Christmas Time

Each year it seems to sneak up on me. I know it comes every year on December the 25th, but I just keep allowing it to sneak up. Here at Crossroads Central, the weather has been in the 60's and 70's so that isn't very Christmasy. Right now it's a brisk 35 or so, so it feels a little more like it, but by Christmas day it's suppose to be back in the high 60's. The question was asked, what is Christmas to you. I began thinking about it and realized how things change. A little over 3 years ago, our son was born. I thought about how much I enjoy seeing him get excited about Santa. And yes we do believe in Santa at the Martin House! I thought about how much our lives changed once he was born. This little one came into our life and we were blessed beyond belief. But then I thought about the most important birth ever. The birth of our Savior Jesus. As the world welcomed in the Messiah, Mary and Joseph celebrated the birth of their son... but I wonder, did they ever sit and wonder what He would do when He grew up? Was there ever a time when they wondered what He was going to be? As my wife and I look at our son and dream of what he will become, Mary and Joseph knew from the day He was born, that He would grow up to die for the sins of the world. A celebration cut short. Knowing why He was here, how could they truly enjoy watching Him grow. Because of that birth, the world was changed forever. Eternity was changed forever. As shepards and wise men celebrated, God must have begun to weep looking at His sacrifice.

Christmas is much, much more than a day, it's an eternity. Celebrate the true meaning. Understand what it really means... and share the gift with all you see.

My prayer for you is that you will have an amazing Christmas. Look forward to celebrating with you all oneday in Heaven.

In Christ Alone

KennyM

Crossroads StudentMinistry

Summer of Mac Ends...

So the Summer of Mac is officially over. It has been an amazing Summer. Crossroads was very busy. God has blessed us so much. As we watched a group of Seniors graduate and start college and careers, we welcome in many new 7th graders. What a great time.

This Summer we studied many different things. Studies based on TobyMac songs, that really seem to fit where we are at Crossroads. Summer of Mac: Making sure that we're not just going through the motions. That our life matches up with what we say we are. Let's Get This Party Started: A Party is a group of people joining together for one purpose. We at Crossroads have one purpose... To Grow in Christ. In our growth, we will become the witnesses God designed us to be. Whoopsie Daisy: Not being that dog in Proverbs that returns to it's vomit. We all make mistakes, do we learn from them and move on or do we roll around in our sin. The Slam: Like it ain't been done before. God has a different ministry in each of us. Make your ministry different from all others. Allow God to use you uniqueness to do an amazing thing. Love Is In The House: The House... a place of dwelling. When Jesus Christ comes into our life, we've asked His spirit to dwell within us. So we are a house for the Holy Spirit. Is there love in this house? If we don't share our love... the love of Jesus, then our house is empty. Extreme Days: The times we live in are extreme. It's hard to find anything good. Do you stand for God in extreme conditions, or do you give into the world? In The Light: God is Light, in Him there is no darkness at all. God said "Let there be Light"... if God is light and He said let there be light... well, Let There Be God. What kind of light are you shinning. Gone: Making the most of every opportunity to shine for Jesus. Don't let any chance pass you by. This might be your only shot at sharing God's love with that person. I'm Yours: We all belong to something... do you belong to God? Who to represent... can others see God owns you... Diverse City: We're all different... it takes different things to reach different people. If we are different... how do we as Christians differ from the world? Irene: People make mistakes everyday. Some of those mistakes effect us for life. How do you react to the Irenes... the people who have chosen to do the wrong thing... Boomin: We are to be the Portable Sound for God. Our words are to proclaim God and His love. We can't proclaim if we don't know anything about it. God didn't give us a wimpy voice... boldly proclaim God.

It's been a great summer... join us on Wednesday nights to see what He does next.

We Are

Crossroads

Attack

Battle: a large-scale fight between armed forces, any fight or conflect... to fight. Attack: to use force against in order to harm, to speak or write against.
John 15:18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first."
Do you ever feel like you're constantly under attack? It never seems to fail when things are going well, you get blindsided by the enemy. satan, (small letters cause he aint as big as my God) uses anything and everything he can to get you down, to hurt you, to try and cause you to stumble.
Before you give your life to Jesus, you're under satan's thumb. It's more like he has you on a mason jar in his cellar. (mason jar... yep I'm a southerner) He's not concerned or coming after you to0 much because he knows where you are and that you're not doing any good for Jesus. Then it happens, you give your heart to Jesus and a earthquake or hellquake hits. satan walks into his cellar and notices your jar has been shaken off and broken. You are no longer under his thumb. Your out of his control and into God's. That is when the attacks begin. Satan knows that if you're out of his control, you're doing God's will and he hates that.
Being under attack is part of our walk with the Lord. How do you react when the arrows fly your way? I have had an amazing summer. Two mission trips, record numbers at Crossroads, the opportunity to speak in several churches, my family is healthy, and God is all over me... and I have also been under a major attack. Attack of my character, of my ministry and of my church. Honestly I want to go to the attackers and go redneck on them... (yep southerner) but that is just what satan wants. John 16:33 says "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace, In this world you will have trouble, But take heart! I have overcome the world!"
Don't allow satan to win. Put on your armor and get ready for a fight.

Summer of Mac

So... Summer is coming to an end. It has been an amazing summer. Like so many others, Crossroads has been very busy and hasn't posted anything in a while. So, hopefully this will let everyone in on what's been going on.
We started with VBS. Over 400 children this year. Crossroads is a vital part of our Children's VBS. They staff, and help in many ways during this week. From teaching, to video and audio help, they are very involved.
Crossroads went back to Tupelo, Mississppi for WorldChangers. It was an amazing week. We made many new friends and touched the lives of over 31 families as we finished all 31 projects. We also had the opportunity to build a relationship with some folks from Hunter Street. We love you guys, and hope to join together again soon.
In a twist to WorldChangers, Kenny was asked to speak at Meridian, Ms. He also was asked to speak during our week at Tupelo. What a wonderful opportunity.
this Summer has been the summer of mac. In Kenny's twisted mind, he started looking at the music of TobyMac. Each song has a BibleStudy with it he said. So he took the titles of some of Toby's music and did studies for us each week. "Let's get this party started", "Whoopsie Daisey", "The Slam", "Love is in the house", "Extreme Days", "In the Light", "Gone"... if you didn't get to come to these.... you missed out.
Hope you've all had a great summer and pray that this will be your best school year ever.
We Are
CROSSROADS

Life of Mission

"You can be a WorldChanger, shinning the light for those in danger, sharing the love of the Lord and the Savior, you can change your world, go out and change your world".. What an example of what God has called us to do. Changing the world. I have had the opportunity this week to hang out with WorldChangers in Meridian, Ms. It has been wonderful seeing these Sr. High students go out each day and make a difference. To see them come to a closer relationship with who God is and what He's all about. To see the WC Staff leading these students in worship and work. I have seen adults of all ages working with and helping in so many ways. To see Calvary Baptist in Meridian hosting this group and rolling out the red carpet. It takes many things to change the world... what would you do to change the world. Let's be WorldChangers... start in your heart today!

We Are

CROSSROADS

The Next Chapter

To the Class of 2008...

First of all congratulations. It has been a blessing to have worked with some of you for almost 10 years. Some of you, I didn't have nearly enough time, you came in late in your school career and now it's over. Whether you've been around for years, or you've only been here a short time... Thanks for being part of the Family.

It has been wonderful to have you in my life and now it's time for me to let go. My greatest desire for the past, however many years you've been here, has been to see you grow in a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Not to know who He is, but to have a living relationship with him. I know you know this, but I'm not serious about much... my relationship to Jesus, my family, and my job. I take my job seriously. At Crossroads, we call em like we see em. Not politically correct, but with a desire to be eternally correct. Sin is Sin and we don't candy coat it. I think you know that. In doing this, I tried to show you the importance of making the right choice the first time.

Now it's time for you to turn the page and begin the next chapter in the book of your life. I pray that you have learned Biblical Principles that will guide you as you begin this new step in life. That you would fully allow God to lead you and that you will be the one... the one to make a difference in someones life, the one to invest back in your church and Crossroads, the one to be the Christian God has designed you to be.

May you take the Blessings God has already given you and use them to grow in Him.

We love you all...

We Are

Crossroads

You have value...

One of the latest things for teenagers is EMO. I know it's been around for a while, but in the past few months, it's been showing up more and more. From what I see, it's just the newest way for teenagers to say what they've been saying for years and years. "Nobody hears men, no one understands, life is hard... Guess what, heard it before.

One of the saddest things I deal with is students that think they have no value. I have had so many students that feel that they are all alone, that feel they aren't good enough. I guess as I get older, I forget what it was like to be a teenager. The hardest thing I faced was unhealthy comparisons. I didn't have as much as some, so I wasn't as good. I didn't have a nice car, so I was lower than them. I wasn't the coolest, so I just didn't fit in. Sounds familiar doesn't it. I think we have all dealt with inferiority before. Guess what... I can't be what others are. I am not suppose to be like them, I am me. Just as each thumb print and every eye is different, every person is different.

I have seen more teenagers getting into the Emo thing. To be in this crowd, many will dye their hair black, wear mostly black clothes, sweaters (usually dark colors) scarfs... most of them dress from the thrift store, or from hand me downs. Some even resort to cutting themselves to fit into this emo lifestyle. All because they don't fit in. Well, what happens to the kid that doesn't fit in the emo group... what will the next title be?

Please understand that I'm not labeling people, I just want anyone to know that struggles with fitting in... you're not alone. I'm reminded of a person that didn't fit in. He was mocked at every turn... His name is Jesus Christ. So when you think you don't fit in, and you're not worth anything, think of the one who died for you... He saw some value in you. Don't by into the lies. God loves you and wants you to enjoy life. It's too short to be miserable.

We Are

Crossroads

Locked up, gone to the Big House, In my own concrete jungle, in prison. One thing that I can't get over is seeing people arrested carried off to jail and they act like it's no big deal. So how do I see this, MSNBC and Discovery Channel of course. My father in law and my brother in law work in law inforcements as well as several of my former students, but I Praise God have never had to set foot unwillingly into a jail.

In watching Locked-Up and DEA and things like that, I see so many people being arrested. Usually it is for drugs, and they act like it's no big deal going to prison. Prison: a place of confinement for those convicted by or awaiting trial. Being held against your will for something you did that was agains the law. Imagine every freedom taken away from you. As I blog, I am listening to Barlow Girl, drinking a Diet Pepsi Max (what a great drink) looking into The Upper Room as the media runs for Crossroads... I can turn and look out my window at the folks playing basketball, and very soon I'll go get into my truck and drive to my home and see my family... Freedom.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we have all slipped into prison. Some decision that has held us agianst our will. If we have taken the name of Christian, our desire should be to become Christ-like. If this is not our desire, we're imprisoned by something. Fear, laziness, pride, ego... but I think Fear would kind of hold all of these in it's title.

We are told in the Bible (that is the Holy Bible not what Oprah is pushing) that we are to fear God. Fear of God isn't the thought of God getting us for doing wrong, it is all about respect for who He is. You know R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me. God also tells us in His word that He has not given us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and of love and of self discipline... That is what God has given us.

On the tv show, one guy has the layout of the prison tattooed on his body. (wow, that's a onetime thing) but they use his body to gain knowledge of how to escape the prison. God has given us His word, to study, learn and make part of who we are. These are the instructions for life, and eternity. That is how we escape... know God and His wonder and allow Him to break you free from a life of prison.

We Are

Crossroads

Cops...po-po...5-0...Authority- that which has the power to command. There are many things that have authority in our lives. Some by neccesity others by choice. From the day we were born, someone was and still is telling us what to do. That authority was given to them because they are our parents, and that is what parents do, they tell us what to do. As a parent now, I really understand why my parents guided me the way they did. Then into school, our teachers have authority over us. They are our leaders and part of what they do is tell us what to do. They have the power to command. It isn't because they are mean and don't have any feelings, it's their job to command us to learn. And yes... it usually is for our own good. But too many times we allow other things to reign authority over us. Friends, family, jobs, money, fashion, image, every day pressures, fear... so many things. So what is one to do. In Romans 13:1b we are told that "there is no Authority except that which God has established". A friend of mine, Randy Bruner spoke to me about that a couple weeks ago and it really hit home. Nothing can contol me except what God has placed. Nothing man has or has ever created can control me. I have been given power over every living creature, I have been given authority over sin... but will I accept that power.

So, what has authority over your life. Give it to God. Give Him the Authority in your life. God created you to have life more abundant. Don't settle for what the world has to offer.

We Are

CROSSROADS

We all look forward to things. Birthdays, Christmas, vacations, graduation, ball games, dates. We all have things that we're excited about and we go to them with great expectations. These events are normally a once a year thing, or a every once in a while thing, or a once in a life time thing. The things that we do every day of our life, we're not that excited about. "What's the big deal, it's just my job", "It's the same thing every day, go to class, blah blah blah". "Well, it's Sunday, I guess it's time to go to church". I think we're missing out on something.

When God called us into His family, and we accepted the call, something special happened... The Gift of Eternal Life. Not something you got at the mall, or something your friend gave you, it is a gift that no one but He could give. That eternal life began when you died to self and gave your life to Him. In Matthew 18:20 it says "where 2 or more are gathered in My name, I will be there". Jesus Christ is here to meet with us corpratley each time we come to church. Shouldn't we be excited about that?

A couple months ago, the governor of Alabama was a guest in our church. People came from all over to see him and to be seen. Folks showed up hours early just so they could see him. I love an repect the man, but... he's a man. Each week we slowly get up and amble into church, plop down on the seat and watch our watches until it's time to leave. So I guess I have to ask the question, Who did we come to see? As you get ready for church, when ever you go, remember who's going to be there. Go with Great Expectations!

We Are

CROSSROADS

Let's play the Dating Game. Some of the best times, some of the worst times, but dating is something all of us has done or will do. I have to laugh at all the people who post things on the social web sites. I love this girl, I love this guy. She completes me, he is all I need. Then you see the word that begins the end of it all.... "forever". It is so funny to me to see all of the enlightened people who have the world figured out... then they don't understand why their relationship didn't work... why is it so complicated... they weren't what they said they were.... Welcome to Dating.

Dating is not just a time when you try to figure out the person of the opposite sex that you're dating, it is also a time that you find out who you are. " I didn't realize that her passing gas after dinner was her way of showing me that she enjoyed the meal". Who knew that she was grossed out by my candle made of my ear wax... Let's face it, we're different.

So what is the purpose of dating... why are we drawn to dating... is there a book about dating? First, dating is a time for you to test the waters and find out what you would want in a mate. That doesn't mean that you're married, so the married games must wait until then. (Ask me about the order sometime) But it is a time that prepares you for marriage. Does God have the perfect person picked out for me? I have no idea. I do know that way before I got married to my wonderful wife of almost 10 years, God knew we would be husband and wife. I do know that God has someone for you and He sent that person to you... His name is Jesus.

It is natural for us to want to date. Way before we were born... yes even before I was born, God created this dude called Adam. God saw something was missing so he made Eve. Notice God didn't give Adam a buddy, he didn't give him a pal, he gave him a gal. (WOW welcome to the '50's..."gal"?) Not Adam and Steve or Eve and Christy... boy-girl, girl-boy, that's the way it should be. Not politically correct... GOOD! I would much rather be Eternally correct than to be approved by worldly junk. It is natural for us to want to date, that's how we're wired.

The book on dating is out there. There are many books about dating, but one just keeps coming to mind, The Holy Bible. God has given us specific guidelines to dating in His word. If you keep in mind that God has rules for you to follow, and you have a relationship with Him before you begin your relationship with that special someone, and if your relationship with that special someone is centered around God's will, then you don't have anything to fret.

Will it last forever... will we never be tempted... ok first it won't last forever, you're gonna die. Dating ends with one of two things, marriage or breaking up. If God is guiding you, He isn't going to guide you into pain and sorrow, so if you break up, it's all good, God is in control. If you get married, it's all good, God is in control. Temptation is real, even God's son was tempted, but it's up to YOU to decide whether or not you fall into temptation. You can't be pressured into anything if you don't want to be.

Dating, good times. Make sure you've got your #1 and let Him take care of the rest.

We Are

CROSSROADS

The Day of Love...

(in your best French Accent) Ahhhh Valentine's Day, the Day of Love, One Day set aside to tell that special someone that you have strong feelings for them...(end of French Accent)

What is this day. For many it's the day that you go get flowers for that special someone, or you get candy for them, stuffed animals, any random item to tell someone you love them. A day that a fat man in a diaper with wings comes and shoots you in the heart so you will fall in love with the person of your dreams.... ok now really what is it?

Just a day, so I have to ask the question, what is love to you? After 9 years of marriage I have a better understanding of what love is. It's not flowers, and fuzzy feelings, it's more than a feeling (In your best air guitar playing 1980's band Boston sound), it's goes much further than that. Love is an action. The perfect example of love is this... "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay don hs life for his friends" John 15:13 So before you go start posting on myspace and facebook how much you luuuuve someone, make sure you know what true love is. And remember True Love Waits, true lust doesn't.

Happy Valentines Day

We Are

CROSSROADS

What's the big deal...

So... I know I'm getting older, and things aren't what they used to be. But I have to ask the question, How did Amy What'shername, win all the Grammy's. I didn't watch the show, but in seeing the album of the year, I have to say I was like..."REALLY, I MEAN REALLY". I guess as time has changed talent has too. ok enough about that... now the important stuff

D-Now is coming up. April 11th - 13th we will be having Disciple Now Weekend. I feel this is the most important weekend of our year at Crossroads. We will be joined by many churches in the area for one reason, to help students grow closer to Christ. I was fortunate enough to get to hang out with Jon (founder of SWAT) last Saturday. He and the SWAT leaders are very excited about coming back to Chilton County. I want to encourage you to make this weekend a priority. Liberty Hill will be hosting the weekend again and I know that God is going to do His thing, make sure you let Him work in you. I will be meeting with other youth dudes and chicks in a week or so to lock in our speaker and music. But until then, be praying for D-Now. For our SWAT leaders, for our churches involved, for our speakers, worship band, and HOST HOMES. May this be our best year ever!!!

We Are

CROSSROADS

Crossroads 1st Blog

Ok, so I guess I'm going to fall into the world of Blogging. I have some friends that I don't get to stay in touch with, so maybe this will be a way of doing that. Also, after so many years in youth ministry, I have former students all over the world, so this is also a way to let them know what God is doing at Crossroads and also in our personal life.

This might be a once in a while thing, or it might be a weekly thing, or this could be it. The greatest purpose in this is to encourage all who read these blogs to Grow in Christ, Walk with Him and Keep in step with His teachings. I pray that God is moving in your life and you will make His way your way.

In Christ Alone,

We Are

CROSSROADS