By Joel Lowery, Lead Pastor

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. - John 13:34-35

Here we are at the end of the 21-day Daniel Fast! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some bacon! My mouth is salivating just thinking about it right now. Don’t judge!

And that brings us to the topic today. We have been focusing on breakthrough for our community, nation & the world this week. In fact we are seeing unprecedented breakthrough of God’s presence in countries like Brazil, China & Kenya. And I want that for my nation; for my community; for me. I long to hear stories in the United States of people walking 6 hours to attend a church meeting! I can’t wait to see with my own eyes thousands of Virginians committing their lives to Jesus after a single encounter with the Holy Spirit!

But I believe that there is one thing that stands in the way of this in America and that my friends are we as believers are judgmental. Let’s face it; we all have judgmentalism in our hearts to some degree. We judge the guy with the nice car, we judge the guy with the clunker. We judge the other church because they’re different. We judge other races because we don’t understand them. We judge our leaders.

Just this week, I found myself being very judgmental towards our county school board. We had 2 inches of snow and  they canceled school for the entire week!  I found myself questioning their judgment, even wondering if there were other people better for the job. And the Spirit of God convicted my heart right away. He directed me to pray for them.  He showed me that I don’t know the condition of every street in the county. I don’t know the threats of lawsuits that they receive. I don’t know if each school’s heat can keep up with the cold. There’s actually more that I don’t know than I do know and I’m making a judgment based on the miniscule piece that I do know.

Matthew 7:1-2 says “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”

Jesus came so that Love was our measuring stick, not the law. That is the lens that we see the world and we see each other.

If you are having a tough time loving someone or another church or your leaders, take time right now to pray for them. Ask God to give you his perspective of them.

As more and more believers see that this is the way that Jesus led us to, then we will see an unbelievable breakthrough of God’s glory in our community and our nation!

Questions for Reflection:

1. Who do you struggle with having a judgmental heart towards?
   
2. Have you stopped everything that your doing and prayed for them RIGHT NOW?
   
3. Seriously, there’s nothing else to discuss….pray for them! J 
   

By Christina Lowery, Co-Lead Pastor

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8


Community breakthrough sounds amazing, doesn't it?  Can you imagine if God used ordinary folk like you and I to lead thousands of people to Christ?  To pray for sick people and watch them become healed?  To see the "Big C" Church become unified, despite denominational differences, racial backgrounds, economic status or political parties?  To see walls that have separated people from God for decades...even centuries...come crumbling down before our eyes?  Can you imagine?

Let me take this one step further.  Imagine if we experienced this OUTSIDE of the four walls of our local church?  What if God were to use you and I in the Walmart parking lot....at Starbucks....in front of the lockers at school....at the beauty salon....the gym....your cubicle at work....What if?

Gulp.

Crickets chirping...

Anyone still with me?

What I have described here is what it may have looked like during the early days of the church.  If you read through the book of Acts, you will find a wealth of witnessed accounts of miracles, healings, the dead coming to life, angelic visitations, and thousands of people coming to Christ in one day, one setting (in several different instances).

To make it even crazier, these monumental occurrences where heaven touched earth, happened through ordinary people like you and I.  In the eyes of most,  these people that God used were the very least of likely candidates to be used in such a mighty way.  Some were fishermen, others former prostitutes.  He even used formerly corrupt members of the IRS!  (In bible days, they were called "Tax Collectors").    

Peter, one of Jesus' disciples was perhaps the chief of unlikely candidates to later become a founding father of the Church as we know it today.  Before he met Jesus, he had been a career fisherman. He was not a man of knowledge or eloquent speech.   He had a short temper.  He often said things with no filter or without choosing his words wisely.  He jumped the gun often and acted on his emotions, in the heat of the moment.  But perhaps his greatest character flaw was that he was a coward.  He may have appeared tough on the outside, but when all was said and done, he was a scardy cat.

When he was with Jesus, he claimed that he was ready to die for him.  Jesus' reply to Peter was this:  
“Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."  (John 13:38) And it happened.  Just as Jesus predicted.  By the third denial, scripture says that he ran away weeping loudly.  Doesn't sound like the tough burly man he seemed to be earlier in scripture, does it?


Fast forward to 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead and 10 days after He ascended to heaven.  We see Peter, standing before a crowd of thousands of people.  Included in that crowd were the very enemies of Jesus who had just nailed Him to the cross.  There were cynical, hard-hearted, sinful and pious people alike. There were broken people, and confused people.  I can imagine that there were people from every walk of life.  And Peter (the fisherman and hot-headed coward) stood before them and shared a message with this crowd that so deeply pierced their hearts, that 3000 people gave their lives to Jesus.  

So what happened in between Peter's cowardly denial of Jesus....and this moment when Peter made such an extremely risky move to share Jesus with a crowd that could easily riot against him and send him to the grave?  

I'll tell you what happened.  He had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit earlier that day.  

Right before he ascended to Heaven,  Jesus had told Peter and the other disciples to wait...and pray...and fast....and that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8).  I encourage you to read the entire account in Acts 1&2 - it really is fascinating!  So 120 followers had gathered in a room and devoted themselves to seek out in prayer, this power that Jesus had promised to them.  

This experience with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, was so powerful for Peter, that he walked downstairs, went outside, and immediately began to explain the gospel to the thousands of curious people who had quickly gathered!  Wait, what?  What happened to the hot-headed coward we just read about?  Who is this man who is speaking with such power and piercing words?  Peter - the man who fasted and prayed and waited...and who was radically transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, that's who!  

Friends - God wants to do something of monumental proportion in Fredericksburg.  He wants to encounter US, the Church, in such a powerful way that we would walk out of our times of prayer and fasting and by the power of the Holy Spirit, see impossible things begin to happen THROUGH US!!

My challenge for each of us, is that as we conclude our fast this evening, we posture ourselves before God to receive ALL of His power that is available to EVERY believer!  ASK Him - with earnest hearts, let's tell him, "Lord, we want to have that same encounter that Peter and the disciples did.  We want to be filled and immersed in Your Holy Spirit.  Fill me to overflowing, Lord - so that we too, can go and do great things for You and build your Kingdom here in Fredericksburg!!"  

As we have always said in the Vineyard, "Come Holy Spirit."  

Let's be people of His presence from here on out!  Let's be first-hand witnesses of the REVIVAL that comes to Fredericksburg as His power comes upon us and we walk out into the marketplace and the workplace! As we visit with neighbors and sit in PTA meetings!  Let's take it to the streets!

Questions for Reflection:

1. Can I relate to Peter when it comes to my qualifications to be used by God?
2. Can God use me?  Do I want to be used?
3. Do I believe that God can, and wants to bring revival to Fredericksburg, VA? 
4. Have I prayed, "Come Holy Spirit...fill me?"

By Nadir Lawrence, Children's Pastor

…Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.  - Isaiah 60:1

We’re in the final stretch in the last week of seeking breakthrough through the Daniel fast and I’m loving all the testimonies I’ve heard thus far. God is ever present wherever we are and I know that seeking His face during this time has only opened up more opportunities for you to grow as a believer in Christ. One area in particular for me that I’m challenged to grow in is what we’re focusing on this week with breakthrough in Fredericksburg. For an introvert like me, sharing the word with strangers or in public can seem a little daunting but in my past experience the reward has always been greater than the challenge in the end. I’m sure the opportunities we miss to share God with others on a daily basis are probably innumerable and at the same time it can feel like an impossible task to cover. So where do you begin to be a part of the breakthrough for your city?

As I was praying and preparing this week I was having a tough time wrapping my mind around how I could make a difference for the community I live in. And I was reminded of a song I love by Hillsong Kids that we used to sing in Kid’s Crossing worship a few years ago called “Let your light shine”. It’s absolutely precious and is somewhat a more modern rendition of “This little light of mine” for all you “retro” believers out there. :-)  The kids at church loved it especially when we gave them flashlights to turn on during the chorus when we’d shut the lights off to demonstrate not being afraid to let Jesus shine through them. To this day it still puts a huge smile on my face to hear that song and if you want to get your praise on, you can listen to it here.

It may be my current role in children’s ministry but that song just wouldn’t leave my heart this week. How can we be a light in the darkness and let our praise to God bleed through our lifestyle to share with others like it says in Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”? For me it seems easier to be a part of this breakthrough if I start small like being kind to the people who serve you every day or the people you’re waiting in line with at the grocery store, school drop off or everyone’s favorite…the DMV. And don’t think that God won’t give you certain opportunities to share the word with someone when you’re in a rush too. I find it’s when I’m frustrated or short on time when God plants someone right in my path that needs a kind word, smile or prayer. It can be SO easy to miss these moments and let them slip right past you so be on alert, be deliberate and willing to share with others what God has done in your life. Ask God to reveal those people to you who need an encounter with Him and I promise if you ask God for the chance to reach someone in need of Him, He’ll ordain it for you. If we each asked God for this and allowed Him to use us to reach Fredericksburg like ripples in water we could watch God move and stretch His hand out over Fredericksburg in breakthrough and spill over into city after city.

Questions For Reflection:

1. What keeps you from letting your light shine to others in our community?
   
2. What active steps can you take to reach out to the people you encounter in public?
   
3. How can you begin to share your light in your workplace, school, neighborhood?
   

By David Hernquist, Worship Pastor

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—  that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.     Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”   -Colossians 4:2-6

So here we are! Home stretch! I don’t know about you guys but this fast has been incredibly powerful for me.

The thing that’s been heavy on my heart is our Identity as Christians in America - not just in our local church but nationally as well.

If you’ve been on Facebook for any length of time over the past week, you may have heard about a football player named Richard Sherman. Richard Sherman is arguably one of the best players at his position in the NFL right now. This past Sunday night he played an instrumental role in securing a win for his team in an iconic NFC Championship game. What ensued was a display of emotion that most sports critics feel went way too far. Personally, I wasn’t shocked by it at all, but as I was watching this all unfold, my focus was taken completely off of the great defensive play that just happened, and was put entirely on Sherman’s behavior. The Seattle Seahawks are arguably the most exciting team in football right now, making their way to the Super Bowl, but instead, all I’m focused on is this guy talking trash and making a scene. Since then, Sherman has apologized and things are more or less smoothed over in my mind as a football fan. But the incident got me thinking: What are we as Christians supposed to be all about?

Well, that’s an easy one right? Jesus said to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,  baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). He also said,  “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35). We’re supposed to be all about the life-changing power of Jesus Christ, a Love that conquers death, Grace greater than all our sins, and Peace beyond anything going on.

But what are Christians actually known for? I think that we as Christians are generally known more for what we’re supposedly against, than what we’re actually for. Now, I think intentions are noble when someone takes a stand on a given issue. The intentions can be to point out sin, speak up for beliefs, or make a point. But unless it’s done in love, there’s a great potential for damage to be done. See, you can say the right thing but unless you say it the right way (with the love of Jesus behind it), it can actually come off as the wrong thing. I think the mistake is us putting too much emphasis on how things make us feel, and not enough emphasis on what Jesus says about it and the life changing power that exists in that. Like Sherman taking the focus off of his team, we can end up taking the focus off of Jesus Christ, and put it squarely on an issue. The truth is that the Word of God is enough. Adding in our two cents at the end or putting our own little spin that isn’t in love actually takes away from its potency.

If anyone knows the value of saying the right things at the right time to see people come to know Jesus, it’s Paul. And in Colossians 4:2-6 he encourages us to ”continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison — that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

So, I’m praying for a breakthrough in the American Church. That we put the love of Jesus Christ at the center of everything we do, and in turn glorify God by being a collective testimony of the power of Jesus at work in our lives. So that we can see even more people come to know Jesus. That we can stand together as Followers of Jesus and be the Church we’re called to be. And that as we’re faithful stewards with the opportunities put in front of us, God would trust us with greater opportunities to show His love.

 

By Dave Baldwin, Outreach Pastor

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.  I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.  I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.  I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me." - John 17:20-23

One of the big sermon series last year at Crossroads was “The 9” which talked about the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5. It is always good to have a reminder of what it looks like when we are connected to God and producing good fruit in our lives. Paul even says that there is no law against these things. The fruit of the Spirit cultivates unity in body of Christ. But what does it look like, when we don’t live life according to the fruit of the spirit? Earlier in Galatians 5 Paul talks about the desires of our sinful nature. Most of us breeze through those pretty quickly and typically think something like this, “well I am faithful to my spouse, I don’t practice sorcery, I’m not really THAT selfish, no wild drunken parties, check, whew, I think I’m ok.” But tucked away in that list of sinful desires are two sins that prevent breakthrough in communities all throughout the world, dissension and division.

Lack of unity in the church is the single biggest obstacle to seeing God move in a big way in our community. Disunity is one of Satan’s most effective weapons against the church.  Satan divides and conquers. If the church fights against itself, regardless of the reason, goes directly against God’s heart for His people. The sad part is that regardless of theological differences between churches in the community, we should all have the same marching orders from God. Number one, love God with all our hearts, and love our neighbors as ourselves. And number two, go tell other people and make disciples. But when was the last time that you saw all of the churches in Fredericksburg or any other community working together to make sure that everyone is transformed through a saving relationship with God?

The power of unity is interwoven throughout the Bible. In Genesis, the Holy Spirit was together with God in creation. John Chapter 1 adds that Jesus was the spoken Word of God and was with God from the beginning of creation. There are many correlations throughout the Bible that compare the unity of a husband and wife becoming one with the Jesus being the bridegroom and the church being the bride. Ultimately, Jesus prayed fervently to God shortly before he was arrested and crucified for unity among believers. “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me” (John 17:23)

And that is the formula for seeing God move the hearts of men. Jesus’ prayer shows us that unity isn’t optional. Unity is a direct testimony to the world about God’s love. That should be a sober wake-up call to every church in every tribe and nation. Because if unity makes the world know that God sent Jesus and that God loves everyone, then division and dissension in the church sends the opposite message. God forgive us for our hard hearts that we don’t do a better job at being unified!

Seeing God breakthrough in Fredericksburg and the entire region in 2014 is not impossible, but it won’t come without a cost. You are already on the right track through fasting and praying these 21 days, but that is only the beginning. Seeing breakthrough will only come from continuing to pray without ceasing, leaving our egos at the door, putting our disagreements aside and not being satisfied until every single soul in the community knows their Creator. 

As you pray today, ask God these questions:

1. Are there any ways where I have allowed dissension and division to creep into the church? If God reveals anything, ask for forgiveness and His help to repent.  
2. What is one thing I can start praying for today that will help build unity in my church and community? Write it down what God reveals and use revisit it daily during your prayer time.

By Jeremy Duggins, Associate Pastor

Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?  Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation. I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him that glory may dwell in our land.  -Psalm 85:6-9      

The cry of David’s heart for Israel is the cry of my heart for America. God, will you not revive us again?  That’s the question I find myself asking God every time I read Psalm 85. Something always rises to the surface of my soul and causes me to dream about America being a nation the makes room for the glory of God to dwell in our land.

I wholeheartedly believe that our generation will see the greatest revival that our nation has ever known. Yes, I am well aware of the current state of our nation. I realize that America is pushing God further and further away every single day. I realize that without a major revival, our nation is hopeless. And that’s what gives me hope! Because our God is a God of revival!

Isn’t that what the gospel is all about? Didn’t Jesus show up in the most unlikely place at the most unlikely time? This is exactly how revival happens. God is looking for desperate hearts of men and women that would be willing to host His presence and carry His life throughout our nation. This is the gospel. This is the life that Jesus lived. Jesus was the ultimate revivalist.

As believers we have a mandate to intercede on behalf of our nation. We are responsible to stand in the gap for the sins that America has committed against God. And as believers we need to ask God to send another great awakening to our nation.

Revival doesn’t start on a national level. It starts in the hearts of people and then it spreads to churches, cities, regions, and ultimately nations. What if Fredericksburg was the catalyst for a national revival? What if our community lived in such unity with God and with one another that the glory of God actually rested on our city? Do you believe that’s even possible? I do! In fact this is what keeps me up at night and wakes me up in the morning.

I believe it’s possible to experience the manifest presence of God at our local Starbucks. I believe we will see the day when the denominational barriers that stand between the churches in Fredericksburg are broken down so that we can come together in unity and advance the Kingdom of God. I believe God wants to tear down strongholds and break chains of injustice in Fredericksburg. I believe that every lost soul in our city can be saved!

Revival isn’t complicated. To be a revivalist you don’t have to be the most qualified or the most talented. You just have to be willing and available. Above all else you have to be hungry for the presence of God! Revival comes out of desperation. Are you desperate for the presence of God to rule and reign in this city?

 Let’s commit to give ourselves entirely to see revival in Fredericksburg. Let the life of Jesus fill your heart so that you can carry His presence into the hearts, homes, and streets of the city. The gospel of Jesus is much more than a prayer. It is the transforming power of God that lives in our hearts. When followers of Jesus learn how to release His power into the atmosphere of the city we can be sure that revival is coming!

 Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you believe revival is coming to America?
   
2. Do you believe Fredericksburg could be the catalyst for this great awakening?
   
3. Do you believe it’s possible for the glory of God to dwell in our city?
   
4. What can you personally do to bring revival into your home, your workplace, your church, and your city?
   

 

 By Sonya Ward, Connect Group Pastor


“Because I love Zion, because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch."  - Isaiah 62:1 

We are now into the third and final week of our fast and our focus has gotten bigger.  We have prayed for personal breakthroughs and breakthrough within our church family, but now it is time to seek God on behalf of our nation.  Our nation, wow!  That sounds like an overwhelming task. How do we, in little old Fredericksburg, affect the nation for Jesus?  It starts small…very small.  It starts in the hearts of individuals like you and me.

We need to ignite a fire within ourselves that burns so brightly that those around us can see it and feel it.  Affecting the nation for Jesus begins with personal revival.  We need a renewed interest and passion for the things of God.  You cannot miss the passion contained within Isaiah’s statement when he says, “Because I love Zion, because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.”  Isaiah says he cannot remain silent and will not stop praying.   There was an all-consuming passion burning inside of him and we need that passion burning within us if we want to affect the nation.

So where does that passion come from?  It comes from obeying what Jesus says is the most important commandment, “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)  When we decide to pursue God and intentionally make Him our treasure, then we can love Him with all our heart, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)  And when you love Him with all your heart; your soul, mind and strength will follow.  You will want to make Godly choices, honor Him with your words and live in obedience to His word. You give your will over to His, that’s loving God with all your soul.   You will begin to fill your mind with His word and let it renew and transform you.  His word directs your thoughts, that’s loving God with all your mind.  You begin to express His love in all that you do with your resources, abilities and time.  “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus…”(Colossians 3:17),   that’s loving Him with all your strength.

If we want to see the Lord’s salvation blaze “like a burning torch” in our nation, then we must start by igniting a fire within ourselves.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you need to re-ignite the passion within you? 
2. What part of the Great Commandment do you need to do a better job of putting into practice?
3. What changes do you need make?

By Joel Lowery, Lead Pastor


All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.  A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.   - Acts 2:42-43

As we wrap up week 2 of the Daniel Fast and our focus on corporate breakthrough (meaning breakthrough for Crossroads as a body), there has been one word on my mind. And that one word has been HUNGER.

If I could pray for anything at Crossroads, it would be for a breakthrough as a body to see more of God’s Kingdom break into our church, more of God’s presence in our worship, more miracles, more healings, deeper relationships with each other. And all of that begins with HUNGER.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Our satisfaction comes when we hunger for the One who is righteousness - Jesus!

Being hungry for more of God is the beginning of seeing God move. How do I know that? Because the Holy Spirit is with me all day, every day…working in me, through me and on my behalf. But honestly, how often do I really sense him? Do I sense God with me every waking moment? Not really. However, when my hunger for him becomes increased, I start to see His work all around me. I become more perceptive to what He’s doing. 

HUNGER =
Holy-spirit led
Unction
Needing
God’s
Earnest
Response

My prayer today, is this:  "God, let CVC’s breakthrough this year be an unrestrained hunger for more of you, more of your kingdom, more of your presence! Amen!"

Questions for Reflection:  
1.     What do you hunger for more than anything? (Seems fitting to ask this on a fast)   :-)  
2.     How would your life be different if you could see God working in your life even more?
3.     Have you “devoted” yourself to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals & prayer?

By Christina Lowery, Co-Lead Pastor

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices.  At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.  Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.  For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart."  - 2 Chronicles 7:12-16

This passage is one of my favorites in the Bible because it is so rich in promise.  I read these words as if God had written them for me...and those of you in my faith community.  So as I pondered on what I would share this week as we focus on church-wide breakthrough, this verse came to mind immediately.   

This statement, made by God to King Solomon shortly after the Temple was built and dedicated for worship, is a defining moment for Solomon and the Israelite nation.  God lays out a roadmap for Solomon to lead his people into the days that lied ahead...and I believe that we, Crossroads, may also accept this roadmap to guide us as we also move forward in the direction that He is leading us as a church.  

The defining moment for Israel came when God forked their road by making the statement, "IF my people will...THEN I will...."  Crossroads, this goes for us too!   If we will....then He will: 

If we will 
.....humble ourselves (as in...perhaps a church-wide 21 day period of fasting and prayer?)
.....pray and seek His face (meaning we're asking for more of Him rather than just His provision)
.....turn from our wicked ways (or even distractions that keep us sidetracked - away from Him)

Then He will
.....hear from Heaven (His ears perk up when humility engulfs our prayers!  He is magnetized to our need!)
.....forgive our sins (He's gracious, compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love!  Psalm 145:8, NIV)
.....restore our land (What we've lost, what we mourn for, all that has been depleted...He will restore!)

I believe, Crossroads, that we can expect MUCH from God in response to our humility, prayers, seeking Him and turning away from our sins during this 21-day fast!  And as He restores and heals our land, we become fertile for growth and will bear much fruit...fruit that will taste pleasant and be nourishing to our community and the world!

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you find yourself in a posture of humility?
2. Are your prayers focused on seeking His face (to know Him), or His hand (His provision)?
3. What are the distractions in your life that you have laid aside or turned from during this fast?
4. What in your heart or life needs to be restored, as only God can do?

By David Hernquist, Worship Pastor

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58

This week, we’re praying and seeking God for a corporate breakthrough as a church. And as I’ve been praying, I’m constantly being brought back to the topic of the heart behind serving.

I believe serving within the context of the local church is one of the most important aspects of being a follower of Christ. Not only does it give us practical opportunities to minister to people in different ways, but it also provides an avenue for us to be stretched in our walk with Christ. And it’s way more than what you see on a Sunday Morning, Outreaches, or just helping one another in various ways. I’m not talking about just physical work or admin planning that goes on behind the scenes. I’m talking about what goes on inside the heart of a servant.

The whole matter of the heart is a tricky thing. The Bible is pretty clear that a noble action is incomplete if the heart behind it doesn’t line up. Kind of like fasting. You can eat all the right things, but if you keep trying to imagine your Quinoa is actually your favorite Italian dish, something’s not  lining up there :).

For some context, the Bible tells us that our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). God also tells us to hide His commands in our heart (Deuteronomy 6:6), and to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) because everything we do flows from it. SO! What this tells me is that it takes effort on my part for the word of God to stay in my heart. That over time, life has a tendency to pull my heart in the opposite direction of what God’s word says for us. This is why the Psalmist says “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11).

It’s worth saying that to have this, we need to fight for it within ourselves! So I’ve put together a list of 7 attitudes and motives within the heart of a servant.

7 Attitudes and Motives in the Heart of a Servant

1. Love! - This is the most important one. First, because we love Jesus. Second, because we love people, and Third, If we don’t have love, we are nothing. I can strum my guitar, do setup by myself, make coffee, and change diapers, but if I have not love, I’m nothing. (1 Corinthians 13)
2. It’s not about me. I was once one of those people coming in to church for the first time, needing someone to show me the love of Christ. Now it’s my turn! - 1 John 4:11
3. I want to grow as a disciple of Jesus. And Jesus served. - Mark 10:43-45
4. I want to be a good steward of the gifts God has given me. We’re not just burying talents over here. - Matthew 25:14-30
5. I have a part to play and I want to do it well! - Colossians 3:17
6.  I’m called to serve. This isn’t just a task. This is a passion in my heart to see people far from God, draw closer. - Galatians 5:13
7. It’s worth it! - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Questions for Reflection:

1. Which of these motives resonates within me the most? 
   
2. Which of these motives presents the most difficulty for me? Why? 
   
3. What in my heart needs to change for me to have the heart of a servant?