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I want to do my part to encourage my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to keep on keeping on, to make the effort to come to worship, and to show their love and good works towards their fellow man.  Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you…

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 Just a week ago, we were still wishing one another, “Happy New Year”.  With the events that are happening in our nation, things can feel far from happy.  It felt surreal to see the events that took place last week.  I wonder where has respect for one another gone?  Where has respect for our nation’s capital and the leaders of our country…

Have you ever known someone who really seemed to know and love Jesus?  Like really KNOW Him?  Maybe, you wondered how in the world someone comes to a place in life where they truly know and encounter the One True Living God.  I will start by saying, “No one gets close to God on accident.”  Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”  So, there you have it. …

As 2020 draws to a close, we look forward to 2021.  The beginning of each new year can be a time to reflect on the previous year, on what has gone well and what needs some change.  January has many people setting goals and making resolutions.  Setting goals and making resolutions aren’t bad things, but I want to encourage you to seek the Lord’s will in all of the goals and resolutions you make for the upcoming year.  Proverbs 16:9…

I hope that your Christmas is wonderful.  May God richly bless each of you.  Here are a few tips I will pass along in my hopes that your holiday is great!  I love you each.  Make time to focus on Jesus during this holiday season. Experiences with people you love can be better than presents. Remember those who serve you daily behind the scenes and tell them thanks. Read the Christmas story from the Bible before opening presents. You should…

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 2020 has been a one-of-a-kind year for sure.  As the year draws to a close, I want to encourage you to finish strong.  Let us not be found wishing away time that God has blessed us with and has plans for.  Think back to the start of this year.  Did you set any goals?  Did God reveal a “word of the…

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5 Jesus came as a light in the darkness.  He came as a fulfillment of God’s centuries old promise, after 400 silent years.  Yes, that’s right.  People had not heard from God for 400 years.  Those are the years between the Old Testament and the New Testament.  Yet, God’s people continued to wait…

Most people love the holidays, especially children.  As parents, we try to point our children to the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  God loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to come to earth and be born as a baby.  Jesus wasn’t any ordinary baby though.  Jesus was God in the flesh.  Jesus, the perfect Son of God, left heaven, coming to earth in order that He might bring us back to God.  Jesus is…

Many Christians look forward to Advent each year.  Advent is a special time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Christ’s birth and for the second coming of Christ. Advent means “coming” in Latin.  Advent typically starts four Sundays before Christmas Day.  Each week, or Sunday, many light a candle and read scriptures that prepare their hearts and minds for the real reason for Christmas.  Candles are sometimes lit as a symbol that Jesus has come into…

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday. While not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving with traditions, many do. Some people start their day by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Others start decorating for Christmas.  Some go shopping, looking for that great deal.  Families gather together to share a meal and give thanks.  Many families prepare the food together, talking and laughing throughout the day. …

Do you meet with God daily?  Do you set aside devoted time to sit in His Presence, together?  In Luke 10, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened.  Jesus said that the choice she had made was better than being busy doing stuff. She had chosen well.  I want to be like Mary, sitting daily at the feet of my Lord, soaking in His wisdom and love.  And I can.  So can you. I simply adore God’s Word.  Really, I…

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 When Jesus was questioned by a Pharisee, He responded by issuing a standard that each Christ follower should strive to live by. This conversation is recorded in Matthew 22:36-40. Jesus was asked, “‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied:…

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 Have you ever wondered if you talk too much? The University of Arizona conducted a study and found that most people speak around 16,000 words in a day.  This number can vary depending on age, culture and other factors.  16,000 words each day sounds like so many words!  It makes me wonder, “Do our…

God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’; and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 I don’t know about you, but I have a favorite name of God.  It is I AM.  In the book of Exodus, Moses encountered God through the burning bush and God gave him his assignment of leading God’s people out of slavery in Egypt.  When Moses asked God what he should…

If you attended Life Team this last Sunday or printed off and used the Life Team Discussion Guide, you know that Pastor Marc stated that “God wants us to use His Word to encourage others this week”.  If you are staying home for the most part, due to COVID restrictions, that can seem like a difficult assignment.  If there is one good thing that has come from this virus, it is that we are constantly having to look at new…

Pastor Marc has been teaching from Matthew 7:12, which is the Golden Rule.  It states, “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  After spending time in God’s word, I always want to respond by being a “doer”.  It’s not enough to hear a great sermon or read some beautiful scripture, then go about our day unchanged.  As God reveals Himself and His will through…

Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’ Matthew 19:14 Oh dear friends, I have some wonderful news for you!  In Matthew 19:14, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’” Therefore, I am excited to announce that we will be getting together, live and in person, with your children for Kids’ Church on a few select Wednesday nights this fall.  I am so excited to be able to worship King Jesus together with my Kinder-4th grade friends…

When I walk outside each morning now, the lack of scorching heat surprises me.  As the seasons change yet again, I find myself in awe of God the Creator of heaven and earth.  Even as a child, I could connect to God through the created world.  An appreciation for this beautiful world we live in would prompt me to worship God. Scripture says, “For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since…

Pastor Marc has started a sermon series on “Do Unto Others” based on the Golden Rule.  What is the Golden Rule?  It is found in Matthew 7:12, “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.”  Some people didn’t even realize that the Golden Rule was from the Bible!  Most of us were taught this in school too.  So, as we strive to do for others, what does…

Have your children been missing their church friends? This Sunday, your children will have the opportunity to meet their friends at CrossRidge Church for Life Team Childcare! We are taking extra steps to keep everyone safe and healthy. Be sure to register today, as space is limited. Childcare is available for children through 5th grade. I know that adults are excited to meet again in their Life Teams. Get Plugged In Are you plugged into a Life Team? If not,…

Do your children do chores?  Many people feel differently about having their children help around the house or having a set list of chores they are responsible for.  Children learn life skills when given chores to do.  They may not do them as well as you would, but with time they will get better and better.  Giving children responsibility helps to keep them grounded, be less entitled.  Children do not always love doing chores, but life isn’t all fun.  This…

I would like to take a moment and encourage you.  Sometimes people ask me, “What is the best thing I can do for my child?”  You may think it is giving them healthy meals, or limiting their time on technology, or even taking them to church each week.  But I truly believe that one of the very best things you can do for your child or children is to openly and strongly love your spouse.  Yes, that’s correct, love your…

The start of a new school year can bring joy, dread, excitement, fear, and all kinds of other feelings.  School certainly changes our schedules.  Whether you have made the decision to homeschool your child, do online or virtual classes or send your child to school, our days are changing.  As parents, we set the pace in our homes for these changes.  We help our children create and abide by schedules that let everything be accomplished that needs to be done. …

Something that God is teaching me these days is to not speak unkindly about other people.  You may not struggle in this area at all.  You may have allowed unkind words about others to slowly enter in so much, that they aren’t even noticed as ugly anymore.  You may lie in the middle of these two places.  God is very clear in this area of life.  Scripture says, “Do not speak against one another, brethren.” James 4:11a.  God says that…