I have been working at home today and our dog, Shadow has hardly left my side. Most of the time she has slept at my feet, she has snuggled closer when she hears a sound that she is unsure of and she has interrupted me a few times wanting to play with her toys or just be petted.
She has a pretty good life and so do we as Christ followers. Our desires are a lot like our dogs. We like to be near others. No one wants to go through life feeling like we are alone. We don’t have to. God is always near. We are never out of his presence. Sometimes we can be content just to rest in His presence. Other times when life frightens us we want to be a little closer so we can see His power at work.
God is good with all of that. He invites us to live in his presence. He tells us He is our strength and refuge and we do not need to be afraid. He is our rock. He is our provider.
Sometimes I think my dog wants to know she is loved and so do we. If that’s what you are needing then you don’t have to look any farther than the cross. God loves you more than anyone else ever can or will.
Sometimes my dog wants my attention because she has a need. She needs to go out or wants to eat. Sometimes we want God’s attention because we have a need. Again He invites us to share our needs with Him.
I am more like my dog than I want to admit. I am thankful that my Master loves me unconditionally and is there to care for me like no other.
Just some thoughts,
Jeff.
I learned this week of a gathering in a nearby county where some racial slurs were shouted at some high school students and parents. I was shocked and saddened that such a thing took place. You would like to think that we have grown beyond such hatred and ugliness.
I am so glad I am part of a church family that loves and welcomes people for all ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life. When you walk into Crosspoint on any Sunday morning you will find african-americans, hispanics, caucasian, wealthy and not so wealthy worshipping the God who loves us all.
I know there is ugliness and hatred in our society, but its not part of God’s plan and should never be part of His church. I pray the diversity of our church continues to grow and anyone who ever steps foot on our campus feels welcomed and loved.
Just some (quick) thoughts,
Jeff.
I have been blessed to have a number of people who have influenced my life deeply over the years. Sometimes through a very personal relationship and other times fron a distance. Each of these people has been a mentor to me. Who I am today, how I think about ministry, how I communicate and much more has been influenced by these people.
Tuesday I got to spend a few hours at a Round Table event with one of these people. Bob Russell has been one of my mentors for many years, though until Tuesday he really had no idea. Over the years I have watched him from afar, read his books, listened to his messages (preached quite a few of them in the early years) and attended seminars whenever I could.
What I saw and heard has deeply impacted my life and ministry. Even Crosspoint bears some of the marks of his influence. As I told him Tuesday, I am forever grateful for his example.
We all need people in our lives (private and professional) that we look to for direction and advice. Even people who we only know from afar. Who do you have in your life? If you ever get the chance be sure to tell them what they have meant to your life.
Just some thoughts,
Jeff.
