Serving God Through Every Season

Good morning, Crossings friends and Good morning, Crossings friends and Crossings family. So glad to be here Crossings family. So glad to be here Crossings family. So glad to be here with you today. Whether you're in one of with you today. Whether you're in one of with you today. Whether you're in one of the rooms here at OC the rooms here at OC the rooms here at OC at Edmund Mayfair, the community center, at Edmund Mayfair, the community center, at Edmund Mayfair, the community center, Bethany Children's Center, at one of the Bethany Children's Center, at one of the Bethany Children's Center, at one of the prisons across the state. Are you prisons across the state. Are you prisons across the state. Are you joining us online? It is a thrill, like joining us online? It is a thrill, like joining us online? It is a thrill, like I said, to be in the house of the Lord. I said, to be in the house of the Lord. I said, to be in the house of the Lord. The psalmist said, "This is the day that The psalmist said, "This is the day that The psalmist said, "This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice the Lord has made, and I will rejoice the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. I might as well warn and be glad in it. I might as well warn and be glad in it. I might as well warn you." you." you." Yes. Let's give him pra I'm okay giving Yes. Let's give him pra I'm okay giving Yes. Let's give him pra I'm okay giving him praise. Listen, sometime we sometime him praise. Listen, sometime we sometime him praise. Listen, sometime we sometime sometimes, you know, I when I was early, sometimes, you know, I when I was early, sometimes, you know, I when I was early, I I used to have to wait for the song I I used to have to wait for the song I I used to have to wait for the song and I used to have to wait for a certain and I used to have to wait for a certain and I used to have to wait for a certain thing to shout hallelujah. I'm at the thing to shout hallelujah. I'm at the thing to shout hallelujah. I'm at the age now if I can put my feet on the age now if I can put my feet on the age now if I can put my feet on the floor, I CAN START I CAN SHOUT floor, I CAN START I CAN SHOUT floor, I CAN START I CAN SHOUT HALLELUJAH FOR ANYBODY KNOW WHAT I'm HALLELUJAH FOR ANYBODY KNOW WHAT I'm HALLELUJAH FOR ANYBODY KNOW WHAT I'm talking about. IT'S A HALLELUJAH DAY talking about. IT'S A HALLELUJAH DAY talking about. IT'S A HALLELUJAH DAY JUST TO be able to get up out of the JUST TO be able to get up out of the JUST TO be able to get up out of the bed. I am thrilled to be here. So I am bed. I am thrilled to be here. So I am bed. I am thrilled to be here. So I am just so glad that all of you are just so glad that all of you are just so glad that all of you are worshiping with us and you know I was worshiping with us and you know I was worshiping with us and you know I was just reflecting as I was uh preparing just reflecting as I was uh preparing just reflecting as I was uh preparing the message for today. I was reflecting the message for today. I was reflecting the message for today. I was reflecting on uh the many things I like about on uh the many things I like about on uh the many things I like about Oklahoma. One of the things I like about Oklahoma. One of the things I like about Oklahoma. One of the things I like about Oklahoma is I really like the changing Oklahoma is I really like the changing Oklahoma is I really like the changing seasons. I really do because you know it seasons. I really do because you know it seasons. I really do because you know it I know some of us are joking that uh you I know some of us are joking that uh you I know some of us are joking that uh you know sometimes the seasons uh change in know sometimes the seasons uh change in know sometimes the seasons uh change in the season.

the season. the season. You know what I'm talking about. But I You know what I'm talking about. But I You know what I'm talking about. But I really like to change this season. You really like to change this season. You really like to change this season. You know just as it's getting too hot for know just as it's getting too hot for know just as it's getting too hot for me, we get to fall and just as you know me, we get to fall and just as you know me, we get to fall and just as you know uh you know we get get to fall and you uh you know we get get to fall and you uh you know we get get to fall and you know I want a little bit more cooler know I want a little bit more cooler know I want a little bit more cooler weather, we get to winter and then here weather, we get to winter and then here weather, we get to winter and then here comes spring. I just love it. And one of comes spring. I just love it. And one of comes spring. I just love it. And one of the things I I I love uh about the the things I I I love uh about the the things I I I love uh about the changing seasons, particularly here in changing seasons, particularly here in changing seasons, particularly here in Oklahoma, is uh how trees look different Oklahoma, is uh how trees look different Oklahoma, is uh how trees look different every season. I have some trees at my every season. I have some trees at my every season. I have some trees at my home. And and in in the spring, you home. And and in in the spring, you home. And and in in the spring, you know, they blossom. In the summer, they know, they blossom. In the summer, they know, they blossom. In the summer, they flourish. In the autumn, you know, they flourish. In the autumn, you know, they flourish. In the autumn, you know, they they shed leaves. And in the winter, they shed leaves. And in the winter, they shed leaves. And in the winter, some of those trees stand bare. So bare some of those trees stand bare. So bare some of those trees stand bare. So bare that it looks like they are dead. Yet that it looks like they are dead. Yet that it looks like they are dead. Yet through every season, it's still the through every season, it's still the through every season, it's still the same tree. It's still rooted in the same same tree. It's still rooted in the same same tree. It's still rooted in the same ground. You know, there's a sense in ground. You know, there's a sense in ground. You know, there's a sense in when our in which our lives are similar when our in which our lives are similar when our in which our lives are similar to that. to that. to that. We experience seasons of growth, We experience seasons of growth, We experience seasons of growth, seasons of abundance, seasons of loss, seasons of abundance, seasons of loss, seasons of abundance, seasons of loss, and seasons of waiting.

and seasons of waiting. and seasons of waiting. And some of us, we're in different And some of us, we're in different And some of us, we're in different places. We're in different seasons where places. We're in different seasons where places. We're in different seasons where those of you are listening to me, those of you are listening to me, those of you are listening to me, wherever you are right now, you you're wherever you are right now, you you're wherever you are right now, you you're in different seasons, maybe even than in different seasons, maybe even than in different seasons, maybe even than the person sitting next to you. the person sitting next to you. the person sitting next to you. But no matter what season we're in, But no matter what season we're in, But no matter what season we're in, we must remain rooted in God and we must remain rooted in God and we must remain rooted in God and faithful to his call. Yes, sir. And so faithful to his call. Yes, sir. And so faithful to his call. Yes, sir. And so with that, I I I invite you to Galatians with that, I I I invite you to Galatians with that, I I I invite you to Galatians chapter number six. And I'm going to chapter number six. And I'm going to chapter number six. And I'm going to begin my reading at verse number nine. begin my reading at verse number nine. begin my reading at verse number nine. And I'm reading from the English And I'm reading from the English And I'm reading from the English Standard Version. It says, "And let us Standard Version. It says, "And let us Standard Version. It says, "And let us not grow weary in of doing good, for in not grow weary in of doing good, for in not grow weary in of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not due season we will reap if we do not due season we will reap if we do not give up." Verse 10. So then as we have give up." Verse 10. So then as we have give up." Verse 10. So then as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone opportunity, let us do good to everyone opportunity, let us do good to everyone and especially those who are of the and especially those who are of the and especially those who are of the household of faith. I want to speak to household of faith. I want to speak to household of faith. I want to speak to you for the next few minutes on the you for the next few minutes on the you for the next few minutes on the topic serving God through every season.

topic serving God through every season. topic serving God through every season. >> Serving God through every season. this >> Serving God through every season. this >> Serving God through every season. this letter to the Galatian churches that letter to the Galatian churches that letter to the Galatian churches that Paul writes, he takes a very personal Paul writes, he takes a very personal Paul writes, he takes a very personal approach with them. Uh, and we know that approach with them. Uh, and we know that approach with them. Uh, and we know that because approximately a third of its because approximately a third of its because approximately a third of its content covers his faith development, content covers his faith development, content covers his faith development, spiritual journey, and his ministry. spiritual journey, and his ministry. spiritual journey, and his ministry. In this letter, Paul makes it clear that In this letter, Paul makes it clear that In this letter, Paul makes it clear that the relationship we have with God the relationship we have with God the relationship we have with God through Christ is because of God's through Christ is because of God's through Christ is because of God's grace. We're going to talk about that a grace. We're going to talk about that a grace. We're going to talk about that a little bit more later. little bit more later. little bit more later. Paul covers multiple aspects of the life Paul covers multiple aspects of the life Paul covers multiple aspects of the life of those who are in Christ. of those who are in Christ. of those who are in Christ. And one of the aspects he covers is that And one of the aspects he covers is that And one of the aspects he covers is that everyone who is a follower of Christ everyone who is a follower of Christ everyone who is a follower of Christ is called is called is called to serve. to serve. to serve. Everyone Everyone Everyone is called to serve. See, serving God is called to serve. See, serving God is called to serve. See, serving God gives us the ability to experience a gives us the ability to experience a gives us the ability to experience a deeper purpose in life beyond personal deeper purpose in life beyond personal deeper purpose in life beyond personal successes and beyond personal successes and beyond personal successes and beyond personal possessions.

I want you to appreciate I want you to appreciate the wonderful opportunity God gives us the wonderful opportunity God gives us the wonderful opportunity God gives us as followers of Christ as followers of Christ as followers of Christ in in in a society preoccupied with selfishness a society preoccupied with selfishness a society preoccupied with selfishness and self-promotion. and self-promotion. and self-promotion. We get to stand out as people who serve We get to stand out as people who serve We get to stand out as people who serve others. others. others. Now, that's one of the things I like Now, that's one of the things I like Now, that's one of the things I like about summer is that we we have some about summer is that we we have some about summer is that we we have some service opportunities in in the summer. service opportunities in in the summer. service opportunities in in the summer. And as we're serving, And as we're serving, And as we're serving, we are planting seeds we are planting seeds we are planting seeds in the lives of others. We are investing in the lives of others. We are investing in the lives of others. We are investing in the lives of others. So seasons in in the lives of others. So seasons in in the lives of others. So seasons in life may change, life may change, life may change, assignments may change, and assignments may change, and assignments may change, and circumstances may change, but God's call circumstances may change, but God's call circumstances may change, but God's call to serve him faithfully remains the to serve him faithfully remains the to serve him faithfully remains the same. same. same. I I'm reminding myself today and I you I I'm reminding myself today and I you I I'm reminding myself today and I you could tell earlier that could tell earlier that could tell earlier that whatever season I'm in, whatever season I'm in, whatever season I'm in, it is a season to praise it is a season to praise it is a season to praise and to serve God. Doesn't matter what and to serve God. Doesn't matter what and to serve God. Doesn't matter what I'm going through. Really doesn't matter I'm going through. Really doesn't matter I'm going through. Really doesn't matter what I'm facing. Whatever season I'm in, what I'm facing. Whatever season I'm in, what I'm facing. Whatever season I'm in, it is a season to praise God and to it is a season to praise God and to it is a season to praise God and to serve him because God is faithful. God serve him because God is faithful. God serve him because God is faithful. God remains the same. And since God remains remains the same. And since God remains remains the same. And since God remains the same, I can be faithful and I can

the same, I can be faithful and I can the same, I can be faithful and I can praise him and SERVE HIM BECAUSE GOD IS praise him and SERVE HIM BECAUSE GOD IS praise him and SERVE HIM BECAUSE GOD IS GOD TODAY, YESTERDAY, and forever. One of the things I I get a chance to do One of the things I I get a chance to do um in addition to serving as the um in addition to serving as the um in addition to serving as the community uh center location pastor, I community uh center location pastor, I community uh center location pastor, I get a chance to serve uh on the team who get a chance to serve uh on the team who get a chance to serve uh on the team who who lead missions ministries and who lead missions ministries and who lead missions ministries and missions ministries. For those of you missions ministries. For those of you missions ministries. For those of you who may not be that familiar with it, who may not be that familiar with it, who may not be that familiar with it, that includes our free clinic. It that includes our free clinic. It that includes our free clinic. It includes our community center. It also includes our community center. It also includes our community center. It also includes prison ministry. It includes includes prison ministry. It includes includes prison ministry. It includes local mission. These are ways to serve, local mission. These are ways to serve, local mission. These are ways to serve, but it also includes uh global missions. but it also includes uh global missions. but it also includes uh global missions. And one of the things I want to And one of the things I want to And one of the things I want to highlight again, this is just missions highlight again, this is just missions highlight again, this is just missions ministry. That's one of the things ministry. That's one of the things ministry. That's one of the things that's I just thank God for uh being that's I just thank God for uh being that's I just thank God for uh being part of the Crossings family is we have part of the Crossings family is we have part of the Crossings family is we have so many places and ways to serve within so many places and ways to serve within so many places and ways to serve within the Crossings family. And I'm just the Crossings family. And I'm just the Crossings family. And I'm just telling you about missions and there's telling you about missions and there's telling you about missions and there's so many other opportunities. But one of so many other opportunities. But one of so many other opportunities. But one of the things I highlight is uh there is a the things I highlight is uh there is a the things I highlight is uh there is a local missions element that really has local missions element that really has local missions element that really has an international impact and it is feed an international impact and it is feed an international impact and it is feed the hunger. And in 2025, if you'll just the hunger. And in 2025, if you'll just the hunger. And in 2025, if you'll just take a look at those statistics, take a look at those statistics, take a look at those statistics, in 2025, July 2025, in 2025, July 2025, in 2025, July 2025, you you you packed over 700,000 packed over 700,000 packed over 700,000 meals.

meals. meals. You You You fed almost 3,000 kids fed almost 3,000 kids fed almost 3,000 kids for a year because you did good, because for a year because you did good, because for a year because you did good, because you served you as volunteers, uh over you served you as volunteers, uh over you served you as volunteers, uh over 3,000 of you served in last year's 3,000 of you served in last year's 3,000 of you served in last year's hackathon. And and for me, I I'm doing hackathon. And and for me, I I'm doing hackathon. And and for me, I I'm doing it real quickly, but but it's like it's it real quickly, but but it's like it's it real quickly, but but it's like it's so amazing. It's just difficult to so amazing. It's just difficult to so amazing. It's just difficult to visualize. But let me help you. So what visualize. But let me help you. So what visualize. But let me help you. So what I'm trying to say to you is that that I'm trying to say to you is that that I'm trying to say to you is that that OKC OKC OKC served people people served at Edund. served people people served at Edund. served people people served at Edund. People served at Mayfair. People served at Mayfair. People served at Mayfair. People served at the community center. People served at the community center. People served at the community center. People served at at John Lily People served at at John Lily People served at at John Lily Correctional Center. People served at Correctional Center. People served at Correctional Center. People served at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center. And Eddie Warrior Correctional Center. And Eddie Warrior Correctional Center. And people packed meals even at Just Dunn. people packed meals even at Just Dunn. people packed meals even at Just Dunn. We don't have a picture of Just Done. We don't have a picture of Just Done. We don't have a picture of Just Done. ALL OF THESE people came together. All ALL OF THESE people came together. All ALL OF THESE people came together. All of you came together in all of these of you came together in all of these of you came together in all of these locations, including in prisons, came locations, including in prisons, came locations, including in prisons, came together TO PACK OVER 700,000 together TO PACK OVER 700,000 together TO PACK OVER 700,000 meals in a matter of one week.

Listen, my I just say thank you to all Listen, my I just say thank you to all of you who have been were praying, of you who have been were praying, of you who have been were praying, planning, preparation, packing in any planning, preparation, packing in any planning, preparation, packing in any other way that you served. and uh just other way that you served. and uh just other way that you served. and uh just to uh applaud you and to give you the to uh applaud you and to give you the to uh applaud you and to give you the privilege and give you your flowers the privilege and give you your flowers the privilege and give you your flowers the way we're going to give you your flowers way we're going to give you your flowers way we're going to give you your flowers and we're going to turn around and do it and we're going to turn around and do it and we're going to turn around and do it again next this next month. All right, again next this next month. All right, again next this next month. All right, that's how we SAY THANK YOU. LET'S DO that's how we SAY THANK YOU. LET'S DO that's how we SAY THANK YOU. LET'S DO THIS AGAIN. WE'RE GOING TO DO ANOTHER THIS AGAIN. WE'RE GOING TO DO ANOTHER THIS AGAIN. WE'RE GOING TO DO ANOTHER OVER 700,000 MEALS JUST ONE MONTH FROM OVER 700,000 MEALS JUST ONE MONTH FROM OVER 700,000 MEALS JUST ONE MONTH FROM NOW. And we we need you. We're asking NOW. And we we need you. We're asking NOW. And we we need you. We're asking you to be a part of this ability to you to be a part of this ability to you to be a part of this ability to serve locally but impact serve locally but impact serve locally but impact internationally. We'll be sending meals internationally. We'll be sending meals internationally. We'll be sending meals to Bangladesh. We'll be sending meals to to Bangladesh. We'll be sending meals to to Bangladesh. We'll be sending meals to children in Ghana. And we can only do children in Ghana. And we can only do children in Ghana. And we can only do that for like I showed you in those that for like I showed you in those that for like I showed you in those pictures, if all of us come together and pictures, if all of us come together and pictures, if all of us come together and pack those meals in about a month. I am pack those meals in about a month. I am pack those meals in about a month. I am doing my best to say to you and also to doing my best to say to you and also to doing my best to say to you and also to applaud you for understanding that it is applaud you for understanding that it is applaud you for understanding that it is a privilege to serve.

a privilege to serve. a privilege to serve. I said it's a privilege. That's what I said it's a privilege. That's what I said it's a privilege. That's what Paul is telling us here in Galatians 6. Paul is telling us here in Galatians 6. Paul is telling us here in Galatians 6. Really, it is a privilege to serve. See, Really, it is a privilege to serve. See, Really, it is a privilege to serve. See, see, God gives us the time, space, and see, God gives us the time, space, and see, God gives us the time, space, and the freedom to serve. Did you know not the freedom to serve. Did you know not the freedom to serve. Did you know not everyone in the world has the freedom to everyone in the world has the freedom to everyone in the world has the freedom to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ without hear the gospel of Jesus Christ without hear the gospel of Jesus Christ without some sort of threat on their lives? some sort of threat on their lives? some sort of threat on their lives? And did you know that not everyone who And did you know that not everyone who And did you know that not everyone who has received Christ in some of these has received Christ in some of these has received Christ in some of these places in the world has the freedom places in the world has the freedom places in the world has the freedom to serve like Paul is instructing us to to serve like Paul is instructing us to to serve like Paul is instructing us to serve without threat on their lives. So serve without threat on their lives. So serve without threat on their lives. So it is a privilege to serve and I'll say it is a privilege to serve and I'll say it is a privilege to serve and I'll say to you that serving God in any season to you that serving God in any season to you that serving God in any season and in any way is a privilege. We get to and in any way is a privilege. We get to and in any way is a privilege. We get to serve serve serve every aspect and every element that I'm every aspect and every element that I'm every aspect and every element that I'm able to be a part of here within the able to be a part of here within the able to be a part of here within the Crossins family and even beyond.

Crossins family and even beyond. Crossins family and even beyond. I personally count it a privilege. I personally count it a privilege. I personally count it a privilege. Though that my team members always talk Though that my team members always talk Though that my team members always talk about how we get to do what we do. We about how we get to do what we do. We about how we get to do what we do. We get to do it. You get to serve the way get to do it. You get to serve the way get to do it. You get to serve the way you serve in the Lord Jesus Christ. See, you serve in the Lord Jesus Christ. See, you serve in the Lord Jesus Christ. See, because serving through doing good because serving through doing good because serving through doing good works, they are seeds works, they are seeds works, they are seeds that share hope. And we've had multiple that share hope. And we've had multiple that share hope. And we've had multiple people share with us just how the people share with us just how the people share with us just how the service we've rendered, the service service we've rendered, the service service we've rendered, the service you've rendered you've rendered you've rendered gave them hope in that moment allowed gave them hope in that moment allowed gave them hope in that moment allowed them to see that there there was them to see that there there was them to see that there there was something beyond and someone beyond something beyond and someone beyond something beyond and someone beyond their current circumstance and their their current circumstance and their their current circumstance and their current situation. But see, not only is current situation. But see, not only is current situation. But see, not only is it a privilege to serve, God does it a privilege to serve, God does it a privilege to serve, God does something else. God prepares us to something else. God prepares us to something else. God prepares us to serve. In Ephesians chapter number two serve. In Ephesians chapter number two serve. In Ephesians chapter number two and verses 8-10, it says uh Paul writes, and verses 8-10, it says uh Paul writes, and verses 8-10, it says uh Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved "For by grace you have been saved "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from through faith, and this is not from through faith, and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God." I'll yourselves. It is the gift of God." I'll yourselves. It is the gift of God." I'll stop there at verse number eight. The stop there at verse number eight. The stop there at verse number eight. The reason Paul is writing this is because reason Paul is writing this is because reason Paul is writing this is because there were people who had received the there were people who had received the there were people who had received the gospel gospel gospel of Jesus, the good news of Jesus. They of Jesus, the good news of Jesus. They of Jesus, the good news of Jesus. They had received Christ as their savior and had received Christ as their savior and had received Christ as their savior and as their lord. But then there were other as their lord. But then there were other as their lord. But then there were other teachers who came behind uh Paul and teachers who came behind uh Paul and teachers who came behind uh Paul and others who planted the churches and told others who planted the churches and told others who planted the churches and told them now you got to adhere to the law or them now you got to adhere to the law or them now you got to adhere to the law or what you have is not real. you got to

what you have is not real. you got to what you have is not real. you got to adhere to circumcision adhere to circumcision adhere to circumcision or or you're not really saved. So, so or or you're not really saved. So, so or or you're not really saved. So, so Paul emphatically lets us know that it Paul emphatically lets us know that it Paul emphatically lets us know that it is by grace that we have been saved is by grace that we have been saved is by grace that we have been saved through faith and that is not of through faith and that is not of through faith and that is not of ourselves. We can't earn it. We don't ourselves. We can't earn it. We don't ourselves. We can't earn it. We don't have a money enough money in the bank to have a money enough money in the bank to have a money enough money in the bank to pay for it. There's nothing we can do pay for it. There's nothing we can do pay for it. There's nothing we can do that's so wonderful that would cause us that's so wonderful that would cause us that's so wonderful that would cause us to warrant the gift that God gives us to warrant the gift that God gives us to warrant the gift that God gives us for free to be saved. God gives it to us for free to be saved. God gives it to us for free to be saved. God gives it to us because he loves us. But look at what he because he loves us. But look at what he because he loves us. But look at what he says then in verse 9, not by works so says then in verse 9, not by works so says then in verse 9, not by works so that no one can boast. Then he says in that no one can boast. Then he says in that no one can boast. Then he says in verse 10, for we are God's handiwork. >> I say you're God's handiwork. Those who >> I say you're God's handiwork. Those who are following Christ, you are the work are following Christ, you are the work are following Christ, you are the work of God. You're God's one translator said of God. You're God's one translator said of God. You're God's one translator said you're God's masterpiece.

you're God's masterpiece. you're God's masterpiece. And guess what God does with his And guess what God does with his And guess what God does with his masterpiece? You his masterpiece. He masterpiece? You his masterpiece. He masterpiece? You his masterpiece. He says created in Christ Jesus to do good says created in Christ Jesus to do good says created in Christ Jesus to do good works which which God prepared in works which which God prepared in works which which God prepared in advance for us to do. advance for us to do. advance for us to do. See, being saved is the start. See, being saved is the start. See, being saved is the start. We are created in Christ to do good We are created in Christ to do good We are created in Christ to do good works. I guess the best way I could say works. I guess the best way I could say works. I guess the best way I could say this is this. this is this. this is this. We are not saved by good works. We are not saved by good works. We are not saved by good works. We are saved We are saved We are saved for good works. for good works. for good works. See, and when we serve, we say to See, and when we serve, we say to See, and when we serve, we say to others, others, others, I see you. I see you. I see you. I value you. When we meet someone else's need, when When we meet someone else's need, when we when we do good to others, in a we when we do good to others, in a we when we do good to others, in a society that wants to discredit others, society that wants to discredit others, society that wants to discredit others, in a society that wants to in in some in a society that wants to in in some in a society that wants to in in some way or another cause others to feel like way or another cause others to feel like way or another cause others to feel like they're less than, we get a chance as they're less than, we get a chance as they're less than, we get a chance as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ followers of the Lord Jesus Christ followers of the Lord Jesus Christ through our good works, through our through our good works, through our through our good works, through our ability to serve, we get a chance to say ability to serve, we get a chance to say ability to serve, we get a chance to say to people, not even by our words, but by to people, not even by our words, but by to people, not even by our words, but by our actions, THAT I SEE YOU YOU'RE NOT our actions, THAT I SEE YOU YOU'RE NOT our actions, THAT I SEE YOU YOU'RE NOT INVISIBLE to me. You matter to me. And INVISIBLE to me. You matter to me. And INVISIBLE to me. You matter to me. And not only DO YOU MATTER, YOU ARE not only DO YOU MATTER, YOU ARE not only DO YOU MATTER, YOU ARE VALUABLE. AND JUST AS I AM A MASTERPIECE VALUABLE. AND JUST AS I AM A MASTERPIECE VALUABLE. AND JUST AS I AM A MASTERPIECE OF GOD, GUESS WHAT? I GOT GOOD NEWS FOR

OF GOD, GUESS WHAT? I GOT GOOD NEWS FOR OF GOD, GUESS WHAT? I GOT GOOD NEWS FOR YOU. YOU CAN BE A MASTERPIECE OF GOD, YOU. YOU CAN BE A MASTERPIECE OF GOD, YOU. YOU CAN BE A MASTERPIECE OF GOD, TOO, BECAUSE YOU ARE CREATED IN HIS TOO, BECAUSE YOU ARE CREATED IN HIS TOO, BECAUSE YOU ARE CREATED IN HIS IMAGE. AND HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW JESUS IMAGE. AND HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW JESUS IMAGE. AND HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW JESUS LIKE WE KNOW JESUS. What a blessing. What a blessing. I'm so impressed. this morning with our I'm so impressed. this morning with our I'm so impressed. this morning with our crossings kids and students, staff and crossings kids and students, staff and crossings kids and students, staff and volunteers the last couple of weeks volunteers the last couple of weeks volunteers the last couple of weeks they've been going to to camp. Kids been they've been going to to camp. Kids been they've been going to to camp. Kids been having a wonderful time, a lot of fun. having a wonderful time, a lot of fun. having a wonderful time, a lot of fun. They wore out some of the people who They wore out some of the people who They wore out some of the people who were in here listening to me now. They were in here listening to me now. They were in here listening to me now. They wore out. Yeah. Uhhuh. You're in here. wore out. Yeah. Uhhuh. You're in here. wore out. Yeah. Uhhuh. You're in here. If you were at camp, they if you were my If you were at camp, they if you were my If you were at camp, they if you were my age, yes, you got you went home and got age, yes, you got you went home and got age, yes, you got you went home and got some sleep, right? But one of the things some sleep, right? But one of the things some sleep, right? But one of the things that stood out to me was the Crossings that stood out to me was the Crossings that stood out to me was the Crossings kid camp. You see the picture there? um kid camp. You see the picture there? um kid camp. You see the picture there? um in the crossing kids camp in the crossing kids camp in the crossing kids camp with all of the fun that they were with all of the fun that they were with all of the fun that they were having and they were with so many kids. They took the opportunity to have a They took the opportunity to have a missions experience missions experience missions experience and it was an experience that allowed and it was an experience that allowed and it was an experience that allowed them to get a sense them to get a sense them to get a sense of what it's like of what it's like of what it's like to be unhoused.

to be unhoused. to be unhoused. Now, I can't relate. Uh I can't Now, I can't relate. Uh I can't Now, I can't relate. Uh I can't personally relate because I've had a a personally relate because I've had a a personally relate because I've had a a roof over my head. Thanks be to God. Uh roof over my head. Thanks be to God. Uh roof over my head. Thanks be to God. Uh all of my life, but but but if the there all of my life, but but but if the there all of my life, but but but if the there people listening to me, you know what people listening to me, you know what people listening to me, you know what it's like firsthand it's like firsthand it's like firsthand to be unhoused. There are many different to be unhoused. There are many different to be unhoused. There are many different dynamics that cause people to be in a dynamics that cause people to be in a dynamics that cause people to be in a situation where they are unhoused. And situation where they are unhoused. And situation where they are unhoused. And I've talked to people that they were I've talked to people that they were I've talked to people that they were just shocked upon losing their job and just shocked upon losing their job and just shocked upon losing their job and not having recurring income. how quickly not having recurring income. how quickly not having recurring income. how quickly they were in a situation where they they were in a situation where they they were in a situation where they didn't know how their ends were going to didn't know how their ends were going to didn't know how their ends were going to meet. But our kids in camp having fun, meet. But our kids in camp having fun, meet. But our kids in camp having fun, took time out in this mission experience took time out in this mission experience took time out in this mission experience to get an appreciation for people who to get an appreciation for people who to get an appreciation for people who were unhoused. And what they did, what were unhoused. And what they did, what were unhoused. And what they did, what that picture is showing is they not only that picture is showing is they not only that picture is showing is they not only got a sense of what it would be like, got a sense of what it would be like, got a sense of what it would be like, they also served, they took action to they also served, they took action to they also served, they took action to create hygiene kits for those create hygiene kits for those create hygiene kits for those individuals who were unhoused. And we individuals who were unhoused. And we individuals who were unhoused. And we were able to take those hygiene kits were able to take those hygiene kits were able to take those hygiene kits that those kids created to people who that those kids created to people who that those kids created to people who were unhoused. They they were saying to were unhoused. They they were saying to were unhoused. They they were saying to those people even though they've never those people even though they've never those people even though they've never met them, I see you met them, I see you met them, I see you and I value you enough to provide this and I value you enough to provide this and I value you enough to provide this hygiene kit hygiene kit hygiene kit so that you know that you matter.

so that you know that you matter. so that you know that you matter. And yes, even though you're unhoused, And yes, even though you're unhoused, And yes, even though you're unhoused, you mean something to us, you mean something to us, you mean something to us, but you also mean something to God. but you also mean something to God. but you also mean something to God. I want to appreciate how we're able to I want to appreciate how we're able to I want to appreciate how we're able to do this. do this. do this. God prepared us to serve. But he also God prepared us to serve. But he also God prepared us to serve. But he also gives us the power to serve. gives us the power to serve. gives us the power to serve. We are recipients of the lifegiving and We are recipients of the lifegiving and We are recipients of the lifegiving and life-changing power of God. And listen, life-changing power of God. And listen, life-changing power of God. And listen, being human makes us subject to being human makes us subject to being human makes us subject to weariness. weariness. weariness. I'm not the only one in here who've had I'm not the only one in here who've had I'm not the only one in here who've had weariness knock on your door. We're weariness knock on your door. We're weariness knock on your door. We're subject to weariness. subject to weariness. subject to weariness. And there's some things that can make us And there's some things that can make us And there's some things that can make us weary of doing good. No recognition, no weary of doing good. No recognition, no weary of doing good. No recognition, no visible progress, no immediate reward, visible progress, no immediate reward, visible progress, no immediate reward, no one seems to care. How about no one seems to care. How about no one seems to care. How about unfavorable conditions? Health in our unfavorable conditions? Health in our unfavorable conditions? Health in our family and our finances and other family and our finances and other family and our finances and other challenges. But what do we do when we challenges. But what do we do when we challenges. But what do we do when we have weariness knocking on our door?

have weariness knocking on our door? have weariness knocking on our door? Now, in every season, we need to take Now, in every season, we need to take Now, in every season, we need to take some time to rest and refresh. But I'm some time to rest and refresh. But I'm some time to rest and refresh. But I'm saying in seasons that God wants us to saying in seasons that God wants us to saying in seasons that God wants us to to serve. Every season, we ought to be to serve. Every season, we ought to be to serve. Every season, we ought to be serving even though sometime we take serving even though sometime we take serving even though sometime we take time to rest. What do we do when we're time to rest. What do we do when we're time to rest. What do we do when we're at the brink of quitting? at the brink of quitting? at the brink of quitting? We remember Isaiah 40 and31. He says, We remember Isaiah 40 and31. He says, We remember Isaiah 40 and31. He says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew "Those who hope in the Lord will renew "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They were sore on wings their strength. They were sore on wings their strength. They were sore on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow like eagles. They will run and not grow like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. weary. They will walk and not be faint. weary. They will walk and not be faint. Uh that is the Old Testament. I'm not Uh that is the Old Testament. I'm not Uh that is the Old Testament. I'm not asking you necessarily to excuse me, but asking you necessarily to excuse me, but asking you necessarily to excuse me, but that it is the Old Testament. But if that it is the Old Testament. But if that it is the Old Testament. But if it's God's word and I want you to know it's God's word and I want you to know it's God's word and I want you to know I'm using that Old Testament because if I'm using that Old Testament because if I'm using that Old Testament because if God ever could be our strength, God can God ever could be our strength, God can God ever could be our strength, God can always be our strength. always be our strength. always be our strength. >> I said if he if he ever was our >> I said if he if he ever was our >> I said if he if he ever was our strength, he can always be our strength. strength, he can always be our strength. strength, he can always be our strength. and and and and Hebrews 13:8 says that and and and and Hebrews 13:8 says that and and and and Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. If you need a today, and forever more. If you need a today, and forever more. If you need a New Testament uh reference, New Testament uh reference, New Testament uh reference, we can remain the same because God we can remain the same because God we can remain the same because God remains the same. Seasons in life remains the same. Seasons in life remains the same. Seasons in life change, but Jesus remains the same.

change, but Jesus remains the same. change, but Jesus remains the same. Jesus is ready, willing, and able to Jesus is ready, willing, and able to Jesus is ready, willing, and able to strengthen us in every season of our strengthen us in every season of our strengthen us in every season of our life. We can trust Jesus. Yes. life. We can trust Jesus. Yes. life. We can trust Jesus. Yes. >> And I just want to make sure that you >> And I just want to make sure that you >> And I just want to make sure that you know this is not just Pastor Mark know this is not just Pastor Mark know this is not just Pastor Mark talking to you. I I'm doing my best to talking to you. I I'm doing my best to talking to you. I I'm doing my best to yield to the Holy Spirit to share with yield to the Holy Spirit to share with yield to the Holy Spirit to share with you whatever the Holy Spirit wants you you whatever the Holy Spirit wants you you whatever the Holy Spirit wants you to know. So it's not really about me. to know. So it's not really about me. to know. So it's not really about me. It's really about following Jesus. In It's really about following Jesus. In It's really about following Jesus. In Acts 10:38, understand this that when we Acts 10:38, understand this that when we Acts 10:38, understand this that when we do good to others, do good to others, do good to others, we we we are actually following the Lord we we we are actually following the Lord we we we are actually following the Lord Jesus Christ. And it says he did it with Jesus Christ. And it says he did it with Jesus Christ. And it says he did it with the Holy Spirit and power, but he went the Holy Spirit and power, but he went the Holy Spirit and power, but he went around doing good. Jesus did not quit. around doing good. Jesus did not quit. around doing good. Jesus did not quit. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, taught the word, raised the dead, and taught the word, raised the dead, and taught the word, raised the dead, and gave his life for the people of the gave his life for the people of the gave his life for the people of the world. Christ did not quit in dying for world. Christ did not quit in dying for world. Christ did not quit in dying for us. And he does not quit in living in us. And he does not quit in living in us. And he does not quit in living in us. us. us. Look, every season brings its own Look, every season brings its own Look, every season brings its own challenges, but God equips us with challenges, but God equips us with challenges, but God equips us with strength and grace to remain faithful strength and grace to remain faithful strength and grace to remain faithful through all of them.

through all of them. through all of them. But understand this, there is time But understand this, there is time But understand this, there is time between planting. The Bible calls it between planting. The Bible calls it between planting. The Bible calls it sewing. There is time between planting sewing. There is time between planting sewing. There is time between planting and sewing and reaping because Apostle and sewing and reaping because Apostle and sewing and reaping because Apostle Paul says in due season, some Paul says in due season, some Paul says in due season, some translations say improper time you will translations say improper time you will translations say improper time you will reap if you do not give up. And and so reap if you do not give up. And and so reap if you do not give up. And and so sometimes we will see those results in sometimes we will see those results in sometimes we will see those results in this life. And sometimes those results this life. And sometimes those results this life. And sometimes those results won't come until the life after. But I won't come until the life after. But I won't come until the life after. But I will share with you a story that Dr. will share with you a story that Dr. will share with you a story that Dr. Cliff Sanders, who's on staff here at Cliff Sanders, who's on staff here at Cliff Sanders, who's on staff here at Crossings Community Church, shared with Crossings Community Church, shared with Crossings Community Church, shared with me this week. was preparing this message me this week. was preparing this message me this week. was preparing this message and just out of out of the blue he and just out of out of the blue he and just out of out of the blue he shares me with me this story and it and shares me with me this story and it and shares me with me this story and it and it relates to this this this message. He it relates to this this this message. He it relates to this this this message. He says Mid-American Christian University says Mid-American Christian University says Mid-American Christian University be began as GF Coast Bible College in be began as GF Coast Bible College in be began as GF Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas in 1953 to train people Houston, Texas in 1953 to train people Houston, Texas in 1953 to train people for ministry. It was the third church of for ministry. It was the third church of for ministry. It was the third church of God College and later moved to Oklahoma God College and later moved to Oklahoma God College and later moved to Oklahoma City becoming Mid America Christian City becoming Mid America Christian City becoming Mid America Christian University. Its roots, however, go back University. Its roots, however, go back University. Its roots, however, go back to 1909 to 1909 to 1909 when the work of the church of God was when the work of the church of God was when the work of the church of God was begun in Houston through the ministry of begun in Houston through the ministry of begun in Houston through the ministry of an AfricanAmerican woman evangelist, an AfricanAmerican woman evangelist, an AfricanAmerican woman evangelist, Mrs. Annie Heel. Now, when he told me Mrs. Annie Heel. Now, when he told me Mrs. Annie Heel. Now, when he told me 1909 and an AfricanAmerican 1909 and an AfricanAmerican 1909 and an AfricanAmerican evangelist, he got my attention. It says evangelist, he got my attention. It says evangelist, he got my attention. It says through the through her her ministry, through the through her her ministry, through the through her her ministry, Mrs. Thomas H.Ball ball embraced the Mrs. Thomas H.Ball ball embraced the Mrs. Thomas H.Ball ball embraced the church of God message and started a church of God message and started a church of God message and started a Sunday school that grew into a Sunday school that grew into a Sunday school that grew into a congregation. Efaith Stewart became his

congregation. Efaith Stewart became his congregation. Efaith Stewart became his first pastor and new churches were first pastor and new churches were first pastor and new churches were planted throughout the era. Look at planted throughout the era. Look at planted throughout the era. Look at those seeds. One of those churches, those seeds. One of those churches, those seeds. One of those churches, Houston First Church of God, became the Houston First Church of God, became the Houston First Church of God, became the birthplace of GF Coast Bible College. birthplace of GF Coast Bible College. birthplace of GF Coast Bible College. Today, Mid America Christian University Today, Mid America Christian University Today, Mid America Christian University stands as a testament to the ministry stands as a testament to the ministry stands as a testament to the ministry that began in 1909 that began in 1909 that began in 1909 and to Annie Hall's conviction that God and to Annie Hall's conviction that God and to Annie Hall's conviction that God calls people to ministry based on the calls people to ministry based on the calls people to ministry based on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, NOT RACE OR gifts of the Holy Spirit, NOT RACE OR gifts of the Holy Spirit, NOT RACE OR GENDER. Look at God. Thank God from Miss Annie Look at God. Thank God from Miss Annie Hall and also who thank God for her Hall and also who thank God for her Hall and also who thank God for her faith and commitment to trust and serve faith and commitment to trust and serve faith and commitment to trust and serve him and for remaining firm even though him and for remaining firm even though him and for remaining firm even though she had challenging circumstances. God she had challenging circumstances. God she had challenging circumstances. God has not only given us the power to has not only given us the power to has not only given us the power to serve, God has positioned us to serve. serve, God has positioned us to serve. serve, God has positioned us to serve. And we go back to Galatians 6:10. It And we go back to Galatians 6:10. It And we go back to Galatians 6:10. It says, "So then, as we have opportunity, says, "So then, as we have opportunity, says, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone and let us do good to everyone and let us do good to everyone and especially to those who are of the especially to those who are of the especially to those who are of the household of faith." Now, it's one thing household of faith." Now, it's one thing household of faith." Now, it's one thing to look for the opportunities. That's to look for the opportunities. That's to look for the opportunities. That's one piece. But Paul was getting at one piece. But Paul was getting at one piece. But Paul was getting at something else here. Paul was also something else here. Paul was also something else here. Paul was also saying to us, as long as we have the saying to us, as long as we have the saying to us, as long as we have the opportunity, let me do it again. I'm opportunity, let me do it again. I'm opportunity, let me do it again. I'm going to do it. As long as we have the going to do it. As long as we have the going to do it. As long as we have the opportunity, he's saying do good.

opportunity, he's saying do good. opportunity, he's saying do good. Now, whether your season is public, Now, whether your season is public, Now, whether your season is public, private, prosperous, or difficult, serve private, prosperous, or difficult, serve private, prosperous, or difficult, serve God with all your heart. Again, I came God with all your heart. Again, I came God with all your heart. Again, I came across um an individual this week and I across um an individual this week and I across um an individual this week and I asked permission to share asked permission to share asked permission to share uh this with you, shared the message I uh this with you, shared the message I uh this with you, shared the message I would be speaking. I I said, "May I would be speaking. I I said, "May I would be speaking. I I said, "May I share this?" I got a thumbs up. So, share this?" I got a thumbs up. So, share this?" I got a thumbs up. So, there the individual I was talking to, there the individual I was talking to, there the individual I was talking to, her name is Laura. Uh Laura was her name is Laura. Uh Laura was her name is Laura. Uh Laura was diagnosed diagnosed diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2004 uh with stage four kidney cancer in 2004 uh with stage four kidney cancer in 2004 uh 2000 uh 24 2000 uh 24 2000 uh 24 and shortly after that it moved from and shortly after that it moved from and shortly after that it moved from stage four kidney cancer to stage five stage four kidney cancer to stage five stage four kidney cancer to stage five kidney cancer. kidney cancer. kidney cancer. And then this past December, December of And then this past December, December of And then this past December, December of 2025, 2025, 2025, they began uh dialysis. they began uh dialysis. they began uh dialysis. And then in January of this year And then in January of this year And then in January of this year is Laura Laura. She's I'm using her is Laura Laura. She's I'm using her is Laura Laura. She's I'm using her words. January this this year she was words. January this this year she was words. January this this year she was receiving dialysis receiving dialysis receiving dialysis and she flatlined.

and she flatlined. and she flatlined. For those of you who are not clear on For those of you who are not clear on For those of you who are not clear on what flatline means, her words were, "I what flatline means, her words were, "I what flatline means, her words were, "I died. I was gone." died. I was gone." died. I was gone." They told her when she uh was came back, They told her when she uh was came back, They told her when she uh was came back, which is the great part of the story, is which is the great part of the story, is which is the great part of the story, is that she flatlined for five minutes. I walked through the community center I walked through the community center last week and guess who I see? last week and guess who I see? last week and guess who I see? Laura. Laura. Laura. Laura is there volunteering. Laura is there volunteering. Laura is there volunteering. Laura is there serving. And I said, Laura is there serving. And I said, Laura is there serving. And I said, Laura, how do you do it? And she said, Laura, how do you do it? And she said, Laura, how do you do it? And she said, she said, "Mark, I have to do this she said, "Mark, I have to do this she said, "Mark, I have to do this because of all that God has done for me. because of all that God has done for me. because of all that God has done for me. And he's giving me the privilege to And he's giving me the privilege to And he's giving me the privilege to share with others what he has done for share with others what he has done for share with others what he has done for me so that they too can come to know him me so that they too can come to know him me so that they too can come to know him like I know him." I stood there inside like I know him." I stood there inside like I know him." I stood there inside myself and just applauded, Laura. And myself and just applauded, Laura. And myself and just applauded, Laura. And I'm like, "That's inspiration. IF YOU I'm like, "That's inspiration. IF YOU I'm like, "That's inspiration. IF YOU CAN DO IT, LAURA, I'M FOLLOWING YOU. I'M CAN DO IT, LAURA, I'M FOLLOWING YOU. I'M CAN DO IT, LAURA, I'M FOLLOWING YOU. I'M SERVING IN ANY AND EVERY SEASON THAT GOD SERVING IN ANY AND EVERY SEASON THAT GOD SERVING IN ANY AND EVERY SEASON THAT GOD GIVES ME.

So whatever season you're in right now, So whatever season you're in right now, know this. You have a wonderful know this. You have a wonderful know this. You have a wonderful privilege. You have the preparation. You privilege. You have the preparation. You privilege. You have the preparation. You have the power and you also have the have the power and you also have the have the power and you also have the position to serve in the community f of position to serve in the community f of position to serve in the community f of faith, but also outside the community of faith, but also outside the community of faith, but also outside the community of faith. Keep doing good. Keep planting faith. Keep doing good. Keep planting faith. Keep doing good. Keep planting seeds. Keep serving and trusting God. seeds. Keep serving and trusting God. seeds. Keep serving and trusting God. I invite you if you would to select one I invite you if you would to select one I invite you if you would to select one of these questions or all three as a moment of reflection. as a moment of reflection. How is God calling you to faithfully How is God calling you to faithfully How is God calling you to faithfully serve him in this season of your life? serve him in this season of your life? serve him in this season of your life? Who Who Who has God placed before you that needs to has God placed before you that needs to has God placed before you that needs to experience his love through experience his love through experience his love through your service? And for those of you who are like me And for those of you who are like me that sometimes don't know just where to that sometimes don't know just where to that sometimes don't know just where to start, start, start, what is one step of faith you can take what is one step of faith you can take what is one step of faith you can take this week to follow God's leading? You this week to follow God's leading? You this week to follow God's leading? You don't have to see all the steps, but don't have to see all the steps, but don't have to see all the steps, but help God show you one step, the first help God show you one step, the first help God show you one step, the first step. And I'll tell you, God will be step. And I'll tell you, God will be step. And I'll tell you, God will be there with you, and he'll bless you in there with you, and he'll bless you in there with you, and he'll bless you in the seeds that you are planting. Listen, the seeds that you are planting. Listen, the seeds that you are planting. Listen, after I pray and you're reflecting on after I pray and you're reflecting on after I pray and you're reflecting on these questions, there will be prayer these questions, there will be prayer these questions, there will be prayer team members in the front of all of our team members in the front of all of our team members in the front of all of our rooms rooms rooms that want to pray with you and to take

that want to pray with you and to take that want to pray with you and to take your needs to the Lord in prayer. And we your needs to the Lord in prayer. And we your needs to the Lord in prayer. And we invite you to give them the opportunity invite you to give them the opportunity invite you to give them the opportunity to pray with you. Father, thank you for to pray with you. Father, thank you for to pray with you. Father, thank you for this day. Thank you, Father, for every this day. Thank you, Father, for every this day. Thank you, Father, for every person uh that's in all of these person uh that's in all of these person uh that's in all of these locations, those who are listening locations, those who are listening locations, those who are listening online. Thank you for your message. Oh, online. Thank you for your message. Oh, online. Thank you for your message. Oh, thank you for your music today. Thank thank you for your music today. Thank thank you for your music today. Thank you for the opportunity to worship you. you for the opportunity to worship you. you for the opportunity to worship you. We just thank you Lord that we are We just thank you Lord that we are We just thank you Lord that we are alive. We thank you. You give us the alive. We thank you. You give us the alive. We thank you. You give us the privilege to serve. You've prepared us privilege to serve. You've prepared us privilege to serve. You've prepared us to serve. And we thank you Lord God that to serve. And we thank you Lord God that to serve. And we thank you Lord God that you don't leave us by ourselves. You you don't leave us by ourselves. You you don't leave us by ourselves. You have given us the power and you have have given us the power and you have have given us the power and you have positioned us with opportunities to positioned us with opportunities to positioned us with opportunities to serve. Help us, Lord, to step out in serve. Help us, Lord, to step out in serve. Help us, Lord, to step out in faith and keep trusting you in every faith and keep trusting you in every faith and keep trusting you in every season of our life as we advance your season of our life as we advance your season of our life as we advance your kingdom by your glory, heavenly father, kingdom by your glory, heavenly father, kingdom by your glory, heavenly father, and through your power. It is in Jesus and through your power. It is in Jesus and through your power. It is in Jesus powerful name that we pray. Amen. Would powerful name that we pray. Amen. Would powerful name that we pray. Amen. Would you help me give God a hand clap of you help me give God a hand clap of you help me give God a hand clap of praise? Glory to his name.