Crosswalk Community Church Blog http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/ Posts from the Crosswalk Community Church Blog. Fri, 18 May 2012 23:29:14 -0500 I'm in the MOOD for! http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/i-m-in-the-mood-for/ What are you in the MOOD for?

We often ask ourselves this when it’s time to eat. I’m learning this can be a very dangerous question to ask. I’m in the MOOD for…
two thick slices of my wife’s banana bread
homemade cheeseburger with all the fixings
some white chocolate trufles
and… I think you get the picture.

Following our APPETITES can be a recipe for destruction. In my pursuit of healthy eating, I have boldly eaten things I thought I would never like.  To experience a higher goal of health I've been forced to sacrifice comfort food (I’m still a work in progress, by the way).

This is true in life as well.

Following your appetites in your career can lead to discontent or failure.

Following your appetites in your marriage can lead to conflict or divorce.

Following your appetites in your parenting can lead to grumpiness, neglect or even abuse.

Instead, make a CHOICE to seek God for His purpose in life. It might seem inconvenient, but it will lead to a wealth of experiences.

Instead, make a CHOICE to set aside time alone with your spouse for your marriage. It’s amazing to me how relational isolation sneaks up on you. (I’m working on this also as my wife and I are now “empty nesters”)

Disconnection from God is a SLOW FADE.  Make the choice to ask God to RENEW your appetites. When you go to God and find Him, more than happiness will come to you – you’ll experience TRUE JOY!

]]> Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:29:00 -0500 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/i-m-in-the-mood-for/ Missions Madness http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/missions-madness/ Join us this weekend for Missions Madness 2012. We invite you to this exciting missions conference as we explore how we can see the development of a caring heart like God in our lives. If our commitment to missions is based on anything but the love of God for this world, we will likely end up keeping our time, money and focus on ourselves. We must be committed to the task of introducing the gospel to people who have never heard. Friday night: Sex Trafficking forum at the Ramkota Convention Center (7-9pm). Saturday morning: Equip Missions Workshops at Crosswalk (8:30am-noon). Sunday morning guest missionary Jeff & Danette Johnson (10:30-noon). Sunday night city-wide youth service at Crosswalk (6pm).

]]> Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:51:00 -0500 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/missions-madness/ Sex Trafficking http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/sex-trafficking/ Please help in sharing the news that a community forum on Sex Trafficking will be held Friday, March 23rd at the Ramkota Convention Center at 7pm. Will and Cathy Henderson from Slave Free Earth will lead the discussion that night and answer questions concerning human trafficking.  Watch this video to learn more. http://youtu.be/Z9-XCBMiWrE

]]> Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:10:00 -0500 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/sex-trafficking/ Perseverance! http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/perseverance/ We must obey God if we want to walk in His blessings, but obedience to God is no guarantee that bad things won't happen to us. There are times in life when you will do the right thing and still end up in the middle of a long and difficult trial. It is there, however, that we learn to persevere. Join us tomorrow as we continue in the "Life of Joseph" series and discover how you continue to do the right thing even when you suffer unjustly. It's character building time! See you Sunday.

]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:56:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/perseverance/ ManUP Men's March Breakfast & Study http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/manup-men-s-march-breakfast-and-study/ Guys, it’s time again to make plans to join us Saturday, March 3rd for Men’s Breakfast. We will gather at 8:30am for some food and then watch a video from Bryce Paup, former NFL stand-out from the Buffalo Bills.  His story will challenge and inspire you to become a bold man of God.  It’s time to ManUP!  To see a sample of the video, check out the following link.

http://youtu.be/zhFYGISJYes

]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:40:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/manup-men-s-march-breakfast-and-study/ 2012 Life Group Launch http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/2012-life-group-launch/ Our next semester of Life Groups have launched and we encourage you to join one.  Whether your recently new to Crosswalk or have attended for some time, small group ministry gives you the opportunity to meet new people and be encouraged through prayer, Bible study & fellowship. There’s a place for you, so come and get plugged into a Life Group! For a complete listing of small groups, please click on the Life Group button, otherwise check out some of the classes by watching this link! http://youtu.be/2Hp9uGCIDxI

]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:46:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/2012-life-group-launch/ My Fast Is Over http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/my-fast-is-over/ Over the past 21 days, I’ve been fasting.  Specifically, my diet has been governed by what many call a ‘Daniel fast.’ Basically, I’ve eaten most like a vegetarian and it was TOUGH!  WHY would I put myself through this?  What would possess me to resist dairy, meat, sugar, yeast, and other ingredients? This was a spiritual, physical, and emotional journey between me and God.

 Spiritually…

  • I prayed for a deepening in my own spiritual life.
  • I sought for God’s power to be over the ministries of Crosswalk in 2012.
  • I asked God for clarity regarding our next bold vision.

Emotionally…

  • I asked God to clean out wrong appetites or tendencies that I’m not even aware of.
  • I prayed for discipline mentally and a growing sense of focus.

Physically…

  • I anticipated a healthy re-boot to my metabolism.
  • I asked God to take me to another level of healthy living.
  • I prayed for some new patterns that would emerge even after the fast.

 For me, this fast was a way to experience some BENEFITS toward the Lord!

  • Greater dependence on God.
  • Growing sensitivity to his Spirit.
  • A heightened hunger for God’s Word.
  • Intense appreciation for the good gifts God gives us.

 Though the fast has now ended, I’m so thankful for the past 21 days.  I am eager to see how God uses it to further HIS agenda and HIS church, specifically Crosswalk!

]]> Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:03:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/my-fast-is-over/ Man Up February Breakfast & Study http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/man-up-february-breakfast-and-study/ OK guys, it's once again time for ManUP Breakfast & Study this coming Saturday, Feb 4th. You're invited to join us in the Crosswalk Gathering Room for a breakfast and time of discovering the role God has for us in our home, church and job. We will be watching and discussing a message given by Paul Coughlin. Click this link to view a sample of what will be shared. http://youtu.be/iSJS5xBAB30.  See you Saturday!

]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:02:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/man-up-february-breakfast-and-study/ Day 21 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-21-prayer-and-fasting/ No matter how deep you are now, wade in deeper still. Don't worry about what's going to get wet. Don't stop at the point where you can keep your feet underneath you. Get swept away. What are you holding on to? What are your hesitations to living a more Spirit-led life of faith? What illusion of control are you clinging to? Go all in. Pray today that this fast will be just the beginning of a deeper relationship with God. Pray that He will continue to beckon you to dive in and let Him take complete control of your life.

Exekiel 47:1-12

]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:19:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-21-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 20 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-20-prayer-and-fasting/ Are you considering continuing your fast or maybe beginning new habits of regular fasting? In this chapter people are wondering if they should continue the fasting calendar they had kept and the Lord answers through Zechariah. Since Moses' time, God instituted a whole calendar of fasts and feasts. Both were designed to draw His people closer to Him. If drawing closer to God is your goal every day, both times of fasting and feasting can be holy to the Lord. Take time to allow God to speak to you about your fasting experience. Ask God to help you reflect on the ways your fast has softened your heart and influenced you to treat others differently.

Zechariah 7

]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:58:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-20-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 19 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-19-prayer-and-fasting/ Do your heart and flesh feel faint? As you near the end of your fast, think of the marvelous joy of spending this one day in His courts. Praise Him for the ways you are growing and seeking Him more. No matter where you are, read this psalm out loud today as your prayer to God. Personalize it or add to it. Sing it loudly or just whisper.

Psalm 84 (chapter)

]]> Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:33:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-19-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 18 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-18-prayer-and-fasting/ Tear your hearts instead. You can finish strong by making sure you are weeping and mourning and tearing your heart open wide to allow God's power and presence to sweep across the landscape of your life. Tell God today that you are baring your heart before His mercy, compassion, and unfailing love. Ask Him to give you the courage to join His advancing army. Ask Him to open your eyes to dreams and visions.

Joel 2:12-32

]]> Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:41:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-18-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 17 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-17-prayer-and-fasting/ This is one of the most dazzling stories in the Bible. You can surely relate to the situation these three young men faced--when facts fly in the face of truth. The facts were that they had broken the law, the punishment was death, Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man in the world, the fire was hot enough to kill a nearby guard, there were plenty more guards to throw them in, and they were either going to bow or burn. Period. But the truth opposed those facts, and truth was what the three men stood upon. The truth was that either their God was going to deliver them or they would willingly die in His service. The truth is that the Son of God walked with them through the flames. What facts are you facing that defy God's truth? Take the facts to God in prayer today and believe with boldness that your God will be with you in the fire.

Daniel 3 (chapter)

]]> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:45:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-17-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 16 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-16-prayer-and-fasting/ The title of today's reading is A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God. It talks about seeking one thing. During this time of seeking, it's easy to focus on seeking things from God instead of just seeking God--to seek His hand and not His face. Think of the difference between approaching a king to kiss his hand and approaching a loving father to kiss his face. God is both our King and Father. He is capable of meeting your needs and answering your prayers. But He also loves you more deeply than you can ever know. When you seek His face, you end up in a much closer posture to Him. Pray today that you will seek God's face and get closer to Him than you ever have before.

Psalm 27 (chapter)

]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:14:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-16-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 15 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-15-prayer-and-fasting/ You're starting the third and final week of your fast. If you're fasting with a group, take time to reflect together and celebrate what God has begun. If you've been fasting alone, be sure to write down your experiences. Even though you may feel like you're in a groove now, for many this final week will be harder than the others. Ask God to search you and begin to shine a light on all the dark corners of your heart. Ask Him to use this last week to refine you and cleanse you.

Psalm 51 (chapter)

]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:42:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-15-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 14 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-14-prayer-and-fasting/ Blessed are those who hunger... If you can relate to that, spend time meditating on this passage called the Beatitudes or Blessings. Make a point today to count your blessings. Keep a journal with you all day to write down the blessings that God brings to your mind. Pray to thank Him for the blessings, even the ones that come as a result of enduring hardships or trials.

Matthew 5:1-14

]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:48:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-14-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 13 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-13-prayer-and-fasting/ You are chosen, holy, set apart, a royal priest--you are a child of God. You may be in need of an anchor right now. Set Christ as your cornerstone today. Write down the ways He has brought you from darkness into light. Spend time in prayer today thanking God for beginning a work in you with His Son set as the foundation for Him to build upon.

1 Peter 2

]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:31:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-13-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 12 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-12-prayer-and-fasting/ Food is a source of comfort for many. Reflect on how much your thoughts have been overtaken with craving certain foods, missing the things you're fasting from, or even how much weight you could lose. Is it often? If it were alcohol or a harmful drug, would you consider yourself addicted if you were this consumed with your desire for them? For many, this fast can begin an awareness of a harmful place food may have in your life. It can reveal an addiction. Pray that the God of compassion and all comfort will become your primary source of comfort. Ask Him to use this experience with suffering to remove anything in your life that has taken the Holy Spirit's place as your Comforter.

2 Corinthians 1

]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:46:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-12-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 11 Prayer & Fasting http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-11-prayer-and-fasting/ This chapter has many convicting challenges--one being for you to match your faith with action. Don't just contemplate God's Word--do what it says. You are now beginning the second half of your fast. Reflect on whether your fast would be characterized more by listening or doing. Ask God for wisdom about where He wants to lead you during this second half of your fast.

James 1 (chapter)

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:22:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-11-prayer-and-fasting/ Day 10 Prayer & Fast http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-10-prayer-and-fast/ Forty days of nothing? Not hardly. Even though Jesus fasted for forty days, He clearly came out stronger than ever based on the events following it. How is your fast strengthening you? Do you feel like you're floundering? Maybe you're not experiencing the outcomes you expected. Ask God to lead you into the same kind of preparation, power, and purpose that Jesus gained from His time of fasting.

Luke 4 (chapter)

]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:15:00 -0600 http://crosswalkcc.com/interact/blog/day-10-prayer-and-fast/