Being prepared

The second story in our series on Direction is the calling of Isaiah.  This story alongside the story of Jeremiah help us to see how God’s calling varies.  Both of these prophets demonstrate a love for God in their worship but both respond differently.  Isaiah is overwhelmed by God’s presence to the degree that he knows he is not ready.  It’s only after his confession and God’s cleansing that he is ready to say yes.

Let us always be ready.  Let us worship, confess and respond to what God asks us to do.  If you would like to read ahead this week our text is Isaiah 6:1-8.

Conversation

Last week I shared with the people of First Sweetwater that I don’t preach sermons, I share conversations.  I started this some time ago in an effort to help people think about what happens on Sunday as a process for our spiritual formation. Conversations guide us and continue with us throughout the week in small groups, encounters with the community and hopefully in our relationship with God.

So taking this another step let me suggest that conversations with God should precede conversations with others.  Let’s make prayer a priority.

A Christmas Message

Good morning and Merry Christmas.  I hope that you have the opportunity to celebrate this Christmas in the richest way. 

 

Last week as we announced that we would not worship together this Sunday I experienced a wave of emotional conflict.  There were so many who were affirming in our decision and yet I still didn’t feel a peace.  As of this morning I can say without reservation, it was the best decision.  For all of the reasons we started Crosspoint, opportunities like this help us understand the importance of personal faith and the role of community. 

 

As we drove around to look at lights last night my thoughts and prayers were with my Crosspoint community.  Somehow knowing that we would not be together today heightened my senses to those I would not see.  Some are away.  Some are gone.  All are important and all are missed.

 

To say that I love this community as an understatement.  I have an excitement for our work that is growing and becoming clearer each day.  So enjoy this special day and celebrate in whatever way helps you love Jesus more.  Our Savior was born and lives today.  Let’s worship the King.

 

jerry