Jan 25: That we will fulfill our calling as a church of love, forgiveness and power. 

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 New King James Version
12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

LOVE
FORGIVENESS
POWER

We exist to help people come to their senses (by presenting Jesus to them in love), TRUST Jesus (pointing them to forgiveness and repentance in Christ) and Follow Him unashamedly (Live a Spirit-filled empowered life making a difference)

May we stay true to the Word - His mission and may we reflect Jesus in everything we do.  

These past 21 days have ben remarkable - see you today at one of our 3 services 

9am or 11am Bay Minette Campus
6pm Stapleton Campus

Cindy and I are honored and humbled to serve along side of you as we serve our community and point them Jesus.

We love you all

P Richie

Jan 24: •That God will raise up more leaders among us to do His work.

Ephesians 4:11-13 New King James Version
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Matthew 9:38 New King James Version
38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Leaders/laborers/workers/servants - remember Jesus picked 12, He sent out 70 and He came to serve not to be served.  Let’s get to work.  The harvest is among us.

See you at prayer this morning at 9am

In this together,

P Richie

Romans 12:4-8 New King James Version
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Why do you need to be involved in ministry?  The answer is pretty simple - the ministry of Jesus Christ to this broken world is not complete without you.  See, you have been given a function so that the body of Christ can fully function.  Pastor Box who I served as his youth pastor for 10 years would always pray this prayer, “Lord, may we all grow in you and become the fully functioning body of Christ.” Functioning fully, wow, we all know when our car is missing on one of the cylinders, it runs rough.  Attention needs to be given to that area and once its repaired things run smoothly again.  For you, trust me on this, you won’t regret serving and becoming a fully functioning member of the body of Christ.  I have found that a lot of my “brokenness” was repaired when my goal was to serve.

Want more info on how to get involved (how could you not?) contact Kendall by texting GROWTH to (251) 810-8080

We all must do our part,

P Richie

May we all fulfill 2 Tim 4:5
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭5
1. Be Watchful
2. Endure affliction
3. Share the good news of Jesus
4. Fulfill what God has given you to do

Every situation, every conversation should be a chance to allow Jesus to shine thru your life. Everyone of us is called to share Jesus. Look for an opportunity today and seize it.

so very proud of you,
P Richie

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 New Living Translation
2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you.

James 5:16 New King James Version
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

1 Timothy 2:1-2: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness".

Ephesians 6:18: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people".

Prayer teams exist to stand in the gap and prayer for the needs of others.  This is in direct obedience to the Lord's commands and we must be diligent in the area of prayer.  May we see in 2026 a greater hunger to intercede for others and may the healing power of Jesus be evident.

Lord, we are calling for greater dependance on You and Your will.  We are asking to see the impossible made possible. And for you dear Lord to be glorified.  May Your prayer teams be fervent and effective.

Let's pray everyone,

P Richie

“Tell the older women to behave as those who love the Lord should. They must not gossip about others or be slaves of wine. They must teach what is proper, so the younger women will be loving wives and mothers. Each of the younger women must be sensible and kind, as well as a good homemaker, who puts her own husband first. Then no one can say insulting things about God's message.”Titus 2:3-5 CEV

For the past 11 years I have watched first hand my wife care for, love, pray for and stand in the gap for the women of our church. She never once has made anything about her. She is the most selfless woman I know. 

Her desire is that every woman in our church knows how valuable they are, anointed they are and they grow continually in the Lord.  

Woman of God hear this, your part in the Kingdom of God is extremely important. Find your post, keep your post and guard it.

May 2026 be a record breaking year where we see women of all ages grow closer to God and be used of God in numerous ways. 

With love and honor,

P Richie 

“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.”
Matthew 19:13-15 NLT ref Matthew 18:1-6

When you drop your children off at the kids check ins they are taken care of, spiritually and physically. Ministering to children is extremely important to us. We believe it’s a staple of our church. For this, the enemy comes after this department. However we are victorious because Christ is victorious. Take a moment today and lift up in prayer the children’s ministry leaders and teachers. 

What we can learn from this scripture passage 

1. Bring your children to Jesus
2. He welcomes them and will bless them
3. Those who come to Jesus must come to him like a child

Humility and dependence on Jesus are defining points in regard to those who the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to. There is no room in God’s kingdom for self. 

Have a great day today and remember to prioritize Jesus in every way. 

From the bottom of my heart, Cindy and I love you all. 

P Richie. 

In 2026 may the church be strong because believers are in their called position.

Hebrews 13:20-21 New Living Translation
20 Now may the God of peace—
    who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
    and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
21 may he equip you with all you need
    for doing his will.
May he produce in you,[a]
    through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
    All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

He is the one who equips - we must stay close to Jesus
He is the one who empowers - we must allow Him to fill us
All glory is to Him

May we experience together this year an abundance of equipping, empowering and glory given to Jesus.

Ephesians 4:11-16
New Living Translation
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

May we grow up into Christ - children are easily influenced.  We will stay true to His word, speaking truth in love and becoming more like Christ.

No more spiritual temper tantrums
 
May we be full of His truth
May we each do our part in His work

May we be healthy, growing and helping others fulfill their calling in the body of Christ.

See you all very soon,
P Richie

Acts 14:1-3 New Living Translation
1 The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. 2 Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. 3 But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.

Acts 4:29-31 New Living Translation
29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. 

The church needs to operate in the power of God.  The church needs the power of God to be made known and subsequently proven right.  The message we preach and live is simply Jesus.  This year let the nay-sayers be silenced by the undeniable power of God doing miraculous things in our gatherings.

May we boldly preach, teach, mentor and love unashamedly.  In the midst of opposition, God always proves himself.  Filled us Lord!!!

Believe for it - AND - receive it.

In Jesus Name,

P-Richie

John 8:31-32 New Living Translation
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Last Saturday our focus was the growth and stability of new converts.  Jesus mentions the commandment to disciple often and is very adamant on followers being faithful to His teachings.  One of the main purposes of Holy Spirit coming on the day of Pentecost was to remind us of Jesus' teachings.  God also gives some believers the gift of teaching.  Bottomline is that God doesn't want anyone to be left all alone.  Nor does He want anyone not engage in the ministry to others.  Everyone has a place in the Kingdom of God.

We are family and family takes care of each other.  The truth of Jesus simply sets people free.  And OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS FREEDOM.  Believe it or not - God wants to use YOU for His purpose.  

Get onboard - teach, disciple, mentor, love, guide and intercede for someone else.

May 2026 be a year where we see thousands of people set free, discipled, and completely full of the Holy Spirit.

I can't hardly contain this.......

P Richie

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Colossians 4:2-6 NKJV

We heard last night at Prayer Conference that if we focus on the one God will allow us to reach everyone. 

We are sold out on loving our communities. We have seen thousands of people see in action the love of Jesus. And it has only just begun. Today, our prayer focus is the organized effort from our church to reach outside of the walls. Let’s lift up every effort in 2026 to spread the gospel and ask God for increased favor. So many people are hurting and the church is the vehicle that can drive right to them. Fire up those prayers and may we burn up the roads in 2026 ministering to our neighbors. 

May we have in 2026

• OPEN DOORS TO MINISTER
• BE SEASONED WITH WISDOM
• MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY 
• BE FULL OF GRACE AND WORDS OF HEALING

From my heart to yours,

P Richie 

1 Thessalonians 1:3 New Living Translation
3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Each ministry team operates with these three pillars.
1. Come to your senses
2. Trust Jesus
3. Follow Him unashamedly

May each ministry fully comprehend their God given purpose and flow in the power of the Spirit.  We ask the Father that their purpose will be more impactful this year than ever before. May we all operate in the purpose that God has for us.

Thankful for all who have said yes to the Lord and those that will,

P Richie

Acts 2:1-4 New King James Version
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

We are in the last days - and the promise given by the prophet Joel is that in the last days God will pour out His Spirit upon ALL flesh.  And He is!!!  A few key takeaways and priorities for us this year as we gather:

1.) We will be in one accord (unified) - no division, disruptions or discord will be tolerated
2.) We will all be together
3.)  All will receive
4.)  We will speak of what He has done

Power to witness - Power to intercede - Power to operate as Jesus operated

In our gatherings God has been so incredible.  People delivered from alcoholism, tobacco use, depression and anxiety and that's just what I've been told.  If you are tired of being empty, drained, powerless and overwhelmed give yourself fully to God and ask Him to fill you and use you.  He will!!!!!

God Has bigger plans for you - the story has just begun.....

P. Richie

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.””
Luke 6:38 NKJV

WOW - God is so good - seeing people saved and delivered yesterday was incredible.  God is great, the story has just begun.....

Today's scripture breakdown:
Luke 6:  Don't judge - Don't condemn - Forgive - Give

If you have been around me and our church for any given time you will notice that we don't harp on finances.  However, you need to know today how giving in an example of worship. Once someone understands the why behind the gift - the how takes care of itself.  So here's the why:

Why do we give to the local church?

• God has chosen to use us to further the gospel and the greatest tool that has been designed for the advancement of the Kingdom of God is the local church. 
  • The local church is not backed financially by private investors or government programs but rather on the shoulders of faithful people like you who believe what God is doing and want to sow into this field. 
• We give to the local church because that is the group of people God has chosen to help us in our life journeys.  It's truly a beautiful partnership.
• Giving to the local church shows your love and support of what the body is accomplishing.
• It is nearly impossible for a giver to be selfish. And most importantly we see that when we release money - money can't have a foothold in our life.

We pray for the finances of the church so that there will be plenty to do what the Lord has called us to do.  And the great thing is that there will be more than enough.

Currently our church carries a mortgage on the new Student Center and we are praying that that mortgage will be "paid in full".  As your pastor I will share that I have had 3 separate dreams that the loan was miraculously paid in full and I stand by those dreams.

My prayer echos Jesus' statement - may God return to you pressed down and running over your worship gifts so you will not even have room to store the blessings.

In the mighty name of Jesus,

P Richie

See you at 9am this morning for corporate prayer….

2 Peter 3:17-18 New King James Version
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

There has always been a quest of the enemy to corrupt new believers. To snatch away those who are new in the Lord. It’s is our prayer that new converts will be strengthened not weakened. Discipled not discarded. Loved, encouraged, supported and challenged.

Of note and praise to the Lord, there were 6 to give their life to Jesus on Sunday. Numerous people delivered and set free. 

Revival is here. 

May those who have the gift of teaching - teach.  Pray and ask God, "What will I do to help new believers?"  

In the name of Jesus,
P Richie

Philippians 4:8-9 New King James Version
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Why do you do what you do?  What's the motive (motive means.... your meaning for movement) driving you....

When we slow down enough to ask God to turn a light on our hearts and our motives (which by the way are interwoven) and reveal them it can be surprising, shocking and let's get real...very unsettling.  No one is perfect but we are called to allow God is remove what needs to be removed and replace it with His attributes.  Without the mirror of the Word of God we are left to our own desires, wants and aspirations.  So may this year we allow fully to be shaped by His Word.

Philippians 2:14: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing".
James 1:19: "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger".
Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him".
Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect".

Our prayer: "Lord, let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. - Psalm 19:14"

Thankful for you,
P Richie

2 Chronicles 7:1-3 New King James Version
7 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. 3 When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.”

Our desire is for God to be forever present in our meetings.  We declare continually around here that God is good and His mercy endures forever.  May 2026 be another year of great Spiritual encounters.

In your home and in your life may the presence of God be tangible.  May God reveal another side of Him to you and may you continually be in a posture of prayer.  

I am so thankful for you and your love for Jesus,

Pastor Richie

Prayer Focus: For the pastors and leadership along with their families.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 New King James Version
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

There is an urging for all Christians to recognize those who are in ministry at the church they attend.  Listed above are three things that each minister does, they labor, lead, and admonish.
1.) Laboring = labor of love.  These people live a life of self-sacrifice and stand in the most difficult of situations ready to do whatever is needed.  The verb "labor" has to do with engaging in difficult or exhausting labor.  Gene Green put it this way, "True Christian leadership is not show but substance, not self-serving but self-sacrificial.
2.) "Over you in the Lord" is not about a tyrannical approach to leadership but rather a leadership flowing form the love and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Leaders lead and having someone take the responsibility as a command from God is extremely important.
3.) "Admonish you" - Leaders in the church have the great task to correct and mold the church member as God sees fit.  This can be very difficult in the culture we live in today but always remember that a minister does what he/she does because they love you more than they love themselves.

We pray for our pastors because the enemy's agenda is to steal, kill and destroy.  And if he can gain a foothold into the lives of them, multiple people could be destroyed along with them.  

So lift them up today - call out their names to God and may we be at peace among ourselves.

Much love and thank you for praying for us all

P Richie and Crossroads Church staff

That we will pursue expanding the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 28:18-20 New King James Version
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Jesus has ALL authority - He has given that authority to us - So as we GO (on our everyday ordinary life) may we do the work of the evangelist...2 Timothy 4:5 New King James Version 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

May we be bold in taking the responsibility to share, teach and give what Jesus has done in and for us.  Let us remember that we are NOT alone - God is with us every step of the way.

AMEN:  SO BE IT

P Richie

That we will walk fully in God’s vision for our church.

Isaiah 48:17-18 New King James Version
17 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,
The Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
Who teaches you to profit,
Who leads you by the way you should go.
18 Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!
Then your peace would have been like a river,
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

1)  I thank you Lord that you are my GOD, my Redeemer.
2) I thank you Lord that you are my Teacher and my Leader
3)  Help me Lord to submit to you in every area of my life and follow your commandment which is to love you above all and love my neighbor as myself
4) And God I thank you for YOUR peace given to me - I declare that peace for 2026 over my mind, my heart, my family, my job place and my home.
In the powerful name of Jesus - AMEN

We are overjoyed at what the Lord is accomplishing all over the world.  God is making himself known to more and more each day and we are grateful to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  We are the Church - His body and our prayer this year is that we will see an unprecedented RETURN.  May our focus continually be on the Lord and the hurting.  Join us in this journey.