Texting Problem
Last week I had two people text me and for some reason I did not receive the text messages. The fact that both texted me the same day tells me that it had to be a problem with my phone, … Continue reading →
Steve Durkac
October 24th & What’s Ahead
• Tomorrow October 24th at CrossHope Chapel we’ll open to Matthew 27:45-28:10 and discuss the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. These final chapters in Matthew have been very meaningful and very moving as we have been studying the final … Continue reading →
Pandemic, Western Church, & Simpler Community
I want to continue some thoughts from my last post and email titled “Pastor Appreciation & Keeping Community” because it had occurred to me that some good may come out of the COVID-19 pandemic for the western church. My thought … Continue reading →
Pastor Appreciation & Keeping Community
I want to mention my deep gratitude for the Pastor Appreciation gift you all gave to Steph and myself on Sunday, October 10, 2021. Your kindness and love is greatly appreciated and we dearly love you all in our Lord … Continue reading →
Closing Scenes in Matthew
This coming Sunday, October 17th, we will open to the 27th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and continue through the closing scenes of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. We will cover Matthew 27:1-44 this coming Sunday, and on the … Continue reading →
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Tomorrow morning at CrossHope Chapel we will open to Matthew 26:31-75 and talk about Gethsemane, the arrest of Jesus, Peter’s denial of Christ, and the illegal trial before the Sanhedrin. Thru Revelation We are nearing the end of our study … Continue reading →
Sunday, October 3, 2021
This coming Sunday, October 3, 2021 we will open to Matthew 26:1-30. Matthew 26 is a long chapter with 75 verses and we will take two weeks of study in it, getting into Matthew 26:31-75 on the following Sunday, October … Continue reading →
No Meeting
Remember, no meeting tomorrow morning, Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Chapel. I am in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for a special family weekend at the University of Alabama. Next Sunday, October 3, 2021 we will get into the 26th chapter of … Continue reading →
Matthew 25 and Being Ready
Last Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we opened to the 25th chapter of Matthew and read two parables and an explanation of the separating of the saved from the unsaved at Jesus’ return. This chapter was a continuation of the same … Continue reading →
Signs of the End
This past Sunday we opened to Matthew 24 and had a good discussion on the signs of the end as given by Jesus to His disciples. We saw that Jesus gave this discourse with the purpose stated in Matthew 24:42-44 … Continue reading →
Last Sunday, Next Sunday, and Matthew 24
This coming Sunday we will be getting to the 24th chapter of Matthew and discussing the signs of the end that Jesus pointed out to the disciples. We didn’t get there last Sunday as planned because as it turned out … Continue reading →
Hurricane Ida, Displaced Families, and Matthew 24
This Sunday, September 5th, we will open in our Bible’s to Matthew 24 and talk about the signs of the end as mentioned by Jesus to His disciples. Matthew 24 is a very important chapter to our faith and to … Continue reading →
Sunday Cancellation
Based on the current hurricane projections and flash flood warning, we are canceling our Sunday morning Bible study gathering for tomorrow August 29, 2021. Please stay safe and dry and do remember each other in prayer, including those in Louisiana, … Continue reading →
Watching for Hurricane
Let’s be watching for how the tropical storm Ida develops as it gets into the Gulf today and heads to the Upper Gulf Coast this weekend. Tropical storm Ida is expected to develop into a category 3 hurricane with landfall … Continue reading →
Moving Along in Matthew
At CrossHope Chapel, we are moving along in our Bible study through the Gospel of Matthew and will complete this teaching series in about five weeks. Where are we going after Matthew? Well, when we first started the Matthew series … Continue reading →
On Matthew 22
Last Sunday, August 15th, we enjoyed the 22nd chapter of Matthew and discussing Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet, and the questions posed to Jesus with the intention to trap Him up in front of the people there in Jerusalem. … Continue reading →
On Matthew 21
Last Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we had a rich time in the 21st chapter of Matthew, partly because it was loaded with differing accounts and partly because it was the beginning of Jesus’ final week. We enjoyed so much interaction … Continue reading →
Focused on Jesus
This past Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we paused from our current series through the Gospel of Matthew for a Prophecy Update. It was a First Sunday so we also celebrated communion and had potluck together. We talked briefly about conditions … Continue reading →
Emails & Potluck Update
First, I want to comment on our church emails… yesterday I sent out two emails and I learned that by doing that they both combined together in my inbox and didn’t appear as two separate emails. So in case your … Continue reading →
Workers in the Vineyard
This past Sunday at CrossHope Chapel we examined the 20th chapter of Matthew, but we spent the bulk of our time discussing the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The chapter engaged us with the stories of Jesus healing … Continue reading →
First Sunday, August 1
This coming Sunday will be our First Sunday gathering and that means potluck, communion, and a Prophecy Update. We also have a number of birthdays in the month of August and we want to recognize them on this First Sunday. … Continue reading →
Matthew 19 and Staying the Course
This past Sunday we looked at Matthew 19 and were encouraged that although some may try to distract our eyes from the mission, if we keep our eyes on Jesus we will stay the course. I’m referring to the scene … Continue reading →
Matthew 18 to Matthew 19
This coming Sunday, July 18th, we will open to the 19th chapter of Matthew as we simply teach the Bible simply. Last Sunday we were in the 18th chapter of Matthew and we got to spend some time discussing Jesus’ … Continue reading →
The Return of the Savior
In our study through the Gospel of Matthew we have started to see a transition in Jesus’ conversation with His disciples to openly include His approaching expected death. Matthew makes this comment in the 16th chapter, “From that time on … Continue reading →
July 4th News
This coming Sunday is July 4th, otherwise known as Independence Day, a day set aside to celebrate the birth of our nation. We will pray for the future of our nation and give thanks for our Lord’s leading in the … Continue reading →
Update on Matthew Teaching Series
I thought it might be good to update you on where are in our verse-by-verse study at CrossHope Chapel through the Gospel of Matthew and I am going to that by just hitting some highlights… Matthew 14 was a great … Continue reading →
Miscellaneous Notes
Tomorrow we’ll be bringing some assorted fruit, doughnuts, and some conecha sausage wraps. If you have any special doughnut requests, let me know because we’ll be stopping at the doughnut store on Cottage Hill close to the Dawes Road intersection, … Continue reading →
This Sunday!
I thought I would send out a reminder that this coming Sunday we will not have potluck. No potluck this Sunday, but we will have some type of continental breakfast items like pastries or something similar. In case you may … Continue reading →
When He Saw the Wind
This morning at CrossHope Chapel was a good one as we went through the 14th chapter of Matthew. We studied through three stories recorded by Matthew, the beheading of John the Baptist, the feeding of the 5000, and Jesus walking … Continue reading →
Back in Mobile
I am back in Mobile and am looking forward to resuming our normal schedule of fellowship, this coming Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon Bible study if some of you are available this week. Just let me know. Parker & Adrianna’s … Continue reading →
Wednesday Bible Study
Just a reminder that I will not be available for the Wednesday afternoon Bible study today or for the next few weeks because of some things I need to attend to, including work at the hospital and Parker’s wedding. I … Continue reading →
Sunday, May 9th
This coming Sunday, May 9th, is Mother’s Day and we talked last week about fitting potluck into our gathering. Some of us have to meet Mother’s Day lunch plans afterwards, so it was suggested that we do a breakfast potluck. … Continue reading →
Updates on This Week
Today is my last day of antibiotics and I am feeling close to normal again. Today is also our 20th wedding anniversary and we have some small things planned together. Tomorrow, Payton is required to move-out of her dorm room … Continue reading →
Sorry to Report
I am sorry to report but I can not make it to the Chapel this morning, while my abdomen pain has subsided, it is difficult for me otherwise because of continued nauseousness and an overall general weakness. I had so … Continue reading →
Tomorrow, Sunday, April 25
I am fully intending on being at the Chapel tomorrow morning and getting into Matthew 13:24-30 and “The Parable of the Enemy’s Weeds.” This is a very significant parable that is very timely and helpful in understanding our troubling times. … Continue reading →
Thank You!
Thank you for praying for me this morning. I was planning on heading to the Emergency Department after church, but the pain in my lower abdomen was just unbearable. The diagnosis was diverticulitis with a bad infection. They ran some … Continue reading →
Upcoming Happenings
There are several upcoming happenings at CrossHope Chapel that I want to mention. First, let me say that I am looking forward to meeting tomorrow and getting into Matthew 13:24-30 and “The Parable of the Enemy’s Weeds.” This is a … Continue reading →
Wedding Shower
Just a reminder that Parker and Adrianna’s wedding shower is this Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Chapel. This is a shower for both guys and ladies. Bring your appetite because there will also be a taco bar with chicken, … Continue reading →
Easter Potluck
Sorry this is a little late, but I want to let you know several of the items that will be available for our potluck tomorrow, following our special Easter communion with Amir Tsarfati. At the Chapel already is a Honeybaked … Continue reading →
John 20:12 and The Easter Story
This is Easter week and soon we will be together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord together through fellowship and communion. Every year during this season I tend to think of a very minute portion of the Easter story … Continue reading →
Bible Study Cancelled
Bible study is cancelled today because of incoming storms. Also, Shirley and Kathy had a death in their family last night, so we want to remember them in our prayers. See you all this Sunday!
Continue reading →What’s Coming Up…
I am looking forward to being back together with everyone this Sunday! A big thank you for JP stepping in last Sunday when Steph and I had to leave for Tuscaloosa following Payton’s unplanned automobile accident. (We’ll update you all … Continue reading →
Cancellation
With the flash flood warnings, and sever thunderstorms moving in this afternoon between 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM and staying in the area, let’s cancel Bible Study at the Chapel today. I am looking forward to Sunday and updating everyone … Continue reading →
On Evangelism, Witnessing, and The Great Commission
I’ve been thinking about the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:19-20, which says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and … Continue reading →
Prayer and Weather Threat
This morning we awoke to an upgrade of the weather threat, extreme conditions north of us and more moderate here locally, but with the same need to be aware of damaging winds and tornadoes. As I looked at the high … Continue reading →
Wednesday Weather Threat
I have been watching the weather threat for Wednesday and it appears that out of caution we will cancel the afternoon Bible Study at the Chapel for Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Please stay weather aware Wednesday as our area is … Continue reading →
Sewing & Bridal Shower
Steph has asked me to remind those who were interested in getting together for sewing that tomorrow, Tuesday, 10:00 AM at the Chapel is the time. And…she has also asked that I mention a tentative date for Adrianna and Parker’s … Continue reading →
Daylight Savings Time
This is just a reminder that this weekend we turn our clocks ahead 1-hour, according to the Daylight Savings Time. This Sunday we will also get back to Matthew 12 and will finish up that chapter, before we move on … Continue reading →
Today’s Bible Study Cancelled
I hate to have to do this, but I will not be able to meet this afternoon for Bible Study or a late lunch because of some family things. Payton and her room mates have decided to travel home today … Continue reading →
Potluck Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the First Sunday of March and we will have potluck, communion, and open to Matthew 12:1-14 on “Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath.” Potluck tomorrow is loosely based around the one dish that was mentioned last Sunday, a … Continue reading →
Wednesday, March 3rd
I mentioned at church Sunday that I may have to cancel Bible study on Wednesday because of appliance repairs at my home. As it turns out, I do, so this is to confirm that cancellation. Our appliance repairs are scheduled … Continue reading →
Mark 16:18 and Handling Serpents
This past Sunday when I mentioned wanting to leave you with a promise for our fellowship as we go into the future, I asked for someone to find and read Matthew 18:16. I wrote that verse on the flip chart, … Continue reading →
A Family Conversation
Those of you on our church prayer alert text list know that our family received some very bad news this past week. This Sunday, I would like for us to have a family conversation. Steph and I will update you … Continue reading →
Wednesday
I hate to have to do this a second consecutive week but I need to cancel our Wednesday Bible study because of some family issues that need my attention.
Continue reading →Sunday, February 7, 2021
This coming Sunday, February 7, is our monthly potluck and Roxan has graciously providing us with a Honeybaked Ham. So we are building our meal around the ham. So far I believe we have deviled eggs, lima beans, and bread … Continue reading →
Let’s Stop Fretting
Recently I was doing some studying on a topic that led me to Psalm 37:1 which says, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” When we read Psalm 37:2 we see the … Continue reading →
Wednesday & Sunday
WEDNESDAY NEWS: One of the chaplains at the hospital has had an unexpected death in their family and I will be filling in for them the next few days, including on Wednesday, so I will not be able to meet … Continue reading →
2020 Donation Receipts
I will have 2020 Donation Receipts with me tomorrow at Bible study and at church this coming Sunday. If you prefer that I mail your receipt, just let me know and I will happily get that to you. If you … Continue reading →
This Wednesday
As you know, my daughter is scheduled to give birth Tuesday and right now the plan is for me to go across the Bay on Wednesday to get Gypsi Rose from my oldest daughter. That will likely be in the … Continue reading →
Christians, Politics, and Satan’s Work
I am beginning to wonder if Satan is hijacking our political outrage as a scheme to take our eyes off the Lord, the coming Kingdom of Heaven, and what Scripture warns us about end-time deceptions. Thanks to social media, I … Continue reading →
Don’t Lose Heart
The disciples had lost their confidence that their Master was going to rise to prominence in the land, and that meant their hope of being exulted with Him was fading. Jesus was talking about dying, and within a few days … Continue reading →
Thank You!
Steph and I wish to thank you so much for your love and faithfulness to the Lord through these past 10-years of fellowship at CrossHope Chapel. You all made today such a blessing! It was such a great time of … Continue reading →
10-Year Anniversary: See You Sunday!
I am so looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday for our special 10-Year Anniversary which we will celebrate with praise to our Lord, prayer for each other, the promises of God’s Word, communion, and a Dickey’s BBQ buffet … Continue reading →
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is an annual reminder that the Kingdom of God is with us and Satan’s demise is in deliberative motion. After a successful mission to pay the price for our sins and the legal right to redeem all creation, our … Continue reading →
Delivery Buffet
I am excited to tell you what to expect for our January 3, 2021 “potluck” on our 10th year anniversary fellowship gathering. As I was looking through our options I discovered that Meat Boss will be closed from Christmas to … Continue reading →
Countdown to 2021
As we countdown to a new year and our January 3, 2021 church gathering marking our 10th anniversary, please know that I am praying for you. I am praying that during this two week period before we entered into a … Continue reading →
Ronald McDonald House
Payton and I delivered everything to the Ronald McDonald House today and they were very appreciative everything, even commenting on how they need and can use certain items. I think the Nutella snacks were the most popular. They took a … Continue reading →
Live Nativity Information
Today at Bible Study Sonia mentioned the Live Nativity presentations and some of you were interested in going. Here are the details: •One is on December 17th only from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Camp Grace located off Eliza … Continue reading →
Gratitude and Philippians 4:6-7
This past Sunday I shared with you about Philippians 4:6-7 which states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends … Continue reading →
Christmas Potluck Tomorrow
Please plan on coming out to the Chapel tomorrow for our Christmas potluck which will follow our time of fellowship, prayer, and communion. We will have ham and turkey as our main course and sides (like dressing, rice casserole, [and … Continue reading →
NIV, ESV, and Translations
If you follow my Today’s Daily Promise devotionals you have likely noticed that I have recently been using the New International Version, having recently switched from using the English Standard Version. In this post I want to explain why I … Continue reading →
Ronald McDonald House
I had sent an email to the Ronald McDonald House and asked about the Wish List items on their website, and Tamara, Family Services Coordinator, replied with a short list of needed items. Those items are: Gloves, Ziplock bags, To-go … Continue reading →
“I Am Willing”
I know we are only a few days into the week, but I am still finding hope and strength from Scripture reading on Sunday from Matthew 8:1-4 and the words of Jesus to the man with leprosy, “I am willing.” … Continue reading →
10 Years of Fellowship Celebration
We are about a month away from our 10-year anniversary as a church fellowship, which we’ll be celebrating on January 3, 2021 at the Chapel in west Mobile. Please mark your calendar to attend or if it looks like you … Continue reading →
November 29, 2020
Tomorrow, November 29, at CrossHope Chapel we will open to Matthew 8 and start reading about Jesus’ healing miracle encounters after the sermon on the Mount of Olives. We’ll talk about our December 6 potluck plans, too. See you tomorrow! … Continue reading →
Thanksgiving Proclamation
New York, 3 October 1789 By President George Washington Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection … Continue reading →
Tomorrow
I am looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning at the Chapel. I am looking forward to catching up and the latest news, answered prayers, and getting back to our study through the book of Matthew.
Continue reading →God Knows, Even the Hairs of your Head
There is a verse in Matthew 10:30 that says that “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” The context of the verse is Jesus telling the disciples to have no fear for those who oppose them. Jesus says, … Continue reading →
This Sunday, Great Reset Videos
I am looking forward to being together in fellowship this coming Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the Chapel. We’ll open to Matthew 8 this week and pick up where we left off. We’ll also talk about our church calendar between … Continue reading →
Keeping Us From Evil
I’ve been thinking about Psalm 121:7-8, which says, “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” … Continue reading →
Countdown to 10-Year Anniversary
I want to share some things related to our church calendar these next few weeks, including our Holiday schedule, and our January 3, 2021 10-Year Anniversary. I’m going to highlight some dates below and just add some notes and ideas … Continue reading →
Election Outcome and Knowing God Reigns
There is a verse in Psalms that comes to my mind today, it is Psalm 47:8 which says, “God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.” If you look up Psalm 47:8 in the ESV … Continue reading →
Self-Quarantine & Vitamins
I know that some of you have chosen to self-quarantine because of having contact with Payton on Sunday, and it occurred to me that I ought to share with you the vitamin cocktail recommended for fighting off COVID-19… Vitamin D3 … Continue reading →
COVID-19
If you are on the CrossHope Chapel prayer alert text list you already know that yesterday Payton was verified COVID-19 positive, and now Steph and myself are in a 14-day quarantine. Payton is experiencing slight fever and other flu like … Continue reading →
Thank You!
It is a great pleasure and honor to serve you all as pastor, and I pray that I am faithful in my duty and calling as I seek to fulfill that at CrossHope Chapel by giving myself “to prayer, and … Continue reading →
Potluck
Potluck has been discussed and is planned for this Sunday. This is good because this is First Sunday so we will also have communion and a Prophecy Update that will center around the Presidential Election. The chosen potluck theme is … Continue reading →
Sweet Home Alabama
It is good to be back home now from our trip to Ohio for my mother’s funeral. This Sunday I will share more about this past week, but I wanted to let you know that Steph and I are home … Continue reading →
Blessings to You!
I will be leaving for Ohio early on Sunday morning but I do want you to know that I will be praying for each of you while I’m there. I will be praying for those who will gather at that … Continue reading →
Irene H. Durkac
My sister and I sat in the living room of our childhood home where my mother laid in her hospice bed. As we talked quietly, trying not to disturb our mother’s rest, I could see my mom open her eyes … Continue reading →
My Mother’s Passing
I want to share with you that my mother passed away peacefully this afternoon and while I was on the phone with my sister who was there with my mother. My sister called to tell me that the hospice nurse … Continue reading →
Wednesday Bible Study Cancelled
The Psalm’s Bible Study scheduled for tomorrow afternoon is cancelled because I will be across the Bay on a visit to my daughters and a meeting with Calvary Chapel pastor, and likely not back in time. While I have you … Continue reading →
Update on my Mother
This past week my mother’s condition with hospice has changed from palliative care to end of life. Yesterday the hospice MD had given my mother a 2 to 3 week life expectancy, changed her pain meds to morphine, and my … Continue reading →
The Lord Among the Churches
I’ve been thinking about Revelation 1:10 lately and how it relates to CrossHope Chapel. I probably need to mention that with this pandemic I’ve been thinking a lot about CrossHope Chapel, where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re … Continue reading →
Questions on Why Sin?
It’s not an uncommon question to ask, Why Sin? So I want to point out that we have some resources available to you at www.crosshopechapel.org if this question arises in your conversations or within your own heart. It’s a good … Continue reading →
Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is Near
This past Sunday as we looked at Matthew 3 we spent some time reflecting on the call for repentance in the gospel as presented by John the Baptist, Jesus, the Apostles, Peter, and Paul. I had mentioned to you that … Continue reading →
Virus Fear and Our Want of Safety
A few months ago I was of the opinion that the COVID-19 pandemic was going to subside come summer, but today I am thinking differently. We are half way through July and the COVID culture is ramping up its influence … Continue reading →
C-19 Vaccine & The Mark of the Beast
This afternoon our Psalms Bible study became a Q&A study on the mark of the beast and the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccine. I want to share with all of you two important points when you hear others declaring the COVID-19 vaccine … Continue reading →
Voddie Baucham, J.D. Faraq, & The Mark of the Beast
Sunday I made reference to Dr. Voddie Baucham, a black Reformed Baptist minister, and his public statements on the anti-Christian positions being welcomed by social justice leaders in the church and the protesting organizations. If you search Voddie Baucham in … Continue reading →
Law of Moses?
I want to make some general statements regarding the Law of Moses, in hopes that I can shed some biblical light on the place of the law in our Christian walk. When the Bible makes mention of “the law” it … Continue reading →
50 Promises for your Problems
There is a promise for every situation and circumstance of life. The Bible is one big promise of God’s response to the great conflict between Christ and Satan. Every word from Genesis to Revelation can be understood in the light … Continue reading →