Crossing Point Archive

For this Crossing Point, I would like to share with you something that one of my students recently gave to me. I found it thought provoking and would like to pass it on.

TTTT"Today it is common for a Christian to choose what we call a life verse. This simply means that we choose from the Bible a verse or section of verses that has meaning to us or has touched our lives in some way. For each person, the verse or verses differ in length, content and personal meaning.
My Life verse is Jeremiah 33:3 which says; "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things which you do not know." I chose this verse for several reasons. First of all, it undeniably points out the omnipotence of God. It tells me that He is in control and that He knows what He is doing. I have nothing to worry about and no one to fear but Him. Secondly, this verse tells me that God deserves my undivided attention and respect. Thirdly, it shows me of the compassion that my God has and His willingness to guide me if I would only ask. To call on Him is a command, not just a suggestion, because as our Creator, God knows that it is impossible for us to be successful in this life without Him. He wants us to surrender our pride and ask Him for His help because of the way God leaves room for the unimagined. I realize that there is so much I do not know or understand and that mankind has only slightly scratched the surface of all magnificence there is to behold. There are things that I could never even begin to comprehend myself. To me, that is part of the beauty and wonder of God.
TTTTThis verse is a part of me and I carry it with me on my heart wherever I go. I do my best to live by it and always remember what it means to me. It has had an immense impact on my life and has given me much comfort and reassurance. I am so grateful for the way God always provides us with what we need. In the verse, He says that He will answer if you call to Him. It is so important to remember that God is not just an object of worship or some high and powerful being that rules over us, but never gets involved. He is a loving, helpful, personal God who is faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to Him. My prayer is that I can use this verse and its affect on me to be a wit ess to someone in need.
TTTTI believe that having a life verse is very beneficial to Christians. It allows for us to have yet another way of growing closer to God and learning more about Him. Although choosing a life verse is not to look through God's work to find a verse that is meaningful and inspirational. It is a decision that may lead to godly changes in your life and a stronger relationship with God. You never know when or ho He is gong to touch your life and show you something new."

Thanks to my student Laura Wilhelm for your challenging thoughts on why we each should consider choosing a life verse for ourselves.

See you Sunday,

Greg

MY PARTY

I planned an exclusive party.
I worked on my plans slavishly.
The theme of my party was "pity"
And the only guest was "poor me."

I dwelt upon each hurt and sorrow,
And probed all the problems I faced,
While each of the slights I had suffered
Around me I carefully placed.

I spent endless hours in my misery,
Recalling the depth of each pan,
As each reappeared it grew larger,
Thus causing more pity to gain,

The longer I stayed at my party,
The more I felt sorry for me.
And the lower I sank in depression,
The less of real hope I could see.

I reluctantly opened my Bible,
And read of God's love and His grace.
The Lord touched my heart at that moment,
As tears coursed their way down my face.

I started to count all my blessings,
And realized as never before,
That when I think they're all numbered,
The Lord keeps on giving me more.

I prayed to the Lord for forgiveness
For falling His mercy to see.
Now I ask you to join my new party
And celebrate God's goodness with me!

Betty Jo Mings

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NEW TAX RULES Did you know that there have been recent tax law changes regarding monetary donations to charities? Per IRS News Release IR-2006-192, dated December 14, 2006, to deduct ANY charitable donation of money, a taxpayer must have a bank record or a written communication from the charity showing the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution. A bank record includes canceled checks, bank or credit union statements, and credit card statements. Bank or credit union statements should show the name of the charity and date and amount paid. Credit card statements should show the name of the charity and transaction posting date. As has been our practice, contributions to the church in cash from identifiable sources and by check are acknowledged in a written statement shortly after the end of each calendar year. For 2006, statements have already been distributed. For 2007, if you would like offering envelopes to identify cash contributions, please contact the Financial Secretary. A minimal initial donation is requested to help defray the cost of the offering envelope system.

************************************** HINTS OF THE MONTH Plants Ammonia as fertilizer. Watering soil with a mixture of two tablespoons ammonia to each quart of water will not only enrich the nitrogen content of the soil but keep black flies away. Revive ailing houseplants with Geritol. Give the plant two tablespoons of Geritol twice a week for three months. New leaves should begin to grow within the first month. Grow seeds. Use cardboard of fiber egg boxes, then plant entiere tray; it'll disintergrate. Longer lasting flowers. Pick flowers during coolest part of day.

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"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRonald Reagan