Kim Keith - Children’s Director

Today’s chapter in the book, One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook compares doing life without the power of God to pushing a motorcycle around the motor cross track without ever kick starting the engine. That would be pretty hard to do and a whole lot less fun than using the power available. So why do we try to do life powerless when the power is right there available?

I was thinking about one of the previous chapters this morning, the one that talked about our spiritual, emotional, physical and relational health. I was thinking that in my own power there is no way I can balance these and do life the way I need to. Every day I am going to try to start off the day by having at least 10 minutes of meditation time to read and pray and ask God to give me the power that only comes from Him to be spiritually healthy. Then I am going to ask Him to give me the drive to go do some sort of physical activity to stay physically healthy. For my relational well being I am going to try to send texts, emails, facebook messages or phone calls to let people know when I am thinking of them or thankful for them. So often we think nice things about people but we never let them know. If I only had 30 days left to live I would really want people to know how much they mean to me. Communication with others is a key to keeping the energy where it needs to be in a relationship. As far as emotionally goes, if my spiritual, physical and relational health is well, I believe emotionally I will be too. I think the biggest thing emotionally is rest. We all can get overwhelmed and run down and tired. God is our power source and our example. In Genesis it says on the seventh day He rested, so why do we think we are better equipped than God not to need to rest? The key is balance and realizing that in our own power we are not the energizer bunny, we cannot keep going and going and going without the true power source. We all need to recharge every day. I don’t want to be pushing around the track powerless I want to go full throttle, don’t you?

Jonathan Chaney - Creative Director

One of the nastiest high-side crashes I ever had was with my finances. Nikki and I came together without a real plan for our money. So it went where it wanted. We would spend everything we made and use credit cards to spend more. With just 2 people, we somehow made it 2 ½ years like that. To be honest: it was kind of fun. We bought whatever we wanted. We were both used to having expendable income since we had not lived on our own prior to getting married. So the same lifestyle we had while dating continued into married life.

All that came crashing down once we had Sheridan. Now we had the cost of formula, diapers, baby clothes, and supplies not to mention $75/week for childcare. But again, we had no plan for how we were going to cover the extra expenses. So the money continued to go wherever it wanted.

It was February 2005. I can still remember the moment I logged in to our bank account online and saw the balance. There was $45 in the account with still over a week before payday. Formula for the week itself cost $50. Not to mention the babysitter had to be paid and groceries had to be purchased. My heart sank. The weight of responsibility came down hard and I crashed. It was ugly. It was in that moment that I felt like a complete failure as a husband, father, and leader of our home.

I was scared because I felt helpless and hopeless. How was I going to tell Nikki this? When you feel like you’re in a pit, all you can see around you is darkness. But there’s light when you look up. In that moment of brokenness, all I could do was pray. After I prayed, it’s like God brought something to mind. I had a friend that had told me about reading a book by Dave Ramsey about money management. So that week I went to the library and borrowed the book “Total Money Makeover” and immediately began to read it. It was a life-changing moment! I learned that I can tell my money where to go. I could actually win with our finances. The start is difficult because you have to get all your bills and debt together and it was only then that I realized how deep we really were. But the first step was to get a plan, a monthly budget, to start managing God’s resources. (Because that’s really what our income is: God’s income that we are called to manage wisely.) So that’s what we did.

At church the following Sunday, I can remember getting on my knees and praying this prayer: “God, it wasn’t your fault that I got into this but I have to have Your help to get out.” A weight was lifted. Now, 4 years later, we’re still doing the monthly budget, paid down all of our credit card debt, working hard to finish off student loans, and we’re able to give more than ever to our local church. It hasn’t always been easy. There have been some sacrifices but we have a plan now. And just like how it always is with God’s principles, a plan gives you so much freedom! Now we’re just working toward our goal of being completely debt free. I give all glory to God because He brought me through it.

In what area do you still feel the sting of a bad crash? God can help you get back up and back on track. But we have to lay it down at His feet. Whatever it is: broken relationships, finances, something you did in your past, He wants to help you back up again and back on your way to the finish line. Just pray and give it to Him.

Kim Keith - Children’s Director

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Today’s chapter talked about dreaming big. You know how when you are a kid you dream of what life will be like when you grow up. You dream of what you want to do some day. The book talked about how dreams that come from God will be so big that they will require big faith in God to see it happen. The dreams that come from God will also benefit others, they are not selfish or self centered. Dreams like this come from the heart, the very core of your being.

One of the questions for today was, “If you knew God would bless it what would you dream of doing?” I feel like for the most part I’m living beyond my wildest dreams. I absolutely love what God is allowing us to do in serving at CrossPoint. I was telling Carl today, I just can’t believe all the amazing people He has surrounded us with. I feel we have the “dream team” along side us in this ministry. There is a dream that God has placed on our hearts that we haven’t seen happen yet. We want a youth center for Martinsville and Henry County. Not just a little place for 30 teens to hang out. We really would like to see a state of the art awesome place for the youth in our community to have as their very own. Can you imagine a place for them to go and be safe, have fun and have people there that would invest and care about their lives? I dream of that. A place where young people would enjoy just being themselves without pressure to have sex or drink? I would love to see the pregnancy rate in our area cut in half, because these teens had something fun to do and people to talk to that would give them good advice. I dream of that! I can see God putting together teams of people that could rock this community with an outpouring of love for these kids.

I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but I do know that this dream falls within God’s guidelines. It will most certainly take the power of God for it to happen and it would benefit a lot of people.

Kim Keith - Children’s Director

Well today’s chapter couldn’t have come at a better time. Today is Saturday, followed closely by Sunday. Tomorrow Carl and I are doing a team lesson in front of the church. I don’t preach, I am not a preacher and that’s not what I am called to do. I am a Preacher’s wife; I do come along side him in this ministry to be his help mate in any way that he needs me too. I love that role. I do not love being in front of people and speaking. People find this hard to believe, they say, “You don’t look like you ever get nervous. I’m sure it’s just a breeze for you.” I say, “No, not hardly.”

In the chapter today of OMTL, Pastor Kerry talks about how his son wouldn’t trust him and let go of the monkey bars and just fall into his arms. His son knew his dad loved him and always was there to protect him, so why would his dad just let him fall to the ground and get hurt? Pastor Kerry was talking about how we do God that very same way. We try to hang on to all our stuff and keep our control on everything in our lives instead of turning it over to God and letting go of our monkey bars, allowing Him to catch us.

The scripture for today’s reading was about the Master that went out of town and left money behind with 3 different servants according to their abilities. Well, 2 of the servants doubled the money for their Master, but the last one buried his and played it safe. He was ruled by fear of failure. Many of us are like that as well. We are ruled by fear of failure. We will not take that leap of faith and do what God wants us to do, we just will not let go of those monkey bars. God doesn’t want us to fail. He doesn’t want us to fall and get hurt. So tomorrow morning I will let go of those monkey bars and walk out on that stage with my husband. In my own power, I will be terrified, when I open my mouth, no sound will come out. I am praying that He will catch me and that He will breathe the words into my brain to come out legibly.

I would be much safer backstage tomorrow, that I know for sure. But I love the quote on today’s chapter…”A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. William Shedd.

So what is it that God is wanting you to do? What are you hanging on to that you need to let go of? God is right there ready to catch you. Just let go and let God.

Jonathan Chaney - Creative Director

Have I said lately how much I love my job?

Towards the end of 2008, Pastor Carl started talking about offering me a full-time position at CrossPoint.  I was out-of-my-mind excited about it.  Any time it was brought up, a big smile would come over my face.  I couldn’t wait until the time would actually come.  I would have been fine with remaining a volunteer, but to get to do this for a living was the dream of a lifetime.

Then the day came when Pastor Carl asked me to a meeting and the official job offer was made.  The moment I had waited for had finally come.  He offered me a full-time position to be on staff at my favorite church.  My reaction: stomach in knots!

Fear crept in.  Something I had wanted for so long had finally come and yet I was scared, really fearful.  I knew this is what I had really wanted and felt like God was calling me to, but now that it was real, I was frozen.  It was definitely a “monkey bar” moment.  But I took the step and don’t regret it for a moment.  Now the times I have to go out on stage are still tough.  My stomach gets in knots and my palms get sweaty. But each time it gets a little easier.  With the first step on stage, I’m letting go and God is catching me.

That’s just a couple moments for me.  There are other times in my life where I just hang on for dear life, not trusting enough to let go.  What’s God calling you to do?  What is the thing you would do if you knew God would bless it?  That’s your call to greatness.  Trust God to catch you. He won’t let you fall.

Kim Keith - Children’s Director

Today’s chapter starts off with the routine the stewardess gives you in the airplane about if the oxygen mask drops down, you should put it on before you try to help your children or anyone else in trouble. It talks about how difficult it is sometimes to take care of yourself, physically, spiritually, emotionally and relationally because you’re trying to do things for those around you.

Hello Moms! Does that sound like you? Sometimes you even feel guilty if you take a moment just for yourself. But in Matthew 22:37:39 it says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.” The second part is, “And love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” Now most of us hold on to the part about loving God and loving our neighbor, but we skip right over that part about loving yourself. That means take care of you. Your body is God’s temple, that doesn’t mean it’s to be worshipped, but you’re not supposed to trash it either.

All through this book it talks about giving God your first fruits; the first part of the week, Sunday to worship and the first part of the day, quiet time with Him. If we are going to leave a legacy and make a difference in our place in this world, we have got to put our oxygen mask on first. Physically, spiritually, emotionally and relationally we need to take care of us. I know this isn’t easy, especially if you work, have children who are involved in activities and have a home and laundry that you are responsible for. But if you let yourself go, who will be left with all that when you are completely spent out?

I’ve also found that when I’m slipping in these areas of physical, spiritual, emotional or relational health, I might get the job done, but I’m not very pleasant to be around! Most of us women are multi-taskers anyway, so try this…take a walk with your significant other or a girlfriend, you will be working on your physical health and your relationships as well, and you can talk about your emotional and spiritual health. Or you can take a walk and just pray and talk to God and have some fellowship time with just you and Him for your spiritual health. If you don’t schedule it or make it happen, no one else is going to do it for you. Today’s thought: Breathe first and then you will be much more effective in helping and ministering to those around you.

Jonathan Chaney - Creative Director

At the end of the chapter is this question:

How would you rate your health in each of the four areas (spiritual, physical, emotional, relational)? What’s the greatest challenge to improving your health in these areas?

Spirtual Health – I would say it is improving. I still have a way to go, but really working to make sure I spend some time with God each day does wonders. There are times in my life when I can look back and say that God felt distant. But in reality I’ve learned that God didn’t move; I did. He never left me, but I strayed. And during that time, my spiritual health was all but flat lined. But when I started seeking Him daily, I find that things began to pick up. I still have trials and some tougher days, but I know that God is with me through it.

Physical Health – Again, I have more improvements to make but I’m thankful for an “I’ve had enough” moment in 2004 when I topped out at 200 pounds. Nikki had just given birth to Sheridan and I was tired of being tired. I wanted to have the energy to play with my daughter and be around for my family. So I set a new year’s resolution for 2005 to lose some weight and get in shape. Four years later, praise the Lord I’m 40 pounds lighter and in better shape. This year I’m really focusing on building strength and endurance. I love what I get to do for a living. As a staff, we’ve made our health a high priority. We want to be able to do this for as long as we can.

Emotional Health – This is an area that made me stop and think. As a guy I don’t think about my emotional health very much. So it’s not something I feel like I can assess at this time. I like to think I’m easy going and try to not let things get me too ruffled. But this is something that God will have to direct as I get a better grasp of where I am here.

Relational Health – This is an area in which I need to improve. And I know this. I’m a doer, a task-oriented person, and I don’t think I’m naturally a “people person”. And this is an area God is still working on me. While I’m not naturally outgoing, I do believe God can do a work to change some things to become who He wants me to be. Growth Groups are a big step for me to grow closer others.  God wants us all to live in authentic community.  And He wants us to disciple others believers.  God doesn’t desire that we become an island Christian.  It’s just more natural for some people.  So I continue to pray for His direction and leadership in this area.

Carl Keith - Lead Pastor

Jesus said, “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

The thing that stood out to me in my reading today is “pruning is the key to producing the best fruit.” I have always been a “can do” person where I always try to attack situations as they come and then take care of it. My timing is not always God’s timing and I have to realize that I have to really focus in my communication with Him. Getting the cart before the horse can bring on some ugly results. Staying connected to the vine can be challenging in itself, but now pruning, the cutting away of things in my life. OUCH! Pruning can be very painful. But I must realize that by pruning me, He can produce more fruit through me. He knows the things that do not need to be in my life and if He doesn’t prune me, most likely, I will not get rid of the THINGS.

Father, may your will be done in my life, even though it may be painful at times. I want to stay connected

Kim Keith - Children’s Director

One statement stood out to me today in reading One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook, “The key to spiritual health is maintaining a strong relationship with your Creator. If you are connected to your Creator, you will grow like never before, and you’ll experience real power to make lasting changes.”

Check out John 15:1-5. We are just the vine, Jesus is the branch, the vine cannot grow or produce any fruit just hanging out there by itself, if the vine isn’t connected to the branch it will just die, it can’t do anything on its own.

My role in life is to stay connected, it’s not up to me to produce results. I’m not responsible for producing fruit, Jesus is. I think that kind of relieves a lot of the pressure we put on ourselves. All I need to do is communicate to God by just talking to Him through out my day, just like I would a friend and make sure I stay real with Him about my mistakes and failures, He will take care of the rest. Sometimes life seems so crazy, so busy and so complicated. If I only had one month left to live, I would really want to know that I made a difference in the lives of the people around me. As much as I would like to I can’t manufacture change in other people. I would like for my kids to learn from the mistakes that I made and not have to go through any hurts of their own, but that’s not up to me. However, I am responsible for the words and actions that they hear and see from me now. I can’t be the mother, friend, wife, daughter or anything that I need to be apart from God. I need to concentrate more on my spiritual health more than anything else. My physical health will not always last, fact is we are all going to die some day. Your spiritual health is the only thing that last forever, so how’s yours and what can you do to improve it? It may not be as hard as you think, get connected and stay connected and you will be amazed at what God will do.

Jonathan Chaney - Creative Director

Two points jump out at me from today’s reading:

Kerry referenced Matthew 11:28-29:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

The part underlined above jumped out at me one morning during my quiet time. We’ve always heard verse 28. Jesus offers us rest when we’re burdened, tired, beaten down, and broken. I believe that. Jesus is the answer. But what is our next step? How can he helps us live in the full abundant life he promised in John 10:10? The answer is in the next verse: “learn from me…” Jesus is our ultimate model. Jesus modeled the one month to live lifestyle. He knew how long he would have on earth, he knew when his day would come to face the cross yet I never see him hurried or in a rush. It doesn’t really make sense to me. The one who came to seek and save the lost was always in complete control of his time, he never let it control him.

Another thought was on constant communication. I used to hear men pray prayers that sounded like they were right out of the King James Version. Words I didn’t understand and very “flowery”. So I grew up thinking you had to pray as thou speaking to a 17^th century king. Needless to say, my prayer life struggled. (Disclaimer: not knocking those people. Just no one taught me to approach him on my level.) But then someone really explained Galatians 4:6-7:

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

“Abba” is like saying “Daddy”. When Sheridan approaches me, I don’t want her to say, “O most excellent Father, if thou wouldst grant me one request…” I would stop her right there and say “Climb up in my lap and just talk to me, on your level.” That’s what God wants us to do. If we have accepted God’s free gift of His son, then we are now His children. And He is not some stately king that is unapproachable, but instead He is now our Dad. Talk to Him like you would your earthly father, or if you’re a parent: talk to Him how you would want your child to approach you.

He wants to hear about our day, our hopes and dreams, our hurts, and what makes us happy. Everything good is from God (James 1:17) so rejoice and glorify The One who blesses. And when He’s doing some pruning (John 15:1-5), He’s right there with you through it, so talk to Him about that too.