Video Devotionals

Monday, November 5, 2018

Need Directions?

| 1:17 min read |

Do you remember the “pre-Google Maps” days? I do! Years back, every journey to an unfamiliar destination required a map—a real paper map! You would mark your route and read the map to get where you were going.

Inevitably, map reading included an additional element. When the map was unclear, or road changes had been made, you had to stop and ask someone for directions. Hundreds of times over the years I have gone into gas stations, convenience stores, or stopped somewhere along the way to ask for help finding my destination. The map and the asking worked together!

The same is true in getting direction from God. We need a map, which is the Bible, and we need prayer, which is the asking. The Bible clarifies the road we are to take, and prayer helps us discover the adjustments we need to make along the way.

James the apostle referred to what we should do when we need guidance from God in James 1:5 (NIV) “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

We all need guidance. We may need to make a decision that we’re unsure of making or face a decision about an opportunity that we’re unsure of taking. In all kinds of situations, we need to know what to do—what path to take.

Pastor Dale

Friday, November 2, 2018

Give-away Day!

| 1:14 min read |

Most people love giveaways. Walk through a mall or grocery store and you’ll notice people adjusting their path toward employees giving out samples—especially free food!

As believers in Jesus, we’re called to distribute free samples of God’s goodness to others. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 10:8 (NIV) “… Freely you have received; free give.”

Every day should be a give-away day for us. We should look for opportunities to distribute free samples of God’s love, grace, kindness, forgiveness, and favor. We should look for people we can encourage, inspire and support. We should give away faith and friendship. We should be the kind of person that people adjust their path to be near, knowing that something good and life-giving is always in our hearts, hands and mouths.

When we give, we should also remember that good comes back to us. While we don’t give to get, the law of reciprocity works. Jesus taught us this in Luke 6:38 (NIV) “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Go ahead and give! God will take care of you! Make every day a give-away day!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Faith—Full

| 1:39 min read |

A while back I had surgery on one of my knees. As a part of recovery, the doctor prescribed physical therapy. I was amazed at how quickly the muscles supporting my knee atrophied. In a matter of days following the surgery, I had lost a significant amount of strength that needed to be restored — muscle tissue needed to be rebuilt.

The remedy was the right exercises. During my physical therapy sessions, I was taken through muscle-building routines and sent home with a list of exercises to do. The promise was—“do these and your strength will return.”

It’s something we all know, muscles develop through use. They’re enlarged through exercise. Lack of exercise = lack of development.

The same is true of faith. Faith is like a muscle. It’s meant to be used. It grows when it’s put under pressure and stretched. This is what the apostle James was talking about in James 1:2-4 (TLB) “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you’ll be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”

The pressures and stresses of life are a gift of God to you. They’re God’s way of making your faith grow. They’re God’s way of developing you into a person you never dreamed you be, with a faith you never dreamed you could have!

God is committed to helping you become “faith—full!” Full of faith in every area of your life! Stop cursing the tough times. See them as exercises that increase the strength of your faith!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

How Patient Are You?

| 1:21 min read |

I suppose most of us would likely give ourselves low marks on the patience scale. We like quick. We like fast. We like immediate.

The truth is, the greatest things in life take time to grow and develop. Compare a mushroom with an oak tree. The mushroom sprouts quickly and disappears quickly. The oak tree grows slowly but endures centuries. Our problem is, we want oak tree strength at mushroom speed!

To get oak tree strength you need oak tree patience! This is what the apostle James was talking about in James 1:2-4 (TLB) “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you’ll be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”

The Greek word for “patience” can also be translated “perseverance.” It means “to remain, endure, hold out, and wait on.” (TDNT) It describes the commitment of someone to stay the course, keep on working and waiting until problems are solved, battles are won, and challenges are conquered.

Patience has a pay-off! James says that when you develop it “… you’ll be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” Sounds like the kind of people we want to be!

Pastor Dale

Monday, October 29, 2018

The Choice to Rejoice

| 1:09 min read |

One of the most common questions people ask when going through a tough time is “why?” The “why am I going through this” question actually has an answer.

The apostle James give us that answer in James 1:2-4 (TLB) “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you’ll be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”

Problems are a part of life. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t insulate you from them. It gives purpose to your problems. It changes your perspective of your difficulties. Instead of trying to “squirm out” of them, we’re told to rejoice in them, knowing that trials provide an opportunity to use our faith. Problems put our faith to the test, proving that our faith is genuine and real—that it really works.

Are you going through a hard time? Make the choice to rejoice. Change your perspective about your problems. See them as an opportunity to prove that your faith is real, and it really works!

Pastor Dale

Friday, October 26, 2018

Are You A Worshiper?

| 1:14 min read |

Are you a worshiper? The truth is, we’re all worshipers. It’s just a matter of who or what we worship!

Worship is all about the priorities and allegiances of your life. It’s about who or what you’re primarily devoted to. Some people worship their work. Some worship money. Others worship pleasure. The list could go on and on.

The Bible makes it clear that worshiping anyone or anything other than God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, is known as idolatry. Yes, idolatry! Kind of heavy isn’t it? It should also be sobering.

We don’t usually consider ourselves to be idolaters, but the truth is, anytime anything takes priority over God in our lives that person or thing becomes an idol to us. And idolatry never ends well. It always leads to disappointments and an empty life.

The cure for idolatry is true and right worship. There is only One who is truly worthy of worship. There is only One who deserves our allegiance and obedience.

Look at what Jesus said about this in Luke 4:8 (NLT) “Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

Note the “only” in this verse. True worshipers remove all over “gods” and worship the only One who is worthy. Are you a true worshiper?

Pastor Dale

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Tis So Sweet …

| 1:22 min read |

Anyone who has been around church any length of time is likely familiar with an old hymn written by Louisa M. R. Stead around the turn of the 20th century. Here are all 4 verses and the chorus, and they’re worth reading:

1. Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Chorus: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more.

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me,
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.

3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.

4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

The one word that resounds throughout this song is “trust.” The author continually reminded us that there’s something incredibly sweet about trusting in Jesus in every area of life. Our trust in Him brings life, rest, joy and peace.

Maybe the supply of rest, joy and peace have been running low in your life? What’s the remedy? Renew your trust in the One who cares for you. Have confidence in His promises for your life! It is sweet to trust in Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Whose Burdens Are You Carrying?

| 1:22 min read |

A while back I arrived at the church office with several items I needed to take into the building. I loaded myself down with these things to the point of barely being able to see. Navigating into the building was going to be a challenge. And then it happened. Someone saw me, over-burdened with my load, and offered to help. The relief was on time, and deeply appreciated!

One of the callings we have as believers in Jesus Christ is to be burden-bearers. Look at Paul’s words, inspired by God’s Spirit, in Galatians 6:2 (NIV) “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Think about it. There’s a way we can “fulfill the law of Christ.” How? By helping others with their burdens!

How does this relate to “the law of Christ?” Burden-bearing is what Jesus did for people. Remember His words in Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

When we help others carry their burdens, when we lift loads from others, we’re actually doing the work of Jesus; we’re acting like Him!

How can you become a better burden-bearer? It starts with awareness. We must pay attention to people around us who may be struggling with a heavy load in their life. If we don’t see the strugglers, we’ll never step in to help them carry their burden.

Whose burdens are you carrying?

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Attached or Detached?

| 1:17 min read |

Certain things only function well when they’re attached. A trailer can’t move forward without being attached to a vehicle. A passenger or freight car on a train can’t reach its destination without being connected to an engine. Fruit can’t be produced without being attached to a tree or vine.

Jesus used this latter illustration to describe the greatest need in our lives — the need for attachment to Him. Look at what He said in John 15:5 (NLT) “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

The last phrase in this verse should arrest us, “… apart from me you can do nothing.”

What if we really believed this? What difference would it make in our lives? What would we do, and what would we do differently if we truly understood that detachment from Jesus results in fruitlessness in us?

Jesus is calling us to be deeply connected to Him and dependent on Him. He wants to be included in all that we do. He wants to be a vital part of every activity, every decision, every relationship in our lives. And when He is included, and when we do depend on Him, positive things are promised and produced.

How about you? Are you living an attached or detached life with Jesus?

Pastor Dale

Monday, October 22, 2018

How to Be Humble

| 1:21 min read |

I’m sure you’ve met arrogant people during the course of your life. There’s nothing quite as repulsive as encountering someone who’s totally impressed with themselves and their “accomplishments.” The name-dropping, boasting, and sense of self-importance create a nauseating stench around such a soul. They may even mask their pride with “humble brags,” trying to appear non-conceited. The problem with “humble brags” is that they lack the reality of the adjective in the phrase—humble! It’s still simply a “brag!”

Arrogance, pride, and self-conceit are not only disgusting to us, they’re disgusting to God too. Look at what Scripture says about this in James 4:6 (NLT) “… God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”

This verse alone should motivate us to develop humility. To develop it, we must first define it.

What are the characteristics of a humble person:

• They know they need God.
• They know they need others.
• They’re teachable.
• They’re listeners.
• They’re flexible and adjustable.
• They celebrate the successes of others.
• They’re servant-hearted.
• They’re sensitive and responsive to God’s correction.

Humility is an interesting quality. Thinking you have it is usually a sign that you don’t! Truly humble people are humble people. They’re not “trying” to be humble, it’s a part of who they are, and God honors it with His favor!

Pastor Dale

Friday, October 19, 2018

3 Ways to Be a Better Friend

| 1:10 min read |

There’s nothing quite as comforting and encouraging as a good friend. When life is tough, it’s great to have someone show up to help and support you. When things are going well, it’s great to have someone who rejoices and celebrates with you. Friendships make life richer, and better.

While we all long for good friends, it’s equally, if not more important that we learn how to be one. Good friends have certain characteristics. Good friends are “can” people. Here’s what I mean:

C = Good friends are genuinely COMMITTED to you. You never have to worry about the loyalty and love of a true friend. You can count on them always.

A = Good friends are consistently AVAILABLE for you. They are there when you need them. They are on standby to help at the slightest mention of need or opportunity.

N = Good friends are NOURISHING. Great friends make you better. They build you up. They strengthen your character. They lift your perspective. They guide you in positive, right ways.

When it comes to developing friendships, Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12 (NLT) guide us, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you … “

Be a CAN do friend!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, October 18, 2018

What’s God Like?

| 1:24 min read |

Your thoughts matter. According to the Bible, your thoughts are shaping your life! Proverbs 4:23 (GNT) “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

One of the areas of thought that seriously affects every part of your life is your beliefs about God. How you view God makes a big difference in how you approach Him, and in how you live your life. Faulty perspectives of God cause us lots of problems.

Here are a few things to remember about God:

• He’s eternal. He has always been and always will be.
• He’s holy and perfectly righteous. Everything He is and does is right.
• He never changes. There is no fickleness or lack of predictability about His nature. What He is, He is, and always will be.
• He has no needs. He is the ultimate Provider—fully sufficient.
• He’s all-powerful. Nothing is impossible or too hard for Him.
• He’s all-knowing.
• He’s ever-present.
• He’s all-wise.
• He’s completely faithful, reliable and trustworthy. He will never fail you.
• He’s totally good. Everything He is and everything He does is good.
• He’s completely just. There is no “unfairness” or injustice in Him.
• He’s loving, merciful, gracious, kind and compassionate.
• He’s great and majestic.
• He’s transcendent—nothing or no one on earth or in heaven compares to Him—He is above and over all!

Be careful how you think about God. Your thoughts about Him shape your relationship with Him!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

What Do You Think About You?

| 1:12 min read |

Everybody thinks about themselves. It’s a part of what we do, consciously and unconsciously. The thoughts we have about ourselves shape our character, our interactions with others, and affect our personal joy and peace.

There’s a starting point to healthy thoughts about yourself. You can only think the right way about yourself if you know what God thinks of you. Knowing God’s perspective about you gives you a foundation for how you are to think about you!

Here are a few things to remembers about God’s view of you:

• You are created by God.
• You’re not an accident, you were designed by God on purpose, with a purpose.
• You are lavishly loved by God.
• God, out of His love, offers you abundant and eternal life through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
• As His child, God will never leave you; He promises to provide for you.
• God’s love makes you secure and gives you strength.

Focus on what God says about you. The apostle, John reminded us of who we are in God’s sight, and how we should think about ourselves in 1 John 3:1 (TPT) “Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children … “

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

The Right Way to Think

| 1:07 min read |

Your thoughts matter. According to the Bible, your thoughts are shaping your life! Proverbs 4:23 (GNT) “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

To change your life, you must change your thinking. Paul, the apostle, wrote about this in Romans 12:2 (NLT) “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Your thoughts can be divided into 4 primary categories:

• Thoughts about God.
• Thoughts about yourself.
• Thoughts about others.
• Thoughts about life circumstances and events.

When you’re thinking in any of these 4 areas is faulty, your life will be malformed and dysfunctional. You can’t function at your best when your foundational thinking is negatively skewed.

Part of growing as a believer in Jesus Christ involves changing our thinking about God, ourselves, others and the world around us. We need to build our thoughts on the truth of God’s Word. When we think the right way, we’ll live the right way!

Pastor Dale

Monday, October 15, 2018

Change Your Thinking

| 1:15 min read |

In life, there are things that are “out of our control.” Things happen, situations arise, people react, and decisions are made that we have no influence over. When we experience lots of uncontrollable events, we can become passive. We resign ourselves to simply surviving whatever life throws our way.

While certain things are out of your control, one thing isn’t. How you choose to think about life is up to you. It’s something you can control. While it’s not always easy to wrestle with and change our thoughts, it’s possible to do so.

Controlling your thoughts makes a big difference. It transforms you from a passive recipient of whatever life dishes out to an active responder — from a passive survivor to a conquering, overcoming thriver! Taking charge of your thoughts changes your perspective and actions.

Look at this description of the power of thinking in Proverbs 4:23 (GNT) “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Notice that your life isn’t shaped by events, it’s shaped by your thinking! What fashions your life isn’t what happens to you, but how you think about what happens to you.

Take some time and think about how you think? What thought patterns do you need to change?

Pastor Dale

Friday, October 12, 2018

Do Gooders!

| 1:37 min read |

Are you a do-gooder? This term isn’t always used positively. Often people describe a self-righteous, holier-than-thou person as a do-gooder.

While self-righteous, holier-than-thou attitudes and actions stink, we shouldn’t dismiss the power and importance of being the proper kind of do-gooder.

The Bible actually tells us to become a do-gooder, in the right sense. Take a look at a couple of passages that call us to this way of living:

Matthew 5:16 (NLT) “ … Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.”

Romans 12:21 (NLT) “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

It doesn’t get any clearer than this! God is looking for some real do-gooders in the world. Not the self-righteous, holier-than-thou type, but the humble, loving, genuine type. People who turn the tide of evil by living honorably, doing kind and good things for others, showing the true nature of God and His light to a dark world.

Be a do-gooder!

Pastor Dale