Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Every blog and news cast I've read the past few days has had a "year in review" section so I decided to jump on the bandwagon. Here are some highlights from 2008 and a look ahead into 2009.

2008 started with a message series called "iresolve" that God used in a neat way in many lives. It was a great way to start a new year.

In March we had a Communion service outside of our new building. It was an incredible evening as we prayed for people who would one day walk into the doors of that building.

June was the month for Student camps. Cool things happened in our Middle School and High School students at Global Youth and Big Stuff.

In July we had our largest Newcomer's event ever. Over 100 people came to hear more about what God is up to at Crossroads Church. Great night.

We created some buzz in September as thousands of cars drove around Coweta County with "What If?" magnets on their cars.

The month of October brought us to our "Great Weekend of Giving" where we saw our church give nearly half a million dollars to our new campus. Our largest single offering in history.

The message series "Red, White, and You" in November brought me more e-mails than any series I've ever preached. Mostly positive I might add!

2008 came to a close with a great gift wrapping outreach effort at Ashley Park and a Christmas Eve service with nearly 3000 people in attendance.

As we turn the corner on 2009 I am very excited about the New Year. In 2009 we will begin worshiping at a brand new campus and celebrate our 20th anniversary! What I am most excited about, however, is stuff that only God knows. Just as in 2008 God will do incredible things in people's lives. We will see people come to faith in Christ, people grow in Christ, and people changed by Christ. When it is all said and done, those are the things that matter anyway. The buildings and events are just a way to help make disciples. I'm thanking God for all He has done in 2008 and I can't wait to see what He will do in 2009.

Running Away

This past weekend I preached a message on Jonah. We looked at two of the worst words in the Bible. Jonah 1:3 says, "But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish." The words "ran away" are two of the worst words in the Bible. After the service a friend gave me a great quote to go along with the message.

"Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and charge you more than you want to pay!"

If by chance you find yourself running from God these days, why not run to Him instead of from Him?