Crossroads Community Church

August 20, 2014 · 0 Comments

Sunday August 17th, 2014
Everyone, big and small is welcome to be part of the family to praise the Lord at Crossroads; singing above are Brian, Shaynna, Barb, Luka, Angelyn, and Bob.
The rain may be cooling down the days but it doesn’t dampen the fire within our hearts to worship the Lord. After a few exciting weeks this summer we have every reason to praise God for all he has done. Pastor Don shared announcements and prayer requests for many health needs in our community. He then prayed over our service,” Dear Father God we gather once again in your presence , fill us with your Spirit and help us continue to build each other up in word and deed, to leave others valued every day, in Jesus name , Amen.”
This summer we have been learning about what it means to be a church family, one that promotes peace, harmony and unity. We have examined ways to encourage one another to build a bond of love with each other and God, but sometimes like in any family it can be challenging to understand one another at all times over all things. The Bible says this;” Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other,” Romans 12:10. If we love and honor one another we will make the effort to be respectful of each other even when we don’t agree on every matter. Much like a marriage, we don’t always agree but we are equals therefore we treat each other with love, honor and respect,” In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered,” 1Peter 3:7.
For us to be right with God, we need to be right with each other, if someone has done us wrong or we have done wrong by others, we should quickly resolve it amongst ourselves, (Matthew 5:23-24). Furthermore we ought to take time to know one another and show patience and compassion when others speak just as God is with each one of us,” The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness,” Exodus 34:6. We must also remember that anger is never conducive to healthy relationships,” Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry,” James 1:19.
Another attitude to have in order to show we genuinely care for our family at home or church is to keep our commitments. We should never promise more than we can accomplish but always accomplish what we promise all the more so with God, (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). We can be generous with our praise towards God and each other but cautious with our promises to avoid disappointments. Anyone who has ever been part of a team or family has at one time or another been let down, this is when forgiveness needs to abound, it promotes peace and love, (Colossians 3:13). The Bible is clear about forgiveness and it is the building stone of great relationships, the late Ruth Graham once said,” The secret to my strong marriage with Billy is not that I am a perfect wife or that he is a great preacher, it is that we are great forgivers!” When we have a forgiving attitude we will be patient, understanding and thankful for each other, we will value one another just as Jesus valued us and died for all, (Galatians 1:3-5).
Beloved we are all saved to live for God and our lives should reflect a changed life in the way we treat everyone around us whether it be our physical or spiritual family. If we don’t consider people in our lives as valuable it is like telling God He made a mistake when He died for all and shows our lack of love. “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen,” (1 John 4:20, And we all know a liar cannot be trusted. When we believe in the value God gives each of us and we cherish each other then we prove His love and the Good News of Salvation. The Lord has given us all different valuable gifts and they are all useful to bless those in our reach, (1 Corinthians 12:4-5). As we go about our week let us think about leaving others feeling valued every day and God will glorify us as He did Christ for sharing His love, Asherey Shalom!
To learn more visit www.shelburnecrossroadschurch.ca