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Newsletter

 
Romans 8:38a And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.
 
SERVICES:
We continue our Sunday Online Worship service at 9:00 a.m. and In-Person Worship at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday morning.
 
Sundays at 9 a.m. we have small group classes for all ages. 
The adult lessons are on the pastoral letters that Paul wrote to his younger associates in ministry, Timothy, Titus, & Philemon. It’s a great time to join together with other believers and grow in your walk with the Lord. You will be so blessed.
 
On Wednesday night join us for our DESSERT & DEVOTIONS series at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall. What a treat! We have a Bible Study and discussion on “Thinking Biblically.” We are developing a Biblical viewpoint of contemporary issues. You won’t want to miss this important study and sweet fellowship! 
 
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Remember, all of the Messages are found on Youtube.com under the channel, “CRAG Teaching Fellowship” .  Pastor is asking that you subscribe to that channel then you can receive notices when new videos are available.  We are putting up new things each week including the Sunday service and Wednesday night Bible study.
 
PLEASE if you need assistance in any way let your church family know.  We are available for rides or for errands or the meeting of any ministry need.  The “church” is not a building, WE are the church!  We are the body of Christ, the family of God.  Let’s support one another, serve one another, pray for one another, encourage one another.  Church: 784-4949/Pastor 616-7998/Linda 616-6126
 
New Things 
We have a PRAYER WALL on this page under the Sermon listing where you can make a prayer request, or offer a prayer for others.  You may offer a prayer and allow others to agree in prayer with you.  You may post a request that everyone can see and again when someone clicks on the “praying hands” it is an indication of their prayers for the request.
You may also make a request anonymously or just submit your name for prayer.  Try it out!  It’s a great way to stay connected.
 
We now have our church APP.  This is a smaller version of the web site and something that you can check on a regular basis. You have to download the “Sharefaith App” and then choose “CrossRoads Assembly of God” as the ministry you want to follow.  Allow CrossRoads to be your icon and allow us to send you notifications. Be Blessed.
 
Giving
There are many ways to give to the church.  You may drop the offering by the church any morning Monday to  Thursday, 9-12 am.
 
You may mail your offering to the church at CrossRoads A/G, PO Box 12344, Jackson Tn 38308.
 
You may give here on the web.  The giving link is the last link listed.  This will take you to the Engage giving site.  If you are already a user of Engage then you just continue as usual.  If you are new to Engage then you either have to create a new account or give as a visitor.   Creating a new account allows you to receive credit for your giving at the end of the year.  In order to create an account the church must have your email address on file, then you can create your account, the sign-on, a password, and add your credit card or bank information. 
 
No matter how you give—God bless you for giving during these difficult times!!
 
Guidelines For Church Attendance
Come ready to worship the Lord! This is a celebration of God’s grace in our lives, so let’s come ready to sing, and pray and respond to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Face Masks are NOT required!! However, if you expect to greet someone with a “holy hug”, then you must wear a face mask and we require that you do not breathe directly upon anyone, with or without a mask. Masks will be available at the church. Remember not everyone will want a “holy hug”, so be kind and forgiving.
If you have been sick, or have any level of fever, please stay home and watch the service online. We will miss you, but let’s not infect others with any sickness, of any kind.
Restrooms are open, please use the Lysol spray to kill any potential viruses. We’ll have hand sanitizer available-everywhere!  Please use Hand Sanitizer as you enter the building and as you exit!
 



Do You Inquire of the Lord?

Do you inquire of the Lord before making major life decisions? Maybe you need to inquire about a life’s partner, or selling your home and moving, or changing your career path, or deciding on a life-or-death medical procedure.

In the Scriptures we read about David, who is referred to as “a man after God’s own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22.) David always went to God to inquire of him before going into battle. Sometimes he was told to “Arise, and go.” Sometimes it was, “Go not.” Having God’s guidance was a huge strategic advantage against the enemy. (There were times David did not inquire of the Lord about some of his decisions, and we know the disastrous results that followed.)

We, too, can have confident assurance in our life battles, and even in the details of daily living. I once was praying over a major decision I had to make. I was desperate for some guidance. After prayer, I opened my eyes, and there on the wall in front of me was a framed Scripture that was the exact answer and guidance I needed. I had seen that Scripture innumerable times, but this time it was as if God had spoken to me in an audible voice.

When you inquire of the Lord, you can be guaranteed a ready answer and can confidently proceed in calmness of spirit knowing you have made the right decision. Often the answer will come through His Word. You do not have to stumble alone in darkness hoping for the best. His Word is a lamp for your feet and a light on your path. Inquire of the Lord. He will make your path abundantly clear.

By Margie Briscoe

 



Forgiveness is Hard

Recently I was involved in a minor conflict at work. Harsh words were spoken. (by my coworker) Feeling were hurt & tears were shed. (Mine) Although my coworker apologized soon after the incident, I questioned his sincerity.  I felt he was in the wrong & I was innocent. I decided to leave work a little early to help the situation & also to escape any further encounters.  Driving home, I knew in my heart as a Christian I must forgive him.  Even a small situation like this requires forgiveness.  Angry words can’t be taken back once spoken. “No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8)
We should realize people will get angry at us or treat us unfairly. However, Jesus still wants us to forgive them. “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.” (Mark 11:25)
Forgiveness is not always easy. We must try to maintain an attitude of forgiving. I am reminded of Christ’s great sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Only by His mercy & grace am I forgiven.
Forgiveness should start by praying for the one that has hurt you. “But I say love your enemies! Pray for those who curse you, do good to those that hate you. ” (Matthew 5:44) Holding on to grudges is dangerous. It can grow bitterness in your heart.  I realize some people & situations  are simply easier to forgive than others.  Giant wrongs done to us might seem impossible to fix.  Trust Jesus with that. He is able.  He knows all your hurts, & concerns.
Let me encourage you today to ask Jesus  to help you forgive those people who have hurt you & seem impossible to forgive them in your own strength. Only through Christ can true forgiveness come. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) By Deborah King



A Fresh Glimpse Testimony

Last year, a season of ministry changed in my life and I began to change as well. I had been working with the youth at our church for many years and it was one of the greatest blessings and privileges of my life. I got to serve and to be a part of many precious souls that God placed in our body. 
Recently, knowing in my heart that it was God’s timing, I pulled away from this area of ministry and just took a breath. During the beginning of that transition time, I felt as though I was walking in a bubble. I felt the Lord’s presence and I knew He was with me but still I couldn’t quite put my finger on what He was doing or saying to me. I was still working on staff in the church office like I had been for years, but soon I found myself busier than I had ever been before. In the last year or so, we had some wonderful new families move into our church body from many different areas. They were all so joyful, kind, loving, concerned, and caring. I too noticed, great students of the Word of God. God had sent us some seasoned believers to our body and some more teachers as well.
Soon, it wasn’t long that we began Wednesday night “Desserts and Devotion.” Our Wednesday services had gone down a little since COVID and it seemed hard to get everyone back. These Wednesday services exploded and became one of my favorite Church Family services. The adults gathered together in the fellowship hall for the Global University Bible studies taught each week by our pastor and various teacher volunteers as well. These were some of the greatest lessons that I had heard. It was such a refreshing time for me. My husband and I continued the discussions most Wednesday nights on the way home. It was like a burning in my heart as the Lord spoke through every teacher and as the body shared together as well. 
The youth had gathered upstairs each week for class and the kids in their classes as well. I thought, this must be what heaven is like. We laughed each week at the large table of men all gathered around one of the tables. Lol! It seemed like the table of men got larger every week.

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Come Share With Me

I call this Devotional, “Come Share With Me.” These 4 words, came tenderly to my ears just weeks ago. I, a senior aged Sunday School teacher, was invited by my little curly blond hair, blue-eyed 3 year old student to come sit down at his little table and share his snack with him. So, as he patted the seat next to him, I bent down and squeezed as best that I could on the edge of the toddler picnic table. Although my attention should have been on, would this toddler table hold me, or how would I ever get up, I took one of his little donuts and scooted near, with both of us giving thanks. Being so touched by his tender child-like heart of faith that I would join him, I instantly responded. It was then that I thought, this is what my Jesus does. He tenderly bids us to come, patting the seat next to Him. He desires for us to come with the faith of a child to draw near and sup with Him.

What about you, have you been to that special place? It’s a holy place you know. It’s a constant place of intimate fellowship of the deepest love ever known. The Savior of the world bids you to come and share with Him every need of your life so that you would grow deeper in trust and Love, as you seek His face.

If you haven’t been there, the offer is still at the table. Kind David has heard the Lord’s invitation many times.  Psalm 27:8  says My heart has heard you say, Come and talk with me. ”And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” David, a


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Always Ready God

“Good morning, how are you today? This is the greeting I receive from my super cheerful co-worker as I walk into work most mornings.  Underneath the dark sunglasses, the over flat ironed hair, & severely caffeine deprived me, is someone who would really like to be a “morning person.”  I manage a less than enthusiastic “I’m good”, and walk briskly to my desk.  But, how glad I am that God is ready for us anytime day or night.  “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness! His mercies begin afresh each morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)  We can always tell him our every burden and concern without waiting.  There is no appointment needed.  He is ready for us even early in the morning.  “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3)  There is no problem or concern too small for God.  If it concerns us, then it concerns our Heavenly Father.  We don’t have to bear it alone.  God is not too tired, bored, or impatient with us.  “He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. (Isaiah 40:28b) Aren’t you so thankful our God loves us so much?  We have a faithful God who is ready to listen, to forgive, & to show mercy.  We all need his help and forgiveness.  Life’s problems can seem almost impossible at


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Sweet Fellowship

(Psalm 34:8) “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
(Philippians 4:6) “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
(Matthew 11:28-30) “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
(Psalm 1:2) “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

I watched my sister struggle for 6 years with a loss of taste and smell after suffering with a severe case of pneumonia. The mouthwatering taste gradually disappeared, and an unsettling  offensive smell and taste became the norm.  Even the memories of the taste of foods disappeared. The joys of “sweet fellowship” with family and friends around the table decreased and the church fellowship meals were of no interest anymore, the memories of feasting and rejoicing ceased.

BUT THEN, 6 years later I hear the words, “I CAN SMELL YOUR TEA! ” she said to me from across the table “I CAN TASTE!, she said. I knew from the expression on her face that the taste was SO GOOD!
This battle came to an end after many prayers through the long years, and then being led to a 2 day acupuncture procedure, which caused the joys of “sweet fellowship” to return as the smells and tasty flavors exploded.
I thought about our Jesus calling us to “sweet fellowship” as well, (Philippians 4:6) to come and sup with Him around the table. Even during our deepest disappointments, He is still at the table yearning for “sweet fellowship” with His children. He is

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Precious Moments

What comes to mind when you hear the words “Precious Moments”? Is it the birth of your children, the first time your grandchild calls you by name, a wedding proposal or is it the teardrop-eyed figurines that we all know and love? I know the list could go on and on.
But for the Lord, (Psalm 116:15) a Psalm of David, says “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” In the past several months with the passing of several dear friends and loved ones from ages 6 days to 96 years, our Lord has had some “Precious Moments.”
While pondering on these dear lives, I could not help but think about Linda Ellis’ poem, ”The Dash,” where she uses a metaphor, comparing a life, to the -dash- between the birth date and date of death on a person’s tombstone. If that is a “Precious Moment” in the sight of our Lord, just listen to what He says about your -dash- (Psalm 139:17) says, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.They cannot be numbered!”
Isn’t that wonderful? His precious thoughts about you cannot be number and they began even before anyone could see your -dash- for verse 16 says “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”verse 13 says “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” What a Precious Moment” that must have been to the Lord. So doesn’t that tell you of His great love for you personally, and that God never leaves you in you -dash- nor forsakes you.

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Awestruck

While making a memories photo book for my grandsons15th Birthday, I came across one of my most breathtaking photos of him. It was his first look at the ocean from the window of our condo in Florida. Through the eyes of this 4 year old came this look of “awestruck” at the beauty of the spoken words from his Heavenly Father before the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:10b) “God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.”)

As a grandparent I want my grandson to always be in awe of His Heavenly Father all the days of his life. The one that created him in His own image and to always remember God’s words when He said “it was Very Good” (Genesis 1:31b).

I also want him to have memories as a young child reading that when Adam and Eve sinned God didn’t just leave him in a fallen world but made a promise to redeem him back to Himself  (Genesis 3:15b) “He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Thus making a way for my grandson to have spiritual life by sending His son as a sacrifice to take away his sins and the sins of the world. 

And lastly, I want him to cherish knowing that he is now a Friend of God. (Romans 5:10)For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” 

With my grandson turning 15 in a few days, my prayer would not mainly be for him to cherish all the wonderful memories in this photo book of his childhood moments with his grandparents, but cherish and to be “awestruck” all the days of his life as he recalls the memories of His God who spoke and these waters gathered. 



Keeping Watch

A parable is a familiar story that helps us to understand a spiritual truth. Jesus used several short parables to teach us that although we are here as pilgrims and strangers in this land, occupying until He comes, we should always be spiritually prepared for His coming.
Today let’s look at the parable of the 10 bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13)
This story begins after the first 2 stages of the Jewish Wedding.
The first stage was the engagement and the second was the betrothal. Now comes the third stage, the marriage. In this third stage, the bridegroom comes unexpectedly for the bride. No one knows the day nor the hour, for preparations for the marriage were being made.
Now, as we read in Matthew 25:1-13, the time has come, stage 3. The Wedding!
1. “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’
12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’
13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”
 
What do you think about the Lord’s coming? Are you “keeping watch,” or do you think like everyone else does? (Isaiah 8: 11 says “The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does.”)
Well, let’s begin by looking at what it means to “keep watch.” We see that the 5 wise bridesmaids had an extra supply of oil with them. This means their lamps were always ready to shine bright even if he is delayed. They were prepared.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, “keeping watch” comes from an ongoing relationship with Him. This means spending quality time with Him where you both share back and forth everything that’s on your heart. The main way you will hear Him speak to you is through His Word, the Bible. If you are a new believer or if you seem to be struggling lately, I want you to get your Bible out! The New Living Translation is a great one to start with. Turn to the New Testament. As you begin reading, ask Him to share His heart with you. Then think about what you read, and let Him speak. Don’t get in a hurry. Listen for His voice.
 
“Keeping watch” is also about sharing your own burdens and dreams with Him. As you begin to do this your trust will begin to be secured in Him from the quality time you spend together. You can trust Jesus with anything. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” That means everything! A place where you can exhale. In these trying times, doesn’t that bring joy to your ears to know you can lay all your cares at His feet in prayer?
 
Now, one final note on how to “keep watch” is, as you spend time with the Lord, you will begin to hear His heartbeat for the world and His plan to use you to partner with Him. The way the Lord does this is to place you in a local church body. The Lord will empower you

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Perhaps Today

When I got out of high school and started working in “the world” it was an eye opener. I was from a small town, small High School, and I was involved in our School Bible club and a big part of church activities. I never heard a curse word at home, or hardly ever around me. The work crowd where I was now working wasn’t loving Jesus AT ALL! I didn’t join in with the work crowd in their lifestyle, and to them I wasn’t normal. I began talking about the Lord and my church. Then I became “Miss Holy” and I was not welcomed in most conversations anymore.
One day I hid my “Perhaps Today” witness pin when the conversations became so worldly. I just knew someone was going to ask me what it meant, and they would be uncomfortable, well, I was the one uncomfortable! I felt like I had betrayed my Jesus! So immediately I put it back on and confessed my shame and sin to the Lord. I then had another opportunity to share that “Perhaps Today” the trumpet will sound and Jesus will return. This is our blessed hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 says to encourage or (comfort-KJV) one another with the Word of His coming.
 
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18, says
“13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.
14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.
17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage (comfort) each other with these words.”
 
What a promise we have! Jesus is coming again. The Thessalonians were concerned about some believers that had already died and what would happen to them when Jesus returns.

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