This week Lynda and I are at Church Boot Camp. One more step closer to our church plant in Ankeny, IA. The only thing we are roughing is that fact we have no internet. It is crazy how we get used to e-mail, Facebook, and other internet perks. Yet these are communication encounters that lead us to remain in touch with our friends while meeting new friends.
Communication encounters are especially important in our walk with Christ. Where ever we find ourselves the communication lines will always be open. He desires a communication line that is filled with our questions, our dreams, our sorrows, and anything we want to talk about. The incredible thing is that He will listen to us all day long.
Our CrossPoint: Take some time and make your favorite hot drink, go to your favorite room in the house and have a seat. Then begin your conversation with Christ, and spend time in His presence listening to Him. We will not be the same after your communication encounter with Christ.
Praying for you.
P.S. I am thankful for Panera Bread.
This Week!
Nothing Spiritual Here!
I was sitting here pontificating where I put the box of checks when we moved from Muncie, since we are currently out of checks and need to write out a tithe check. Do you think God will understand that I am EXTREMELY forgetful? Then, this great idea hit me…wouldn’t it be great if I could simply Google “Arnie and Lynda’s lost checks” hit search and bingo there would be my answer. Lost keys no problem Google “lost keys”.
Wallet/purse missing just ask Google. Sounds like a solution to me. My goodness, if they can create a GPS system that can get you from point A to point B by simply putting in an address why couldn’t someone invent a way to find lost items that are generally right underneath your nose?
Thankful for Everything
The other day, Lynda and I were on our way to a sales and marketing meeting. I was at an intersection and waiting impatiently for traffic to clear. A dump truck was coming our way and turning onto the street, where we were stopped waiting our turn. I decided this was my chance; move out to proceed towards our destination.
As I pulled out, there it was a red vehicle.. I slammed on my brakes, he swerved and we missed each other. Wow, I was thankful that the Lord had helped us and Lyn did not share with me her feelings.
I began to think about how thankful I was while the Holy Spirit began to help me think beyond the big things. There are many things to be thankful for that we may not notice. I call these small things. It seems I have categorized my thankfulness instead of developing a thankful attitude for everything. It changed my focus and I began to see everything different.
Let’s take some time this weekend and make a list of everything we can be thankful for together, especially Friday night pizza and a DVD.
Have a great weekend.
Praying for you
Transformation
Have you ever started something like a puzzle, a new job, or even doing a fun activity with your spouse or family? Then some where in the middle either you get bored, loosing the game, or even interrupted by something important and do not complete what you have started. Have you been bored with your spiritual transformation?
Our spiritual transformation is an important process in our lives. Spiritual transformation is where we put ourselves in God’s path so he can transform us from who we are today, to where He wants us to be tomorrow. I know what you may be thinking, I am ok, and I do not need any transformation. Here is the deal, you have already made a transformation from birth to where you are today, especially if you get up in the morning and get dressed. This is physical transformation, which is a good thing for everyone. Our spiritual transformation was never meant to stop at any given point. It is to continue on until we meet Christ.
Spiritual transformation is an essential part to our quality of life. It connects us to Christ and allows us to see the world through a different set of eyes. Romans 12: 1-2 gives us a plan for transformation. It allows our lives to intersect with Christ by allowing “God to transform us into a new person by changing the way we think…” (NLT). Our spiritual transformation matters.
You’re Cross Point Today:
It’s Monday so what a great day to continue your spiritual transformation and put yourself in God’s path. Read Romans 12:1-2 and see where your transformation takes you today.
Praying for you today.
Arnie
I Will Be With You!
It’s Friday! This is a day that most of us look forward to. It identity’s our personal independence from our weekly regimen. Looking forward to the weekend where we have planned events whether they are going to our kid’s games, catching up with the grocery shopping, visiting with friends and neighbors or just taking a break from our weekly schedules. Friday is the day that seems to signify getting closer to a time of independence
I have been reading about some incredible people who, like us, may have been looking forward to a free weekend. Moses was on the far side of the desert doing what he did best, taking care of his father-in law’s sheep. I wonder if he was thinking about the weekend or other interests as he happened upon the “Burning Bush”.
As we read through this story this is where life changed for Moses and his journey changed from one of independence, to dependence on God. Moving forward to accomplish the goal placed before him, of returning to Egypt and bringing the Israelites out of captivity. This seems as daunting as Phelps winning 8 gold medals. I like this story because Moses had some personal challenges and shared them with the Lord. God answered all of Moses challenges with “I will be with you”.
It is Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend! We will be with friends and that’s always a great place to be. As Lynda shared earlier, we have taken the first step of our journey to plant a church in Ankeny, IA. Our next step is to remember what God told Moses, “I will be with you”. So no matter what we have been called to do whether it’s to be great parents, own and operate a business, or tend sheep, each of us have a journey of our own. That journey begins with the first step, and to take comfort if the fact that we have a so-journer. Christ, “He will be with you”. Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the journey!
Praying for you today.
Arnie
A Journey Begins With One Step
I've heard it said that a journey begins with one step...that is where we, Arnie and I, find ourselves right now; in the exciting throws of a Church plant. So, here we go one step at a time on an exciting journey of church planting. Where you might ask? Why Ankeny Iowa of course, where else? Through prayer and much discussion we’ve decided on the name CrossPoints. God has reminded us of how He intersects the lives of people and there, they are transformed. Through that cross point, that intersection people are reconciled, set free, healed and so much more. So, here we go we too are at a CrossPoint…CrossPoints, where life and Christ connect.
