Crossroads Weekly Newsletter Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Let the Future Begin Pastor Bobby

In the popular worship song, “God’s Great Dance Floor,” there is a phrase that says, “Let the future begin” What a fresh way to wake up each morning and remember God’s mercies are new every morning! Today is a new day and the future of the day begins when your feet touch the bedroom floor. Each of us makes decisions upon the moment of our feet hitting the floor. If we consciously followed our feet we would probably find a routine that is common and familiar each day. Beginning this year, I’ve begun a new routine. Let my day begin with a chapter of His Word! In reading I also find phrases or words that raise my curiosity, so I jump onto the Internet and find a commentary that gives a possible explanation. I find joy and excitement in growing in God’s word. Here’s my question to you. How are you growing in God this year? In the 21-Day Fast, God uncovered amazing things in my life and our marriage. Wanda and I expect to share our testimony on February 16th during the morning service. You want to be there or listen to the message on line. Fasting does not change God; it changes us to become more like God. I realized the fasting not only cleanses the body and soul, but also exposes things in my life that are blocking the goodness of God coming forth through me. While not always pleasant to face, since I trust in the goodness of God, the end result is always a blessing. I want to highlight a couple of growth points coming up in the next few months. Pray about which opportunity you may be part of. Don’t miss out on where God wants you to join in as a part of the larger Body. * Pursuit Night - Tonight (February 5) at 7pm –@ Greenway – Continuing the Journey to Transformation Together. * LIFE groups which meet together weekly. Check groups on the website/bulletin board. LIFE groups are specifically designed to give care to your soul. In the midst of daily life and routine, caring for your soul is important. * Redemption and Restoration Valentines Dinner - Saturday, February 15th at 6:00pm @ Crossroads –, $50 per couple * Prophetic Ministry Class – Thursday nights at 7 p.m. starting February 20th (Details on website/Upcoming Events) * Sonship Seminar - Saturday, March 1st from 9:00am to 4pm. Come discover the difference between being an orphan, a slave, and a Son! Taught by Paul Black from Frederick, MD (same couple who did Redemptive Gifts) All of these events - and more - are listed on our website (under “Get Connected” or “Events/Coming Events”). In the midst of our busy world, make a point to decide now how you will stay connected. Deciding to grow in the Lord is a deliberate choice we make. Some events are more specialized or specific, but there is something within the month for everyone. Take your calendar and make some decisions. You will be glad you did! This Sunday the message is entitled: “Have you Checked Your Oil Lately?” Call a family member or friend who is not churched and bring them along. This message will minster to all. Let the future begin…

PURSUIT NIGHT – TONIGHT - Wednesday, February 5, 7 p.m. (Greenway)

The first of several monthly community worship gatherings continuing our journey to transformation. Worship, prayer, testimonies and updates of what God is doing in the community.

Sanctuary soaking resumes this Saturday night

7 p.m. at crossroads

Prayer Needs

Personal Prayer Requests

Answer to Prayer: Cammie Cole reports that their cat returned home (after disappearing for a few

days).

Pray for Emma B’s trip to Peru with her parents this week.

Sharon M: Please pray for my friend, Lesa A., who has norovirus and colitis. The treatment the doctors

are giving her has not improved her condition. She has been in and out of hospital and actually lost her

job due to the length of time she missed work. Please pray that she will sense God's presence and care

for her during this time and for complete healing.

Church and Community Focus:

Pray for the fruits of the Community Fast to be abundant! Ask the Holy Spirit to pour out

blessings as a result of our combined Fast in seeking His face. (We have felt led to pray that God

would answer within 30 days – either by coming in the fullness of His manifest presence to the

city OR by showing us what is KEEPING Him from coming. Join in praying for clarity so that we

can continue to be steadfast and targeted in our prayers.) Pray that Perfect Love would cast out all FEAR. Ask Holy Spirit for a revelation of God’s love

that would displace so many fears that assail us. Pray for increased unity and agreement in the larger Body of Christ. Pray for a revelation of

God’s heart towards the Church, realizing that any gossip or criticism aimed at fellow brothers

and sisters is the same as persecuting Him (it’s what Jesus told Saul on the road to Damascus).

Pray for healing of wounds between believers and for love to cover a multitude of sins.

Announcements

“Prophetic Ministry Class” starting February 20 In order to equip and empower the Body in the prophetic, Wanda Alger will be leading a 10-week class on prophetic ministry on Thursday evenings starting February 20. This class will include various DVD teachings by Kris Vallotton (asst. pastor with Bill Johnson at Bethel Church in Redding, California) and Loren Sanford (Pastor & Prophet in Denver, CO). This class will explore the gift of prophecy, office of the prophet and the various supernatural gifts associated with the prophetic in the context of the local church. In addition to the DVD sessions there will be time given for practical application and activation. Registration is $25 ($40 for couples). A manual will be available for an additional $18 (optional, but must be pre-ordered). Sign up on Sunday or ONLINE (under Events/Register for Events).

21-Day Devotional Guides – Now just $3 You can still get a copy of the Devotional Guide we used for the 21-Day Fast. Get a copy for just $3 (on the table in the Lobby).

CCAP Report In 2013, CCAP saw close to 28,500 clients: 16,000 families for food and 8,400 for clothing. Thanks to the generous donations from many churches in the city, CCAP was able to serve about 675 families over the holidays with giveaways and food. However, the need is still great. With cold weather, there is a need for BLANKETS and WARM CLOTHING in addition to bedding and linens (Queen size). There is also a need for pastoral care between 3:30-6:30 p.m. at CCAP for clients waiting for the WATS bus. Call 540-662-4318 for more information.

FBC to host Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (March) (From Rich Brito, Congregational Care Minister at FBC): Fellowship Bible Church will be hosting Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University in March! This is for anyone in need of a financial literacy course. The course is planned to begin Tuesday, March 4, from 7-9 p.m in the Hospitality Suite at FBC (3217 Middle Road, Winchester, VA 22602). The course is scheduled for 10 weeks. Topics include budgeting, insurance, investing, giving and communication. The materials for first time attenders are $100. FPU repeaters are free. We have successfully partnered with other churches to provide help to families in financial distress. For more information email juliew@fbcva.org or call 540-662-7743. Website: www.fbcva.org/fpu

Upcoming events

Redemption & Restoration: A Valentine’s Day Dinner

Saturday, February 15, 6:00 p.m.

Crossroads community church

The special evening includes:

Delicious Three-Course Gourmet Meal

Complimentary Professional Studio Portrait

Games, prizes

Uplifting Testimonials and Real-life Tips for Marriages

Cost is $50 per couple

Portions of the proceeds go towards the upcoming pulse mission trip to Haiti

as they prepare and serve this special dinner under the direction of chef nick!

Reservations are required by calling or emailing the Church office BY FEBRUARY 12.

LADIES LIFELINE – Saturday, February 8, 8-9:30 a.m. THIS SATURDAY, Denise Long will be sharing. Ladies Lifeline is open to women of all ages for a carry-in breakfast followed by sharing and ministry time. Anyone is welcome to bring in a breakfast dish to share.

Mighty Men’s – Saturday, February 22, 7:30-9:00 a.m. CROSSROADS CLASS – Sunday, February 23, 3-7 p.m. This informative class is for all newcomers and visitors to Crossroads. Learn more about the Crossroads family as well as biblical insights regarding the true meaning of “church”. Learn how you can grow and mature in the context of a local Body of believers. A complimentary dinner is provided. (Contact the Church office if intending to come so we can plan the meal accordingly).

SONSHIP Seminar with Paul & Cheryl Black – Saturday, March 1 (9-4) Do you think and live like “royalty” in the kingdom of God? Or, do you feel like an orphan or slave? Come and hear fresh revelation about how God sees you and wants you to live here and now. Cost will be $10/person or $15/couple (Children 16 and under – free). Register on Sunday or ONLINE.

There is a Place Where Faith is No Longer Needed…

While belief is the starting place for the journey to His heart, it must eventually be replaced by a

oneness that only lovers can know. We will have to die to every other thought and affection which seeks

our attention. The “rights” that we cling to – even as believers – must be laid at the cross, for there’s a

difference between being a believer and a lover.

A believer thinks from his head, a lover feels from his heart

A believer clings to the written Word, a lover clings to the Living Word

A believer sees what could be, a lover sees what already is

A believer holds onto promises, a lover holds onto Jesus

A believer bravely stands in the trials while a lover silently waits in His presence

A believer works hard to keep the faith but a lover simply rests in His embrace

To be a lover is to be abandoned and free, captivated by One,

while a believer struggles to keep the pace with distractions all around.

While belief is what tells us we can stand before a Holy God,

it is Love that draws us beyond the throne and into the chambers of His heart.

Belief is no longer the measure of our value, for we have been consumed by the One in whom we

believe. Instead of looking AT Him, we are now living FROM Him…He in us and we IN Him. We have

become ONE, fused together, bound and interwoven so completely that we live and breathe as one.

Belief is the starting point in this journey but Perfect Love replaces faith with the reality of a union so

powerful, so complete and so eternal that faith is no longer needed.

We have become ONE

…and now all things are possible. (Wanda Alger)