Video Devotionals

Monday, September 23, 2019

No Shame on You!

| 1:06 MIN READ |

When was the last time you felt it? I’m referring to the awful feeling of embarrassment and guilt over something you said or did. It’s called shame.

God designed us with the ability to feel shame when we have broken His commandments or violated His principles. The sting of our conscience lets us know that we’ve done something damaging or dangerous. It’s a warning light in our soul. Shame can be positive if we allow it to lead us back to God, and heal our relationship with others.

Shame should lead us to confess our sins to God, and receive forgiveness from Him. It was never designed by God to torment or torture you. Shame isn’t God’s way of punishing you. It’s simply one way God gets our attention and moves us away from destructive attitudes, behaviors, and interactions.

Here’s a very important verse to remember if you’re battling shame over something you’ve done or said. It’s found in 1 John 1:9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

When God forgives, He forgives completely! No more shame on you!

Pastor Dale

Friday, September 20, 2019

Forget About it!

| 1:17 MIN READ |

Have you ever noticed how often you hear the admonition, “Don’t forget …!” We have lots of “don’t forget’s” in our lives. “Don’t forget your keys! Don’t forget your phone! Don’t forget to take out the trash! Don’t forget to brush your teeth! Don’t forget… Don’t forget… Don’t forget…!”

On the other hand, it’s rarer to hear someone say, “Forget about it!” However, in our world of “don’t forget’s,” there are some “forget about it’s” we need to remember!

Paul, the apostle, wrote about this. Look at his words in Philippians 3:13-14 (TLB) “ No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.”

Yes, Paul said, “There’s something you need to forget about!” It’s called, “the past!” Don’t let the pain, shame, failures, and frustration of your past lay on the shoulders of your soul slow down your spiritual journey. Forget about it!

Remember, the next time the devil reminds you of your past failures, stand strong in God’s grace and forgiveness. Learn your lesson but don’t be burdened with your past. Forget about it!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, September 19, 2019

You Need to See to Be

| 1:33 MIN READ |

The ability to see is a great gift. I’m not referring to physical sight, but vision, perception, and discernment.

Helen Keller, the deaf and blind author and lecturer of the 1900s, made this statement, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

To be spiritually strong and victorious, we need spiritual vision, perception, and discernment. Discernment is especially important. Spiritual discernment is the ability to know, sense, be aware of things happening in the invisible spiritual realm around you. While this may sound a bit weird or strange, it’s not. Spiritual discernment is simply the spiritual sensitivity that enables you to recognize, move quickly and accurately discern what is of God, and what is not.

This is extremely important and valuable in our spiritual battles. If we don’t recognize schemes, attacks, and temptations of the devil targeting us, we’re more likely to become victims and casualties of them.

Look at what Peter the apostle wrote about this in 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Peter emphasized alertness. He told us to, “watch out,” or to be aware of the devil’s schemes so that we would not be deceived by them.

How do you grow your spiritual discernment? Simply saturate yourself with God’s Word, spend time with God in sincere, humble worship, and your spirit will become more sensitive to God’s Holy Spirit, and more alert to the devil’s attacks!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

It Starts with You!

| 1:41 MIN READ |

Security is a big deal. Every year Americans spend billions of dollars seeking to make their lives more secure.

Security is necessary because of potential threats to life and property. It’s the way we protect ourselves from the bad guys.

Just as there are threats in the seen world, there are invisible spiritual threats. Paul, the apostle, wrote about these threats in Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV) “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Here Paul reminds us that we’re in a spiritual battle, with a real spiritual enemy. We’re under threat. There are casualties in the war, and we should do everything possible to avoid falling prey to the devil’s schemes.

How do we secure ourselves against this threat? Paul tells us, “… be strong in the Lord … Put on the full armor of God …”

The first step toward spiritual security is to “be strong” in our relationship with God. Security starts with us! A weak relationship with God translates into a life that is vulnerable to our spiritual enemy. A strong relationship with God gives us an advantage over our spiritual enemy. When our relationship with God is strong, we think more clearly and make better decisions. When God is #1, we’re prepared to see and flee temptation. Spiritual security starts with you–with a strong relationship with God.

What will you do to strengthen your relationship with Him?

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Is Your House Secure?

| 1:22 MIN READ |

One of the biggest businesses in America is home security. Every year in the USA we spend over $20 billion (yes, a B!) on home systems and monitoring services. One research agency reported that a home burglary happens every 18 seconds in the USA. At least 3 break-ins every minute! 180 every hour! 4,300 every 24 hours! Security is important!

While we’re concerned and proactive when it comes to physical security, we’re often passive about spiritual security. We don’t understand or ignore the reality of potential spiritual burglary.

Jesus made it clear. There’s a spiritual thief casing your life, your home, your activities. Look at Jesus’ words in John 10:10 (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Don’t overlook an important fact here. Jesus said, “The thief COMES …” It’s not simply a possibility, it’s a reality. There is an invisible, yet very real, thief targeting you. He is the devil. He’s determined to steal, kill and destroy you and your family. It’s a fact!

The good news is, we can install a spiritual security system. It warns us of the thief’s activity and deters the thief’s attack. Learning and living by Jesus’ words is the best way to secure your life from the enemy’s schemes.

Have you installed a spiritual security system in your life and home?

Pastor Dale

Monday, September 16, 2019

Quality Construction

| 1:16 MIN READ |

How strong is your house?

From time to time the construction quality of structures are tested. Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural disasters test the integrity of houses and buildings.

A few months ago, I had a conversation with a gentleman in our church that reminded me of the importance of building wisely. He was a retired engineer who worked for years designing large building structures in an earthquake-prone part of the world. He described the immense pressure and responsibility he felt to get each design right. He knew people’s lives depended on a well-built building.

Jesus talked about this. Look at His words in Matthew 7:24, 25 (TLB) “All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against his house, it won’t collapse, for it is built on rock.”

Whether you realize it or not, you are a builder. You are building a life, perhaps a family, friendships, work reputation, and most importantly, an eternity. How you build matters. You will build wisely or foolishly. Make sure you build with Jesus’ standards. When you use His building code, you’re assured of quality construction!

Pastor Dale

Friday, September 13, 2019

Put a Hold on that Tongue

| 1:18 MIN READ |

Have you been to the dentist recently? Regular dental check-ups are important for screening oral cancer and gum disease and discovering tooth decay. Lots of health issues are associated with the condition of the mouth.

There’s an important application for our spiritual and relational lives too. What happens with our mouths makes a big difference in what happens with our lives. Take a look at Paul, the apostle’s instructions about dealing with mouth decay in Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV) “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Paul reminds us that some very damaging stuff can come out of our mouths. If these things come out it means that first they are let in. When we harbor anger, bitterness, resentment, hurt inside our hearts, they eventually become words that come out of our mouth — “unwholesome” words.

The Greek term for “unwholesome” means, “rotten, putrid, corrupt, decayed.” When we speak these words we reveal the decay that is in us, and we spread it to others, both of which grieve God’s Spirit.

Make a decision to deal with mouth decay in your life.

Pastor Dale

Thursday, September 12, 2019

A Peace Plan

| 1:38 MIN READ |

Conflicts are a sad reality in our world. It seems that everywhere you turn there’s anger, strife, and division. All this contention robs people of joy and productivity. War always wreaks havoc and makes people poorer, weaker, and bitter.

One of the worst types of strife is what happens in human hearts. The inner affliction of worry, fear, and despair is robbing many of productivity and making them poorer, weaker and bitter.

The solution to conflict is peace. Experiencing peace in a strife-infested environment requires an effective peace plan. Peace has to be pursued. It’s true for warring nations, antagonistic groups, distanced former friends, and anxious souls. The psalm writer reminded us of this in Psalm 34:14 (NIV) “…seek peace and pursue it.”

This pursuit of peace should start inside us. You can’t bring peace unless you have peace. We need a plan that will get us there. Here are some steps we can take to experience more personal peace:

P = Put your faith in Jesus Christ — the Prince of Peace. He’s the only true source of peace.

E = Explore the promises of God’s Word. He has personal promises for you.

A = Align your thinking and words with God’s promises. Believe them, reflect on them, and declare them over your life.

C = Take control of your mind. Arrest thoughts that do not align with God’s promises.

E = Extend yourself in service to others. It’s hard to worry when you are thinking about, loving and serving others.

This plan is not a magic formula. It’s an ongoing process that will produce more peace in your life. And when it’s in you, you can share it with others.

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

How to Be Respected

| 1:28 MIN READ |

One of the greatest gifts you will ever give someone is respect. It is important for us to treat everyone respectfully. No one likes to be disrespected.

Jesus spoke of this kind of attitude and approach in our relationships. He taught us what is often referred to as, “the Golden Rule.” It’s recorded in Matthew 7:12 (NIV) “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”

While we’re responsible to treat others with respect, we’re not guaranteed that everyone else will always treat us respectfully. To expect to always be respected is unrealistic, and a certain pathway to anger and frustration. The best we can do is to live in a respectable way. We should do our best to remove obstacles in our character and behavior that rob us of respect from others.

What are some qualities that make you a better candidate for respect? Kindness, sincere convictions held firmly and communicated graciously; fulfilling your promises and honoring your commitments, demonstrating excellence and high standards for yourself, being punctual, owning mistakes, valuing people and serving others. When these actions and attitudes consistently characterize you, you’re more likely to be respected.

Why is respect important? Because respect leads to influence and impact. Respected people become leaders. They are empowered by their reputation, to make a positive difference in the world.

Respect others, and live a respectful life!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

As Goes Your Mind So Goes…

| 1:24 MIN READ |

What are you thinking about? This question is far more important than we imagine. Thoughts are not benign, impotent, non-consequential things. They have a significant impact on our choices and quality of life. Your mindset sets the direction of your life.

What is a “mindset?” It’s the way you regularly think about four things: God, self, others, and life situations. Our mindset can be predominantly positive or negative, grateful or grumbling, possible or impossible, doable or difficult, faith-focused or unbelieving, gracious or judgmental, forgiving or vengeful — the list goes on. Your prevailing thought patterns are like seeds in your soul. They produce fruit — good or bad. They control your feelings, moods, attitudes, and actions. Your mindset determines your destiny. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

Dr. Caroline Leaf, author of “Switch On Your Brain: The Key To Peak Happiness, Thinking and Health” writes, “Thoughts are real, physical things that occupy mental real estate. Moment by moment, every day, you are changing the structure of your brain through your thinking.” Therefore, “as goes your brain — your mindset — so goes your life.”

Proverbs says it this way in Proverbs 4:23 (NCV) “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”

What parts of your mindset need to change?

Pastor Dale

Monday, September 9, 2019

Following The Right Building Codes

| 1:11 MIN READ |

People living in areas prone to natural disasters often build houses differently. They follow a set of building codes and requirements specifically designed to increase the chances of structures surviving things like hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes. The potential threat of destruction prompts more conscientious building.

The Bible talks a lot about houses too. In the New International Version of Scripture, the biblical language words for “house” is found over 900 times! The words refer to your life, physical home, family, household, and work. Frequently we’re reminded of how important it is to build our houses well.

Jesus described this in Matthew 7:24 (NIV) “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Jesus continued in this passage by describing how such a house stands strong when storms rage against it. The strength and endurance of a house are determined by how it’s built.

What kind of house are you building? Does it have durability and endurability? Are you using Jesus’ building code for your house? The way you build makes a difference.

Pastor Dale

Friday, September 6, 2019

Need Some New Friends

| 1:27 MIN READ |

“I don’t have any friends!” Have you heard this before? Have you thought or said this before?

One of the mental health epidemics of today’s culture is loneliness. Our digital interaction, which is supposed to increase our connections to others, is actually hindering them. The word “friend” has taken on an entirely new meaning. The term once reserved for the people we were closest to in life now refers to someone who happens to look at our social media feed — people we may not even know. We’ve replaced quality for quantity (how many), and depth for shallowness.

This is a diabolical plot. The enemy of our soul seeks to isolate us — from God and others. This isolation breeds discouragement and depression. What should we do to counteract this?

Here are some suggestions:

• See social media for what it is, and what it’s not. It’s a superficial way to connect with others, not a replacement for face to face meaningful interaction and friendships.

• Get outside of yourself. Join a group at church. Serve on a team. Get around people.

• Be friendly. Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV) “A man who has friends must himself be friendly…”

• Improve your relationship skills. Be a better listener. Be genuinely interested in others. Be confident. Respect boundaries. Take appropriate initiative!

• Finally, put a period on your pity party! Stop raining on your own parade!

Do these things, and get ready, you’re going to find some great friends!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, September 5, 2019

How Do You Spell Love?

| 1:06 MIN READ |

Spelling is tough for some folks. One of the greatest inventions of technology is spellcheck. It’s saved me embarrassment and errors numerous times!

Sometimes the concept of spelling a word goes beyond the appropriate letters and placement of them. Spelling can refer to how we define the word.

A good example of this is the word “love.” We spell it “L-O-V-E.” But how do we really spell it? How is love communicated to others?

There’s no better way to spell love than “T-I-M-E.” When we give someone time, we’re giving them the greatest gift of all. Why? Because your time is a portion of your life. Who and what you give your time to, you’re giving your life to. It’s a big deal!

When the apostle Paul writes his first letter to Christians at Thessalonica, he reminded them of how much he loved them with these words found in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NLT) “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.”

When you lean into your relationships by giving others the gift of your time, you’re truly giving the gift of yourself. Give someone this gift today!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Bringing the Devil through the Door

| 1:12 MIN READ |

A thief is planning to break into your house! Do I have your attention?

Jesus clearly described our spiritual enemy, the devil, as a thief. Look at what He said in John 10:10 (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

The problem with a thief is, they are sneaky. They never announce their plans or arrival time beforehand. They wait for the opportune moment and strike. Jesus warned us about this in Matthew 24:43 (NIV) “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.”

It’s one thing for a thief to break into your house. It’s quite another to open the door of your house and welcome the thief in!

In the spiritual realm of life, we’re often bringing the devil through the door with us. Through bad attitudes, anger, resentment, bickering, strife, hatred, destructive words, we let our spiritual enemy into our homes, and the result is stolen peace, joy, unity and harmony.

Whatever you do, don’t bring the devil through the door of your house! He’s a thief, and when he comes in you always lose!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

House Wars

| 1:36 MIN READ |

Most often we think of war as something affecting nations or groups with opposing ideas, agendas, or deep antagonism. The truth is, war happens at lots of levels. People have internal wars. Friendships sometimes turn into battle zones through misunderstanding and hurt. Many households are war zones, filled with hatred, strife, and unrelenting conflict and resentment. Why do our relationships experience so much turmoil?

The answer to the question is spiritual. We are actually in a bigger battle — a spiritual battle! Paul, the apostle, wrote about this in Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV) “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Here we’re told to make a major paradigm shift about our interpersonal conflicts. More often than not, the real culprit stirring up the trouble isn’t people we see, it’s an invisible spiritual enemy. We end up targeting the wrong “enemy.” You never win a war when you’re fighting “the wrong” enemy!

How different would your life and relationships be if you stopped fighting people, and instead, directed your efforts against your spiritual enemy? He’s the divider. He’s the antagonist. He’s the one who takes pleasure in keeping the war going in your house! Rise up and resist him, through the power of Jesus’ name and obedience to God’s Word!

Pastor Dale

Monday, September 2, 2019

How Secure Are You?

| 0:57 MIN READ |

One of the realities of today’s world is the pervasive need for security. Billions of dollars are spent annually on it. From home and corporate systems focused on physical security to sophisticated systems addressing cybersecurity, it’s clear that security is something we long for and need.

Security is needed in our personal lives also. When it’s absent, we’re afflicted with worry and fear. We can’t be our best or live our best life when we’re insecure. We can’t build strong, healthy families, or work productively if we continually feel threatened or intimidated. Personal security is essential to a fulfilled and fruitful life.

Security is important spiritually and emotionally because it leads to peace. The more secure we are, the more peace we feel. The more peace we feel, the more peace we create around us. Disturbed anxious people create tumultuous environments. Peaceful people create peaceful environments.

Pastor Dale