September 18, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
When was the last time you walked barefoot in some grass? If it’s been a while for you, I highly recommend doing it again soon!
Recently, I found my mind going everywhere, but where needed. You know, things like ongoing concerns, undone to do’s, complicated details, entertainment diversions, the march of time, etc…
So, twice this week I got rid of my footwear and let my toes romp in the grass- both in morning dew and afternoon dry. It was great!
Not sure if it was the tactile experience that helped me to focus and relax or the simplicity of grass and how persistently God prompts it to grow in almost all circumstances. Again, it was great!
Hmmm, perhaps the Infinite Designer and Sustainer of all things has some helpful insight and wisdom for all of us- grass included! 
I lift up my eyes to the mountains-
where does my help come from? My help comes
from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip–
he who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:1-3
LORD, you’ve searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways…
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways…
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:1-24
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:1-24
September 11, 2021
The attack on the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001 was a shocking day in our nation’s history and a terrible, traumatic day in countless personal histories– due to the loss and grief people went through and continue to process…
There are no easy answers to overcoming such painful experiences, whether highly visible or more private. Every person processes differently and must find their path forward and pace to do so.
As such, please pray now for someone you know impacted by 9/11 or another traumatic situation. Ask God to help them know they are not alone and that God does understand their grief and pain.
That’s the thing about trauma… There’s plenty of it in all areas of life: relationships, vocations, finances, health, hopes, and dreams. With it being so common, why do we often find ourselves going through it alone and thinking no one understands?
God desires to show us a better way of navigating life’s struggles through the life of Joseph, son of Jacob and Rebekah. Though Joseph went through lots of trauma, God helped him triumph over it and bring benefit and blessing to many.
Let’s learn from Joseph about turning trauma into triumph God’s way! 
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid.
Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me,
but God intended it for good to accomplish
what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you
and your children.” And he reassured them
and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21
September 4, 2021
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a big fan of tacos! Based on some of my friend’s reactions, our family was ahead of the curve
in our neighborhood for cooking and constructing them at home and eating them with great delight.
Part of the experience was everyone getting involved in the process of spicing & cooking meat, slicing & chopping veggies, grating cheese, cooking & blotting tortillas, constructing your own, and finally eating them!
I think being part of the process undoubtedly made our tacos taste better and all the interaction involved connected us more closely as a family. In a way, the meal became more than a meal. It became relational event!
Doing life dynamically connected with Jesus Christ and the beautifully unique and uniquely imperfect humans who make up his church, is a lot like making tacos for a family dinner…
The life-giving love and restorative grace of God in Jesus Christ is both foundation and atmosphere. Everyone has a part to play, responsibility to share, or way to contribute and bless others. And the presence of God’s Spirit dwells in the shared involvement and relational connections, nourishing and delighting us humans, like an amazing meal!
Let’s get “ahead of the curve” at dynamically and graciously connecting with Jesus Christ and contributing with our fellow imperfect humans!
But while the son he was still a long way off,
his father saw him and was filled with love
and compassion for him; he ran to his son,
embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up
and said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately.
I must stay at your house today.” So, Zacchaeus
came down at once and welcomed Jesus gladly. Luke 19:5-6
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in and eat with that person,
and they with me. Revelation 3:20
August 28, 2021
The blessing of air conditioning is easily taken for granted… Until it stops working in hot and humid summer weather, of course. Then life inside gets uncomfortable and less functional very fast!
Air conditioning is primarily about transferring heat- absorbing heat within an inside space (car, home, office, school, store, church, hospital, restaurant, factory, etc…) and then releasing the heat outside so the heat stops building up inside.
Heat is absorbed at an inside coil (evaporator) and carried in a closed system to an outside coil (condenser), where it’s released to outside air. Heat is carried within the system by refrigerants. It’s an amazing process that uses the resilient properties refrigerants under changing pressures to transfer unwanted heat away from us!
Life has ways of “turning up the heat” at times or for longer seasons, beyond temperature, doesn’t it? You know, stuff like abrupt changes, challenging presents, uncertain futures, lots of pressure, discouraging developments, fear of failure, unmet expectations, etc… All areas of our lives experience “internal heat buildup” from being human and living with other humans. But A/C isn’t designed for such things.
Fortunately, there is an amazing process, involving a super-resilient relationship with Jesus Christ, who absolutely thrives under pressure, that is uniquely capable of transferring debilitating heat buildup out of our hearts, minds, and souls!
It is conversational prayer focused in two important ways… First, talking to God honestly about all of ourselves (hopes, dreams,
strengths, weaknesses, successes, failures, joys, pains, loves, losses, past, present and future) and admitting we need help with all that’s us.
Second, listening to God attentively about all that is Jesus Christ (written and revealed about his love, forgiveness, courage, fiercene
grace, compassion, understanding, determination, honest humility) and trusting his guidance in relating in love to God and other humans!
So, when “the heat” of your life has you withering, try talking and listening to God in in the ways mentioned above. I think you’ll find God knows and loves you and will help with your internal heat buildup. Also, whenever you feel the relief of air conditioning, remember and thank God for his unique relief always available in Jesus Christ!
“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.” (Jesus) Matthew 11:28-29
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. Philippians 4:6-7
August 21, 2021
I’ve been in an unresolved dispute for a while now. No worries, Laura and I are getting along just fine! Let me explain…
The insurance adjuster checking our 2nd story roof for hail damage went up, came down, and handed me a printed report in less than 20 minutes… “$1,100 to replace all your vents. Your deductible is $1,300. Have a nice day.” When I asked how the vents could be so damaged, but not the roof, the answer was brief and dismissive.
A surprising verdict since the impressive spring thunderstorm that rolled throu
Fast forward 3+ years to now, when technical experts representing the two sides came down from our roof and said in agreement, “The whole roof is hail damaged and should be replaced.” What a relief and weight off my shoulders! This time, nobody said, “Have a nice day,” but I sure enough did!
So, what was different? I tried for a year to navigate a complicated appeal process that I could never get right or measure up to. Denied, denied, denied- it was very disheartening! When it was apparent the process was bent toward systemic denial of claims instead of “being there, like a good neighbor,” I got some experienced help to stand with me and advocate for me. It made all the difference!
These days, many people are questioning the validity of God and churches, thinking or hearing they operate more like callous, number-crunching institutional organizations than good neighbors who care about, stand with, and watch out for others. This just
shouldn’t be! God does in fact stand with and advocate for any and every person through the expert grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus does make all the difference!
So, now is the time for all Christ-followers and churches to make sure they are actively living out Jesus’ call for us to love God in worship with all ourselves and love & serve our neighbors as ourselves- at home & work, in neighborhoods & community, with people like us & different, when it’s convenient & not. Let’s turn this around!
Jesus gave this illustration to certain people who
were confident of their own goodness and rightness
and looked down on others:
“Two men went up to the Temple to pray,
one was a Pharisee, the other was a tax-collector… Luke 18:9-14
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-
of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason
I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners,
Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an
example for any and all who would believe in him
and receive his resurrection life! 1 Timothy 1:15-16
There is one God and one Mediator to reconcile
God and humanity- the man Christ Jesus.
He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:5-6
August 14, 2021
The rows of corn were 8 feet high as White Sox and Yankees players emerged from them onto a baseball diamond carved from an Iowa corn field this week…
This was the first Major League Baseball game ever played in Iowa, but what was more surreal was seeing high-profile, often lauded, professional athletes competing where low-profile, often overlooked, professional farmers make their living and grow the nation’s food- yours, mine, ours!
Just 3 months ago… each stalk was a single corn kernel planted in the soil. Farmers give attention to their soil– cultivating and nurturing it well before seeds are planted. They work hard so their soil is hospitable to the seeds, giving them every opportunity to flourish.
Now in mid-August… each stalk has 1-2 ears with about 800 kernels per ear. That is a huge multiplied benefit for everyone! Long ago, Jesus used the timeless principles of farming to help illustrate the timeless truths of positive relational connection with God and others…
First, we are responsible to cultivate the “soil” of our hearts and minds so they are both receptive and responsive to the “seed” of God’s words to us, living in and spoken through Jesus Christ, bringing multiplied benefit to many!
Second, like a kernel of corn or wheat and Jesus Christ himself, we are called to “die” to living mostly for ourselves, and serve others sacrificially, bringing a great and growing multiplied benefit for generations to come!
Let’s be the “good soil and seed” Jesus spoke about, in this generation!
One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd:
“A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field,
some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and birds ate it.
Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted
and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up
and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil.
This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much
as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out,
“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Luke 8:4-8
Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat
is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death
will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. John 12:24
August 7, 2021
We hit the road at 5:45am this Friday, picked up more family near O’Hare Airport at 7:10am, and continued southwest for another 8.5 hours. What’s going on? Well, we’re celebrating an important milestone in our extended family. Laura’s dad is hitting 80 years this weekend – Happy Birthday Jerry!
By the way, he hasn’t just lived 80 years, he’s loved them! He’s nearing 60 years of loving marriage to his wife Karen. And they have three really great children (one I get to be married to) and six dearly loved grandchildren, and an uncountable number of friends and significant relationships!
I’ve known Jerry for 34+ years as a father-in-law who welcomed me into his family, passionate baseball fan & historian who loves his Cardinals and can get behind any team playing the game well (Brewers recently), consummate hard worker who gives his best all the time, and household handyman who can caulk a bathtub shower faster than anyone on earth! And most importantly, as a deeply spiritual man who lives out his faith in God much more than just talk about it!
It is my privilege to know him, love him, and honor him in your presence! Such persons have a positive, indelible impact on those around them. Perhaps that’s part of the reason Jesus tells us to love God with all of ourselves and love our neighbors as ourselves!
“Love the Lord your God with all of your heart,
all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength.
The second is this: Love you neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:30-31
“Love one another. As I have loved you,
so you must love one another. By this, everyone will
know you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
July 31, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
Earlier this week, I found myself on a lonely stretch of trail in a nearby marshy area. I was attempting to jumpstart the good habit of jogging again after a long layoff. You see, jogging helps me think and recalibrate! It seemed like a good idea at the time, but with the temperature well north of 80 degrees and pretty humid, I was second guessing this initiative…
As I was just about to quit, a bright green shirt appeared on the trail ahead. It was another runner coming toward me. Not wanting to be seen stopping, I decided to delay until after the person had passed. I know, a weak attempt to salvage some measure of dignity for my injured pride!
While passing, we surprisingly recognized and gr
Later, when we passed again, we stopped to walk, talk, and lau
For me, those moments of connection and understandin
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus
and called to him, “Zacchaeus, come quickly!
I must hang out with you at your house today.” Luke 19:5
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way
you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up
meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing.
But let us encourage one another– and all the more
as the day of Christ’s return approaches. Hebrews 10:24-25
Be strong in the love and grace uniquely found in Jesus! -Pastor Steve
July 24, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
With a home win culminating in a finals victory, there were massive celebrations and a euphoric parade in Milwaukee this week for the Champion Bucks!
The intensity and joy demonstrated by both players and fans revealed the level of physical and emotional investment of both. We sure do identify with our teams and love their victories, don’t we? Especially hard fought, come from behind ones 50 years in the making. Their victories become our victories and are oh so sweet!
Similar patterns recur in all areas of life and show up in stories within sports, cinema,
> Are they connected to deeper realities and longings within us?
> Longings like the need for victory (not just desire for) over (to offset) struggles in life?
> Struggles that are internal (hard to get a handle on) or external (easier to point fingers at)?
> Struggles that need to be overcome to find significance or know satisfaction?
Jesus Christ spoke with deep understanding about such things. But what if accounts of him in the Bible are just fiction? At best, created to give hope and make things better or at worst, contrived to control and oppress? Either is indeed possible, but I think there’s another alternative that’s worth serious consideration…
> What if the accounts of Jesus are true and he does understand our deeper realities
because he is the ultimate source and solution to them?
> What if Jesus did achieve victory over what plagues us through his incarnation,
crucifixion, and resurrection? A victory he means to share and fulfill thru everyone!
> What if Jesus’ victory does become our victory when we trust and follow him?
Victory that transforms us by his love- to love God and others more fully!
Let’s get in on this parade… loving when it’s hard and costly, making life better for everyone! 
Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that trusting me,
you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.
In this god-denying world you will continue to go through
great difficulties. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
The One sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making
everything new! This is trustworthy and true.” He also said,
“It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega- the Beginning
and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the
springs of the water of life. All who overcome will inherit this…” Revelation 21:5-7
July 17, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
Summer is great time for road trips and travel fun. Here’s a look “down the road” a bit……
> Sunday, August 8th, we’re sharing the Lord’s Supper together!
> Sunday, August 29th, we’re having a “picnic” outside right after church!
(light lunch, a few fun activities, music, etc…) Save the date! More info coming…
Speaking of road trips, a certain Milwaukee franchise needs to win on the road in order to hoist the championship trophy for the first time since 1971. Go Bucks! It is largely recognized by both sports enthusiasts and actual athletes that it is much more difficult to win on the road for a variety of reasons…
– Uncomfortable & inhospitable surroundings
– Negative & distracting crowd noise
– Travel fatigue & interrupted sleep
“On the road” conditions can lead to crises of confidence and decreased performance with predictable results. But one doesn’t have to be a traveling athlete to experience “on the road” challenges… They happen all the time to school teachers, parents, medical professionals, hospitality workers, business people, middle school students, etc…
In fact, any time unfamiliar circumstances or unexpected changes “get in your head and heart” with noise that undermines to your value or significance as a human being, you’re having an “on the road” moment.
Fortunately, Jesus Christ went through and understands such experiences himself, and is constructively able and glad to a help!
“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.” Luke 22:31-32
On reaching the place on the Mount of Olives, Jesus said
to his disciples, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down
and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup (of suffering)
from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat
was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:40-44
Because Jesus himself suffered when he was tempted,
he is able help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
July 10, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
Hope your summer is making memorable moments! Here’s a quick look ahead…
> This Sunday, July 11th, we’re sharing the Lord’s Supper together
> Sunday, August 29th, we’re having a “picnic” outside right after church!
(light lunch, a few fun activities, music, etc…) Save the date! More info coming…
Speaking of memorable moments, here’s a couple quite different!
1. We liberated our first tomato of the season on July 4th!
How great after seeing it’s potential and inviting it home with us 6 weeks earlier! Since then, we’d planted it in good soil, watered it, protected it from predators, and talked nice to it on occasion. Tomatoes like those things almost as much as people!
Now on the cutting board, it looked super when sliced open. When plated with fresh basil and mozzarella, it smelled and tasted fantastic. Bravo! We are confident of more to come. Satisfying, delicious memory!
2. We also liberated a squirrel later in the week!
I’d spent too much time trying find the source of a bad smell now migrating from an equipment room to other areas. Frustrated with my lack of progress, I asked the experienced tech working elsewhere onsite if he could help.
He found it in 5 minutes and had it fixed in 15! A perhaps overly ambitious squirrel had gotten into and crawled down the water heater exhaust pipe. He’d maneuvered past the guard to hide a walnut in a “secure place.” However, when the burner kicked-on, he got cooked. When his carcass was pulled out, it wasn’t pretty and the cherished nut fell to the ground after him. Stinky, cautionary memory!
I won’t forget a few lessons from these memories. In the first, it’s important to appreciate the existing value
In the second, the singular focus of the squirrel and lack of knowledge in a certain area, led him to see a dangerous trap as a safe place. It cost him and left collateral damage. Jesus had excellent insight fo
Then Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John.
You will be called Cephas (which is Peter or Rock). John 1:42
The third time Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John,
do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him
a third time. He said, “Lord you know all things; you know
that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:17
Nathanael asked, “Nazareth! Can anything good come
from there?” “Come and see,” said Philip. As Nathanael
approached, Jesus said, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom
there is nothing false.” “How do you know me?” he asked. John 1:46-48
Be strong in the love and grace uniquely found in Jesus! -Pastor Steve
July 1, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
Some years ago, while our parents were enjoying a back yard July 4th celebration with neighbors, we pre-teen boys were in the front yard waging a furious war of bottle rockets against friends across the street…
Rockets intended to launch upward, instead zipped horizontally from both sides, exploding in bushes and garages as we dove for cover. Deliriously happy with the freedom we were enjoying, we were largely oblivious to the dangers we posed to ourselves and the property of others.
Next morning, we heard sobering news that two high school boys had tried to scare some people by exploding a pipe bomb in a field adjacent to our neighborhood and the high school. One died and the other was severely injured. When I got up the nerve to walk the path to the high school, I was stunned to see a pool of drying blood in the dirt where the one had bled to death. He died senselessly.
We’d all been enjoying our freedom to the fullest, but lost sight of our responsibility to abide by wise limits. We’d all been pretty oblivious. We just got luckier.
Freedom is an amazing thing… secured at great cost, it shouldn’t be taken for granted or used foolishly. Instead, it should be cherished and sha
If the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
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. Galatians 5:1
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.
But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature;
rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13
June 26, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
Not quite a year ago, a routine colonoscopy revealed I had colon cancer. The medical professionals said it should be addressed right away since it was aggressive and, in their words, “goes for the liver and lungs.”
In those early moments, I had a decision to make…
Even though I felt fine and had been very healthy all my life…
> Would I trust the expertise and judgment of people I’d never met before?
> Would I follow an unfamiliar and unplanned process of steps and procedures designed to fight a deadly illness which I had to accept by faith that I even had!
I did accept their assessment of me and have followed the steps given to me in order to beat the cancer. My responses to the doctors could be characterized as one big “YES” at the start, followed by many smaller “yesses” along my road to full recovery.
> Looking back, I’m so glad I said “yes” and continue to do so!
As I’ve thought about it, my faith in and following Jesus has been a lot like that… Initially, it was very difficult to accept Jesus’ diagnosis of my condition and then trust in his steps to heal me and lead me forward. I questioned Jesus’ credibility, understanding/care for me, and relevance to the world I lived in.
At some point, I said “YES” to Jesus in faith, though my doubts were not all resolved… Yes, to needing him and his unique healing through his crucifixion and resurrection. Yes, to believing in and following him in a relationship impacting all areas of my life.
> Looking forward, I’m so glad I said “yes” and try to keep doing so!
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and
the exact representation of his being,
sustaining all things by his powerful word.
After he had provided purification for sins,
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before
the eyes of the One to whom we are accountable.
Since we have a great high priest, who has
ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses,
but we have one who has been tempted in every way,
just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:13-16
Let’s keep saying “yes” to Jesus- receiving mercy and finding grace to help us forward!
June 19, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
It was hot and musty in the mechanics waiting room we were stuck in…One minute we’d been cruising 65 mph on Interstate 44 about 3 hours from home and then a loud noise forced us to stop with no power at all. Apparently, it can get pretty messy under the hood when your engine throws a timing belt at highway speed!
Hours later, they’d installed a new belt and thankfully gotten us on our way with some words of caution. Though a new belt was in place, there’d been damage to valves in 2 of 4 cylinders, which needed more extensive repair later on. Advised to go less than 50 mph, we limped home slower than we wanted and felt very under-powered the whole way.
Life can be a lot like that, can’t it?
Cruising at “highway speed,” things going “as planned” and with hoped for destinations “in sight,” and then the unexpected strands us and leaves us delayed, damaged, and “not firing on all cylinders.” This happens to us all the time mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually whenever we’re hit by sudden setbacks, deep disappointments, withering wor
It’s part of being human, but shouldn’t shut us down in shame…
Thankfully, God’s grace and unique manifestation in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are just what’s needed to get us up and running better than we can imagine. Grounded in eternity, God is always forward thinking and forward moving…
When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his garments and
returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?”
he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that
is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,
you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example
that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:12-15
Jesus: “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.
I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Advocate
so that you will always have someone with you. This Helper,
Counselor, and Friend is the Spirit of Truth…
…I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you.
The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request,
will teach you and remind you of all the things I have told you. John 14:15-26
Let’s look to Jesus and His Spirit get us and keep us moving forward!
June 12, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
Some years back, we went as a family to Door County, WI in July. While we weren’t able to beat the heat, we had a great time together. One of the big highlights was a visit to a cherry orchard…
Btw, if you’ve not had Door County cherries, it’s time you fix that! It was simply amazing standing among the trees, absolutely burgeoning with bright red fruit– cherries were everywhere! The fruit wasn’t just on the trees either. The cherries were sold fresh-picked and flavoring everything from syrup to sausage and cheese to beer. It’s Wisconsin!
We have a cherry tree in our back yard, too! It’s beautiful and provides good shade, but produces no fruit. It was “cultivated” to be ornamental and decorative rather than produce fruit, like the Door County trees.
This got me thinking about faith and following Jesus… Surprise! It’s well-documented that Jesus spent lots of time coming alongside individuals and smaller groups of people to show them what God is like and faith-walking with God involves. This was in stark contrast to the
religious leaders of his day who “cultivated” themselves into living isolated from and indifferent toward God and people who didn’t fit or measure up to their hollow standards.
Could it be said that Jesus had functional and fruitful relationships with God and people grounded in love, while the religious leaders limited themselves to being deluded and merely ornamental?
The one who delights in the law of the Lord, and
who meditates on his law day and night. That person
is like a tree planted by streams of water, which
yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does
not wither- whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:2-3
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance…
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and
every tree that does not produce good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire..” Matthew 3:8-10
But the fruit of God’s Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Let’s live life Jesus’ way!
June 5, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
I’ve never really been much into birds, especially not red ones. My extended family from Missouri is going to give me grief over that one!
Seriously though, while I learned in early grade school about how cool robins and their nests and blue eggs were, I seldom gave them much thought after that. Then I saw, at much too early of an age, the ravens in Hitchcock’s “The Birds”, and I was done!
Fast forward to now and we have a pretty cool back yard where birds like to gather. I’ve seen finches eat from our feeder, robins feed babies in nests and adolescents in the grass, cardinals offering their distinctive song, and grackles strutting all about. I’m not fond of grackles since the tend to push
other birds around and look like smaller versions of Hitchcock’s ravens.
Anyway, it’s interesting how bird parents provide for and feed their helpless young offspring. Can you imagine if your mother had fed you like that?
Yeah, I know that sounds really gross! However, when God had a difficult job for Elijah that included powerful opposition and a focused manhunt to get him, that’s pretty much how God beat the odds and provided for Elijah!
It is quite often that following God and living well, will require us to take on difficult jobs that open us up to opposition, criticism, or failure. In such vulnerable situations, it’s key to remember that God is for you, has your back, and can be very creative in providing for you!
King Ahab did more evil in the eyes of the Lord
than any of the kings before him… 1 Kings 16:30
Now Elijah said to King Ahab,
“As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve,
there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years
except at my word.”
Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here,
turn eastward and hide in the ravine of Kerith,
east of the River Jordan. You will drink from the brook,
and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.” 1 Kings 17:1-4
Let’s learn to trust in God’s provision, when facing difficult tasks put in front of us!
May 29, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
I held Josh’s little hand tighter and got a lump in my throat as veteran U.S. soldiers of varying ages and tours of duty marched by in their uniforms. Some were carrying rifles, others banners, all were serious. Then came military vehicles, marching bands, etc…
It was my first Memorial Day parade, standing with my beautiful, young family, when the enormity of my benefit from the ultimate sacrifices made by others serving in the military washed over me. I was deeply moved…
My dad served with the Marines overseas in the Korean War. All military personnel, take an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the U.S. against all enemies. They trust their lives with others and lay down their lives for others while risking abrupt and violent death. He returned home, but many he knew did not…
Since the Revolutionary War, approximately 1,300,000 men and women have died serving and defending our country in the military. Let that sink in. They did so
in the hope of preserving and providing a better nation for future generations.
Jesus Christ served and fulfilled his unique sacrificial mission to set free future generation from the penalty, power, and presence of sin in our lives and the world. He did so at the cost of his life. In love for us, Jesus voluntarily laid down his life through his human incarnation and violent crucifixion!
God then raised Jesus from the dead, making new life and victory over sin and death available and a reality for anyone who unites their life to Jesus in faith! Resulting in the growing family of God that lives in and shares God’s grace in ways that transcend differences, bring healing, and promote more sacrificial love!
While it may seem like merely a dream… It’s been God’s dream and plan from the very beginning. In the power of Jesus’s love, it is moving forward…
They crucified Jesus at the place called ‘The Skull’, along with
two criminals, one on his right and one left. Jesus said,
“Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:33-34
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast
of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-
the best of meats and finest of wines.
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will destroy the shroud
that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely
this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice
and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:6-9
Let’s honor the dream and sacrifice, being and making things better for future generations!
May 21, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,
The right lane of the exit ramp was backed up a quarter mile into the highway. We took the left lane to avoid delay… “Probably just rush hour in Asheville,” we guessed wrongly. At the top of the ramp, we saw the very long line leading to an overrun gas station.
“Oh, the pipeline hacking thing- better look for gas.” 45 minutes and 12 empty stations later, we were down to 10 miles left in our tank and farther than that from our hotel. We wondered if we’d end up sleeping in our car, 800 miles from home and 275 miles from our destination.
Seeing a police officer alongside the road, I stopped to ask for help finding gas. He gave directions to the only 2 stations that might have gas in the area. As I drove with one eye on the gas gauge, I twice forced out a desperate, “God, please help us!” We laughed together uncomfortably as we recalled two key points from the message I’d spoken that very Sunday 5/9:
- Expect to be in situations where needs exceed visible resources.
- Focus on God’s invisible presence alongside visible needs.
When we saw the first station out of gas, our hearts sank. The second was mobbed, having 2 lines, each 20 cars deep, with two men directing the chaos at the pumps, and a woman standing at the front doors. In utter desperation, I wheeled our car into the parking area away from the pumps, got out and approached the woman. I explained our situation and asked for help finding gas…
I was absolutely dumbfounded when she said, “I’ll be out of gas in an hour. Pull over here,” and motioned me to the pump near her, bypassing both lines. “What?” I blurted out in disbelief. She repeated, “Pull over here,” in a voice so calm I will never forget it. I thanked her, drove right to the pump, and filled up, fully expecting arguments or worse to break out at any moment. No one protested or challenged me. As I got in my car to leave, one of the men directing traffic looked at me and said, “You got a gift.” I agreed, feeling the parallel between the gift of gas in my tank and gift of Jesus (incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection) in my life. I drove away with tears running down my face, as they are doing again now!
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Again, like the disciples in the record below, we were overwhelmed by the disparity between our great need for gas and the limited resources
Philip answered Jesus, “Eight months wages would
not buy enough bread for each one to get a bite!”
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. Here is
a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish.
But how far will they go among so many?” John 6:7-9
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them
to those seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with
the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he told his disciples
to gather the leftover pieces, which filled twelve baskets. John 6:11-13
Let’s look to the resources of Jesus to be positive difference makers in the lives of others!
May 8, 2021
Dear Crossroads Family & Friends,