Crystal Hills Assembly » Podcasts

7/18/10 – Showing God’s Love Through Simple Acts of Kindness

cha — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 04:35:36 +0000

Many times it is the simplest acts of kindness that have the most lasting effects upon us and others. The simplest of our acts towards others can have impacts far beyond our wildest dreams or imaginations. These simple acts of kindness demonstrate to the world around us not who we are, but who Jesus is, through us. Kindness can change our world one person at a time, one act at a time. Just as our heavenly father first loved us and demonstrated kindness and compassion upon us, may we, too, show that love to others in simple and powerful acts of kindness.

7/4/10 – God Bless America

cha — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:36:16 +0000

The reason America is such a great country and is so blessed is because since it’s foundation, since it’s beginning, it has been a land that has recognized God. Since it’s inception, we have been a country and a people who have claimed and proclaimed “In God We Trust”. No matter how hard many may try to deny it or cover it up, this country was founded upon Biblical principles that honor God.

No matter how prosperous or powerful we have become, we must never forget that God is the giver and sustainer of our lives and the blessings we enjoy. We as a people and as a country must continue to trust and acknowledge Him and Him alone. May we recognize – any nation that no longer depends on God and looks to Him for guidance, for wisdom, for protection, and for provision will not endure and be successful. If we wish to see the generations to come be blessed by God, we must, then, see to it that God is blessed. If America ever fails, it will be because of our failure to honor Him as the sovereign authority and Lord over this great land.

06/27/10 – Our God of Hope

cha — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:23:08 +0000

When you listen to the current news on any given day, you can’t help but wonder and ask yourself the question, in your physical mind and thinking, “Is there any hope for the future?” We see and face many challenges as a nation, as a world, and as individuals. Many are struggling with a host of issues: financial problems, health issues, marriages, children, jobs – the list is endless. Many people in our world are feeling hopeless and lost in a crazy cycle of life.

The fact is this, we need hope in our lives. When enduring life’s most difficult times, we need to believe that a positive outcome is possible. Hope is what points to the light at the end of the tunnel. Hope gives us fresh energy when we feel like quitting. When life brings confusion and blurs our vision, hope clears the way. When we fear the worst, hope reminds us that God is still in control. Jesus is our hope for today and tomorrow. Because of Him and what He did for mankind, we need not live in despair. He knows every trial and struggle we will ever face. He knows what measure of His grace and mercy we will need. He promises to go with us and help us in all things. Because of His resurrection power, we can have hope for today and all eternity.

6/20/10 – Arrows in the Hands of a Warrior

cha — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:51:59 +0000

Arrows come in many different styles. Some are made of wood, some made of plastic or carbon steel. Some are shorter and some are longer depending on one’s draw length. Different tips are placed on them depending on the game one is hunting for. They can be very different, but yet all have a distinct purpose to them. They are intended for flight and a target. They were never intended to stay in the quiver or be hung on a wall to look at.

Our children are like arrows in that they, too, were created with a purpose. They were never intended to stay within the walls of our homes forever. From little on, they are being shaped and molded for that day when they will be shot out into the world to fulfill God’s plan and target for their lives. Our children were designed by the Creator to make an impact upon the world. As a parent, or warrior, we are responsible to one day release those precious arrows placed into our care. Launching our children for flight is progressive in nature and begins on the day they were born. Throughout those first 18 years, there are thousands of practiced releases and each of them is preparation for that final release. May we have a clear target in mind as we approach that day and time. May we guide our children in a way in which they naturally fly towards Godly principles and values. May they know what it means to be a Godly mate. May it be our goal and desire to aim them and shoot them in the right path. May we make every arrow count.

6/13/10 – Hope Looks Up

cha — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:51:21 +0000

Psalm 121 is one of 15 Psalms referred to as the Pilgrim psalms or songs of ascent. The Israelites would often sing and quote these songs or psalms while making their yearly pilgrimages to worship in the temple in Jerusalem. For many, this was a long at treacherous trip. There were many dangers along this journey and many bad things could occur. This psalm was written and recited to remind God’s people as to how He would protect them in their time of need. They knew their hope for safety and security did not rest in their human strength, but rather, in the protection and person of God. He was watching over them, keeping them safe and secure.

So how does this psalm speak to us today? The dangers before you and I may not be the same as the ones the Israelites faced, but our unchanging God still protects us yet today as He did for them thousands of years ago. He is our protector and shield. He is at our right hand keeping us safe from harm. He is watching over us both now and forever more. Surely He can take care of us through every challenge and trial. True hope believes and knows that God is aware of us and is actively guarding over us.

5/30/10 – Build a Memorial

cha — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:40:49 +0000

Because of those who gave their lives, we have the right to live in peace and the privilege to pursue prosperity and happiness. Because of others’ sacrifice, we have the right to worship and serve God freely. May we be thankful for those who died to make us free. It is also appropriate and fitting to remember both God and His son Jesus, who have given us the greatest freedom of all – freedom from sin and death. God’s one and only son gave His life so that we might have liberty. He set us free from spiritual tyranny. May everyday be a memorial day in relation to the great and marvelous things the Lord has done and is doing for you and me.

5/23/10 – Sermon Series: The Jewish Feasts – “The Feast of Tabernacles”

cha — Thu, 27 May 2010 02:29:16 +0000

The feast of tabernacles is the last of the seven Jewish feasts introduced to Israel at the time of the exodus from Egypt. This feast occurred six month after the passover feast. Passover and tabernacles commemorate both the beginning and the end of the historical journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan. They also symbolize the inauguration and consummation of our spiritual journey from Calvary to the world to come.

The feast of tabernacles is a joyous celebration which takes place five days after the day of atonement. The feast is a time of great joy and celebration over God’s blessing and provision in their lives. It also is a time where the people recognize the protection and care of God over His people during the 40 years wandering in the wilderness. This feast speaks eloquently of Christ’s millennial and eternal kingdom. A place without the ravages of the curse of sin. On that last and final feast of tabernacles, righteousness will become a reality for ever and ever.

5/16/10 – Sermon Series: The Jewish Feasts – “The Day of Atonement”

cha — Thu, 20 May 2010 02:26:38 +0000

The day of atonement, also known as Yom Kippur, is considered Israel’s most solemn and holy day of the Jewish calendar. It is a day observed and marked by complete fasting, prayer, and repentance. This yearly event was to atone for the sins of the Jewish nation and a plea for God to watch over them and bless them throughout the next year. The focal point of this day and event involved the high priest entering the Holy of Holies, where he sprinkled the blood of a bull and goat, sacrificed on behalf of himself and the people. The priest would then send a second goat out into the wilderness to symbolically carry away their sins.

This day and the events which took place were a future picture of how Jesus would perfectly provide a way for our sins to be covered and for us to be reconciled to God. Jesus became our high priest, as well as the sacrifice which would take away the sins of the world. Unlike the day of atonement, which had to be observed year after year, Jesus’ death on the cross made atonement for our sins once and for all. His shed blood provided eternal redemption.

5/9/10 – The Proverbs 31 Mother

cha — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:26:43 +0000

We live in a day and age where the definition of success, both for a man and a woman, is based off a chart of secular achievements. Sadly, in the world’s eyes, one’s value comes from their physical position in life. Our status is often based off what jobs we hold or how much money we make. Unfortunately, there is a job that the world has left out of this whole process, which is truly the most rewarding and prestigious job anyone could ever have. This is the role and responsibility of a Godly mother who fears and loves the Lord.

The last chapter of Proverbs gives to us a definition and model for such women. It describes one who lives out a life of influence that leads her family in the ways of the Lord. It describes the attributes of the woman as one who desires to live out a life of: purity, trustworthiness, commitment, diligence, positive attitude, compassion, and respectfulness. Those qualities and traits will bring about true honor and value. A Proverbs 31 mother is a gift and blessing of God to her family and all who know her.

5/2/10 – Sermon Series: The Jewish Feasts – “The Feast of Trumpets”

cha — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:26:06 +0000

Every fall of the year, the Jewish community observes a holiday called “Rosh Hashanah”, meaning the beginning of the year. In the old testament, this day was known as Yom Teruah or Day of Trumpets. On this day the priest was to blow a trumpet which was made from a ram’s horn. This is known as a Shofar. When this trumpet sound was heard by the people, they were to stop whatever they were doing and begin a 10-day period of time to prepare themselves for an upcoming event known as Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. It was the blast of the Shofar or trumpet that began the prelude to the most holy day to come. It was a warning sign, or call, to the Israelites to prepare themselves to live in a state of readiness for God’s coming judgement.

There is little doubt that Jesus’ second coming announced by a loud trumpet call will be connected and correspond with this old testament Feast of Trumpets. As we await the return of Christ, we too must be evaluating and searching our lives and attitudes to see if we are ready for the judgement of God that is to come. This is the only way we’ll be prepared for the trumpet call and return of Jesus. May we encourage one another and build one another up in our faith as we await that glorious day.