WinterJam Concert Postponed!
January 31, 2010
The CrosStone group will not be attending the WinterJam 2010 concert tonight, as the concert has been postponed until March 3, 2010, due to the snow. We hope you will all take the opportunity to stay safe and warm at home, and have a great evening with your family. Play a game, watch a movie together (complete with popcorn, of course!) or just do whatever your family likes to do.
Remember our lesson about creating “margin” in our lives? Well, God just created some for you! Take advantage of it, and enjoy the evening. See you Wednesday!
God’s Kingdom is My Home
January 31, 2010
The best way to resist the many distractions that life can bring is to choose Your final destination. Never allow the confusion and “dead-end” promises of this world to keep you from crossing the finish line with a job well done. God promises to reward every person who seeks after His righteousness and His kingdom.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Eternal Father, I commit today that Your Kingdom is my daily desire and my final destination. I will work with all my effort to see Your Kingdom come here and to live a life worthy of Your forgiveness, knowing that one day I will receive every blessing promised in Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God’s Mission – My Passion
January 30, 2010
The absolute best choice we can ever make is to follow hard after God. Pursuing His mission in our life means that we focus our time, our talents, our treasures and our future on God’s ultimate plan. When we seek after Him, He rewards us with a life filled with reward!
“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.” (Hebrews 1:6)
Gracious and Merciful Father, I know that You are God eternal and that Your plans are good. I believe that You were, that You are, and that You will be. Grant to me the privilege of joining You in Your great mission on the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
It’s Time to Look Up
January 29, 2010
It is easy to look down and be down, especially when the daily news around us is negative or ominous. But God tells us to look up and to trust in His ultimate plan of redemption. He is good and He is God. He is in control and He has your best interest in mind. Your day will go better with him in charge.
“Stand up and lift up our heads, because our Redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)
Eternal Father, I trust in your plan. You were there before the world began and you will see it through past the end. So when news around me turns gloomy or negative remind me to stand up, to look up and to watch for you. You promise to be there with me now, and come for me again. I am waiting for you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Soup Kitchen Outreach Cancelled
January 28, 2010
The CrosStone outreach to the Oasis Soup Kitchen, originally scheduled for Saturday, January 30th, has been cancelled due to the predicted heavy (for our area!) snowfall. When talking with the director of the ministry, she assured me that she did not wish to endanger any of our students and that the ministry has a backup plan in line so that the hungry will indeed be fed. We will reschedule our service just as soon as they have another opening.
Is it Over?
January 28, 2010
Every day newscasters, prophets, and prognosticators predict the end. Some say it is eminent, other claim that it is soon, or perhaps just a few weeks, months or years away. But God has a pre-determined plan when it comes to the “end.”
“The gospel of the Kingdom has been preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
Gracious Father, How grateful I am to know the parameters you have set for the closing of history. I will join in your grand plan to see the Gospel preached in all the world – a concrete an evident plan to every ethnic group in the world. Help me to join what you church is doing to proclaim your name in all the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God-sized Protection
January 27, 2010
You and I live in a battle zone. On the dark side are the minions and dastardly thoughts of Evil, but on God’s side there is light, love and the provision to grow each day . When you choose God’s side – loving what he loves and doing what his son Jesus’ did – God rushes in to protect and guide you.
“Loose the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share our food with the hungry and provide shelter and clothing to the poor.” It is only then that we can expect that our “light will break forth like the dawn, and our healing will quickly appear; our righteousness will go before us, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:6-9)
Gracious Father, Today I choose to be on your side, to love what you love and do what it is I see you doing. Help me to receive freely from you and to give freely to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Reason
January 26, 2010
God has a plan to restore and redeem the nations of the earth. As complex and difficult as the world around you seems, His plan is simple. God desires to transform you into a powerful witness of His glory and then? God will use you to bring his light and hope to those around you.
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8)
Heavenly Father, Your plan to redeem people from every tongue, tribe and nation begins with me. Fill me today with your purity and power so that I can expand your kingdom in my family, friends, my community and the nations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Kingdom of Peace
January 25, 2010
God’s plan to restore hope and dignity begins with a generous offer of permanent peace that overcomes conflict, anxiety and tension. God’s peace surpasses each and every “stress” point and provides lasting communion and connection with God.
Say “peace to each house. If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘the kingdom of God is near you’.” (Luke 10:1-11)
Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. You grant your permanent peace to those whose focus remains on you. Help me, Savior, to fix my gaze on you and to bring your peace to those around me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Shift – Part 4 – Brent VanNorman
January 24, 2010
Shift – Part 4 – Brent VanNorman – PowerPoint
