Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.494.9999, xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.

 

Scripture – NIV

Jeremiah 29:11 –

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

2 Kings 7:4-9 –

If we say, ‘We’ll go into the city’—the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.”

At dusk they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, no one was there, for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.

The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp, entered one of the tents and ate and drank. Then they took silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also. Then they said to each other, “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.”

 

Bob’s thoughts:

I was entertained today by a young cutie and her brother; the smiles, chatter, and notes were a highlight, a reminder of how I got the nickname the Baby Whisperer at our last church. When I was allowed to comfort infants was when I felt closest to God…kind of a mini picture of how He comforts us. Today was a small reminder of a good time as we basked in the sun as we worshiped in the parking lot. It was hard not to feel close to God on such a beautiful fall day.

The message today dealt with a city under siege and the utter hopelessness as it dragged on. The lack of freedom down to the basic lack of food drove the despair with no hope in sight.

Laying siege to a city could last years, not just the few months that we have been denied our right of religious freedom.

There were lepers who were forced to live outside the city, and lacking the means to survive, decided to throw themselves on the mercy of the attacking army, thinking death could not be worse than their current plight.

But upon entering the camp they found their prayers had been answered: God had routed the attackers from the camp with such haste that the food and spoils of war were left, they were able to share God’s salvation of the city with their countrymen.

Might this time of isolation forced by our government be more of a blessing than a curse if we use this time as God would have us? Share your hope in Christ with those who are lost. Share your hope with those you know and maybe more importantly, with those you don’t know yet. Don’t blame God for this time, but thank Him for the opportunity to witness in His name.

We were greeted by a number of people and I was thanked for my service. We also met a member of the Young Marines and his father.

Jan’s thoughts:

Today was a treat: an outdoor worship service and a double-birthday lunch with our family after church.

I’m still amazed at God’s providence: the parking area was paved November 1, 2019, long before anyone had a clue that it would be the only space available for worship this entire summer. Even the weather cooperated, causing only two cancellations. God’s blessings.

Some events are starting up again in small ways, such as a half-day women’s retreat, men’s get-togethers, and kids’ happenings.

This is the final installment of the current message series, A Hope and a Future. The pastor reminded several times that God always wants what is best for us.

The Israelites were in exile in Babylon when Jeremiah 29:11 was prophesied to them. They were in the midst of a hopeless situation.

The passage from 2 Kings tells the story of four lepers. Their condition was highly contagious, they were isolated, they’d lost everything, and were told it was all because God was angry with them. They were understandably hopeless. But when they stumbled into a wealth of food, supplies, and treasure, they chose to share instead of hoarding it.

He stressed that hope is designed to be shared with others, and it actually fades if we hoard it but it grows when shared.

In order to get past our personal frustration and share hope, the pastor referred to an initiative from their past called BLESS, an acronym for:

B = begin with prayer

L = listen

E = eat (or another shared experience)

S = serve

S = share your story

He then told a most extraordinary story which began with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian and anti-Nazi dissident who was martyred just before the end of World War II. Bonhoeffer had written a poem for his fiancée Maria called Next Year 1945. Unfortunately, Dietrich and Maria never married as he was hanged in the concentration camp.

Years later, author Joseph Bayly lost three of his sons to death and he fell into such despair he gave up writing. He was given Bonhoeffer’s poem, Next Year 1945, which reignited Bayly’s hope, and Bayly went on to write a book called Heaven.

Twelve years later, in a Massachusetts hospital, there was a woman dying of cancer. She had no family, and a chaplain gave her a copy of Joseph Bayly’s book Heaven. She was enthralled and read the entire book overnight, and died the next day with hope. The woman was Bonhoeffer’s fiancée, Maria.

The pastor closed with the admonition that we never know what God will do with our words.

Indeed…we cannot begin to guess. This story gives me such a deep hope. God is able do so much more than we can begin to imagine with the little we are able to offer Him.

 

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we thank You for the opportunity to be drawn close to You today. May we serve You as directed. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.494.9999, xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.

 

Scripture – NIV

John 16:13 –

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

John 14:16-17a –

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.

Galatians 5:25 –

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 –

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Acts 6:6-10 –

They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.”

Romans 8:1 –

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Galatians 5:1 –

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 3:17 –

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

 

Bob’s thoughts:

We have felt the strong desire to get back to worship and pray our readers have felt the same. God wants to meet with us in worship.

We chose to start back at our daughter’s family’s church (and to visit with grandchildren). The weather has cooperated, and they have been able to set up on the porch of the church with worshipers in the parking lot and on the tree-covered hillside. There was an impressive 119 people in worship today…I’m sure God was also pleased.

The setting is picture perfect. I didn’t see any today, but sometimes cows come right up to the fence and many deer travel through the property. The parking lot sits right above the road and there are signs indicating the outdoor church service. I noticed when a motorcycle traveled by it was quiet as it went by till it was down the road.

A church member went around and offered bottled water, even to we who were sitting near the table where the water had been.

Another member noticed the old aluminum chair I brought to sit on was not too sturdy and moved a heavy chair beside me in case mine let go.

A car came after the service started and it amused me: there is no sliding into church unobserved when you meet in the parking lot.

The message was on the Holy Spirit, the oft forgotten Third Person of the Trinity. Yet He is the one at work in us.

The pastor mentioned in his message a woman who had been forced into prostitution, caught, arrested, and sent to jail where, for the first time in a long while, she felt safe. The Spirit opens our eyes to a perspective we might not realize, otherwise our worst could be our best.

The servant mindset makes this church a loving place, when you think of the multitude of details to move your service outdoors and how many tasks are picked up automatically. This is the Spirit at work in Christ’s church.

We encourage you to let the Spirit lead you to a church and show you why you’re there. Let the Spirit work in you.

 

Jan’s thoughts:

First, I pray everyone who reads this has been and remains healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

It has been 5½ months since we worshiped physically in community with other believers. I never thought there would ever be a question, but in my opinion, churches are an essential part of life. Worship can happen anywhere at any time of the day or night, but the corporate lifting up of praise to God is a guaranteed right that many have given their lives to defend.

Our grandkids noted recently that we had not come to visit their church for a while, so this was a perfect place to start getting back on track. I did wonder how they managed all the details of a worship service, with worshipers spread out all over the parking lot, and the answer was – very well. Tents were set up, most guests brought their own chairs and there were some chairs from inside set up also. Bottled water was available, and the parking team smoothly handled directing visitors and pedestrians alike. I was happy to hear they continued to break their attendance record.

Without a screen to project the lyrics, words to the songs were displayed on a page of the church’s app. We sat about halfway back and were able to hear perfectly. Tithes and offerings were placed in a centrally located box and social distancing was observed.

The message series is called “Holy Ghost Stories: Experiencing the Power of the Holy Spirit.” Apparently last week’s message spoke to who the Holy Spirit is, and this week the topic was how He works. We were told:

1 – The Holy Spirit convicts us, or reminds us when we get off track. He does not convict in anger though; He is gentle and sweet and loving.

2 – The Holy Spirit guides us. He is always speaking to us, so we need to listen for Him constantly, and not just when we need something.

3 – The Holy Spirit sets us free. He does not condemn us and loves us no matter what.

The pastor closed with a story about a woman who ran away from home and found herself trafficked and enslaved in a life of prostitution. After spending 2 years in prison, she reunited and reconciled with her parents and together they formed an organization called Valiant Hearts (valianthearts.org) which helps free women trapped in these sorts of situations. This young woman learned about God’s freedom and is working to teach others.

The pastor’s final question was: “What does freedom look like in your life?” This feels like a question each of us should ask ourselves.

 

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray for the continued guidance and strength of Your Spirit for this church. Help them as they lead people to the Cross of Christ where they can know You more and help us all be open to the leading of Your Spirit. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999, xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

1 Thessalonians 4:3a –

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified:

Romans 6:6-7 –

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

1 John 1:9 –

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Galatians 5:16-23 –

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

John 16:8 –

When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:


Bob’s thoughts:

We had a couple of our grandchildren with us this weekend, so we took them where they were familiar and to see more family. Our younger grandson always sat through the service with us till our daughter helped resolve the issue of the volume in the children’s room, and now he goes with the other children. It took a bit to get used to being able to follow the message without distraction.

Before the service, my youngest granddaughter came and showed me her prize, she had gotten the last Oreo from the extensive snack assortment. She held it up to show her treasure like it was a most valuable item. May we hold Christ likewise.

I loved the harmony of the female lead singers and I believe this was the first time they sang an older praise song that I was familiar with.

The pastor related the limited picture we get when we form a concept from something as simple as a bumper sticker. What if our life in Christ was from such limited info? It reminded me of a favorite bumper sticker story.

There was a sticker laying on the dashboard of my truck that said, “Try Jesus, if you don’t like Him, the devil will gladly take you back.” I was shopping at Giant Eagle with my soon-to-be son-in-law when we returned to my truck to find a woman waiting who said she had to talk to me. She said she sent her husband in to do the shopping so she wouldn’t miss me, implying that he was not pleased and had no option to refuse. She related problems with her family and I asked if we could pray over her. She was encouraged and free from her troubles and I gave her the bumper sticker as a reminder of how much God cared for her.

The story went on to touch dozens of people that I know about and I’ll never know how many more. I was always grateful my now son-in-law got over the surprise of praying in a Giant Eagle parking lot and married into the family.

Use that small window to help someone in their walk with Christ and maybe use a “Just Because” card.


Jan’s thoughts:

It’s always a blessing to worship here with our family. The coffee is delicious, the snacks are plentiful and yummy, and I get to stand and sing next to my 14-year-old grandson who is taller than I am.

“Speak O Lord” is a new song to me, and the ladies who sang it sounded absolutely marvelous.

It’s been a couple of years since this church presented their life-sized Candyland, so I’m looking forward to seeing that again at the end of the month. This outreach event is an amazing transformation of the facility and the characters teach the visiting children important lessons.

Today’s message, Made For This, is the first in the Lenten series A Jesus Shaped Life. The pastor emphasized Jesus’ saving His people from both the penalty and the power of sin. A Jesus shaped life is a life of obedience that, through the power of Christ, is free from the power of sin.

He reminded us that we are all works in progress, that even the best person we know was not born like that. Human nature was always in conflict with the Holy Spirit, but if we ask to be filled with the Spirit, He will gently nudge us toward repentance and Christlikeness.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we thank You for the wake-up calls You give us and pray we don’t miss a single opportunity. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today I worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

Luke 9:28 –
About eight days after this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.

Luke 9:34-35 –
While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

John 1:12 –
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—


Jan’s thoughts:

Bob was home sick today, so it was just me, our son, and our grandtwins. As always, it was a joy to see the rest of the family as well.

Today’s message was presented by Crossroads’ Lead Pastor Steve Cordle via the wonders of technology. It was titled Pray and was the first part of a new series, Apprenticed to Jesus. Steve’s brief message was followed by an invitation by the campus pastor for the congregation to form groups of 3-5 people who then prayed together. I was blessed to pray with our son and our oldest grandson, who is 14.

I appreciated the reminder that all prayer begins with relationship. When Jesus prayed to His Heavenly Father, He called Him Abba, or Daddy. The fact is, we are invited to figuratively climb onto our Abba’s lap for comfort, guidance, or anything else we need. There is no dress code or performance requirement to present our gratitude and petitions to the King of the Universe. How privileged can one be?


Our prayer for this church:
Abba, we thank You for this church and their focus on You. We are grateful for all you have done and will yet do through their many heartfelt prayers. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999, xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – Philippians 4:1-13 NIV –

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


Bob’s thoughts:

I will never complain about not being able to follow the service because I’m sitting with a grandchild, but being with a few at the same time left little attention for the message.

Today, with two of my granddaughters whom I don’t get to see as often wanting to share my seat with me, left me thinking that this is the love we should be feeling for Christ. There is nothing more important than being in His Presence basking in His love for us. I want to love God like the love these girls show for me.

I need to share a special God moment from this week when He answered my prayers and led me to my lost wedding ring. Last Tuesday I realized my ring was gone. One of the many places I looked was a bag of store bags in my garage, and I went through the bag twice. Yesterday, while I was cleaning my truck, I felt God sending me to look in the bag. When I did, there was the ring, right on the top of the pile.

God is never late…always right on time.


Jan’s thoughts:

Again today we were blessed to worship with our kids and grandkids. I sat next to our 14-year-old grandson who puts his arm around me when we stand to sing, and Bob had one (sometimes two) of our granddaughters on his lap. How can we call ourselves anything but blessed?

Sometimes when we visit here, we have no real conversation with anyone outside our family, but today I got to talk with a couple of people I’d not met before. No visit is perfectly smooth even when it’s a church we’ve visited as often as we have this one, but when a connection is made, I leave feeling enriched.

Today’s message was part two of a series called Habits. Last week’s topic was putting God first and today, in Monitor Your Mind, the pastor spoke on the importance of one’s mindset. He stated that:

1 – monitoring my mind leads to peace,

2 – positive thinking about people leads to positive relationships,

3 – positive thinking about our future leads to opportunity, and

4 – believing God’s view of us allows faith to grow.

In order to build the habit of healthy thinking, he advised us to select our input and use positive words.

He said that a positive, optimistic mindset is likely to bring success whereas a negative mindset will most certainly bring fear, frustration, shrink our world, and increase stress. We choose our thoughts and we have the power to filter them.

Faith = risk and in faith, God calls us to step into the unknown.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray Your church is mindful of the endless blessings You pour out upon them. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – John 11:1-44 NIV –

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”


Bob’s thoughts:

We were able to come back and hear the third message from the Wait For It series.

The encouragement to wait on God’s timing gave me cause to smile. Many years ago, one of my daughters was lamenting to Jan over my lifestyle and lack of God in my life. They sat together and prayed for me. I wish I could guess how many years it was before God claimed me, but when He did, it was overwhelming. Keep praying!

Not long after I was saved, the house we were living in was being sold, we had nowhere to go nor the money to get there. Shortly before the closing a cousin offered to give us his late father’s house at South Hills Country Club. I had given my concerns to God and His timing was perfect, His timing. Any worrying would have accomplished nothing.

More recently when we place our order in a restaurant, our grandson will frequently ask “Where is our food?” sometimes before we order. God’s timing hasn’t failed, we still eat.

A lot of the younger children smile and wave; they make a great welcoming committee and it warms my heart.

I was happy to get a few more Just Because cards. I’ve found it’s an easy way to not take credit for whatever help we might be and it’s a good way to challenge ourselves to do more “Just Because.”


Jan’s thoughts:

Unusual as it is, our grandtwins were with us again this weekend so we visited here for the second straight week. However, our other family members were not here this week and I missed worshiping with them.

Five people took vows of membership this morning.

Pastor Mike updated everyone on the Just Because initiative, reading some comments posted to the website (justbecausepgh.com). Two were from recipients of kindnesses and one from someone testifying to the good feelings he and the recipient experienced. I’m looking forward to reading more about this, as the good feelings extend beyond the giver and recipient.

Today’s installment in the Wait For It series was called If Only…, something I and everyone I know has said or thought at some point. He began by relating the story of a man who had to choose between making a business trip and taking his sick daughter to the doctor. He chose to tend to his child and learned the flight he would have taken crashed and all onboard were lost.

Pastor Mike pointed out that we can trust God’s timing because He always has a purpose and only He knows the future. He said when we trust God’s timing we realize:
1 – God is bigger than we thought,
2 – our faith grows deeper, and
3 – God accomplishes His purposes.

He closed with the statement, “God is not in a hurry.” This reminded me that everything for which I am waiting, I can entrust to God’s purposes because His purposes will certainly be fulfilled. I’m still/again learning to surrender my hopes to Him, and I’m grateful for His faithfulness in the midst of my struggle.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray Your continued Presence with Your church. We ask that Your blessings rain down upon all involved in the “Just Because” encounters. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NLT

Ephesians 6:10-20 –

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Daniel 9:21 –

As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice.

Daniel 10:1-14 –

In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) had another vision. He understood that the vision concerned events certain to happen in the future—times of war and great hardship.

When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.

On April 23, as I was standing on the bank of the great Tigris River, I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.

Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.

Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”


Bob’s thoughts:

We like coming here where our grandchildren are comfortable and we get to visit with more of our family. That today was a cookie bake-off competition was an added bonus.

The congregation is being encouraged to go and do simple things for strangers and give them a “Just Because” card. I’m excited to see the feedback.

The question was posed, how do you interact, or maybe more direct, how do you pray? I can’t think of anything I would be happier to see any church being comfortable doing.

If we are honest in appraising our life, Jesus Christ is the greatest thing ever about us, why wouldn’t we want to share? Never miss the opportunity to pray with or over someone. Don’t wait till you know a bunch of big words that God doesn’t want to hear, pray from your heart. No one has ever turned down my offer to pray, including an atheist I knew.

On a recent trip to Walmart, one of my granddaughters joined me when I prayed over an employee fighting cancer. There wasn’t a dry eye anywhere near us. God honored my simple prayer and my friend’s pain was reduced. Look for the people who need you; they are everywhere. God will guide you with what to say and each time it gets easier. My wife and children prayed for me for years before Christ claimed me.

I can’t remember if it was suggested, but pray for those who do you harm. Before Christ claimed me I learned to leave retribution to God, and He has been way more severe than I would have been. Now when I am wronged, I start to pray for them, and they need it.

Whenever we leave, our 14-year-old grandson never fails to give me a kiss and thank me for coming to his church. If you have thanked visitors to your church, you know how easy it is!


Jan’s thoughts:

With the joy of having our grandtwins with us, we took them to their church and enjoyed worshiping with the rest of our family also.

As it turned out, today was Crossroads’ Grand Re-Opening and Cookie Bake-Off, so the excitement level was high. The new parking lot was completed, allowing for more guests and a smoother parking experience.

Inside there was a t-shirt on each chair along with five cards which were explained during the service. And the piece de resistance was the tables lining the walls bearing trays and trays of imaginative varieties of cookies. A delicious time was had by all!

We were pleased to be present for the vows of two new members.

Pastor Mike reviewed the last couple of years, recalling when he challenged the members to engage in community with each other by joining small groups. He said more than 65% of the congregation became part of such a group and the members have grown because of it.

The next challenge was to work toward buying the building they currently occupy, which they are now making their own. This was obviously a significant commitment.

This morning he outlined a new challenge: to look at the needs of those outside their walls. He invited each person to perform one random act of kindness each day in the upcoming week. They were to give the recipients a Just Because card which explained the reason for the kindness was “just because you were created with incredible value and worth.” The card invites recipients to share their story about receiving this kindness at justbecausepgh.com. I’m eagerly waiting to read the heartwarming and inspiring stories I’m sure will be posted there.

The message today was The Weapon of Prayer, part of the series Wait For It about the difficulty of waiting for God to answer our prayers. Pastor Mike acknowledged that “prayer is a weapon in a very real spiritual struggle.” He stated three reasons why God may answer our prayer “no”: 1 – it’s the wrong prayer, i.e., our motives may be selfish or otherwise misguided; 2 – unintended consequences, such as (his example) if a prayer for sunshine every day all summer was granted, we’d have no rain, resulting in a lack of crops, grass, and water, to name a few things; and 3 – Free will is a gift to each person and God honors our choices.

After reading Daniel 10:1-14, the pastor made it clear that some answers can be delayed by spiritual opposition. This is one of those fascinating passages where God pulls back the curtain and allows insight into otherwise unknowable truths.

His advice when waiting in prayer included:

1 – Be persistent as God may be using that time to prepare us and/or our circumstances;

2 – Go on offense, meaning pray for God’s power to do something, not just to prevent something;

3 – Take authority, and pray knowing that, as believers, we have the power of Christ inside us and our prayers matter to the God of the Universe.

I was glad we were there today. In addition to seeing family, I learned to see God more clearly.


Our prayer for this church:
Heavenly Father, we pray You will bless this endeavor by Your church. Guide them in their prayers and bless those who pray and those who are prayed for. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

Philippians 4:6-7 –
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10 –
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

2 Corinthians 11:27-28 –
I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Matthew 6:27 –
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Isaiah 43:2 –
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 26:3 –
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

1 Peter 5:7 –
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.


Bob’s thoughts:

One of my favorite things about worshiping here is the fine nuances of the snacks at the coffee bar are explained to me by my grandchildren. With my dietary restrictions, most are things I can only afford to taste, but they tell me all about them.

The most amazing thing I learned about this church is that they have close to 80% volunteer participation by the members. I don’t know of any church that comes close to this.

I was reminded about a woman I knew years ago that was so upset with the church that she wanted to leave. I asked her if she would check the pencils in the pew rack. She diligently went through the pews replacing and sharpening pencils, and in the process gained ownership in the church. She went on to find other details that were slipping through the cracks and as far as I know she is happy serving “her” church.

The sermon on worry was delivered by a retired pastor. I wish we would have had the opportunity to talk with him after the service.

I probably have spent more time advising Christians on the uselessness of fear and worry than any other aspect of our faith. I have been so overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness to ever doubt Him. Situations are seldom worked out according to my plan, thankfully, but He has never let me down.


Jan’s thoughts:

We had our grandtwins with us this weekend, so we took them to worship at their church. As usual, we had the additional blessing of seeing the rest of our family who belong here.

The last time we were here there were piles of dirt and gravel along with earthmoving equipment. This morning it was a lovely sight: the parking area is freshly graded, paved, and even has lines delineating parking spaces. I look forward to the additional changes announced.

The current message series is Getting Off the Crazy Train and today’s entry was presented by guest speaker David Vaughn and called Anxious For Nothing. He advised us to let worry trigger prayer when anxiety rears its ugly head. He named several reasons why we might hesitate to pray when we are anxious:
1 – concern it would be selfish
2 – an attitude of self-sufficiency
3 – not convinced it makes a difference

He reminded us that if we follow the advice in Scripture and pray with thanksgiving, we can experience irrational peace.


Our prayer for this church:
Father, we pray Your continued guidance for Your church. Help each person past their fears and worries. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.3494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

2 Chronicles 7:1-2 –
When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it.

Jonah 3:5 –
The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

Acts 2 –
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “ 

‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him:

“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

“Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Isaiah 55:1 –
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”

John 6:35 –
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Psalm 34:8 –
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

2 Chronicles 7:3, 14 –
When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.


Bob’s thoughts:

Sometimes I wonder, if God calls us to join a church, would we miss the differences we experience now. We worship here often, mostly because of family.

But each church has something that makes it unique. This one has a window wall behind their platform. For some time, the windows were concealed behind dark drapes. Today I thought how it could liven the message to have a mini-skit outside: Santa checking his list or kneeling at the cross, the Easter Bunny leaving a basket, even something stationary like a jack o’ lantern. It could be something depicting a point from the message or Scripture.

I was remembering a church where occasionally a group performed a brief skit at the chancel dealing with the message for that day. Funny or straight from the Bible, people walked away remembering the message.

The pastor here frequently does something similar with a short clip or photos on the screen. Mostly it makes it personal and people take that home.

There is a lot of talk of an upcoming revival at the church and I pray that it is so…it’s something we all need.


Jan’s thoughts:

With two grandchildren with us for the weekend, we again visited the church to which they are accustomed, with the added blessing of seeing the rest of our family who attend here.

The outdoor work continues, and it was announced the project is running on time, which is good news since the season of excitement is here for this church. They have their 3-evening Awakening Conference beginning tonight, November 3 they will hold their Chili Cook-Off, and November 9 is the annual Kidzgiving where they fill shoeboxes with gifts for kids around the world in partnership with Operation Christmas Child. Then, of course, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and before we can blink an eye, it will be 2020.

The current sermon series is Ready for Revival and today’s message, Hungry, was presented by Student Ministry Director Julie Moran. This was the first time I’ve heard Julie preach, though my grandson was pleased to inform me she has preached before.

She spoke about the idea of being present for once-in-a-lifetime events, such as the Immaculate Reception, Woodstock, or a specific, very memorable Tractor Day at Riverside School. Then there are events described in the Bible such as the Dedication of Solomon’s Temple, the conversion of Nineveh, or the Day of Pentecost. Events that changed many people and would certainly have changed any of us had we been present.

After defining revival as “when hearts are changed for Christ” Julie spoke about some large-scale revivals around the world over the last several hundred or more years. There is no question but that God was and still is pursuing the hearts of people everywhere. She stated that revival comes when we are hungry for God and when we are humble, which she defined as knowing who you are in the Presence of God.

I appreciated her stories about spiritual hunger and how, without much thought, we automatically scroll through our phones or binge watch TV in an attempt to satisfy an emptiness that only Jesus can fill. She called it “filling up with spiritual junk food.” How appropriate. I will absolutely remember that.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You will bless this time of revival in Your church. Fill us all anew with Your Spirit. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – 1 Samuel 18 NIV

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.

When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.

The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul. So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him. When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns.

Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the Lord.” For Saul said to himself, “I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines do that!”

But David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my clan in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?” So when the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

Now Saul’s daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased. “I will give her to him,” he thought, “so that she may be a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “Now you have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law.”

Then Saul ordered his attendants: “Speak to David privately and say, ‘Look, the king likes you, and his attendants all love you; now become his son-in-law.’ ”

They repeated these words to David. But David said, “Do you think it is a small matter to become the king’s son-in-law? I’m only a poor man and little known.”

When Saul’s servants told him what David had said, Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king wants no other price for the bride than a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies.’ ” Saul’s plan was to have David fall by the hands of the Philistines.

When the attendants told David these things, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. So before the allotted time elapsed, David took his men with him and went out and killed two hundred Philistines and brought back their foreskins. They counted out the full number to the king so that David might become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave him his daughter Michal in marriage.

When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.

The Philistine commanders continued to go out to battle, and as often as they did, David met with more success than the rest of Saul’s officers, and his name became well known.


Bob’s thoughts:

I was thinking back to when Christ claimed me, how surprised that some people thought the lack of air conditioning or soft pew seat pads could be reason enough not to go to church. Today, not being able to breathe made me rethink this excuse. Years ago, the only alternative would have been to listen to a service on the radio with next to no choices.

Today we didn’t want to visit where we had not been and find out I couldn’t stay, and having not seen these grands since the hospital sealed the deal. During the service my grandson edged his way in closer to me, and I was surprised that as he got in tighter my breathing seemed to ease some. I think to accommodate his lanky frame I was sitting up straighter and breathing easier. I feel sure when I go back to the VA I will be given oxygen and be able to handle the temperature/humidity better. Today it was good to feel the healing touch of being with family.

One off-shoot of my doctoring is that God has put a lot of people in my path who need prayer, so I must say as always, I am truly blessed.

The third point from today’s message reminded me of an experience at the VA Hospital. The point was for a friend to be available and attentive, valuable attributes.

I had been wheeled to a waiting area outside the OR and was asked if I needed anything. To the first nurse who asked, I responded that my feet were cold. He brought two heated blankets and covered my body but not my feet. The next nurse inquired and I explained my need, she rolled two heated blankets and placed them under my neck. This felt good, but my feet were really getting cold. The next nurse brought a blanket for under my neck. While they were happy looking at the monitors, I pulled one from behind my neck and tossed it over my feet. The recovery room was calling other staff over to feel how cold my feet were.

I wonder how much we are like this in church and in life. Are we attentive? Fortunately, our Savior hears our every word, spoken or not.

I loved the duet during Communion; the voices blended perfectly.


Jan’s thoughts:

After a challenging few days, we felt the need to worship with family today.

The church is in the process of expanding the parking area, so there were plenty of dirt piles, blockades, and even some earthmoving equipment. I’m excited to see it when it’s completed.

Today’s message, Friending, was the second part of a series called Asking For a Friend. The pastor began talking about intentional or accidental friending/unfriending in real life or no social media. He defined contracts (a contingent relationship) and covenants (a promise not contingent on others’ keeping their promise). And the more recent phenomenon of ghosting, or refusing to maintain contact.

But he stated God’s design for the human race is connection and friendship, and the foundation of friendship is commitments. His advice for building a friendship is:
1 – Share experiences with others;
2 – Be generous;
3 – Be available and attentive; and
4 – Celebrate instead of compete.

He closed by advising us to ask ourselves the question: How can you slow down your life to be attentive and available to others? This sounds like a worthwhile goal and a good place to start.

For me, a highlight of the service was Communion and being escorted forward by our almost 14-year-old grandson.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray Your church continues to raise up compassionate friends who celebrate each other. Amen.

Crossroads Church

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.xr.church, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.


Scripture – NIV

Matthew 28:19-20 –
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 8:4 –
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Ephesians 2:10 –
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


Bob’s thoughts:

After a week of questionable medical status, I was looking to put my health concerns aside and just worship God and thank Him for being alive. My daughter, who works on hearts, made the trip from North Carolina to get me past the diagnosis and prepare me for my new lifestyle. Unfortunately, her twin had to work today, but we were able to get all the grandchildren together in one place with our other daughter, son, and son-in-law in worship. This was part of God’s blessing and I cannot think of a more powerful medicine. To top it off, one of my beautiful granddaughters was serving as a greeter at the door.

We were greeted by a number of people I didn’t know, a very positive change. The pastor talked a little about the history of the church, that with their satellites they have grown to be the largest Methodist church in Pennsylvania. They have experienced growth at this location and have demolished a house and are moving dirt around to increase the parking area. My grands thought it great when I referred to the construction equipment as toys in the sandbox and suggested maybe we could play after the service.

I’ll freely admit I was somewhat distracted by some of the mini members of this church, but God got His message through to me anyway. As I become less and less physically capable, God still has important things for me to do. His new vision for my life does not require the same strengths as in the past. My prayer life has grown substantially and when I reflect on it, some of the true prayer warriors I’ve known couldn’t do a lot else. Maybe He is raising me to my new life.


Jan’s thoughts:

With out-of-town family here for a visit, our family took the opportunity for most of us to worship together. We managed to get photos of all nine grandchildren together on this Grandparent’s Day.

Something is different every time we worship here, and today the building that had been in front of the church is no longer there. Due to increasing attendance, plans are in place to expand the parking lot, which is great news for everyone.

In today’s message, Taking it Personally, Pastor Mike outlined in detail the four eras of Crossroads’ vision and told how these goal-setting visions have served to grow Crossroads into a church with five campuses and turn it into the largest Methodist church in Pennsylvania.

Then he moved to the topic of personal goals. He said the key to avoiding the regret of wasted time was helping others and stated God has made each of us with intention to do something important. Each person is uniquely crafted by God to make a positive impact, and our opportunity is waiting.

I would only add: in God’s good time, as some of us bloom earlier and some later. I found great encouragement in this message and I was glad we were here.


Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray our eyes are open to our new call from You. May our hunger to serve overcome our fears. Amen.