Pastor's Blog
April 11, 2007
Crossroads rejoices with two families on the birth of their children. Charlie and Mariah Trimm welcomed Kellen Aodh born on April 5 and John and Karen Robbins welcomed Jessica Nicole on April 7. We also extend our sympathy to Ed and Caroline Loss on the passing of Caroline’s mother, Englesina Milani. Thanks, to all who provided meals and childcare for these families. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep,” Romans 12:15.
On Sunday, April 27, after the service, we invite you to express your faith by writing a favorite verse or promise from God on the floor of our new building. We will provide the markers. Later, the floor will be covered, but our verses will remain as a reminder of God’s promises to us. Plan now to join us. Kids are welcome.
Sunday, May 4 – From Your Pastor’s Heart - There are many changes coming to Crossroads in the near future. Pastor Scott will address several issues of great importance to our church family during our service on Sunday, May 4. Plan to attend.
Building Update - Thank you to all who helped hang cabinets yesterday. Your volunteer service for tile, wetland restoration and cabinetry has saved us tens of thousands of dollars on this project. Your continued, faithful, sacrificial giving to the building program will enable us to finish strong.
We covet your prayers for two significant issues: one electrical and the other water–related. Our contractor has not provided sufficient power for all our needs. Pray they get this fixed quickly. As for water, we are awaiting permitting from the state for our water supply. There is a possibility we could obtain our water from the Village of Carol Stream for a substantial savings. Pray for Carol Stream to provide water. We cannot get into the building until we have water. Pray this process goes quickly. Thank you for your patience and optimistic spirit. In the meantime, we are committed to being the best church-with-a-building-almostfinished- that-meets-in-a-school-while-we-wait that we can be. God is good!
- Pastor Scott
Jan 20, 2007
Seven Ways I Can Bless Our Church While We Build
2. Serve. As people serve one another, the church grows.
3. Let your light shine. Growing churches take seriously Jesus’
Great Commission – Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore, go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age.”
4. Be generous. Constructing a building demands tremendous
financial resources. Drawing plans, moving dirt, paving the parking
lot, and protecting wetlands has cost more than $1,000,000.00.
5. Walk with Jesus. The greater our spiritual sensitivity, the better
we are able to sense God’s leading in the life of this church family.
As we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness he will add all
these things to us as well. Personal revival is the greatest blessing
God can bestow on this congregation. When we are passionate for
his Word, long for fellowship and prayer, despise our sin, which so
easily entangles, repent of selfish ways and pursue God’s agenda,
blessings flow from heaven. 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who
are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek
my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from
heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
6. Be patient. No one wants this process to be over more than the
pastors and church leadership. Unfortunately, delays are a normal
part of any building program. Our completion date has been moved
back to mid-April. We must be ready to make the biggest impact for
the honor of our King - Jesus - whenever we open the building.
7. Enjoy. We are slogging through the construction process
because God called us to a vision of greater ministry to our community. I’ll gladly live with that decision!
Pastor Scott
Jan 12, 2007
A New Years Re-Solution
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly . . . These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full . . . You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy . . . You have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you . . . Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full . . . these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” – Jesus
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit . . . May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope . . . We work with you for your joy. . . . In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy . . . the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy . . . count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds . . . We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. . . Now to him that is able to keep your from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever, Amen.” – God
Joy is a gift from God. It is the fruit of the Spirit within us; God’s will for every believer in every circumstance; a choice we make; contagious, by faith; the only way to live! Let’s choose to face whatever this year may hold with joy. We don’t have to “work up some joy,” we simply receive it as the gift of God. We cultivate it as fruit of the Spirit. We walk in joy by faith in the goodness and power of our loving Heavenly Father.
That is a great re-solution to our problems and trials this year.
Pastor Scott
Dec 21, 2007
The Gift Worth Waiting For
Have you ever waited in line to get a good deal on a Christmas gift you just had to have? Have you waited for the “must have” gift that everyone is after? What about waiting for hours just to see a famous person drive down the street; or waiting for tickets to a “killer” concert, or maybe waiting just to see what surprises would be under the tree on Christmas morning? Sometimes it’s fun to wait. The excitement and anticipation build. You just know it’s worth the wait.
Mankind has waited since Eden for freedom from bondage to sin, freedom from the tyranny of the grave, freedom from the fear of eternity without God. Christmas is all about how waiting for the Savior is over. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law . . .” (Galatians 4:4). The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined,” (Isaiah 9:2). The Babe in the manger grew to be the miracle worker who opened blind eyes, healed crippled feet, raised dead bodies and even walked on water.
The Babe in the manger grew up to be nailed to a tree, bear the sin of the world and arise triumphant from the grave. He lives now to intercede for us. That is a Christmas story worth waiting for!
Jesus is waiting too. He is waiting for lost sinners to accept His forgiveness. He is waiting for believers who have wandered away to turn around and walk with him again. He will wait. God “is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,” (2 Peter 3:9). Come to the Savior this Christmas and accept “The gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” (Romans 6:23). “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved,” (Romans 10:9-10). The wait is over! Believe God today and accept his wonderful gift.
Merry Christmas!
Vicki
Dec 16, 2007
What a year this has been! We began 2007 in our old building in Lombard and will finish the year meeting at Pleasant Hill School in Winfield. We began the year with an empty wooded lot and finish the year with our new building 80% complete. We have welcomed dozens of new members. As we near the end of the year I want to thank you for your incredible patience and determination during this time of transition. The attitude of our members has remained unquenchably optimistic. We do believe that with God all things are possible! He has honored our congregation’s faith. He has blessed our sacrificial labor and generous giving. God is good . . . All the time.
I urge you to remain hopeful and faithful amidst the hurry and distraction of Christmas and New Years. Let’s not allow busyness to sideline us from weekly worship and regular fellowship. I also invite you to help our church family finish strong this year. Consider a gift that would bring your tithe to a place of agreement with your 2007 income. You will meet a need, advance Kingdom work and invite God’s blessing in your own life for 2008 (Read Proverbs 3:1-10 and Malachi 3). If you are new to Crossroads, consider partnering with us financially as we share the Gospel. Perhaps you have not been a regular giver but now at Christmas you desire to meet a need. Maybe you are one of our many faithful givers, but you want to add a special offering this time of year. If God has blessed you this past year, consider passing a blessing along to your church family. Your gift to Crossroads will be timely.
I am determined to finish 2007 strong. Join me. And, let’s pray together for a great 2008 for our congregation.
Merry Christmas!Pastor Scott
Dec 9, 2007
Growing Followers of Jesus Christ
500 years ago, a German pastor transformed the look of the Christmas tree after taking a late night walk through the woods. He became enthralled with the way the starlight looked as it filtered through the branches of the evergreen trees. He felt as if the hand of God had touched his soul and had allowed him to see the world in a much different way. Stopping on a snow-covered rise, he studied the scene for a long time and enjoyed the peace from its tranquil beauty and soft light. Determined to duplicate that atmosphere in his own home, he attached candleholders to his family’s Christmas tree’s limbs and wowed his family with the first brightly lit Christmas tree. From this humble beginning, the custom of putting lighted candles on a Christmas tree rapidly spread.
Yesterday, following the custom of that German pastor, our family spent the afternoon hiking through the snow covered fields searching for the perfect Christmas tree. It was chosen by our daughter, chopped down by our son and transported home on top of our Honda. Then the Nichols’s ritual of untangling thousands of tiny lights and fastening them on a prickly pine tree began! Lighting is Scott’s part of our family tradition. Finally, I decorated the tree simply – gold ribbon, red ornaments and an angel to top it off.
It is appropriate that we light up our homes this time of year. Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul called him, “God’s indescribable gift.” Jesus proclaimed, “Light has come into the world.” He called himself “The light of the World.” Gospel writer Matthew recorded the beginning of Jesus’ ministry by quoting Isaiah, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadows of death a light has dawned.” Christmas celebrates God’s gracious gift of Jesus Christ to a world dark with sin; weighted with sorrow. God judged sin at the cross by the sacrifice of Jesus as our substitute. “God made him who knew no sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” Because of Christmas and the cross, “Whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Joy to the World indeed!Vicki
Dec 2, 2007
Quiet Time at Christmas
Now that December and the cold weather have arrived and the Thanksgiving turkey is gone, our family has broken out the Christmas music: Nat King Cole, Mannheim Steamroller, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra and even Elvis. Nothing ignites the Christmas spirit like great Christmas music. I look forward to singing great Christmas carols at church in the coming weeks.
One of my favorite carols is “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” The melody is beautiful, but it is the lyrics that fire my Christmas spirit: “ . . .Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity; Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.” There is amazing theological richness and depth in those twenty words from verse two. Here we find references from: Galatians 4:4, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 1:21, John 1:12-14, Luke 2, Isaiah 9, Psalm 110, Hebrews 1 and more. Where does such theological power come from? I found the answer in a book titled, Stories Behind The Best Loved Songs of Christmas. There I learned that this song grew out of Wesley’s daily quiet time in God’s Word. One of our best loved Christmas hymns grew out of a pastor’s heart. I thought that was very appropriate because Jesus is a gift from the heart of God the Father (2 Corinthians 9:15). Wesley got it exactly right; “Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!”
Be sure to set aside plenty of time this Christmas season to be in God’s Word. Take some quiet time to let God’s Word speak to your heart. Live in Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2 and John 1. Drink deeply from the well of the Word. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired with the words for a new Christmas classic.
Pastor Scott
Nov 25, 2007
Thank You, Lord
It’s here! That quiet, unheralded day that refused to be glamorized has arrived. If you’re not careful, you’ll let it slip right on by with only a plate full of turkey and a passing nod. It’s the only national holiday that frustrates merchants since they can’t make an extra buck off it. And it always falls on a Thursday, of all things! That’s right it’s Thanksgiving . . . my favorite. Why? I prefer it because it’s so healthy, so encouraging . . . and so understated. No jingles to sing, no commercials to endure, no gifts to buy - just a day to be thankful. To look up and around and within and say, “Thank you, Lord.” Maybe these few thoughts will stimulate you to give God your own thanks in greater abundance.
Looking Up. . . thank You, Lord:
For Your sovereign control over our circumstances
For Your holy character in spite of our sinfulness
For Your commitment to us even when we wander astray
For Your Word that gives us direction
For Your love that holds us close
For Your gentle compassion in our sorrows
For Your consistent faithfulness through our highs and lows
For Your strong “no” when we need to hear it
For Your surprising “yes” when we lack the faith to believe it
For Your wise “wait” when we are impatient and rash
For Your understanding when we are confused
For Your Spirit that enlightens our eyes
For Your grace that removes our guilt
Thank You, Lord, for all You are, all You do, all You say. If we were unable to look up into Your face, Thanksgiving would be just another day. This is Thanksgiving, O Lord, not thankskeeping. And so we pause to declare to You these expressions of gratitude. They are merely an overview of the thousands of things for which we are thankful. You are indeed worthy of our highest praise. To You goes all the glory! Amen.
- Written by Chuck Swindoll in his book, The Finishing Touch, Becoming God’s Materpiece. Pg. 574 - 576.
Nov 9, 2007
How God Makes Your Money Work for You
In previous articles we’ve discovered primary truths from God’s Word regarding money. First of all, everything belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares “The earth is the LORD’S and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Second, we learned that we are accountable for how we manage the resources God entrusts to our care. Luke 12:48 reminds us, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” We were also reminded that we must understand where we are at financially. Proverbs 27:23 urges us to “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks; give careful attention to your herds.” It is impossible to manage in ignorance.
This week we’ll discover how God uses money in our lives. Understanding how God uses money is a key step in learning to manage it effectively. Money is not good or evil; it is simply a tool God uses in multiple ways in my life and my family and my church and my world. God uses money to test my loyalty (Luke 16:13, 18:18-30; 1Timothy 6:17-19; James 2:14-17). God uses money to reveal my priorities (Luke 12:13-21, 32-34, 16:9). You see, money is a personality megaphone; it amplifies my family life, my pursuits (career, entertainment, possessions) and my priorities (time, talent, treasures). God uses money to strengthen my faith. He will place us in a time of need in order to teach us to trust him (1Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 6:25-34; 2Corinthians 9:10-11). God uses money to teach me contentment - often through lack of money (Philippians 4:10-13; Hebrews 13:5-6). He will drive us to a place where we learn that if we simply have enough (food and shelter and clothes) we are content with that. God uses money to build his Kingdom (Acts 4:32-37; 2Corinthians 9:6-9, 12-15; 1Timothy 6:17-19). Understanding how God uses money in my life helps me to manage it in a way that brings honor and glory to him. As in every other area of life, we as believers under the authority of Jesus Christ, are to honor him with our finances. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12
Pastor Scott
Nov 3, 2007
Money Matters
Be Informed
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks; give careful attention to your
herds.” Those words are not from the Farmers Almanac; they are found in
Proverbs 27:23 of God’s Word, the Bible. The following verse goes on to
say, “For riches do not endure forever.” How true that is! If we would be
good managers of all God entrusted to us, then we must be aware of our
current financial condition. Good management requires that we take a
snapshot of our financial health, then identify priorities for the situation in
which we find ourselves. People have strong responses to the idea of
evaluating where they are financially. Some responses include, “Ignorance
is bliss! If I knew my real situation I couldn’t be happy.” “I owe, I owe, it’s
off to work I go.” “I can tell you exactly how I’m doing and where I’m going.”
“I can afford not to worry about money.”
Take a Snapshot
The Bible gives clear guidelines for our financial health: Ignorance is never
bliss (Proverbs 9:9). We should know this about our financial situation: net
worth, current income and expenses, at what stage of life I am, our 1, 5,
and 10 year goals, and current direction (moving toward financial freedom
or financial bondage). Failing to plan is planning to fail (Proverbs 15:22,
22:3). We must have a realistic workable budget. As Dave Ramsey
observed, “If we never establish a spending plan for our families, others
will.” Slow and steady wins the day (Proverbs 10:4, 12:11, 14:29). Good
decisions bring good results (Proverbs 2:6-15, 19:3, 22:3).
Set Goals
There is tremendous power in setting goals. Here are five to set this week:
1. Honestly evaluate where you’re at financially.
2. Take your financial concerns to God in prayer.
(Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 5:6-7)
3. Trust God enough to put him first in your finances. (2 Cor.9:6-7)
4. Write out a budget. Be specific as to income and expenses.
5. If you are married, schedule a quiet time to talk with your
spouse about your family finances.
Tremendous power and freedom come from following God’s design for managing our money. His will is our joy and freedom to follow his call on our lives. Join me in putting God first in every part of our lives, including how we manage his resources.
Pastor Scott
Oct 27, 2007
We all deal with money every day; therefore, we need to be
educated on how to make wise financial decisions. The Bible has
much to say about money. Once we understand biblical truth, and
then apply it to our own life situation, we find great freedom. Psalm
119:32 says “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set
my heart free.” When we meditate on the Word, learn the truths, and
then put them into practice we find that God’s plan brings us great
security, pleasure and success.
The most fundamental truth of all was expressed by Solomon when he prayed, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” - 1 Chronicles 29:11-12, 13. It all comes from God. It all belongs to God. It is all to be used for his glory and his honor. How I manage my resources makes a statement about my belief in God and my walk with the Lord Jesus. My money testifies of my Faith to my family and friends and neighbors. Since this is so, it is vital that I honor God with his own stuff. Honoring God begins when I think God’s thoughts, value his priorities, obey his commands.
Here are some Bible truths about money. Learn them, live them, enjoy them, benefit from them. God owns all, including our skills (Deuteronomy 8:10-18). God values careful planning (Proverbs 15:22, 21:5, 24:3-4). Don’t trust in riches (1Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19). Hard work brings profit (Proverbs 14:23). Generosity brings blessing (Proverbs 11:24-25; Luke 6:38). Enjoy what God gives you (1Thessalonians 4:11-12). I love the thought expressed in 1Timothy 6:17, God “Richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Everything is his, but he graciously allows us to manage it for him and to enjoy it in the process. God is good . . . all the time. Next week we will begin writing a plan for managing money in a God- honoring way. In the meantime, enjoy God’s gifts this week!
Pastor Scott
Oct 20, 2007
“I don’t like money actually, but it quiets my nerves.” - Boxer Joe Louis
“You spend a billion here and a billion there. Sooner or later it adds up to real money.” – Illinois Senator Everett Dirkson
“When I was young, I used to think that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am older I know that it is!” - Oscar Wilde
“Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash. Money, get back. I’m all right Jack, keep your hands off of my stack.” – Pink Floyd
“Money is a marvelous servant, but a terrible master.” – Warren W. Wiersbe
“Whoever loves money never has money enough.” – Solomon
“Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. . . Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. . . You cannot serve both God and money.” – Jesus
We all deal with money every day. We work to make it, we spend it, often as fast as we can make it; and we dream of ways to multiply our money. We are bombarded with money messages: make more, get rich, get out of debt, refinance with us, play the lottery, buy, buy, buy! If we are not careful others will set spending priorities for us. We need to be educated on how to make wise financial decisions.
There are more than 2,000 references to money in the Bible. Jesus used money as an illustration in 16 of his parables. 288 verses deal with possessions or money in the four Gospels alone. The Bible has a lot to say about money. Yet, very often we do not understand biblical truths about money. Once we understand biblical truth, and then apply it to our own life situation, we find great freedom. Psalm 119:32 says “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:165 goes on to promise, “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
No matter what our current situation – nearing bankruptcy or enjoying plenty, ordering our finances after God’s Word will help us move toward financial freedom. Meditate on the Word. Learn the truths; then put them into practice. In this space over the next few weeks we’ll look at some foundational truths to set us on our way.
- Pastor Scott
Oct 12, 2007
Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the
soul and healing to the bones.”
A week ago last Thursday, our family spent an hour leisurely savoring the cards you wrote for Pastor Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 30. We took turns reading the cards out loud. We smiled at the references to shared memories. We laughed at the jokes and inside stories you shared with us. We were surprised at the generous gifts included. We were refreshed from the reminder that people are what the ministry is all about. This is the true value of Pastor Appreciation. Honestly, it is easy to get sidetracked into the business of ministry. Bulletins must be printed, classes taught, workers recruited, sermons prepared, construction managers read the riot act and company owners bluntly held to account. But all of this is secondary to God’s call on the pastor’s life. Above everything
else we are called to “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you,
exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God
would have you, not for shameful gain, but eagerly, not domineering
over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter
5:2-3) This is God’s church, you are his people. I simply have the
privilege and responsibility to care for you under God’s authority and
careful watch. Vicki and I and our children thank you from the
depths of our hearts for your loving care for us. Your thoughtful gifts
communicate so much more than the value – they speak of your
careful thought about what would bless us. The gifts that allow us as
a family to do something together are particularly touching. Thank
you! If I can venture some transparency, let me ask for your prayers
for our family. This year has been draining for me spiritually and
emotionally. We have been busier than ever. That is never healthy.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Pray that we keep fit
spiritually. Pray that we make good decisions during this critical
phase of family and church life. We thank God for your support and
care for us as demonstrated last week. Thanks to Jennifer
Vavrinchik and LifeSong Women’s Ministry who spear headed
Pastor Appreciation. We feel appreciated and refreshed. Proverbs
11:25, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will
himself be refreshed.”
-Love in Christ, Pastor Scott, Vicki and family.
Sept 29, 2007
Building the church and the Church
Building programs are a unique time in a church’s life. We have the excitement and anticipation of a new facility combined with the uncertainty of how that new building will impact the ministry. In our case you can add the stress (and joy) of moving into a new community, and the effort required to set up and tear down every week. The challenge for our congregation is to give the time and attention required of a multimillion dollar project, while keeping our focus on God’s call to be salt and light for our community. We dare not neglect the building since we will live with the consequences of our decisions for decades to come. Likewise, we cannot afford to be detoured from the very kind of outreach oriented ministry that drove us to launch the building project. Please pray for wisdom for our church leaders, pray for determination for our people to stay committed to this process. Pray for our members to continue to provide the financial resources to complete the building. Pray for God to pour out a spirit of revival and renewal among our members. Pray that our church grows – explosively. Pray for spiritual power. Pray for God to do “far more abundantly than all we ask or think according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 (ESV). Let’s keep moving forward . . . together.
- Pastor Scott
Sept 21, 2007
A Little Light Please!
Last week we began an exploration of the book of Hebrews. I say exploration because Hebrews is one of the most challenging books in the New Testament. George Guthrie has written a helpful synopsis of the book, which I include below:
The author of the book has a specific goal in view – to encourage those who are faltering spiritually to endure in the faith. He attempts to accomplish this goal by an interworking of theology and exhortation. In fact, the book is structured around a movement back and forth between teachings about Jesus as Son of God and great high priest, and strong exhortations to be faithful to him. . . . exhortation sections made up of positive and negative examples, warnings and promises, general encouragement and expressions of deep concern. These two great streams of theology and exhortation are masterfully woven together to communicate a central message: Jesus provides a superior basis for relating to God and enduring in that relationship, and those who reject him are in deep trouble! (George Gutherie, Hebrews, page 7.)
My goal for this series is to inform you, but more so, to motivate you toward greater obedience to our blessed Savior. Enjoy!
- Pastor Scott