Now What?

Okay, we've re-thought what Christmas is all about. We have been challenged to spend less for us, so that we can invest in "heavenly things." So how do we "GIVE MORE?"



Glen spoke a lot this week about the foundational reality that Christmas, by it's very meaning and nature, is relational. It was all about God providing relationship with Him again through the gift of his Son. By giving us His Son we can know more about who God is. We got to see Him in the flesh. Now we have a much clearer understanding of who God is for the sake of relationship with Him.



So a couple questions I want to ask:

1. How do you give a "relational gift?" One thing we have done in our family, especially on Mother's, Father's, and Valentine's days are to give "With You" coupons. They say things like, "Redeem for One Night Out with Dad" or, "Good for a 10 minute back rub." How have you found ways to give of your self relationally?



2. Does it still look like or feel like a cop out? If you give someone a relational gift are you afraid they are going to think you are cheap? I guess the other question is, "Do you care at this point what they think or are you willing to break the materialistic mold and just do it because you feel like it's right?



Bring it! What do you think?



Griff

Ooouuch!?

I think I stepped on some toes today including mine. It’s tough for us anytime we challenge the status quo. For our culture the status quo is to spend A LOT at Christmas time. I think the original motive was and is still good but somehow we have become like a runaway train out of control. I wonder how it went from giving simple, meaningful and many times needed gifts to people you love in the spirit of sharing and generosity to an excessive and materialistic stuff exchange with people you love but who already have most everything they need and want? (Sorry, that’s got to be a run on sentence).

In case you weren’t there we read a story from Little House on the Prairie about the incredible excitement over a few simple things like a cake, candy, a cup and a penny. I don’t know if we can ever get back there. We just don’t live in that place. But, other people do.

I think its hard any time you go against the flow of what most of our culture does. I don’t think we want to be weird or seem like joy killers. Isn't that the point though? We want there to be more joy that has somehow seemed to escaped us in all the wrapping and ribbon and plastic. What kind of response did you have to the message this weekend? Did it spark an idea in you? Did you feel like I was way off base? Weigh in and tell us what you think God wants us to do with this whole “spend less to invest more” mentality.

Griff

Seeing Christmas from the "Other Side"

It struck me this weekend to think about just sinful my life has been. We don't like to think about it but that reality is always lurking in our subconscious. We have become very good at avoiding it. We just think about something else or look for someone that is a worse sinner (like there is such a thing) than us and that somehow makes us feel better.

It's kind of weird to think about our sinfulness when talking about Christmas. It doesn't seem to fit "the season." It's even stranger to think about a baby being born to die; for me. How is it right for a baby to be given to remedy that deeply shameful part of who I am? I guess it's not right, it's love.

I know it's not a good thing to focus too much on our sin. After all, because of Jesus, it no longer has any part in our identity. The bible calls us saints more than sinners. However, I do think it is good to consider how deep our sin can go and just what God did for us in giving us a Savior Child. If we lived out of that gratitude it would probably change much of the way we lived. What do you think that would look like? Just think how our lives, lived from this deep gratitude, might touch a watching world.

Your thoughts?

Griff's Thoughts on Christmas

Another Christmas season is upon us. For many of us, it really is a special time of year that is unique to any other. I know my wife turns into a kid at heart and loves all the great stuff that makes up the Christmas season. One of our favorite things to do every year is go to a Christmas tree farm, pick out a live tree and cut it down ourselves. One of the farms we have found has free hot chocolate and live reindeer! Does it get any better than that? (I guess maybe free tress?) There are all kinds of great traditions and memories that many of us love to revel in through this season and it’s always sad to us when it’s over.

Even though we love Christmas as much as we always have, it’s interesting that we have gone through some changes in how we choose to celebrate Christmas. In the last couple years we have gone through some steps to simplify and focus the way we celebrate. Some of our attempts have been better and more meaningful than others but all in all it has been a good exercise this think through how we go about celebrating the birth of Christ.

In our upcoming series we are going to ask you to “Re-Think Christmas.” Maybe that is a new thought for some of you. Maybe for others it isn’t new at all. What are your thoughts about the way we have come “as Americans” to celebrate Christmas? How have you already, in years past, begun to “Re-Think Christmas?”

Staying Married

In January my (Lynn Buckles) parents will celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary. They have taught me a lot about faithfulness, perseverance, and commitment. Three years ago my dad had a major stroke and last year was diagnosed with terminal cancer. My mom has been his primary care taker and that has not been easy. The phrase “for better or for worse” takes on new meaning as I watch her care for him without any expectation that he can reciprocate. In his message on staying married Glen said “staying married is about commitment and dogged determination to fight for the marriage, not each other. It is finishing what you started. The success doesn’t rely on everybody’s being compatible or happy or a champ in the sack. The people who stay married are the people who won’t consider divorce.”

Those are great words to live by and I am thankful my parents have been a good model of that to me as I continually learn to faithfully love my wife, Janene (27 years)!

Think about this question: How secure would it make you feel to know that your partner was committed to you no matter what?

NO Debt Whatsoever

Some of my fondest memories come from when I was growing up. Two of the greatest influences in my life were my grandad and my grandmother. They lived on a little farm in Ensor, KY (never heard of it have you?) where they had their own garden, grew tobacco, and raised a small amount of cattle. It seemed so simple to me. I'm sure there were a lot of struggles, but as a kid, I just wasn't aware of many of them.

One of the best things I learned from them was the discipline of saving money. They built their own house with the help of neighbors and family, paid for their cars with cash, and had absolutely NO debt whatsoever. I understand that times are different now, but I learned a lot from them and how they managed their time and money.

This weekend we will look at the subject of thriftiness. What would our grandparents say about the way that we handle money - credit card debt, student loans, wants vs. needs, instant gratification, home equity lines of credit? If you get a chance, read Matthew 6:25-34 and Proverbs 22:7. If there is some financial wisdom that you remember from your grandparents or an example of their thriftiness, talk about it in the comment section.

Let's Stay In Touch...

"It feels kind of surreal."

That's what I've been saying for the last week or so and it still rings true.

Although my time at Crossroads is officially over, I'll always count myself a part of this family.

Thanks again for allowing us to call this community home. You have truly blessed us. In my 15 years of working for churches, I've never been around better leadership, staff and people. Crossroads is the healthiest church I've ever been a part of. Now, my job is to replicate that health in Raleigh.

I appreciate all of you who took the time to say goodbye this past weekend. Many of you asked how to keep up with us in the future. Here are a few ideas:

You can email Fred at: fredsturner@gmail.com
I will check my church address for a little while longer, but go ahead and switch over now.

Although this Teaching Blog will continue, this will be my last post here.
You can find my personal blog HERE. (www.justanotherfred.blogspot.com) You can subscribe and receive updates via email when I post if you'd like.

I'll be serving with Connections Church in Raleigh. Find them online HERE.
Drop by to see what's happening in the days ahead with our new community.

Once again, thanks for letting us into your lives for the last four years. We are definitely the better for it!

Weekend Prep

This weekend we'll bring the "Yeah YOU" series to a close with a teaching conversation around the theme that "Yeah YOU Can Keep Moving".


We'll be looking at a couple of stories from Mark 6:1-13. Check them out before then if you get the chance. You may want to give them a read in the Message paraphrase for a fresh take. Find it HERE.

Front Porch Wisdom...

Have you ever marveled at the stuff people could do a couple of generations ago? For the most part, our grandparents knew how to build houses, fix cars, grow food, live within their means, be neighborly, stay married, raise kids- and a hundred other things that seem so challenging today.

We live with more information and conveniences than ever- but is life really better today? Are we any better at living it? While we can’t recreate the “good old days”, we could stand to grab some of the timeless wisdom that blessed and sustained those who came before us. Our next teaching series will focus on some of the biblical values and life skills that seemed more widespread a couple of generations ago.

To get the ball rolling, we'd love to hear from you about the "front porch wisdom" you've gotten from your grandparents, older relatives, mentors, etc.

Are there any pieces of advice you refer back to time and again?

Any character traits you've tried to emulate?

Any fond memories or stories of the wise sages in your life that you reach back to for inspiration?

How Was Your Experience...

...this past weekend with Pastor Felix Williams and the rest of the folks from Mt. Calvary leading our weekend services?

How do you feel about being a part of a church that is willing to raise the topic of and begin to engage in racial reconciliation?

Changing the World

Just came across this quote:

"You begin saving the world by saving one man at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics." - Charles Bukowski

Does this ring true for you?

Why or why not?

Is It Even Possible???

Wow. Great discussion on the last post. When I look at the types of things we all want to change about this world, it makes me wonder if change is even possible.

A couple of us mentioned that what we want to change is ourselves and we can't even seem to get that done.

What do you think? Can people like us change the world?

If not- why not?

If yes- how?

Yeah, YOU Can Change The World...

This weekend we'll conclude the "Yeah YOU" series with the idea that each of us can make an impact on this world.


If that's really true- and you had the power to change one thing about this world, what would it be?

Resources from this weekend

This weekend we explored the idea that God can use any of us (YEAH YOU) to help someone else on their journey with/towards God.

We tried to take some cues from Philip in Acts 8:26-40: Making ourselves available to others, asking questions and listening, engaging in dialogue-not debate, etc.

We watched Philip's friend- the Ethiopian- respond to God and be baptized as a sign of his desire to follow Jesus. We also got to see a video of some recent baptisms of folks within the Crossroads' community.

If you'd like to learn more about baptism, we'll be offering a one hour baptism class during each of our weekend services on October 13th & 14th. You can register online for a class HERE, or contact Missy Cheeseman with any questions mcheeseman@xroadschurch.org, 263-4633 ext. 293.

If you decide you are ready to take the plunge (literally), stop by our main room anytime between 2-4pm on Sunday, October 14th for an Open Baptism. Bring some clothes you can wet in and a towel and we'll get it done.

Also, if you'd like to read a bit more on this topic of evangelism, Glen recommends these resources:

Jim & Capser Go to Church: Frank Conversations about Faith, Churches and Well-Meaning Christians

Evangelism without Additives: What if sharing your faith meant just being yourself?

Vocab Test...

One of the things I love about Crossroads is that we don't drop theological or religous terms just to sound impressive. (Propitiation anyone?)

This weekend we'll be talking about EVANGELISM. You might not hear that exact term, but it will be the topic of the day.

What does the word EVANGELSIM mean to you?

What associations does it carry for you?

Are there other words or phrases you use in place of this term? If so, why?

Refrigerator Rights...

This weekend we talked about the idea that each of us was made to belong to other people.

As a practical picture of this, Glen talked about the concept of "Refigerator Rights".

Authors Will Miller & Glenn Sparks introduced this idea in their BOOKof the same title.

Will's BLOG defines the concept this way:

Refrigerator Rights Relationships are people who can open your refrigerator without having to ask permission. And when you are in their home you can do the same. They are people with whom you feel open, cared for and relaxed. They know the real you behind the facade.

Do you have anyone like this in your life? More than one person?

If so, how did you get to this level of belonging?

If not, why not? Are you afraid? Too busy? Something else?

Is there anything in your fridge worth eating anyway?

Belonging...

This weekend we'll continue the "Yeah YOU" series with a teaching about belonging. The gist is that in Jesus' church, there is a place for everyone- the black sheep, the wallflowers, the introverted, those with low self-esteem or social anxiety, the shy,the abrasive, etc. etc.

This may feel strange to us, because life doesn't usually work this way. We're used to seeing the beautiful, privileged, talented and charismatic people receiving the golden tickets of inclusion while the rest of us are left with our noses pressed to the glass.

Or maybe that's just me.

What experiences have you had when it comes to beloging?

Where have you been accpeted?

Where have you felt like you didn't fit?

What made the difference for you?

Which Is Harder For You?

This weekend Greg Chandler did an outstanding job of leading us in a conversation on forgiveness.

When it comes to this topic, which is more of a challenge for you?

Granting forgiveness to others?

OR

Asking for and accepting it yourself?

As you are willing/able, give us some insight as to why you answer the way you do.

I Heart You Tube

Thanks to Anonymous who added a link to the video for Yahweh in the comment section of the last post.

Join my nostaglia by following this link to watch U2 circa 1983.

Make sure you watch at least until the white flag comes out.

U2 Gets Me...And 100 Million Other People

I know they may be the band everyone likes (or likes to hate due to their mass appeal) but I've been a U2 fan since the first time I saw the "Sunday Bloody Sunday" video filmed at Red Rocks in 1983. The passion of Bono, the white flag, the Edge chiming away on guitar- it all got me.

Nearly 25 years later, their music still speaks to me.

This morning on a walk my Ipod dialed up "Yahweh" from their "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" project.

The lyrics form a prayer that speaks about our desire to change:

Take these shoes
Click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes
And make them fit
Take this shirt
Polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt
And make it clean, clean
Take this soul
Stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul
And make it sing

CHORUS:
Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn

Take these hands
Teach them what to carry
Take these hands
Don't make a fist no
Take this mouth
So quick to criticize
Take this mouth
Give it a kiss

CHORUS

Still waiting for the dawn, the sun is coming up
The sun is coming up on the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean

CHORUS

Take this city
A city should be shining on a hill
Take this city
If it be your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart
Take this heart
Take this heart
And let it break

You can listen to a 30 second sample or purchase the song HERE.

Several things about these lyrics echo my own journey: a feeling like I don't quite fit into my soul, my deisre to let my life be used for God instead of selfishness and violence towards others, and a longing to completely surrender myself to Jesus.

How about you? Have you heard this song? Do any of the words feel true for you? Is there another U2 song that captures some part of your soul?

How Have You Changed...

Ok- so it is easy to look at ourselves today and see the blemishes, weaknesses and shortcomings. (See everyone's comments on the last post)

Let's shift gears and be a bit more positive if we can.

How have you changed for the better?

Today (at 37) I would say I am becoming more open minded and financially responsible than I was in my earlier days. I'm also a better (but probably not great) listener and less stressed than I used to be. All thanks to the grace and work of God I'm sure.

How about you? Take a minute and talk about the changes and growth you've seen in yourself.

Yeah, YOU Can Change...

Change is a huge business in our country (think teeth whitening, weight loss pills, wardrobe makeovers, the endless home renovation shows, Oprah, etc.).

Why?

We all have things in our lives that we want to change.

Me- I'd like to be taller, have a bit more hair, have more self-discipline, etc.

How about you?

What is one thing about yourself you'd like to change?

Click the comments link just below and spill it.

Yeah, YOU Can Find Hope

This weekend we'll jump fully into a new teaching series called "Yeah YOU". Our hope is to let God get personal with us and to begin to accept the idea that the promises and invitations issued in the Bible don't just apply to "the world" or "everyone", but aslo to you and me.

This weekend we'll focus on the idea that "You Can Find Hope"- something many of us need right now. If you'd like to prepare a little ahead of time, read John 20 and pay attention to the stories of Mary & Thomas.

Also, feel free to add your thoughts, prayers and questions to the post about Nati Carter just below.

Too Close To Home...

A couple weeks back I was given the assignment to teach about the idea that life is short.

Now I (and the rest of our church community) have been smacked in the face with this reality as we mourn the loss of Nati Carter. (Incidentally, three other families at Crossroads have also suffered losses in a similar time frame. We offer our condolences and prayers to the Bies, Heller and Smith families.)

The Carters are some of my best friends and I've spent more time crying in the last couple of days than I ever have as an adult. Many of you have also been touched by Bryan and Erika's love or friendship- or at the very least feel a deep sense of compassion for their loss.

So, we're all mourning, processing, shaking our heads at the senselessness, and smiling sad smiles at the outpourings of love, support and community.

Just wanted to create a little space here for us to process. Use the comments feature to share your thoughts, questions or prayers. As possible, let's try to avoid the cliches which may or may not be true (Ex. God must have had other plans for her.)

These past few days I'm finding that it is better not to have any words than to have empty ones.

I Know...

There's a scene in the movie "Good Will Hunting" that makes me cry every time I see it.

Will (Matt Damon's character) is talking with his therapist- Sean (Robin Williams' character). They've finally developed a sense of trust when the subject of Will's childhood abuse comes up.

Sean looks him in the eye and says,
"You know that's not your fault."

Will shrugs, looks away and says,
"I know."

He says the right words, but you can see in his eyes that he doesn't really believe them. He's spent years blaming himself- wondering what he's done to deserve such treatment.

Sean steps closer,
"You know that wasn't your fault Will."

Another non-committal "I know" follows from Will.

Finally Sean catches his eye and tells him one last time what is really true. He didn't deserve to be treated as he had been.

Will breaks down as he lets the possibility sink inside his soul.

I wonder if Jesus could have a similar conversation with me and you.

"I love you", says Jesus.

"I know", we shrug.

"No, I really love you. Every time I think of you, I smile."

"I know", we mutter.

Catching our eye, Jesus continues,
"I love you.
I know who you are.
I know everything you've done.
I know your secrets.
The dark parts of your soul.
Your shame.
And I still love you.
Enough to die for you.
And live with you and in you."

"I love you."

How would we respond?

Those words are so familiar. But do we really believe they are true about US?

Are we ready to let the love and acceptance of God sink deep into our bones despite the nagging voices that tell us it is too good to be true, or can't happen for us?

Or is there something about that idea that we can't quite come to grips with?

The scene closes with Will sobbing as his friend, Sean holds him tight.

I'm picturing a similar scene with Jesus and me.

Maybe someday soon.

Empty Words? Cliche? Life Statement?

JESUS LOVES YOU.

What's your first reaction when you hear those three words?

Are they so cliche that they don't mean anything?

Are they so basic that they are a given?

Are they so deep that they are hard to really get ahold of?

Are they the basis for your identity?

Something else?

Use the comments feature to give us your feedback.

Didn't we just talk about that?

Ever find yourself in a conversation about a topic and then start noticing it in other places?

A couple weeks back we talked about how Moses appeared to Jesus in Luke 9:28-36. This event is usually called "The Transfiguration"- because Jesus' is transformed as his heavenly glory shows through. (Read the story if you are confused.)

This morning I came across some artistic depictions of this event. Moses is represented in most of them.

Thought you might want to TAKE A PEEK.

Remember That Essay...

...you used to have to write on the first day of school?

The one with "What I Did On Summer Break" at the top of the page?

Each July we ask our lead pastor, Glen Schneiders, to step away from the busyness of his routine. We ask him to rest, get refreshed and to listen for how God might be leading our church community.

Although we miss his teaching and presence in July, we believe this month is essential for him and our church.

Glen is back in the saddle this weekend and will unpack what he sensed God teaching him over the last month.

Don't miss it!

First Person Perspective...

Ever noticed that when someone is facing a life threatening situation there's always a well-meaning person who comes along and tries to talk about the time as a "blessing"?

Although there may be truth in the words, they usually ring hollow to the person who is in the middle of suffering.

But what if those words come from the person themself? Correspondant, columnist (and Berea, KY native) turned White House Staffer, Tony Snow has recurring cancer and sess it as a "blessing".

Read his perspective HERE, then feel free to share your thoughts and/or experiences.

Looking Up To Tammy Faye???

Tammy Faye Messner (formerly Bakker) was one of those public, religious figures that illicited strong reactions from people. (Usually negative reactions for negative reasons.) After her passing, at least one columnist praised her.

Not for the way she lived in the public spotlight.

But for the way she died in it.

Click HERE for the full article.

Feel free to share your thoughts as well.

Life Is Short, Let's Review...

This weekend our church community dealt with the difficult and personal topic of death. Cathy White stood before us and shared about the numerous reminders she's had in the past couple of years about how short life is. Let's be praying for her family as they continue to face health issues.

After each service I (Fred) had multiple people approach me and tell their own stories of facing cancer, losing children and walking alongside friends and family members who are staring their own mortality in the face.

Wow! I had a swirl of emotions going on inside of me. How about you?

Let's create a bit of space here for us to express ourselves. Use the comments feature to share your own journey, express your thanks to Cathy or say anything else that's been on your mind about this topic.

God Is Eternal...My Life Is Short

This weekend we'll wrap the "Intermittent" series.

Catch a glimpse of where we're headed by checking out Numbers 20:1-13, 27:12-23 & Deuteronomy 34.

Another way to think about Holiness...

Every day an email shows up in my inbox from the Miriam Webster folks teaching me a new word for the day. Most of the time, the word has more than one definition.

When we say that God is Holy, we often are trying to describe His flawlessness, His perfection, His purity. This is definitely an important part of God's Holy nature. Here's another part of the definition.

Holiness in the Bible literally means "Set Apart". Another way to think about this is that God is "Other" or completely different than we are. This idea of Holiness shows up when God says things like, "My ways aren't your ways, my thoughts aren't your thoughts...".

I think this understaning of Holiness plays out pretty well in the story of the Golden Calf and what follows. (Read Exodus chapters 19, 20, 32 & 33)

God tells the people not to make an idol.

They agree that they won't.

Then they do.

So God kills people (and/or tells Moses to kill people).

About 3000 of them for breaking their word.

Sounds harsh to me.

Where was the second chance for those people?

The "Next time you'll really be in trouble" speech?

God doesn't handle this the way that you and I would.

But then, you and I aren't God.

We make promises we don't mean, set boundaries we don't enforce, and rationalize why things like that are ok.

God is different. Holy.

When He says something, He means it.

When He makes a promises, He keeps it.

Last weekend Greg mentioned that we tend to focus on God's mercy and grace. Which is good, since we all need them pretty much everyday.

What if we thought more about His Holiness?

What if we thought more about a God who is not only perfect, but who means what He says?

Who consistently keeps His promises and expects us to do the same?

Would it change the way we thought about our choices and actions?

"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. Who was, and is, and who is coming." - Revelation 4:8

Again and Again and Again and...

Ever come across a song that you just have to hear again? And again? And again?

Right now I'm listening to a song called "This Too Shall Be Made Right" for the 12th time in a row.

The song is off of Derek Webb's current project "The Ringing Bell".

Here are the lyrics:

people love you the most for the things you hate
and hate you for loving the things that you cannot keep straight
people judge you on a curve
and tell you you’re getting what you deserve
this too shall be made right

children cannot learn when children cannot eat
stack them like lumber when children cannot sleep
children dream of wishing wells
whose waters quench all the fires of Hell
this too shall be made right

the earth and the sky and the sea are all holding their breath
wars and abuses have nature groaning with death
we say we’re just trying to stay alive
but it looks so much more like a way to die
this too shall be made right

there’s a time for peace and there is a time for war
a time to forgive and a time to settle the score
a time for babies to lose their lives
a time for hunger and genocide
this too shall be made right

I don’t know the suffering of people outside my front door
I join the oppressors of those who i choose to ignore
I’m trading comfort for human life
and that’s not just murder it’s suicide
this too shall be made right

Wow! I'm usually drawn to prophetic voices like this, but even more so today. Maybe because I've spent the last week thinking about God's Holiness.

How will a Holy God respond to all the darkness that goes on in our world (and inside of us)?

What does it say about us if we can't mourn the same things that God does? Or do what is within our power to right injustice?

Although the lyrics are powerful, the combination of the mournful vocals and ringing acoustic guitar drives home the pain in the song to me.

Hear a 30 sec. sample or go big and drop 99 cents on the full deal at itunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=252648283&s=143441&i=252648361

If it doesn't speak to you at all, I'll refund your dollar.

Seriously.

Special Thanks...

...to St. Luke Catholic Church in Nicholasville for graciously agreeing to host the video shoot we featured this weekend.

Our hope was that the physical setting would give the video a "holy" feel.

Do you find architecture helpful in creating a sense of awe and reference?

If not, what does that for you? Nature? Music? Quiet? Something else?

Warming Up...

Physical fitness types always try to convince us that stretching is a good idea before exercise. (I think they're right by the way.)

Many of us are finding that a little mental and spiritual stretching during the week puts us in a better place for the teaching conversations on the weekend.

This Saturday and Sunday, Greg Chandler will help us catch a glimpse of the idea that “God is Holy…What I Do Matters”.

Limber up your mind and heart by reading Exodus chapters 19, 20, 24, 32 & 34.

Play Webster For Me...

This weekend Greg Chandler will be prompting us to think about the idea that "God Is Holy".

Sounds right, but what does it mean? Holiness is one of those terms we use to describe God, but can we define it?

Take your best shot.

What are we trying to say about God by describing Him as "HOLY"?

What would you say to a 6 year old who asked you what "HOLY" means?

If it is true that God is "HOLY", what would that mean to/for us?

Give it some thought and post your insights, questions and ramblings by using the comment feature.

Didn't I just hear that??

Coincidence or God trying to get my attention?

The guide to prayer that I use from time to time always ends with a blessing.

Here is this morning's:

"Live today in Christ's presence, remembering HE IS NEAR and will sustain you as you serve in his name. Amen."

May this be true for us today.

How Do You See God?

This weekend Missy talked about something most/all of us have experienced at some point:

Wondering if God is real and if He is really with us.

In the book of Exodus, God gives people multiple visual reminders that He is with them:

• Exodus 3:1-6 God speaks to Moses from a burning bush
• Exodus 13:17-22 God leads Israel with a column of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night.
• Exodus 24:9-11 God allows 74 leaders of Israel to see (some part) of Him as they initiate the covenant.
• Exodus 33:7-23 God lets Moses see His back and meets wtih him in a tent.
• Exodus 34:29-35 Moses face glows after being with God.
• Exodus 40:34-38 God continues to lead Israel with column of smoke, settling on the tent of mtg when stopped.

Does God still let people know that He is with them today?

Have you ever had an experience where you sensed God's presence with you?

What do you do/who do you turn to when you start to wonder yourself?

Tell us what you think. We'd love to hear your perspective.

Prayer Card Side 2:

The other part of the prayer exercise was to continue asking for God's help and deliverance.

We were asked to finish the phrase: God I Need Your Help With

Personally, I asked God to:

• Help us adjust to being a family of 4


• Use our family to bless our neighbors and share God's love with them


• Help me to stop worrying about what He gives others


• Enable me to really listen to those around me

Your turn now. Be as specific or as general as you'd like. What are you needing from God today?

Prayer Card Side 1:

Last weekend we talked about our need to remember how God has shown up and helped us in the past.

We each got a prayer card. One side simply read:

God, Thank You For What You've Done

On my card I wrote things like:

• Bringing me to Crossroads
• Giving me a wife and two kids that I don't deserve
• A quick recovery from a recent health issue
• New neighbors we are developing a friendship with
• Money to pay for my recent car repairs

How about you? What has come to mind this week as you thought through all of the times God has listened and responded to your needs?

Tell us about it using the comments section.

Corrected Reading for this Weekend

The E-Newsletter incorrectly listed the reading to prepare for this weekend.

It should be EXODUS chapters 24, 32, 33 & 34.

Welcome all lurkers!

Just wanted to extend a warm welcome to those of you who have been dropping by the blog more recently.

Our stat tracker shows that about 1/3 of you are new on any given week. Thanks for taking the time to stop in.

We want you to know that this blog isn't here just to provide information- but a spot for dialogue as well. Our stats show that we've got A BUNCH more people "lurking" than commenting.

While you won't have something to say about everything you read, we want you to hear our invitation and have the know how to get it done.

Realizing that some of you may be new to the world of blogging, here's a quick tutorial on how to leave a comment after reading a post:

1. Click the word "Comments" at the bottom of each post.

2. A window will pop up that will allow you to see what others have had to say.

3. Type your thoughts in the "Leave A Comment" section near the bottom of the pop up window. You can comment on the blog post itself or respond to what someone else had to say about it.

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7. Click "Publish" and the rest of us can read your thoughts.

I know it sounds complicated, but it goes quickly once you get the hang of it.

So, give it a shot.

Please take a second to follow the steps above and leave a brief comment.

Tell us who you are, why you are on the blog, or anything else you want.

And thanks for lurking!

Song from last weekend

The song that wrapped around our prayer time is called "Deliver Me".

You can find it on the David Crowder Band's "ILLUMINATE" project.

Here are the lyrics:

Deliver me out of the sadness

Deliver me from all the madness

Deliver me courage to guide me

Deliver me Your strength inside me

CHORUS:

All of my lifeI've been in hiding

Wishing there was someone just like You

Now that You're hereNow that I've found You

I know that You're the One to pull me through

Deliver me loving and caring

Deliver me giving and sharing

Deliver me this cross that I'm bearing

Oh, deliver me

Jesus, Jesus how I trust You

How I've proved You o'er and o'er

Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus

Deliver me

Come and pull me through

Come pull me through

Remembering God's Help

This weekend we explored just a few of the ways God helped Moses and the people of Israel as the exited (or exodused?) Egypt.

Exodus 16 marks the first time that God provides some bread (manna) for them. It isn't the last. For the next 40 years God ensures that they always have daily bread. From the outset of the manna God gives His people this instruction:

32Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: Take two quarts of manna to be kept for your descendants. This way they will see the food that I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.”
33Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar, put two quarts of manna in it, and put it in the LORD’s presence to be kept for your descendants.” 34Aaron put the jar of manna in front of the words of God’s promise to be kept there, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Why is this so important? God wants these folks, their children and succeeding generations TO REMEMBER how He came through for them.

Not a bad idea.

What if we got ourselves a jar too?



I threw that idea out this past weekend as a symbol. Now I'm thinking more literally.

What if I had a jar and everytime God came through I put something inside the jar to help me remember God's track record?

If we had somethting like that, we could pull it out the next time we were facing a situation and found ourselves questioning whether or not God would come through for us.

I guess I do have something like this- a couple of journals I've kept for the last few years.

Several times a year I crack them open and laugh about how much things have changed, how much they're still the same, and how good God has been in the midst of it all.

How about you?

Do you ever think about all of the ways God has helped you?

Have anything tangible that helps you remember?

So far my journals have been ok.

But now I really want a jar.

Guess I'd better find a big one.

Filling In The Gaps...

Are you digging the book of Exodus? There's so much great stuff in there that we won't be able to cover it all in our weekend teaching.

If you want to read what we're skipping over this week, check out EXODUS 5-12.

If you like action, you won't be disappointed.

Something to think about...

Last week I (Fred) got together with a friend who leads a campus ministry at UK. Knowing he'd want to talk about the upcoming fall ministry season, I asked him, "Is there anything you want me to think about before we connect?" It isn't that I didn't have anything else on my mind- I just wanted to get ready for a good conversation.

This weekend at Crossroads we'll get our second installment in the "Intermittent" series and will tackle the topic: "God Is Listening...I Need Help". Our teaching will flow out of Exodus 14-17.

Take a look at this section of the Bible if you want to get ready for our conversation.

And Another Thought...

There's this little phrase that procedes Moses' murderous rage:

12 He looked all around, and WHEN HE DIDN'T SEE ANYONE he beat the Egyptian to death and hid the body in the sand.

Isn't it funny how our imagined anonymity can give us permission to do things we shouldn't and wouldn't do otherwise?

Unfortunatley, Moses was wrong about his stealth operation:

13When Moses went there the next day, he saw two Hebrew men fighting. He asked the one who started the fight, “Why are you beating another Hebrew?”
14The man asked, “Who made you our ruler and judge? Are you going to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought that everyone knew what he had done.
15When Pharaoh heard what Moses had done, he tried to have him killed.

So...

Maybe we should assume someone is always watching via security camera, or will check our internet history, email, cell phone records or credit card receipts.

(Not to mention that God is always watching.)

If we can't do what we're about to do without telling someone- we probably shouldn't do it at all.

Bonus Features

Believe it or not, almost all of our weekend teachers leave material on the cutting room floor. Although 30 minutes may seem like a long time to listen, we make choices each week about what we have time to share. Below are a few thoughts that got left out this weekend.

This past week I was thinking about Moses' attempt to end oppression in Exodus 2:11-15:

11In the course of time Moses grew up. Then he went to {see} his own people and watched them suffering under forced labor. He saw a Hebrew, one of his own people, being beaten by an Egyptian. 12He looked all around, and when he didn’t see anyone, he beat the Egyptian to death and hid the body in the sand.
13When Moses went there the next day, he saw two Hebrew men fighting. He asked the one who started the fight, “Why are you beating another Hebrew?”
14The man asked, “Who made you our ruler and judge? Are you going to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought that everyone knew what he had done.
15When Pharaoh heard what Moses had done, he tried to have him killed. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian.

Moses wanted to do a good thing. How did it end up working out so badly?

Maybe for some of the same reasons our attempts at controlling things go awry:

• We have a good idea, but don't stop to ask if it is God's idea. Moses is impulsive and responds out of anger. He doesn't seek God, but expects God to bless his impulses. Are we giving God a chance to speak BEFORE we act?

• We do the right thing in the wrong way. Ending slavery is good. Murder isn't. This isn't divine judgment, but human rage. The ends don't justify the means.

• We don't time it right. Why doesn't God bless Moses' attempts to free Israel? The timing isn't right. The people of Israel aren't ready. The Egyptians aren't ready. And Moses- their next leader- isn't ready himself. 40 years later the situation ripens considerably. Do we trust God's sense of timing more than ours?

• We think too small. Moses plan of killing one Egyptian at a time won't release a few million slaves. This problem will require 10 national plagues to fix. Where could God be thinking bigger than we are?

So this week, think of Moses as you face situations that beg for your intervention and control...and try not to kill anyone!

New Series Launches This Weekend

This weekend we'll launch a new teaching series called "Intermittent". The title of the series is born out of an observation that our understanding of God seems to come via irregular moments of clarity. What's true about God is always true. I may even "believe" it is true. But, I really understand it when I experience for myself.

For example, this weekend we'll be discussing the idea that "God is God...I'm Not". Its the most basic tenant of Christianity. The funny thing is that while I believe that God is in control- a lot of days I live like I am. Not of the universe, mind you, just of my own life. I can maintain my illusion of control until something happens that I can't fix. Until I have an experience where I realize firsthand that I need someone bigger than me to step in. Then I really grasp the idea that I've "believed in" for a long time.

This study will center around some intermittent moments of spiritual clarity that Moses and the nation of Israel experience as God guides them out of slavery in Egypt. We'll be offering some suggested reading each week to help you prepare for the next weekend's teaching conversation. To prime the pump for this weekend, you may want to read the first four chapters of Exodus in the next couple of days.

We know that summer schedules can make our attendance at Crossroads feel a little intermittent. Let's view the next 5 weeks as a challenge to engage our church community consistently- either in person at one of the weekend gatherings, or via the mp3's on the web. Here's the breakdown of what we'll discuss in July:

6/30-7/1 GOD IS GOD…I’M NOT
7/7-8 GOD IS LISTENING…I NEED HELP
7/14-15 GOD IS NEAR…I’M NOT ALONE
7/21-22 GOD IS HOLY…WHAT I DO MATTERS
7/28-29 GOD IS ETERNAL…MY LIFE IS SHORT

Memory Test...

This past weekend Glen laid out the four cornerstones our leaders believe God wants to build Crossroads on.

Can you name them?

Could you describe what they mean?

Take a shot in the comments section and no peeking in advance!

What is Crossroads All About?

This weekend Glen take us back to the basics of why we exist as a Church Community. He'll talk about our overall vision and four cornerstones that anchor our life together.

But before that happens, we'd like to hear from you.

How do you usually describe Crossroads to others?

What do you think we are all about?

What is our heart? Mission? Vision?

Porn On Father's Day Weekend (Post Thoughts)

Well, we officially survived our weekend of porn at Crossroads!

Now we'd love to hear what you thought about Porn & Pancakes and the Weekend Services.

Also, tell us if you had any conversations around this topic with friends, co-workers, family members, etc.?

Behind Closed Doors (Porn & Pancakes Breakfast Live & In Progress)...

For those of you who couldn't make it or didn't meet the age/gender requirements, we thought you'd like to hear a bit of what went on and we learned:

- Grilled sausage tastes really good.

- Don't mess with Patrick Drury if you are the guest COMEDIAN. (David Dean- see below)


- The story of Abraham almost slaying Isaac can be used to frighten young children into obeying their parents. (the comedian again)

- It's ok to laugh if people fall on the ice, even if they have a compound fracture. (still the comedian)

- To liven things up at church- give the 4th graders Mountain Dew and Red Bull. (guess who)

- "I'm sweating like Paris Hilton at a purity conference." (my personal favorite line from the comedian).

- Lynn Buckles, The XXX Church Intern, and David Gillis are INCREDIBLY good sports. Briggs Cochran is also a good sport, but can't follow instructions. (based on interactive improv)

- Maybe guys have a hard time really laughing because of the unconfessed sin in their lives. (Great point by the comedian)

Then Craig Gross from XXX CHURCH got up to share.


- Porn is a $57 BILLION dollar a year industry- most of which happens via the internet.

- The internet has radically changed the accessibility of porn. No longer do you have to embarrass yourself by buying a magazine from behind the counter or going to a seedy video store on the wrong side of town.

- 75% of people view porn alone.

- Most people who are addicted to porn eventually escalate to something else: an affair, using an escort service, soliciting kids on the internet, etc.

- Where is the computer in your house? Is it in a place where you or someone else can be secretive?

- XXX Church gets tons of emails from kids who are more computer savvy than their parents and find out by mistake that their parents are looking at porn.

Craig shared SIX WAYS TO RUIN YOUR LIFE:

1. Fight temptation with willpower alone because you are strong enough. (Cause that works in every other area of our lives, right?)

2. Believe that just a little porn isn't that bad. FHM, MAXIM, SWIMSUIT ISSUES = Porn training wheels. The porn industry gets it, that's why they give you free samples. They know you'll come back for more.

3. Spend more time watching TV, less time in God's Word. Who needs that anyway? The average 13-18 year old spends 71 hours a week watching tv, movies, on the internet, playing video games or on the cell phone. Most people get in trouble with pornography because they get on the internet without a purpose. TIP: If you are married, go to bed as the same time as your wife. Many guys look while their spouse is asleep.

4. Wing it when it comes to your integrity. Just make it up as you go. Don't have a plan ahead of time.

5. Go solo. Who needs others? XXX Church offers accountability software so that you can let someone else in to help keep you accountable. Find it HERE. Do you really want help? It is out there for you, but it requires you not doing it yourself.

6. When you fail, just give up. "This is my lot in life. I'll never get over it." Even in our failures, God never leaves us and His love never fails.

NOTE: Craig will be sharing a different message at our weekend services (5:30 Sat, 9:30 & 11:15 Sun). Make it a point to catch one.

Need Some Resources???:

• Every Man's Battle class starts on June 24th at 8:15 a.m. Contact Briggs Cochran
• Every Young Man's Battle class to follow in August. Contact Scott Morgan or Kerry Tuttle.
• Porn & Parents Discussion August 5th from 6-8 p.m. for all interested parents and teens on how to proactively respond to the issues. Contact Scott Morgan or Kerry Tuttle.
• Every Woman's Battle class to be offered based upon interest. Contact Ann Sullivan for information and to express interest.
• Help for Spouses class to be offered based upon interest. Contact Ann Sullivan for information and to express interest.
• Do I have an addiction? Crossroads has seasoned counselors to meet one on one to privately discuss the issues. Contact Ann Sullivan for information.

A Prayer For Friday...

For a few years now, some on our staff have been using "the blue book" as a devotional guide.

In addition to readings from the scripture and other Christian writers, there are written prayers to begin and end each day.

Today's opening prayer meant a lot to me and I thought it might speak to where some of us are as we try to wrap up a work week:


O God our Father, renew our spirits and draw our hearts to thyself, that our work may not be to us a burden but a delight;

and give us such love to thee as may sweeten all our obedience.

Help us that we may serve thee with the cheerfulness and gladness of children,

delighting ourselves in thee, and rejoicing in all that is to the honor of thy name;

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Although it took some getting used to, I've really come to enjoy using prayers that others have written. It helps me say things to God that I want to say, but may not have thought of on my own.

If you have a couple of minutes, pray through the prayer above a couple of times. First, pray the prayer through slowly. I find that it helps to say it out loud if possible.

Then, go back through the prayer and pray each phrase individually. Say anything to God that the phrase brings to mind. Ex: "Renew our spirits"- God, I'm discouraged today. Brighten my attitude.

If you try this, post a comment and let me know what you thought.

If you want to learn more about "the blue book" click HERE.

Porn On Father's Day??? (Pre Thoughts)

You bet! By now you've probably heard that Craig Gross from XXX Church will be with us this weekend. XXX is a ministry to both people in the porn industry and people who create the demand for the porn industry. Check out their site HERE.

Craig will speak to guys ages 11 and up at a breakfast (Porn & Pancakes) from 8-10am on Saturday morning. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.

He will also provide the weekend teaching at all of our services and will help us better understand the scope of the porn problem and some personal solutions.

Whether or not you think this issue has anything to do with you, we'd encourage you to be a part of things this weekend.

Now for your thoughts.

What are you thinking about our plans for the weekend and this topic? Has porn affected you or those you know and love?

Feel free to comment anonymously and honestly.

What did you learn about the Kingdom??

This weekend we wrapped the Counterintuitive series. Over the past 10 weeks we've been focusing our weekend conversations on the Kingdom that Jesus described that doesn't work the way we expect it to.

Take a minute and give us some feedback:

What did you think of this study?

Did you hear anything that surprised you? Challenged you? Encouraged you?

Was there anything you learned that you are trying to hold onto? Live out?

Where are you like my dad?

My (Fred's) dad is one of those guys who is a voracious learner. He knows a little bit about a lot of topics.

Drop him in a conversation with almost anyone and he'll probably be able to talk about their interests on some level.

Most people would walk away from meeting him thinking that he actually shares their hobbies and passions.

Here's the thing- my dad knows about ALOT of things he can't actually do. He can talk about farming, but never has. He can discuss construction, but couldn't build a house. He understands the stock market, but doesn't invest in it.

What about you? Where do you talk a better game than you play? Is there anything in your life that you know alot about, but don't do much with?

What Crowd Did You Hang With...

...in high school?

I have vague memories of trying to decide whether to align myself with the preps, the jocks, the smart kids, the rockers, the break dancers or the skaters.

In the end I sampled friends, fashion & music from each group- occasionally popping my collar (cringe) and rocking parachute pants, skinny leather ties, and the Don Johnson jacket (not all at once) and listening to Led Zeppelin, Run DMC, Rush, Bon Jovi (cringe again) & Prince.

How about you? Who were your friends?

What did you do to fit in? (Music, clothes, slang, habits, etc.)

How Would You Answer These Questions...

Q: When does Heaven start?

Q: What are you doing right now to prepare? (like the wise bridemaids from this weekends teaching in Matthew 25:1-13)