digging in deeper to God, maturing in our faith, and growing as people, the Lord is calling us to CATCH UP TO THE CHANGE. We are designed for newness in Jesus which requires a daily shedding away of the old ways, thinking, and practices that keep us stuck and stunted in our growth potential and powerful purpose. In Ephesians 4:22-24 the Apostle Paul calls us to more, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

We must believe that change is possible because of the God who can do the impossible! There are many instances in the Bible where God shows up to a stuck people and situation to declare that He is about to move and make a way. From providing a miracle child to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 18) to providing water for the army of Israel without rain (2 Kings 3), God would often speak out, “Is anything too hard for Me?” Even if the length of time your life has looked and felt the same seems endless, believe again that God can bring change this year and even right now. Believe for it, look out for it, and contend for it. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

The time is now to get unstuck from the old and live in the brand-new Jesus has for you. Let’s have an open heart, a childlike faith, and a “breaking boundaries” bold prayer life that moves us from staying in the past to experiencing a transformative and triumphant life in Christ. Let’s believe that God can change our attitudes about others, a behavioral pattern that keeps on doing damage, a spouse who shows no signs of caring. In Matthew 18:3 Jesus declared, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Do not allow what God has before you and ahead for you to pass you by.

You do not have to keep up with the new trends and laws to be caught up with all the change, simply put your faith and focus on Jesus and you will find even greater life and freedom for the days ahead!

“About Benjamin he said: ‘Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.”- Deuteronomy 33:12

The world can feel like a scary place. From Minnesota to Iran, from Nigeria to Cambodia, there seems to be chaos, struggle, and pain everywhere. It is not that the darkness in our world has changed overnight or eclipsed previous generations, but there is something uniquely unsettling about the days we live in. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

One of the major differences comes in the question we now ask of whether it is safe to go outside or not. Back in my day (I am sounding old) kids playing outside was the norm and not even given a thought, but today there is a long pause, unnerving fear, the need for greater diligence and vigilance in watching their whereabouts. I remember a phone call from a parent following 9/11, who was deeply concerned about our youth group attending a large event in September 2001. There are still times when I am in public spaces that I survey my surroundings and wonder about any threats. In these tense-filled and fear-thinking times, I try to remember the prayer Jesus made for all of us in John 17:15, “My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

It is not just parents who are nervous, I have found that God’s people are struggling to know who is safe, where is safe, and what is safe anymore. In the Bible we see even the mightiest men of faith, Elijah and Paul, hiding from what they perceived to be imminent danger and intense opposition In Acts 18:9-10 Jesus visits Paul with this reassurance, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” We need to remember that our true peace and safety come from the Lord. The storms may not subside, the enemies may not stop their threats, the news reports may not show promising signs, but we can still believe for God’s loving care, watchful eye, and protective hand to be over us. Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Is it safe to go outside? YES, when we remember that the Lord is with us wherever we go! Colossians 1:13 says, “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.” Go about your daily life. Go with peace and confidence in His love and power. Go to the tough places and the tough people that God has assigned to you. Go in the name of the Lord, in the strength of the Lord, and with the Lord always on and by your side. Go with the directions of His divine light found in Romans 13:12, “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”- Matthew 28:18-20

What is a new responsibility or reality you have in 2026? Whether it is starting a job, enrolling for classes, tackling a home project, enjoying the beginning stages of a relationship, or adding a hobby, new assignments may be part of your new year. January has jumped me into a new family reality with my firstborn son getting married, which means I have a daughter-in-law…wow! We all are candidates for “wow mode” with a clear focus and increased joy for the new life God has in 2026. In Isaiah 43:18-19 God declares, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Another new reality comes with my role as pastor. Since coming to Crosspoint (another JOYFUL “WOW”), each year I ask the Lord for two new and focused assignments which I call “My Ministry Faith Initiatives.” And the two words that the Holy Spirit has impressed on my heart for this calendar year are MISSIONS and RETREATS. The true focus to these faith initiatives is that we would be committed to Getting Alone with Jesus (Retreats) and Going Around the World with Jesus (Missions). The above words of Jesus from the end of Matthew’s Gospel may be the most used Scripture when it comes to our mission and assignment as Disciples. Jesus is with us evermore as we go everywhere with His good news. 1 John 1:3 also speaks to our dwelling with and declaring of Jesus, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”

In 2026 our getting alone with Jesus will include:

- March teaching series on The Power of Getting Away. From any given moment to an hour a day, one day a week, to an extended season, we will learn the strength and security that comes by being with Christ.

- SOUL CARE Mini-Retreat on May 1-2 (Friday and Saturday) will focus on refreshing and overcoming areas such as anxiety, depression, family wounds, and past trauma.

- DIRECTIONAL Mini-Retreat on September 25-26 (Friday and Saturday) will focus on gaining clarity for the different seasons and transitions in life.

- CREATIVES Mini-Retreat in Fall (TBD) to allow people’s gifting to be inspired and flourish among other creatives.

In 2026 our going around the world with Jesus will include a:

- Summer missions trip/team to Spain. For more details, please go to our website at crosspointscv.org.

- Sunday Missions Experience (March 1 after each service) where you can encounter the cultures of different countries and learn what God is doing in the many nations/missionaries we support monthly.

- Weekend inner city missions team in the spring/summer. We will head to San Francisco to partner with a Foursquare church and share the love of Jesus in word and deed.

Mission Retreat is all about drawing near to Jesus and declaring far the Good News!

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”- Matthew 11:28-30

Sluggish and spread thin to start 2026!  That was how I was feeling out of the gates and how some leaders described our first two Sundays of the new year (not how you want to recap a church service).  The collective weariness at the start of the year seems paradoxical, but also completely logical.  The rush of December, the joy of Christmas, and host of holiday happenings, made it feel like we were traveling on the Polar Express.  And personally, our family went from the wonder of Christmas to the wedding celebration for our oldest son. I told people my first week back at church, “We are overjoyed and overly exhausted at the same time.”

I woke up last Monday to the great news of feeling like my normal self again.  I felt refreshed, energized, and focused for the season ahead.  As I pondered the sudden turnaround (nothing to do with a sugar spike, BTW), I realized the cause for my week-long weariness was due to relying on adrenaline rather than abiding in Jesus.  I am not saying we should never feel tired or that we shouldn’t find time to rest, but that the lasting rest we need comes from God.  Hebrews 4:9-10 says, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.”

Adrenaline can keep you in a cycle of anxious feelings and unsustainable patterns. The adrenaline cycle (which always crashes) is like the replaying of a bad movie or retelling a bad joke.  As I was able to label ADRENALINE as the cause of my overwhelming weariness, I recognized this has happened more than on one occasion.  Working on adrenaline alone has been the cause of emotional swings, getting off to a great start on something only to fizzle out shortly after (like New Year’s resolutions), and not recognizing the warning signs to things like fatigue or fear.  Jesus poses the problem to us in Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

The key to living out our God-given call, navigating the lengthy and busy seasons of life, while being healthy and strong for the long-haul happens through our ABIDING in Christ.  If adrenaline brings short bursts and sudden falls, abiding keeps us covered and strengthened beyond our natural means.  Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Learning to abide and live in Christ brings unmatched peace, strength, and focus.  Look at the reason the Apostle Paul gives when he claims to be pursuing God and pressing forward at such a great pace. 1 Corinthians 15:10- “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” The three “grace” are the definition of abiding over adrenaline. 

Are you tired? Yes, take a nap…but also find rest in Christ.  Overwhelmed with emotion? Yes, take time to weep or rejoice…but also give your feelings to Jesus.  Sluggish and spread thin?  Yes, take it easier…but also ease into the arms of the One who will give you endurance for the year ahead.

I’m a big fan!  These may be the only words we can nervously muster when meeting someone famous or someone we admire.  When finally meeting a mentor or role model we have followed from afar, we try to adequately express our sincere appreciation and define the dramatic deposit they have made. I have the same type of people whose books, podcasts, weekly sermons, and life stories have made such an indelible impression that I feel indebted to them.  In two instances, I was able to not only meet the person but have enjoyed an ongoing relationship with them. And I am glad to report that these two “Big Deal” men have turned out to be the “Real Deal” when it comes to faith, character, loving Jesus and loving others. 

One of the great needs in our life is to find these types of people and identify what in them displays Christ so authentically and vividly.  We can learn from them, grow with them, and become all Christ has called us to be with the help of them.  Philippians 3:17 Paul writes, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”  There are people near and far, who have modeled something special, made a rich deposit that keeps resourcing us, and who have made it clear we can depend on them to pick up the phone at any moment, provide insight to any issue, love us unconditionally through any shortcoming, and inspire us to not give up in any struggle.

One of the best ways for our faith and life to grow is through a deep affection and admiration of others.  One of the phrases that has become quite common is “Appreciate you!”  It used to be that we would say, “I appreciate it/that.”  It is interesting that we have shifted the focus from an item being handled to the individual who has helped us. And Christ’s example is the best when it comes to service and sacrifice; care and compassion; patience and pure love; gifts in word and deed. In Ephesians 5:1-2 we read, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loves us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” 

There are people in our lives who are worth watching, celebrating, and resembling.  It is time to be appreciating the people (from daily relationships to distanced role models) who display godly attributes, sweet-spirited personalities, giftings in a particular skill/field, and Christlikeness in their faith.  In 2 Timothy 1:10, the Apostle Paul reminds Timothy, “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance.” Take time to MAKE NOTE of how they live; take time to WRITE A NOTE to express your appreciation to them; and take time to HIT THE RIGHT NOTE in living out your faith in a similar and worthy manner.

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”- 2 Peter 2:2-3

I wonder who out there set the record for trips to Costco in December? I am not a huge fan of Costco when it comes to the crowds, size of the store, and innumerable products that suck you into overbuying. The samples, however, are worth all the other headaches. I am most definitely getting my 10,000 daily steps in by going around the store for some taste-testing.

Starting the year in the Scriptures is necessary for faith to grow and hearts to be enriched. One of the primary assignments I have as a pastor and one of the key measurements as to our church’s health and success is based on people growing in the Word of God. The Living Word of God is meant to deposit life-giving truth, answers, direction, and promises to all who will read it, yield to it, and be led by it. The prophet declares in Jeremiah 15:16, “When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, Lord God Almighty.”

Because of the foundational truth and the transformational power of Scripture, we must find ourselves studying it and standing on it. Spending more time reading the Bible in 2026 will bring benefit to your personal life, relationships, and pursuits, not to mention discovering how to please God and defend against the temptations of the flesh and the trappings of the devil. In Matthew 4:4 Jesus stood the test by standing on truth, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

With the start of January, let me share some ways to sample Scriptures that will mature your faith and grow your understanding:

1. Read it Daily- Start today, because even one chapter (about 5 minutes of reading) will bring healthy change. If you do not know where to start, I suggest the Gospel of John and Psalms. For me personally, I read at least four chapters daily (one Old Testament, one New Testament, one Psalm, and one Proverb).

2. Memorize One Scripture Weekly/Monthly- Whether you use an online Bible app or look at our monthly church emails, you can begin to capture one verse to reflect on and recite. Each birthday I memorize a Scripture based on the age I am turning. This year’s is 1 Kings 5:4, “But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, free from adversary or misfortune.” Pretty inspiring, right?

3. Study a specific topic with a Bible Story and Single Scripture- This is a wonderful way to learn and find patterns when it comes to the Lord’s heart and will. For example, if you were wanting to study overcoming FEAR you could read the story of Jesus calming the storm (Luke 8:22-25) or the command in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” You could do almost any topic study like this (i.e.- hope, peace, healing, provision, etc.)

Try some Living Word samples and taste the incredible riches of god’s truth and promise.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the heard, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

- Ephesians 4:15-16

New Year brings a heightened focus and desire to start out of the gates strong. People want to set a tone, turn a corner, and take off into a life of health, maturity, achievement, and fulfillment. And wearing the right shoes is important for the path ahead and this faith race we are in. Dress shoes don’t work on a basketball court, sneakers with no tread slip you up on a steep hike, and no sandals on the hot sand is torture. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 the Apostle Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Getting started means going forward while growing further in our faith in Christ and fellowship in the church community. At CROSSPOINT 2026 is themed "Year of Growing Maturity" as we look to make room for God to work in astounding and increasing ways in our lives. Making room for God is way better than making resolutions. Making a resolution is something we determine is needed while attempting with self-discipline to see happen. Making room for God is where we allow His desires to come alive within through His Word and Spirit, surrendering to Him and staying in step with His ways and working. Ephesians 5:10 encourages us with this simple target, “and find out what pleases the Lord.”

Are you ready to allow the Lord to grow you deeper? He wants to see your faith built up, your heart filled up, and your purpose lived out! Growing maturity means we are living in His freedom and in true fulfillment. Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Your growth can take off in January with our Sunday teaching series, STARTING LINE, which focuses on living in a way that prioritizes Jesus, resembles Jesus, and leads others to Jesus. 1 John 2:6 says, "Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did." January is also a great time to move your faith beyond Sundays by attending All Day Prayer (1/7 from 7 am-7pm), our Wednesday Discipleship Nights, participating in Small Groups, and joining others in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting (January 5-26). Check out our website crosspointscv.org/events for more information.

“Put on your dancing shoes” may signal getting ready for a good time, well I am here to proclaim, “Put on your discipleship shoes” and get ready to grow like never before!

Weekly Devo- A good word from Pastor Leaf

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”- Luke 1:46-47

Silent Night. Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The First Noel. Joy to the World. O Come, All Ye Faithful.

We don’t need a clue or to be a Jeopardy Champion to correctly answer that the above list are beloved carols we play and sing repeatedly in December. Whereas people enjoy the presents, the decorations, and the holiday gatherings, one of my favorite things about Christmas is the carols. The melodic and joyful overtures that are on playlists, on Kost 103.5, and blaring through store PA systems, has my heart full of peace and praise, gratitude and glee, celebration and comfort. Psalm 147:1 tells us, “Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!”

The most important thing about singing carols is it centers our celebration on Christ. The songs above are not just beautiful musically but bring the miracle message of our Savior’s coming to us in such a memorable and meaningful way. There is something so special and necessary about our singing and rejoicing in God. Philippians 4:4 calls for rejoicing to be resident within us, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Not only does the Christmas narrative include Mary and Zechariah singing about His favor and goodness; not only do the angels declare in chorus the Messiah’s arrival; and not only does Jesus say the rocks would cry out if we do not give praise; but we are designed to worship and called to give God the worth He alone deserves. Psalm 40:3 says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.”

With Christmas week here, let’s take time to celebrate with joyful singing. Let’s create a faith praise-list by listening to carols, reflecting on their deep meaning, and lifting our voices in chorus. Here are some ways to get your voice and your joy back this Christmas:

1. Join us at our Christmas Eve Services (Wednesday at 2:30 pm and 4 pm) as we welcome the Savior’s Birth with song, the reading of the story, a hope-filled message, and candle lighting.

2. Consider singing a carol before opening presents. I know that many families have a tradition of reading from the Scriptures, but perhaps including a favorite, faith-filled carol, will bring more meaning to your gathering.

May this Christmas be a time where hearts are believing, faces are beaming, and voices are booming with the gift of Jesus! Colossians 3:16, “Let the message of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Weekly Devo- A good word from Pastor Leaf

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”- Romans 15:4

The work of a parent during Christmas should require a manual or at least a Thank You Card. For those with kids in the house the final gift opened does not mean you get a breather. Oh no (not Ho, Ho, Ho), for many parents, even after shopping frantically all month; fervently wrapping and quietly placing gifts under the tree late on Christmas Eve; and waking up (before the rooster crows) on December 25th to exhibit the joy of Christmas morning, are still “clocked in” to ASSEMBLE the gifts. The work of a parent during the holiday season matches an elf in Santa’s Workshop.

When it comes to the building of our faith, like assembling a gift, following instructions is important. Skipping a step, missing a bolt/screw, misreading the directions, or not seeing the example image clearly could mean starting over or even worse, an inoperable object. In Proverbs 1:2-3, 7 King Solomon is very clear in the steps that lead to spiritual success and happy days, “For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

For a follower of Jesus, walking in wisdom is key, yet we often are reticent and resistant to God’s rich instruction. What should be supplying to all, is strangely enough neglected and rejected by many. In 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Paul addresses this problematic behavior, “Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gave you the Holy Spirit.”. Because of how instruction makes us feel in our daily lives, we tend to stay clear and be scared away from God’s words of truth that will bring great help, greater clarity, and the greatest strength to our lives. People walk away from a doctor’s visit who tells them to make healthier decisions feeling guilty. People walk away from the car mechanic claiming more work is needed with suspicion. And people walk away from a low-test score or poor grade in school feeling shame.

A key step in making room for instruction is to RECEIVE from God and REGULATE any areas that we allow to run out ahead or run out of control in our lives. To do this we need to slow down enough to allow Him to speak to us and we need to be honest enough to address our weaknesses and take responsibility for our actions. In Psalm 32:8 the Lord says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” Allow God’s instruction to speak to and shape you when you are reading the Bible, in times of prayer, when listening to a sermon, when at your job, when sitting at the dinner table having a family discussion, and even by exhibiting someone else’s behavior that either serves as a warning (negatively) or an example (positively).

Following instructions at the holidays are beneficial for cooking, shopping, getting to a party, and even assembling a gift, but following God’s instructions are a necessity which will bring miracle life and maturity this Christmas.

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

- Luke 2:13-14

One of the things about Christmas my kids absolutely love and look forward to (even being older) is the ADVENT CALENDAR. We have the same advent calendar from twenty-plus years ago, with a star that the kids move each day. Each of our kids still receives a chocolate-filled advent calendar from Trader Joe’s. And one of my “go to” Christmas gifts for Joanie is a new calendar for her to put down key dates (no need to keep it a secret…she already knows it’s coming).

Speaking of calendars, our Christmas season at CROSSPOINT is packed and I couldn’t be happier. A busy calendar can make someone feel rushed and exhausted, but I am rejoicing and expecting great gifts at our gatherings. We have loaded up our December schedule in hopes for many people to have a life-giving and life-changing encounter with the Savior. We want people to celebrate and connect, to meet Jesus and mature in the faith. The journey of the Wise Men reminds us of the unspeakable joy that comes from meeting Jesus. Matthew 2:10-11, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Like my first church, The Church On The Way, we have FOUR major events/gatherings that are meant to navigate us to the nativity, where we can receive the gift of Jesus’ residing joy, peace, and light. When the angels sang in chorus, “Glory to God in the highest…” there comes a heavenly display in the night sky and an invitation of hope that changes the landscape. Notice how lives are changed by an encounter with Light of the World. Luke 2:20, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” That is how I want the Advent Calendar to Come Alive at our church, in your home, and in our city this Christmas!

We are praying for more Visuals, Voices, Visitors, and Victories this Christmas. I am believing for the Visuals and Voices presented at each of our events will lead to many Visitors hearing about the Christmas Story and receiving the gift of Victory that comes in Christ! We have four major (not manger) Christmas Gatherings this December. Our first took place this past weekend as 200 hundred families received a beautiful tree. This Sunday (12/14 at 9 am and 11 am) we have an amazing Kid’s Presentation entitled, “The Best Gift of Christmas”. And there is still a delicious church potluck party (12/17 at 7 pm) and beautiful Christmas Eve Candle lighting Services (12/24 at 2:30 pm and 4 pm) to look forward to. Let’s believe that these celebrations will bring family members, friends, and neighbors, our way so we can point them to the One who is The Way.

Can’t wait for each day of the Christmas calendar and for each person to meet Christ!

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.’ He said this to show what kind of death He was going to die.”- John 12:32-33

One of the determining factors of our Christmas decorating theme and presentation is the TREE TOPPER. The choice of a star, an angel, a ribbon, or something outside of the box (talk about a new Christmas pun) is often a centerpiece symbol for our celebration. Not only does it stand on top of our tree (and hopefully straight), but it can stand out from all the ornaments, stockings, lights, stuffed animals, and other holiday décor.

The miracle of Christmas in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is the highlight and hope to our celebration. He was born to shine the light of God to a dark world and He came to die on a cross to save us from a debt we could never satisfy. John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This truth about the Incarnation has had an incredible impact on me recently. What is blessing my heart and blowing my mind, is that in the Old Testament Moses asked to see God’s glory and was told that was not a possibility (Exodus 33:18-20). Yet, here in John, with the coming of Christ all can behold Him and fix their eyes on the brightness of the Glorious One! 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, who are with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Just as the tree topper is in clear view for all to behold, so is the glory of Jesus and all He gave to us both in His life and death. May this Christmas season be a brilliant reminder that we have something far more beautiful than a fixture on top of a tree, but a Savior who died on one for you and me! Galatians 3:13-14 tells us, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.”

All December we will be in a series, ALWAYS CHRISTMAS, as we come to discover that we are not simply in a month-long season of rejoicing, but a lifelong blessing of remaining in Jesus and receiving from Him. Our Savior has come with perfect gifts, always delivering light, peace, joy, and redemption. Hear the good news and see the bright light of Christmas, just as the angels declared through chorus in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

Let’s receive, let’s rejoice, and let’s live in His radiant light!

“How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I am awake, I am still with You.”- Psalm 139:17-18

I have always been astounded by super organized people. It is impressive and slightly intimidating to see a person who has a neat desk, an immaculate garage, a perfectly aligned utensil drawer, and a color coordinated kids calendar of chores, activities, and school projects that would make a drill sergeant proud (I was just aiming for my kids to be wearing matching socks).

Being organized becomes a key as we come to Thanksgiving and the holidays. We create a grocery list for Thursday’s feast; we create a guest list of who will be celebrating with us around the table; and we create a gift list for Christmas that goes into effect on Black Friday (and maybe even earlier). As we enter Thanksgiving week, it is just as important to have an organized and overflowing list of all that God has done in our lives. He has been good, He has been faithful, He has remained true, and He has been by your side this entire time. Hebrews 13:15 tells us, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

Like any list, having a Thanksgiving list of what God has done helps us to better REMEMBER all the ways He showered us with His love and strengthened us in our faith. The more we remember in the goodness of God and rejoice in His overcoming outcomes for us, the more we will be able to withstand the next wave of testing and trials that come. In 1 Chronicles 16:12 King David declares, “Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced.”

This Thanksgiving whether it is with others around the table or in your own personal time of reflection, be sure to break out your list of how God has loved you perfectly, supplied for you abundantly, and led you faithfully. Give Him thanks for the answered prayers of financial provision, physical healing, relational peace, and help through any valley or struggle. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 the Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Your organization when it comes to God’s overflow is looking good and should have you looking up this holiday season!

“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”- Galatians 5:24

Awkwardness and aggravation can lead to abrupt phone call hang ups. From a heated disagreement with a loved one to long silence from a customer service call to a wrong number to taking another call to a realizing you are late to an appointment; there are times the phone quickly and emphatically goes “click” (sometimes followed by a tossing of it).

We need to have an equally dismissive hang up on our hang ups. A “hang up” is not just how a call ends, it has to do with a persistent source of difficulty or burden. It can be an area of pain, problematic behavior, or places we still need to give to Jesus for our spiritual health, maturity, and freedom. In Galatians 2:20 (my life verse) the Apostle Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” All of us have areas in our lives that need to be handed over to the Lord and left hanging to the cross.

The Bible calls for a quick reckoning with and releasing of our former ways. It is time to hang up on the hang ups that keep us from living an upright life. Ephesians 4:22, 24 speaks to a daily applying of our new life in Jesus, “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Don’t stay on the line any longer with looming issues like anger, bitterness, lying, envy, being unkind, lust, insecurity, or greed.

Hanging up on these hurtful places in our lives means we are making a choice to no longer converse, entertain, or negotiate with them. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to show you the places that you need to hang up to and never pick up again. James 1:19-20 tells us, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” No matter the temptation you feel, the place of weaknesses you deal with, the circumstances that are challenging your faith, hang up on them and hear a new dial tone that comes from the Word and Spirit of truth who has transformed us in every way!

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”- Psalm 62:5-6

When hiking you may come across a sign that provides clear directions on yielding. A bicyclist yields to a hiker, while both the biker and the walker yield to those riding horses. From hiking to driving there are lanes and places that require yielding to others. Unfortunately, the driving in our city feels like a raceway free-for-all rather than friendly roads. Vehicles are rushing into roundabouts without looking and failing to slow down or pull over when emergency vehicles are blaring their lights and sirens.

The frantic rush and daily drives of life have caused many to miss the strength of waiting on the Lord and the gift of resting in His presence. I believe this idea of YIELDING is a key to our hearing from God, maturing in Christ, following His Spirit, knowing His Word, and regaining peace. To yield to the Lord means we are listening to His voice and following His life-giving ways. In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus declares, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Where is your yielding lacking? It may be rushing through your morning routine, failing to spend time reading the Bible. It may be scrolling through social media or a stack of emails. Is it being troubled in mind and spirit over what is happening in your family, at work, with a relationship, or in our country? Slow down my friend and allow God to meet you in these places that you care deeply about. He can bring clarity to the confusion, peace to the division, and provision to the need. 1 Peter 5:7 invites us, “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

May our rushing and worrying be replaced with resting in and worshipping God. The more we YEARN for the Lord in our Life, the more we will YIELD to Him with our lives. Your slowing down is not missing out on life or seeing others pass you by, it is waiting for and walking in the beautiful and powerful source of our salvation. Lay down the burden; slow down the frantic pace; bow down before your caring Creator, loving Father, and Conquering King! Lamentations 3:25-26 says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Let’s yield to Jesus and earn the greatest rewards!

“When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”- Joshua 6:5

If you are in need of a pep-talk you have come to the right place. Inspirational speeches and messages are not reserved for Hallmark Cards, Quotes of the Day, parents incentivizing their kids to get better grades, or a coach’s locker room halftime speech. The Church and faith community need to raise its encouragement game. Our words are meant to deliver life, plant seeds of truth, comfort the brokenhearted, and point people to hopeful promise. Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that not one of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

God is wanting to give us a glimpse or peek into the promise He has for us. Not only are God’s promises always good and never fail, but He is continually declaring them and pointing us towards it. When it came to the Promise Land, God describes it to Moses as something great. Exodus 3:8, “So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with mile and honey.” God doesn’t just talk the talk, as He calls Israel to send spies into the land to check out and confirm that the promise is true and straight ahead (Numbers 13). And when Joshua faces the obstacle of a wall in the way of the promise (see scripture at top of this article), God’s answer is to level it and create a pathway. In Isaiah 40:4 the Lord declares, “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” The entire journey is one that has the Lord speaking, sending, and showing His greatness!

Back to today’s pep-talk. You, my friend, may be at the brink of breakthrough! The barrier that seems too big and the distance that seems so far, God is wanting to bring them low and lift you up so you can get a peek to see that the promise is within sight and within reach. Once you can see clearly what God has in store for you, you can continue to focus on it and move towards it becoming a reality. 2 Corinthians 6:2 tells us, “In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Notice that what God has spoken in the past is ready to become a NOW moment and miracle for His people!

Let God speak and give you a peek into the prayers you are waiting to be answered, the season you are waiting to be completed, and the “next chapter” you are waiting to be revealed.

“From there Abram went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.”

- Genesis 13:8

SUCCESS. Identifying the keys to living right, walking in the light, and experiencing blessings is worth our examination and application. When we observe someone who, as my generation would say, is “knocking it out of the park” we want to know the secret to their success. Ingredients to success may be based on family upbringing; education; solid choices; a healthy support system (family and friends); inherent gifts and talents; unyielding work ethic and bedrock integrity. These are key factors for sure, but there is nothing greater we can experience and receive than the presence and favor of God. Psalm 118:25 displays a cry of dependence on God, “Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success.”

One of the greatest examples of living in the exceeding goodness, favor, and abundance of God was Abraham. Genesis 13:2 tells us, “Abraham had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.” God made a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12) to lead him into a new land, multiply his descendants, and release blessings to all peoples through him. Abraham became a faith figure to all (Jews and Christians) but the true secret to his success was the worship posture that he took before the Lord. On multiple occasions on his faith journey Abraham would stop to glorify God by building an altar. We find this man of faith building an altar of worship at new spots to celebrate God’s provision and returning to former altars to remember God’s faithfulness. Genesis 13:4 says, “And where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the Lord.”

In the Bible building an altar was an act of worship as individuals created a place of memorial to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 16:29 declares, “Ascribe the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him.” Altars were also places where offerings were presented as an act of sacrifice for sins. Even today we are called to build an altar and bring an offering to the Lord by presenting our very hearts and lives to Him. In Romans 12:1 Paul writes, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Abraham is a model of faith, as one who built altars of worship and the Lord is our Faithful King, the One who built an eternal throne from which He rules justly and delivers mightily. We are building altars to the One who has built a throne! Let’s build altars throughout our daily journeys, activities, and relationships. Build an altar in your home and family; in your workplace and daily tasks; in your studies and pursuit of degrees; in your appointments and meetings; in your various challenges and chapters in life. As Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Keep building altars of worship and keep asking the King to bring His throne to the places in your life that need His dominion and deposit of life!

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”- 1 Corinthians 9:25

Social media must be stopped! Just kidding, but one must admit that there is an overload of content often with an overboard of silliness. In many ways CONTENT CREATORS have taken over the airwaves and gotten the attention of millions. From YouTube to Instagram there is no shortage of food reviews; movie and music reactions; families doing silly challenges; and individuals doing death-defying stunts.

The Holy Spirit has impressed on my heart that we are called to be CROWNED CREATORS. We have been designed and assigned to bear the image of God and bear fruit in our lives. Being crowned as a child of God, a citizen of heaven, and a conqueror in this life means that shame no longer keeps us downcast and that this world no longer has our attention. There is no other creation like you! We are to look up to heaven and keep our sights on kingdom redemption. Psalm 8:4-5 speaks to our uniqueness, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.”

A crowned creator is different than a content creator. Content creators are looking for more likes, which generates personal revenue. A CROWNED CREATOR is looking to bring more life to others while delivering the powerful reality of God’s kingdom. Content creators are about getting people’s attention; we need to be about seeing people’s transformation! Crowned creators are thinking about seeds and needs. Galatians 6:9 tells us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Let’s bless the needy, feed the poor, walk with the hurting, serve at our church, help a friend, give generously from our finances, and share Jesus with all.

Your life is marked by greatness and being viewed with delight by the Glorious One. Every step of faith, act of service, humble response, and offering of worship is making a difference and getting the right attention. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 the Apostle Paul speaks as a proud spiritual father in response to the way the church is living out its calling, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

Keep wearing the crown from your King and keep creating life-giving content.

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.”- Psalm 122:1

 I love our church! I love our church! I love our church!  A dear sister stopped me to share this resounding statement following a gathering.  Her exuberance not only put a smile on my face but has my stamp of endorsement.  I love our church too and there is no other faith community I would rather be a part of.  This is not to say that we are better than other churches, rather this is a healthy and safe place to be planted in, mature in their faith, and do community with others. In fact, on a regular basis I hear from people inspired and impacted about how welcoming, authentic, and Jesus focused we are as a church family.

 I love my church is not simply showing up on Sundays. The Church is not a building, a schedule of gatherings, an offering of programs and special events. It is a people living in community, growing together in this holy faith, serving to see needs met and lives changed!  Jesus is the Head of the Church, His very bride who has His complete devotion, attention, and provision. Ephesians 4:16 describes the dynamic life, growth, and maturity that takes place in community, “From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in LOVE, as each part does its work.” There is that word, “love” again…if you love Crosspoint why don’t you let out a strong and joyful “AMEN!”

 Like our sister’s shout out and my stamp of approval, falling in love with your church is based on what (or better put WHO) it represents and the relationships within the family.  Perhaps you love the mission God has given us; the ministries we offer; the multi-ethnic and multi-generational demographic; the amazing worship and anointed teachings. Whatever the reason for your rejoicing: Today is a great time to fall in love all over again with church.  In Acts 2:46-47 we see a description of a type of church that is vibrant in life and transformative in living, “Every day they continued to meet together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

 Let’s give the church some love!  There are new people joining us, growth happening, fresh vision, a sweet and strong presence of God, and beautiful future ahead!

“Lord, You alone are my portion and my cup; You make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”- Psalm 16:5-6

What’s all the buzz about? For anyone under the age of thirty that was a term people would use when something exciting and attention-grabbing was taking place. I can still remember when the donut king, Krispy Kreme, opened in Van Nuys on September 28, 1999. It caused hour-long lines, it quickly became the church special event “go to” and made all the Y2K hubbub (another older slang term) take a back seat.

There is a special feeling we get when something new is coming to our town. When I am driving by an open space of land being developed, I begin speculating about what is going to fill that space: from new homes and apartments to a niche story and favorite eatery. The Lord wants us to approach the new things He is doing and building in our lives with the same sense of intrigue, anticipation, and sheer joy. That we would stop a moment to consider with curiosity and purity of heart, the new things God is doing, the areas in our lives He is filling, and the next chapters He is leading us into. Even the arrival of the Messiah first came with an announcement of His coming and a new day dawning! In Isaiah 9:2 we read of this awesome arrival coming to Galilee first, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Take time to see with fresh eyes the fields of your life where God wants to do new things and bring fullness to. The fall season is known as harvest time and the reaping of great rewards. May the empty spaces and open fields of your life be cultivated by the Spirit, marked by promise, and yield abundant fruit. In John 10:35-36 Jesus spoke of the promise of harvest, “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvest a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper may be glad together.”

Have faith my friend to see the newness and fullness of Jesus at work not just in our church and our city, but in your home, your relationships, your health, your finances, your most precious things and pressing needs!

“To be made new in the attitude of your minds.”- Ephesians 4:23

Many of would be familiar with the saying, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” From the constant modes of communications at our fingertips to the chaotic events in our world to the cultural messages drifting us further from God, many are living with a hurried, distracted, and frantic mindset. This is far from what God has in mind for us. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Over recent years I have noticed in my own mental processing that I have a shorter attention span and a greater need to have things instantly. From alga rhythms, to soundbites, to short videos, I am finding it more difficult to watch a new movie without regularly pressing the “ten-second” ahead button. Have you noticed it is harder to wait in line, read an article word for word, listen to someone without thinking of when they will end or what you will say? With all that is racing (or raging) between our ears, we need the God of peace to deliver a steady flow of truth that helps us to slow down, focus, and respond to Him.

When we think about discipline, we tend to highlight changing routines, stricter diets, and maintaining healthy boundaries. When we think about devotion, we tend to work on daily Bible reading, attending church services, and serving. As much as our actions matter, I believe one of the starting places for us to grow stronger is through clear thinking and maintaining a mature mindset on life and faith. When Jesus answered what is the most important thing in life, what our first response to God needs to be, He declared in Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your MIND.”

A faith focus will free your mind. Over the last couple of weeks, I have limited screen time and eliminated most of the social media that I had been scrolling through. I am already seeing the difference! I am resting better and stressing less. I am present for people and not comparing myself to people. I am enjoying more time in prayer rather than being entertained. In Psalm 19:18 David declares, “May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

As we move forward from Vision Month, take time to manage your mindset and you will see a Harvest of life. More prayer and meditation. More reading and reflecting on the Word of God. More quiet places and rest time. More Sunday Church attendance and spending time with other Christians. Philippians 4:8 tells us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” When this becomes our mindset, we stress less. Less people pleasing and coveting. Less untrue and impure thoughts. Less fear and doom for what is coming.

Let’s live it out and let’s think it out!

“He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave.”- Psalm 107:20

1:46 AM. That is not the time you want to see when you can’t fall asleep or awake prematurely. Last week I found myself in that exact reality staring at my watch, at the height of darkness in the middle of the night. My insomnia instigator was not the car alarm demon* (*listen to my message on 9/14 to understand the reference), a barking dog, or one of our adult kids coming home late. I was processing life: the unfolding (and unsettling) world events, the weight of my responsibilities, the struggle with my insecurities, the heart to see God move in our church community and the anticipation for way more! I was awake with adrenaline and anxiety racing at the same time.

I was awake and I needed Jesus! At 1:46 AM I began to call on the Lord in prayer. I was wrapped in my blanket, but more than that I was wrapped in His arms of love. In Deuteronomy 33:27 Moses speaks this blessing over God’s people, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Even in my fifties, even after walking with Jesus these thirty-plus years, I still have these sweet moments of being a child in need, a child crying out, a child being enveloped in His love and strength.

The reality of 1:46 AM turned into a late-night reminder (and a truth light switch) of what Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” As soon as my attention moved away from the time and onto God’s truth I went from panic to peace, from restlessness to rest, and from struggle to strength! During this Vision Month (September) I have entitled my messages based on a prompting in my spirit by The Spirit, “WAKE UP, SHAKE UP, and TAKE UP!” I believe that one of the best things we can do for this faith journey we are on is to wake up to God’s Word. The Word is a light for our night seasons. The Word is a deposit needed for the doubts felt. The Word is a healing and hope agent for the hurts that cut deep.

Before Vision Month comes to a close, consider the ways you can wake up to God’s Word and allow it to work in your life:

- Join one of the several small groups that has a Bible Study or Sunday Message recap focus.

- Attend the next round of our NEW LIFE CLASSES (October 5, 12, and 19) which are available after each Sunday service. These classes will help you better understand the Bible and provide a foundation for what to believe.

- Go to our website (crosspointscv.org) for more weekly devotionals.

- Dive into God’s Word on a daily basis. If you don’t know where to start, try the Gospel of John (New Testament) and Psalms (Old Testament).

What is your 1:46 AM? God has an on time answer for you!

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

- Philippians 4:19

Even if we struggle with punctuality, most everyone wants life to operate like clockwork and things to take place “On Time”. There can be both anticipation and agitation as we are waiting for answers to arrive: a traveler on the plane waiting for takeoff; a patient sitting in the doctor’s office; an employee checking for an email from a supervisor; a couple readying themselves for a child to be born as the due date approaches.

On the first Sunday of Vision Month, I declared that God’s vision is ON TIME and RIGHT ON when it comes to His purpose for our lives and His promise for the season. In Habakkuk 2:2-3 the prophet records God’s message, “And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits the appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” God has not brought you this far through His love and forgiveness, only to have you miss out on the good things ahead in life. He has not made a promise He cannot keep. He has not given you a glimpse of goodness, only to hide it from you. He has not offered eternal salvation of your soul but cannot bring satisfaction to your daily needs and desires.

One of the places God is going to show up right on time has to do with EMPLOYMENT. In our church family there has been an uptick of people looking for jobs or who have lost their jobs. Some are young adults have earned a college degree but that is not equating to a career opportunity. In talking with them I can feel their confusion and frustration, while also applauding the way they are trusting on God and holding onto hope. As we pray for people to find jobs (take time today to pray for anyone you know needing employment) we know that many of Jesus’ miracles had to do with providing needs. He turned water into wine at a wedding. He multiplied the fish and loaves to feed five-thousand. And when Peter was at a loss for how to pay taxes, Jesus had the on-time and right on answer. In Matthew 17:27 Jesus said, “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

God’s vision is His plans and purpose happening in the perfect timing and best manner for our lives. We can believe for God to open doors, meet needs, and guide us into the right places in the right timing. In Isaiah 55:11 God declares, “So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”- Matthew 6:21

Two meetings with two different leaders had me coin one phrase that is shaping and sharpening my life and leadership moving forward: “Lead with your heart and you will land at the target.” In each meeting the leader shared their desire to be better, invited me to offer feedback and correction, and even apologized for previously planned outcomes yet to be accomplished. It was in my listening to these dear friends and great leaders that I was able to reassure them that our heart for the Lord must come first and defines our true success. In Colossians 3:23 the Apostle Paul tells us, “Whatever you do, work at with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

The idea of leading with your heart can sound like an emotional response and present cultural norm of doing whatever makes someone happy and feels right in that moment. That is the furthest thing from my mind and from the target God wants us to reach. Leading with the heart is the starting place that flows from true relationship, fellowship, and worship of Him. In Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus makes clear what is the greatest commandment and the true God target, “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your heart. This is the first and greatest commandment.”

We often think of commandments as our doing and following the law, but Jesus is focusing on intimacy of heart with the Father. The reality is that we may be skilled at hitting certain targets and goals, bur quite far from a life that pleases God. While staying on budget, reaching a milestone/quota, completing a project, and growing a church/ministry are beneficial, it means little if it not coming from a place of devotion towards and an exalting of Jesus. In Isaiah 29:13 God lays down this verdict, “The people come near to Me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.”

Perhaps reading this, you are feeling like the leaders I met with. Nothing is going as planned, you have yet to reach the desired result and have even slipped up along the way. There is good news despite the bad feeling you have: the target can still be hit, and God has you in His sights, because your heart is right! During Vision Month (September) our Sundays at Crosspoint are meant to refocus us and help us move forward in faith as a church family. Let’s keep growing personally, let’s keep connecting with each other, and let’s keep reaching to our city. Our vision and mission as a church is only possible and reachable because of the unparalleled love of God. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The targets are becoming clearer as our hearts become bigger for God!

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”- Luke 4:18

The Tide is Turning! A few weeks ago, the Holy Spirit dropped this heaven deposit message into my heart for our church family. This word was deeply impressed in my heart and mind, and so important to the Lord, that a few days later I had a dream where I was sharing it on a Sunday morning. That word and dream became a reality as I shared it at church just over a week ago.

A tide turning literally speaks of the cyclical flow of the ocean’s tide that goes from high to low. We know that surfers wait for the right time of day, for the change of the tide to catch the best waves. And figuratively speaking this phrase conveys the idea of one’s circumstances and fortunes changing and shifting (sometimes instantly) significantly. Beyond the literal and figurative nature of this saying, there is a spiritual reality for God moving in our life and bringing an epic change. Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Just one example in the Bible of God turning the tide is the miracle saving work of delivering people out of prison. Time after time God shows up and sets free the prisoner. Here are a few examples (if you don’t know these stories, Google them or ask a friend): Joseph is set free from prison and made second in command in Egypt; Jeremiah is thrown in a deep pit to die, but remembered and rescued in order to serve the Lord; Daniel is kept safe in a lion’s den, while his enemies eventually face their demise there; Peter is met by an angel who removes the chains and opens the prison’s doors for his escape. Psalm 107:14 says, “He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.”

The tide turning is God taking those things that have been arduous and tedious in life and shifting them in a way that makes us victorious. He can move any mountain! He can make the impossible possible! He can show up when the odds are stacked against you and time is running out! As we call on Jesus we will see a colossal change in not just our circumstances, but our heart condition. In 1 Corinthians 15:57 Paul writes, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” May there be a turning of the tide in our families, our careers, our finances, our physical health, and our mindsets.

Get ready to see a shift in all you have been going through and get ready to get up from what has been keeping you down!

“After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”- Genesis 15:1

I love applying rewards to save money. As these rewards build up the blessings add up.

Rewards at the pump to save per gallon; rewards at the grocery store that cuts into the bill; and entering a promo code to get discounts on online purchases, all adds up, goes a long way, and brings a sense of (stewardship) satisfaction.

God is our greatest reward. In Psalm 73:23, 25 David declares, “Yet I am always with you; You hold me by my right hand. Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You.” That great truth often can be dismissed or diluted as life goes on. Despite time after time of experiencing the goodness and fullness of God, the current circumstance and the “next” big challenge causes us to question whether He will show up or whether He is more than enough. The events, losses, and unfulfilled dreams of life can cause great heartache and a severe faith crisis. Proverbs 13:12 tells us, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

In the story of Abram, we see man who has so much but missing one thing that makes everything else feel miniscule. Abram has a vast assortment of riches, yet the great void felt in not having a child, has him feeling empty of meaning and full of despair. It is in the middle of longing for more, that God meets Abram with a promise. Notice that the promise of a child in Genesis 15 begins with the Lord reassuring that He Himself would be his protector and rewarder. Abram was not simply to believe the good promise for his life but to receive the perfect love from God! In Romans 4:20-21 the Apostle Paul describes Abram’s faith journey, “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.”

May we be reminded that our true reward is not just receiving answers to our daily needs but experiencing the presence of the Almighty in our daily life. God does indeed care about our needs and will indeed supply for what is lacking. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” The many pursuits in life (i.e.- careers, marriage, children, owning a home, physical/emotional health, living with a purpose) are natural to desire and important, but may they be built upon the greatest priority and reality of a life that comes by following after God. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Let’s live by faith and see God fill us up!

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”- 2 Timothy 4:2

With the start of school one of the things students can anticipate coming their way are corrected assignments. Even writing that sentence is giving me a little PTSD, envisioning a hard-worked essay marked with so much red, that it looks like a six-year-old was coloring outside the lines. Correction is not an easy thing but when done correctly it can bring a world of benefit. Proverbs 12:1 tells us, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hares correction is stupid.”

Few of us enjoy being corrected. Our pride does not like being told what to do. Our desire not to let people down drowns out instruction. Our shame convinces us we are a failure and a lost cause. Early on I worked at an amazing church with many great qualities, which have been formational and impactful to how I lead as a pastor today. However, there was one glaring flow that left a gashing wound on my heart, my confidence, my understanding of discipline and dealing with conflict. If your supervisor was displeased about something you were shouted down rather than shaped up. Ultimately, every mistake and misstep was met with “a rebuke” (correction was not an option). Don’t get me wrong, there are times when a person needs to be rebuked (i.e.- pride, hurting others, willful disobedience), but not every wrong turn needs to cause whiplash!

Godly correction is all about the tone and the target. Recently, two of my kids broke something. With one I became visibly frustrated and short-tempered; with the other I held my tongue, waiting for the right opportunity to ask questions and provide guidance. Can you see and feel the difference? Hebrews 12:10-11 says, “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Our correction should be to help shape the person, not shame them; to cover a blind spot, not berate them; to point them in the Lord’s ways, not imprison them based on past miscues and present flaws.

Most people do not like being corrected but another struggle which can be even more uncomfortable is our having to correct someone else. Whether you are a parent, a supervisor at work, a ministry leader at church it can be difficult to approach someone to address issues. You may be someone who avoids conflict. You may have a big heart and do not want to wound theirs by making them feel rejected. Correction can be tricky and tough, but a necessary good with a godly goal. Another key to goldy correction is focusing on health and harmony. The correction we provide is for the betterment of the individual and the community at large. We want the person to mature in areas, and we want their interactions with others to be solid. Your correction can assist in bringing self-awareness leading to a self-control that results in health for everyone! Our heart to correct is to see people grow in Jesus, grow as a person, and grow with others. In Ephesians 4:15 the Apostle Paul instructs, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

The red you are seeing is not all the wrong you have done, it is the blood of Jesus which is cleansing, correcting, and causing us to grow!

“Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”- Psalm 119:164-165

On the last day of our family vacation, we played a game while driving (anyone with kids understands). We went around sharing our favorite thing about the trip and something we wished we had done more of. The answers ranged from trying different restaurants, taking more hikes, to staying longer at the beach. As I pondered my answers, another item came to mind that needed adjustment: I packed way too many things, and only needed half the wardrobe that I brought.

The reason for overpacking was I didn’t want to forget the essentials or run out of supplies. Stuffing my suitcase for vacation has me thinking about the need to be FILLED UP by God’s presence. As overprepared and anxious as I was when traveling, I need to show the same focus and preparation in my faith journey. I need to have a greater concern and commitment in my daily time in God’s presence, being in His Word, coming in prayer to His throne, finding times of quiet reflection to hear and respond to His voice. This type of daily routine and rigor reminds me of the early believers in Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Let’s allow our lives to be deposited with and informed by His Holy Scriptures and His Holy Spirit. We can never get enough of God’s presence! Spending frequent and consistent daily time with God requires discipline and sacrifice, but the benefit is beyond measure. Colossians 4:2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” And Jude 20-21 tells us, “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves IN God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.”

Because this faith packing list is a must for every believer, I want to personally invite you to join me as we resume our WEDNESDAY DISCIPLESHIP NIGHTS (7 pm) on August 20 with a special three week focus on God’s word, prayer, and quiet time which I am labeling “The Time of Your Life”. Whether you find yourself at a beginning stages of developing a daily time with God or have been walking with Him for years but need a fresh breath of life to infuse your devotion time, these three Wednesdays will build you up, bless your life, and bring great results. I am believing for each of us to encounter God in these gatherings that causes us to have a similar expression to David in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; You fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”

It’s time to stop worrying if we have the phone charger, enough socks, and shaving cream and start walking in the Word, in the Spirit, and in prayer. Let’s go from overpacking to overflowing!

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

- Matthew 20:26

Over the past month the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies for the National Football League and Major League Baseball took place. From each sport only the best of the best are selected for such an honor. It is awe-inspiring to see these extraordinary athletes accomplish such amazing feats and astronomical statistics (one of my favorites, Ichiro Suzuki, was voted in this year).

One thing that stood out at both ceremonies is the number of former teammates in attendance to show their love. Their presence often causes a real and visible display of emotion by the newly minted Hall of Famer. These hyper focused athletes, who withstood all types of pressures and reached the pinnacle of their sport, become overcome by the moment (often with shedding of many tears) when acknowledging and addressing their teammates and friends.

What we can learn is that personal accomplishments do not compare to the value and impact that comes from helping people, working together, and impacting lives by doing good (as is often said, there is no “I” in team). In Galatians 6:9-10 the Apostle Paul appeals to the church, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.” This is just one of hundreds of scriptures in the New Testament which calls the believer to a life of service, good deeds, and loving care towards others. This is not optional, secondary, or an elective class, it is a main subject and measuring stick to our identity in and devotion to Christ.

The other night while praying/talking to the Lord I began to ask for help in my role as a pastor. I declared, “Make me a better leader.” As soon as those words left my mouth, I sensed a holy redirecting. I paused that prayer, or better stated I pivoted to asking God to make me a better servant, facilitator, distributor, and caregiver. In the kingdom of God true greatness is displayed through the great love of sacrificial living and giving. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are to move away from personal pursuits, gains, and fame to a life that is about serving others. My hope is that our hearts shift from becoming greater to becoming a giver. Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

As we ask for success at our jobs, let’s pray we are a blessing to supervisors and co-workers; as we pray for our next home, let’s ask God to surround us with neighbors to help; as we pray for future open doors, let’s focus on the many people we pass by on the path of life. As followers of Jesus, may our aim not be to reach the Hall of (Personal) Fame, but to reach others though the Hall of Very Good Deeds!

“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?”- 1 Kings 19:12-13

Recently I attended a meeting filled with a great amount of passion and loud cries of prayer. As petitions continued to be offered and as the volume increased my heart became a bit unsettled. It wasn’t that anything was necessarily wrong or “off” with the prayers, it just seemed to me that people were getting louder to show their spirituality and to make sure God heard.

Again, there is nothing wrong with our crying out to the Lord and bearing our heart before Him. In Psalm 62:8 David declares, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Yet, I began to have a sense that what is needed in the noisy world we live in, is not just cries of faith, but creating a space to listen and be still before the Lord. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”

In the above story we see a mighty man and servant of God, Elijah the Prophet, on the run from his enemy and in despair for his life. In this “hide n’ seek” moment on the mountain there comes a mighty wind, a powerful earthquake, and burning fire. You would think any of these extreme elements would get Elijah’s attention. It wasn’t until he heard the STILL SMALL VOICE of God that he responded.

If prayer is communication with God, then it would reason that it is not just a time for us to speak, but also to listen. Deuteronomy 30:20 says, “And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” It is okay to cry out to God in prayer, it is okay to display passion for our cares/needs, and it is understandable to be alarmed by the noisy world around us. But let’s also be sure to listen to His voice, to lean on His promises, and find rest in His presence. We can still trust that He hears us, that He cares about us, and that He is not asleep or absent from us.

There is a calming effect that takes place when we hear God’s voice. In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me.” Getting louder is not the mark of faith or being “sold out” for Jesus. Learning to listen and follow His voice shows that we are trusting in Him and are dependent on Him. It’s time to block out the noise of this world and be led by the voice of God. May His whisper be louder than all the worry we have and all the chaos we see. We do not need to run for cover like Elijah, and we do not need to raise our volume to get God’s attention like my dear friends did when praying. Our confidence is in His love, His word, and His answer. His small is still greater!

“In the same way, the Spirit helps in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”- Romans 8:26

One of the hardest things about traveling for me is being away from my family. As excited as I was to be a part of our recent Thailand Missions Trip, the thought of being in a different country (over 8,000 miles away with a 14-hour time difference) away from Joanie and the kids for twelve days was challenging. The distance apart was no match for the technological advances known as video calling. The ability to not only talk to my family each day but see them despite being so far away was a special gift and a treasured time.

One of the greatest gifts and timeless treasures we have is the mode by which the Holy Spirit speaks. The Holy Spirit provides us with an uninterrupted connection and clear communication. The Spirit is speaking, guiding, and revealing the will of God. Psalm 143:10 says, “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

The Holy Spirit provides us with greatest two-way communication model ever made! First, the Spirit is speaking to OUR HEARTS. The Holy Spirit will make it abundantly clear about who we are and what we are to do. He will accurately address our identity in Christ, the truths that Jesus taught, convictions about what is right and wrong, and the ultimate plans of God. We see this in the following three Scriptures:

Romans 8:16- “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

John 16:13- “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is to come.”

1 Corinthians 2:10- “These things are revealed to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”

The Holy spirit is also speaking TO HEAVEN on our behalf as it shows in Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” When we don’t know how to pray; when we feel there is a great distance between our understanding and God’s unfolding plans; when we feel lost, alone, and scared; when the season we are in is stretching our faith; the Spirit is available to us to talk to and to look to (no video calling necessary).

Life on the road we are traveling may be tough, but there is always time for some Spirit talk!

"For the Lord your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that He will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.”- Deuteronomy 23:14

Summertime means Camp Season! And I am not talking about a beautiful beach or majestic mountain getaway location. The summer calendar is filled with kids and youth heading to our Foursquare Church’s very own Camp Cedar Crest (in Running Springs, just below Big Bear).

Our young people will be heading to camp to be with friends (and make new ones), have fun, all the while drawing near to God and removing the distractions from their everyday, noisy, and pressure filled worlds. Micah 4:2 speaks of the powerful that happens in this type of setting, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths. The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Please be praying for our upcoming KIDS (July 8-11) and YOUTH CAMP (July 15-18). Pray for Pastors Dave and Kasey, Pastor Joanie, our adult volunteers, and our youth to have a safe time, a fun time, and a time meeting with and being filled by Jesus!

Camp Cedar Crest holds a special place in my heart, with having over thirty visits for Kids, Youth, Men’s, and Leadership retreats. Colossians 3:1 tells us, “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” I have encountered God in powerful ways at camp: My first trip was a week after being saved, so my faith was ignited there; During a worship time I was delivered in a profound way, from a powerful touch from the Holy Spirit; I have story after story of pouring into young people through various serving and speaking opportunities. This destination may be in California, but the deposit in my life and countless thousands, makes this a holy place where God’s Kingdom is released!

Let’s camp with Jesus and discover His Kingdom!

“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”- Psalm 34:5

A common practice of the summer is SWIMMING LESSONS. I will never forget taking our daughter to a two-week class to learn how to swim. What seemed like a simple twenty minute a day program, transformed my princess into a modern-day Ariel, navigating the waters like a mermaid. And a few years ago on Fourth of July, we had a friend over who never learned how to swim. When we told him to bring a swimsuit, he quickly retorted that the pool would be the last place he would set a foot into. Well, by the end of the visit my friend had borrowed some shorts, got into the water, was moving around with the help of a paddleboard, and even declared he would be taking swimming lessons in the future!

My observation as to what changed for both my daughter and friend, what made them more confident and less afraid was getting their feet into the water and getting their faces under it.

We all need more belief and courage when FACING the tough things in life. Some things we face appear far more intimidating than they really are. We need to remember the story of Peter walking on the water. Matthew 14:28-29 records this miracle moment, “Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to You on the water.’ ‘Come,’ He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” It’s amazing and inspiring to see someone not being rocked by the storm, who was willing to step out by faith and in doing so was able to step out of their comfort zone. This type of faith is what Dory the fish (from the movie FINDING NEMO) would chime continually to encourage others who were uncertain, “Just Keep Swimming!”

This summer is the perfect time for the Holy Spirit to provide us some STORM LESSONS. Enter your daily activities, responsibilities, and challenges with confidence and hope. The storms you face will not overwhelm you or sweep you away: A child’s behavior, your job situation, being short on resources, lack of friends, health issues, and future dreams are not beyond God’s care and control. When the days are dark, the path is unclear, and everything in you is feeling scared, just keep believing. Isaiah 32:17 tells us the results of the one who trusts in the Lord, “The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.”

Just keep swimming, keeping your face on and your feet moving towards Jesus.

“Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”- Exodus 3:5

For a long time BASKETBALL was my life. I grew up loving basketball and as I go older I kept getting better and better with the roundball. As a young adult I would play in four leagues a week. As a young believer I got the opportunity to witness to other hoopers and then had the honor to run the basketball program at our church. Of all my skills on the court, I was the best at rebounding. It wasn’t that I was the tallest person or even the most athletic (this white man can’t jump). My prowess for “hitting the glass” (i.e. rebounding) came from a relentless tenacity and proper technique in positioning myself in expectation of the angle that a missed shot would take.

How we approach the Lord’s presence and holiness is key in both our relationship with Him and expectation of Him. There is a proper POSITION and POSTURE we are to take in our hearts towards the Lord. In Ephesians 3:12 we read the words of Paul, “In Christ and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Our position may include kneeling in His presence, lifting our hands, bowing in reverence, clapping and shouting for victory. These positions speak to a posture of humility, gratitude, trust, surrender, and surety.

There also is a proper PASSION and PURE JOY we are to have in His presence. People will position themselves in ways to gain an advantage or gain attention. We change lanes on the freeway and lanes at Costco, based on which is moving the fastest. We walk around the office in hopes of speaking with the boss when they are in town. Children crowd around the cake during the Birthday Song, to ensure they get the first slice, the biggest slice, or the most icing on their slice. His presence is where there is fullness and freedom. It is the only thing that brings true change, complete satisfaction, and lasting results. We need to seek after God as if our life and happiness depends on it, because it does! Psalm 100:4 tells us, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

To become a strong and mature believer (like a good rebounder) requires a deliberate dedication and deep desire when seeking the Lord. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened.” Begin each day by positioning yourself in faith by spending some time in worship, prayer, and reading the Bible. Each Sunday position yourself by emptying your heart from the week’s happenings and preparing your heart to receive something fresh from heaven. Each conversation and meeting position yourself by asking God to guard your heart and give you the right words to speak. Each interview and exam position yourself by receiving the gift of peace, wisdom, and favor to help you succeed. Lamentations 3:25-6 tells us, “The Lord is good to those who hope in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Positioning your heart in God’s hands and your life in His presence is the ultimate game-changer!

“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”

- 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

One of the refreshing things that the summer months bring is a change of pace from the morning routine of rushing off to school and work. I know my daughter, like most teens, can’t wait to hit the snooze button this summer to get some extra sleep-in days. Summertime may mean more sleep and slowing down, but my hope is that there is a spiritual awakening that causes a deeper following of Jesus, a clearer knowing of His ways, and a sweeter deposit of His life-giving words and life-strengthening Spirit. In Psalm 17:15 David’s prayer is sealed with a desire to see the Lord, “As for me, I will be vindicated and will see Your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness.”

As we awaken to the Lord, may there be a greater awareness of His presence, truths, and working in our lives. The reminder that Jesus gave His sleeping friends, is one that can help us to stay awake, stay strong, and stay tuned into the Lord. In Matthew 26:41 Jesus awakens His disciples with these words, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” The busy pace of our days and the burdens that come from life have a way of draining all our energy and dashing all our hopes. My guess is that more folks fall into the “worn out” camp than the “what’s next” one. This summer we need the Spirit to awaken and enliven us into a season of energy and expectation, vitality and victory.

One of the pictures the Lord has given me about our being awakened is the idea of Anesthesia being used for a medical procedure. When the anesthesia is administered it is a matter of seconds before the patient succumbs to a deep sleep. In an opposite fashion, I am sensing that there is going to be an instantaneous waking up of God’s people. In different moments throughout each day there would be a quickening of your spirit to the things of God’s kingdom. In Luke 21:28 Jesus called us to be ready for His appearing in the midst of many activities happening around us, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

One of the things I have loved seeing awakened in our church in recent days is a READIED RESPONSE to the Spirit in our gatherings, to serving and generosity towards others, and to the mission of the church. From a few weeks ago when many were baptized and asked for healing during communion to so many contributing to our Youth Group and Thailand Missions team fundraisers, we are seeing the Church live out community connection and missional impact. In Ephesians 5:14-16 Paul says, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Set your heart to be awakened to heaven’s alarm this summer and get ready for more amazing life in the presence of the Son!

“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.”- Proverbs 4:1

They call me “The Big Softie!” At least that’s my wife’s term of endearment in how I father our kids (especially my daughter, a.k.a. the princess). My passionate parenting style most likely developed from growing up in a difficult home life and giving my heart to Christ. I have always been the guy who cries when watching a father and child movie scene. I am the “fun dad” who is ready to play, get an ice cream, and buy a toy at the store. And I was the ultimate “mama bear”, watching the kids in public and giving way too many instructions to ensure their well-being.

As we come to Father’s Day this week, let’s remember to GIVE HONOR to our fathers! Psalm 68:5 describes how God’s covering is like a dad, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holiness.” Take time to show appreciation for all their love, hard work, instruction, and provision. Make it a point to point out the qualities they have modeled that have displayed Jesus to you and molded faith within you. Talk up their CARE and CHARACTER. I know that one of the factors that accelerated and solidified my walk with Jesus were the godly men at the church who I could observe, talk to, and learn from. In Exodus 20:12, the fifth commandment reads, “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long, in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Let’s remember to RECEIVE HELP from our fathers! Bring your questions, dilemmas, ideas, and life needs to your dad (or a spiritual father/godly man). Much of Proverbs is a letter from King Solomon (the wisest person in the world) providing wisdom and warnings to his son. Proverbs 13:1 says, “A wise son heeds His father’s instruction.” Take them up on talking about the things precious to and pressuring you. Do not believe the lie that you are wasting their time, they are disinterested in what you care about, or they are unable to understand your generation. The older in your life are meant to bring blessing to you as you navigate decisions, challenges, responsibilities, and priorities. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Join us on Sunday at 9 am or 11 am for a fantastic Father’s Day celebration! We will honor the dads for all they have done with a special gift, after church hot dog lunch, and I will bring a message “More than Catch.” DADS, this day is yours and you deserve to hear “WELL DONE”!

“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.”- Psalm 85:6-7

God is moving! On a recent drive I came across a church monument sign that read, "Easter is just the beginning. Be a part of the story!" Our recent season at CROSSPOINT has been a story of God multiplying life all around us. From the Renewal of Vows and Faith Week in March to our Easter Celebrations last month, we are seeing new people coming, many responding to Jesus, and a community growing together.

In this spring season I sense the Lord as our Redeemer doing a new thing and the Holy Spirit saying, "The Dry Seasons are over!" That we will have more than enough when it comes to our spiritual, relational, financial, and missional needs. Joel 2:23 promises are here for you and are putting an end to the dry seasons of life, “Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains because He is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.”

One of the most remarkable faith confessions in all history comes from one of the most painful stories of human suffering. In Job 19:25-27 a man who has lost almost everything proclaims, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see Him with my own eyes— I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” It was these words of a man holding onto promise while struggling in the pain, which caused this fresh word about dry seasons ending and God’s multiplying life to come alive in my soul.

Take a moment to receive this word as a personal promise of the Holy Spirit reviving any areas that are listless and lacking. In John 7:38 Jesus declared, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” God has the answers and abundant places for you not just to receive from, but to reside in! Poverty does not have to be permanent; Sickness does not have to saddle you down; Loneliness does not have to leave you in the dark; Conflict does not have to create further cracks in a relationship; Doubt does not have to dilute your walk with Jesus.

May the Lord Himself be a RICH POOL that you find refreshing in.

May the Lord Himself be a RUSHING STREAM that you drink from and are satisfied by.

May the Lord Himself bring LATTER RAINS that you open to heaven’s overflow.

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.”- Ephesians 6:16-17

Powerful combinations are noticeable and impactful. A suit and tie for a special occasion or a job interview conveys importance and confidence; A star player and seasoned head coach can quickly form a dynasty; a tasty appetizer and side dish is a must for a mouthwatering main entrée; an acting pair with impeccable chemistry can light up the screen and take away some Oscars.

When it comes to a spiritual combo needed for faith, the Word and the Spirit are keys to our experiencing transformation, fullness and victory. The truth will set us free, and the Spirit will fill us up! The truth is what we build our lives upon, and the Spirit is in us to battle what rises against us. The truth is how we measure ourselves to God’s standard and the Spirit makes it possible to know God’s will and walk it out. In John 6:63 Jesus says, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of Spirit and life.”

The other day as I was on a prayer walk around the church property, I had the impression of two images that can be formidable and even fearful to face: Dark Storm Clouds and Snakes. Almost instantly, I sensed that these two images were spiritual forces coming against me, to overshadow, to threaten, to attack, and to push me back from who I am called to be and what I am called to do. The Lord has provided us with a powerful combination to overcome all opponents and obstacles. With the thought of these two giants in my way, the Lord reminded me that the Holy Spirit is a WIND to blow away the storm clouds and the Bible is a SWORD to cut down the sneaky serpent. Psalm 149:4, 6 declares the power of our praise and the source of our trust, “For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with victory. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.”

Whatever troubles are overshadowing you and whatever enemies are intimidating you, draw from the Lord’s Word and Spirit to give you shelter and to strike back every challenge, every storm, every fear, every void, and every wound. The Lord is your victory today and always. Psalm 60:12 says, “With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.” Storms, snakes, and any struggle you face is no match for the One who is with you, in you, and for you!

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

- 1 Corinthians 11:26

The month of April is the time to get your taxes done. During the appointment, my preparer shared the good news that I would be receiving a refund. My thankfulness was soon ratcheted up to full blown “thrill-mode” as I received an email informing me that I would be receiving double from what was originally projected.

Earlier in May our church family took COMMUNION together as is our custom on the First Sunday of each month. However, this time I was sensing that there was nothing to be common or routine about partaking of the bread and the cup. These two elements provide a dynamic combination that brings exponential life our way. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 instructs us, “And when Jesus had given thanks, He broke it (the bread) and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” The Body of Jesus provides fullness, abundance, and provision. The Blood of Jesus provides forgiveness, atonement, and pardon. Talk about the ultimate double blessing and dual reality of victory!

When I heard I was receiving a bigger return, I thought of different ways to spend it, enjoy it, and use it to bless others. In fact, days after the email I had already spent 10% of it before even receiving it, because I was confident that what the IRS said would be applied to my account. Friend, we need to have an even greater confidence in what Jesus has accomplished and promised! Hebrews 10:35 tells us, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

As we celebrated the Lord’s Table together this month I asked if you would take a 30 DAY COMMUNION CHALLENGE with me. During communion each of us asked Jesus for one thing and committed to wait hopefully and confidently for His answer to come. Do you need financial provision, a job, or home? He can do it. Do you have a physical challenge? He can heal it. Do you desire a relationship to be reconciled? He can work on it. Do you battle with temptation, sin, and shame? He can forgive it. Do you want to encounter God in deeper ways and want your faith to grow? He can reveal it. Give your needs to Jesus, apply His life and promise to your account, wait thirty days and get ready to see an on-time arrival and glorious answer appearing!

We are able to apply what Jesus accomplished on the Cross (full payment and provision) to our account as we anticipate His arrival and appearing. We apply what He accomplished over 2,000 years ago to our lives and we apply what He promised for our needs as being a soon coming deposit. Hebrews 10:23 also says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”- Romans 12:15

I hope your Mother’s Day was great and that you felt the gift of God’s love and grace! We know that not everyone had the best, brightest, or most beautiful celebration this past Sunday. In fact, what you experienced and what you were feeling may best be described as hard or awkward. I felt that exact same way when speaking with my sister last week. In the same fifteen-minute conversation I was CELEBRATING the fact that her daughter (my niece) is graduating from college next week and I was then attempting to deliver COMFORT as this is now the third Mother’s Day since her son (my nephew) passed away suddenly at 23 years old. It was in this vulnerable and painful place, that I was doing my best to live out 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God.”

Mother’s Day provides a reminder that The Church of Jesus must prioritize and practice being great at both celebration and comfort. There were women celebrating their first year as a mom. There were families celebrating having their mom being in town. At the same time there were several navigating the first holiday since their mother’s passing. There are women who have been unable to have children. And there are many who have broken, toxic, and non-existent relationships with their biological mom. In these times it is comforting to remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

As hard as it is to find the right words to say to someone hurting or even harder to simply sit with them through their season of pain without having a “quick fix” or “Advance to Go” answer, we are to LEAD WITH LOVE by extending care to those around us. This ministry of comfort is made possible through the person and work of the Holy Spirit. In John 15:26 Jesus says, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”

The Holy Spirit will give us the ability to rejoice with those celebrating and reassure those needing comfort. May our “Way to go!” statements to those experiencing goodness be matched by our “He will make a way.” statements to those dealing with grief. In the goodness may we not overlook the True Gift-Giver and in the loss may we not be at a loss in how to love people. Let’s be present for both the celebration and the conflict, because whenever we are with people, whenever we are at a Sunday service, whenever there is a holiday, both are being felt. James 5:13 tells us, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” Let’s rejoice and reassure. Let’s amplify our voices for the victories people experience and attend to broken hearts. Let’s pick up the phone to congratulate and to console. May the Church be the best place to go for celebration and comfort; and may the Bride of Christ be at its best when people are needing encouragement, support, and love.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”- Proverbs 31:28

Who are you giving flowers to this Mother’s Day? I am not talking about roses, daisies, carnations, or lilies. This modern term “giving flowers” means paying a compliment and showing respect for what someone accomplished. And there may be no better picture of loving care and consistency like a MOM. Isaiah 66:13 uses the example of what mothers naturally do to what God always does, “As a mother comforts her child, so will comfort you.”

Not everyone grew up in a healthy home or great relationship with their mom, but hopefully we all could point to someone who was instrumental and impactful in our lives. Listen to what Paul says to a young man and son in the faith in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Talk about a life forever changed by the influential investment of godly women! In fact, as we think about the amazing qualities of our Wonder Woman, we come to see the beautiful picture of a loving, giving God who is always with us. The formation of our lives and the building of our faith has a lot to do with the people who loved us, prayed for us, shared wisdom, provided support, and gave encouragement. They stepped in when others didn’t, they showed up when we needed them most, and they showered us with a love that was super healing and still working in us today! Their gift is 1 Thessalonians 5:11 being lived out, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Giving gifts (flowers, candy, jewelry, money) and going to a brunch this Sunday is nice, but there is so much more we can do to honor those who gave their all. This Mother’s Day, let’s take time to honor, celebrate, and say a big “THANK YOU” to the women who sacrificed so much, modeled God’s heart, provided for and nurtured us! Philippians 1:3 says, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Here are my Mother’s Day cards and flowers…

Thank You, Aunt Kerry for taking care of me when I was a child!

Thank You, Sherry Rostek for speaking wisdom and showing care when I was a young believer!

Thank You, Sharon Thomas for opening your home and making me a family member for 5 ½ years!

Thank You, Joanie Zwerling, for being the love of my life, the mother of our children, and a model of love, care, and faithfulness!

“They feast on the abundance of Your house; You give them drink from Your river of delights.”

- Psalm 36:8

Over the last month I have had two subpar dining experiences. It was all the more disappointing because each time it was a friend who handpicked and raved about the place. At each setting the menu they bragged about offered up a below average plate. The flavor was bland, the quality was average, the tastebuds went unstimulated and unimpressed.

The Lord prepares a table and the best meal. The Lord’s goodness and fullness is on display in our lives and offered daily for us to be nourished and filled by. In 1 Peter 2:2-3 we read, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” It is a meal prepped by the Lord to provide the nutrients we need for each day, each season, each assignment, each challenge, and each opportunity.

In the above Psalm from David there are two words to highlight: ABUNDANCE and DELIGHTS. What these words communicate and offer to us is nothing like the two meals from last month. With God our lives are served with His loving best in singular and plural dishes. It is “singular” regarding the quality. There is nobody else and nowhere else that one can experience such blessing. Not your favorite local restaurant and not even your family recipe handed down for generations. In Ephesians 1:3 Paul expresses the excellency of God, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

It is “plural” regarding the quantity. His mercies are new each day and His blessings are innumerable. We are not taking leftovers home from a great dinner, we are served fresh and daily promises, blessings, and deposits to fill our faith. In Isaiah 63:7 we read of God’s repeated riches, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which He is praised, according to all the Lord has done for us.” In reading this and reflecting on your own life, I am confident you could recount multiple aspects of God’s abundant answer in your personal health, home life, job and finances, wisdom and decisions about your future, and more. In fact, the next time you take communion (whether personally or at church on Sunday) stop to reflect on His past provision and by faith receive a new portion for the current needs in your life.

Make a reservation, sit at the best table, and get ready for a fine faith dining experience!

“A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.”

- Proverbs 17:24

I have never been one for swimming in the ocean. The taste from accidentally swallowing salt water, the frigid temperatures, and the threat of sharks (still scarred from Jaws), all makes the ocean a hard pass for me. But living in Southern California, I have friends who love to surf and one thing I have learned from them is that a key to having a gnarly day on the waves is to choose “the right one” and not just “the next one”.

This wisdom when surfing correlates quite appropriately with our walking with Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 Paul writes, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” You see, a seasoned and skilled surfer is not just looking at the wave in front of them, but the set that is coming behind it. Often it is the immediate wave of life coming that has our attention, whets our appetite, or even scares us silly. The key to not being infatuated, distracted or intimidated is to focus on the second wave, which represents the Lord’s grace flowing towards us.

I think the Apostle Paul was all about this second wave wisdom in His writings. He speaks of the Second Adam (Jesus) undoing what the First Adam brought upon the world (1 Corinthians 15); He speaks of a greater and lasting glory replacing the first ministry of God’s dealings with His people (2 Corinthians 3:7-11); and he even shows us how the gift of grace is ever working and always overcoming the works of sin and death for those who will receive it (Romans 5:20-21). John 1:16-17 reminds us, “Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of a grace already given. For the law came through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

Even as we had a glorious Easter celebration, God has even more for us in the coming days! This weekend (April 27 at 9 am and 11 am) at Crosspoint is known as “COMEBACK SUNDAY”. We celebrate what God did on Easter by inviting everyone back for a new teaching series, Under Pressure: Rising above what tests our faith, water baptisms, and free IN N’ Out! Why do so much after Easter? Because true resurrection life and victory is meant to strengthen our faith and move us forward in powerful freedom and pulsating joy!

Choose to watch for the right wave, the best wave, the second wave. The first wave can represent your present circumstance, struggle, lack, need, and battle. It can feel all-consuming, daunting, and a major uphill fight. The Holy Spirit would want you to hear the words, “Don’t give up, but look beyond what you are facing, for the wave of Jesus’ grace is coming your way!” For the second wave is the Lord’s answer, breakthrough, help, deliverance, full promise and new chapter for your life. Romans 8:18 points us to what is to come, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

His wave of grace will meet you, keep looking for it and get ready to ride on it. Easter may have passed, but there is something amazing ahead!

“But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.”- Mark 16:7

It doesn’t take long to realize that much of the Easter press is going to the wrong star. Based on the number of community events and social media posts, it’s clear that for many the central figure is the Easter Bunny. That’s right, the one with long ears, buck teeth, delighting kids with egg hunts, goodies, and photo opportunities. Don’t get me wrong, bunnies are cute, but it is Christ who caused Easter to be a message we all need and a miracle everyone can receive. In 1 Corinthians 15:20 Paul tells us, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Because Jesus is alive, all is well! As believers we recognize that it was His rising from the grave that defeated death forever. But that truth seems to escape us as quickly as Easter weekend comes and goes. The victory has already been accomplished in Him, but the joy is far from being attained in us. Let’s have a renewal of the resurrection story and power. In Ephesians 1:19-20 we read, “And His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead…”

The issue isn’t whether Easter is in effect today, of course it is! The real need is to not neglect it. When we listen to Jesus, we will find life! Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Like the bunny’s big ears, I want us to use our HEARING to be strengthened by what was SPOKEN to Jesus’ followers on that first Easter.

1) HE IS ALIVE- This is the crux of our celebration. He is alive forevermore and we get to live with Him. Matthew 28:6, “The angel said, ‘He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”

2) BE AT PEACE- No fear is bigger and no foe is stronger than the presence of Jesus. He shows up to you with words of peace and assurance. John 20:19, “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!”

3) TELL THE STORY- Easter offers something powerful that nothing else can provide. People are hurting and hopeless, and we can bring a message of hope and new life. Be sure to INVITE and BRING people to our Easter Services this Sunday. Luke 24:49 Jesus said, “I am going to send you what My father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Easter week is HERE and I HEAR the stone rolling away and the words of our Living Savior rising to meet us in new and incredible ways!

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.”

- Hebrews 12:28-29

Ever since COVID-19 (don’t stop reading, I know that word can cause anger or anxiety) people have been conditioned to stock up on supplies. From toilet paper to bottled water to non-perishable food items we want to make sure we have enough stuff should there be a sudden event and/or a supplies shortage. Even recently there has been an egg shortage that has impacted prices, supremely challenging people’s patience and peace levels.

On the other hand, how great is it when you are grocery shopping and discover that one of your favorite items has a special sales price? It is at that moment that I am going in with both hands to take multiple amounts off the shelf all the while thanking God for the miracle blessing/provision!

With this week being Palm Sunday, the celebration of Jesus coming riding into Jerusalem as the King while the people give shouts of great praise on the streets, the Holy Spirit has been stirring in my heart the following phrase: STOCK UP ON GRATITUDE. There needs to be a daily, regular, and even continual account of appreciation and awe flowing from our hearts and pouring forth from our mouths. In Colossians 3:16 the Apostle Paul commands us, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

The chorus of praise to Jesus is not designated to a choir of angels in heaven or the eyewitnesses of His life on earth, it is for us today in 2025 to open our mouths wide in honor to the one who has delivered abundant life to us. In this Year of the Refiner’s Rewards for our church, it is interesting to note that one of the manners by which our devotion is tested and measured is through praise. The testing of one’s faith is not limited to how we give of our possessions, how we resist temptations, and how we spend time with God. There is a testing to what is stored in our hearts and what is spoken from our lips. Proverbs 27:21 says, “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.”

Today is a wonderful opportunity to take extra stock on gratitude. Take time to give thanks for what God has done in your life. Celebrate His countless blessings. Pour out your tears for how He has sustained you through a present struggle. Give account for even the smallest, often overlooked mercies that come day by day. Lamentations 3:23 says, “They (His compassions) are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

The goodness of Jesus is super special and there should be no shortage on our praise!

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”- 2 Corinthians 10:4

It makes no sense. That is a term often used when what someone is witnessing and experiencing does not line up logically. There are things that do not compute and would be classified as “make believe” had a person not seen it with their own eyes. An optical illusion, a natural phenomenon, a remarkable coincidence, an anomaly that throws off regular rhythm, are just some of things that have people shaking their heads and trying to wrap their brains around what just happened.

A feat of strength from a small figure can also fit in this special category. In athletic terms there is the phrase “Pound-for-Pound” best/champion to designate the person doing no matter their physical features. When it comes to faith in Jesus and the work of the kingdom, it is often the small, the common, the insignificant, the overlooked that is chosen by God for special feats. In 1 Corinthians 1:27 we read Paul’s words, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”

The Lord is not confined by creation and wants us not to be limited by what the world defines as strength, safety, satisfaction, and success. God’s workings are beyond the world He created and transcend the traditional things that people have normally placed their trust in. In Isaiah 55:9 the Lord declares, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

A Biblical example of this can be found in the term and illustration (not illusion) of a STRONGHOLD. A stronghold was a fortified place that kept people safe from attacks. It was a place of confidence and defense no matter what was coming and threatening people. However, in the Lord we see that our trust and triumph should not be in what the world puts their confidence in. In Psalm 20:7 the mighty, giant-slayer David writes, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Not only are we not to trust in man-made strongholds that offer security, but we also see the wisdom of the one who tears down what the world exalts in the name of righteousness and holiness. Proverbs 21:22 says, “One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.”

May Your eyes see the greatness of God no matter the circumstances and may you witness the wonders of His victories.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”- Philippians 3:12

Every home needs a ladder (at the very least a stepladder). Ladders are useful for changing light bulbs, hanging pictures, getting into the attic, and decorating for Christmas. Often there comes a moment when a person realizes the task requires the need to go up another step or lengthen the ladder an additional rung.

Every heart needs a leveling up of faith. In Luke 17:5 we read, “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!” God’s people need to have the same prayer plea for a faith that is alive and works in today’s world. We are facing challenging, complex, and chaotic times that cannot be overcome by simply outwitting the world, running with the world, or fighting with the world. In 1 John 5:4-5 the apostle encourages us, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

The key to a rising of faith is not by exerting more effort, but by freely receiving and living up to what Jesus has already accomplished on our behalf. In Ephesians 4:1 we read, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” We need to walk in the work He has done and not make personal attempts in our own strength, wisdom, resources, or religious practices to earn His favor or forgiveness, His pleasure or pardon, His approval or authority.

Much of life has taught us that we must “DO MORE” to win a parent’s approval, get a better grade in school or promotion at work, to gain the attention of someone we would like to date, to excel in a skill. In no way am I dismissing the discipline of hard work and diligence in the various activities and responsibilities we have. But for true growth results our faith begins and ends with God’s grace. It is the pathway we must walk on, the peace we need in our hearts, and the power we can possess for everything we face. In 1 Corinthians 7:17 the apostle Paul says, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called Him.”

The tasks ahead may be hard and the days ahead may need more hope, but the grace of Jesus is taking us higher!

“Yet Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promises of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.”- Romans 4:20

I was having lunch with a friend, when they expressed an observation about faith and a quandary in wanting to encourage and help people believe in God. They expressed bewilderment, discouragement, and even tension over what to do with the “Doubting Thomas” people they know. At one point he asked a question, between taking bites of the meal, they chewed and stewed over to what they felt was a faith disconnect, “Why don’t we have faith to believe in God’s miracles anymore?”

First, you need to know that this man’s heart was not looking to judge those who lack faith or have levels of doubt. He sincerely and passionately wanted everyone around him to know that Jesus STILL can heal the sick, move mountains, defeat giants, and multiply resources. Hebrews 13:8, which is the staple scripture of the Foursquare church, says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” It is time for each of us to ask why it is that we tend to drink in doubt and drown in its sorrow? One of the answers to this has to do with something we have all experienced at varying times and degrees—DISSAPOINTMENT.

Because we have been disappointed by people we have relied on and looked up to, opportunities that became closed doors and hope that were dashed, circumstances that left us empty, sick, poor, defeated, and alone, it becomes harder to believe that God is ABLE to come through in certain AREAS that we care about with a perfect timing and abundant supply answer. Even the greats of faith, like King David (a man after god’s heart), struggled with it. In Psalm 22:1 we hear his cry, the same one Jesus uttered from the cross, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?”

It would be like an eight-year-old whose told by a parent they were going to Disneyland. Not only are they jumping up and down on the inside, but they are telling all their classmates. But the night before an emergency (a valid, unavoidable reason) comes up and the trip gets postponed. A couple of months later the same promise is spoken, but this time the child is less optimistic and less open to sharing the news. The reason? Disappointment. The disappointment over what happens in our world is far from the truth we find in God’s Word. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Even when our circumstances, struggles, and questions stir up our emotions causing a mingling of faith with doubt, let’s believe that the Lord is aware of our need, present in every season, and mightily moving on our behalf. He is good. He is able. He is victorious. Remember the words of our risen Savior to Thomas in John 20:27, “Put your fingers here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” May every doubt door close as Jesus enters your world with resurrection life and victory!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”- Ephesians 2:10

The evidence is overwhelming. Evidence helps point out the culprit and brings clarity to a complicated puzzle. Lawyers use evidence to prove their case; a parent discovering candy wrappers under a child’s bed soon has their sweet-tooth bandit; an archaeologist uses findings to further unearth key facts about a civilization or time-period. One of the greatest pieces of evidence of God to the world around us, is the work and wonder He has done in you. Your redeemed and renewed life is a walking miracle and a breathing message. In Colossians 1:27 the Apostle Paul writes, “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

The many layers of your life have been met with the many dimensions of God’s love. Your coming into a new birth has awakened you to the master design already in you and the mighty deposit God has added to you. To put it in 21st century terminology: You have received an internal and external upgrade. In Psalm 139:14 David declares, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” In this new life we are seeing an enhancement to God’s original composite along with an additional empowering to live out. To put it into gardening terminology: There is blossoming of the seed already in you and a tending, watering, and pruning to bring out even more from you! In John 15:2 Jesus said, “…while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

We are called to be Naturally Supernatural. Let me provide a little evidence of this. The “natural you” I am referring to, is the nature, personality, character traits that have always resided in you, whether God was acknowledged, it was used for His glory, or even before you were a follower of Jesus. Whether it was being kind or generous; being hospitable or administrative; whether it was being all about justice or loyalty, those things were part of who God made you to be. In Romans 14:6 we see this grace design, “We have different gifts according to the grace given to each one of us.” When we come to Christ, those areas become even more focused and fruitful, more vivid and victorious.

The “Supernatural you” are the things that God has completely transformed. What was absent and vacant all your life, has now been filled up by the Spirit. For example, growing up I was not outgoing at all (you may find that hard to believe, but it’s true). I was a loner, an introvert, more comfortable with as little conversation and as much screen time as possible. But when Jesus came into my heart, I developed a deep love for people and a growing desire to connect with people. That is all God and only God! This change in me speaks to the new Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Let’s be the evidence of God’s love through the new and improved us!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”- Psalm 34:1

In God we trust. This saying and statement is a super familiar one. Trusting the Lord requires a decision to surrender and believe in His promises. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” In fact, not only as believers do we hold it as a confession of our faith, but almost everyday millions of people are holding it in their hands as it is written upon our country’s currency.

As difficult as it may feel to trust God with our lives, there is another decision and discipline that may be eluding us at even a greater dimension. Our commitment to God must include a heart that overflows with celebrating His name and goodness. Simply put, God must be the one we rejoice in. Far too often the weariness that comes with life and the circumstances that come caving in on life bring a weighing down of fatigue and an eroding of our joy. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul writes, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Many genuine followers of Jesus are walking around expressionless, exhausted, and with an expiration date on joy. Our call to rely on the Lord must include a choice to rejoice in the Lord. The world needs to see people of faith who are full of joy. Let’s not have the “miserable” label placed on us, because our God does marvelous things and is mighty to save. This is not faking it or dismissing things that are heartbreaking and heavy, but relying on His fullness to revive our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirit. In Psalm 62:1 David declares, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.”

One of the enemy’s greatest tactics is to rob our joy. The Devil is doing whatever he can to detour you off God’s path, but if he cannot stop you from following Jesus, he will do everything possible to cause you to walk through life without having true joy. Life is hard but don’t let him win and don’t lose heart! Whatever the storm you are in, choose to surrender to Jesus because He will hear you and rescue you. Whatever sadness is in your life, choose to bless the Lord because He will meet you and fill your heart with joy, peace, and hope. In John 10:10 Jesus proclaims, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

In God we praise. Make joy a part of your daily life. In Jeremiah 17:14 the prophet says, “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the one I praise.” Let’s not just put our trust in God’s hands, but let’s put on a praise party that nothing can damper and nobody can detour!

“If you love those who only love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.”- Luke 6:32-33

A credit card transaction being denied can be an awkward and tense moment. We insert the card back in with a series of thoughts flooding our mind and angst fueling the heart: “Did I put the card in correctly?”; “Did my account go unpaid or get hacked?”; “Is the cashier competent or completely lost?”; “How late is this delay going to make me to my date?”

Treating people with a transactional mindset is like a bad transaction. Not only does it make things awkward relationally, but it is about as far away from God’s heart in properly treating people. We must be careful not to simply give attention and extend kindness only to those who can benefit or repay us in some manner. In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus focuses His listeners on loving from a place of not expecting anything in return, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although, they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

The world is in the business of scratching each other’s backs, a buying and selling economy, and a win-win mentality. The Kingdom of God is all about Sowing and Reaping; Giving and Receiving; Blessing and Serving. In Acts 20:35 Paul stated his priority of caring for people, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

I have witnessed pastors and believers speak and act in the language of transaction. Here are a few examples of what I have heard, been counseled to do, and told are best practices to see church growth:

- Our church needs to reach more people so we have more money.

- As a pastor you need to reach out regularly to your ten biggest givers to keep them happy and make them feel important.

- Be sure to assist and invest in people who have skills/resources that could benefit you down the road.

- Be careful not to place people who are ordinary/plain looking in front of the church (services, sharing, social media, pictures, etc.) as that may be a turn off in reaching others.

The best investment of time with the greatest return is to love people genuinely. Take someone to lunch who cannot pay the bill next time. Take time to instruct/train someone at work, even if they don’t work in your department. Take a moment to coach a player on the other team, even if it means they do well against your team. Take the lead in helping a younger believer grow in their faith, even if it means you miss a small group meeting. In Romans 12:16 Paul says, “Live in harmony with one another. Be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

Paying it forward by shining the light and love of Jesus always get approved and pays off!

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”- Philippians 2:14-15

One of the things that never gets old to me is the classic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. It is a game that requires no set-up or physical space. You can play multiple rounds and spontaneously start (anytime, anywhere, and with anyone). It is a game where I currently have a running competition with a person every Sunday at church (I am currently losing in a big-time way).

One thing that I wish was “game over” is all the arguing, hating, and fighting that we are seeing in our world. Where the Rock, Paper, Scissors contest has a winner based on rightly choosing the stronger substance, the combative nature that people display is based on wrongly applying labels to people, projecting hate on people, and at times even instilling violence and harm. James 4:1 says, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”

It is tiring and troubling, draining and discouraging, harrowing and heartbreaking to see the displays of division happening around us. What should be healthy displays of discussion, reason, and action on various topics, issues, and positions that people need to discover a common ground and collaboration towards a goal for the common good, has turned into ugly divisiveness. Debates quickly turn into name-calling, blaming, and verbal assaults. Protests over issues that are validly troubling folks, that citizens have the right to stand up for, quickly turn into chaos, breaking law, and violence. We desperately need God’s love and wisdom to be applied. Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

The Holy Spirit is calling Christ’s Church to a contest that is done by His rules, fairly played with others, and seeks His victory in all that is tension filled and troubling for others. The world is on edge from a score of issues, but as believers we can FLIP THE SWITH (to light up the world) and FLIP TH SCRIPT (to bring liberty and victory in Jesus’ name). Let’s engage those who are troubled. Let’s listen to those who have differing views. Let’s respond with compassion to those who are “fired up” and firing shots our way. Let’s live in the love and light that John describes in 1 John 2:9-10, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.”

When it comes to love, peace, and grace, I say “GAME ON!”

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”- Philemon 1:7

People love showing love on Valentine’s Day. There will be many ways people will shower their significant other with love expressions: Cards, flowers, chocolates, gifts, and even a date night. There is great thought and effort that goes into the perfect date on this day that celebrates love.

The perfect date looks different for each of us. Some like to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors by taking a hike, going for a ride, or walking on the beach. Others choose to lay low and relax with a takeout order, playing a board game, and watching a movie or two. Then there are couples who take this special occasion as an opportunity to go to their favorite restaurant or even take a little getaway. Whatever the perfect date looks like in your mind, the true gift is being with the one you love. In Song of Songs 2:4, 10 we read of the joy that comes from a loving relationship, “Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love. My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise my darling, my beautiful one come with me.”

You do not have to be married or in a romantic relationship to have “the perfect date”. When we consider God’s love, we know that nothing is better than being surrounded and covered by His loving presence. He invites us into His courtroom, He walks with us on life’s pathways and supplies amazing gifts that flow from a place of perfect love. Psalm 84:10-11 declares, “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

Abiding with Jesus is the great remedy to all feelings of loneliness, rejection, and insecurity. Our loving Savior is seeking the lost, He is calling people by name, and He is inviting us to experience rest and reassurance in His presence. In John 15:9 Jesus says, “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love.” People may let you down, betray you, break your heart, and say you are not beautiful, but Jesus has chosen you because God treasures you!

God’s perfect love is also expressed through special relationships. Many have had the gift of a parent, a mentor, a best friend, pastor/teacher/coach, whose investment and care delivered the gift of encouragement, strength, and even faith to us. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” May the people who have always shined with God’s love and strengthened you to be the best version of yourself, be a precious gift received on Valentine’s Day and in this season.

Love Wins because our Wonderful Lord has loved us perfectly!

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”- Proverbs 18:24

It’s Superbowl week and the big game means that both teams are doing big planning and the fanbases are doing big dreaming. The Superbowl has become an extravaganza, a national event (some cities/towns take work and school off the day after), with a whole bunch of external noises and pressures. Both teams, the Eagles and Chiefs, will have to prioritize the purpose of their trip and keep from becoming sidetracked by the pre-game activities, media obligations, ticket requests, and allurements of the New Orleans nightlife.

Each team will need to “lock in” to win the big game. The solidarity of heart and focus of mind to overcome adversity and obtain the prize begins when the fifty-three players band together as brothers. The locker room is the place where there will be “player only” meetings, game planning, an impassioned pre-game speech, and halftime adjustments (no watching the Kendrick Lamar halftime show). Locker room talk is where phrases become practices: “Next man up”; “We’ve got each other’s back”; “Nobody believed in us” and “No matter what happens we are sticking together”. This passion, priority, and practice of togetherness is not just for the football field, but for our faith. In John 13:34-35 Jesus gave us the ultimate game plan, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

Like the Eagles and Chiefs, we are a part of a team with its sights set on a glorious prize that can only be reached by working together and cheering for each other. Our mind warns us to stay on guard against people (sometimes that is wise). The world promotes a self-centered view of “ME” being the top priority and top dog. And even our friends will say it’s okay to get back at people who have wronged you. The supreme law of love must override all that seeks to sidetrack and sabotage our being like Jesus and becoming one as God’s people. James 2:8 reminds us, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.” The gossiping about others, the holding onto offenses, the constant questioning of someone’s intentions, and constant competing against others needs to stop. In 1 Corinthians 3:3 Paul challenges the church like a good coach, “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”

The football season may be ending, but the Holy Spirit wants to make some adjustments so that we can be ONE and WIN together at this thing called love, faith, and life! In Ecclesiastes 4:9 wisely calls out the heavenly playbook, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Make the adjustment in 2025 to be at church on Sundays more regularly and sign up for a small group; make the adjustment to work out a disagreement or a divide happening in a relationship; make the adjustment not to believe everything you hear, but to go directly to the source; make the adjustment to give people more grace when you are offended. By making these adjustments we will see greater strength, greater gains, and greater wins in the days ahead!

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”- Romans 12:16

A few years ago, I recall walking through my neighborhood and noticing many homes were proudly displaying the American Flag. The scene reminded me of 2001, when together we were in a time of heightened unity and patriotism. In 2001 flags were raised in response to the September 11th attacks, to show our heart for one another and our pride to rebuild. However, walking through my neighborhood these twenty-plus years later, the reasoning for the flag waving and temperature of unity had changed. It seemed to me that some were displaying the flag as a reminder of one’s personal freedom and sign of resistance towards protocols/restrictions due to COVID-19.

Just weeks into 2025, it feels like a year’s (or a decade’s) worth of events have already taken place. From the fires across Los Angeles to the presidential inauguration and transition of leadership, these tense times seek to challenge our faith and crack our unity. Despite these obstacles, I see the Lord using the events as a glorious opportunity for the Church to be a shining example of humility, unity, and sincerity. In Philippians 2:14-15 the Apostle Paul writes, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

As God’s people let’s be aware of our attitudes and govern them properly. We need to be sincere in our love for others and prioritize it constantly. In our labors, let’s choose to do good and serve sacrificially. Here are two important things for us to consider and better assist us in coming together.

1. The world is watching the Church. For better or for worse, we have an unforgiving (and often oppositional) critic. Let’s live and act in such a manner that the world sees the beauty and the best of Christ’s Bride. The fires have rallied us together in relief efforts to better reach and care for people. 1 Peter 2:12 says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”

2. The Church must watch out for divisive people. Not many people like confrontation, but when it comes to those who are constantly stirring the pot and creating conflict, action must be taken to not let it spread. We would do well to listen to Titus 3:9-10, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because they are unprofitable and useless. Want a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.” That may sound harsh to us, but it is producing greater health in the Body. The temperature of our nation from the election and even the inauguration can create disagreement and dissension. When it comes to the various topics that can become volatile (i.e.- politics, Biblical beliefs, social issues, etc.), we need to make room for genuine conversation and a coming together to better understand those whose thinking is foreign to or far from how we view things.

Let’s come together under the banner of God, for the name of Jesus, and for the labor of unity.

Family. That word and the image elicits a wide array of emotions. It can deliver the fondest memories or open the deepest wounds. It can either remind us of core values to live by or of glaring voids that have left us lacking. Family can be a daily, nearby support system we draw strength and love from, or it can feel galaxies away due to geography, loss, or conflict. I have shared about my painful upbringing in a broken biological family, and how my church family delivered healing, blessing, and a place of belonging. Ephesians 2:19 says, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

At CROSSPOINT family is witnessed in our MISSION. One of the phrases we use to speak of the value of family is this: Crosspoint is a place where Christ, Community, and Care matters! We come together in the name of Jesus, we connect our faith to see it grow and strengthened, and we make sure that people feel loved and supported through every season of life. In Romans 12:4-5 the Apostle Paul writes, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” What a powerful work God does to bring us near to Himself and make us one with others.

At CROSSPOINT family is practiced in our GATHERINGS. Over the last few months, especially during our many Christmas celebrations, I have been thinking about the idea of DYNAMIC GATHERINGS. Every Sunday we gather God can move in our lives. But He is not limited just these general times of being together. Whenever we meet up, no matter the size, venue, or subject matter, God is present. The Lord can work in a small group, when we share a meal with others, when two people are having a meaningful conversation, and during a serving project. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

At CROSSPOINT family is multiplied in our JOURNEY. I hope you are convinced that your being with us in this season is no coincidence and that you have something important to contribute. Your heart, talents, and gifts make us better! Through attending, serving, and giving we each do our part to see the church needs met and church life multiplied. Ephesians 4:16 says, “From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, make the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” With this truth and in this special season, I want to invite you to this Sunday’s Next Steps Class (1/26 after 11 am service). Join us for this lunch gathering to hear more about our story, our mission, our future, and how you fit into it. This is an opportunity to meet our staff team, to ask questions, and to even become a member/part of the family.

God’s family is where we belong and a wonderful place to experience freedom, fullness, and a bright future!

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in You I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed.”- Psalm 57:1

Sometimes we find ourselves in a place that is heavy, hard, and hurting. The devastation from the fires has been widespread and beyond calculation. We all have been monitoring the situation with both sadness and shock. The images of the fires blazing a path of destruction throughout our Southland looks more like a scene from a movie. Several of us know people who have lost their homes. I keep on thinking about and praying for those who have been without power, those who have been evacuated and waiting to return to their cities, those whose homes didn’t make it, losing personal items and precious belongings…the child with their favorite toy, gone; the grandmother with her family photo albums, gone; the musician with their instruments and studio, gone.

Over this last week I have been reminded that Jesus felt loss deeply. When John the Baptist was murdered, Jesus withdrew to pray; When He showed up in Bethany to find all the grief from Lazarus’ death, He wept (John 11:35). In Matthew 9:36 we read, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The Savior shared in our suffering and was moved to compassion for the condition of His flock.

When the reality of loss hits hard, Jesus fights back with life! He has the answers of abundant life to all that seeks to set us back. In John 10:10 He declares, “The enemy comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Where there is sin, Jesus delivers forgiveness. Where there is hunger, Jesus offers provision. Where there is sickness, Jesus stretches His hand to heal. Where there is death, Jesus offers resurrection life. In fact, the very reason He fights back is because loss runs contrary and in direct opposition to God’s design. Romans 8:2 says, “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Our Creator is the giver, sustainer, and multiplier of life.

In the midst of the great loss and deep grief being felt, we do not have to be paralyzed from responding in life-giving ways to the need in this moment and on the road back towards restoration. Let’s never forget that God loves Southern California and still has great plans for her! Let me encourage all of us with three things we can do to fight back the loss with the life of Jesus:

1) PRAY MORE- We can pray for those evacuated and who have lost everything; for protection and strength for our first responders; for the winds to die down and the fires to be stopped; for people to come to Jesus and come back to church through these events.

2) REACH OUT- Check in on anyone you know who lives in those areas; whose work life has been altered; who is struggling with fear or is simply alone in this time.

3) GIVE BACK- Find donation sites you can bring items to; look for emails from the church about ongoing opportunities to help/serve; and give financially. You can give to Foursquare Disaster Relief by CLICKING HERE.

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

- James 5:16-18

With the start of 2025, one of the most important ways for us to embrace God’s NEW AND BEST is to engage the devotion of PRAYER. It is so much more than a command from Heaven or a religious observation that takes place at church. Prayer is personally available so we can engage in an intimate relationship with Father God. This precious way we communicate with the Lord allows us to cry out in praise, confession, awe, and need. In Psalm 40:1 David declares, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.”

This week our church has entered and joined with our Foursquare family in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting (January 6-26). In these 21 Days we want to personally surrender to the Lord; we want to set our attention on the Scriptures; we want to support one another through prayer and care; and we want to stand in agreement for powerful life to happen in our homes, church, city, nation and world. As believers we know the danger of putting God “in a box”, but there is also the damage in not believing for Him to do BIG THINGS in our lives and world! 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

Here are ways to engage these special days at the start of the year:

1. Visit Foursquare’s Website (foursquare.org/events/21-days-of-prayer) to download resources, a prayer guide, and receive daily emails.

2. Set aside some time to join us this Wednesday (1/8) for ALL DAY PRAYER (7 am to 7 pm) and our special WORSHIP NIGHT at 7 pm.

3. Develop a consistent daily time with God through reading the word, prayer, and journaling.

4. Consider when and what to Fast (abstain from). It could be a type of food, a meal a day, or an entire day without food. If you are unable to do food, you could limit or take a break from other things such as screentime or social media.

It is good to seek the Lord, grow in our faith, and see great gains in our lives!

"This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.”- Zechariah 13:9

Happy 2025!

I have always been one who likes to “map out” a direction and a plan. When I was in college, I would scour through the syllabus to better prepare for the workload ahead; when choosing a restaurant, I like to study the menu to see if the plates suit my palate; even when taking a cruise, I will do a walk through of every public deck to get my bearings before the ship departs from the port.

As we enter the “NEW” of another year, I believe the Lord has provided our church family with a THEME to take hold of and a TARGET to set our sights on. I sense that 2025 is to be the Year of The Refiner’s Rewards. The number twenty-five is known as the “silver anniversary” and I am believing that for you personally and for us collectively this will be a year of shaping, strength, and sizeable growth. Psalm 66:10 says, “For You, God, tested us; You refined us like silver.”

Over the next 365 days there will be more that the Holy Spirit unveils of this powerful promise, but for now let me unpack three quick targets I believe will take place through the Lord’s refining work:

1. There will be a testing of our faith that produces godliness. The Lord will continue to cleanse and purify us of the areas in life that compromise our faith and pollute our lives. The tests are not meant to destroy us but develop in us a greater dependency on and delight in Him. 1 Peter 1:7 says, “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

2. There will be a deepening of our knowing Christ and growing more like Him. At a personal level we need to have a passionate pursuit of our Savior and a consistent time with Him. We need to go deeper in the disciplines of reading the Bible, prayer, worship, fasting, and walking in the Holy Spirit. In Philippians 3:10 Paul says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.”

3. There will be a connecting in community that leads to greater multiplication. One of the words the Lord has spoken to me is that there is about to be a “DOUBLING” at CROSSPOINT. Not just in numeric size but in unified strength! Through small groups, serving, gatherings, and caring for one another we will see increases like never before. Ephesians 4:16 tells us, “From Christ the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

The new year is here, and we are mapping out the days ahead with great hope under the mighty hand and marvelous work of our Refiner!

"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.”- Jude 2

The gifts under the tree can be a spectacle indeed. I can remember as a kid always doing a meticulous inspection and inventory count of all the presents with my name on them. And even now as a parent, there have been Christmases where I questioned whether we got enough gifts for the family, only to be pleasantly surprised by the gifts filling up the entire area around the tree.

As much as we preach that Christmas is not about “the gifts”, it is powerful to see how the gift opening time brings families and friends together. People are together in one room. People’s attention is on the unwrapping, unveiling of gifts, and unparalleled joy. People are grateful for the gesture from the gift giver. Christmas is about the gift of God coming to us in the person of Jesus. Through Jesus we receive the full measure of mercy, the brilliant light of life, and the freeing work of forgiveness. Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Last week during our pre-service prayer time I heard the Holy Spirit speak these words to my heart for this Christmas, “THERE IS ENOUGH!” The Lord is wanting us to unwrap the unlimited goodness and gifts He has for us. In John 1:16 we read about the reality of Jesus’ coming, “Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”

This Christmas believe in God gifts and that there is enough…

o TIME, so you do not have to feel rushed.

o FUNDS, so you do not have to worry about how to cover your needs.

o ANSWERS, so you do not have to wander through challenging times and tough decisions without wisdom from above.

o PEOPLE, so you do not go through life alone.

God’s gifts are everywhere, they are more than wonderful, and they have your name on them!

"One who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to His ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.”- Hebrews 7:16

Christmas time does have cracks and casualties. One of the common holiday season happenings is the dropping and breaking of Christmas ornaments while decorating the tree. Not only do these fragmented festive fixtures create a mess and hazard, but it is also sad to lose them.

While we were in China to adopt our daughter, we purchased several keepsakes to remember our visit and share in her heritage. One of my favorite possessions from this grand land is a Christmas ornament made from material that is supposedly unbreakable (I did not let our three boys test that claim).

That ornament is a reminder that Christmas is a POWERFUL SEASON, where Jesus came with light to overcome the darkness, grace to cover the sin, and life to disarm death! We tend to think of Easter (Jesus’ Resurrection) as a time of power and victory and Christmas (Jesus’ Birth) as a time of pageantry and beauty. However, the birth of Jesus was to bring God’s kingdom on earth and this newborn would reign as King of kings! The Christmas announcement and arrival, the gift and miracle, the light and life of Jesus was far more than just a beautiful display. It was the power of God coming to disarm and defeat all our enemies! John 1:5 speaks to this, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Allow the Holy Spirit to deliver strength and peace to your life this Christmas. Because the Holy Spirit abides in us and has all the answers, we have the authority to take down areas that confront us, seek to control us, and are in direct conflict with God’s best for us. 1 John 3:8 tells us, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” Jesus comes to bring gifts that are greater. This Christmas let’s see things like fear, doubt, anxiety, addiction, sickness, sinful practices, wrong behaviors, impure thought life, and toxic relationships be broken in His Name.

Have yourself an Unbreakable Christmas!

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”- Luke 2:20

Silver and Gold. Red and Green. These are colors most associated with the splendor and specialness of the Christmas season. There is one other color, not often mentioned, that can be unexpectedly and very deeply felt during Christmas. For many people, myself included, there is the acknowledging and dealing with Christmas BLUES.

My Christmas blues occur almost immediately after the final present under the tree is unwrapped. We go from a month-long celebration of the gift of Jesus’ birth and all He brings, to taking down the tree and decorations, going back to work and school, and the radio no longer playing our holiday favorites. I quickly miss the season’s celebration marked by peace, joy, and light.

For others, the shade of blue is much darker due to the loss of a loved one, distance from family members (physical or relational), a health or financial crisis, a demanding work schedule, a season that feels scattered or the unknown of what’s to come. No matter the circumstance that is trying to rob your Christmas, the Lord is wanting you to receive joy today! In John 16:22 Jesus prepares His friends for His departure by speaking this promise, “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

A few Christmases ago, the Holy Spirit helped me to see the permanence and pulsating work of joy. The lesson came in a simple manner but had a profound effect. I realized that through various streaming services (i.e.-YouTube, Spotify, Apple iTunes) I could listen to Christmas carols all year long! Just as I had access to enjoy the music of the season 365 days a year, the Lord provides access for us to enjoy the Christmas gifts of peace, joy, light, and hope in every season of life! In Psalm 16:11 David declares, “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”

Even as we have arrived at December, may each of us choose His joy as the perfect gift for all we have to face and for every need we have!

“I will sacrifice a thank offering to You and call on the name of the Lord.”- Psalm 116:17

One of my favorite trips was when we were able to combine an inner-city mission’s trip in Boston with a family visit to New York. I was excited to take Joanie to New York, as she had never been, and it was my first time back in fifteen years. One of the highlights of the trip was taking a train from Boston to New York. Not only was the landscape filled with amazing scenery, but I enjoyed the intricacies of the different towns that we passed through.

Just as our train made multiple stops along the journey, we are to be a people who continually pause to give God praise. It is good to think about the ways the Lord has been faithful, merciful, and good to us. Hebrews 13:15 tells us, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. That day has the amazing formula of family/friends, food, and football, but it does not end there. This celebration that takes place on the Fourth Thursday of November is a reminder to REGULARLY allow the faith in our heart to overflow with praise, gratitude, and meaningful reflection. Psalm 105:3 tells us to, “Glory in His holy name, let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”

In this second half of November, I want to encourage you to make many stops on THE THANKSGIVING EXPRESS. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Check out this two-week travel schedule to help you move nonstop on the faith lane:

WEEK ONE (November 18-24)- Each day think of ONE PERSON you are thankful for. Offer thanks to God for that person and pray a blessing over their lives. Paul shares this type of thanksgiving with the opening his letter in Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

WEEK TWO (November 25-30)- Each day think of ONE THING you are thankful for. Take time to thank the Lord for His provision, open doors, relief, help, and favor in that area of your life. Psalm 107:31 declares, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind.”

It’s time for God’s people to get “All Aboard” the Thanksgiving Express!

"When the hour came, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table. And He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”- Luke 22:14-15

A restaurant for fine dining and prime celebrating is often the right call for a special occasion like a birthday, graduation, or anniversary. This may sound strange, but I have even heard that some folks prefer to dine at a restaurant even on Thanksgiving!

As we inch closer or travel at light speed (whichever you are currently feeling) towards Thanksgiving, I want us to see the powerful picture, the personal promise, and the profound place of GOD’S TABLE being set before us and for us. Just as the Thanksgiving table is a place we feast on favorite foods surrounded by our favorite people, the Lord’s table is a special place to reside with Him and receive from Him…talk about the ultimate TABLE FOR TWO!

- God promises a table of complete victory. Psalm 23:5a, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

- God promises a table of miraculous provision. Psalm 78:19, 24- “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness? He rained down manna for the people to eat, He gave them the grain from heaven.”

- God promises a table of eternal dwelling. Revelation 19:9, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.”

In this last season I received one of the most clear, profound, and encouraging words from the Holy Spirit about having a reservation and God’s preparation of a table just for you. The word/picture was of someone going to a restaurant only to have the host/hostess claim there was no reservation under that name. However, after a closer look in a different place, the name was actually discovered. The Lord is wanting us to know that no matter what people tell you, no matter what circumstances you are facing, and no matter what is written or unwritten, His invitation and appointment with you stands! In Luke 10:20 Jesus said, “but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

God’s table is perfectly prepared and this Thanksgiving you are invited to be seated with Him and filled by Him!

"But the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”- Proverbs 15:15

One thing I look to avoid at almost all costs is negotiations. Whether I am having a garage sale, purchasing a big-ticket item, or working through a lease agreement/escrow, I dread the process of haggling over prices, terms, and conditions. I am glad I found my calling as a shepherd (pastor) because I would make a terrible salesperson!

Despite my disdain for such ventures there is one phrase of the sale/deal I fully embrace: EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE. This saying speaks to an open discussion so that both parties come to a place of agreement and satisfaction. During this season may this saying become a precious reminder of the abundant blessings that God places before us! God’s table of faithfulness is a true feast, far better than the Thanksgiving meal of turkey, sides, and pumpkin pie. In Song of Songs 2:4 we hear the joy of the bride over her beloved’s love, “Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.”

May we see the abundant goodness of God in our lives through Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday by the way):

1. As you sit at a table to enjoy a delicious feast, may you be reminded of God’s complete provision. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

2. As you spend time with family and friends, may you be reminded of God’s loving friendship. Exodus 33:11 says, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”

3. As you have a day off from work and/or school, may you be reminded of God’s invitation for rest. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus declares, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

This Thanksgiving there is much to give thanks for because everything is at His table! Join us at our THANKSGIVING SERVICE on Wednesday, November 27 at 7 pm for our collective celebration. And take time personally every day to allow gratitude to overflow from your heart. May we be moved by God’s goodness and graciousness in the same manner as one man did who witnessed all Jesus did, shouting and praising out “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 14:15)

“The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.”- Proverbs 18:18

Is your blue recycling bin filled with voting pamphlets/materials? Do you find yourself muting the television or radio every time an ad for a candidate or proposition pops up? Are you pretending that Tuesday, November 5th has been removed from the calendar or quietly passes by without any fanfare or drama?

With our nation’s presidential election and all the California offices and propositions taking place, the stakes, tensions, and unknowns seem to be at an all-time high. Over the last few weeks our church family prepared for this season by looking to God’s Word for direction, entering into focused prayer, and remembering that no matter what takes place that Jesus is still on the throne! I want to believe for God’s miracle power to deliver healing, restoration, and peace to our hurting, broken, and divided land.

Let me share three things to guide us beyond Tuesday, which will help us once the ballots have been cast, counted, and results declared.

1) Remember that some people will be REELING from the results.

No matter who wins the election and takes office in January 2025, there will be a great number of people unsettled and upset. As believers we can lead the way and shine the light by showing compassion; looking for opportunities to pray comfort over those who are hurting, angry, and afraid; and taking time to have meaningful conversations that speak truth and share Jesus to folks.

2) We are commanded to PRAY for our LEADERS.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 commands us, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris take office as our country’s 47th President, we need to lift them up in prayer. We recognize both candidates and the parties they represent are imperfect. They need God’s wisdom and grace to lead our nation. Let’s pray blessing over their lives; protection over their bodies and families; that they would lead with humility, integrity, and charity; and that the Lord would surround them with godly women and men, to help uphold the laws, freedoms, and best policies for the welfare of all who call America home.

3) WORSHIP of King Jesus changes our hearts and transforms the atmosphere.

We will be having a special NIGHT OF WORHIP AND PRAYER on Wednesday, November 6th at 7 pm. Let us invite the Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, rule our thoughts, and fix our passion and hope on Jesus alone! Our identity, our joy level, our futures are not attached to earthly events, treasures, or securities. The 2024 Election must give way to the True and Timeless Savior! Hebrews 13:8 reminds and reassures us of the greatest results of victory, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

"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

The holiday season for many is a favorite time of the year. We move feverishly and festively into this special time of thanksgiving and gift-giving. Without sounding my bah-humbug alarm, may I simply slow you down with a gentle, “Not so fast, my friend.”

As much as I love what November (Thanksgiving) and December (Christmas) deliver of joy, peace, and hope, I DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE THINGS GOD DID IN OCTOBER (the special and powerful, the personal and profound, the above measure and beyond expression). In 1 Timothy 1:14 Paul writes, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

The goodness of God is on full display every day and overflowing to each of us in varying expressions. Before we make dinner arrangements for Thanksgiving and begin decorating for Christmas, let’s take time to REFLECT ON and REJOICE IN all that God has done this month. Psalm 145:7 says, “They celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness.”

Take time this week to consider and celebrate God’s October Overflow to you:

-You can take time to praise God for a PROVISION RECEIVED. For example, I am thankful for my new car.

- You can take time to process a LESSON LEARNED. For example, the Holy Spirit has been focusing me on the importance of relying on His strength and not my own.

- You can take time to focus on NEW LIFE BEING MULTIPLIED. For example, we continue to see new life and growth at CROSSPOINT in our Sunday services, Wednesday discipleship nights, outreach efforts, next step classes, and small groups.

- You can respond with humility to a FAVOR BESTOWED. For example, our oldest son is thriving in his second year of Law School, having high grades and winning a moot court competition.

There is much to give thanks for because of all God is doing around the clock and throughout the calendar!

"Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”- Philippians 3:17

Kids of all ages (and kids at heart) will be dressing up over the next couple of weeks for school parades, church events, parties, and to go trick or treating in their neighborhoods. These colorful costumes will include Disney Princesses, certain professions, famous athletes and performers, the attention-grabbing DIY (Do It Yourself), and of course, superheroes.

Normally my superhero of choice is hands down Spiderman. But the amazing web-slinger must stand down today, as I pay respect to my true superhero, my pastor and spiritual father, SCOTT BAUER. In 1 Corinthians 4:15 Paul writes, “Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” This week marks the twentieth anniversary of Pastor Scott’s sudden and way to soon homegoing into eternal glory.

Today (and often throughout the year) I take time to reflect on the GIFT Pastor Scott was to so many and the IMPACT he has made on me. He moved with a rare and special quality that was worth noting and emulating. He had a passion to reach the lost, a heart to worship God, a love for the Scriptures, a keen awareness and willingness for the move of the Holy Spirit, a faithful and selfless labor in serving the Lord Jesus and His Bride (The Church). There is nobody I know who better modeled Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to Him.”

Upon his death (October 24, 2003), a word was given which was not only reassuring then but is resoundingly taking place today! It comes from John 12:24 where Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies it produces many seeds.” Pastor Scott’s life is still bearing fruit and influencing leaders and churches everywhere, including yours truly and each one of us who calls CROSSPOINT home. It was Pastor Scott who had the vision to begin a church campus in the Santa Clarita Valley, which I joyfully get to pastor and carry on a legacy of reaching the lost, making disciples, and delivering light to our city.

Today I honor my pastor, spiritual dad, and a true superhero of the faith!

“After He has suffered, He will see the light of life and be satisfied; by His knowledge My righteous servant will justify many and He will bear their iniquities.”- Isaiah 53:11

Flying is not normally my top choice for transportation. I am scaredy cat when it comes to heights and my height (6’ 3”) makes being in tight spaces uncomfortable. However, based on my latest friendly skies adventure (last spring), has me reconsidering my position on planes. Each roundtrip flight was on-time for departure, arrived early to the destination, and was void of any drama (i.e.- turbulence; loud snoring; obnoxious passengers; lost luggage).

There was one other feature that reminded of how much Jesus pays the price, paves the way, and protects our lives. Both flights were leaving from GATE 53. For anyone that knows me, I am a numbers guy. I like to connect different digits to Bible Scriptures to find symbolism and significance. Upon seeing each flight was at the above gate number, I became relaxed and reassured by one of the most well-known promises about Jesus. This prophecy about the coming Messiah speaks of His suffering for our sins and His leading us into God’s glory. The bruises Christ took on our behalf speaks to the beauty of our being CLEANSED, COVERED and made COMPLETE in Him. Jesus emptied Himself by coming to the World. Jesus provided and led the way, by dying on the cross for us. And Jesus stands before the Father in constant prayer for us. He finished the work on the cross and is forever working in order that we would continue in this beautiful and powerful salvation. Hebrews 2:11 says, “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are being made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”

Whatever the fears, the stresses, the lies, and the battles you find yourself in, know that you are not on your own. Jesus knows the sadness you feel, the pain you have, the troubles on your mind, the needs for this week/this month, the questions that have you doubting, and the loss you have experienced. Just before Jesus was to face the cross and fly off into heaven, He spoke this important word to Peter in Luke 22:31-32, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Even as you read this article may the Holy Spirit bring a clear, undeniable, today’s need ANSWER to prove He is right there, knows what you face, and that everything is going to be okay.

Get ready to experience an uninterrupted faith flight into the new places God has for you!

"The Lord brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.”

- Psalm 107:14

One thing people love to do for the fall and holiday season is create decorative themes in their homes. The next time you visit someone make a note of all the colors (browns and oranges), items (leaves and pumpkins), and artwork messages (thankful and gratitude) that fill homes with the fall season. Truly, this is a season to celebrate the abundant goodness of our God. Psalm 145:7 tells us, “They celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness.”

Recently, I have sensed a Holy Spirit fall theme for our lives and church to make as a prominent in place in our hearts. The Lord is inviting us to replace our CHAINS with His KEYS! This invitation in His presence delivers fullness and freedom to our lives. CHAINS are meant to keep us locked up, immobilized, and confined in our current struggles. Chains on gates keep you from entering, chains on bicycles keep them from being stolen, and chains on equipment keep them from being moved. The weights and burdens we hold onto and face are meant to keep us from living in the fullness of peace and power that Jesus has provided. In 2 Corinthians 3:17 Paul writes, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Where chains keep things closed, the Lord is ready to give us KEYS that open doors into new promises, better realities, and accelerated growth. Keys provide us with access and authority to reside in specific places. In Matthew 16:19 Jesus proclaims, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

- In each of our lives may the chains from our past, our sins, our flesh desires, spiritual opposition, and external circumstances be exchanged with keys that bring forgiveness, Spirit life, strength, and victory.

- In each church service may the chains that people enter with of fear, lack of faith, condemnation, distraction, apathy, unforgiveness, and pride be replaced with keys of truth and promise from God’s Word, a joy and hope during worship, and uplifting encouragement from fellowship with others.

Let’s see the chains break off us and the keys bring us into the new. As Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:8b-9, “This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.”

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

- Acts 20:24

Everybody loves a “Shout Out”. A shout-out is a public acknowledgement of affection or appreciation for another person. From love songs dedicated on the radio, birthday greetings on a stadium scoreboard, employee of the month picture frame, to five-star Yelp reviews, these shout-outs put the spotlight on that special someone.

God is looking for M.V.P.’S (Most Voices Possible) to give Jesus a shout-out. We’re called to share His love, tell the story, and spread His fame to everyone. Psalm 105:1 declares, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done.” We have the best story of good news to give for people searching for truth, looking for answers, deeply desiring to be loved/accepted, and wrestling with all that makes up their existence.

A focal point for Vision Month is to see MORE VOICES used to SPEAK LIFE. One way this takes place AT CROSSPOINT Church is by releasing people to be on our teaching team and lead our gatherings (think communion, prayer time, announcements, small groups, etc…). Another way it happens is by equipping and encouraging everyone to share their faith during the week. 1 John 1:3 says, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may also have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and the His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Sharing our faith can be intimidating and uncomfortable. However, this news is too good to stay silent and Jesus has given the Spirit to empower us as witnesses (Acts 1:8). Here are three simple ways to speak up and see lives changed:

1) SHARE YOUR STORY- Talk about the wonderful things God has done to change your life, meet a need, or help you overcome an obstacle. Your story will surely help people in a struggling marriage, dealing with personal loss, unemployment, addiction, bombarded with depression and more.

2) GIVE A SCRIPTURE- This is one of the most effective ways to deliver God’s message. Keep His Promises in your mental rolodex to give away. Watch people’s responses when the Living Word is planted into a yearning heart.

3) INVITE TO CHURCH- Let people know how much you love your church and ask them if they want to join you on a Sunday to experience a love that changes everything and a promise that never fails.

Let’s be messengers who put the spotlight on Jesus and see MANY introduced to the true MVP!

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ.”- Galatians 6:2

Gift giving is so much fun! It is wonderful to know someone is blessed, excited and appreciative by what we gave them. Let’s be real, it feels good when a child thinks our birthday present is the best of the bunch! Jesus, was speaking a truth we need to remember and operate in, when Paul quotes Him in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

People need the Gift of YOU! As we continue this Vision Month to learn how our faith grows inwardly, shines outwardly, and bears fruit continually, let’s look to be the best gift possible as we befriend and bless people, hang out with and help people, encourage and extend love to people, offer counsel and extend compassion to people. There are many out there who need a friend like you, who genuinely loves Jesus and people like you do. You are a gift that cannot be bought in a store. Because Jesus is alive and at work in your life, you display love, compassion, patience, grace, and understanding. In John 13:35 Jesus said, “By this the world will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

Give people the gift of PRESENCE! One of the most important things we can do for others is simply to be with them. Being present when someone has a need; when someone has nobody else to talk to; when someone needs a prayer partner; when someone is looking for a friend. Proverbs 18:24 tells us, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” We can give the gift of being present to…

- A Co-Worker navigating a tough time in their home life.

- A neighbor needing help with a project.

- A family member/friend feeling down after some bad news.

Let’s be a gift in this season that brings one life at a time to God.

Daily Bread- A Word from Pastor Leaf

“For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

What a joy to launch into VISION MONTH this past Sunday, as we focused on the three church pillars that define our identity and reinforce our direction. A pillar is best when placed on a solid foundation and is meant to hold up a structure. Our faith as God’s people and our purpose at CROSSPOINT needs a life-giving source and unbreakable substance. In 1 Timothy 3:15 Paul says, “If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” The Church of Jesus is meant to stand strong and stand every test. Another way of saying it is, let’s not bring Scotch Tape or Elmer’s Glue to a job that needs something stronger to hold things together! We need pillars to build us up and bind us together.

Our first pillar is JOYFUL EXPECTATION. We believe that the Lord will meet us and move in our midst every time we gather together. Every time we attend a Sunday Service, Wednesday Discipleship Night, or Small Group we are giving space for the Holy Spirit to speak and work in our lives. The Spirit of the Lord is present to break chains, lift burdens, heal bodies, deposit words, and energize our faith. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.”

Our GATHERINGS should be a place we encounter the GLORY of our God! Psalm 3:5 declares, “But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head high.” When we spend time in worship there is a transaction of releasing what is in our hands to receive what is in His! When we take communion each month, we believe there is an invitation that goes beyond a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s body and blood, where we can partake of His strength, peace, and wholeness for our lives. When we come to the teaching of God’s Word, we believe there is an revelation of promise that causes our sight to be faith, our path to be guided, our focus to be Jesus, and our hope to be the Kingdom! When we have times of fellowship, praying for others, and serving we believe there is a connection that strengthens us.

Truly, we expect and welcome the very words in our sanctuary to come alive each Sunday: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

"For we live by faith, not by sight.”- 2 Corinthians 5:7

I am loving my 50’s! I was recently sharing with Joanie how this has been one of the healthiest and most productive seasons in my life. As I keep walking with the Lord in this golden decade, I am seeing a maturing in many areas: Perspective and wisdom; Contentment and gratitude; Patience and Kindness; Peace and life purpose. Despite this, not everything about getting older is better.

One thing that has waned is my EYESIGHT. I am wearing my reading glasses more and more with each passing year. I am lost trying to order from a menu, signing documents, and doing certain tasks at work without them. My diminished sight has been a reminder of my enhanced need for spiritual vision. The Lord wants to open the eyes of our hearts in order that we might know Him better, know what’s right, know how to treat others, and know how to live in this world. In Ephesians 1:18 Paul prays for the believers, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.”

For our church, September is specially set aside as VISION MONTH. Each weekend is an opportunity to focus on what the Holy Spirit is speaking and doing, so that we can move forward as a faith community on mission. Proverbs 29:18 (ESV) says, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Throughout the month there will be prophetic messages, testimonies, and a launching of our discipleship, small groups, and outreach ministries.

Vision Month is not just a community expression unique to CROSSPOINT Church. Each of us can personally exercise our faith, engage the Spirit, and enter into the new. Here are three places where each of us can experience an enhancing and restoring of spiritual sight:

1) A REVELATION of God’s nature, truth, and will.

Psalm 119:18- “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.”

2) A DEFINITION for our current season that brings clarity, confirmation, or change.

Proverbs 3:5-6- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

3) A COMPASSION to see and be present for the needs of others.

Matthew 9:36- “When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

May the Lord open our eyes and help us to see!

“I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.”- Psalm 118:17

 Everyone has a story. And the story of what God has done in your life is too good to keep on the shelf or to yourself.  Our testimony is a powerful tool that declares the undeniable proof and unmatched power of God.  The way we live responsibly, treat others, overcome obstacles, and endure hardships is often the greatest evidence of Jesus that people will ever see.  May we have the same passion and courage that Paul displayed before King Agrippa in Acts 26:22 declaring, “But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.”

 All our experiences (yes, even the drama and tragedies), can bring encouragement and endurance to those struggling in life, searching for God, or starving for someone to understand them. Romans 15:4 tells us, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” I have used my life story countless times to tell others about the love of Jesus and the victory we can have in all areas of life. Here are some of my life chapters I allow to be read by others:

 -       Growing up in a broken family.

-       Dealing with bouts of fear and anxiety.

-       Being instantly delivered from using foul language.

-       Seeing God provide financially at just the right time.

-       Watching my daughter healed from a life-threating virus and five-week stint in the hospital.

-       The Holy Spirit touching and transforming me from being a loner to loving people and from stealing money as a teenager to being generous as an adult. 

 The best thing about sharing our stories is that it is a BIG DEAL to God and BIG PART of His plan.  He wants us to proclaim the precious and powerful things that He has done.  When Jesus delivered a man from being demon-possessed, that individual asked to follow Him.  Here is Jesus’ response in Mark 5:19, “Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.”  Jesus is looking for people who do more than go to church and do their devotions each day. He wants each of us to GO with the GOOD NEWS. Even this weekend we will be having a special time in our services to share the GREAT THINGS God has done this summer. 

 Let’s keep broadcasting our story, bragging about our God, and inviting people to believe in Jesus. Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts.”  It is time for your story to be dusted off the shelf and declared to people in every sector of life, who desperately need to hear the best news ever!

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.”- Psalm 118:6-7

Last week I found myself awake in the middle of the night with a lot on my mind.  I do not recommend putting on your “thinking cap” after midnight (you may turn into Grumpy the dwarf or a Gremlin).  This unwanted wake-up call was surprising because there are amazing answers and beautiful blessings happening in our church in several places. The trouble I faced was focusing on one issue that seems lacking and unresolved.  My processing quickly turned into panicking, and before I knew it, I was buying into the lies from the enemy of uncertainty.

 The human tendency is to look at our one trial over the many triumphs, our one deficit over the many deposits from God, our one bad day over the blessings.  How quickly can a “C-minus“ bring down an otherwise stellar report card; a critique from a supervisor have us forgetting the last ten compliments; the person who does not attend our special occasion leave us in a sour mood; a fantastic day is derailed by a family drama group text.  All of these, like my one small issue, can cause us to forget what God has done and fail to apply faith to what we feel or need.  The enemy looks to rob us of our joy and peace in God. In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” 

 I am believing for God to bring breakthrough of life, provision, deliverance, and victory your way!  Acts 10:38 tells us, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power and how He went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.” Through Jesus we can receive a touch that heals, a promise that never fails, an answer to your biggest need, and fullness to any empty places in life.  Even today we can receive truth and triumph in the One who is able and who alone can do the impossible!

Allow the life of Jesus to fill you up and free you from all the lies.

Daily Bread- A Word from Pastor Leaf

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

- 1 Corinthians 2:2

Challenge Accepted! In my estimation, folks are up for facing a good challenge. The desire of overcoming and accomplishment began somewhere in grade school when a “Double Dog Dare You” was thrown out by a fellow classmate. And with present day social media, we have libraries worth of Ice Bucket, Spicy Food, Trick Basketball Shot, and Kick the Cap off Water Bottle Challenges to name a few.

This year I felt compelled to accept two challenges to help me grow in Jesus and be the best version of myself. The RIGHT CHALLENGES can bring better order, balance, and results to our lives. One of the challenges was to get back to reading every night before bed. In just three months I can already see the benefit of putting down the phone and turning off the TV, to learn and receive through the books I am reading. By creating this time and space, it is cultivating me into a better follower of Jesus, pastor, husband, father, friend, and neighbor. In Psalm 37:5-6 David declares, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

One of my favorite people in the Bible is the Apostle Paul. I love how much he loved Jesus, the Word, the Church, and God’s people! Paul was all about accepting the challenge. He went preaching in places that did not know the Gospel; He engaged different people groups in a way they could understand and accept salvation; He communicated the important truth of Christ crucified and risen; and he prioritized relief, resources, and relevant instruction to the churches he planted. In Romans 15:20 we get a sense of this man’s striving, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”

Are you feeling challenged? I pray so, because as you act on the Holy Spirit’s leading you will discover greater levels of strength and blessing. Philippians 3:12, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Here are some challenges that might be calling your name as we approach a new school year and the fall season…

- Stop negativity from being in your vocabulary.

- Read at least one chapter of the Bible each day.

- Do one kind deed and send one encouraging text each week.

- Invite at least three people to a Sunday service.

When we accept the challenge to DO our part, we will BE more like Christ!

“Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree to see Him, since Jesus was coming that way.”- Luke 19:3-4

 One of the results of fatherhood is having stronger shoulder muscles.  Over the years (and sometimes even today) I have lifted my kids up and plopped them on my shoulders whenever they were too tired to walk or too short to see.  From long walks to Disneyland parades the higher view has always been a desirable place to be. 

 New heights can be refreshing and revealing for us!  Zacchaeus was a tax collector who had heard the news and fanfare about Christ.  There were amazing tales of never before seen or heard teachings, miracles, and changed lives.  When Jesus of Nazareth shows up in Jericho, everyone is wanting a front row seat to this once in a lifetime event (way better than any concert or sporting event).  This man, once limited by height and defined by a love for money, passionately makes his way higher to get a view of the Jesus Parade.  And what Zacchaeus sees and hears would change his life forever.  Jesus calls him by name, asks to hang out, and offers the gift of salvation.  In Luke 19:9 Jesus declares, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.”

When our faith is wearied from the day and our sight is blurred by the crowds, God can provide us with strength as we seek Him!  The things we want to see, are praying about, and hoping to come to pass, may not look promising from our present position.  It is when we ask God to help us and lift us up, that we will be able to look ahead with focus and unwavering faith.  In Jeremiah 33:3 the Lord declares, “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

As we find ourselves BY THE LORD’S SIDE, we will rise above the challenges to BETTER SEE what is ahead, what is beautiful, and what He has promised to us! Psalm 119:18 declares, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” The Lord is the way maker and promise keeper. He has perfect answers and long-lasting life for our families, finances, health, daily needs, close relationships, and unseen tomorrows. 

 Vision Month is the perfect time and reminder for us to seek and ask Father God for help, so we do not lose heart or lose sight on what is ahead!

"Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”- Psalm 34:9-10

There is a condition we need a cure for and control over.  It’s called EE (Emptiness Envy). Years ago, I suffered and needed healing from what the Holy Spirit diagnosed as Homeowner Envy.  I would talk Joanie’s ear off on the drive home about the amazing amenities of a friend’s house we just visited, while bemoaning the bare elements of our “happy” home. 

In Exodus 20:17 we read God’s tenth commandment, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife…or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Coveting often comes from a place of being convinced that others have it way better than we do.  There are times we get caught in the vicious vortex of comparison and an overall feeling of lack:  They are blessed, we are burdened; they are favored, we are forgotten; they are happy, we are hopeless; they have it all, we have nothing.  That does not exactly sound like David’s praise in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

Two things can help us break the curse of lack in our lives:

1) GIVE THANKS for everything you have- The other day I found myself needing to be reminded of this. I took time to thank Jesus for my house, our church, the state we live in, the stuff I own, and things I get to enjoy. My focus shifted from wanting more and minimizing what I have, to thanking Him for ALL He has provided and for the daily blessings that keep coming my way. 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

2) REMEMBER NOTHING (material) lasts forever- Let’s say you discovered you were given one-million dollars (I hear all the “Amens” already).  You know what would eventually happen?  That money would run out eventually. From new cars to the size of a house to the latest gadget we quickly discover that “stuff” passes away and fails to bring true fulfillment. In Matthew 6:19-20 Jesus teaches us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Looking to Jesus will shifts the lack we may have or feel, because He is always showering us with love and satisfying us with good!

"The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘Lord, save me!”- Psalm 116:3-4

The feeling of being stuck can be tremendously terrifying and downright defeating.  Unless you are an avid cave diver, being in tight crevices and dark quarters is a hopeless place. One time my sister and I got stuck on an elevator with a stranger (talk about a doubly whammy).  Our tower of terror experience felt unending, until the doors suddenly opened to my grandmother waiting for us with bagels and the offer to stay home from school. 

Wherever we find ourselves stuck in life, the Lord is waiting there with His faithful presence and loving care.  The Apostle Paul needed this type of unfailing encounter to get him unstuck from some tough times and tight squeezes.  In Acts 18:9-10, Jesus meets His servant with this special message (way better than a bagel and day off from school), “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

The Lord does not want us to be overwhelmed by our present surroundings.  Many feel stuck in a bad job, trapped in a dead marriage, incapacitated by a health crisis, paralyzed by fear, riddled with bad luck, and taunted by their past.  There is a story for those stuck in messes: A veteran still coming to grips with the trauma of warfare; A parent who cannot forgive themselves for not being more present and consistent in their children’s lives; A believer who seemingly is choosing the right path but finds themselves getting the wrong results. 

Moses provides us with a great example of what to do when trapped in the middle of trouble.  With the Red Sea in front of him and the Egyptian army in hot pursuit from behind, this man of God speaks faith and victory to his dilemma.  In Exodus 14:13-14 Moses declares, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” In the midst of the trap, call on the Lord, stand on His promise, and believe for the victory!

Jesus is present to open doors and set us free from that stuck feeling.   

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.”- James 1:17

There are two types of people in the world: Those who love SURPRISE PARTIES and those who would take a hard pass on all the histrionics.

We need to return to a place of being pleasantly surprised by the Lord’s presence and promises. It is time once again to believe for Jesus to work wonders in our present day lives. In the past He saved us and looking ahead He has secured heaven for us, but let’s ask Him to move in our today’s. In Matthew 7:7 He says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

I remember one time being startled at a gas station, as I was unaware and unprepared for the pump to have a video monitor blasting infomercials my way. The suddenness of someone talking when no one else was around freaked me out! We sometimes act amazed and utterly befuddled when the Lord speaks our name and answers our prayers. We are not always prepared for Him to meet us and move in our lives. Hebrews 10:35 encourages us, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

Let’s put our faith into practice and let’s prioritize ASKING JESUS for HIS ANSWERS. Take a moment right now (this would be good to do every day) to ASK Jesus for one thing: help with finances; health for your body; wisdom for a decision; peace in a relationship; courage for a conversation; protection for a trip; a deeper desire for God. In Jeremiah 33:3 the Lord says, “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Let’s ask Jesus to answer us with His amazing power and abundant love!

"Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”- Psalm 84:10

One of the best things about summertime is how breathtaking and energizing it is being OUTSIDE.  Multiple times I find myself gazing out the window wishing I was enjoying more of nature.  I’d rather be fishing, hiking, swimming, on a trip, at the beach, or just lounging in the backyard. 

There is no better place to be than in God’s presence.  In Psalm 16:2 David declares, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.” The more we remain in Jesus, the more we find the answers to life through His abundant life! When we go to Him and follow Him, we will find all that we need to survive and thrive, to stand and endure, to walk and overcome.  His presence is the place we find peace, receive love, experience care, and gain insight.  In John 15:5 Jesus proclaimed, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Another life-giving, top-priority, no-compromise place to be is at CHURCH, with God’s people.  The combination of our busy (spread way too thin) culture and the beauty of where we live can cause sporadic church attendance.  There is nothing wrong with fulfilling our work schedules, taking summer trips, and having multiple activities for our kids, but let’s have weekly church gatherings written in ink on our calendars as a number one fixture, where everything else needs to be adjusted around it.  Church is that important!  It is a place we get filled up by the Spirit, encouraged in our hearts, built up as disciples, and connected with other brothers and sisters.  Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up the meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Yes, there is so much we can do this summer, but I’d rather be with you at CROSSPOINT Church!

“In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.”- Isaiah 4:2

 A summer sunset is a stunning spectacle.  The tone of the sun, the pink tint in the clouds, the light glimmering off the water, makes sunsets must see summer programming. From vacation spots to favorite hikes to beach days, the summer provides us with many opportunities to behold beauty.

 There is nothing more beautiful than the Lord’s glory on display. Through His presence and power at work we get glimpses and deposits of His wonder-working ways.  Not only is what the Lord does beautiful to behold, it is personally and powerfully at work in all who will take hold of it.  In 2 Corinthians 3:18 the Apostle Paul writes, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Let’s focus on two beautiful displays today for us to behold.  First, the Lord’s promises are beautiful.  The Lord covenant promise is at work in His creation.  His day of salvation, help, and victory meets us. In Psalm 118:23-24 the writer speaks of the day of the Lord’s answer coming to earth in the form of His chosen Messiah, “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  This wonderful picture became a powerful reality for the people who witnessed Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem as a king centuries later (Matthew 21:1-11). What the Lord promises will come to pass!

Second, there is beauty in a life devoted to the Lord.  When we open our hearts to be filled with God’s presence, we truly become a beautiful masterpiece.  1 Peter 3:4 speaks of the beautiful deposit we need resident and reigning inside us, “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” So many are filled with the toxicity of the world, but as God’s chosen people we are to be transformed in Christ.  Some operate from places of anger and bitterness, but we flow from a place of love and patience.  Some focus on gain and greed, but we find joy in giving and serving. Some are riddled with fear and anxiety, but we rest in a peace and in the shelter of God’s constant and loving care. 

The Lord’s marvelous ways are on display all around us and abounding in us!

“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.”- Proverbs 4:1-2

 As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, we honor the men who demonstrated a life of integrity, humility, sacrifice, and strength. One thing I have learned is that good fathers love to teach.  From cooking to catching a fish, from doing homework to changing the oil; from riding a bike to raking the lawn; we have gained so much from the life lessons they delivered.  Job 8:8, 10 states, “Ask the former generation and find out what their ancestors learned. Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?”

 One of the greatest gifts in my life is having godly men who bring sound counsel, faithful care, and healthy challenge.  A key intersection for my instruction came after Pastor Scott Bauer’s death. Not only did I feel the pain of loss but an immense void of wisdom. He was the dad I went to for instruction on matters ranging from marriage and family to schooling and ministry.  In 2 Timothy 3:14 Paul calls this young leader to keep drawing from the wisdom deposited from trustworthy elders, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.”  I am glad to say that I sought out another father figure who was integral in helping me navigate through new challenges and responsibilities as a younger pastor. 

There is strength and safety when we learn from others who love God and live out His wisdom.  Find godly people to share with and give them permission to speak into your life.  As you have heard me say before, WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!  In Romans 15:14 Paul says, “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” Let’s allow instruction to help us in our hearts and thoughts, our homes and relationships, our faith and purity, our careers and finances, and in just about every other area that concerns us. 

 There are still things for us to learn and life is a classroom not meant to be done alone! 

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

- Romans 6:23

A practice that I highly recommend is an annual review of bills, subscriptions, and expenses. Taking time to look over your monthly costs will not only be eye-opening, but highly profitable. In a recent scouring of my spending patterns, I found big time savings on the cable and internet.

This week we celebrate our nation’s independence. This holiday culminates with fireworks lighting up the night. As believers in Jesus, we have been given the awesome reality of liberty! It is a freedom that brilliantly displays God’s heart for us and emboldens us with strength and confidence to live in grace, newness, and victory. Romans 8:2 tells us, “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

Freedom in Christ is available to us, but the challenge is choosing to apply it to our daily accounts. Like bills and subscriptions that we are overpaying for (and likely not benefiting from), we tend to carry unneeded and unhealthy spiritual debt in our lives. We continue in the guilt of the past and/or failure over grace that covers us; we are defined by the words and labels of others over the promises God has declared; we concede to certain obstacles, weights, and limitations being a normal part of our existence over the newness and breakthrough we can have in Jesus. Galatians 5:1 tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

It is time to cut ties with those lies, cancel the poor service connection, and live debt free in Jesus.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”- 2 Peter 3:9

 Most everyone knows that I am a huge sports fan. I would even joke with Joanie while we were engaged to plan our wedding around the month that had the least significant sporting events.  And for anyone keeping score today, I have found an “error” when it comes to the sports world CALENDAR.  College basketball’s March Madness does not end until April; Baseball’s World Series, which gave Reggie Jackson the nickname “Mr. October”, is now played in November; Even soccer’s latest World Cup which traditionally takes place in the summer, last happened in December and January due to the host country’s extreme climate. 

 When it comes to our faith, we need to be careful not to fumble away our confidence in God’s promises and power.  There are words that we find in the Scriptures that need to be studied like a playbook, which provide us with a winning game plan.  Allow words like, “renew”; “anything”; “power”; “miracles”; “healing”; and “strength” to become a bedrock we stand upon and a foundation we live from.  For instance, read Isaiah 40:31 and choose to apply it to your present need, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” How is this promise from long ago still at work for you today? 

 Church family, the great news is that God’s promises perfectly match His matchless love and authority.  In 2 Corinthians 1:20-21a Paul writes, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.” Jesus is the superstar we all need, whose performance is never outdated, late, or missing the mark. Because of His victory we are all champions!  

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”- Acts 4:31

 One of the big tasks for our family during this season of transition is finding a new home.  I am not sure which is harder, finding the right place to call home or getting all your stuff ready for the big move.  Searching for a home can be challenging. In addition to seeing some places that were far from a right fit and having other places go to someone else, we have had scheduled visits cut short due to not having a key to access property and even a dog being loose upstairs. 

 This weekend marks Pentecost Sunday, the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers and day the Church was born.  As we approach Pentecost in the present day, we need to see an unlocking of the Spirit’s presence and power in our lives and faith community.  It is through the Spirit that we experience greater levels of relationship with Jesus and lasting deposits of strength for our lives.  In Galatians 5:25 Paul invites us, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” 

 True Spirit living is not limited to a church gathering, to a time of fasting and prayer, to an encounter of sharing our faith with someone else.  Spirit life is a holy takeover of our lives where full access and authority is at work in and through us! By the Spirit we can walk in wisdom, we can operate from a place of strength, we can live a pleasing life to God, we can share our faith boldly, we can overcome our flesh and the enemy. 1 John 4:4 tells us, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

 Today (and everyday for that matter) make an appointment to do life with and in the Holy Spirit. In one of the most heartfelt prayers of admission, David cries out in Psalm 51:11, “Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.”  He is the key that causes you to enter better places and He provides a freedom into the fullness of all that God has provided today and prepared eternally. 

 The Holy Spirit is looking for a home in our hearts and when He is welcomed in the wonder begins!

“I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.”- Job 23:12

 A game families play to stay entertained during a long drive is keeping count of distinct vehicles along the way.  From a type of vehicle, a specific color, to out of state license plates, there is a tallying of the totals as people go from point “A” to point “B”.

 As our church embarks on this new season of transition, it will be fun and faith building to capture truths that the Lord shows us along the way!   In John 6:68 Peter made a remarkable declaration while others were abandoning Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”  It can be easy during times of change to become anxious, impatient, or fixated on negative possibilities but let me remind us that we serve the God of the impossible, who always does good.    

 Over this next season would you take the same posture Mary did when she received an unexpected announcement for which she was completely unprepared?  In Luke 1:38 she answers the angel Gabriel, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” Take time to write down any words and pictures, messages and visions, Scripture Promises and Spirit Promptings you receive.  After writing them down, do these three things:

 1. Pray and ask God for greater clarity about the word.

2. Read the word(s) when you feel overwhelmed or afraid.

3. Share the word(s) with me or one of our other pastors if the word is for Crosspoint Church.

 God’s Word stands in every season and wins in every circumstance.  We are believing for this next chapter for our faith community to be filled with life in every way.  Romans 15:13 tells us, “May the God of all 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.”

 Let’s focus our hearts on His truth and take hold of hope together!

“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.”- John 5:17

 Did you have a family gathering for Easter?  If so, you may have been the recipient and benefactor of an amazing meal.  What often gets overlooked at a special holiday brunch or dinner are the people responsible for preparing the feast.  The food may be devoured in minutes, but the fine cuisine took hours to perfect. 

 The above words from Jesus have “come alive” in my heart in the past week. That should come as no surprise, as God’s Holy Word is a Living Word (Hebrews 4:12), being planted in our hearts and bringing power to our lives.  This truth was a timely reminder that my CONFIDENCE does not come based on my CIRCUMSTANCES.  My trust, expectation, belief in a great and victorious outcome is based on God being good and doing good.  Towards the end of Joshua’s life, he recapped how God was always keeping His promises and performing His wonders.  Joshua 21:45 says, “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”

 In a recent interview, a renowned celebrity and icon in the music industry shared that he had “beef” (problems) with Jesus.  This person who has had moments of seeking God and falling away, shared that his main point of contention was that Jesus had not answered his prayers when he needed Him the most. 

 There are occasions as we wait on God to answer and help, that it feels like time is running out and the math is not adding up.  When the answer feels LATE, it does not mean that God is not WORKING on it. When the answer is not to our LIKING, it does not mean that God’s ways are less WONDERFUL.  The outcomes we experience will teach us that God is fully aware of it and properly handling it.  He truly does care enough to send you the very best!  Ephesians 3:20 tells us, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” 

 May your faith be ready to be filled and fired up by the work Jesus is doing today and that is on the way!

“The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”- Psalm 118:24

 Everything about Easter translates joy and hope.  The bright assortment of outfits and hats; children giddily racing around on an egg hunt; families and friends gathering for a special meal; services filled with first-time guests, seekers, and people re-engaging church. 

 The above Psalm was a prophetic, praiseworthy promise of the coming Messiah who would deliver salvation, reign forever, and be the cause of great joy for God’s people.  Psalm 118 is what the crowds shouted in joyous triumph as King Jesus made His way down the Mount of Olives and into Jerusalem.  The people who witnessed His coming were able to connect this moment to what had been written centuries before.  In a way they were TRANSLATING the promises of God to what was happening before their eyes in present time. 

 Translation is important when using your phone to find a specific word when engaging someone who speaks a different language. Translation is important when using a recipe that has different measurements than you are used to. Translation is important when deciphering a teenager’s text with abbreviated words, unfamiliar terms, and silly emojis.  And for us in this Easter season, like those at the Triumphal Entry, we want to experience a heavenly translation and transformation today.  In Matthew 6:9-10 Jesus taught His disciples to pray with the following translation, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

 Let’s translate the verse from Psalm 118 by looking at three words we can hold onto as a hope:

 1. “The LORD has done it…”- Our God brings life.  He is our source and sustainer.  Hes does all things well.  He will accomplish His purposes and deliver abundant life (John 10:10). 

2. “this very DAY…”- Today is a promise, a gift, and part of His salvation plan (2 Corinthians 6:2).  Let’s believe for God to show up in our lives, displaying His glory and releasing His grace.

3. “let us REJOICE today and be GLAD.”- Our response to the Lord should be marked by gratitude.  Take time to thank Jesus for all He has done and is doing (Hebrews 13:15). 

 Discovering and deciphering the miracle of all that Jesus has for us in a fresh way this Easter!

“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”- 2 Peter 1:8

 Out of Service.  Those words can be cringeworthy when we find something not working or available at a time of need:  A drive-thru ATM machine that is down; a beverage being out of stock; a favorite ride not running at Disneyland; a website unable to process an online payment; a hotel being booked the week we have vacation.  Even the cooler weather this year has kept me from enjoying the pool and getting my regular exercise regimen in.  When things are unable to be used, we feel it!

 A life of faith is meant to be fully engaged and fruitful.  We have been called out by Jesus to live a life infused by His Spirit, active in service, and producing results that make a difference.  In Matthew 12:33 Jesus says, “Make a tree good and its fruit good, or make a tree bad and its fruit bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.”

 When we live according to God’s design and Christ’s commands we are operating at maximum capacity and possibility.  Through the power of Jesus we are being built into dynamic kingdom contributors.  The more we access His life, the less breakdowns we will experience.  In Colossians 1:11 the Apostle Paul prays for us, “Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”

 May His power help you become a bright beacon of light and hope.  Let’s be ready to serve using our skills and resources, look for ways to help a person in need, be ready to speak a prayer, blessing, Scripture, or testimony to someone needing the Good News. Let’s be open to making daily deposits in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, campuses, and church. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “You, brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

 Be open for kingdom business and get ready for big-time blessing!

“And His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.”- Ephesians 1:19-20

 May and June mean it is GRADUATION TIME!  On campuses all across the nation students of all ages, from elementary school through graduate programs, will be taking part in ceremonies, wearing caps and gowns, hearing inspiring commencement speeches, and receiving well-earned diplomas. Even in our church we have three amazing leaders who have completed their studies, advancing them forward in God’s calling and ministry.  This is a time of grand celebration and achievement. 

 All these graduations have me thinking about growing as believers and in the greatness God wants us to walk in.  We were never meant to live a life that stays at base camp, has a minimum approval rating, or remains in cruise control.  We’re designed by God to bear fruit and commissioned to increase in it.  In John 15:2 Jesus said, “God cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” 

 God is calling us to live beyond the elementary places of faith through the empowering authority and vitality of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit is our Master Teacher who is constantly speaking, shaping, and strengthening us to do the will of God and excel in this life.  As we walk with and learn from Him, we are going to see greatness move from a seed in our heart to signs in our lives.  Greatness can transpire and transform our everyday activities, relationships, possessions, and careers.  In 2 Corinthians 4:7 we read Paul’s powerful proclamation, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

 Church family, I commission us to be the class of 2024 with a 24/7 GPA (God’s purpose and anointing)!