The Christmas season is often described as "the most wonderful time of the year," but for many, it feels more like "the busiest time of the year." From endless shopping lists to decorating, baking, and attending countless gatherings, the season meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus can leave us feeling stressed and distracted.

But what would Jesus say about our busyness during Christmas? How can we shift our focus from the chaos to the true meaning of the season? Let’s explore how to reclaim the peace and joy that Christmas is meant to bring

The Irony of Christmas Busyness

Christmas celebrates the humble birth of Jesus Christ in a quiet manger in Bethlehem—a moment of simplicity, humility, and peace. Yet, our modern celebrations often seem to be the opposite: hurried, cluttered, and overwhelming.

• We rush from store to store, trying to find the "perfect" gift.
• Our calendars are packed with events, leaving little time to rest or reflect.
• Social media adds to the pressure, showing picture-perfect holidays that make us feel like we need to do more.

While traditions and celebrations aren’t inherently bad, they can overshadow the true purpose of Christmas: celebrating Jesus and sharing His love. 

Jesus' Approach to Busyness

In the Gospels, Jesus often modeled how to respond to busyness. He didn’t avoid work or responsibilities, but He approached them with intentionality and balance. Here are three key lessons we can learn from Him:

1. Prioritize What Matters Most
   In Luke 10:38-42, we see the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha busied herself with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him. When Martha complained, Jesus gently reminded her, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.”

During Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the “many things,” but Jesus calls us to focus on what truly matters—spending time with Him and nurturing relationships with loved ones.

2. Make Time for Rest
   Even though Jesus had an important mission, He often withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest (Luke 5:16). He knew that rest wasn’t a luxury but a necessity.

In the midst of the holiday busyness, we too need to step back and recharge. A quiet moment with God can bring the peace we crave amid the noise.

3. Serve with Joy, Not Obligation
   Jesus served others selflessly and joyfully, never out of guilt or pressure. As we give gifts, host gatherings, or volunteer during the holidays, let’s do so out of love rather than obligation. When our actions flow from a heart of generosity, they become meaningful acts of worship.

Practical Tips to Combat Christmas Busyness

To honor Jesus during Christmas, we must intentionally slow down and refocus. Here are some ways to simplify and bring peace into your season:

1. Create Margin in Your Schedule
   Say no to activities that don’t align with your priorities. Leave room in your calendar for quiet moments, prayer, and time with family.
2. Simplify Your Traditions
   Ask yourself: Are all your holiday traditions meaningful, or have some become burdensome? Focus on the ones that bring joy and reflect the true spirit of Christmas.
3. Practice Presence Over Perfection
   Don’t worry about having the “perfect” decorations, meals, or gifts. Instead, focus on being fully present with the people around you.
4. Start the Day with Jesus
   Begin each day with prayer or scripture reading to center your heart on Christ. The story of His birth in Luke 2 or Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7 can help reset your perspective.
5. Incorporate Acts of Kindness
   Shift the focus from to-do lists to serving others. Simple acts of kindness—helping a neighbor, writing a heartfelt note, or donating to a family in need—reflect the love of Christ. In our house we bought this manger that we set up at the beginning of the Christmas season. Every time we do an act of kindness, we put a piece of straw in the manger. The idea is that by Christmas you have filled the manger with enough straw for Jesus to lay on. It is just a simple reminder to keep kindness at the forefront of your mind during this season. 

Reclaiming the Peace of Christmas

Christmas doesn’t have to be a season of stress. It’s meant to be a time of joy, reflection, and worship. When we pause to remember that Jesus came into the world to bring us peace—peace with God, peace with others, and peace within ourselves—we can approach the season with a renewed sense of purpose.

Let’s take a step back from the busyness and sit at the feet of Jesus, like Mary did. Let’s celebrate not with hurried schedules but with grateful hearts, cherishing the quiet miracle of His birth.

Less Hustle, More Jesus

This Christmas, consider how you can replace busyness with stillness and chaos with peace. As Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

When we make room for Jesus, the season transforms from a whirlwind of tasks into a time of profound joy and connection. Let this be the Christmas where you find rest in Him—the Prince of Peace

When my wife and I got married one of the odd things that we decided we want to be very serious about is traditions. We are serious about our traditions. Whether it is things we do over the summer, around the holidays, for birthdays, etc. We love traditions. The reason for this is that we know time moves quickly. There are plenty of statistics out there, but I believe two things put this into perspective. First, about 90 percent of the time that you spend with your children will be over with by the time that they turn 18. Secondly, we know that as a family we want to have time spent together, and memories made even our children are grown, and we have grandchildren, and great grandchildren! With that in mind we started taking intentional steps to create traditions as a family that have become some of the best memories and are days, we look forward to all year round. Naturally around the holiday season people consider the traditions that they observe, and even sometimes consider new traditions that they want to begin building. Here are three reasons why you should consider creating traditions for your family!

Traditions build excitement.

Life is busy. I know this, and so do you. If we are not careful the time we have each day, week, month, and year can slip through our fingers before we are even ready. When you create intentional traditions, it is a targeted step towards pushing back against the business of life. When there are traditions, you have built, it creates moments that you are excited about. There are moments that you look forward to. One small example of this is how we have built a tradition that we observe every Christmas eve. On Christmas eve, we eat Chili (because why not?). We also have each of our children pick out one small present for each of their siblings and exchange them on Christmas eve. My favorite part of this is that it creates a spirit amongst our children of keeping others in mind. They love to pick things out for their siblings. This type of mindset, putting others first, comes before the part where they receive on Christmas day. Because of this tradition, our children look forward to that day every single year. Leading up to the day, they start talking about what they are going to pick out for each other. They know the day is coming and start building up the anticipation leading up to it. What could this look like for you? Are there ways that you can create traditions to build excitement around values you have for your family?

Traditions fortify rhythms.

I am unique in that I love rhythms. Every day of the week I have an alarm set and each day is set specifically around a set of tasks, or a gameplan for that day. There are some days targeted around work that needs to get done. Some days are orientated around rest. Those days are set up just for the purpose of our family having margin. I have an alarm set on my phone for 5:00am every day. It’s become so hardwired in my brain that even if my alarm doesn’t go off for some reason, I naturally wake up around that same time. I can’t sleep in more than 30 minutes even if I wanted to! For some of you, this sounds like torture, and the good news for you is that personal rhythms are totally up to each person! There are rhythms that you can create both big and small that help to fortify the rhythms you have that create space for you. When these traditions become rhythm, they create space for you to step out of the hustle and bustle of life and see things from a different perspective. I have heard it said that a change of place, and a change of pace creates perspective. That perspective can help to settle you and remind you of the things that matter most in life!

Traditions create legacies.

Every single summer on the week of the fourth of July my family takes vacation. My family knows that without fail, outside of extenuating circumstances I will be on a beach (with fireworks) every single year. The reason Hannah, and I have done this is that we want to create a legacy to pass down to our children and grandchildren. This legacy is one that is about spending time together and making memories. I am a person who would much rather create rich and lasting memories that will outlive me, than building up a wealth of physical items that will rust, breakdown, and eventually become junk. We have spoken vision about that week of fourth of July that we want to see our family, gathering, making those memories every single summer as long as we live. We believe those memories are going to become our legacy. As we do that, we will get a chance every year to speak life into our family for a whole week every year. We pray that this legacy allows us to step away from daily life and intentionally grow the lives of our family.

The truth is that the world is loud, and time is passing right before our eyes. My prayer is that as you and I invest time and energy into traditions that we create traditions that become a legacy that outlives us. When we do this, we are putting together the puzzle pieces of our lives that become a message that we send for generations to come. The traditions our family has created were intentional because they create a legacy and hold up values that we want to pass on to our children. As you consider this holiday season what traditions you currently have, and the ones that you might want to begin… Consider the values that you want to pass on. If you want to pass on a value of generosity, create a tradition around it. If you want to pass on a value of relationships, create a tradition around it. If you want to pass on a value of sharing the gospel, create a tradition around it! At the end of the day, my prayer for you is that you can look back years and years from now, and see the fruits of traditions you created today!

As a former Police Officer, I am used to responding to calls...but in the last few years, God has given me a different type of call to respond to, the latest taking me to a new church in my city. In this blog, I want to give you a snapshot of my story, my calling, and my burden to Make Jesus Known in Phoenix.

I grew up in a Christian home. I was raised in the church and involved in the AWANA program. God used AWANA and the loving ministry of my mother to bring me to faith in Christ. I was saved and baptized in May 1997 at 11 years old (interesting fact, my wife and I were baptized on the same day)! We had no idea what God had planned.  

I continued as a student in our church’s youth ministry, where I met Chad and Elisa Kritenbrink. While you already know this, I can bear witness to the fact that Chad (our Executive Pastor at Cross Church) and Elisa love serving the Lord and have done so faithfully for a long time. I remember meeting at their house and going through the book of Romans together with our college group...which at times was only me! They welcomed me into their home and faithfully taught the Scriptures, even when it was to one person. 

Pastor Chad officiated our wedding, and Rebecca and I married in December 2008. Now, we have three wonderful children, Claire (11), Audrey (8), and Elijah (4). I married into a Phoenix Police family. My father-in-law (now retired) and brother-in-law are both Phoenix PD, and my desire to join them in that profession grew. I pursued a police career and was hired by Peoria PD in 2011. While it is an honorable profession, it was an idol for me. I was an officer for 10 years; for the last five, I was an FTO (Field Training Officer), and for two years, I was on SWAT. It became my identity and a source of selfish pride. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing professional goals until they consume you, replace God in your life, and distance you from your family.  

My police career can be broken up into two 5-year segments: In the first five years, it was an idol, in the last five, it was in its rightful place. God humbled me, broke me, and helped me get my priorities straight. God smashed my pride and selfishness. He brought me back to Himself, and for that, I am eternally grateful.  

As time went on, God placed in my heart an aspiration to pastoral ministry. I have always loved helping people I met on calls for service. Whether it was a suspect I arrested or a victim I was consoling, I wanted to help them. However, when calls are stacking up, you only have so much time, and soon, you’re on to the next one. Domestic violence was one of my main call types. If you want to understand depravity and the extent of the effects of our sin nature, go be a police officer; you’ll see. Arresting people only solves temporary problems, the real issue is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). People are not the enemy; the enemy is the enemy. Spiritual darkness and forces of evil are the enemy. God placed a burden in my life to continue helping people, only spiritually.  

Fast forward to April 2022, I met Pastor Gary Derbyshire at Grace Baptist Church of Glendale. He offered me a part-time paid pastoral internship. The only issue was I wouldn’t make enough to be able to leave the department. However, the church was also looking to hire a custodian. Long story short, the two jobs were combined into one. I spent mornings doing sermon preparation, counseling, and anything else pastoral I could, and afternoons vacuuming and cleaning toilets. Praise God! 

The internship led to a full-time pastoral position where I continued to serve the Lord and His church at GBC. I also went back to seminary, enrolling at Southeastern, where I am completing my MDiv in Christian Ministry (almost done)! Then, a phone call came from an old friend. A familiar voice was on the line, Pastor Chad, and we reconnected right away. God intersected our paths once more, and now, here I am.  

I am truly humbled and honored to be called as the next Campus Pastor at Cross Church Phoenix. This is a call I take very seriously. God holds His shepherds to a high standard. I am reminded of what Peter wrote in his letter, “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). Cross Church is blessed to already have faithful shepherds, and I look forward to what God has in store for us at the Phoenix Campus.  

Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Thank you, Cross Church Phoenix, for bringing this passage to life over the last few weeks. You welcomed my family and me into the church just as Christ has welcomed you into His church. Your love and kindness bring glory to God. Thank you.  

One of my favorite passages is 2 Timothy 4:1-2, “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” May our Cross Church campuses continue to be faithful to the word of God, no matter the season, to the praise of His glory!

The weather has dropped, Halloween has passed, Thanksgiving is around the corner, and Christmas is already here. In this holiday season, it seems to be a time of joy, reflection, and celebration, but it's also an incredible opportunity to invite people into the warmth and hope of the Christian faith. As we gather with family, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive traditions, let’s not forget that the holiday season can be a powerful time to Make Jesus Known—especially for those who may not have a church family or are looking for a greater spiritual purpose.

Here are a few meaningful ways to invite people to church during this special time of year:

1. Embrace the Spirit of Hospitality

The holidays are all about hospitality, and what better way to share the love of Christ than by welcoming others into our church family? Whether it’s a Christmas Eve service, a Christmas Carnival, or a fun weekend service in this season, extend a personal invitation to those around you. A warm, genuine invitation can be more effective than a general one. Take the time to invite neighbors, friends, coworkers, and even people you meet in your everyday life.

How to invite: “I’d love to have you join me for Christmas Eve service at our church. It’s such a meaningful time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.”

2. Leverage the Power of Christmas Programs

Many churches offer special events during the holiday season—like candlelight services, choir concerts, nativity plays, and even Christmas caroling. These events are often more engaging for newcomers who may be unfamiliar with regular church services. They present a non-threatening environment where people can experience the beauty and tradition of the Christian faith and may even know the traditional songs!

How to invite: “Our church has our kids singing this on stage this Sunday, and I think you’d really enjoy it. We’d love to have you join us!”

3. Share the Message of Hope

The holidays can be a challenging time for some people, especially those who are experiencing loss, loneliness, or financial hardship. The message of Christmas—the birth of Jesus—offers a profound reminder of hope, joy, and new beginnings. Use this opportunity to share that message with others, reminding them that the church is a place of refuge and comfort.

How to invite: “I know the holidays can be tough for some, but there’s so much peace and hope in the message of Christ. Our church has a special service this weekend, and I’d love for you to join me.”

4. Use Social Media to Spread the Word

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for spreading the gospel and inviting others to church. Share your church’s events, services, and messages on your own social media platforms. Include a personal note or reflection on why you attend church during the holiday season and what it means to you.

How to invite: Post a picture of your church’s Christmas decorations or a quote from a sermon with a caption like: “Christmas is a time to remember the real reason we celebrate. Join us this Sunday at Cross Church to experience the joy and peace of Christ this season!”

5. Offer to Pick Someone Up

Sometimes, people may want to attend church but don’t have transportation or feel uncomfortable going alone. If you’re able, offer to pick them up for a service or a community event. This act of kindness can be a tangible expression of God’s love and hospitality.

How to invite: “I’d be happy to pick you up for the Christmas Eve service at my church. It would be great to have you with us!”

6. Invite Families and Children

The holiday season is also a great time to invite families and children to church. Many churches offer special services geared toward kids—complete with interactive lessons, crafts, and fun activities. These services can be a wonderful introduction for young families to experience the church in a way that’s engaging for their children.

How to invite: “Our church has a fun Christmas challenge every Sunday in December, and I think your kids would really enjoy it. We’d love for you all to come!”

7. Be Mindful of People’s Needs

Some people may be open to attending church but may have specific concerns, such as fears about fitting in or doubts about their faith. As you extend invitations, take the time to listen to people’s feelings and show empathy. Offering reassurance that church is a welcoming space for everyone can help alleviate those concerns.

How to invite: “I know it can feel intimidating to come to a new church, but we’re a really welcoming community, and we’d love to have you join us this Christmas season.”

8. Remember the Power of Prayer

Ultimately, the greatest way to invite others to church is through prayer. Pray for the people in your life, asking God to soften their hearts and open their eyes to the message of Christ. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your conversations and invitations, trusting that God can use you in unexpected ways to bring people closer to Him.

How to invite: “I’ve been praying for you, and I’d love for you to come to church with me this Christmas. I believe it could be a special time for you.”

Conclusion

The holiday season is a perfect time to share the love and hope of Jesus with others. By inviting friends, family, and strangers to church, you are giving them an opportunity to experience the transformative power of the gospel in a season full of meaning and celebration. Whether through personal invitations, social media posts, or acts of kindness, remember that your invitation might be the start of someone’s journey of faith.

So, this holiday season, let’s open our hearts and our churches to those around us. You never know how God might use your invitation to Make Jesus Known!

In our lives, we all face challenges that feel overwhelming and relentless, like being refined in a furnace of fire. These challenges can come in many forms—loss, illness, disappointment, or unexpected changes—but it is in these very moments that our faith is tested and strengthened. Learning to hold onto faith when the heat of hardship rises isn't easy, but it’s also where the deepest growth often occurs.

I know that in my own life, I grow the most during the difficulties. I remember a few years ago at one of the churches I pastored, going through a very difficult season. We were in the midst of changing some things around the church to help bring life back to the church. During this process, we lost some of, what many thought were key people. Our giving went down, our attendance went down, and honestly, I fell into a deep depression during this time.

I remember pulling into my driveway one day after a hard day at work, and I just didn’t want to go on any longer. I wanted to leave, I wanted to just pack everything up and walk away. Honestly, I wanted to walk away from ministry altogether. It was in the split-second moment I realized God was testing me to see what I would do.

In those moments in life when we are tested by God, we have a choice to make. We can either trust him, in faith, to get us through it, or we can rebel and walk away. It was at that moment I knew God was testing my faith. I trusted God to get me through that difficult season of life, and He did.

After that season of life, we saw our church grow more than it ever had. The giving to church went way up, and so did our attendance. We started to see people come to Christ, and we also saw new leaders emerge. It was exactly what needed to happen in order for that church to become healthy again.

It was through that trial and through that fire that God taught me so much about faith. I think for most of us, we have to walk through the fire for our faith to grow. I think it was Craig Groeschel who said a faith that is tested by fire is a faith that can be trusted. What a true statement that is. We know our faith is strong when it is tested through the fire.

Embracing the Fire as a Path to Growth

In times of hardship, it’s natural to want to run or hide. Yet, just as gold is refined by fire, our inner selves can be transformed through life’s difficulties. Faith can serve as an anchor, helping us navigate through the flames of adversity with a sense of purpose. The fire doesn’t burn us away; instead, it has the potential to burn away our fears, doubts, and insecurities, leaving us more resilient and focused.

Scripture speaks to this refining process, reminding us in 1 Peter 1:7, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.” Rather than seeing hardship as a punishment, we can view it as an opportunity for spiritual refinement.

Finding Faith in Small Moments

Faith doesn't always come with monumental signs; sometimes, it shows up quietly in the small, everyday moments. In times of difficulty, faith can be as simple as a gentle reassurance that you are not alone or the unexpected kindness of a friend who reaches out. By recognizing these moments, we learn to trust that there is a greater purpose, even when we can’t yet see it.

How to Strengthen Faith in Difficult Times

1. Lean on Community: Surround yourself with others who can support and uplift you. Sharing your struggles with a trusted friend, mentor, or faith leader can lighten the emotional load. I always have someone in my life that I can turn to for advice or just someone I can talk with.
2. Practice Gratitude: Even in the darkest times, there are small blessings. Acknowledging them can remind you of the beauty still present in your life.
3. Reflect and Meditate: Find quiet moments to meditate, pray, or journal. These practices help you connect with your innermost thoughts and emotions, bringing clarity and peace.
4. Seek Wisdom in The Bible: The Bible Offers wisdom that applies as much today as it did centuries ago. Reading these texts can provide comfort and guidance during times of distress.

The Power of Faith to Transform

Faith doesn’t mean life will be free of hardship, but it does mean we don’t face it alone. It’s a belief that through the fire, we emerge stronger, clearer, and more aligned with our purpose. Embracing faith in the fire isn’t about denying pain; it’s about trusting that something good can come from it, even if we can’t yet understand how.

In closing, remember: the fire you face today may be what prepares you for a brighter tomorrow.

It’s one week away from Super Tuesday 2024, where Americans will cast their votes to give their voice on who should lead our country, what resources will be used to do it, and what policies we will embrace. This is a freedom that many people in the world today and throughout history do not have so how should we approach the voting process as a Christian?

IS VOTING A BIBLICAL MANDATE?

A popular trend circulating around social media in many evangelical and Christian circles is that voting is a biblical mandate and God requires it of all Christians. No Pastor or church can claim to have perfect theology and know every interpretation and every answer to get from the Bible. With that said I am pretty convicted and comfortable making the unpopular to some statement that voting is not biblically required. I have yet to find a chapter and verse that says Christians HAVE to vote. With that said, you are not a bad Christian if you do not vote, but you are a bad American citizen. Can you be a bad American citizen and still be saved by Jesus Christ and spend eternity in a new heaven and new earth? Absolutely. But, I also believe we can be a good American citizen, vote and do so in a Christian way, so what does that look like:

1.   Pray for Guidance

This may sound so simple, but I have often not given enough time and effort to it in many election cycles. All over scripture, we see examples of Joshua, David, Daniel, Paul, and so many others seeking God’s wisdom and guidance before making tough decisions. Jesus has promised us the Holy Spirit to guide us, so why would we neglect the wisdom of our God that is so readily available to us when we are faced with choices that have big consequences?

2.   Educate Yourself on Issues

The reason why we vote on people and policies is because there are big issues inside our society that need to be addressed. If you do a Google search you are going to see a myriad of issues that our country is facing that voters are concerned about and want to have a voice in the action being taken. From abortion to immigration to healthcare to the economy to crime to climate change to gun control to gender affirmation and so much more, it’s unwise to think we can stick our heads in the sand and ignore what our communities are going through. The reality is we need to read about what our country, our cities, and our communities are facing and educate ourselves on what we believe about them.

3.   Use the Bible as Your Greatest Lens

Here’s the hardest part is its easy to let a news source, an influencer, a political party, or another source be your voice and your identity for what you believe about all issues. In the internet age we have become less educated on a wide-range of beliefs and more dug into our silos because we just find people who reinforce the bias we have. What true bible study and discipleship does is chip away our sinful and fleshly biases and shows us what Gods way truly looks like. When we make the bible a lamp unto our feet as the Psalmist writes then we start to see issues through God’s eyes and not just our political affiliation.

4.   Vote with Your Christian Conscience

The beautiful part of Christianity is that Jesus’ death on the Cross and resurrection from the grave makes salvation available to all. So Jesus died for Democrats, Independents, Republicans, and everything in between. So even though we are saved by the same grace and we are being transformed by the same Holy Spirit and the same Word of God, we may have different interpretations of how God’s love applies to America in 2024. The Bible was written across thousands of years in a completely different social context so applying it to a Democratic Republic in a digital age is not always a straightforward task. We have a duty that as we interact in our communities, in a political landscape, and through a voting process that we do so in a Christ-like manner, but we need to allow grace for a Christian brother and sister to disagree with our Christian conscience applied to American politics.

5.   Remember Who is in Charge

This is probably the hardest for us to accept because we want to be on the right side of history, we want to be on the winning side of the present. So if a candidate we vote for loses or a prop we vote for fails, does it mean that God is not in control and that we are losing ground? Absolutely not! God has always been sovereign and God always will be sovereign! God was in control when Daniel lived in Babylon, Paul lived in Rome, and when we live in America so if things don’t go our way, we don’t get worried or scared, we trust in the unfailing plan of the God of the Universe.

As a good American citizen, go out and vote this week. As a Christian, vote as someone who has been saved by Jesus and continuously transformed by the Holy Spirit, but after you cast that vote, remember that God the Father also sovereignly reigns over the entire universe...a universe that includes the United States of America.

I’ve often heard the words, “you reap what you sow”. For me this was also used in the context of being nice to others. However, the other day, I was sitting with my family sewing when I was struck with the power of moments and the way in which we “sow” things often. I was in the process of sewing some pillow seams back together, and in doing so, the conversation began around the idea of buying new versus fixing what you have. It seems that there is a general overconsumption in our world that always wants to just buy the next thing or the new thing. I couldn’t help but wonder if there wasn’t a different and better way to see the way that we live our lives, as if we are sowing into something. Galatians 6:7 “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap,” This type of mindset is one that seems to be reflective of a person who is thoughtful in the way that they live. With that idea in mind, here are a few ways that you can sow differently to see change around you.

Sow sensibly

The first area of consideration is to begin to sow sensibly. In Luke 14 Jesus is teaching about counting the cost of following him when he asks this question. “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”. I love the question Jesus ask because it builds into the conversation that there must be a very practical approach to following Jesus. When we take this approach to following Jesus, we see that there are benefits to using this style of living in all areas. When we begin to “sow” we are making choices, that have lasting consequences both potentially positive, and negative. When we do this correctly, we make choices, or sow, in such a way that can impact others. However, we must do that in a way that is sensible. From the start, we have to sow sensibly.

Sow steadily

The quote that is living rent free in my head lately is that it is better to be consistently good, than occasionally great. It was brough back to my brain when preparing for a funeral service for a man who had lived a life with a big impact. During my time with the family, and the friends of the man that they went on and on about the seemingly small actions that the man had done that had a huge impact on them. There was never really a BIG single action that he did. Every person though was able to share story, after story, of the way he had been kind, generous, or made a difference. This is the type of lifestyle that teaches us what it means to sow steadily. I’d challenge you today to look for opportunities to sow the fruits of the spirit, and Christlike character into your sphere of influence. Don’t necessarily look for the big moment. Be okay with a big amount of small impactful choices that lead to a life of big impact. 

Sow significantly

I recently had an opportunity to help a guy that I’ve been in contact with for a few months. He is between work and has quite frankly been having a rough time. However, he has always kept a smile on his face, and been a great example of someone who is trying hard and trusting God with the rest. In helping him, my first thought was how little can I do for him that would still be “enough”. As I thought about it, I laughed out loud. Who was I to be the one to try to just get by in my generosity. Whether it is with our time, treasures, or talents… The goal is to sow significantly. I never want to be the person who makes it heaven but knows that they could have done more. My aim is to hear someday “well done good and faithful servant”. My goal isn’t to hear someday “well done and good enough.” The difference being that I want to sow significantly. This means that I’ll incur some cost and have to give up some things I treasure. However, it is absolutely worth it in light of eternity.

Sowing leads to shifting

So, what is the point of all this sowing? The root word sowing is connected to the sowing of seeds. The long-term plan for sowing is the later reap what you have sown or planted. If we look at our lives as a farm that we are sowing into, my question would be what crop or seed are you sowing? An honest assessment of our lives could lead to the reality that our actions, or lack thereof are seeds of selfishness, envy, wrath, fear, safety, or a million other things. If we will truly reap what we sow, the goal should be to bring God glory. To do that, we need to be able to sow towards the goal of Making Jesus Known. This goal fundamentally changes what we sow, and of course how we sow it. When we sow to make Jesus known, we are making choices that should lead toward the life change that is found in Jesus alone. This sowing is something that is so much more than good vibes, best wishes, and positive thoughts. The goal of this style of sowing, is to see people meet and follow Jesus. My hope and prayer is that someday you and I will be able to look back at the fruit of entire lives and know that because we sowed sensibly, steadily, and significantly that there are people who have had their entire lives changed by Jesus. So go this week and sow some Jesus where you are at!

At one point, there was little question about where your child was going to school, it was simply the closest public school to your house. In a post-Christian culture that seems to be increasingly hostile to Christianity and Judeo-Christian values at large, it begs the question: where do I send my kids to school?

Depending on where someone lives, the choices may be limited, but in Arizona, where we have all our local Cross Church campuses, we have an abundance of options. So, how do you know what type of school is right for your family?

The Options

Public, Charter, Private, and Homeschool seem to be the four major categories of school today, and each has its pros and cons. Before we dive in, let me give you my experience with all of these various types of schooling. I grew up in the greater Phoenix area and went to my local public school from kindergarten through 12th grade. My two oldest kids attended a charter school for kindergarten through 2nd grade. I have served as an elementary principal and now Administrator over a small Christian School at one of our campuses for the past eight years. And lastly, I have many friends who homeschool and have a lot of experience dealing with different curriculums.

So, what factors should you weigh in selecting schools?

Academic Quality

The effectiveness of academic concepts reaching the student level and being fully grasped comes down to two major factors: the strength of the curriculum and the pedagogy of the teacher. If you have the right teacher teaching the right curriculum, your student is bound to be successful. Public and Charter schools typically thrive in this area because there is so much scrutiny in ensuring that a curriculum is meeting standards, and teachers are required to have the appropriate education and continuing educational credits to keep them up to date.

Parent Involvement

With a high-level curriculum and a professional teacher, students will find success, but to believe this will happen at every grade with every teacher at every school is not realistic. There must be parental involvement for students to have concepts reinforced, have their efforts commended, and just the increasing care of a parent to know what their child's educational journey looks like. There are varying levels of extremes and horror stories that pop up across our country of parents being shut out, but it's fair to say at a Private or Home school level is where parent involvement is seen the most.

Socialization

One of the hardest factors to balance with our children in their educational journey is how much or how little to socialize them. As Christians, do we want our children exposed to every kind of secular or immoral belief and lifestyle? Or do we want to go the other extreme and put them in a Christian bubble so they only see a "safe" community? The hard thing is no option of schooling hits all these categories. A public and charter school needs a strong church family and Christian home life to give a moral compass to guide their kids on what is right and what is wrong. A private and home school environment needs a sports, park, or other friends outside the church to understand what the world is like so our children don't grow up ignorant of the dangers out there.

Kingdom Impact

Here's where Christians have to think deeper about their school choices than our secular neighbors because we are not called to just make sure our kids are as successful as possible in their educational and professional careers, but they are making as great of a kingdom impact as possible. One of the things I am so grateful for growing up was having a strong church family and personal home life that bled into my public school journey and gave me a consistent opportunity to talk about Jesus and invite my friends to church. Can you still have a kingdom impact at a private Christian school or in a home school environment? Absolutely, but it takes more intentionality.

Finding Your Family Fit

Public, Charter, Private, Home...all have pros and cons...all check different boxes of academic quality, parental involvement, socialization, and kingdom impact, but all can fall into the will of God for our family. The question that it really boils down to is how are we going to give our child a godly education that allows them to practice their faith in the real world?

When you look at scripture, there are examples of being educated in a pagan context but rising up to thrive in proclaiming the gospel, like the lives of Moses and Daniel. Or we see the rural family trade that started close to home but branched out into ministries with worldwide impact, like the lives of David and Jesus. There is no one form to educate our kids that rises above all the rest; it's more about how we are Making Jesus Known to our kids and through our kids.

As we get ready to start a new series on Sundays through the first 6 chapters of the book of Daniel. At this time in our history and particular season we have a lot to learn from the life of Daniel. Daniel lived in similar times as we are. Babylon was a pagan nation that followed pagan gods. We now live in what most people would consider a post-Christian world. Some of the same things that were happening in Babylon are happening here in America. I think we have a lot to learn from the life and times of Daniel and how to navigate the times we are living in.

1. Exile in Babylon

Daniel was a young Jewish nobleman, taken captive from Jerusalem when Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered the city in 605 B.C. Along with other young men of noble lineage, Daniel was brought to Babylon to be trained in the language, literature, and ways of the Chaldeans (Babylonian culture) so they could serve the royal court.

Despite being far from home and subjected to a different culture, Daniel remained faithful to his Hebrew identity and the God of Israel. When asked to eat the rich food and wine from the king’s table, which may have violated Jewish dietary laws, Daniel resolved not to defile himself. His faithfulness was rewarded when he and his friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—thrived on a simple diet of vegetables and water, becoming healthier and wiser than their peers.

2. Gifted with Divine Wisdom

One of the key themes in Daniel's story is his gift of wisdom and insight, which is repeatedly highlighted throughout the book. In Daniel 2, when King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that none of his wise men could interpret, Daniel sought God in prayer. He was given both the dream and its interpretation, revealing a divine message about the succession of kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Daniel’s interpretation earned him a place of high honor in the Babylonian court, where he became an important figure in the administration. However, Daniel always remained humble, consistently acknowledging that his wisdom and insight came from God, not from himself.

3. Courage in the Face of Persecution

Daniel’s faith was not without its challenges. In a kingdom where idolatry was widespread, Daniel stood firm in his devotion to the God of Israel, refusing to worship foreign gods or compromise his beliefs. This unwavering faith led to several dramatic moments of confrontation.

One of the most famous stories from Daniel’s life is the account of the lion’s den (Daniel 6). When King Darius, under the influence of jealous officials, decreed that no one could pray to any god or man other than the king for 30 days, Daniel refused to comply. He continued his daily practice of praying three times a day to the God of Israel. For this act of defiance, he was thrown into a den of lions. Miraculously, God shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel emerged unharmed the next day. This miraculous deliverance led Darius to acknowledge the greatness of Daniel’s God.

4. Prophecies of the Future

In addition to his wisdom in interpreting dreams and visions, Daniel is also known for receiving apocalyptic visions that pointed to future events. Chapters 7-12 of the book of Daniel contain symbolic visions that have been the subject of much interpretation over the centuries. These visions describe the rise and fall of empires, the coming of the "Son of Man," and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

One of the most significant elements in Daniel's prophecies is the foretelling of the Messiah, a figure who would bring salvation to God's people and establish an everlasting kingdom. Christian interpreters often see this as pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ, whose title "Son of Man" echoes the language of Daniel’s visions.

5. Lessons from Daniel’s Life

The story of Daniel offers several enduring lessons for today:

• Faithfulness in Exile: Even when living in a foreign land, surrounded by a culture that did not share his beliefs, Daniel remained true to his faith. His story encourages believers to hold on to their convictions, even in environments that are hostile to them.
• Courage to Stand Firm: Daniel’s refusal to bow to pressure, whether in dietary matters, worship, or prayer, serves as a powerful example of courage. He faced death multiple times for his faith, yet God delivered him each time, showing that His protection surrounds those who trust in Him.
• Divine Wisdom: Daniel’s ability to interpret dreams and visions came not from his own knowledge, but from God. His story reminds us that true wisdom and understanding come from seeking God in prayer and humility.
• Hope in God’s Kingdom: The book of Daniel points forward to a time when all earthly kingdoms will be replaced by God’s eternal rule. For believers, this is a source of hope, reminding them that no matter how powerful earthly rulers and systems may seem, God's kingdom will ultimately prevail.

6. Conclusion

Daniel’s story is one of remarkable faith and trust in God, even in the most challenging of circumstances. His life serves as a testimony to the power of prayer, the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs, and the assurance that God is sovereign over all human history. For those who look to his story today, Daniel is a model of wisdom, faithfulness, and courage, and his example continues to inspire generations to live a life that honors God.

Every now and then, an awesome coincidence (more like the sovereignty of God) arises when my daily Bible reading overlaps with our church sermon series. I am going through a chronological, one-year Bible plan, and this past week, as I wrapped up 2 Chronicles, I read about the final days of Israel and Judah before the Babylonian exile took place that led to the events in the Book of Daniel. This Sunday, we will be kicking off a new sermon series studying the life of Daniel in the midst of the Babylonian Exile, but before we dive into those stories, I want to write a short blog shining light on the amazing life of a lesser-known biblical character: King Josiah. 

King Josiah: A Beacon of Reform and Righteousness

King Josiah, one of the last kings of Judah, is a fascinating figure in the biblical historical narrative. His reign, which lasted from approximately 640 to 609 BCE, is often highlighted for its significant religious reforms and his commitment to worshiping Yahweh, the God of the Bible. Let’s take a closer look at his life, accomplishments, legacy and what it means for us 2,600 years later.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Josiah became king at a remarkably young age—just eight years old—after the assassination of his father, King Amon. Think about that for a second, eight years old! My oldest daughter is eight years old and she is absolutely amazing! Straight-A student, thoughtful and caring, acts like a little mommy for her three younger siblings, all-in-all she is an incredible little girl. But, I cannot imagine for a minute of her ruling a kingdom, I still have to tell her multiple times to clean her room! Josiah was bred a little different and he had the obstacle of growing up in a time of spiritual decline and idolatry. Despite that, Josiah was fortunate to be guided by the influences around him, particularly his mother, Jedidah, and possibly the remnants of the faithful in Judah who longed for a return to the worship of the true God. Despite being preceded by wicked and terrible kings and in a world filled with immorality, but expecting the blessing of God, Josiah was determined to find a different way.

A Turning Point: The Discovery of the Book of the Law

The most pivotal moment in Josiah’s reign occurred during the renovation of the Temple in Jerusalem. In 622 BCE, while workers were cleaning and repairing the temple, they discovered a forgotten scroll, believed to be a form of the Book of Deuteronomy. How crazy is it that the nation of Judah essentially lost their Bible? They became so wicked for generations that no one was reading the book that formed their nation. This discovery was transformative for Josiah, who was still only 21 years old at this time. Upon hearing the words of the Law, he was deeply moved, recognizing the extent of the nation’s departure from God’s commandments and knew something needed to change in the life of his nation.

Religious Reforms

Motivated by his newfound understanding, Josiah initiated sweeping religious reforms aimed at restoring true worship in Judah. He began by removing idols and pagan practices from the temple and the surrounding areas. He also reinstated the observance of the Passover, which had been neglected for many years. His efforts not only sought to purify the worship of Yahweh but also aimed to reunite the nation under a covenantal relationship with God.

I encourage you to go read more deeply about Josiah's reforms which are detailed in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35, where we see a king who took radical steps to lead his people back to righteousness. His passion for God’s Law was so clear as he gathered the people of Judah and publicly read the scriptures, encouraging them to renew their commitment to God. Josiah was not content to simply complain about his world and resign himself to letting it get worse, he would do everything he could to help stem the tide!

The Legacy of Josiah

Josiah’s reign, eventually cut short by his untimely death in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt, left a profound legacy. His passionate pursuit of righteousness and justice is often seen as a high point in Judah’s history. The biblical narrative remembers him as one of the few kings who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:2).

His efforts to reform worship practices had a lasting impact on the people of Judah, inspiring future generations to seek a return to faithful worship. Even after his death, the influence of his reforms echoed throughout the remaining years of the kingdom, illustrating the profound effect a dedicated leader can have. Sadly his sons went back to the legacy of their grandfather and the others before them ignoring what their father Josiah had done. This ultimately led to God’s judgment in the Babylonian impact, but as we begin the journey in the book of Daniel, I wonder how much those young men were impacted by the legacy of Josiah. How much he shaped a generation that seemed helplessly headed in the wrong direction, how much he inspired a parent who inspired their family, and how much he helped spur a remnant by turning back to the path of God.

King Josiah stands out as a remarkable example of faith and reform. His story is a reminder of the importance of spiritual integrity and the potential for change when one seeks to align with God’s sovereign plan. In an age and culture marked by confusion and moral decline (not too different than our own), Josiah’s legacy invites us to reflect on our own lives and the ways we can pursue God’s kingdom and not a worldly one. His commitment to reform serves as an enduring call to action for believers today that we don’t have to reserve ourselves to defeat, we don’t have to give up in the face of resistance, but that we just need to dive into God’s Word and be faithfully obedient to His calling for our lives.

One of the things I’ve been known for as an employee is being the person who my boss has openly stated is the first to ever beg for an evaluation. Here is why I am a big fan of being evaluated. It gives me clear right and left limits, it brings everything into the open and helps me to be the best possible version of myself. That is why, when it comes to spiritual growth, I believe it can be easy for us, as followers of Christ, to get lost in the sauce. What is growth, how exactly do we approach it, and when are we fully grown? With that in mind, there are plenty of places throughout the Bible that give us different examples of lists or standards to measure ourselves against. Today, I’d love to draw your attention to what I have deemed the core four. The four core actions form a framework of spiritual growth. Let’s dive into them! 

1.     Bible Reading

This is something that can seem like an assumed task, but it is certainly a case of the action being more difficult than the concept. We hear it often and know that reading our Bible is good for us, but come on… We are busy, it’s not easy, and who can sit and read these days? That is why it is helpful to understand that there is a difference between finding time and making time. We must not simply find the time when it is convenient for us and works out best occasionally. It is imperative that we make time. The difference between the two lies in the priority of the task hand. I find time to enjoy my hobbies. However, I make time to brush my teeth. While hobbies are great, brushing my teeth is a non-negotiable and needs to be intentionally placed in my schedule. I always recommend to people that reading a proverb a day and a chapter from the Psalms makes for a great habit-building rhythm. There are plenty of great devotional options both in hard copy and online, but the big picture is to pick what works for you and get after it! 

2.     Prayer 

In this area of the core four, I see the most surface-level success. Churches and Christians do a great job of praying to move from one element of a church service to the other or before a mealtime, but when it comes to the heart of the issue, there is a much more powerful and meaningful approach to prayer that Christians should take. Personally, I’ve struggled with prayer mostly because it seems to be the process of doing nothing. I would much rather take an action step to do something, fix something, or make it happen. However, when we pray, we do what we can and ask God to do what ONLY he can. Consider finding a rhythm of prayer that goes deeper than thanking God for your dinner. Spend time focused on praising God for who he is, asking him to work in areas of your life and others, and see what God does! A bonus tip in this area, find a space to write it down. Hard copy seems to be the best way to do this, but digital can suffice as well. This helps us to see the seasons where God changed our hearts, answered prayers, and did things that give us hope for the future!

3.     Worship

You should worship! As a matter of fact, as a human, we are spending time worshiping plenty of things in our daily lives. We spend time giving adoration and appreciation to so many things. There is, however, nothing that deserves our worship more than the one who has created us, knows us by name, and holds the galaxies together. There are two general ways that we do this. The first is in corporate worship. I shared with our church on Sunday that the way we worship can be an encouragement and testimony to people around us at church that are fueled by seeing other people worship! Whether you are young, old, man, or woman, go to church on Sunday and sing loud the praises of God the Father. It is good for you and those around you. The second way that we worship is with our lifestyle. While there is absolutely a need for corporate worship, there is also a need for personal worship. In many ways, I see corporate worship as the overflow of personal worship. When you and I seek the heart of the Father, experience his goodness, and thank him for it personally, we can’t help but worship!  This lifestyle of worship is one that has many different application points, but it is helpful to know that we should see the way we do EVERYTHING as being done for God. That includes the big things and the small things. That includes when people are watching and when they are not. Live a life that brings honor and glory to God almighty!

4.     Serving

Finally, we should serve. We should serve others with reckless abandon. We ought to be looking for ways to serve inside of the church and outside the church. We should be seeking to find ways to use our God-given talents, gifts, and abilities for the good of God and others. This aspect of serving is really at the heart of an issue of stewardship. When we sit back and understand that everything we have is on loan from God and that we have been put in place as managers of the things he has entrusted us, we should naturally seek to manage that well. This means that we seek to take care of those around us and stay sensitive to the way that the holy spirit is leading us into situations where we can serve others. If we are careful and attentive to the way that the spirit leads us, we will not be hurting or lacking ways to use our talents for God’s glory!

While this might not be an all-inclusive list, it does have the potential to put you on a path to an increased impact. I’ll leave you with this. I have heard it said lately that it is better to be consistent than to be occasionally great. Regarding the core four, consider this your formula of things to do consistently good to grow spiritually in a consistent way. If you are faithful to that, I firmly believe you will look back someday and be blessed by the rich legacy of faith you will be leading, all for God’s glory!

Here I am posting these words the week before my last Sunday at Cross Church Phoenix as their Campus Pastor. For the past 8+ years, I have had the wonderful privilege of pastoring this congregation and seeing God do amazing things often in spite of my leadership rather than because of it. In this short blog, I want to just write my scattered thoughts as I reflect on the amazing journey God allowed me to be a part of and share my thoughts about how much I love this congregation.

The Picture

In 2015, I met Jackie Allen, Lead Pastor of Palm Vista Church in Surprise, AZ where God sovereignly opened a door of opportunity that I’m not sure any of us understood what the other side looked like. I had a burden on my heart and a calling for my life at 15 years old one summer that was confirmed by respected leaders in my life at Youth Camp to go into ministry. What that looked like, I had no idea, but I always knew it would entail seminary, so I decided to get my undergrad from Arizona State University which landed me a job in HR Management at Target. As I am sitting across from Jackie as a young professional with no ministry experience but a heart to do God’s work, I hear a vision, I see a picture to take Palm Vista multi-site with another campus in North Phoenix.

The Place

In the 1970s, Valley Heights Baptist Church was planted on the corner of 19^th Ave and Grovers. What once was a thriving local Southern Baptist Church sadly had to close its doors in the 2010s, this led to a revolving door of churches coming and going until the property was offered to Palm Vista. What would soon launch as Palm Vista Phoenix in the Spring of 2016 would become the 6^th church in 5 years on that campus. Something about the transient nature of the community along with the loss of trust by the many churches in and out had left that corner an unstable place. What I knew would be an uphill battle of just starting a church, I underestimated how hard it would be in an established property with an unstable past.

The Process

No one at Palm Vista had started a campus of the same church, no one had multi-site experience, and I didn’t even know how to pastor people and barely could craft a sermon. We had plans, and we had expert church planters in our church, but this was all new for our Phoenix team and new for our Surprise team to be doing it from a distance. Over the next 8+ years, we moved from launching a plane in mid-air to realizing there were a lot of missing parts to discovering those parts and launching two domestic planes (Cornville, El Mirage) and two international ones (Myanmar, Philippines). In those years, we crafted Vision and Mission statements, changed our name to Cross Church, created a playbook for campuses, and created a central support system to make it all happen. Did we always know what we were doing at Phoenix? Absolutely not, but trusted the process and knew we were a part of something bigger under the Cross Church banner, something bigger that could Make Jesus Known to a greater degree than we could alone

The People

What ultimately turned Cross Church Phoenix from an unstable building on a dark corner to a light on a hill spreading joy and truth was the people. The place was always going to be hard, and the process was always going to take time to figure out, but we needed the right people to make that corner a gathering of God’s Church.

I love the people of Cross Church Phoenix who have loved me and loved my family so well. I started as a 25-year-old newly married "boy" who couldn’t preach and didn’t know how to pastor people and am leaving a 33-year-old happily married, father of 4 kids who learned to exposit God’s Word and lovingly pastor his people.

I could write for pages of all the names of those who made our church a place of warmth, who served in ministries, who gave their time and energy to love our community, and who supported me with a smile when I had dumb ideas that didn’t work. I love my Cross Church Phoenix congregation, my first church, my first people, who allowed me to be their Pastor, allowed me to share the burden on my heart for Jesus, and allowed me to be myself along the way.

The Prayer for the Future

As I transition from our Phoenix Campus to our Surprise Campus, I have an eager expectation of what God is going to continue to do across all our campuses. I have been praying expectantly that Phoenix doesn’t take a step back, but that the next season of the church that gathers on 19^th Ave and Grovers is greater in every way than the previous. That more people will celebrate in baptisms, more families will dedicate their children, more schools will feel loved by their local church, more marriages will be restored by the Gospel, more truth will be proclaimed in the sanctuary, more friendships will be formed in the lobby, and more light will shine in Phoenix than we have ever seen before.

Thank you Cross Church Phoenix for loving me and allowing to love and pastor you.

In a world that is increasingly individualistic and digital, you might wonder, "Why Church?" Why bother attending a physical place of worship when you can listen to sermons online, read religious texts in the comfort of your own home, or engage in spiritual practices alone? The question is both timely and profound, particularly as society evolves and our ways of connecting continue to shift. Let’s explore several compelling reasons why church remains a vital and transformative experience for many.

1. Community and Belonging

One of the most compelling reasons to attend church is the sense of community it fosters. Humans are inherently social beings who thrive on connection. At church, we find a group of like-minded individuals who share similar beliefs, values, and life experiences. This shared community can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. In moments of joy, sorrow, celebration, or mourning, having a supportive community can make all the difference.

This is also why Bible groups are so important. They offer us a way to connect on a deeper level with fellow believers. It also allows us to feel like we belong to something bigger. That community that is built during Bible groups can get us through many difficult seasons of life.

The church acts as a "family" that cares for its members, where people can find friendship and fellowship. This sense of belonging is more than just emotional support; it’s a reminder that we are part of something larger than ourselves.

2. Worship and Spiritual Growth

Worshiping together in a church setting can be a powerful and uplifting experience. Singing songs, praying, and listening to a sermon in a communal environment creates a unique atmosphere that is often deeply moving and spiritually enriching. Corporate worship allows believers to express their faith collectively, creating a shared spiritual experience that strengthens individual faith.

Church services provide opportunities for spiritual growth through teaching and preaching. Engaging with sermons and Bible studies can deepen one's understanding of biblical texts and their application in daily life. Churches often provide structured guidance and resources to help individuals grow spiritually, which might be harder to achieve in isolation.

3. Opportunities for Service and Outreach

Church is not only a place to receive but also a place to give. Many churches emphasize the importance of serving others, whether within the congregation or in the broader community. Volunteering and participating in outreach programs allow members to put their faith into action, helping those in need and making a tangible impact.

Our mission at Cross Church is to make Jesus Known. This is the reason why we do outreach events. We partner with our local schools and other community groups to bring the name of Jesus to a lost and dying world.  We are always looking for opportunities to make Jesus Known.

4.  Teaching And Learning

One of the things we take very seriously at Cross Church is the teaching of the Word. 98% of the time we work straight through books of the Bible. There is a reason we do this. First of all, we want you to know what God’s word truly teaches. Second, we don’t want to shy away from the whole counsel of God.

When we work straight through books of the Bible, it causes us to teach things we might not otherwise teach. It also helps us get a better understanding of how God calls us to live.

As followers of Christ, we should desire to be learning. That should be one of the reasons we attend church every week. When we get to know God better, it helps us to grow in our walk with Him. It helps us to know what God expects of us as His followers.

5.  Invite Culture

The other thing, we as followers of Christ, should be doing is reaching out to our neighbors. We need to create within our churches a culture that invites. At our campus, we have a board outside that simply says, “Prayerfully invite someone whose eternity could be changed through a relationship with Jesus.” We provide a simple invite card for them to take and hand out. You would be surprised at how many people’s lives have been transformed by a simple invite. So, I would ask you who are you going to invite this week to join you. You never know how their life might be changed for all of eternity.

In essence, the church is more than a building or an institution; it is a living, breathing community that nurtures the spiritual, emotional, and social needs of its members. It reminds us that, despite the changing world around us, there is still great value in coming together to seek the divine, support one another, and grow in faith.

So, Why Church? Because it continues to be a place where lives are transformed, faith is nurtured, and communities are built—offering something that cannot be fully replicated elsewhere.

Some say you know Fall is here when Pumpkin Spice Lattes start popping up at your local coffee shop, but Fall for me has always been marked by Football. When you can turn on the TV every Saturday and Sunday to listen to Al Michaels, fans cheering, whistles blowing, you know the time is here.

I grew up cheering for Arizona State on Saturdays and the Arizona Cardinals on Sundays while watching countless games all around them. Something about watching football just brings out the fanatical nature of our culture. We eat lots of food, we cheer hard in stadiums and on couches, we are filled with foolish optimism, and there seems to be a new joy that comes with the season.

This past weekend we felt that joy in College Football and anticipating what is coming with the NFL kicking off this weekend. For me, it’s like the dream of Faith, Family, and Football is never more real during this time, but the conviction comes…do I care about football too much? I will be honest: I arrange my calendar based on ASU and Cardinals games, I get happy, sad, or mad while watching games, I can let the outcome of a game dictate my emotions for that week, and I devote time to listening or following along with Sports Radio, podcasts, and/or social media.

Maybe you are nothing like me and you could care less about football, but is there some form of entertainment or hobby that you feel similarly as passionate about? Do you have something that almost feels like you care way too much about?

Well, believe it or not, I know my faith and my family matter way more than my football teams, but the question I ask is how can football be an enjoyable form of entertainment that pours into those other buckets rather than drains them?

Family and Football

Football gathers people. Just drive around our country and from Pop Warner to high school to College to the Pros, and everywhere there is football being played, crowds are forming around them. Of all sports in America, football is king at bringing people together and honestly does so at more effective rates than any politics or pop culture.

On the extreme side, football can be an idol of pushing our kids to play more and longer than they want, it can become an idol in scheduling every aspect of our lives around it. But, when in its proper place it can be a wonderful vehicle to bring family together and create community and traditions.

The memories I have of watching games with my Dad and Grandad are ones that have stuck in my mind. The memories created of going to the stadium, watching big playoff moments, and spending time with my family and friends are ones that bring people closer together and strengthen bonds that God has already created. Can football and family healthily coexist and even complement each other? Absolutely, but the important question we need to ask of it and every hobby or piece of entertainment that competes for our time, energy, and emotions:

Is this an avenue of enjoyment or is this something my joy is dependent on?

If your kids all have to stay away from you cause your team lost, that’s a problem (I’ve been guilty more than once). If you are just bidding time and coasting all week to get to that game, that’s a problem (still guilty). And some may read this and think it’s absurd that anyone would have so much investment in a game, but the problem is whether it’s football, another sport, or another source of time and entertainment, this is a trap that all of us can fall into.

Are we using these vehicles as an avenue of enjoyment with people around us or are we using them to fill us up with joy?

Faith and Football

Football has produced so many great testimonies over the years. Stories of people like Kurt Warner are so inspiring and give platforms for those to share their faith and Make Jesus Known to many who may not otherwise hear it. But, is football strengthening the faith of the average churchgoer in America or is it a stumbling block along the way?  

How many people don’t go to church on a Saturday or Sunday because of a football game? How many spend time at church checking scores and fantasy points (guilty again)? How much time is spent watching, listening, or consuming information about football compared to reading the bible, praying, and being with God’s Church?

If we are honest, football is an idol for many in the American church, and on a personal level, it takes doing an honest assessment to admit whether or not we are giving the same effort to growing in our faith that we are to simply entertaining our minds. And if we are not diligent we can find more joy and put in more effort to following a game than to following the God of the universe!

The bottom line is I love football, it may be the most American thing there is, I mean we stole the most popular sport name in the world and assigned it to our better sport! When it’s here, it just brings an amazing time of the year, but I find the need to continually remind myself, convict myself, and challenge myself to make sure I am valuing my faith and my family over my football teams.

Every year around the end of August I personally celebrate one of the greatest holidays of the year. Yes, that time of year means that there is football coming. Yes, that time of year means that the temperature is going to start cooling down. Yes, that also means kids are back in school. However, the holiday that I celebrate is the beginning of Pumpkin Spice Latte season. Yes, that is a real holiday! For those of us who appreciate the finer things in life, there are few things that taste as good as that first sip of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. One of the things that I experience every time I get my first latte is a reminder that the seasons are changing. It is no small thing to observe the way in which time passes faster than we are typically prepared for. Every time I get in line for that first drink, I am reminded of all the things that are coming to pass. Things that I had been praying for, worried about, or just dreaming of. When the seasons change, we can often face those changes with a mixed array of reactions. Today, I want to offer you some Biblical counsel on how to handle those changes.

1.     Understand that while seasons change, God doesn’t.

James 1 tells us that the is “no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” with God. This is a fact that remains even though we face changes all of the time. As a matter of fact, it is this truth that can offer us stability during the seasons. When we face the changing of seasons, we can do so understanding God will always be the same. Your season of change could be a new job, a new city, the end of a parenting phase, or tons of other seasons. However, none of those seasons are going to change who God is. We understand that throughout the Bible God is our provider. That continues to be true even when a job ends or begins. We understand that God is our comforter. This is true no matter where find ourselves. Acts 1:7 gives us a window into how seasons work. While it would be nice to know what tomorrow brings, we do not know. However, we can take comfort in the fact that the God who does not change, is the one who holds tomorrow.

2.     Don’t hold too tightly to the season that is coming to a close.

There are times when the season of life we are in begins to change, and we subsequently try to hold on as tight as possible to the season that we are in. This reaction is often based on fear of the unknown, an unwillingness to change, or even an emotional attachment to this current season. However, if we as people stay in a season God is bringing to a close, we can rob ourselves of being inside of God’s perfect will for our lives. Paul who wrote so many pieces of the New Testament is a great example of someone who started a church, got it to a healthy place, and then went somewhere else to begin a new work. He of course stayed in contact with the people he had worked with, but he didn’t hold on too tightly. If I could encourage you today on this topic, it would be with a cliché. Let go, and Let God. You and I are not powerful enough to change the season. If your season is coming to an end, embrace it gracefully and go into the next season with your full focus and excitement!

3.     Reminisce, but don’t regret! 

As I look back personally on the seasons of my life that have now passed, I have some great memories. There are great things that I’ve learned, seen, or experienced. However, it can be a real temptation to make an idol out of our past seasons. This is just like what the Israelites experienced with Samuel. During a new season of life, they faced the temptation to make an idol out of a past time in their lives. For them, it was the season where they had a king. They actually wanted to take a step backward because of how they viewed their current season. This is the same thing that we see the nation of Israel do when they are leaving Egypt. When they are walking through the desert they have the courage or lack of faith to actually say that they wanted to return back to Egypt. This lack of faith could have led them backward and out of the center of God’s will for their lives. They could have missed out on the promised land if they gave into the temptation to work backward into a past season. I am convinced that we can easily make the mistake of looking back, and thinking that the seasons we were in previously were better than they were, or that they were meant to last forever. Let me caution you! There is a reason God has you where he has, in the time he has you there. Embrace the season you are in today, and understand that God is at work even now!

4.     Face the new season with your full force

In Luke 24 we see the account of how the disciples are handing Jesus death. The scene there tells us that they were gathered up, talking about what had happened. We know, looking back that Jesus had told them exactly what would happen, and how they should handle it. However, knowing the plan and living in obedience to the plan are two different things. At the end of this interaction, Jesus reminds them of the plan and then ascends into heaven. If you are facing a new season, and you know what that new season holds, enter into that season with everything you have! We find out later on in scripture that as the disciples spread out, according to the plan, they began the church movement that impacted the entire region. My hope and prayer for you is that when you know what season God is calling you into, you will be able to leave the past season and give this new season your best shot.

PS. Grab a pumpkin spice latte this week, and embrace the season God has you in!