tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37144175316711070722024-02-02T09:25:45.282-05:00Criggle's BlogGazing into the Corridor of my Mind!Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-36109469733330458092011-02-04T21:35:00.001-05:002011-02-04T21:36:08.895-05:00Being Aware...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have named the year of 2011 "The Year of Being Aware." The word aware means having or showing realization, perception, or knowledge.<br />
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I am praying to be more aware of what God is doing all around me. That includes what He is doing in my family, my church, and wherever I'm at. You see, I can be a very impatient person. I want to know the end of the movie, before I watch it. I want to know the final score before I watch the game. This is a problem, because I miss out on all of the things God is doing around me and I do not like that. I can get so focused on the ending of a situation that I miss out on the lessons that can be learned and the words the Lord speaks through out.<br />
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I was recently at a retreat with the MCM Network of pastors in Pittsburgh and a good friend of mine, Brian Bolt spoke on being aware. He said how we can be unaware of what God is going because we are so focused on doing what we think we should be doing. That hit me because that is me.<br />
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Now don't take me wrong, I have been aware of what God is doing, but I also know that it is an area I need the Holy Spirit to grow me in. God is doing so many wonderful things in my family, my church, and all around me and I want to be aware of all of them.<br />
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May God grow me in being aware and may this be a powerful year in the Spirit.</div>Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-27234938894220558452010-08-25T10:32:00.000-04:002010-08-25T10:32:50.809-04:00Myths that Make Us HypocritesI just read this post from Pastor Jeff Leake from Allison Park. I thought it was something that all Christians need to read and check themselves on so I reposted it here. You can check out his blog <a href="http://jeffleake.typepad.com/the_launchpad/">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Myths That Make Us Hypocrites</strong></span><br />
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I was reminded today of a message that I gave last summer about three common myths in the church world. Believing this false ideas has a way of making us into 'actors' or 'hypocrites' (that's actually what the Greek word meant in Jesus' day - one who plays a part on stage). What are those myths?<br />
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<strong>#1 - HOLY PLACE</strong> - In the Old Testament, there was a place designated as THE place of worship. It was the tabernacle or temple grounds. In the New Testament, the place of God's presence has changed. 1 Corinthians 3 & 6 declares that 'we are the temple of the Holy Spirit' and that God's presence rests on the hearts of every believer in Jesus.<br />
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People who believe that a church sanctuary is the 'holy place' living in a certain duplicity. When in the 'holy place' certain words, attitudes, or practices are off limits because they lack a certain spirituality. Outside of the 'holy place' anything goes. <br />
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Truth is - the Holy Spirit is with you all of the time. We should act in a way that recognizes His presence every moment of every day - being careful not to grieve his heart.<br />
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<strong>#2 - HOLY THING</strong> - You can see the falsity of this idea in the book of Exodus where Aaron makes a golden calf to represent the God who delivered them from Egypt. This is a superstitious idea where one associates a special power with a religious icon or artifact. We think if somehow we touch, hold, or are near a special religious thing - that our prayers gain a special power.<br />
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Prayer, however, functions in the context of relationship. So if you are not living in vital relationship with God, your prayers will be hindered no matter what icon you hold in your hand. But if you are confident that you are a child of God and are living connected to Him - you need no artifact to bring you special spiritual 'luck'. The promises of God are all that we need. Jesus said, 'those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth'.<br />
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<strong>#3 - HOLY MAN</strong> - This final idea elevates clergy or the 'anointed man/woman' to a other-worldly place of connection with heaven. When we believe this myth we think that we need this 'holy man' to pray for us in order for God to move. But the New Testament teaches that any answer we receive, we receive through Christ. We all have access to the Father because of the cross.<br />
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Each of us has the right to pray and believe for breakthrough answers. Yes, agreement in prayer is powerful. Yes, there are some people who have experience in prayer and pray with authority and anointing. Each of us, however, has the capacity to become that man or woman of God. We should seek that with all we are.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-91771506712259047912010-08-09T15:16:00.000-04:002010-08-09T15:16:21.763-04:00Let the Little Children Come to Me...I find it so hard to blog everyday. In fact, I find it hard to blog once a week. But here goes me blogging about what's on my mind this second week in August.<br />
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Yesterday, I was preaching on the Armor of God. At the end of my message I always give opportunity for people to embrace the cross of Christ, as I close in prayer. There was a grandma there who had brought her grandchild with her. (I believe she is 4 years old.) The grandchild did not want to go to Children's Church so she stayed with her grandma. As I gave the call to know Jesus, the grandchild's hand shot up to my surprise. She was looking right at me with her hand raised. I was caught off guard and not sure what to do or if she understood but asked the grandma if she could bring her up front. I didn't want to scare her or make her nervous so I asked her if I could pray for her. She said, "Yes." I asked her if I could lay my hand on her shoulder and she said, "Yes," again. So I prayed God's blessings upon her as she took this step. I encouraged her grandma to talk with her grandchild and help her understand what it means to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. I thought it would be better for her to be able to talk to someone she knows and ask any questions she may have.<br />
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Grandma reported to me today that her grandchild was so excited after church. She went and told everyone in her family that she had blessings prayed on her at church. Most of which do not know go to church. This little girl and her excitement over having blessings prayed on her at church could be the key to her whole family coming to know Christ. Pray and believe with me. I find this such an awesome testimony on this Monday that has found me dragging a bit because of a sickness that I cannot shake. I'm so blessed to pastor the New Life Center at such a time as this. God is doing great things in young and old alike. So pumped for what God is doing and going to do.<br />
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Also, check out our Back 2 School Blast at <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/back2schoolblast">www.tinyurl.com/back2schoolblast</a>. It's an event that will be held in Ford City Park August 28. Children from Kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible for free school supplies but they must be registered by visiting the site above. Check it out.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-8229086325921876852010-07-19T16:03:00.001-04:002010-07-19T16:04:31.335-04:00Your Heart, Part 3...Sometimes, as Christians, we can develop a resentful heart. How? When you are in ministry, whether pastoring or teaching or helping etc., you can get hurt. People do not always respond the way you think they will when it comes to teaching and/or preaching. This can lead to resentment.<br />
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As ministry continues, you can begin to look at that person, and others, and not see them the way Jesus sees them. Vision can become clouded over with the painful thoughts of what they said and/or did to you. That is why it is important to practice forgiveness. It's important to lay the situation at the foot of the cross. God will help you overcome what others do and say. Our example is Jesus. He looked past the fact that people had just crucified Him and asked God to forgive them because they did not know what they were doing.<br />
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Now I'm not saying that you go around telling people they just didn't know what they were doing when they said or did whatever they said or did to you, that can be very arrogant. What I am saying is learn to let things go. Recognize the fact that you have been forgiven and forgive others. Resentment can develop very quickly. So take steps now to recognize that hurts will come and know how you will respond to them, by placing them at the foot of the cross. Prepare yourself now so that you are ready to defeat resentment when it comes your way. It's easier said than done, but the truth is the truth, it must be done. And it can be with Jesus' help.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-13119898655880441722010-07-07T14:36:00.000-04:002010-07-07T14:36:16.698-04:00Your Heart, Part 2...We must also be careful of the Proud Heart. Pride can hinder our intimacy with God.<br />
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Pride can also lead to self-reliance. I notice it in myself. Maybe you've heard people talk about how others can't do things the way that they can? I admit that I've done it. Why? Pride. Instead of giving others a chance to grow in ministry, I take that opportunity because I am so focused on me and what I can do and how I can do it. Shame on me. Especially, when I know that there are people out there that can do things 100's of times better than me. That is not putting myself down, it is knowing the truth and we all know that knowing the truth will set us free.<br />
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People who minister can be bound by self-reliance so much that it can lead to burn out. We can become full time workers at keeping our reputations instead of letting God do His thing that we burn ourselves out and quit our ministry or leave the church altogether. Why burn out when the answers are sitting all around you... other people. Don't worry about your reputation of always being on top of things or having things altogether. Those talents of getting things done are God given for us to use for His glory, not to be abused by thinking we have some kind of super power that we can't let others be a part.<br />
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The Proud Heart must be repented of and humbling ourselves must become our daily routine. Humbling ourselves starts with worshipping God and declaring that without Him we are nothing. He is our source of strength. All the glory and honor and power belong to Him.<br />
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Lord, forgive me of my proud heart. Help me realize everyday that it's all about what You do through me, not what I can do. I gladly lay pride down so that I don't burn myself out trying to do what I cannot do. I don't want to try and keep up an appearance for the sake of my ego. I confess and repent and accept Your forgiveness. Amen.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-68357245082645456712010-07-06T13:28:00.002-04:002010-07-06T13:50:29.248-04:00Your Heart...I was recently asked to help mentor someone through their internship class through Global University. What a privilege it is to help another person pursue the calling God has placed on them. I have taken this privilege as a serious responsibility. I believe this person has a great call and I know that Satan will do whatever he can to try and steal, kill, and destroy this calling.<br />In this class, I read through the same material that the person does, only my reading is abbreviated. The section that we are on now is "Turning from the Wrong Heart." What a powerful section. It has been hitting me hard and bringing me back to the basics of ministry, loving Jesus with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.<br />The first heart mentioned in this section is the doubting heart. It is so easy to doubt in ministry. Especially, when people begin to question how you are doing things. And that happens, far too often. But it mustn't dictate the calling and direction that God is leading you. We must remember this. We are put in place to please God, not man.<br />Sometimes in our doubt we will begin to try and do things on our own, like Jesus is not moving fast enough. Picture Saul when Samuel didn't show up. He got impatient and offered the sacrifices, which was disobedience to God's command. He lost the kingdom. Lord, forgive me for the times I've gotten impatient. The times I doubted whether you were moving because my expectations were not met or someone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">else's</span> expectations were not met. May the only expectations that count be Yours. May this lead to patience, knowing that God is truly in control. Amen.<br />As people question, may the calling of God become greater. People will not follow someone who doubts. So be strong and confident in what God has called you to do. We must know who we are in Christ.<br />"We must conquer our self-reliance, insecurity, fear, and any other reason that turns us from the action God has laid before us. In the life of ministry, people will seldom surpass their leader when it comes to acting on their faith." - pg. 15 Beginning Ministerial Internship - mentor manualCraig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-35118656403005502182010-03-29T10:47:00.003-04:002010-03-29T11:00:22.476-04:00Monumental Event...I have to say that in my short few years as a senior pastor our Easter Egg Hunt this past Saturday, March 27, was the best one day outreach that we have ever done. We, as a church, have done Easter Egg Hunts before here at the church. We would show a movie, eat some pizza, and find eggs spread throughout the church. This only ever attracted around 50 kids plus some parents. Not to bad but you are hoping for a lot more.<br />Well, this past Saturday, under the leadership of one our children's ministries leader, Tara Garris, we moved the event outside to Ford City Park. We had food, games, prizes, and of course, the egg hunt. We had advertised in the local paper, sent out postcards, and hung up posters. This lead to the greatest turnout ever. There were 180 kids ages 1-11 that showed up and probably close to 300 counting parents that accompanied the kids. Praise the Lord. At the end, we shared cardboard testimonies. We wrote on cardboard how God has changed our life. It went really well.<br />Our goal for this year has been to become better at reaching out to families. We want to give families a place to come and hang out and have fun. But most importantly, we want to see families come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What a way to start.<br />I'm looking forward to other great outreaches that we do this year. Thanks to Tara Garris and all of the others who made this possible. The New Life Center Church truly came together to make this a success. Thank you all! Let's do it again for the glory of God!Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-16595009872231750532010-03-03T11:39:00.003-05:002010-03-03T12:01:20.068-05:00Observation...Numbers 13:31-33<br /><br />31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”<br /><br /><br /><br />As I read these verses, I can't help but wonder if we have done this in our church's? Do you know what I mean? Have we spread bad reports about our church and the city that we live in bringing discouragement and despair and squelching the power of God to overcome? There are so many church's that have closed down. There are so many church's that are close to it. Why?<br /><br /><br /><br />Now I know that there may be many reasons that a church closed down, but maybe one of the main reasons that we fail to take into account is the bad reports that are spread among the Christians. You might have heard statements like, "Ford City is a dying community." "Kittanning isn't anything like it used to be." "You can't talk to people in this town because they are religious." These statements might be true but they are bad reports. That might be the outward perception but what is God's perception? In His eyes, these are bad reports. Yes, Ford City and Kittanning have had seasons of set back but there are still souls ripe for the harvest. There are still God ideas out there to see Ford City and Kittanning come to know Him as Lord and Savior. And that is what I'm pursuing.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm looking for some Caleb's and Joshua's (read all of Numbers 13) who will stand with me and take this land for Jesus. Yes, it may look difficult but whose eyes are you looking through. If you are looking through God's eyes, nothing is to difficult or impossible. And that is whose eyes I want to see through.<br /><br /><br /><br />Lord, may you guard my lips and all of our lips from speaking bad reports about the land. There is still hope for this area because you are still on the throne and you always have another move. We are asking You for another move of Your Holy Spirit in this area bringing people to the foot of the cross and also jobs and properity. May I only spread God reports and not look at the giants that might stand in the way. Because there are giant slayers yet to be unleashed that will go forth slaying those giants through the power of the Holy Spirit. May You raise them up for such a time as this, Lord. Amen.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-50649361974242676222010-03-01T10:49:00.004-05:002010-03-01T11:14:46.467-05:00Use the Whole Brain Part 2I wanted to add some more thoughts from the last post on using your whole brain when reading the Bible.<br /><br />First and foremost, you need to be reading your Bible. J.I. Packer said, "Any Christian worth his salt ought to read the Bible from cover to cover every year." Reading the Bible is important if you are going to grow as a disciple and in your faith. Romans 10:17 says, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." So we must lay a foundation of reading the Scriptures everyday, if we want to grow in our faith. But this must not just become a chore. Yes, it needs to be a habit, but it can not become boring.<br /><br />As humans, we can get caught up in routines so much that a lot of life is lived out of habits. I fold my shorts a certain way so that when I pull them out of the drawer I can put them on without thinking about it whether there is a light on or not. But if my wife folds them a different way, when I pull them out of the drawer I will put them on backwards because I do not pay attention. It is such a habit to go to the drawer pull out my shorts and put them on that I don't even think about it. Folding them different creates an adventure because now I have to think. This is what I want to see when it comes to reading God's Word. It cannot become mindless ritual. It must be a new adventure everyday.<br /><br />We will go through valley's as we read and we will have our mountain top experiences as we read, thats understandable. But sometimes we get so caught up in reading or praying in a certain place that we lock our creative juices up and it becomes a mindless ritual. The Bible is alive and needs to be read that way. We must unlock the David in all of us (read the Psalms). He had such wonder and awe for God. He asked questions and talked to God like He was a friend. And do you know what? God desires for you to think and ask and talk to Him like David did.<br /><br />There is so much more in the Word of God if we would let it come alive. As we have been walking through our sermon series, "Love God..." based off of Mark 12:30 and a book by Mark Batterson called "Primal" it has challenged us to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. But what does that really mean? Most of us don't take time to ask God what it really means. We read over it and don't give it a second thought. We can quote it to others but we ourselves have no clue what it means. Let us question and meditate on His Word. He will reveal great truths to us as we read.<br /><br />You may need to get Scripture on your MP3 player and go for a walk while listening to the Word being read. You may need to play Scripture as you are driving. You may need to get out of the office and read in the sun or by a stream. Don't get locked into mindless repitition. Let God unleash a desire in you for the Word to come alive.<br /><br />So when I talk about reading creatively through the Bible, we must let the Bible be what it was written to be... Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I don't want us to read the Bible out of mindless repitition like I put on my shorts and miss out on what God wants to say.<br /><br />I am also by no means saying read your own thoughts and meaning into the Bible. I am simply saying that we need to let our minds wonder onto the wonder and awe of who God is as we read the Bible.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-12032594682234803572010-02-24T11:45:00.003-05:002010-02-24T12:04:39.358-05:00Use the Whole Brain...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ilHhhK2ytu3sR9D5-L0o71h9edKzIga4NARO7i5Fv_-JwWh18oBR_14lOO24VRA3vNlqQlqQNYvB0pKdUVGJRyXUbu3yCjggnA3thg_T10-fHciN0MDkuh-3JYjsVE2_oW_74fTkQgo/s1600-h/Bible.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 234px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441854398736070034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ilHhhK2ytu3sR9D5-L0o71h9edKzIga4NARO7i5Fv_-JwWh18oBR_14lOO24VRA3vNlqQlqQNYvB0pKdUVGJRyXUbu3yCjggnA3thg_T10-fHciN0MDkuh-3JYjsVE2_oW_74fTkQgo/s320/Bible.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I want to take time to encourage you to continue to creatively read the Bible. I shared this past Sunday about an observation made by someone that I had never even thought about before. They shared their thoughts on the Prodigal Son. If he was so hungry and longed to eat what he was feeding the pigs, why didn't he just eat it? Did he think the pigs would "squeal" on him? It was a great question. I believe it got all of our minds wondering about why? One of the reasons brought out was the thought of how he was raised by his father. Though he spent his inheritance on wild living, there was still a lifestyle ingrained into him that called for integrity and doing things right. He demonstrated that by not eating what he was feeding the pigs. What a great observation, and there are still more observations that can be made.<br /></div><div> </div><div>Things like that can go unnoticed until we begin to ask questions and read creatively through the Bible. There is so much more to glean from Scripture, yet we read it like we've read it before. Which is probably true, but the Word of God is not like other books that you read and reread. It is the Word of God. It is alive and sharper than any double edged sword. It comes alive everytime you open it's pages and begin to ask questions and read creatively. Don't just read the Word of God left brained (logical). Read it whole brained (using the right side, the creative side) as well.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>And here are some ways to wake up your quiet time with God from Pam Farrel written for navpress and published in the January/February 1998 issue.</div><div>1. Write out and Personalize Scripture. Put your name into promises relevant to your life.</div><div>2. Praise Jesus from A to Z. Think of different words to praise Jesus as you walk through the alphabet.</div><div>3. Ponder Scriptures such as Phil. 4:8 asking yourself what is lovely to you? what is worthy of praise? etc.</div><div>4. Write about your relationship with God from someone else's point of view. This requires thinking about how we live and how that looks to others. This may give us much to pray about.</div><div>5. Dance before God. Put on some praise and worship music and dance for Jesus. This is can be freeing, especially when you add your kids in the mix.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>There are many other ways to wake up your quiet time. What are some ways that you can add to this list? Leave a comment and let me know.</div>Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-1355676917384946652010-01-06T09:38:00.003-05:002010-01-06T09:51:49.919-05:002010: The Year of Cultivating<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgQdDLNZIdoqOjBcAIretu4PRLo8jik3wktyAfn5JVZoA8hD3C6dtbFTEsha-osO5vYxhOe0WWhvWTgNNP7q8JMcYKw_vkCfPGTfOerVedyvEEYkv2Po6yhXEBrYTWDrfx4jBrBPBWWc/s1600-h/Cultivate+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423636330815482594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgQdDLNZIdoqOjBcAIretu4PRLo8jik3wktyAfn5JVZoA8hD3C6dtbFTEsha-osO5vYxhOe0WWhvWTgNNP7q8JMcYKw_vkCfPGTfOerVedyvEEYkv2Po6yhXEBrYTWDrfx4jBrBPBWWc/s320/Cultivate+3.jpg" /></a> As a church, we take time to seek the Lord on what He would want to do in our lives this coming year. We then name our year what we believe He is leading us to do. This year for the church as a whole, the Lord gave me the name: The Year of Cultivating." I am really excited about this. The past few years we have seen God lead us through some tough spots and now we are beginning to see the fruits from the struggles. And He wants to do more.<br /><br />Cultivate, in the dictionary, has this as its definition: to loosen or break up the soil; to foster the growth of; to imporve by labor, care, or study; encourage; make friends with. I love that definition. I believe God wants to continue to break the hard ground in our lives (Hosea 10:12) to foster more growth and He will do that as we work for Him (getting involved), care for others, and study His word (signing up for our small groups and personal Bible time). I recently read a quote that said... "Christians are like manure, spread them out and they help things grow. Keep them in a pile and they will stink horribly." So true. We must let God begin to spread us so that we can grow and foster growth in others. We must break the pile mentality and step out into the unknown where Jesus is.<br /><br />There is going to be an increase in seeing people saved, baptized in the Holy Spirit (personal prayer language), and the gifts of the Spirit manifested in all of our lives as we let God do His work in us. There has been to much hard, dry, ground in our lives for far to long that has stunted our growth. But God is going to begin to break it up, as we let Him, so that we can continue to grow. It won't be easy. I mean, who wants something digging up areas that are hard? It isn't pleasant. But in the end, it brings about growth and that makes it worth it. So get ready for all that God is going to do in 2010. And be encouraged to personally name your year.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-35494716886737601362010-01-05T10:32:00.003-05:002010-01-05T10:57:25.284-05:00A Winner's AttitudeI am an ex-basketball player (I still play but my college and high school days are over and I am not a pro athlete). When you play a sport you develop a winning mindset. You either want to win or you shouldn't play. It seems that in today's day and age that has given way to "Winning isn't everything" or "We're all winners" and other quotes like that. The problem is that those thoughts are not true. Whoever said winning isn't everything never won nothing. Second place is the first loser, so how can we all be winners? Now those thoughts can be taken out of context and developed into pride and a bad attitude, but in the right context should propel us.<br /><br />I want to bring those thoughts into the church. I have been reading a book called <em>Crazy Love</em> by Francis Chan. In this book, he challenges the reader on how much do we truly love Christ. It seems like we don't love Him at all if you look at our actions. And hidden behind a lot of our actions is the excuse of I can't do it the full way so I will do it half way. Or in other words, "Winning isn't everything" or "We're all winners." The problem with that is, we have just shrunk God down. In the scriptures, He calls us to some pretty strict standards that we have watered down all in the name of not thinking we can win and not wanting to.<br /><br />But winning is hard. You don't win unless you train and work hard. Sure we can water that down so that everyone feels like a winner but not everyone is a winner. Only those who are willing to "count the cost." Read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2014:25-35&version=NIV">this</a>. We must start counting the cost of what it means to be a disciple. There is only one way to win and that is through Jesus Christ. And winning in this area is everything. There is no second place.<br /><br />I am challenged by this because I can see where I have not kept myself disciplined in the ways of God. There is no longer any room for thoughts of "that was in the Bible but can not be done today." If Peter and Paul and the other disciples walked in it, then I can as well. And I will pursue God more and more until I am a walking example of the Gospel.<br /><br />Don't let yourself tell yourself you can't do it. Or that only a few people will ever live the way Jesus called us to. We all can live that life if we are willing to submit to Him, discipline ourselves, and keep a winners mindset. Losing is not an option. We don't want to lose. There may be set backs but I don't want that to hinder us from staying on the winners path.<br /><br />May Christ change the way we think when it comes to being a disciple of Christ. That we would know we can do it through Him who gives us strength. May we cast off complacency, lack of passion and desire, and selfish ambition and may we clothe ourselves with Christ. He is the only one that matters.<br /><br />Let me know what you think.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-31821901790524798842009-11-24T14:59:00.008-05:002009-11-25T11:04:33.068-05:00CORRECTION: WOW, What a Great Turkey Dinner!We just did our annual FREE Turkey Dinner for our community last night - Monday, November 23 - and had our best turnout ever. We served well over 200 people a free hot meal and showed them the love of Jesus. I'm praying that the impressions that people have of us being an occult are done away with as we serve people and show them the love of Jesus.<br />It was truly a blessed time. Ford City's mayor, Mark Mantini, stopped by to thank us for what we were doing for the community. He was blessed. We were blessed. There was just a whole lot of blessings going around.<br />We are truly moving forward in "Extending our Hand" into the community, so that people can come to know the love of Jesus. Many took books, that we gave away for free, such as: One Heart Beat Away by Mark Cahill, The Book of Hope, New Testaments, and 100% Guaranteed by Steve MaGill.<br />Only a few stayed to watch "Fireproof" the movie, but those who did were touched.<br />Overall, it was a very successful night. We got to know more people in the community and break down the lies of Satan. Now I'm looking forward to our Gingerbread and a Movie night coming up <strong>(Correction) December 12</strong>, beginning at 5:00pm, here at the New Life Center in Ford City for families with young children. December 5 is the deadline to register. Here's to reaching those who don't know Jesus, yet.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-62245143003823510192009-10-27T10:38:00.003-04:002009-10-27T11:03:25.477-04:00What Do You Think...It has been a powerful time in the Spirit here at the New Life Center. So excited to see what God is doing in my life and in the lives of all the people. I'm also looking forward to seeing all of the fruit of what God is doing in people, as we are revived and renewed by the Holy Spirit to carry the Gospel to the world in power. Look out Ford City and Kittanning!<br /><br />I wanted to share some thoughts that have been on my heart. They deal with who we are and what we do as Christians. Here is a quote by Francis Chan, pg. 32-33, from his book "Forgotten God":<br />"Churchgoers all across the nation say the Holy Spirit has entered them. They claim that God has given them a supernatural ability to follow Christ, put their sin to death, and serve the church. Christians talk about being born again and say that were dead but now have come to life. We have become hardened to those words, but they are powerful words that have significant meaning. Yet when those outside the church see no difference in our lives, they begin to question our integrity, our sanity, or even worse, our God. And can you blame them?"<br /><br />I believe as Christians, what we watch on television and movies, how we act, and what we listen to are very important, because the world is watching us. We need to quite being a little less carnal than the world and begin living by the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />I recently heard this testimony from two Christians and their non-Christian friend. The one Christian is careful in what they say, do, listen to, and watch on television or movies. They live that out in front of their non-Christian friend which has brought about great conversations and witnessing opportunities. The other Christian is careful in some areas but very carefree in others even in front of their non-Christian friend. Do you know what? The non-Christian watches what they say and how they act around the first Christian, in a comfortable way, not in a wierd way (if you know what I'm saying). But the non-Christian could care less how they act around the second Christian. Why? Because there is a Holy Spirit change going on in the first Christian that intrigues the non-Christian. The first Christian is still having fun, joking and goofiing around, but when it comes to the things of this world, they are truly dying to it to live for Someone greater, Jesus Christ. The other Christian not so much.<br /><br />As Christians, it's not about what I think or what I want to watch or listen to, or even why I think I can. The more important point is everyone around us. We forget about those around us who are looking to overcome the world and the movies and television that is harmful and music that tears down. People are coming to church looking for answers from people who have found the answers in Jesus Christ. No they don't want to be told what to watch, listen to, etc. They want to see it lived out in all of our lives.<br /><br />So instead of thinking about what "I" can watch, listen to, do, etc., let's think about those around us who struggle with those very things. The church is supposed to have found freedom from all of that in Jesus Christ. Why bog ourselves down again with all of that garbage?Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-92121492077617874742009-10-12T15:32:00.003-04:002009-10-12T15:45:34.610-04:00Where Does the Time Go...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gp-p2XGT93s_G4MfRESrg9DN9HEQ2Ha8A_61xtG3_rAU4ziR-WWY2UohuzpESP-7YuFNK2bGvspjtANCnXV-NLFVBZlYkxKVhPpTnkRhUjts_yIXSc8L_zqhOZng6rcyOZGzaHHBpDI/s1600-h/Ghost+Hunters.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391799463110861234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gp-p2XGT93s_G4MfRESrg9DN9HEQ2Ha8A_61xtG3_rAU4ziR-WWY2UohuzpESP-7YuFNK2bGvspjtANCnXV-NLFVBZlYkxKVhPpTnkRhUjts_yIXSc8L_zqhOZng6rcyOZGzaHHBpDI/s320/Ghost+Hunters.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I always seem to have something to say, but I never sit down to type it out. Not that you all need to hear what I have to say, especially since you get to hear me Wednesday night and Sunday morning.</div><br /><div>God is doing amazing things here at the New Life Center. This past Sunday we started our new sermon series (pictured above) to a great response from the people. What great expectation that everyone had for this series and what great things God began to do in the NLC. This series has been a while in the making and finally came into being for such a time as this.</div><div> </div><div>To help me in this series, I've read a couple books. First, "Living in the Spirit," by George O. Wood. Second, "Forgotten God," by Francis Chan. Third, was a book written by a few different authors on how to help others recieve the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I've listened to some CD's from Tim Enloe on the baptism in the Spirit. Plus, reading and studying the scriptures.</div><div> </div><div>I'm looking forward to the payoff from the study and prayer that have gone into this series, not just in others but myself. You see, I've had a fear of praying for people to recieve the baptism in the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I have never lead someone into this great experience, which has developed fear in me, but I believe that is about to change. I believe that God is about to do a great work in the hearts of the people who make up NLC. And that many are going to be baptised in the Holy Spirit for the first time and others refilled with a greater understanding of what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit.</div><div> </div><div>Join me in praying throughout this series and for the rest of 2009 and what God wants to accomplish here in individuals.</div>Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-75338760036861216332009-09-23T12:13:00.003-04:002009-09-23T12:38:35.663-04:00My Cross Looks Better than Mine<strong>Galatians 6:4-5</strong><br />4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.<br /><br />This passage caught my attention the other day in my devotions. So many times it is so easy to begin to compare my actions with the actions of others, or my work with the works of others. "I'm doing __________ (fill in the blank) and everyone else is doing nothing." Or we ask questions of, "Why am I the only one working hard and everyone else is taking it easy?" But maybe we should be asking ourselves, "Do I have a wrong perspective?"<br /><br />Each of us has a job to do in the Kingdom of God. We need to do our job, encourage others to do their job, but never compare our job with someone elses job. Remember this quote, "Compare and compete, you'll live in defeat." Each job is different and brings different trials and tribulations.<br /><br />The cross I bear is different than the cross you bear. Here is an illustration: A man thought the cross he bore was boring and ugly. He wanted a different cross to carry so he asked God to give him a different cross to bear. God took him to a room full of crosses so that he could exchange his. Immediately he saw one that was very beautiful. Covered in gold and lined with diamonds. He wanted that one but when he picked it up, it was to heavy. He did not want to have to carry that one everywhere. He continued looking. He found one with beautiful flowers. It smelled and looked great. "This is the one for me," he thought. But when he picked it up, thorns began to dig down into his skin. It was much to painful for him to carry. Then he saw it. A cross that was a little worn, but had a beautiful wood finish. It was plain but very unique. He picked it up and to his amazement, it was the cross God had given to him.<br /><br />So each of us has our own cross to bear and we do not know the cross others have to bear. It may look nice or smell nice, but it may be heavy and painful. Be appreciative where you are at and the cross God has asked you to bear.<br /><br />Test your own actions and carry your own load. Only you can do it.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-80391798423823752762009-08-31T15:22:00.002-04:002009-08-31T15:26:58.701-04:00Challenging Video<embed height="270" name="tangle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="330" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent" flashvars="viewkey=c999ad735a62a52d92aa"></embed><br /><br />Let this challenge you to see that Ford City and Kittanning need you, as well as the rest of the world, to share your love for Jesus Christ. Don't hold back. It's time we step up and accept our responsibility to "Go and make disciples." We don't want Sunday and Wednesday Christians. We don't want Christmas and Easter Christians. We want sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ Christians who are not ashamed of the Gospel.<br />Lord, help me, and help us all, be bold for You. Let us not shrink back but let us take ground for You and for Your glory. Amen.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-38190897997503469442009-08-26T14:44:00.002-04:002009-08-26T14:47:43.439-04:00G20 Prayer SummitMy 200th blog post will be concerning the G20 Summit coming to Pittsburgh September 24-25. If you have a chance click <a href="http://g20prayerblog.wordpress.com/">here</a> and join in a 30 day journey of prayer for this event. Pastor Jeff Leake has put this together with other pastors to unify in prayer for God to do great things as these leaders gather in Pittsburgh.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-72298641272863814512009-08-20T12:02:00.002-04:002009-08-20T12:05:43.069-04:0010 Things that Could Keep Your Church from Being All it Could Be1. Lack of Identity and Vision<br />2. Lack of Excellence<br />3. Lack of Exposure<br />4. Lack of Welcoming Atmosphere<br />5. Lack of Kids/ Youth Events<br />6. Lack of Good Preaching<br />7. Lack of Genuine Worship<br />8. Lack of Intentionally Reproducing Leaders<br />9. Lack of Intentional Outreach<br />10. Lack of Continued Pastoral Growth and Assessment<br />-By Rich Fogal<br /><br />This was posted on a friends blog from Rich Fogal. I thought these were interesting and wanted to get your thoughts. Where do you think the New Life Center is when thinking about these 10 things? Comment me.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-58500422202622653032009-08-11T11:35:00.001-04:002009-08-11T11:36:46.165-04:00Prophetic Word from Matt SorgerThis is long but definitely worth the read. Comments are welcome.<br /><br />From Charisma online---Prophetic ministry...<br />Editor's Note: The following message was released by Matt Sorger in his ministry newsletter on June 15. He received a tremendous response to it, and I wanted to make it available to those who haven't yet read it. Though it is not in the form of "Thus saith the Lord," it is an important word of caution for those of us who love the prophetic and may be tempted to seek the spectacular demonstrations of the Holy Spirit over a genuine encounter with God through His Word.<br />I am witnessing an alarming trend in some of our charismatic circles and services. I travel full time on the road all across the United States and in other parts of the world. Each week I am ministering in another state or nation to a new group of hungry believers wanting to live in the fullness of God's Spirit. Several times in the last few months I have made a disturbing and grievous observation. Before I share it with you, let me give you some of my personal background.<br />I was saved at the age of 14. I am thankful to have been raised in a solid Bible-preaching, Spirit-filled church. The Word was always given a priority. The necessity of living a holy, sanctified life was always preached with conviction. I took my first steps of walking, living and ministering in the Spirit there.<br />As a young pastor I was given some room to begin to spread my wings when the anointing and power of God began to move through my life. I took full flight when I launched out from pastoring six years ago to travel full time in a "prophetic revival" ministry.<br />My years before pastoring were spent seeking God, spending time in personal devotion and study of the Word, and attending a great Bible school in Rhode Island. Upon graduation I stepped into the pastoral ministry. I learned many valuable things during those years that I carry with me to this day. Life experiences have a way of shaping you into the person God has called you to be.<br />I want to define "prophetic revival" ministry. For me "prophetic" means hearing and then declaring a true word from God, either through preaching and teaching God's heart as revealed in His Word, or speaking forth an anointed word directly from Him. Both types of prophetic ministry should be solidly rooted and grounded in Scripture.<br />"Revival" holds a dual meaning for me. I see it as stirring up in the church a deeper passion for God and learning to live and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and then watching that passion overflow through the lives of believers into the world around us. The power of God in the life of the believer is not supposed to be contained. It must overflow and impact the world around us.<br />An Alarming Trend<br />Now I must share with you an alarming trend I have witnessed. I have seen it even in my own meetings! Because this is hitting so close to home I can no longer be silent. I am a man of deep convictions, and it is time for me to share them with you.<br />Recently, after a meeting I was standing near my resource table greeting people. A woman approached me to share about the wonderful overflow of the Holy Spirit she had experienced in the meeting the day before. She could sense a whole new level of God's presence. It was clear she had been deeply touched. But she proceeded to tell me something that caused me to raise a "red flag."<br />She said, "You know, when you started preaching, I thought, I have heard this before. I really came looking to hear something I had never heard before. But the presence of God in the meeting did have a profound impact on me, and I am not the same." I rejoiced over what the Lord had done for her, but at the same time I grieved.<br />That same week, after we had finished only one day of meetings, a pastor I was having lunch with shared his thoughts. The night before I had preached a word the Holy Spirit had placed on my heart. After the preaching of the Word, I was led by the Spirit to call some folks out from the audience, and I prayed for them with a clear demonstration of God's presence and power. I left the meeting rejoicing.<br />The pastor didn't share my enthusiasm. He said to me, "You know, if the preaching of the gospel could have gotten the job done, it would have been done a long time ago. What we need are the signs. I just want to see the stuff. I don't want you preaching. Preach just a few minutes. We want the miracles."<br />It became apparent that what this church wanted was a charismatic show—the "signs following" with no preaching of the Word. I'm sorry, but I am a Word preacher.<br />I believe their outlook reflects an alarming trend in the prophetic movement. It seems that we are unintentionally cultivating the idea that the truth of the gospel, which emphasizes the power of the cross and blood of Christ, is no longer good enough. We need signs, signs and more signs. A life transformed by the power of God's amazing Word is not enough.<br />People are clamoring: "Let me hear and see something new—something I have never heard or seen before, something that will wow me!" So we have hundreds of hungry believers fascinated by stories of supernatural encounters that have been, at times, exaggerated by charismatic personalities.<br />I want you to hear my heart in this. I am all for supernatural encounters. I have had many myself, and I know of others in ministry who have had some beautiful, real, life-changing supernatural encounters with God. But I am not into charismatic hype or manipulation. Just say it like it is. Don't exaggerate, add to or blow something up just to make a good story or to sell a bunch of CDs.<br />I am not being negative. I am seeking to bring balance into a movement I am proud to be a part of—a movement that at one time didn't want to hear just empty words but words backed up with real substance, power and glory.<br />I want the real thing! I want the real manifest presence of God. I want the real miracles, the real signs and wonders, the real angelic encounters (as God chooses to give them to me). I don't want a hyped-up version.<br />And I don't want to hear something new and different just for the sake of hearing something I have never heard before. I want my everyday life encountered in a real way by God's Word and anointing. I want to hear something that I can apply to my life. I want the fullness of God's Word to renew my mind, change me from the inside out and fill my life with real power and glory.<br />People who want to hear only something they have never heard before are in serious danger of opening themselves up to a gospel that is different from the one we find in Scripture. If you are running around looking for a new revelation without first putting into practice the hundreds of revelations given to us in God's Word, you are looking in the wrong direction. God has not called us to be flakey. He has called us to be solidly grounded in Him, to preach the gospel in season and out, and to impact the world around us as salt and light.<br />I love the prophetic. I love the supernatural. But the moment we start wanting signs without the Word of God, we are in trouble. And this is what I have been seeing.<br />Recently two pastors in different parts of the United States told me that they wanted the preaching of the Word to be kept to a bare minimum, with an emphasis placed on the signs and wonders. I need to set the record straight: Signs follow the preaching of the Word. If you become a sign-seeker apart from the Word of God, you will not be grounded, and if you are in ministry, you will build an unhealthy and weak foundation in other people's lives as well as your own.<br />The Most Precious Sign<br />The sign I am most after these days is the sign of a life transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to see people hungry to truly apply the Word of God to their lives—not desiring simply to hear something new but to put into practice what they already know.<br />I want to see people walking in love. I want to see people living righteously. I want to see people knowing who they are in Christ so the devil can't continually beat them up. I want to see people experience the abundant life Jesus came to give them. I want to see people preaching the gospel in power, laying hands on the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead. But we can never forget that the power of the gospel is revealed through the foolishness of preaching—not just preaching our good stories, but preaching the Word of God with power and authority. A sign without the Word points nowhere.<br />I want to encourage the body of Christ in these days to evaluate everything you have believed and be sure it is pure gospel. Go back and read the New Testament from cover to cover and ask the Holy Spirit to write upon your heart the full counsel of God's Word as revealed in the New Covenant. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth and to be sure your foundations are strong and solid.<br />Never neglect God's Word. It has the power to change your life. As you soak in God's Word and in His presence, you will live a truly Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered life that will make a real difference in the world around you. Go and be the salt and light God has called you to be!<br />About the author: Matt Sorger is a prophetic revivalist who ministers the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit in conferences, prophetic healing revival services and miracle crusades throughout America and around the world. He also hosts pastors and leaders conferences to train and equip leaders in the power of the Holy Spirit. In his meetings, many are instantly healed and infused with greater passion for God. Learn more about him and his ministry at <a href="http://mattsorger.com/" target="_blank">mattsorger.com</a>.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-40309759144078943992009-08-10T13:30:00.005-04:002009-08-10T13:35:26.464-04:00Interesting Video...I've been challenged by another blogger to make sure that I'm blogging if I'm going to have a blog. I have not been good at that.<br />With that said, check out this video and let me know what you think. I am interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions on this. You may have already seen it, but if you would, type down your thoughts.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mK_zh-X21f0&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mK_zh-X21f0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-52986156758089336212009-07-23T11:33:00.002-04:002009-07-23T11:59:57.426-04:00What I'm Reading and Listening TooI figured I'd let everyone know what I'm reading and listening to. In case anyone was wondering. (I am hoping to do this more often so that people have a list of books and CD's to look into buying.)<br /><br />What I'm listening to... <a href="http://www.becrecordings.com/artists/76/The_Glorious_Unseen/">The Glorious Unseen</a>. I heard about them from David Santistevan, worship leader at Allison Park Church. Great music. I'm enjoying listening to this CD called "Tonight the Stars Speak". They also have a new CD coming out in August.<br />On another note, I'm looking forward to a new <a href="http://www.jesusculturemusic.org/">Jesus Culture </a>CD coming out in August. And the new David Crowder Band CD coming out in September.<br /><br />I finished up a book by Wayne Cordeiro called "<a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Leading-on-Empty/Wayne-Cordeiro/e/9780764203503">Leading on Empty</a>." It deals with ways to keep from burning out in ministry and if you have burned out in ministry, how to slowly find healing. Another book I finished was, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Bible-James-L-Garlow/dp/0834118149/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248364069&sr=8-1">The Covenant</a>" by James L. Garlow. I plan on doing a small group on this book starting in September.<br />Currently, I am reading a book by George O. Wood, Gerneral Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, called "Living in the Spirit." This book offers a comprehensive compilation of perspectives concerning the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. He shares his desire that Pentecostals resist being content with memories of powerful past experiences and instead seek to be overwhelmed by the Spirt and demonstrate the enduring evidence of His fullness.<br />And "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802482279/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=304485901&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=080248221X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1AJFCEG87WWB2MBPZ9BY">Spiritual Leadership</a>" by J. Oswald Sanders. A book that has principles of excellence for every believer.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-68729645127970605892009-07-16T15:01:00.004-04:002009-07-16T15:14:41.997-04:00When Life Gives You Lemons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F0buYQvw56GA_-NtzNTvE-R-qxtZ8fjrHhMx-5n1zfwnMu5i1UJGcT5L2uQm9l1dELWATuc-VmE8DkD_Qppo6IeZnBGsIWOF5tSOTyFi24bHfk9taWxufEvXEw71tx97t4Foi6iAe7Q/s1600-h/Lemon.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 81px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359135347377485330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0F0buYQvw56GA_-NtzNTvE-R-qxtZ8fjrHhMx-5n1zfwnMu5i1UJGcT5L2uQm9l1dELWATuc-VmE8DkD_Qppo6IeZnBGsIWOF5tSOTyFi24bHfk9taWxufEvXEw71tx97t4Foi6iAe7Q/s320/Lemon.jpg" /></a> We began a new sermon series called, "When Life Gives You Lemons" last week. When I say lemons, I mean the troubles in life that come our way that are expected and unexpected.<br /><br />I started off last week by putting lemons into perspective with who God is. I showed parts of a video by Louie Giglio from the How Great is Our God tour. Did you know that there are stars in the universe that are way bigger than the earth? In fact, you could fit 960,000 earths in the closest star that we know which is the sun. Putting that into perspective, if the earth was the size of a golf ball the sun would be equivalent to 6 Empire State buildings on top of each other. And that is only half of it. Check out the video. They are both 10 minutes long, but well worth the watch.<br /><br />Part One<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DAh3of5q4i8&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DAh3of5q4i8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Part Two<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p2mcCvHT1wY&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p2mcCvHT1wY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This week we will look at why lemons come into our lives. If you don't have a church, stop by. We would love to see you.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-92066948375022659612009-07-06T13:49:00.002-04:002009-07-06T14:05:26.751-04:00"Finally"Yesterday, I spoke on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202:14-26&version=31">James 2:14-26 </a>and putting your faith into action. I also hit on Acts 16:16-18 which says:<br />16Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.<br />I have really been meditating on stepping out in faith. The Christian faith is supposed to be an adventure but we seem to take all of the adventure out and make it a safe walk full of hand rails, parachutes, foam, and every other safety device that we can think of to keep us from getting hurt in the everyday. We pretty much take all of the faith out of it and make it a, well, a ritual. But faith, when excercised with deeds, is exciting.<br />The Lord gave me a picture. So picture yourself in a fruit tree. The fruit is always out of reach, or on the branches that we know cannot support our weight. We can choose to leave that fruit alone and continue to hold to the trunk of the tree (the Church) or we can let go and crawl out on those limbs and trust God for whatever happens. If we want to see miracles and people getting saved, we have to step out in faith into the unknown of what might happen.<br />But what will it take to get you there? For Paul, it was after many days of being followed by a demon possessed girl shouting at him and Silas that he finally had enough. Why didn't Paul do something sooner? After all, this girl was a slave to Satan and the men who made money off of her. Whatever the reason, Paul had a "Finally" moment. He "Finally" couldn't take it anymore and turned around casting the demon out.<br />I pray for us all to have that "Finally" moment where we get fed up with the status quo, mediocrity, complacency, laziness, the sin that has so many people entangled and we say, "Enough is enough," and we begin to live out loud for Jesus putting our faith into action. The world needs men and women to walk in faith, not afraid of what others might think. Who have a "Finally" moment that leads them to greater living for a greater purpose. It will enhance your life and change your family, work place, church, and community.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3714417531671107072.post-40673946046650167202009-06-25T14:46:00.003-04:002009-06-25T14:48:19.679-04:00Check this OutA spiritual mentor of mine, Gerry Stoltzfoos, pastor at Freedom Valley Worship Center (where Kaitlyn Brumbaugh goes and Anna Marie will soon go to Masters Commission), made the news when he was asked to pray but was not allowed to use the name of Jesus. He refused. Read the article <a href="http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_12681821">here</a>.Craig Rigglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14819693394741769247noreply@blogger.com0