40 Days of Prayer: Day 7

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.

Today (Feb. 29, Day 7):

Acts 1:18-20

(With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

   “‘May his place be deserted;
   let there be no one to dwell in it,’

   and,

   “‘May another take his place of leadership.’”

Pray that we focus on the important things.  

40 Days of Prayer: Day 6

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.

Today (Feb. 28, Day 6):

Acts 1:15-17

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

Pray that we keep our focus on God’s mission – not our mission.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 5

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.

Today (Feb. 27, Day 5):

Acts 1:12-14

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.  When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.  They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Pray that the Holy Spirit’s work on earth will change lives in our neighborhood. 

40 Days of Prayer: Day 4

During the season of Lent we will be going through 40-Days of Prayer to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.

Today (Feb. 25, Day 4):

Acts 1:9-11

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.  “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

            Pray for the Holy Spirit and God’s presence with each believer.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 3

During the season of Lent we will be going through 40-Days of Prayer to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.

Today (Feb. 24, Day 3):

Acts 1:6-8

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Pray for perspective. 

40 Days of Prayer: Day 2

During the season of Lent we will be going through 40-Days of Prayer to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.

Today (Feb. 23, Day 2):

Acts 1:4-5

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Pray for the giftedness in ourselves and others and pray for clear understanding of how to use our gifts for God’s Kingdom. 

40 Days of Prayer Day 1

Reminder that today is Ash Wednesday so we are beginning the 40-Days of Prayer to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.

Today:

Pray that through these forty days we may clearly hear the voice of God and follow his direction as a church.

Also Read Acts 1:1-3

What is Your Destination?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33

This past weekend, I took my son, Jacob, to visit Central College in Pella, IA.  In order to find our way, I put the address of our destination into our GPS and before we even pulled out of the garage our route was laid out before us.  The GPS knew the roads we would need to take based on our destination. 

Life is like that, our ultimate destination, what we seek, determines the journey in life that we must take to get there.  For example, if we seek wealth, our lives will be lived in such a way to obtain greater wealth.  If we seek pleasure and comfort, our goal in life will be to make ourselves more comfortable.  If we seek praise and honor, our actions and behaviors will be guided trying to meet the expectations of others.

Jesus says that our destination, what we seek, should first and foremost be God’s Kingdom and his righteousness.  If that is our destination then how we live our lives, our actions and behaviors, will be lived focused on the Kingdom of God.  What is your life destination?  I am not just talking about an eternal destination, but your destination for this year, week, day, even this very minute.  Make your destination God’s Kingdom and your life (i.e. actions, behaviors, thoughts, goals, dreams, etc…) will naturally be shaped to arrive at that destination.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for you Kingdom and your righteousness.  Forgive me when I seek other things first.  Help me to place your Kingdom as the destination for my life. Amen.

Faith Tip:  Think about your life journey.  Where is that journey taking you?  What is shaping that journey?  What is your ultimate destination?          

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Mission Possible

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27

Many times in life we are confronted with situations and circumstances that seem impossible; problems too difficult to solve, mountains too high to climb, journeys too long to travel and words too complicated to utter.  In these situations we can feel overwhelmed, lost and hopeless.  We may think that we are in an impossible situation and we would be right, because for us alone life can be impossible.

But even in these impossible circumstances we can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone.  God is always with us and as Jesus says, “All things are possible with God.”  No matter what problem you are struggling with today, no matter how overwhelming it might seem, God has the solution.  We need to just stop trying to solve it ourselves and place it in the hands of God and rest in the knowledge that he can make the impossible possible.

Prayer:  Thank you God that nothing is impossible with you.  Thank you for always being there and walking with me through the impossible times in my life.  Help me to stop trying to do it alone and instead place my life in your hands.  Amen.

Faith Tip: What problem are you struggling with today?  What is on your mind?  Remember, God has the solution you just need to give it over to God. 

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. – Psalm 121:7-8

There is a pair of swans on the lake behind our house (see picture).  It is interesting to note that swans are monogamous, which means they have one mate for life and they always stay together.  Yesterday, I was watching the swans and as one slept the other would stay awake guarding and watching over the other.  On this Valentine’s Day, this image of the two swans is a picture of love.

In Psalm 121, five times in eight verses it tells us that God watches over us.  God does not watch over us for a time, but he watches over us our entire life.  It is comforting to know that when we are asleep, awake, or somewhere in between, God is always watching over us to protect us from harm.  God does this because of his great love for us. 

Prayer:  Thank you Lord, for watching over me every second of my life.  Thank you for your great love for me. Amen.

Faith Tip:  This Valentine’s Day find a way to share God’s love with another.    

Written By Pastor Aaron Anderson

Satisfy your thirst and hunger

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” – Isaiah 55:1

We have probably all been in the situation one time or another, when you step up to the counter to pay for your groceries and you discover that you don’t have enough money to pay for your purchase or you forgot your wallet or purse, so you have to put your items back on the shelf.  That is how it works in our economic system if you don’t have the money you don’t get the food.

God’s economic system is different.  God offers us what will truly satisfy our longings, living water and the bread of life.  Unlike a grocery store we do not need money or anything else to gain what God offers.  The only requirement that is needed is a hunger and a thirst for the Lord.  Are you hungry and thirsty for the Lord?  If so come to the Lord and let him fill you with his Spirit and be satisfied.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for providing what I long for.  Thank you that you give freely and help me to freely receive this wonderful gift.  Fill me with your Spirit so that I will be satisfied. Amen.

Faith Tip: Come to the Lord today and let him fill you with living water and the bread of life.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Happy Groundhog Day

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. – Daniel 2:21

Happy Groundhog Day!  This morning the weather looks cloudy in Punxsutawney, so the Groundhog probably will not see his shadow today.  According to the folklore this means that spring will come early this year.  Which isn’t news to us here in Holland, since we have been having spring like weather most of the winter.

Fortunately, we do not have to leave the change of seasons to a little furry rodent. We know that the change of seasons lies in the hands of God.  Whether winter sticks around for six more weeks or spring comes early, we can be assured that God will bring winter to an end and usher in the spring at just the right time.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the change of seasons.  Thank you that in your infinite wisdom you bring about the seasons at just the right time.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  As you enjoy the unseasonable weather today, remember that God holds the seasons in his hands and give thanks to God.    

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Gift of a New Day

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. –Psalm 5:3

The dawning of a new day is like opening a wonderful gift from God.  The gift of a new day is filled with many blessings from the Lord.  The Psalmist tells us that we should begin each morning waiting expectantly on what the Lord has in store for us in this day.

How do you greet each morning?  To you look forward to the day with great expectations or do you dread getting out of bed?  God has given you a gift of a new day and he can’t wait to see you enjoy his gift.  Unwrap this day with the great expectation that God is going to bless you with his abundant love.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the gift of a new day.  Help me to treasure this wonderful gift that you have given.  I will wait expectantly on you.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  As you go through this day make a mental list of all the blessings that God gives to you, so at the end of the day you can truly appreciate the gift you have been given.

      

Written by Pastor Aaron