Last night, we did a “year in review” of sorts at Crash. My buddy Rob Payne helped me to compose a montage of selections from the 11 series we did at Crash in 2009. I shared 3 things that I see God teaching us in 2009 that influence how we approach 2010. And then I shared my sense of God’s vision and direction for us moving into 2010.

(photo taken by my friend, Danny Ortega, on his iPhone with some cool filter app).

What can we learn from 2009 that influences how we approach 2010?

1. The most powerful moments we shared were connected to stories.

2a. Becoming like Jesus pulls us into a difficult and painful process of surrender that terrifies us most of the time.

2b. But in this, we find life, joy, and a sense of home with others.

3.  The way we talk about sharing Jesus with others is unorthodox and frankly, more difficult.

“If there is anything we can expect in 2010 from our experience in 2009, we will be called to larger risks and greater trust with God and other people.”

“Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” (Philippians 3:16)

Time Magazine called the 2000s “the decade from hell”.  ESPN called it “the decade for the cynic”.  Many are saying “run away, pull back, hunker down, live below, ride it out”.  But is that an option we really have?

“Obedience (when it comes to God) does not require understanding.” -Dan Yeary, pastor of North Phoenix

“That is a true but incomplete idea…because it doesn’t tell us what obedience does require…it requires trust.”

“If we truly are Crash in the fullest sense of the metaphor, then we must make larger risks and build greater trust with God and others. We must be out on the edge where failure is absolutely possible unless God intervenes.  I haven’t been living there but I sense God calling me to.”

Join us as we start our new series, I don’t know where to start, on Sunday, January 3rd.  Maxie will be sharing about “Who is Jesus?” and we will be celebrating communion.