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Author Archives: Pastor Dale

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Replenished!

Posted on May 13, 2019

| 1:37 MIN READ |

All of us get depleted at times. There are seasons when life takes all the energy out of you. Whether it’s a personal challenge, a time of sickness, job or financial pressures, or some other problem, we can find ourselves at the bottom of a very dry spiritual and emotional well. To move forward again, we need to be replenished. Merriam-Webster defines the verb “replenish” as “filling or building up again.”

There was a man in the Bible who found himself in desperate need of replenishing. His name is Elijah. After an intense spiritual battle with 450 prophets of the false god Baal, and years of being pursued by the evil duo, King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Elijah was done. His internal fuel gauge was past empty.

The Bible reveals one of Elijah’s lowest moments in 1 Kings 19:3-5 (NIV) “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die, ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said…Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.”

What a sad picture of a tremendously strong man. Elijah had great courage, great persistence, and is held up as an example of a mighty servant of God and prayer warrior. Yet, Elijah found himself wiped out by the pressures he faced.

If you read the rest of this story, you’ll find that God showed up and replenished Elijah with rest, food and encouragement. He recovered fully and went on to do more great things for God.

Are you depleted? Don’t give up. The same God who replenished Elijah will replenish you!

Pastor Dale

Controlled Desires

Posted on May 3, 2019

| 1:40 MIN READ |

Desire is an essential element of life. It inspires and motivates us. It causes us to set goals and go after them. It moves us forward. As long as desires are holy and healthy, they are a good thing.

Sometimes desires go haywire, however. A good thing can become a bad thing when it’s out of control. The desire for a piece of cake after dinner is likely fine occasionally, but eating an entire cake, and doing it every evening is over-the-top. It’s a desire gone haywire.

The Bible refers to inappropriate and uncontrolled desires with a single word — lust. While we usually think of lust as something sensual, it’s more than this. Lust is a desire for anything that is either inappropriate or uncontrolled — without proper boundaries and restrictions.

Lust leads to all kinds of problems. It drives many of our bad decisions. A desire for material things can drive us into debt. Lust for sensual pleasure can lead you into unhealthy and destructive relationships. Lust for power can cause you to compromise ethics to get it. The list could go on and on.

Lust is a condition of the heart. It gets inside us and demands satisfaction. It’s something that has to be dealt with at a heart level. This is why King David prayed a very specific prayer after lust led him into his illicit relationship with Bathsheba. Look at what he prayed in Psalm 51:10 (TLB) “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.”

Has lust found a place in your heart? Begin praying the same prayer David prayed. Deal with your inappropriate and uncontrolled desires at a heart level. God will help you, and you’ll avoid unnecessary pain in your life.

Pastor Dale

Lane Changes

Posted on May 2, 2019

| 1:45 MIN READ |

Making proper lane changes is a vital part of safe driving. Newer vehicles are often equipped with lane assistance technology. A warning activates when you begin drifting into another lane, or when you’re about to make an unwise lane change.

In life, we often drift into other people’s lanes, mentally and emotionally. It’s called comparison. It happens when we start looking at the successes, advantages, possessions, and positions of other people and compare these with our own. We’re never the winner when we do this. All it creates is misery. It drives jealousy and envy, which poisons our soul. Take a look at this warning about comparison and the jealousy it generates in Proverbs 27:4 (NLT) “Anger is cruel, and wrath like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.” The Message paraphrase reads, “We’re blasted by anger and swamped by rage, but who can survive jealousy?”

On the highway, drifting unaware into another person’s lane can be fatal to you and others. It’s true in the spiritual and emotional realm too. When you start comparing yourself with someone else, you drift out of your life lane into trouble. You get your eyes off of the path you’re called to live. You lose focus and passion for your life. You become enamored with what you perceive as a better lane than your own.

The truth is, other lanes always looks better than the one we’re on. We fail to understand this critical fact, every road has potholes and problems. There are no perfect lanes in life. In fact, it’s likely that the person in the lane you envy is actually envying you!

The lesson? Get in your lane. Run your race. Don’t waste energy worrying about or comparing yourself with others. Stay in the lane God designed for you!

Pastor Dale

Getting Even

Posted on May 1, 2019

| 1:26 MIN READ |

“Even” is an interesting word. It means, “on the same level; equal in measure or quantity” (Dictionary.com). The concept of “even” is often applied to our relationships. When hurt or offended by something someone says, does or fails to do, we often want to get “even.” We want to equalize the pain. The thought is, “Whatever measure of problems or hurt you’ve caused me, the same should come back to you!” It’s called “getting even,” and we all have the tendency to desire and seek it.

This impulse to get even will continue to harass and haunt you until you get offenses out of your heart. You’ll be preoccupied with payback as long as you hold on to and nurse the grudges you have toward someone. Revenge will drive your thoughts and feelings. It will fuel the fires of anger inside you. It will make you restless and miserable.

One of the best ways to be free from the “getting even” syndrome is to say no to revenge — to respond differently. Look at how Peter described this choice in 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT) “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead pay them back with a blessing. This is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.”

Are you upset with someone? Are you holding on to a grudge? Is something inside you demanding that you “get even?” Stop! Change your response. The right payback is with blessing! Do it, and you’ll find God showing up for you in a big way!

Pastor Dale

Hurting Hearts

Posted on April 30, 2019

| 1:27 MIN READ |

Your heart condition is important. Heart checks help us become aware of potentially fatal issues hidden from our view — heart problems.

Just as physical heart checks are essential, spiritual checks on your soul condition are vital. Many times, things are going on inside us robbing us of the fullness of life Jesus intended.

Hurt is one of the hidden issues in the hearts of many. Over time and through various painful experiences, hurts can accumulate in our soul. When these get inside you, they poison your thinking, damage your emotions, and get in the way of good relationships.

Walking through life without some pain is impossible. We’re hurt by people along the way. Everybody experiences emotional pain. It’s not the hurt that destroys you, it’s what you do with it. Far too many allow their pain to become their identity. It becomes the focus of their lives. They refuse to face it, work on it, deal with it, or seek to overcome it. It lays in their soul generating toxicity through all their life actions and systems.

A hurting heart is curable! God comes near to those who are in soul pain. Take a look at this assurance in Psalm 34:18 (NIV) “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Are you carrying the heavy weight of pain in your soul? Is your heart hurting? God is with you. He’s close. He’s nearby, ready to bring healing. Let Him in and give your hurt to Him. He’s the heart healer!

Pastor Dale

Heart Check

Posted on April 29, 2019

| 1:36 MIN READ |

How’s your heart? Regular physical check-ups will often include some kind of heart check. From the simple stethoscope analysis to more extensive testing, it’s important to know how your heart is doing. One source reports that heart issues account for over 800,000 deaths in the US every year. That’s about 2,200 people every day of the year!

There’s another kind of heart problem that’s destroying lives. Many people are suffering from an unhealthy spiritual heart. Often, unbeknownst to them, there are issues going on inside their soul robbing them of the life and health God intends.

God is very interested in the condition of your heart. He’s also committed to helping you with issues of the heart. We’re reminded of God’s commitment to our heart health in 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV) “…The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

We’re told that God isn’t focused on or impressed with the outward appearance of people. He’s interested in something much deeper and more important. God “looks” at our hearts.

The Hebrew word for “looks” means to examine, observe, and inspect. It implies a careful analysis of what’s going on at the core of our being, not for the sake of condemning us, but to help us become aware of the heart issues that are negatively affecting us.

How’s your heart? When was the last time you considered what’s going on in the deepest places of your soul? Are you healthy and whole in your soul? Ask God to do a heart check on you today and to provide you with the results.

Pastor Dale

Fearful and Confused?

Posted on April 26, 2019

| 1:31 MIN READ |

Life can be confusing. There are times when we don’t know what to do. Nothing seems clear or certain. Confusion usually brings its brother “fear” along for the ride. What do you do when you’re facing something confusing and fearful? What do you do when you don’t know what to do?

There’s a story in the Old Testament that teaches us valuable lessons about dealing with confusion and fearful circumstances. Jehoshaphat, one of the kings of Judah, found himself facing this kind of situation. Three large armies were poised to attack his small nation. Jehoshaphat’s army was severely out-numbered and out-resourced by these enemy forces. Everything about the case spelled disaster for Jehoshaphat.

However, Jehoshaphat had a good thing going for him. He knew God! The first thing he did was to call a prayer meeting. He knew that Judah needed God’s help, and asked for it. Take a look at 2 Chronicles 20:4 (NIV) “The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.”

In his fear and confusion, King Jehoshaphat made a choice that changed everything. He turned to God. He shifted his focus from the problem to the solution. He remembered that, although Judah was small and weak, God was big and strong! This change of perspective cleared the fog of confusion.

Are you fearful and confused about something in your life? Let Jehoshaphat’s example inspire you. Change your focus. Bring God into view. He’s bigger, stronger and wiser!

Pastor Dale

Wait Training

Posted on April 25, 2019

| 1:18 MIN READ |

Maybe you’ve heard the common prayer of an impatient man, “Lord, please give me patience, and give it to me now!” Sound familiar? There’s no doubt that it’s rare a person who doesn’t struggle with impatience. Every day patience is tested in some way. It might be on the freeway, in the grocery store, with a co-worker, dealing with your spouse or children, or in some other way, but one thing’s for sure, patience is regularly tested.

Patience doesn’t come naturally. Impatience is our default mode. We all set internal expectations of how life should go, and at what speed life should happen, and God forbid should anything, or anyone get in the way!

Impatience has some ugly consequences. It creates stress in us and others. It leads to bad feelings and decisions. It damages friendships, destroys marriages and creates tense work environments and relationships.

As followers of Jesus, impatience is something God helps us conquer. Patience is something God helps us develop. The apostle Paul gave us this reminder in Colossians 3:12 (NLT) “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with … patience.”

How impatient are you? Ask God to help you change how you handle slow-moving circumstances and people. Decide to start some wait training!

Pastor Dale

A New View of You

Posted on April 24, 2019

| 1:40 MIN READ |

Most likely you carry around some photos of people you love. Whether in your wallet or on your phone, most folks have handy pictures of important people in their lives.

Whether you realize it or not, you carry another picture with you. It’s a mental photo or image of yourself. It’s called a self-image. A healthy self-image is important because it affects our personal decisions and our relationship with God and others.

There are two dangerous extremes when it comes to self-image. The first is an over-inflated image of ourselves. It’s called pride. A prideful person is preoccupied with self-importance. In their relationships, they’re usually arrogant, self-centered and stubborn.

The other dangerous trap of self-image is insecurity. Many folks are dominated by self-hatred, shame, and a haunting sense of inferiority. They suffer from a lack of confidence. Fear and inadequacy rob them of personal peace and productivity.

How do we avoid the dangerous traps of self-image? The apostle Paul reminds in 1 Corinthians 1:30 (CEV) “You are God’s children. He sent Christ Jesus to save us and to make us wise, acceptable, and holy.”

Deliverance from pride and healing from insecurity both come from a right relationship with God. A healthy self-image comes as we open our lives to God’s loving affirmations, as well as His loving discipline. It happens as we allow God to paint a realistic portrait in our hearts of who He says we are. When we listen to His opinion of us, knowing that we’re loved by Him even with our imperfections, we experience true humility, gratitude, security, and confidence.

Maybe it’s time for you to get a new view of you!

Pastor Dale

Getting Better

Posted on April 23, 2019

| 1:05 MIN READ |

What’s your skill set? Skill sets are important in life and work. The more skills you have and the greater honed they are, the more opportunities likely come your way. Growing your skill set is a valuable thing to do. It separates you from the majority of people who settle for mediocre and average. The more competent you become the more life possibilities appear.

The Bible is clear about the rewards of improving your skills. Take a look at Proverbs 22:29 (NLT) “Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.”

We’re told that increased competence leads to increased opportunities. Competence isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. Competent people continually develop their abilities. They are consistently working on their skills. They’re never satisfied with average and ordinary. They set their sights on improvement and excellence. They’re always getting better at what they do.

How’s your skill set? Are you growing in competency? As you do, look for amazing new opportunities to open for you!

Pastor Dale

Word Power

Posted on April 22, 2019

| 1:21 MIN READ |

How’s your vocabulary? The greater your vocabulary, the greater your potential for communicating thoughts and comprehending information. Many studies have pointed to increased vocabulary as a critical ingredient in personal achievement and success. It pays to grow your word power!

The Bible has a lot to say to us about our words and their impact. Take a look at Proverbs 18:21a (NKJV) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” Today’s English Version translates this verse, “What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.”

Words are dynamic and powerful. They have great capacity for both good and evil. They take life or give life. They have consequences. Our lives and relationships improve dramatically when we speak life-giving words.

Speaking life-giving words isn’t complicated. It simply requires thought and discipline. It happens when we speak words of hope, encouragement, and blessing to others. It occurs when the tone of our speech is gentle, compassionate and kind. It happens when we look for ways to build others up rather than tearing them down. It’s adding value to someone’s life by the words you speak and the way you talk to them.

God has given you the power to impact people with your words positively. Use your words today to be a blessing to others.

Pastor Dale

Let’s Do This!

Posted on April 19, 2019

| 1:11 MIN READ |

“Let’s do this” is a popular phrase today. It communicates excitement, enthusiasm, and passionate action. Having a “let’s do this” attitude is a great way to live. It is living life with a readiness to do what needs to be done with gusto. “Let’s do this” people are action-oriented people. They don’t wait around for things to happen; they make positive things happen!

This is called proactivity. Proactive people do the positive things that are in their power to do. They step up and take responsibility to make things better. They are contributors and investors. They are not pushed around by circumstances. They choose to act and to act wisely and purposefully.

The Bible refers to this quality as diligence. Diligent people get things done. God places a high value on this trait. Look at the promise connected with diligence in Proverbs 13:4 (NKJV) “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”

God wants you to be a diligent, proactive person. When you take the initiative in fulfilling your responsibilities and making the most of your opportunities, you enrich your life and the lives of others. Let’s do this!

Pastor Dale

Kinder is Better

Posted on April 18, 2019

| 1:14 MIN READ |

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I would suggest that one of the biggest wins we can experience in life is improving our attitudes. It’s likely that some of your biggest problems can be traced back to a needed attitude adjustment.

An attitude is your mindset about something. It’s the way you think about God, yourself, others and life. Your attitudes drive and direct your behavior.

In many different places in the Bible, we find lists of attitudes that are critical to spiritual, psychological, relational and work success. Here’s an example in Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

One attitude we’re told to develop as Jesus followers is kindness. What is kindness? Kind people are generous, friendly, considerate, helpful and warm. They treat others with respect and stand ready to assist in practical ways. Kindness is an attitude before it’s an action. When kindness is in your heart, it will come out in your words and actions. Kind people are rare. When you are kind, you set yourself apart. You also help others get to know God. Kinder is better!

Pastor Dale

Improving Your Harmony

Posted on April 17, 2019

| 0:51 MIN READ |

All successful and productive relationships have one thing in common — a real connection. The lifeblood of fulfilling human connections is meaningful communication.

The root word for “communication” is “common.” Communication is interacting with someone in ways that create common connections, building harmony. Harmony is a beautiful thing!

Good human connections and communication start with a relationship with God. The more you harmonize with God, the more meaningful your relationships with others will be. Take a look at this verse in Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” God wants you to know His heart, and He wants to know what’s on your heart.

Take time today to open your heart to God. Let your heart harmonize with His heart, and all your other relationships will improve!

Pastor Dale

Are You Connected?

Posted on April 16, 2019

| 1:02 MIN READ |

How connected are you? In the world of modern technology, connection is something we’re familiar with. It’s also something we struggle with. With easy communication access to others, some psychologists tell us that we’re lonelier and more isolated than ever.

Real connection has to do with developing meaningful relationships. You were created by God to be connected to other people. We’re social creatures. We flourish, grow, and work best when we’re connected.

God made this observation about humanity following His creation of man in Genesis 2:18 (NIV) “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”

After all affirmations of His creation, God said, “It is not good for man to be alone!” The absence of relationships is the only thing God said wasn’t good! God created us to be connected!

You were created by God for connections with others. You need people, and people need you. This is the reason connecting with a church family is so important. Are you connected?

Pastor Dale

Loving and Serving

Posted on April 15, 2019

| 1:43 MIN READ |

All of us have unique ways of letting people know that we care. Caring is a vital part of good relationships. Caring is often shown by serving.

Jesus showed us how to love and care for others. One example of this happened on the night before Jesus was crucified. That evening Jesus called His disciples together in Jerusalem for a special dinner. After the evening meal, Jesus showed them what love and caring are all about. John 13:4-5 (NIV) “So He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”

Jesus noticed a need in the room that evening. No one had volunteered for the customary washing of feet. It was apparent that none of the twelve disciples felt it was their responsibility. They thought it was too menial a task for such “important” people.

Jesus handled the situation differently. In humility, He got up from the table and did what no one else was willing to do. He washed everyone’s feet! Why? Because He understood the connection between loving and serving. He wanted His disciples to learn this lesson too.

Once the foot-washing was over, Jesus summarized the lesson for His disciples. It applies to us also. Look at His words in John 13:14-15 (NIV) “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

What’s the lesson? Loving others isn’t complicated. It’s merely a matter of taking time to humbly serve people in practical ways. That’s something you can do, and you’ll be blessed as you do!

Pastor Dale

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