Crosswinds Assembly of God

1 day ago

“I can’t see!” I don’t know about you, but I catch myself saying this more and more lately. Ever since I turned 50 (nearly ten years ago) my perfect vision has become…well…not so perfect. I can’t seem to clearly make out things that are close to me. They call this condition far-sightedness, and it’s quite the opposite of what Jesus’ disciples experienced. You see…Jesus told His followers on several occasions that He would be betrayed into the hands of His enemies and killed, but on the third day He would be raised from the dead (See Matthew 16, 17). Nevertheless, when the time came, these disciples acted like they had no clue what was going on. Now why do you suppose that was? I think it’s because they suffered from short-sightedness, don’t you? They couldn’t see anything unless it was happening right under their noses. The truth is, we need to be careful to guard ourselves against this same condition. Jesus told us we would see wars, earthquakes, and famines. He said the love of many would grow cold and still others would even turn away from the faith (Matthew 24). And while all this WAS going to happen, we were to remain faithful knowing it was part of His plan. In these crazy times in which we’re living, we need to step back and be far-sighted. We need to stand firm and trust God. We need to remember what He’s told us. As we celebrate Easter this year will you join me in declaring trust in the capable and mighty hands of our King? Will you celebrate with confidence and joy knowing that His plan is coming to fruition? HE…IS…RISEN! ~ David Schmidt ~ Associate Pastor ... See MoreSee Less

Crosswinds Assembly of God

2 days ago

It is funny what we will do if what we are doing brings us joy. If somebody asks you to climb a “mountain” for work we will use every excuse in the book to get out of it. But we will gladly climb that same “mountain” if our hearts tell us that at the top is a person we want to see, or a thrill we want to experience, or a reward that seems like pure gold in our eyes. Joy is what causes the struggling musician to sleep in their car in order to succeed. That same musician will travel hours and carry multiple pounds of equipment just to play a gig in a small venue in front of 23 drinking patrons. I remember when I traveled 300 miles to pick up two of my grandkids, waited 20 minutes and then drove 300 miles back home; just because it will bring my wife and I joy. I would have charged hundreds to make the trip and complained all the way if it was for work. Why would someone allow themselves to be ridiculed, spit on, cursed, and dragged to court and not complain? For joy! “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2). It gave the Lord joy to endure such great pain and suffering because He knew what was at the end of the tunnel: a relationship with you! Rejoice today and this weekend as you reflect on what He did for you and how He gave us so much, in order that we might receive His wonderful abundance.
We are truly blessed
Pastor Pete ... See MoreSee Less