Crossroads Baptist Church

Greg Lyons sings two songs for morning service March 3, 2019.

Devotion 3/3/21: The Struggle With Jealousy.....Dr. Stanley 1 Samuel 18:5-16 Jealousy is an emotion of displeasure over someone else’s good fortune. Constantly comparing ourselves to others leads to discontent, resentment, and bitterness. If these negative emotions remain unchecked, they can poison our relationships. What’s more, they can eventually flare into suspicion, anger, and hostility.... This is what happened to King Saul. His jealousy caused him to distrust David, who had served him faithfully. Saul’s suspicious attitude led to hostility and irrational behaviorso much so that he hurled a spear at David while the young man was playing music (1 Samuel 18:10-12). Instead of being grateful for David’s loyalty and steadfast service, the king repaid him with animosity and death threats. As a result, David was eventually forced to flee and hide in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:15-26). Jealousy is not something to be excused or rationalized. Ask the Lord to examine your heart and show you if any of these symptoms of jealousy are present in your life. If they are, confess them as sin and ask Him to uproot them from your heart. Then focus on God’s faithfulness instead of comparing yourself with others. Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 31-32 See more

3/3/21 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Deuteronomy: 31-323/3/21 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Deuteronomy: 31-32

Devotion 3/2/21: God Acts on Our Behalf.......Dr. Stanley Isaiah 64:1-4 The Lord is a God of action. Even when He rested after six days of creation, it wasn’t because He was tired and needed to recuperateHis creative activity may have stopped, but He never ceased working. And throughout history He has always been intimately involved in individual lives without ever relaxing control over the universe.... Sometimes, however, it may seem He’s unconcerned about us, because our prayers aren’t answered as quickly as we expect. When that happens, we need to remember it doesn’t mean God has stopped working. He is still actively involved in our lives but often in ways that are not always visible. He orchestrates circumstances, changes people’s hearts, and protects His children from making foolish decisions that could have disastrous consequences. Waiting times are opportunities for growth in character, obedience, faith, and service. By intentionally choosing to trust and depend on God rather than doubt Him, you are cooperating with His process of spiritual growth. He alone knows what you need and when you need it. Be encouraged, knowing that God has planned good things for those who wait (Isa. 64:4). Even if you don’t get specifically what you requested, your Father’s answer will be for your eternal good and His glory. Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 28-30

3/2/21 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Deuteronomy: 28-303/2/21 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Deuteronomy: 28-30

Please pray for our friends in Booneville who have been devastated by a severe flood. As we know more about how we can help, we will let you know. For now, pray for our friends at Emma Quire Mission Center.

Devotion 1/27/21: Vision Without Boundaries...............Dr. Stanley Matthew 28:16-20 Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His followers to tell all nations about Him. However, many of us aren’t working to fulfill this Great Commissionat least not fervently and purposefully. What might be holding us back? ... Sometimes self-preserving barriers, such as fear, are the reason. For instance, if evangelizing means traveling overseas, we might be concerned about safety or how family and friends will react to our decision. We also might worry about how people will respond to our message. Another hindrance might be conditional obediencein other words, when we respond to God’s call but with our own modifications. Instead of being willing to serve where God wants for as long as He wants, we might think, That’s too much money or That’s too much time. We end up settling for something less than what God intended and fail to fully carry out our role in the Great Commission. There are many obstacles that can keep us from telling people the good news of the gospel. But when we’re willing to tear those barriers down, we’ll be amazed at what God can accomplish through us. Are you passionately sharing the gospel? If not, ask God to show you what stands in your way. Then pray for forgiveness, and refocus on your part in the mission Jesus gave us all. Bible in One Year: Exodus 34-35

January 27, 2021 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Exodus 34-35January 27, 2021 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Exodus 34-35

Devotion 1/26/21: Characteristics of Christians......Dr. Stanley Romans 15:13 Today’s verse from Romans 15 is Paul’s concise description of how God can transform hearts and attitudes when people trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Instead of being filled with fear, anxiety, frustration, and stress, they can nowempowered by the Holy Spiritbe characterized by hope, joy, and peace.... Yet all too often those old emotions come back when circumstances are difficult. We walk around, weighed down with concerns even though Jesus says His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30). As anxious thoughts and hopelessness take over, we not only suffer personally but also cease to be a light in the world because Christ is no longer reflected in our life. On the surface, in fact, we appear just as pressured, stressed, and fearful as those without Christ. Although we don’t rejoice in the adversities themselves, we can find hope, joy, and peace in knowing that our difficulties aren’t in vain. God may be refining our character and melting away things that don’t reflect Christ. If we submit to whatever road the Lord has chosen for us, His Spirit will guide us andslowly but surelyproduce His fruit. Bible in One Year: Exodus 31-33

January 26, 2021 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Exodus 31-33January 26, 2021 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Exodus 31-33

January 25/212021 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Exodus 28-30January 25/212021 Reading the Bible, in One Year. Read Exodus 28-30