Listen, I know men are weird. I know you ladies often wonder what in the world attracted you to us in the first place. You wonder…

-Why do men always have to buy the biggest and most expensive version of everything? We’re utterly consumed by the latest weed-eater, shopvac, knife, or electronic gadget.

-Why do men always think they can fix things? I’m sure women often wonder why we haven’t figured out after a hundred failed attempts this just isn’t our gift. While we can take apart everything from the TV to the garbage disposal, our expertise usually fails us when we go to put something back together. At this point we’re generally satisfied to leave it in pieces spread out all over the kitchen counter for weeks at a time.

-Why are men fascinated with video games? I believe most women are generally united in their disgust that men can throw so much of their life away playing a stupid video game until the wee hours of the morning. Somehow they don’t understand that this electronic therapy is our version of a day at the spa.

-Why do men think they’re so funny? While most women would say they desire a man with a good sense of humor that generally means something different than a guy whose own bodily noises can make him laugh so hard he almost pees in his pants.

Ladies, I know we have some complexities but nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the crazy obsession you grown women have with vampires. I know, I know, it’s perfectly healthy and normal to be 34 and wearing a “Team Edward” t-shirt while waiting in ridiculously long lines at the theater. I mean who wouldn’t be into pasty white men who sparkle and have really sharp teeth?

Please be patient with us ignorant men as we try to figure out how in the heck lusting after these immortal stalkers who are lured in by the scent of your “sweet blood” and have to fight the desire to eat you for a snack is somehow romantic.

But don’t worry about us. While you’re at the movies this weekend we’ll be at home fixing things, playing video games until late at night, and still laughing at our own bodily noises. Go Team Edward!

Few things are as thrilling as having a front row seat to watch people take steps of faith and trust God in new ways.  Here’s just one of many incredible stories from Faith, Hope and Love.

Meet Christina. She’s a graduate student who just took one HUGE step of faith.

Pete,

I wanted to write and not only thank you (and the entire staff at Crosspoint) but also encourage you by letting you know you are not alone in this stepping out in faith. (I’m sure you already know that by the hundreds, maybe thousands that are stepping up…)

Tonight was life-changing for me and I wanted to share it (and a bit of my story) with you.

I moved to Nashville from New Hampshire at the beginning of the summer to go to graduate school. Having grown up next door to my entire family and only attended college 2 hours away, this move was my “Jordan” moment. I graduated college in May, and moved halfway across the country 2 weeks later. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, yet the most rewarding. Looking back on it, I now see that I stepped into the river first, then God provided. It was a terrifying leap of faith- one that God rewarded through protection and provision. Since moving here, however, my life has become mediocre. Not in the sense of nothing exciting happening, but definitely in terms of my walk with the Lord. I am controlled by routine, stress, and worry. I work two jobs, attend school at night, and am barely making ends meet. I uprooted and moved over 1200 miles away and even on my best days question if this is really what God had for me. The series “Faith, Hope, and Love” has hit me right where I’m at. Several times I’ve considered throwing in the towel and moving home. Luckily, I have a best friend back home that won’t let that happen. He consistently reminds me that faith involves risk, and being “comfortable” will ultimately override my purpose. Being “comfortable” is not the goal- the goal is to be at the center of God’s will. Thankfully I have a church that is teaching me the same.

In all honesty, I figured God wouldn’t ask me to give… given my “circumstances” and all. I prayed “what role will you have me play?” with preconceived ideas that it would be to get involved or something along those lines. But money? I need that. Definitely definitely need that. There I go again, putting God in my “yeah, but…” box. I hate it when I do that.

So, tonight, I was really praying. Wanting to be a part of those miracles that used to happen in Biblical times… I always hear people say “well, yeah, but back then God moved more.” How sad! How quick we are to forget how much FAITH those people had to have to see Him move! So a number was on my heart… honestly, a “you’ve got to be kidding me” attitude swept over me… but I filled out the card nonetheless. You see, I have this small “just-in-case” savings account saved for the upcoming semesters, when I most likely will be working at an internship site for no pay… and not able to work the hours I need to pay the bills. Having a back-up plan is my thing- I am ALWAYS prepared (or at least I try really really hard to be). And I have my list- my “if I can’t make ends meet how long this money will last” list. Hence why I felt the “you’ve got to be kidding me” attitude when I filled out the commitment card.

Tonight, I committed to donating a one-time gift of $1,000… and when I sealed that envelope and tossed it into the offering basket, a wave of fear swept over me. Tears streamed down my face as I felt what those priests felt walking into the Jordan. “Okay God… this for real?” But now that I think about it, deep in my soul I know that I am about to be a part of something glorious… something heavenly… something eternal. This church has been my saving grace since moving here, and ultimately a God-given blessing. I know (and am SO thankful) that I am supposed to be a part of this church and all that it is wanting to accomplish. I have been reminded of what life really is all about- something I think I was slowly losing site of. In high school I used to walk on the edge daily, trusting Him with each and every step… my passion and love for the Lord never left, I just let life, stress, worry, and busyness drown it out. I want that back. I want to be so amped for what God is going to do- for what He has done and what He is waiting on us for. I want to be dependent on him- I want to save an extra $3.60 at Wal-mart and KNOW its one of God’s provisions for trusting Him. I want to follow Proverbs 3:5-6 and ACTUALLY understand what that means. I had a Jordan moment when I moved here- 5 months ago I leaned on His every promise to make it through just one more day… and I did. He provided for me then, and I know He will now. Am I scared? Terrified. My “what if He doesn’t come through” list could be miles long…but like you said tonight, I need to practice making a different kind of list… what would NOT happen if I didn’t.

Ephesians 3:20 says He is able to do exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine through the power that is at work WITHIN us. I think too often we over look those last two words. That power is in us, requiring us to step out, to trust that He will. THIS is when we see miracles. Faith is stepping out into the unknown… knowing sure well there is a possibility of failing, but trusting you won’t. I won’t. We won’t. Crosspoint won’t.

My “what if” list is now simply- He will.

I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with not only my sacrifice but of everyone’s at Crosspoint.

He has already begun to move,

Christina

Do you have a “what if” that needs to become a “He will” ?

It seems every generation has a group of these guys who every girl really thinks they want and every guy pretends to hate but really wants to be. I’m asking you to abandon all of your dignity today and answer this life defining question.

Whose your favorite boy band of all time?

Thanks to Tripp and Jarrett for the photo. As usual, nice work fellas.

As a father I feel as if I have the responsibility to teach my boys a lot of different things. Here’s just a few I’ve been thinking of…

How to ride a bike.

How to shave.

How to tie a tie.

How to dribble a ball.

How to love people you don’t like.

How to jump off really high stuff.

How to do a push-up.

How to understand women.

How to treat a woman.

But the most important thing I want to teach my boys…

How to trust a God they cannot see.

This past Sunday I watched hundreds of people make their commitment to Faith, Hope, & Love. Each commitment represented someone trusting God in a new and unique way. But the pledge that caught my attention was the one my 8 year old son filled out.

He pledged $50 (that he doesn’t have) to the vision of Cross Point Church. He later told me that God would provide a way for him to fulfill his commitment. This card represents a lot more than fifty bucks. It represents what is hopefully just the first of many adventures my son will have trusting a God he cannot see.

If you missed commitment Sunday at one of our Cross Point campuses and want to make a commitment to Faith, Hope & Love you can do so HERE.

What do you want to make sure you’re teaching your kids?

There are two words that for some reason are SO difficult to say.

They’re difficult to say to your spouse.
They’re difficult to say to your co-workers.
They’re difficult to say to your kids.

The two words: I’m Sorry.

Why are these two words so problematic? One word: Pride

There are few words that can change the bearing of a conversation, defuse anger, and convey the kind of healing power those two words can.

My guess is there’s at least one person in your life that needs to hear those words roll off your tongue today.

My friends Jarrett and Jeanne Stevens are moving from Atlanta to start a church in Chicago called Soul City Church.

They’re risking it all to chase the dream God has placed in their hearts. Just being around them right now makes my heart start beating fast.

Many of you know this weekend is our Faith, Hope and Love offering at Cross Point. We’re trying to raise 2.25 million dollars to plant a new campus in Bellevue, start two Hope centers, and launch a 5th campus we’ll plant in late 2010. I would by lying if I told you I haven’t had a few (or 113) moments of anxiety over the past few months. It seems like the closer we get to this weekend the more I have to remind myself that God is in control.

I had a conversation with Jeanne a couple days ago which was an absolute God send. She said through the process of planting this church God has clearly told her 3 things.

1) When you’re tempted to fear, lean into faith.

2) When you want to control, you must let go.

3) When comfort lures you, choose sacrifice.

Oh. My. Those statements couldn’t have had a greater impact on me if God himself had whispered them in my ear.

I just keep repeating these three things over and over and over again.

And I think I just might be finally getting it.

I would really appreciate your prayers for this weekend as it’s a historic opportunity for a whole bunch of spiritual risk tasking. It’s going to be fun to watch so many people enter into the journey of trusting God in a new way!

I had the incredible opportunity yesterday to speak with Jeff Henderson at an event we put on for the staff at Cross Point and Buckhead church.

Jeff said something that I’ve been thinking about a lot the past 24 hours. He said, “Nobody is responsible for your spiritual replenishment except for you.”

When I’m running on “E” in my spiritual life I love to blame others.

The church is overworking me.

My wife is asking too much of me.

My kids won’t give me any quiet time.

John Ortberg wrote on his blog the other day…

Often in ministry I feel like Jesus (that’s a dangerous comparison!) when he was touched by a woman in a crowd ‘and felt the power go out of him.’ Ministry can be the most draining activity known to human beings, because it draws on the soul. So i have to know what the signs are when my reserves are running low: I got easily discouraged, I get preoccupied in my relationships, my motivation and energy drop, sin looks more tempting.

In other words, you can’t run on “E” for long and still live the life God has for you.

So here’s a couple questions for you to contemplate today:

-Are you living a rhythm of life that restores God’s wonder in you?

-Are you claiming responsibility for your own spiritual replenishment?

-If you’re stuck on “E” what’s one thing you can do today to replenish your spiritual vitality?

What if your grocery money could help get hungry children fed in third world slums, build churches and change lives for an eternity? It turns out it can if you shop at Kroger or a Kroger owned store.

My friends Jeff & Vicki Rogers live in the inner city of Louisville, Ky and are missionaries with G.O. Ministries serving the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Colombia and Mongolia. Cross Point has supported Jeff and Vicki for years but as you can imagine raising additional support in this economy is challenging.

This is why I’m so excited about this opportunity. It costs you NOTHING to use their Kroger Gift Card and if you do 4% of everything you spend will help fund their ministry. It’s easy! Find out how HERE.

Also, if you’re a pastor or missions leader in your church looking for ways to further involve your community in global ministry, Jeff is leading an Exploratory Trip with G.O. to the Dominican Republic form Jan 11th to the 15th. I know he’d be glad to have you along. For more info feel free to contact Jeff at jeff.rogers@go-ministries.org

Last week at the Volunteer banquet my friends, Merelyn Catron and Ron Hemby, sang an incredible rendition of Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi. I sat there thinking about how many times I’ve dreamed of being able to nail that song in front of thousands (please don’t judge me). Let’s be honest, we all have a little rock star dream inside of us.

OK, let’s pretend you have the most incredible voice ever. Now just imagine you have the chance to sing in front of hundreds of thousands of people.

What would your song be?

This is an all-skate so it means all you lurkers have to jump in today.