Scripture thought for the week:
From Genesis 12:1-3 The LORD said to Abram: Go, Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you. I will bless you and make your descendants into a great nation. You will become famous and be a blessing to others. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you.
Dear Friend,
You may be familiar with the new business paradigm and wellness teaching "BE --> DO --> HAVE" after so much of the world has been living "HAVE --> DO --> BE" and came up dry. If you're not familiar with HAVE --> DO --> BE, it goes like this: If I could HAVE... (more time, money, love, etc) I could DO... (start a business, take up a hobby, go on vacation, buy a home, start a relationship, give to charity, tithe), then I would BE ...(happy, content, blessed powerful, etc). Now what's beginning to be articulated is what philosophers have taught for centuries: when the "HAVE" part of the equation is first, in order to DO something good, it doesn't result in becoming the person you want to BE. The HAVing can start to own you and being happy is replaced by DOing more and more to get HAVVY(oops we meant happy!) What a vicious treadmill!
The power of HAVing is the wrong emphasis. The power is in BEing first, then DOing something good out of who you are will result in HAVing the power and happiness of a good life. The BE --> DO --> HAVE principle is now the business success buzz resulting in people being more charitable and sometimes becoming so altruistic they're going green and even giving green!
Still, even this comes up short of the power of experiencing the life that God intended. God's way with Abraham was more like GO --> BE --> HAVE --> DO --> HAVE MORE! God told Abram GO --> get out of your limited life and mindset into the way of life I will show you. BE --> My child. HAVE --> blessing just because you are mine! DO --> be a blessing out of what I give you (even with the little I give you at first). HAVE MORE --> in blessing all the families of the earth! This is truly living a powerful and blessed life.
Take a Step:
What limited life mindset or lifestyle do you need to GO from? What or who is stopping you from GOing? Make a step this week and GO.
This Sunday, in the final week of the Money Sex and Power series, we will help unwrap the powerful life God has for you.
GOing to BE, DO and HAVE all God wants for us,
Scott & Clare
Click here to watch the 60 second commercial for the Money, Sex and Power series*, mymoneysexpower.com.
Click here to invite a friend to church for this series.
*The "Money, Sex and Power" series is designed for PG-13 audiences. Toddlers through 6th graders are invited to join in our C.R. AdventureKiDs "Fiesta del Verano" (Summer Party) during the 10:45 am service. (Childcare is not provided during our 9 am service.)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sex or Celibacy?
Scripture thought for the week:
...First, is it a good thing to have sexual relations? Certainly-but only within a certain context. It's good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. The marriage bed must be a place of mutuality-the husband seeking to satisfy his wife, the wife seeking to satisfy her husband. Marriage is not a place to "stand up for your rights." Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out. Abstaining from sex is permissible for a period of time if you both agree to it, and if it's for the purposes of prayer and fasting-but only for such times. Then come back together again. Satan has an ingenious way of tempting us when we least expect it. I'm not, understand, commanding these periods of abstinence - only providing my best counsel if you should choose them. Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me-a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others. 1 Corinthians 7:1.-7 (MSG)
Dear Friend,
You may have heard the story of the night we gave our lives to Christ (in the back seat of a Ford Fiesta :) and determined that we would now promise to abstain from sex until our wedding day. Scott determined that a short engagement would be best :) Four months after our decision to follow Jesus Christ we were married. We have lived sexually pure for almost 3 decades now and God has blessed our marriage more than we could have asked for or imagined! We have very strong convictions concerning healthy sexuality and look forward to sharing them with you. God's ways rule!
Still, we know that healthy sexuality is not everyone's story. Believe us; we have heard more tragic and unfulfilled sex stories than we can count. Stories of breakup and divorce that have left people feeling like healing and sexual purity will never be theirs. Others have stories of one relationship after another adding to the sexual dysfunction of their lives.
Gratefully, we also know stories of healing that would blow you away! Jesus is the giver of sex and the healer of dysfunctional and broken sex for singles and married couples. Some people are walking testimonies of God's grace and healing after sexual brokenness in their marriage. Their lives are proof of God's power to restore to a "better-than-the-original" condition when people surrender to His ways. Thank God for His indescribable gift.
This Sunday we will be talking about the God-given sexuality of men and women, both single and married. We will talk about the way God has wired us that will give you abundant life and keep you out or get you out of the tragedy zone.
The Bible has a lot to say about sex. In fact the Author of Sexuality wrote this book, wired you sexually, and knows how to make your life everything you desire it to be. We want to help you grow and so...
For Married Couples:
* On Friday, July 25, we have a Marriage Tailgate party to give married couples ways to explore and discover the God given gifts for married couples.
* Marriage mentors available for those who need support (click here)
* Pastoral direction to help assess those in more difficult situations (click here)
* And our dear friend Dr. Sharon Morris May will be in Michigan during August working with couples who need more intense work. (Click here for Dr. Sharon)
* Recommended reading resources below.
One thing we know for sure is that couples who invest in their marriage...get what they pay for!
For Singles and Married Couples, ministries are available to help you grow as a follower of Christ:
* Celebrate Recovery (including sexual recovery)
* Divorce Recovery
* A Man's Road
* Ladies Only
* Millenials (18-30 group)
* And many Life Groups to help you grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (click here for a list)
If you need more individual specific help, pastoral direction and assessment, click here. For professional counseling, click here. What you invest into your spiritual journey will pay great dividends!
We are trusting God this will be a season in all of our lives to live in God's best design for our sexuality.
Living Pure and Loving It,
Scott & Clare
Click here to watch the 60 second commercial for the Money, Sex and Power series*, mymoneysexpower.com.
*The "Money, Sex and Power" series is designed for PG-13 audiences. Toddlers through 6th graders are invited to join in our C.R. AdventureKiDs "Fiesta del Verano" (Summer Party) during the 10:45 am service. (Childcare is not provided during our 9 am service.)
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
...First, is it a good thing to have sexual relations? Certainly-but only within a certain context. It's good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. The marriage bed must be a place of mutuality-the husband seeking to satisfy his wife, the wife seeking to satisfy her husband. Marriage is not a place to "stand up for your rights." Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out. Abstaining from sex is permissible for a period of time if you both agree to it, and if it's for the purposes of prayer and fasting-but only for such times. Then come back together again. Satan has an ingenious way of tempting us when we least expect it. I'm not, understand, commanding these periods of abstinence - only providing my best counsel if you should choose them. Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me-a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others. 1 Corinthians 7:1.-7 (MSG)
Dear Friend,
You may have heard the story of the night we gave our lives to Christ (in the back seat of a Ford Fiesta :) and determined that we would now promise to abstain from sex until our wedding day. Scott determined that a short engagement would be best :) Four months after our decision to follow Jesus Christ we were married. We have lived sexually pure for almost 3 decades now and God has blessed our marriage more than we could have asked for or imagined! We have very strong convictions concerning healthy sexuality and look forward to sharing them with you. God's ways rule!
Still, we know that healthy sexuality is not everyone's story. Believe us; we have heard more tragic and unfulfilled sex stories than we can count. Stories of breakup and divorce that have left people feeling like healing and sexual purity will never be theirs. Others have stories of one relationship after another adding to the sexual dysfunction of their lives.
Gratefully, we also know stories of healing that would blow you away! Jesus is the giver of sex and the healer of dysfunctional and broken sex for singles and married couples. Some people are walking testimonies of God's grace and healing after sexual brokenness in their marriage. Their lives are proof of God's power to restore to a "better-than-the-original" condition when people surrender to His ways. Thank God for His indescribable gift.
This Sunday we will be talking about the God-given sexuality of men and women, both single and married. We will talk about the way God has wired us that will give you abundant life and keep you out or get you out of the tragedy zone.
The Bible has a lot to say about sex. In fact the Author of Sexuality wrote this book, wired you sexually, and knows how to make your life everything you desire it to be. We want to help you grow and so...
For Married Couples:
* On Friday, July 25, we have a Marriage Tailgate party to give married couples ways to explore and discover the God given gifts for married couples.
* Marriage mentors available for those who need support (click here)
* Pastoral direction to help assess those in more difficult situations (click here)
* And our dear friend Dr. Sharon Morris May will be in Michigan during August working with couples who need more intense work. (Click here for Dr. Sharon)
* Recommended reading resources below.
One thing we know for sure is that couples who invest in their marriage...get what they pay for!
For Singles and Married Couples, ministries are available to help you grow as a follower of Christ:
* Celebrate Recovery (including sexual recovery)
* Divorce Recovery
* A Man's Road
* Ladies Only
* Millenials (18-30 group)
* And many Life Groups to help you grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (click here for a list)
If you need more individual specific help, pastoral direction and assessment, click here. For professional counseling, click here. What you invest into your spiritual journey will pay great dividends!
We are trusting God this will be a season in all of our lives to live in God's best design for our sexuality.
Living Pure and Loving It,
Scott & Clare
Click here to watch the 60 second commercial for the Money, Sex and Power series*, mymoneysexpower.com.
*The "Money, Sex and Power" series is designed for PG-13 audiences. Toddlers through 6th graders are invited to join in our C.R. AdventureKiDs "Fiesta del Verano" (Summer Party) during the 10:45 am service. (Childcare is not provided during our 9 am service.)
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
The Best for YOU!
Scripture thought for the week:
God gave you a desire and an appetite for the best from the land. He designed you to want the best, not bruised, insect infested or left over, but truly His best. When some people are hungry, they'll eat anything, but those who are willing and obedient will enjoy the best. God promises the best if we will do two things...only two things: 1) Be willing. God will never supersede your own free will. Are you brave enough to say, "God I want your will in my life"? 2) Be obedient. Once you find out what God's will is, are you ready to obey Him? Are you bold enough to believe God knows better than you do?
There we sat, drinking a cappuccino and eating biscotti on top of the Ufizzi Gallery overlooking the captivating scenery of Florence, Italy. We laughed and cried sharing memories of the 25 best and blessed years of our marriage. Our decision to live willing and obedient to God had given us the best from the land. Seriously, we could never have dreamed of the truly "best from the land" for our own lives, but God did.
Uffizzi Gallery Overlook
View from the Uffizzi Gallery
Whether you are single or married, whatever you've been eating or where you've been living... God has a fresh opportunity for you to live a "best from the land" life! As Albert Einstein once said, "I want to know the thoughts of God; the rest are details." Following God's framework for morality assures a full belly and a blessed life. For the next 2 weeks in our "Money, Sex and Power" series* we will be teaching from God's Word about the connection of our spirituality to our sexuality. God desires to give you the best of the land. Being willing to learn His ways and then be obedient to them will provide exactly the life you are longing to live.
(picture missing)Loughriges at the Arno River
Scott and Clare at the Arno River, Florence, Italy
(picture missing)Scott's Proposal in Italy
Scott asks perfect strangers
to take a picture of his asking
Clare to marry him (AGAIN!) in
the Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy
Praying God's Best for the Land for You,
Scott & Clare
Click here to watch the 60 second commercial for the Money, Sex and Power series*, mymoneysexpower.com.
*The "Money, Sex and Power" series is designed for PG-13 audiences. Toddlers through 6th graders are invited to join in our C.R. AdventureKiDs "Fiesta del Verano" (Summer Party) during the 10:45 am service. (Childcare is not provided during our 9 am service.)
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.
Isaiah 1:19 (TNIV)
Dear Friend,God gave you a desire and an appetite for the best from the land. He designed you to want the best, not bruised, insect infested or left over, but truly His best. When some people are hungry, they'll eat anything, but those who are willing and obedient will enjoy the best. God promises the best if we will do two things...only two things: 1) Be willing. God will never supersede your own free will. Are you brave enough to say, "God I want your will in my life"? 2) Be obedient. Once you find out what God's will is, are you ready to obey Him? Are you bold enough to believe God knows better than you do?
There we sat, drinking a cappuccino and eating biscotti on top of the Ufizzi Gallery overlooking the captivating scenery of Florence, Italy. We laughed and cried sharing memories of the 25 best and blessed years of our marriage. Our decision to live willing and obedient to God had given us the best from the land. Seriously, we could never have dreamed of the truly "best from the land" for our own lives, but God did.
Uffizzi Gallery Overlook
View from the Uffizzi Gallery
Whether you are single or married, whatever you've been eating or where you've been living... God has a fresh opportunity for you to live a "best from the land" life! As Albert Einstein once said, "I want to know the thoughts of God; the rest are details." Following God's framework for morality assures a full belly and a blessed life. For the next 2 weeks in our "Money, Sex and Power" series* we will be teaching from God's Word about the connection of our spirituality to our sexuality. God desires to give you the best of the land. Being willing to learn His ways and then be obedient to them will provide exactly the life you are longing to live.
(picture missing)Loughriges at the Arno River
Scott and Clare at the Arno River, Florence, Italy
(picture missing)Scott's Proposal in Italy
Scott asks perfect strangers
to take a picture of his asking
Clare to marry him (AGAIN!) in
the Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy
Praying God's Best for the Land for You,
Scott & Clare
Click here to watch the 60 second commercial for the Money, Sex and Power series*, mymoneysexpower.com.
*The "Money, Sex and Power" series is designed for PG-13 audiences. Toddlers through 6th graders are invited to join in our C.R. AdventureKiDs "Fiesta del Verano" (Summer Party) during the 10:45 am service. (Childcare is not provided during our 9 am service.)
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
Live Larger than Yourself!
One Month.
One Prayer.
One Chance to Change the World.
Scripture thought for the week:
Dear Friend,
"The apostle Paul encourages believers to be truly unified as one body, to be in one mind with others of the faith and not in strife over things that have no eternal value. Our life should be Christ-centered and not self-centered. We must learn to die so that He can live through us. To be like Jesus is to truly desire nothing for ourselves outside of Him." Excerpts from: One Prayer Daily Devotional by Pastor Benny Perez
This is our last fasting Tuesday with "One Prayer." Thank you for joining with us! The apostle Paul is encouraging us to live larger than ourselves, to be in unity with followers of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday Prayer and Fasting Focus: World Leaders and Governments
Please especially remember: Pastor Aaron and Pastor Jan, the pastors and the churches they oversee and the government of China; Pastor Carlo and Guerline, the pastors and churches they oversee and the Haitian government; Amanda and the government of Jamaica.
We will also be praying for the pastors and government leaders in the 10/40 window, which includes the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina, Faso ,Cambodia, Chad, China, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Gibraltar, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Macau, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar (Burma) Nepal, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Western Sahara and Yemen. Many of these countries are some of the worst offenders of religious persecution.
Lastly, please remember to pray for: us and our pastoral staff, the government of Michigan, and the government of the United States. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.
With One Prayer, One Heart and One Voice,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
One Prayer.
One Chance to Change the World.
Scripture thought for the week:
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6
Dear Friend,
"The apostle Paul encourages believers to be truly unified as one body, to be in one mind with others of the faith and not in strife over things that have no eternal value. Our life should be Christ-centered and not self-centered. We must learn to die so that He can live through us. To be like Jesus is to truly desire nothing for ourselves outside of Him." Excerpts from: One Prayer Daily Devotional by Pastor Benny Perez
This is our last fasting Tuesday with "One Prayer." Thank you for joining with us! The apostle Paul is encouraging us to live larger than ourselves, to be in unity with followers of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday Prayer and Fasting Focus: World Leaders and Governments
Please especially remember: Pastor Aaron and Pastor Jan, the pastors and the churches they oversee and the government of China; Pastor Carlo and Guerline, the pastors and churches they oversee and the Haitian government; Amanda and the government of Jamaica.
We will also be praying for the pastors and government leaders in the 10/40 window, which includes the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina, Faso ,Cambodia, Chad, China, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Gibraltar, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Macau, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar (Burma) Nepal, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Western Sahara and Yemen. Many of these countries are some of the worst offenders of religious persecution.
Lastly, please remember to pray for: us and our pastoral staff, the government of Michigan, and the government of the United States. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.
With One Prayer, One Heart and One Voice,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
Miracles!
One Month.
One Prayer.
One Chance to Change the World.
Scripture thought for the week:
Dear Friend,
Check out today's message from oneprayer.com. We couldn't have said it any better ourselves!
The promise in Mark 11 is powerful! Practically speaking, how can we pray with this kind of bold belief? I've studied many of the great prayers of the Bible and discovered three components of faith-filled prayer that emerge again and again.
Audacity
God is not intimidated by our large requests. He's insulted by our puny ones. The highest compliment we can pay God is to ask Him to do something so enormous that we have to blame the results on Him.
Accuracy
Our theme verses describe the process of requesting something very specific from God. When we pray vague prayers like: "God, just be with me today," it's very hard to engage our faith and quantify the results.
Get out of the realm of generalized, bless me, help me, be with me prayers. Develop a prayer vocabulary that is vivid, expressing your heart's desires and most urgent needs to God.
Action
If the desire you're praying about isn't enough to move you, why would it be enough to move God? God always requires us to step out in faith before He steps in.
In Mark 11:25, Jesus contrasts our willingness to do the spiritual work of prayer with our willingness to take a practical step of obedience by forgiving someone. Prayer is useless without corresponding Christ-centered action.
One Prayer is our unprecedented opportunity to unite in Christ worldwide, praying faith-filled, audacious, accurate, and active prayers for the glory of God.
Let's make the most of it.
How can you change your prayer life to make it more audacious and accurate, and what faith step do you need to take to get God to step in?
By Steven Furtick, Lead Pastor, Elevation Church
Today:
So, when was the last time you witnessed a miracle in action? There's an unbeatable thrill that comes when we know, beyond a doubt, that God has just showed up in a big way.
As we fast today, the focus of our prayers will be on miracles. Dream big. Think of areas in life that you consider hopeless. Be bold and ask for the impossible........because we know nothing is out of reach for our mighty God.
What miracle are you praying for today as you fast? Email it to us so we can pray with you. Email us and share one of your miracle stories.
Believing for MIRACLES with you!
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
One Prayer.
One Chance to Change the World.
Scripture thought for the week:
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you
have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:24-25
Dear Friend,
Check out today's message from oneprayer.com. We couldn't have said it any better ourselves!
The promise in Mark 11 is powerful! Practically speaking, how can we pray with this kind of bold belief? I've studied many of the great prayers of the Bible and discovered three components of faith-filled prayer that emerge again and again.
Audacity
God is not intimidated by our large requests. He's insulted by our puny ones. The highest compliment we can pay God is to ask Him to do something so enormous that we have to blame the results on Him.
Accuracy
Our theme verses describe the process of requesting something very specific from God. When we pray vague prayers like: "God, just be with me today," it's very hard to engage our faith and quantify the results.
Get out of the realm of generalized, bless me, help me, be with me prayers. Develop a prayer vocabulary that is vivid, expressing your heart's desires and most urgent needs to God.
Action
If the desire you're praying about isn't enough to move you, why would it be enough to move God? God always requires us to step out in faith before He steps in.
In Mark 11:25, Jesus contrasts our willingness to do the spiritual work of prayer with our willingness to take a practical step of obedience by forgiving someone. Prayer is useless without corresponding Christ-centered action.
One Prayer is our unprecedented opportunity to unite in Christ worldwide, praying faith-filled, audacious, accurate, and active prayers for the glory of God.
Let's make the most of it.
How can you change your prayer life to make it more audacious and accurate, and what faith step do you need to take to get God to step in?
By Steven Furtick, Lead Pastor, Elevation Church
Today:
So, when was the last time you witnessed a miracle in action? There's an unbeatable thrill that comes when we know, beyond a doubt, that God has just showed up in a big way.
As we fast today, the focus of our prayers will be on miracles. Dream big. Think of areas in life that you consider hopeless. Be bold and ask for the impossible........because we know nothing is out of reach for our mighty God.
What miracle are you praying for today as you fast? Email it to us so we can pray with you. Email us and share one of your miracle stories.
Believing for MIRACLES with you!
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
Wake Up!
One Month.
One Prayer.
One Chance to Change the World.
Prayer Direction from oneprayer.com: During the four weeks of One Prayer, we're setting aside each Tuesday as a time to fast together. This week we're going to concentrate our prayers on the most important experience that can occur in an individual's life - salvation. As you fast and pray, ask God for opportunities to share Christ with those who don't know Him. Consider inviting someone to church with you this weekend.
Scripture thought for the week:
Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Acts 20:9
Dear Friend,
Wow! Talk about a bad dream! The guy fell asleep because Paul was just going on and on... how fair is it that he woke up dead?! Have you ever fell asleep and missed the end of a movie, a book or a sermon? Can you imagine missing the climax of your own life? WAKE UP before it's too late!
What has God made you to be and do in this life? What does God expect you to be awake for? Is there something in particular you are ignoring or sleeping through that God has made you for? What has put you to sleep? What has you drifting off from the life God has given you to live? The word for this week is WAKE UP! Life is too good, too important to miss out on your own conclusion, your own last scene, your own last chapter. Choose to live right now in the fullness of God's words for you.
One way to WAKE UP...
One of the ways to WAKE UP to God's voice is through fasting. When you deny yourself the regular luxury of a meal or meals, you will wake yourself up to pray and then listen to God. While your stomach is rumbling and longing for food, allow prayers to come from you that are full of longing and desire. We hope you will be fasting with us and over 760,000 other Christ followers (from oneprayer.com) today. Whatever you are willing to "fast," replace it with a hunger-filled prayer. You'll be amazed at how you will WAKE UP to the things that matter to you and more importantly, to God's Kingdom.
During this one month of the "oneprayer" series, we will be WAKING UP to some things God has been trying to give us for a long time. Don't miss a single Sunday --you will never be the same.
Our prayer for you today:
Let the prayers Your people pray wake them up to Your goodness. For those that are troubled let them find Your purpose, for confusion bring assurance, for pressure bring endurance, for fear bring generosity, for discouragement bring vision, for sleepiness bring conviction. Let Your people live these few days on this earth fully awake, fully alive, fully in love with You and completely engaged in the purpose You have created them for, including reaching people for Christ. Lead each person in prayers and witnessing that will bring others to salvation. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
WAKING UP,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
One Prayer.
One Chance to Change the World.
Prayer Direction from oneprayer.com: During the four weeks of One Prayer, we're setting aside each Tuesday as a time to fast together. This week we're going to concentrate our prayers on the most important experience that can occur in an individual's life - salvation. As you fast and pray, ask God for opportunities to share Christ with those who don't know Him. Consider inviting someone to church with you this weekend.
Scripture thought for the week:
Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Acts 20:9
Dear Friend,
Wow! Talk about a bad dream! The guy fell asleep because Paul was just going on and on... how fair is it that he woke up dead?! Have you ever fell asleep and missed the end of a movie, a book or a sermon? Can you imagine missing the climax of your own life? WAKE UP before it's too late!
What has God made you to be and do in this life? What does God expect you to be awake for? Is there something in particular you are ignoring or sleeping through that God has made you for? What has put you to sleep? What has you drifting off from the life God has given you to live? The word for this week is WAKE UP! Life is too good, too important to miss out on your own conclusion, your own last scene, your own last chapter. Choose to live right now in the fullness of God's words for you.
One way to WAKE UP...
One of the ways to WAKE UP to God's voice is through fasting. When you deny yourself the regular luxury of a meal or meals, you will wake yourself up to pray and then listen to God. While your stomach is rumbling and longing for food, allow prayers to come from you that are full of longing and desire. We hope you will be fasting with us and over 760,000 other Christ followers (from oneprayer.com) today. Whatever you are willing to "fast," replace it with a hunger-filled prayer. You'll be amazed at how you will WAKE UP to the things that matter to you and more importantly, to God's Kingdom.
During this one month of the "oneprayer" series, we will be WAKING UP to some things God has been trying to give us for a long time. Don't miss a single Sunday --you will never be the same.
Our prayer for you today:
Let the prayers Your people pray wake them up to Your goodness. For those that are troubled let them find Your purpose, for confusion bring assurance, for pressure bring endurance, for fear bring generosity, for discouragement bring vision, for sleepiness bring conviction. Let Your people live these few days on this earth fully awake, fully alive, fully in love with You and completely engaged in the purpose You have created them for, including reaching people for Christ. Lead each person in prayers and witnessing that will bring others to salvation. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
WAKING UP,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
One Prayer
One Month.
One Prayer.
One Chance to Change the World.
Dear Friend,
Have you ever prayed and felt the support of Heaven in that prayer? Have you ever experienced God's presence in prayer because you were praying a prayer that He agreed with? Do you know what it's like to operate in the power of God in prayer? Have you ever prayed a prayer that could change the world?
What would happen if believers from all over the globe came together to impact the world like never before? Would you sign up for that? We know you would, so we did!
Join us beginning this weekend, June 8, as we lead Crossroads Church in unity with hundreds of churches across the country and around the world. This global teaching series will address the question, "If God would answer 'one prayer' for the church, what would you pray?" We will be joining over 1,000 churches to pray prayers that can change the world!
Grow closer to God and become a part of something bigger than any of us as we join together with hundreds of thousands of people to pray for and serve our communities, our cities and our world with One Prayer.
Each weekend you will be challenged through teachings by some of our country's greatest communicators via the BIG SCREEN to pray One Prayer. During the week we will have ways to put this prayer into action. Every Tuesday the church globally will be fasting! There will be opportunities to join in on a food fast, a lifestyle fast, a special project with a mission offering, and even a prayer gallery in the lobby with your requests to God for this world.
And, as the Church stands together during the One Prayer series, we will each discover the power, significance and potential that One Prayer has to change the world.
Praying and believing with you,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
One Prayer.
One Chance to Change the World.
Dear Friend,
Have you ever prayed and felt the support of Heaven in that prayer? Have you ever experienced God's presence in prayer because you were praying a prayer that He agreed with? Do you know what it's like to operate in the power of God in prayer? Have you ever prayed a prayer that could change the world?
What would happen if believers from all over the globe came together to impact the world like never before? Would you sign up for that? We know you would, so we did!
Join us beginning this weekend, June 8, as we lead Crossroads Church in unity with hundreds of churches across the country and around the world. This global teaching series will address the question, "If God would answer 'one prayer' for the church, what would you pray?" We will be joining over 1,000 churches to pray prayers that can change the world!
Grow closer to God and become a part of something bigger than any of us as we join together with hundreds of thousands of people to pray for and serve our communities, our cities and our world with One Prayer.
Each weekend you will be challenged through teachings by some of our country's greatest communicators via the BIG SCREEN to pray One Prayer. During the week we will have ways to put this prayer into action. Every Tuesday the church globally will be fasting! There will be opportunities to join in on a food fast, a lifestyle fast, a special project with a mission offering, and even a prayer gallery in the lobby with your requests to God for this world.
And, as the Church stands together during the One Prayer series, we will each discover the power, significance and potential that One Prayer has to change the world.
Praying and believing with you,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
You Only Believe the Part of the Bible That You Live
Scripture thought for today:
Dear Friend,
While at Saddleback Church last week we heard Rick Warren make the statement, "You only believe the part of the Bible that you live." That statement sucked the air right out of the room. Seriously, this statement was made to a group of pastors and Christian business leaders who just paid to come to this conference in California. Wouldn't you think it's a "no brainer" that these people are believing and living the Bible? Guess not!
Now rewind history to the book of Acts, Chapter 5, to the first New Testament couple, Annanias & Sapphira (A&S). A&S were a part of the first church. It was a miracle-filled, HOT time in church history. Peter was the pastor for heaven sake! A&S must have known the truth of God's Words and "Acts," yet they didn't really believe, did they? Why? They had an identity CRISIS brought on by CONTROL issues. They forgot who God was and forgot who and whose they were. They moved from managers of their lives to Lord of their lives. Bad move.
Now rewind even further to the first Old Testament couple Adam and Eve (A&E). They were with God Himself everyday, yet it seems as though A&E had the same problem as A&S. They decided having fellowship with God and dominion in the garden wasn't enough; they wanted to be God! Once again, identity CRISIS brought on by CONTROL issues!
Do you have an identity CRISIS with CONTROL issues? Ask yourself:
Is Jesus the Lord and Leader of your life?
How much Bible do you live in your:
career?
friendships?
marriage?
finances?
prayers?
This week we will help uncover how much of the Bible we really believe. This knowledge can help move us from death to real life. The life God wants to bless you with! Find out how you can reverse unbelief in your life. Don't miss this week with A&S! Click here to invite a friend to the "Bad Guys of the Bible" series. Send this email to a friend.
In Pursuit of Believing and Living,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
P.S. Please keep sending in your testimonies. It's another way to live a "more than conquering" life. "They overcame him, the devil, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." (REVELATION 12:11)
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart
that you have lied to the Holy Spirit ....?
that you have lied to the Holy Spirit ....?
Acts 5:3&4 (TNIV)
Dear Friend,
While at Saddleback Church last week we heard Rick Warren make the statement, "You only believe the part of the Bible that you live." That statement sucked the air right out of the room. Seriously, this statement was made to a group of pastors and Christian business leaders who just paid to come to this conference in California. Wouldn't you think it's a "no brainer" that these people are believing and living the Bible? Guess not!
Now rewind history to the book of Acts, Chapter 5, to the first New Testament couple, Annanias & Sapphira (A&S). A&S were a part of the first church. It was a miracle-filled, HOT time in church history. Peter was the pastor for heaven sake! A&S must have known the truth of God's Words and "Acts," yet they didn't really believe, did they? Why? They had an identity CRISIS brought on by CONTROL issues. They forgot who God was and forgot who and whose they were. They moved from managers of their lives to Lord of their lives. Bad move.
Now rewind even further to the first Old Testament couple Adam and Eve (A&E). They were with God Himself everyday, yet it seems as though A&E had the same problem as A&S. They decided having fellowship with God and dominion in the garden wasn't enough; they wanted to be God! Once again, identity CRISIS brought on by CONTROL issues!
Do you have an identity CRISIS with CONTROL issues? Ask yourself:
Is Jesus the Lord and Leader of your life?
How much Bible do you live in your:
career?
friendships?
marriage?
finances?
prayers?
This week we will help uncover how much of the Bible we really believe. This knowledge can help move us from death to real life. The life God wants to bless you with! Find out how you can reverse unbelief in your life. Don't miss this week with A&S! Click here to invite a friend to the "Bad Guys of the Bible" series. Send this email to a friend.
In Pursuit of Believing and Living,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
P.S. Please keep sending in your testimonies. It's another way to live a "more than conquering" life. "They overcame him, the devil, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." (REVELATION 12:11)
How is God Showing up in Your Life?
Scripture thought for today:
Dear Friend,
Right now we are in a 3-day conference with Rick Warren (author of The Purpose Driven Life). He is training pastors from all over the world to love the people of God and give them God's very best. Please pray for us as we hear the words of Christ through Pastor Rick.
There are two questions on our hearts while we're here. Would you answer one or both of these questions?
1. How is God showing up in your life?
2. What do you need from Crossroads Church to help you on your journey?
Now, would you please take the time this week to let us know how you are doing? That's it! We just need to hear from you. We will prayerfully read each of your responses and seek God on your behalf for this next church season. As we hear your responses and listen to the words of Pastor Rick, we pray we will serve the people of Crossroads in the way Jesus is asking us to.
We love you and look forward to sharing with you the things God is working with us on this week.
Showing up to be with God,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
To visit the Saddleback Church website, click here.
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks
Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)
Dear Friend,
Right now we are in a 3-day conference with Rick Warren (author of The Purpose Driven Life). He is training pastors from all over the world to love the people of God and give them God's very best. Please pray for us as we hear the words of Christ through Pastor Rick.
There are two questions on our hearts while we're here. Would you answer one or both of these questions?
1. How is God showing up in your life?
2. What do you need from Crossroads Church to help you on your journey?
Now, would you please take the time this week to let us know how you are doing? That's it! We just need to hear from you. We will prayerfully read each of your responses and seek God on your behalf for this next church season. As we hear your responses and listen to the words of Pastor Rick, we pray we will serve the people of Crossroads in the way Jesus is asking us to.
We love you and look forward to sharing with you the things God is working with us on this week.
Showing up to be with God,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
To visit the Saddleback Church website, click here.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
5-14-08
What or Who are You Tolerating?
Scripture thought for today:
Dear Friend,
What or Who are you tolerating? What is going on in your life right now that you are putting up with that you shouldn't? The words in this scripture are in red because God is speaking. These are actually the words of Christ to the church in Thyatira. He was just commending them for the wonderful things they were doing but then He tells them they are "tolerating that woman Jezebel." Jesus is warning them that even if they have a lot of good going on, tolerating the wrong things will keep them from God's very best for their lives.
When we live tolerating less than God's best, our lives get stuck in mediocre-to-barely-living. In this case, "that woman Jezebel," stood for the idolatry and immorality they were allowing in their lives. Those are sins that will steal this life and eternity, but what can be equally disabling are the more subtle "tolerations." Things that you know are stealing your time, talent, energy, money... your blessed life.
"Tolerations" are things like:
What or Who are You Tolerating?
Scripture thought for today:
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance,
and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel...
and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel...
Revelation 2:19-20
Dear Friend,
What or Who are you tolerating? What is going on in your life right now that you are putting up with that you shouldn't? The words in this scripture are in red because God is speaking. These are actually the words of Christ to the church in Thyatira. He was just commending them for the wonderful things they were doing but then He tells them they are "tolerating that woman Jezebel." Jesus is warning them that even if they have a lot of good going on, tolerating the wrong things will keep them from God's very best for their lives.
When we live tolerating less than God's best, our lives get stuck in mediocre-to-barely-living. In this case, "that woman Jezebel," stood for the idolatry and immorality they were allowing in their lives. Those are sins that will steal this life and eternity, but what can be equally disabling are the more subtle "tolerations." Things that you know are stealing your time, talent, energy, money... your blessed life.
"Tolerations" are things like:
- unhealthy, life-draining relationships
- cluttered schedules (living with no margin)
- addictive habits, hurts, hang ups
- overspending, overeating, overreacting, over...
- no self care (spirit, soul, body)
- passionless spiritual life
- mediocre or lifeless marriage
- procrastination
If we understood how "tolerating" unhealthy people and situations takes our blessed life away, we would never tolerate toleration. We would say, "God, what one thing can I do today to improve or remove what I am tolerating in my life?" Take the time today to ask God that very question, begin to journal and then listen. Study what God's Word has to say about that specific situation. If you don't know where to look in Scripture, ask a spiritual friend or mentor to help you.
During this series, "Bad Guys of the Bible," we are uncovering what the "Bad Guys" tolerated and mapping the road to a "toleration free" life. This week we'll look at Jezebel and Ahab to discover the way out of toleration into liberation and a powerfully blessed life.
Working to live toleration free,©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
P.S. Please keep sending in your testimonies. It's another way to live a "more than conquering" life. "They overcame him, the devil, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." (REVELATION 12:11)
5-7-08
God of the Second Chance: Bryan's Story
Scripture thought for today:
Dear Friend,
Do you need a second chance? What an amazing story we watched on video this past Sunday of Bryan Denbrock. (To watch click here.) He is such a grateful Christ follower who has a beautiful marriage and family. It seems impossible that his life was so broken. God is the God of second chances! God will transform every life that will surrender to Him. We all have a story of God's grace giving us another lease on life again and again. (To send us yours, see below.)
The Bible is full of second chances; from Jonah who ignored what God created him to be and do, to the woman caught in the act of adultery. Some sins are willful acts of disobedience; some sins are willful ignoring of God's purpose for our lives. Thank God. . . He forgives, restores and empowers people to live the life He created for them to live.
Do you need a second chance? Does someone you know need a second chance? There really is a simple process. Move from PRETENDING and DEFENDING to ADMISSION and SUBMISSION. Don't pretend nothing is wrong. Stop defending the decisions you've made. Admit that you have not been listening to God and submit to God's will for you. Take a bold step and do what God is leading you to do! Stop living in a place of misery or chaos when you can take the next step into the blessings God wants you to have! Then watch God turn your history into a story of His grace and your blessing. Watch God turn your DECISION into HIS PROVISION!!
In our series Bad Guys of the Bible, we will see the God of second chances always offering a new lease on life to even the worst bad guy. You'll find people in the Bible who have your same story.
A prayer for another chance:
Psalm 51:10-13 (NKJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You. Amen
Living in the Second Chance,
Writing Your Story
"It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ - the gospel you say you believe - and because you freely share with them and with all others." 2 Cor. 9:13(NCV)
1. Before you start writing, pray and ask God for help and the words to share.
2. Write out your testimony.
3.Give us your testimony on a hard copy or email.
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
God of the Second Chance: Bryan's Story
Scripture thought for today:
There are things I hate I end up doing...the things I want to do, I just don't do. Who will save me this time? Thank God -Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:21-25 (paraphrased)
Dear Friend,
Do you need a second chance? What an amazing story we watched on video this past Sunday of Bryan Denbrock. (To watch click here.) He is such a grateful Christ follower who has a beautiful marriage and family. It seems impossible that his life was so broken. God is the God of second chances! God will transform every life that will surrender to Him. We all have a story of God's grace giving us another lease on life again and again. (To send us yours, see below.)
The Bible is full of second chances; from Jonah who ignored what God created him to be and do, to the woman caught in the act of adultery. Some sins are willful acts of disobedience; some sins are willful ignoring of God's purpose for our lives. Thank God. . . He forgives, restores and empowers people to live the life He created for them to live.
Do you need a second chance? Does someone you know need a second chance? There really is a simple process. Move from PRETENDING and DEFENDING to ADMISSION and SUBMISSION. Don't pretend nothing is wrong. Stop defending the decisions you've made. Admit that you have not been listening to God and submit to God's will for you. Take a bold step and do what God is leading you to do! Stop living in a place of misery or chaos when you can take the next step into the blessings God wants you to have! Then watch God turn your history into a story of His grace and your blessing. Watch God turn your DECISION into HIS PROVISION!!
In our series Bad Guys of the Bible, we will see the God of second chances always offering a new lease on life to even the worst bad guy. You'll find people in the Bible who have your same story.
A prayer for another chance:
Psalm 51:10-13 (NKJV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You. Amen
Living in the Second Chance,
Writing Your Story
"It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ - the gospel you say you believe - and because you freely share with them and with all others." 2 Cor. 9:13(NCV)
1. Before you start writing, pray and ask God for help and the words to share.
2. Write out your testimony.
PART I: WHO ARE YOU?(¼ page max)If appropriate, include family history and/or church background. Avoid naming religious denominations since this may alienate some listeners.
PART II: THE PROBLEM (3/4 pages max)Describe your attitudes and actions before the problem/crisis occurred.
Give an explanation of your trial and/or crisis, with an emphasis on how you felt.
PART III: THE SOLUTION (1 page)
What did your journey look like? (i.e. your healing, actions you took, help from a group or friend, impact of scripture.)
Describe changes in your attitudes and actions since placing this situation in God's hands.
PART IV: THE OUTCOME (½ page max)
Give a snapshot of your life and service to God today, including your future plans.
PART II: THE PROBLEM (3/4 pages max)Describe your attitudes and actions before the problem/crisis occurred.
Give an explanation of your trial and/or crisis, with an emphasis on how you felt.
PART III: THE SOLUTION (1 page)
What did your journey look like? (i.e. your healing, actions you took, help from a group or friend, impact of scripture.)
Describe changes in your attitudes and actions since placing this situation in God's hands.
PART IV: THE OUTCOME (½ page max)
Give a snapshot of your life and service to God today, including your future plans.
3.Give us your testimony on a hard copy or email.
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
4-30-08
"It's Just My Nature"
Dear Friend,
A turtle was happily swimming along a river when a scorpion hailed it from the shore. "Dear friend turtle!" called the scorpion. "Please let me climb upon your back and swim me to the other side of the river!" "No," replied the turtle, "for if I do, you shall sting me, and I shall die." "Nonsense!" replied the scorpion. "If I kill you in the middle of the river, you shall sink, and I shall drown and die with you." The turtle thought this over, and saw the truth of the scorpion's statement. He let it upon his back and began swimming towards the other side of the river. Halfway across, he felt the scorpion's sting in the back of his neck. "Why have you stung me?!" cried the turtle as his body began to stiffen. "Now you shall die as well!" "Because it's just my nature," replied the scorpion as he and the turtle sank beneath the waters.
Have you ever heard someone say "that's just my nature" or "that's just the way I am." When a person comes to a relationship with Jesus Christ there is an old nature that is given to God and a new nature that comes. That new nature reflects the image and likeness of God...the work of God's hands! We are His workmanship created to do the things God has in mind for us to do. The word workmanship in the original language is "poieema" meaning product or fabric. You are "cut from the same cloth" as God. You have been produced from His very nature! Now when we say "that's just my nature" it should be in response to the good works we do that look like Jesus! This is our new nature! Nobody is bad to the bone if they have been redeemed from their old nature. So, there may be some things in our old nature that sting others but how about the goodness of our new nature?!
Today, take time to ponder this scripture. Think about the new life God has given you. What are some of your natural gifts? What are some of the gifts in your new nature? God has prepared some things in advance for you to do. Do you know what they are? What is your new nature calling you to do? What good works are you gifted to do as His workmanship? Remember...you are His workmanship and God is a Master Craftsman, Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Healer, Friend...you name it, your new nature is good.
In our series, Bad Guys of the Bible, we will be looking at some people who appear to be bad to the bone and discover how they could have changed their nature and how we can live in our new nature.
Prayer: Thank You God that I am Your workmanship. You have made me to do good work in Jesus' Name. I am amazed that You knew in advance and thought about what you needed me to do on Your earth. I pray that I will honor the good work that You have done in me. Show me who needs what You have created me to do. I give this day to You. Amen
God's Workmanship,
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
"It's Just My Nature"
Scripture thought for today:
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Dear Friend,
A turtle was happily swimming along a river when a scorpion hailed it from the shore. "Dear friend turtle!" called the scorpion. "Please let me climb upon your back and swim me to the other side of the river!" "No," replied the turtle, "for if I do, you shall sting me, and I shall die." "Nonsense!" replied the scorpion. "If I kill you in the middle of the river, you shall sink, and I shall drown and die with you." The turtle thought this over, and saw the truth of the scorpion's statement. He let it upon his back and began swimming towards the other side of the river. Halfway across, he felt the scorpion's sting in the back of his neck. "Why have you stung me?!" cried the turtle as his body began to stiffen. "Now you shall die as well!" "Because it's just my nature," replied the scorpion as he and the turtle sank beneath the waters.
Have you ever heard someone say "that's just my nature" or "that's just the way I am." When a person comes to a relationship with Jesus Christ there is an old nature that is given to God and a new nature that comes. That new nature reflects the image and likeness of God...the work of God's hands! We are His workmanship created to do the things God has in mind for us to do. The word workmanship in the original language is "poieema" meaning product or fabric. You are "cut from the same cloth" as God. You have been produced from His very nature! Now when we say "that's just my nature" it should be in response to the good works we do that look like Jesus! This is our new nature! Nobody is bad to the bone if they have been redeemed from their old nature. So, there may be some things in our old nature that sting others but how about the goodness of our new nature?!
Today, take time to ponder this scripture. Think about the new life God has given you. What are some of your natural gifts? What are some of the gifts in your new nature? God has prepared some things in advance for you to do. Do you know what they are? What is your new nature calling you to do? What good works are you gifted to do as His workmanship? Remember...you are His workmanship and God is a Master Craftsman, Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Healer, Friend...you name it, your new nature is good.
In our series, Bad Guys of the Bible, we will be looking at some people who appear to be bad to the bone and discover how they could have changed their nature and how we can live in our new nature.
Prayer: Thank You God that I am Your workmanship. You have made me to do good work in Jesus' Name. I am amazed that You knew in advance and thought about what you needed me to do on Your earth. I pray that I will honor the good work that You have done in me. Show me who needs what You have created me to do. I give this day to You. Amen
God's Workmanship,
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
4-23-08
You Are More Than a Conqueror
Scripture thought for today:
You Are More Than a Conqueror
Scripture thought for today:
No, in all these things we are
more than conquerors through him who loved us.
more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37 (NIV)
Dear Friend,
God wants you to be more than a conqueror today whether you feel like it or not! Everybody experiences difficulties in life. Maybe you've been treated unfairly at work; someone close to you has let you down; circumstances feel insurmountable or dreams seem impossible to reach. Look at what this scripture says you are . . . not just a conqueror but "MORE THAN A CONQUERORS!"
This is an amazing scripture out of context, but it's even better in context. Read Romans chapters 7 and 8 together. WOW! You'll find the apostle Paul addressing issues of suffering and sin. Some trouble we cause ourselves and other trouble comes our way unsolicited. When we choose to live God's way in the midst of life's difficulties we will become "MORE THAN CONQUERORS." Not only will we make it through challenges, but we'll make it through using the "MORE THAN" way . . . which is GOD'S WAY. Not just barely . . . but in a way where "God works all things together for your good!" (Romans 8:28) Even the suffering or sin you are faced with right now is preparing you for a "more than conquering" life.
To give an example--you want to overcome a difficult situation with a person and the angry temper or doubtful attitude that has developed in you as a result of the situation. How do you do it? Well, how did you receive salvation? You came to Jesus and His cross with your life, confessed your troubles and your sin and trusted Him to save you. Then He gave you a new life. Take your life right now with all your "right now" situations to the cross, nail them there, die to your anger or doubt and trust God for a "more than conquering", resurrected life! Let God work all things for your good!
In this next series of messages, "Bad Guys of the Bible," we are going to take a look at why some people were "LESS THAN CONQUERORS." We are going to learn God's way to keep us from a title like that and show us the way to a "MORE THAN CONQUERORS" life. We are praying and believing for you today!
More Than Conquering with You,
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
P.S. Please keep sending in your testimonies. It's another way to live a "more than conquering" life. "They overcame him, the devil, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." (REVELATION 12:11)
God wants you to be more than a conqueror today whether you feel like it or not! Everybody experiences difficulties in life. Maybe you've been treated unfairly at work; someone close to you has let you down; circumstances feel insurmountable or dreams seem impossible to reach. Look at what this scripture says you are . . . not just a conqueror but "MORE THAN A CONQUERORS!"
This is an amazing scripture out of context, but it's even better in context. Read Romans chapters 7 and 8 together. WOW! You'll find the apostle Paul addressing issues of suffering and sin. Some trouble we cause ourselves and other trouble comes our way unsolicited. When we choose to live God's way in the midst of life's difficulties we will become "MORE THAN CONQUERORS." Not only will we make it through challenges, but we'll make it through using the "MORE THAN" way . . . which is GOD'S WAY. Not just barely . . . but in a way where "God works all things together for your good!" (Romans 8:28) Even the suffering or sin you are faced with right now is preparing you for a "more than conquering" life.
To give an example--you want to overcome a difficult situation with a person and the angry temper or doubtful attitude that has developed in you as a result of the situation. How do you do it? Well, how did you receive salvation? You came to Jesus and His cross with your life, confessed your troubles and your sin and trusted Him to save you. Then He gave you a new life. Take your life right now with all your "right now" situations to the cross, nail them there, die to your anger or doubt and trust God for a "more than conquering", resurrected life! Let God work all things for your good!
In this next series of messages, "Bad Guys of the Bible," we are going to take a look at why some people were "LESS THAN CONQUERORS." We are going to learn God's way to keep us from a title like that and show us the way to a "MORE THAN CONQUERORS" life. We are praying and believing for you today!
More Than Conquering with You,
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
P.S. Please keep sending in your testimonies. It's another way to live a "more than conquering" life. "They overcame him, the devil, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." (REVELATION 12:11)
4-16-08
What's Your Story?
Scripture thought for this week:
What's Your Story?
Scripture thought for this week:
Jesus asked, "Who touched my robe?" His disciples said, "What are you talking about? With this crowd pushing and jostling you, you're asking, 'Who touched me?' Dozens have touched you!" But he went on asking, looking around to see who had done it. The woman, knowing what had happened, knowing she was the one, stepped up in fear and trembling, knelt before him, and gave him the whole story. Jesus said to her, "Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague."
Mark 5:31-34 (MSG)
Dear Friend,
People have often said to us, "Thanks for telling that story about your life. . . it really helped me" Now, we want to ask you . . . "What's your story?" Do you have a testimony of God's goodness in your life? Imagine how powerful and encouraging this woman's story was for the crowd of people around Jesus that day. Faith and hope certainly must have caught on like wildfire as she shared her story of Jesus doing what only He can do. The context her whole story is in the midst of Jesus doing one miraculous act on top of another. Could it have been that if she had remained silent at that time the environment for expecting the miraculous would have been severely hindered? In Revelation 12:11 it says that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. So . . . what is your story?
No matter how big or small, we all have a story of God's amazing grace. And reading what God has done for others is a way to empower us all. We are looking for stories!
Why Should You Share Your Testimony?
1. It give's God glory! When we testify of the things God has done in our lives, it is a form of praise and worship.
2. It builds your own faith! When God brings us through a trial, as time passes, we can forget how much He has done. Telling your testimony humbles you as you recount God's grace and mercy in your life. It reminds you where your life would be if not for God's goodness and grace.
3. It helps people! Your testimony can help someone else make it through the storm. When people read your story of victory, they have hope that He can do the same miracles for them!
Please email us a story about you! Briefly answer any one of the following questions in about 100 words or less.
Here are some ideas . . .
Please send your stories. Your story can bring healing to someone else!
Sharing stories for the glory of God,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
4-9-08
What Kind of Lover are You?
What Kind of Lover are You?
Scripture thought for this week:
Love one another as I have loved you.
John 13:34
Dear Friend,
Do you have life-long friendships and relationships that meet the needs you have for love? In the first year of our marriage we had a big fight. I (Clare) was so mad I packed my laundry basket [we didn't have suitcases yet :) ] and was going home to my mother! I (Scott) reminded Clare that her mother told her on the day of our wedding that she could not come home (unless she was in danger)and that she had to make her marriage work. We just celebrated 27 AMAZING years of marriage! We have friendships that have literally lasted our entire lives! We also have some relationships we would like to repair.
How is your love life? What kind of lover are you? Are your relationships full of the joy, peace, empowerment and security you have always hoped for? Everyone has stories of relationships that have either been love-giving or love-draining. Beginning in childhood, to your first friendships, through dates and marriage(s) you have either had people who have; loved you well, were inconsistent, or completely bankrupt in giving their love to you. Your relationship story has shaped who you are today as a good lover, mediocre lover or just plain missing it in the love story.
Can we change the way we love people? Can we close the door to an old way of loving and start again? Yes! That is the story of the Gospel. Where do we begin to live into the love we're dreaming of? How can we have the kinds of family relationships, friendships and marriages that hit on all cylinders in the love department? You have to start giving away the love you want to receive! Once again, God's Word has the answers. When you start practicing these, when you start living these principles yourself, you will find that you are earning "love dividends" on what you have invested!Make these choices from 1st Corinthians 13 for a love life that is off the charts!
Close the door on impatience: Love is patient. Slow down. Bite your tongue. Look for what God is teaching you about loving in a situation that tries your patience. Learn to pray in your mind what you almost said out loud.
Close the door to being unkind: There aretwo ways to say everything... and one of them is kind. Look for ways to show kindness that are unexpected. Make an encouraging phone call, send a funny card or an invitation to get together.
Close the door on envy: The green-eyed monster will sabotage relationships! Viewing people as having it "better" or having "more" than you, is toxic in a relationship. When you are feeling jealous go out of your way to thank God for the blessing you see that you desire for yourself. Then take it a step further and let the person you were envying hear a compliment or an encouragement from you.
Close the door on being easily angered: The Bible teaches us to be angry and sin not. Step back when someone has angered you. Think through what you need to say. Maybe even write it out. If you have trouble being tactful, share it with a trusted spiritual friend that can help you reframe your words so that you don't add "fuel to the fire."
Close the door on the record keeping of wrongs: Just like you, your friends and family members don't want you to remember all the wrong things they have done. This is a relationship paralyzer. Some things are extremely hard to forget. So learn to do what Jesus said, "every time you stand praying, forgive." Take the record to Jesus every time it comes up in your mind. You will start to receive mercy for the situation and you'll find you're loving people as Christ loves you.
Open the door to rejoicing in the truth: It's been said thatthe truth will set you free... but first it will make you miserable." Honest conversations are hard but must happen in good relationships. Hearing the truth from others about what kind of lover we are and sharing with your loved one what your needs are, are the ways to a relationship that ROCKS [i.e. is full and wonderful :)! ]
Action Steps: What ways can you communicate your love this week to the people who are most important to you? Do you need to forgive? Do you need to wave a white flag and call a truce? Send a card, flowers, make a phone call, make a meal? Do something that gives away the love you desire.
Remember,you will begin to "feel the love" when you love others as Christ has loved you.
Learning to Love,
Scott & Clare
Prayer: Father, teach us to love like Jesus. I lay down my pride and give what I have been hoping to receive. Give me the strength to be relentless in loving all the days of my life. . . and when I fall, I choose to get up and love again. Amen
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
Do you have life-long friendships and relationships that meet the needs you have for love? In the first year of our marriage we had a big fight. I (Clare) was so mad I packed my laundry basket [we didn't have suitcases yet :) ] and was going home to my mother! I (Scott) reminded Clare that her mother told her on the day of our wedding that she could not come home (unless she was in danger)and that she had to make her marriage work. We just celebrated 27 AMAZING years of marriage! We have friendships that have literally lasted our entire lives! We also have some relationships we would like to repair.
How is your love life? What kind of lover are you? Are your relationships full of the joy, peace, empowerment and security you have always hoped for? Everyone has stories of relationships that have either been love-giving or love-draining. Beginning in childhood, to your first friendships, through dates and marriage(s) you have either had people who have; loved you well, were inconsistent, or completely bankrupt in giving their love to you. Your relationship story has shaped who you are today as a good lover, mediocre lover or just plain missing it in the love story.
Can we change the way we love people? Can we close the door to an old way of loving and start again? Yes! That is the story of the Gospel. Where do we begin to live into the love we're dreaming of? How can we have the kinds of family relationships, friendships and marriages that hit on all cylinders in the love department? You have to start giving away the love you want to receive! Once again, God's Word has the answers. When you start practicing these, when you start living these principles yourself, you will find that you are earning "love dividends" on what you have invested!Make these choices from 1st Corinthians 13 for a love life that is off the charts!
Close the door on impatience: Love is patient. Slow down. Bite your tongue. Look for what God is teaching you about loving in a situation that tries your patience. Learn to pray in your mind what you almost said out loud.
Close the door to being unkind: There aretwo ways to say everything... and one of them is kind. Look for ways to show kindness that are unexpected. Make an encouraging phone call, send a funny card or an invitation to get together.
Close the door on envy: The green-eyed monster will sabotage relationships! Viewing people as having it "better" or having "more" than you, is toxic in a relationship. When you are feeling jealous go out of your way to thank God for the blessing you see that you desire for yourself. Then take it a step further and let the person you were envying hear a compliment or an encouragement from you.
Close the door on being easily angered: The Bible teaches us to be angry and sin not. Step back when someone has angered you. Think through what you need to say. Maybe even write it out. If you have trouble being tactful, share it with a trusted spiritual friend that can help you reframe your words so that you don't add "fuel to the fire."
Close the door on the record keeping of wrongs: Just like you, your friends and family members don't want you to remember all the wrong things they have done. This is a relationship paralyzer. Some things are extremely hard to forget. So learn to do what Jesus said, "every time you stand praying, forgive." Take the record to Jesus every time it comes up in your mind. You will start to receive mercy for the situation and you'll find you're loving people as Christ loves you.
Open the door to rejoicing in the truth: It's been said thatthe truth will set you free... but first it will make you miserable." Honest conversations are hard but must happen in good relationships. Hearing the truth from others about what kind of lover we are and sharing with your loved one what your needs are, are the ways to a relationship that ROCKS [i.e. is full and wonderful :)! ]
Action Steps: What ways can you communicate your love this week to the people who are most important to you? Do you need to forgive? Do you need to wave a white flag and call a truce? Send a card, flowers, make a phone call, make a meal? Do something that gives away the love you desire.
Remember,you will begin to "feel the love" when you love others as Christ has loved you.
Learning to Love,
Scott & Clare
Prayer: Father, teach us to love like Jesus. I lay down my pride and give what I have been hoping to receive. Give me the strength to be relentless in loving all the days of my life. . . and when I fall, I choose to get up and love again. Amen
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
4-2-08
God Can Do This!
Scripture thought for this week:
God Can Do This!
Scripture thought for this week:
I am the Lord, the God of the whole human race. Is anything too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:26-27
Dear Friend,
Are there challenges in your life that feel like things just aren't going your way? Do situations you're facing seem impossible, insurmountable, so much bigger than you, that you feel like you just don't know how it can change? In Jeremiah 32:26-27, the person who penned these words from God was the prophet Jeremiah. He was in jail for serving God, for telling people who God was and what He was trying to say to them. Talk about feeling like things aren't going your way! The words in this verse Jeremiah spoke and wrote were for himself, the people of that day and us right now!
Have you ever realized that sometimes situations get more impossible because we start entertaining impossible thoughts? The presence of these thoughts start to direct our steps, our steps start to form our habits, our habits then become our lifestyle, our address soon becomes 1313 Impossible Lane. What starts as a thought in our mind can easily take root in our heart and then control our faith. Ask yourself this..."Is there anything too hard for God?" List your impossibilities and begin to pray prayers to God that say, "You are the Lord and there isn't anything too hard for you!"
Are there challenges in your life that feel like things just aren't going your way? Do situations you're facing seem impossible, insurmountable, so much bigger than you, that you feel like you just don't know how it can change? In Jeremiah 32:26-27, the person who penned these words from God was the prophet Jeremiah. He was in jail for serving God, for telling people who God was and what He was trying to say to them. Talk about feeling like things aren't going your way! The words in this verse Jeremiah spoke and wrote were for himself, the people of that day and us right now!
Have you ever realized that sometimes situations get more impossible because we start entertaining impossible thoughts? The presence of these thoughts start to direct our steps, our steps start to form our habits, our habits then become our lifestyle, our address soon becomes 1313 Impossible Lane. What starts as a thought in our mind can easily take root in our heart and then control our faith. Ask yourself this..."Is there anything too hard for God?" List your impossibilities and begin to pray prayers to God that say, "You are the Lord and there isn't anything too hard for you!"
This Sunday we are going to learn how to open the door to the God of the impossible and close the door on impossible thoughts. Our marriages, families, friendships, careers and this generation are counting on us to live these faith filled principles. We hope you can come and bring a friend who needs these words of life and hope!
Practice today:
Use your dream journal or any journal to start the day and give thanks for something good you already have experienced. Next journal an "impossible" prayer. Then end the day with that prayer and journal your thanks for a good thing God did for you that day. You will begin to crowd out impossibilities as you rehearse in your mind and heart the possibilities that are coming your way.
Shutting and Opening Doors with You,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
3-28-08
Finding God, Finding Yourself, in the Scriptures
Finding God, Finding Yourself, in the Scriptures
Scripture thought for today:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
Mark 6:31 MSG)
Dear Friend,
Once again we have the privilege of being led on a day retreat with Ruth Barton. We have never met anyone like Ruth who is able to help lead people into the presence of God and practice listening to His voice. Our favorite comment from the retreat last time was, "I loved being on retreat with Jesus as the key-note speaker!" We don't want you to miss out on this opportunity to be in the presence of God and hear the words of life you need to hear from Him. We hope you will mark your calendars and sign up today. Give yourself a day to be with God and let God be with you. Below is the retreat description.
Finding God/Finding Yourself in the Scriptures
A day retreat at Crossroads
for men and women
with author/speaker
Ruth Haley Barton
April 19, 2008
9am to 4pm Retreat
Ruth is a teacher, retreat leader and spiritual director, educated at Wheaton College, Northern Seminary, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation andPathways Center Willow Creek Community Church
Her published works include:
Invitation to Solitude and Silence
"Best book on Spirituality for 2005"--Christianity Today
Sacred Rhythms
An Ordinary Day with Jesus
co-authored with John Ortberg
Longing for More
Ruth: Relationships that Bring Life
Blessings,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
for men and women
with author/speaker
Ruth Haley Barton
Many of us, when we are honest, acknowledge some feelings of ambivalence about the Scriptures. We know there is life to be found there, but we are not always sure how to access it. In this retreat, we will explore lectio divina, a fresh approach to Scripture that is rooted in the Christian tradition of sacred reading. Intended to satisfy our spiritual thirst for a meaningful encounter with God, this process fully engages all aspects of ourselves-body, mind and soul-in the process of receiving spiritual nourishment. During our retreat time, we will open ourselves to an encounter with God by learning how to find ourselves in the Greatest Story ever told.
Cost (includes lunch)
$25 FULL TIME STUDENT
$35 PER PERSON
$50 COUPLE
Email the church office or call 269-781-9094 to register
Ruth is a teacher, retreat leader and spiritual director, educated at Wheaton College, Northern Seminary, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and
Her published works include:
Invitation to Solitude and Silence
"Best book on Spirituality for 2005"--Christianity Today
Sacred Rhythms
An Ordinary Day with Jesus
co-authored with John Ortberg
Longing for More
Ruth: Relationships that Bring Life
Blessings,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
3-26-08
You've Been Robbed
You've Been Robbed
Scripture thought for today:
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and
out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they
may have it more abundantly.
John 10:9-10 NKJV
Dear Friends,
Journal this week:
What has been stolen from you?
Who took it from you?
What are you going to do about it?
Who are you going to ask to help you?
Dear Friends,
When we lived in Detroit we came home from church one night to discover we had been robbed. The house was turned upside down, ransacked. Our drawers were poured out on the floor, lamps turned over, and our picture albums were open and had been viewed. The things that were stolen were despairing. . . the first ring Scott purchased for Clare, the necklace he gave her at the birth of our first child, our daughter's first ring from her daddy. These were things that were not valuable in money but in emotions. We felt violated at a level that was staggering. Scott's brother, Shawn, was a police officer on the road at the time. Every night he would pray that God would deliver the thief into his hands. Eventually he did. . . only that's another story for another time! Shawn was relentless because he wanted to be sure that our valuable items would be returned. Keep in mind, sometimes you need to ask a friend to help get back what is yours!
How relentless are we when we find out we've been robbed? Has your enemy stolen your hope, your relationships, your finances, your health . . . YOUR FUTURE? Do you wake up everyday and say, "God, today let me recover everything that has been stolen? I want my health back, I want my joy back, I want my friends back!"
Journal this week:
What has been stolen from you?
Who took it from you?
What are you going to do about it?
Who are you going to ask to help you?
Pray this relentless prayer:
Jesus, You came to open the door to the abundant life and shut the door on the thief for me. I am ready to live in a way that recovers what has been stolen from me. Give me ears to hear. I will open the door to You and begin shutting every door that is stealing the abundant life You have for me. Make me relentless to live the abundant life You have for me. I will not give up, because You will lead me and guide me. I confess that abundant life is what Jesus died to give me so I will not stop until I live the life He died for.
Opening and Shutting doors with You,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
3-19-08
Living the Abundant Life
Scripture thought for today:
Living the Abundant Life
Scripture thought for today:
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:9-10 NKJV
Dear Friend,
Prayer:
P.S. Don't forget--statistics show that 82% of the people asked to attend church by someone they know...SAY "YES!" Invite the people you care about to church this week.
Are you living in the abundant life Jesus promised you? Do you want to?
Some of you may be too young to remember the game show called "Let's Make a Deal." The "big deal" of the show would come at the end when the contestants would choose one of three doors. Behind each door would be everything from a "booby prize" to the "grand prize"-- something great like a new "Vega" (i.e. a car :-) ). The 30 minute show revolved around getting to the door selection at the end. If only the contestant would have known in advance what was behind the doors, they would have chosen the right one.
In a much grander fashion, people can feel that life is like "Let's Make a Deal." We go from door to door knocking and opening doors, hoping for a grand prize and many times getting the booby prize. In John 10:9-10 Jesus says that He is the door to abundant living. Choose this door everyday, every moment and you will live the "grand prize" kind of living. We must train ourselves to learn which doors to open and which doors to slam shut.
This Good Friday we celebrate Jesus slamming the door on hell, death and the grave! This Easter Sunday we celebrate the day Jesus opened the door to heaven and an abundant life!
As we begin this series called "The Doors," tell God what doors you are hoping to open up in your life. Ask God to reveal to you the doors in your life you can close (debt, depression, gossip, sins of all kinds) and what doors He is leading you to open for this abundant life. It's not a guessing game; God truly will lead you into life and life to the fullest as you surrender to Him. We are praying and preparing to equip you to open the "God doors" in your life through this series. God Bless you today.
John 11:25-26 NIV
Opening to God,
Prayer:
P.S. Don't forget--statistics show that 82% of the people asked to attend church by someone they know...SAY "YES!" Invite the people you care about to church this week.
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
3-12-08
Someone's Knocking at the Door
Someone's Knocking at the Door
Scripture thought for today:
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Prayer Today:
God, give me the grace to always open the door to you. Then help me never forget to knock on the doors of my loved ones. You are counting on me to work with you. Help me never forget that. Let this Easter be an Easter of opening doors to real life, a life filled with Christ. Amen
Action Steps:
Send an invitation either by email or pick up a snail mail invite on Sunday.
Dear Friend,
Who or what is trying to get into your life right now? There are things and people knocking on the door of your life that will bless and change your life forever. There are other things and people knocking on the door of your life that can mess you up if you don't slam the door shut.
Have you ever seen the card that is given at funerals that has the picture of Jesus at the door knocking? If you look at it closely, the side Jesus is on has no doorknob; the doorknob is only on the other side. The ability to open the door is given to whoever is on the other side of the door Jesus is knocking on. Jesus is always knocking. People are always on the other side choosing whether or not to let Him in. Trouble and Destruction are always knocking as well. People are always opening the door or slamming it shut. What will you do?
Revelation
Do you know statistics show that 82% of people will go to church if someone they know asks them? 82% of your friends and family would come to church if you would knock on the door of their life and ask! We are going to be teaching a series called "The Doors" beginning this Sunday. We are asking God to show each of us the friends and family members who need us to knock on their door for Easter weekend. It's going to be a blow-the-doors-off service for adults and kids!!
Saturday March 22nd we are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for between 500 and 700 children and their families. Why? Do we think Easter is about bunnies and eggs? No! This is an opportunity to knock on the door of people's lives and invite them inside a church building in a non-intimidating way!
Sunday we will present the true meaning of Easter and watch Jesus knock on the door of their lives. Pray for a miraculous weekend!
| Opening the Door with You, Scott & Clare ©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige |
God, give me the grace to always open the door to you. Then help me never forget to knock on the doors of my loved ones. You are counting on me to work with you. Help me never forget that. Let this Easter be an Easter of opening doors to real life, a life filled with Christ. Amen
Action Steps:
Send an invitation either by email or pick up a snail mail invite on Sunday.
2-29-08
What's For Dinner?
What's For Dinner?
| Scripture thought for this week: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Psalm 23:5 |
Dear Friend,
Recently we were taken to the International Culinary Institute for dinner. Wow is right! We couldn't believe the food. If we ate like that all the time we would be in serious trouble. In heaven we'll eat like that at every meal and we'll have no trouble at all!
Most of our meals are normal. We get up in the morning and before heading off to work we decide what we should eat that night. Based on what our schedule is that day we'll pull out hot dogs or chicken. Sometimes it's a bowl of cereal kind of day.
When our kids were young we made sure we had family meals most nights of the week. I (Clare) was a "work at home" mom and I (Scott) was so happy about that. Meals were what we call "slow food." Yummy, healthy meals. Garlic smells wafting through the house. Those were the days, my friends! They were purposeful, meaningful, nutritional meals. Now that all of our children are adults and feed themselves (we think) and we both work outside the home, there's not so much "slow food" anymore. We still try to make our meals purposeful, meaningful and nutritional but "slow food"...not so much.
Jesus said this about His food in John 4: 31-34, "Meanwhile his disciples urged Him, 'Rabbi, eat something.' But He said to them, 'I have food to eat that you know nothing about.' Then His disciples said to each other, 'Could someone have brought Him food?' 'My food,' said Jesus, 'is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.'"
One meal we never will skip or skimp on is doing the will of our Father. Every day we rise and read God's Word first and then pray our words back to Him. We open ourselves to the will of our Father. This meal is crucial to our spiritual health. No "fast food" for us here. No way! Life is too important. The people Jesus wants us to meet that day desperately need us to have eaten a purposeful, meaningful nutritional meal.
This applies to all of us. In order to eat that meal we have to have a nutritional plan. What's yours? We want to encourage you with a few ideas.
Nutritional Action Plan:
- Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier.
- Read a chapter in the Bible.
- Write or say a prayer to God simply saying, "I am open to your will."
- Get dressed and go - watching for opportunities to share your health with someone else.
It's that simple.
When you see God accomplish His will through you, you will get so jazzed you might start setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier.
| To Your Health, Scott & Clare ©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige |
2-24-08
UNBELIEVABLE
UNBELIEVABLE
Scripture thought for this week:
Now He did not do many mighty works there
because of their UNBELIEF.
Matt 13:58 NKJV
Dear Friend,
In this next 2-week series leading up to Palm Sunday we are going to look at some passages that seem too hard to be good and too good to be true. They seem UNBELIEVABLE! BUT THEY'RE NOT! Pray this week that God will prepare your heart to increase in the kind of faith that lives an UNBELIEVABLY amazing life. We are ready to encourage you in your faith and see a community of believers become believers in the UNBELIEVABLE.
How is your faith? What is your believing quotient like today? The above scripture is one of those UNBELIEVABLE statements in the Bible. How could God Himself not do any mighty miracles somewhere because of people? Is God limiting Himself based on our ability to believe?
Remember in Matthew 17 when the disciples couldn't do the miracles that Jesus had just taught them to do? The Bible says in verse 19, "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' 20 So Jesus said to them, 'Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
In this next 2-week series leading up to Palm Sunday we are going to look at some passages that seem too hard to be good and too good to be true. They seem UNBELIEVABLE! BUT THEY'RE NOT! Pray this week that God will prepare your heart to increase in the kind of faith that lives an UNBELIEVABLY amazing life. We are ready to encourage you in your faith and see a community of believers become believers in the UNBELIEVABLE.
Believing in God and you,
Scott & Clare
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed,
"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9:24NIV
2-17-08
Living Like You are Made Alive in Christ
Living Like You are Made Alive in Christ
Scripture thought for today:
Since, then, you have been raised (made alive) with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:-1-2
Dear Friend,
Have you ever wanted to purchase a certain kind of car and once you had it on your mind it seemed like you saw that car everywhere--as if they are multiplying? You know they aren't but you're noticing them like never before. Your mindfulness of that car has made you awake to their presence on the road.
In the same way, as we set our minds on Christ in this Resurrection season, God's power, presence, and love for people comes alive in us. Every corner you turn you will be full of gratitude for your eternity with God and aware of the Christ-less eternity of those you care about . . . that God cares about.
During these 40 days before Resurrection Sunday we have given you a way to awaken to the true meaning of Easter. Our website devotional is loaded with ways to remember the gravity of Jesus' death on the cross and the power of His resurrection. Let's "set our minds on things above" in order to live the most God honoring lives during this Holy Season. It only takes a few minutes each day but you will be more awake to God and more alive than ever!
Click here to experience the "Journey to the Cross" devotional.
Remember: If you are heavenly minded ...you will be the most earthly good.
For Christ, His Cross and You,
Scott & Clare
2-6-08
Celebrating Ash Wednesday and Lent
Celebrating Ash Wednesday and Lent
Scripture thought for today:
and the fellowship of His sufferings.
Philippians 3:10
Dear Friends,
What was the faith of your childhood? Did you go to the kind of church that celebrated Ash Wednesday and imposed ashes on your forehead to begin a season called Lent? Did you go to the kind of church that had you wondering about all those ashy headed people? Were you raised with faith awareness at all?
As children we went to church where Lent (the 40 days before Easter) began with ashes applied to our heads in the sign of the cross. While we don't have that tradition at Crossroads, we do want to make space for those of you who are looking for ways to pay attention to Jesus these 40 days before the celebration of His rising from the dead. So for those who would like to join us in celebrating Lent, we have a couple of suggestions to help you.
- We suggest reading or re-reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Most bookstores carry it. We will start our reading tomorrow. There are 40 short chapters that can be read each day of Lent (except on Sundays.) The book begins with the famous quote "It's not about you." The message of the book is an unveiling of your life's purpose. . . namely living an abundant life, a life of purpose, in Jesus' Name.
- Take time to fast and pray over these next 40 days. Seek to know Jesus in the power of His resurrection. You can fast one day or a day each week, it's up to you. You can fast caffeine, food, desserts, media or. . . how about fasting the hitting of the snooze button on your clock and getting up to pray instead! The purpose of fasting is to help you pay attention to God when you say, "no" to something else.
- Lastly, for those of you who don't have a daily Bible reading program click here and find daily scripture reading on our website (click on the Daily Manna icon at the bottom).
We are praying for you that this will be the most meaningful season of preparation for Easter you've ever experienced.
Remembering Christ, His Cross and His Resurrection,
Scott & Clare
©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige
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