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"Launching Out" |
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written by Pastor Joe Jackson
You can't be around me very long without sensing my passion for pursuing intimacy with Father God. I can recall as a young boy experiencing His presence for the first time. I can't say that I totally understood all that was happening at that moment. But, one thing I did know instinctually or institutively was that the moment was precious. Some thirty years later, those moments are still precious. Knowing Him this way is the most valuable thing in my life and by far exceeds all else.
For almost four years now, CrossRoads Ministries has been calling people to a lifestyle in pursuit of Him first and then to live out this life in the communities and with our neighbor. We have been faithful because it is a privilege to serve Him in any capacity. As a result, I believe that there is much fruit, some known by us and some not known, but God knows.
In this season, at such a time as NOW, I believe the Lord is instructing me start building a community of believers, who will connect with their highest, most prestige calling: Worshipper of the Living God. I don't know if you have thought about it much, but the activity of heaven is worship and attention to God for all eternity. What we do on the earth should have eternal significance as a result salvation and a life lived in response to His great love for us.
In a few months, we will be planting a local church in Jackson, Mississippi called "CrossRoads International House of Worship (CIHOW)." To those reading this article, would you please pray with us that the plans of God would come forth and that we would have wisdom at every step along the way. I also ask that you pray about what part you can and are willing to play in helping us build a community of believers that is in pursuit of Him.
We have established a website, which explains our vision, mission, goals and ministry, please take a moment now to visit @ CrossRoads International House of Worship
Pastor Joe Jackson
P.S. Thank you Sister Taquana Bell, our webmaster, for all your hard work and for designing our website.
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We're Diving into CyberSpace!!! |
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by Taquana Bell
When God moves among His people in such a remarkable way, it encourages us that He has something very important and special for us. I am so excited to be a part of the remarkable things that God is doing through CrossRoads. When God calls you to become a part of a vision, you have to give all the potential and possibilities over to Him and let Him lead the way. I am excited to announce that we are launching our brand new website - www.CIHOW.com. The website encompasses the vision and purpose of CrossRoads and what God has placed in Pastor Jackson. Someone once said, "The hardest part about getting started is getting started." How true is that? However, once God sets everything in motion, everything else falls into place. God's church is meant to multiply, just as it always has, and as we began to multiply and grow in the things that God has for CIHOW, we pray that you are truly blessed by our work. Enjoy our new website and please sign our guest book on the site! Some of the site features include:
- Interactive Chat Room and Message Board
- Interactive Children and Youth Page
- Current and Recent Newsletters
- Navigational Scheme designed to move users through every aspect of CIHOW
- Upcoming Events Calendar
- Much, Much More!
God is doing amazing things and we are looking forward to even greater things as He progresses His kingdom through us.
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May 4, 2007 - Celebrating National Prayer Day |
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An Administration of God's Grace |
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written by: Pastor Jackson
All of us who are believers have experienced, to some degree, the Grace of God. For we are saved by grace through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, according to Ephesians 2:8. This is what makes grace so Amazing. We know from experience that grace is God's unmerited, not-worked-for favor freely lavished on us. However, we must not stop at just receiving this amazing grace, but we must come to the understanding that this grace has to be administered in the places, seasons, and with the people God has assigned. In Ephesians 3:2-3, Paul states the following, "Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, (3) this is, the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly"(NIV). The King James Version uses the word "dispensation" that has been erroneously used, by many, to mean a period or time. However, Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary defines this word to mean, "A mode of dealing, an arrangement or administration of affairs." With this definition in mind, let us again look at Paul's aforementioned statement, "the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you."
In other words, not only was Paul saved by grace, but to connect with the Gentiles, God gave him grace. He was given a mode of dealing with the Gentiles in order to convey that God's salvation was available to them also. Paul was so effective at winning the gentiles that those who once doubted his calling to be an Apostle had to concurrent that God had raised him up for the gentiles. In this is a lesson for all of us; that is, when God gives us an "administration of grace" or "mode of dealing" out grace, we are going to be effective and fruitful no matter who or what tries to be an obstacle.
You and I have to remember that God has given us unique abilities to affect specific people, change particular atmospheres, and to be available for His use at such a time as NOW. Stop trying to be somebody else. Get out of other people's boxes. Find your niche or way of doing it that connects with God. Have the courage to see it through. In other words, fight with faith and finish your course. If you are not doing so already, then start now to worship the Living God with a lifestyle that celebrates the uniqueness that the Father has placed upon us all.
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Poetry Corner |
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Poetry by: Joanne Jackson
Finally, the man reached his destination.
At the entrance, he was asked to show his invitation.
He was seated with much hesitation.
His table was hidden in a corner; he was shown no grace.
Surely, he did not belong in this fancy place.
The server disappeared before he could blink.
He wasn't offered even a glass of water to drink.
By now, the poorly dressed man begin to think,
It must be because of my appearance.
The loss of my luggage has become a hindrance.
He motions for the server to come here.
The server sends the host, Mr. Vladimir.
Prepared to insist that the man leave, as he drew near,
He recognized that the man is Mr. King.
But why is he dressed in those clothing?
Before he could say one word, Mr. King greeted him with an embrace.
Relieved that Mr. King had not known his true face,
He welcomed him to the place.
He arranged for Mr. King to have more suitable attire.
That night, Mr. King's father would retire.
Tomorrow, Mr. King would be the one to hire and fire.
After showing himself to be willing and able,
Mr. Vladimir showed Mr. King to his father's table.
At the sight of his son, Mr. King rises to his feet.
After handshakes and hugs, they are ready to eat.
As father and son wait to be served, the server wishes that he had been discreet.
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