Getting degunkified
Cleaning out the muck and mire of our lives, we need to remove the junk that flowed into, but never flowed out of our lives.
It’s a process called confession that comes with a promise from God: He is faithful, He will forgive, He will heal.
Don’t miss out on the incredible Christian discipline called confession. It’s how we get degunkified!
Untitled from Andy Addis on Vimeo.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Just to make it today…
I can’t believe how 80s I am.
Every time I think, or hear, the phrase “You’ve got to pray,” I envision MC Hammer pants. That can’t be healthy.
But, here we go… You’ve got to pray (just to make it today… wow, it is an illness).
Communication is essential to any relationship, and without it the relationship will wither and die. Or, at least go into a period of hibernation until the spring thaw. Continue reading “Just to make it today…”
So What?
If I have to go on one more extended hunt for the TV remote, I am gonna lose it!
Seriously, if I come into the living room one more time and that remote is not in the little basket where all the remotes go, even the ones that control things we’re pretty sure we don’t own anymore, I am going to ground everyone in the family.
Even Kathy.
OK… I’m not that stupid, but it seriously does tick me off.
I have watched my boys argue, fight, whine and wrestle for the remote. Usually, I can understand why they want to score that prize, but sometimes they really throw me for a loop.
Sometimes they will battle and steal the remote in the midst of a program only to… do nothing.
- No channel change.
- No volume change.
- No menu guide check to see what we’re watching, when its over or what else is on.
They just pry it out of the other’s hand, and hold it! What good is that?
After musing this puzzle on several occasions it finally hit me: “They don’t want the remote, they just want to be in control.” Continue reading “So What?”
I'm All Out Of Love
For those who are not geographically aware of this bloggers location, the following statement won’t mean much:
It’s State Fair time!
Living three blocks from the fairgrounds is a good or bad thing depending upon what you think of the fair.
I get most of my fair jollies just sitting on the front porch. Watching the parade of happy people walking to the fair early in the day as they park somewhere beyond my house.
And, then, I am blessed with the occasional treasure of seeing the exact same people coming back later that night… transformed.
Tired, broke, sun burnt or freezing (it’s Kansas, you know) and almost always “less happy.”
This people watching is a little thing I have learned to enjoy in the last seven years of living here in Hutch. I do it every year as I listen to the concerts from the comfort of my porch swing.
You know what else doesn’t change?
The Fair!
That’s amazing to me.
- They set up the rides in the exact same place that they did in previous years (although some of the rides change).
- They do the concerts in the exact same venues as every year gone by (although some of the artists change).
- They have the same vendors in the same booths making the same claims as they did in every year past (although some of the prices change).
And, honestly, I love it. Continue reading “I'm All Out Of Love”
The Wheel
Deal With It…
Exactly 15 days after brain surgery… it’s time to blog. Thanks God for answered prayers, His love and compassion and my faith community’s support.
I decided to write this blog for three reasons:
- Many people have been asking for an update on the physical well-being of this blogger
- God has given me some new insight into a familiar passage through this experience, and personally I feel that being productive is healing
- My medical authorities have given me permission to write despite the fact that I am well inside the “DO NOT WORK” time parameters, or more simply put Kathy said it was OK
So, lets cover the reasons for this blog. First, what’s the physical update. For those who are feeling a tad clueless about all this and didn’t know anything had happened… please subscribe to the blog. Its quick, easy and free, because obvisouly you haven’t been checking in enough and there are some questions as to whether or not you are really going to heaven.
Alright, that was a joke. The last part of it at least, but I still would love for you to subscribe to the blog… please. Just out of pity for the sick guy… pretty please. Continue reading “Deal With It…”
Teaching Resources
The Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit… More important than you know.
There are no accidents. You have had, are having, or will have a holy collision.
A message for anyone looking for a new path to a better destination. This was an easter message in 2009.
Beginning a new year with the right perspective… AD… in the year of our Lord
A Christmas series on the basic issues of belief
There was a day that changed history. It was the day God became a man. Are you ready for the big day?
There are some important words that define our church and outline our faith… these are big words
Looking to the Bible to discover how to make our homes the most blessed places on earth.
But That’s Not The Whole Story
A look at the theme of the Bible as a whole from Genesis to Revelation. What is this story about?
An explosive series that is a verse by verse study of the book of Colossians. A series for deeper study.
A look at the biblical pattern for spiritual development and growth: Love God, Grow Up and Serve All.
A Christmas series focusing on its different storylines and how they match our stories.
A Christmas series focusing on its different storylines and how they match our stories.
This three week series focuses on the the Biblical response to conflict, anger, hurt and difficult people (especially when that person is you).
A unique series that takes you three three pastoral counseling sessions on marriage.
In every human life there are turning points, cross roads and transitions. Some are relational, some are financial, all are spiritual. This is a Biblical look at the CrossPoints of a human life
There is a time to fight, but how do you prepare for spiritual warfare. Learn the Biblical art of DEFENSE.
First, for a happily ever after relationship, you have to know what God has already said is blessable and what is not. Second, what needs to be done to affair proof your marriage.
A church turned inside out, wearing its faith on the outside. Includes 4 awesome testimonies!
Lessons from the Southern District Youth Conference
Learning how to put God First int he essential arenas of life.
A book study tracing the life of Jonah.
Taking your faith to the next level… focusing on the person, presence and power of God.
A single lesson on getting your life under control by modeling after Jesus and His actions on clearing the Temple
A study on spiritual gifts and the role they play in our lives
A verse by verse study of the book of Ephesians
A three step process to getting a grip on your spiritual life and maturity: reaching upward, outward and inward
God’s Church is made up of local gatherings… do you have a heart for one!
A look into the homes of some of the Christmas story’s most famous families… it’ll hep you bring the story home for Christmas
The keys to a happy, healthy home from a Biblical perspective!
Imagine what life would be like if God really had control of…
God’s plan for finance is better than your plan, even if it is In Yo Business…
A series of videos used for an interactive worship experience based on Isaiah 6!
Finding the tools and the motivation to start the changes you need to make heart, mind, soul and strength.
Spiritual maturity is not a destination, it is a journey. Hike the trail to the highest peak to the Scriptures outlining the journey.
A series of special videos that focus and direct a learning worship experience.
The Final Word…The Easter season is a fantastic reminder that nothing has the final word in your life, if Jesus is Lord… not even death itself!
A look at how much God values the Lost by studying the three parables of Luke 15: the lost sheep, coin and son.
Become a risk taker and become as you move beyond the Point of Safe Return!
What did Jesus say about prayer in Matthew 6?
Hitting the road to visit the campuses of CrossPoint Church and working through the book of James.
A theological look at the unity of God, His church and our mission.
There is only one church… one, holy, catholic, apostolic church… yeah, we said it.
Preparing For The End Of The World
This study of the first three chapters of Revelation will bring confidence to the believer that no matter what, we are fine if we are in God’s hand… even if the world comes to an end!
Studying the Great Commandment and its foundational teaching about what it means to be a Christian. Follows the model of Mark Batterson’s book called PRIMAL
In a broken world, heading out of control we need to raise the next generation in a counter cultural way. It’s time to raise some rebels
Jesus’ life, death and resurrection pulled off the greatest rescue in history… and, you’re part of the story
A look into the dark side of our personalities and the Biblical response to defeating our own Super Zeros!
A look at the many campuses of CrossPoint and the strategies that make us a unique fellowship.
There is a common way of thinking in Christianity that keeps us from becoming what we need to become… it’s time to make the shift.
This symbol was used by the first believers to identify each other and what they believed about their Lord. This Christmas we look at this symbol to help us remember what the real meaning of Christmas is.
Scattering seed and reaping a harvest. How did Jesus describe the lives that were ready to grow? Come ask the question, “SowWhat?”
Taking on some of the biggest spiritual myths and testing them out: true or false?
A series that asks the questions about the basics of the faith and gives us all the answers we are looking for… a Starting Point.
We will never move from the status quo if we aren’t willing to be stretched and intentional about finding stretching opportunities. In this series we explore the basics of Christian maturity, seeking the Biblical direction of stretching UP, OUT and IN. So, put on your jogging suit and get ready to feel the burn. Let’s stretch into more than we’ve ever been before!
A series looking at the Super Villains of our lives that creep out in dysfunction, difficulty and dilemma. Approval Junkie, The Fabricator, Master Manipulator, Doctor Downer & Captain Cranium.
Getting your life in SYNC with the Savior.
The 10 – These Are Not Suggestions
A brand new look at the 10 Commandments.
What does it mean to be apart of the Family of God…. roles, rights and responsibilities? What does the Bible say about the traditional family? About those outside the family?
Explore The “How To’s” of Family life together through a fun look at popular board games like Sorry, Monopoly, Battleship, Scrabble, Connect, etc. A family should play together!
A theological series on the doctrine of God.
It often gets lost in the elements of religion and cloudied in the chronicles of debate, but the heart of the Gospel is Good News! With a look at what the Gospel is and isn’t, and a look at the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, take a journey into the Good News that is… The Gospel.
From questions gathered from the local church, a series gives you what you asked for.
A look at the 5 purposes of the church and the vision of our faith community.
Taking the noun of application and turning it back into a verb. It’s time to apply what we already know… there is an app for that!
A chapter by chapter look at the Gospel of Mark. With the repeated use of “immediately” and “at once”, the writer clearly communicates a sense of urgency!
Making sure you are spiritually healthy means keeping track of your vital signs. How to know, how you are.
The Good Friday and Easter weekend messages for 2013… Finding your face in the crowd, and not just what He did, but what He does!
Where People Find Purpose is a series that focuses on the Biblically-based purposes of the church and the believer: Connect, Grow, Serve, Reach & Worship.
The power of words we use the impact of our speech.
God is able to do more than we ask or imagine… so, now it’s time for us to XSEED!.
Discovering where you are on your spiritual journey so you know where you need to go.
About the CrossEyedLife
About The Blog(ger):
I am totally excited about you stopping by the CrossEyedLife. I am the pastor of a multisite church that currently has campuses and partner churches throughout the state of Kansas (church website). I get to preach all the time and have so many of my messages reproduced on video that I wanted to get back to the basics and write out a few thoughts. Before I was in ministry I have a background in journalism and reporting. I have really missed writing, so, this blog is a joy for me.
While I love pastoring and leading this ever-growing organization, my favorite job in the world is being a family man. I have a beautiful wife of more than 20 years named Kathy and two awesome boys named Noah and Nathan.We all love Jesus, camping, the Dallas Mavericks and anything that goes good with ranch dressing.
Family is a priority for me, and not just in word but in deed. You’ll see that echoed in the articles on this blog, and I challenge you, if you know who I am, to hold me accountable to that statement. I’d rather write a really cruddy blog and raise great children, I’d rather pastor a tiny diminishing church and have a loving, adoring wife, I’d rather give up on career than sacrifice my family on the altar of ministry.
They say that a good preacher will only offer about 10 to 20% of what they actually know. I agree, preachers need to talk less, and I be one of those! So, an outlet for the other 80 to 90% of what I have prayed through, studied and journaled will often come spilling out through the pages of this blog. I hope you will enjoy some of the theological questions that are posed, the practical spiritual steps suggested and some of the gradeschool humor that I still think is funnier than anything else! My wife says I’m 11, but I prefer 13.
The title of this blog indicates that my goal for myself and all our readers is that the cross of Jesus Christ would be the focus of our eyes, the change agent of our lives, and the purpose for all that we strive. Cool, that kind of rhymed… I’ll bet I could fit that in sermon.
I post new articles regularly, sometimes as full written content and other times as a video usually shot from the end of my arm on an iPhone. We won’t solve any of the world’s problems, but we can scratch the itch on some of the deeper religious questions that seekers and new believers have. I want this blog to be more than just a place of information, I desire discussion. That’s why I allow open comments on every single article. I hope you’ll join the discussion!
I really, really want to encourage you to not just read this blog today, but click to the button on the side and subscribe to the regular feed. Of course there is no cost, and you’ll make me feel special… isn’t that alone worth the time and effort?
Finally, I hope you’ll join me in the social revolution as well and add me as a friend on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter and we could be cyber buddies! You’ll find those connections at the bottom of this page.
I hope you spend a lot of time here, and I hope you’ll invite some friends and family to check it out as well. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, I would love to know more about the readers who are part of the CrossEyedLife community. My e-mail is Andy@crosseyedlife.com. Hope to hear from you soon and many blessings.
More of Him, and less of me
John 3:30
Andy Addis
It's tempting to be corny
I just spent the last week working with the students of Corn Bible Academy in Corn, Ok… okay, let’s get this out of our system… yes, they were the children of the corn.
Corny, eh?
I was completely impressed with the students and staff of this small Christian school and had a great time with them as a teacher/pastor for their spiritual emphasis week.
During the week we had a Q&A time which lead to this video on dealing with temptation. The focus verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13:
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Also, stay tuned to the bitter end for the bloopers. I got real bored on the trip home. Four hours of, well, Oklahoma and Kansas. There’s a mind-numbing afternoon. Enjoy!