Video Devotionals

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

There’s Work For You Too!

| 1:49 MIN READ |

“I need a miracle!” I’ve heard this many times as a pastor. What usually follows is a description of a predicament or problem that defies human solutions or resolutions. It’s a cry for God’s help to do for us what we can’t do for ourselves.

Let me go on record, I believe in miracles. I believe God hears and answers prayer. I believe God invites us to present our impossible situations to Him, trusting Him to do what we can’t do.

I also believe we have a part to play in experiencing a miracle. There’s often work for us to do too. There are actions we need to take that position us for God’s supernatural power and positive intervention in our impossible situations.

Here’s a story illustrating this point. During the days of Elisha the prophet, we are told about a lady whose husband died, leaving her in great debt. Her sons were about to be enslaved to pay the bills she owed.

After telling Elisha about her situation, Elisha does something interesting. Look at the story in 2 Kings 4:2-6 (TLB) “‘What shall I do?’ Elisha asked. ‘How much food do you have in the house?’ ‘Nothing at all, except a jar of olive oil,’ she replied. ‘Then borrow many pots and pans from your friends and neighbors!’ He instructed. ‘Go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Then pour olive oil from your jar into the pots and pans, setting them aside as they are filled!’ So she did … Soon every container was full to the brim.” After reporting this to Elisha, Elisha told her to sell the oil, pay all her bills and then live on the money left! It was a true miracle.

But the miracle, as great as it was, wouldn’t have happened without this lady doing her part! She did what she was told to do, and God did what only He could do!

When it comes to miracles, there’s work for you too. Do your part, and God will do His part!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The Seed For Your Need

| 1:20 MIN READ |

What’s the biggest need in your life?

No one is needless. Everybody has some lack in their life. Lack is part of life.

Lack isn’t a bad thing. Often it’s lack that leads you to God!

There’s a Bible story that reminds us of this. Jesus told us about a young man who determined his life was boring at home. He chose to spread his wings and head out into the big, bad world for himself. He went to his dad and asked for his inheritance. His father agreed to his son’s request. This foolish kid went into the world and had a good time, for a while. Eventually, he spent everything he was given, carelessly and sinfully. He ended up working for a pig farmer, wishing for the food the swine he tended ate. He had a serious lack in his life.

Jesus tells us what happened next in Luke 15:17-20 (TLB) “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired men have food enough and to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired man.”’ So he returned home to his father…”

What brought this young man to his senses and motivated him to return home to his father? His lack!

Whatever the lack is in your life—whatever needs are pressing you—let your lack lead you to God!

Pastor Dale

Monday, October 21, 2019

It Doesn’t Take Much

| 1:54 MIN READ |

Sometimes the biggest miracles begin with the smallest things. Human life begins at conception with the union of microscopic cells. Great relationships start with an initial, and often brief introduction. Massive trees providing landscape beauty come from tiny seeds. With God, little is big!

There’s a wonderful story from the life of Jesus illustrating this principle. Jesus invested a day teaching a large crowd. 5,000 men were present, plus women and children. Jesus instructed His disciples to feed this massive group. The 12 disciples were concerned with this request. They combed through the crowd for food and discovered one little boy with a lunchbox. They had a grand total of 5 small loaves of bread and a couple of fish. The disciples called a quick meeting and decided to suggest an alternative plan to Jesus. Look at their recommendation to Jesus found in Mark 6:36 (TPT) “You should send the crowds away so they can go into the surrounding villages and buy food for themselves.”

These fellows meant well, but they didn’t understand what Jesus wanted to do. He wanted to teach us a lasting principle. Jesus asked about the resources the disciples found in the crowd. Notice what happened next; Mark 6:39-42 (TPT) “Then he instructed them to organize the crowd and have them sit down in groups on the grass … Then Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, gazed into heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the bread and the two fish and distributed them to his disciples to serve the people — and the food was multiplied in front of their eyes! Everyone had plenty to eat and was fully satisfied.”

Jesus took a little and turned it into a lot. He taught us a great lesson. Don’t spend time worrying about what you don’t have, or the little you do have. Remember what God can do! It doesn’t take much for a miracle to happen when you give what you have to Him!

Pastor Dale

Friday, October 18, 2019

You’ve Got To Look To See

| 1:38 MIN READ |

Have you ever lost something only to later discover it in plain view? Sometimes our search for something blinds us to actually seeing what we’re looking for. Here’s the lesson: You’ve got to look to see, but you must look the right way to see the right things.

There’s an Old Testament story about a lady who learned something about looking the right way. It’s found in 2 Kings 4:1, 2 (NLT) “One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, ‘My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.’ ‘What can I do to help you?’ Elisha asked. ‘Tell me, what do you have in the house?’ ‘Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,’ she replied.”

Here’s a lady in big trouble. She has lost her husband and is about to lose her two sons to slavery. From her perspective, she had nothing to satisfy this huge debt she owed.

It’s interesting that Elisha’s first question to her involved asking her to look for something — any resource she might have that could become the seed for her need. Her initial response was, “I have nothing at all!” Her problem blinded her to a small, but critical resource she possessed; a small jar of oil. It took her a moment to see and acknowledge it. Little did she know that the very thing she was initially blind to would become the very thing God would use to solve her problem and secure her future. She had to look to see the resource that was already in her house!

Don’t overlook the resources you have. They are the seeds to meeting your needs and securing your future!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, October 17, 2019

It’s On The Way

| 1:39 MIN READ |

Are you like me? When I order something to be shipped to my house, I always look for the tracking number. I even ask the shipping company for text updates. I want to know where my package is, and when it’s going to arrive. The process gives me confidence that my order is truly on the way.

It’s in our nature to want to know the “when’s” of life. Assurance of when something is going to happen helps alleviate our anxieties and helps us monitor and manage our expectations.

This is one reason we have a hard time with God. He doesn’t issue tracking numbers to our prayers. He doesn’t tell us the date of arrival of our prayer packages. Why not? Because God is not a transactional God, He is a relational God. He isn’t interested in doing prayer transactions with you. He’s interested in building a prayer relationship with you, based on trust — trust in His character, nature, and Word!

That’s why you have Scriptures like this one, found in Galatians 6:9 (TPT) “And don’t allow yourselves to be weary or disheartened in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming!”

Notice that God doesn’t tell us when the harvest season is coming, but He does promise us that it definitely is coming! He’s calling us to a relationship. He’s reminding us that all we need to do is our part, and He’ll take care of His part, at exactly the right time!

Are you anxious about the arrival of one of your prayer packages? Are you trying to get God to give you a tracking number for the answer? Remember, you don’t need to know when it will arrive. The package is on the way. It will show up at the right time. Trust Him!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Did You Know?

| 1:14 MIN READ |

In the course of daily conversations we often hear the question, “Did you know about…?” Unfortunately, this is frequently the starting point for some juicy tidbit of gossip about someone — information we would’ve been better off not knowing!

But there’s some very important information you do need to know. Having it protects your mind from troubling thoughts, and equips you to win spiritual battles.

What do you need to know? You need to know, really know, that God knows you personally and intimately. He knows every hurt, disappointment, and need in your life. Not only does He know these things about you, He loves you and cares about your cares.

Look at what Jesus had to say about this in Matthew 10:29-31 (TPT) “You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows? So don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life.”

This information is worth knowing! It is a weapon to use against the devil’s flaming arrows of worry, fear, loneliness, and hopelessness. It reminds you of your value to God.

Did you know — God loves, God cares, God helps you!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Cry That Makes A Difference

| 1:21 MIN READ |

Many times in life we find ourselves facing needs bigger than our resources. What we do in these moments is important. While we’re tempted to panic, the better response is to pray!

We learn a valuable lesson about this from the story of an unnamed lady in the Bible. Her story is found in 2 Kings 4:1, 2 (NLT) “One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, ‘My husband … is dead … now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.’ ‘What can I do to help you?’ Elisha asked.’ Tell me, what do you have in the house?’ ‘Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,’ she replied.”

Here is a lady in a lot of trouble. She is facing great debt and is about to lose her sons to slavery to pay what was owed. What did she do? She cried out to Elisha. Actually, her cry to Elisha was a cry to God. This prayer was the turning point in her life. It was this cry that resulted in receiving God’s guidance and miraculous provision. It was a cry that made a difference.

Unfortunately, we often spend lots of time crying about our problems. While crying about painful things in life is natural, and even very appropriate at times, we shouldn’t stop there. The best and most productive cries go to God. Instead of only crying over the tough things in your life, cry to God about them. He has the answers and solutions you need!

Pastor Dale

Monday, October 14, 2019

Outsourced!

| 1:21 MIN READ |

It’s happened to everyone at some point in life. We’ve found ourselves with a need that is bigger than our resources. It’s called lack. It may be more month than money or more work than workers, or more hurt than healing. Lack comes in lots of different forms.

There’s a story in the Old Testament which gives us insight into how we should handle lack. The story is found in Genesis 22. God tested Abraham’s faith by telling him to take his only son, Isaac, the seed of the nation God promised Abraham, to the top of Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice.

As Abraham and Isaac ascended to the top of the mountain that morning, Isaac astutely noticed something lacking in the sacrificial supplies. Look at his question to his father, and his father’s answer in Genesis 22:7, 8 (NLT) “Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.”

Abraham had absolute confidence in God as a Provider. And indeed, God provided a sacrificial ram at just the right moment!

How should you handle the lack in your life? Outsource the need to God! He is your Provider. He’ll certainly meet your needs, as you trust in Him!

Pastor Dale

Friday, October 11, 2019

One Great Word!

| 1:11 MIN READ |

I love language. I love words. Words are the way ideas are conveyed and understood. Words are the core of communication.

What’s the greatest word of all time? Many words might qualify for such a list. While terms like love, friends, hope and the like certainly should be included as word stars, I would propose another one — THANKS!

Expressing gratitude is something we do far too infrequently, especially when we consider the good that comes when we do. Saying thanks strengthens relationships. It also decreases selfishness. It moves us outside of our own world and includes others and their positive impact and influence on us. It demonstrates careful and conscientious thought. You’ve got to think before you can thank! When you think about the blessings in your life, your natural response will be to give thanks!

Thanks is an important word to God also. It connects us to Him. The New Testament writer, Paul, inspired by God’s Holy Spirit, writes in Ephesians 5:20 (NIV) “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There are many great words that should regularly be spoken, “thanks” is one! Who do you need to thank today?

Pastor Dale

Thursday, October 10, 2019

What’s Worrying You?

| 1:38 MIN READ |

What’s worrying you? If you are worried about something, you’re in the majority. According to some, there’s more anxiety in our world than ever before. Worry is everywhere.

What are people worried about? Studies reveal several common concerns that consistently trouble people’s hearts and minds. Here are a few things people worry about:

• Finances
• Relationship issues
• Health
• Aging and death
• Acceptance by others
• Job security
• Personal and family security

Worry is a mental activity that has emotional consequences. When we worry, we project potentially negative events into our future. It’s actually an irrational thing, but something we all do. We fool ourselves believing that entertaining “what if” possibilities in our future helps. It doesn’t. As Corrie Ten Boom wrote, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength.” Well said!

What did Jesus say? Look at His words from Matthew 6:31-33 (TLB) “So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.”

Jesus’ message to us about worry can be summarized in these five words, “So don’t worry at all…” How much better would your life be if you obeyed this one instruction of Jesus?

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Use Your Gift Cards!

| 1:18 MIN READ |

Do you have one in your wallet? I’m talking about an unused gift card. Every year $1 billion in gift cards go unused. Many of these cards will never be redeemed. Lots of blessings and resources left unclaimed.

While these statistics may surprise us, there’s something even more surprising and troubling — unclaimed promises of God.

God has provided us with many great promises. God’s promises are linked to resources He longs to release to us. God wants us to benefit from His promises. He is committed to doing for us everything He said He would do.

God’s promises are realized in our lives by active faith. They must be claimed — made personal — through prayer.

Look at what the apostle Peter wrote about this in 2 Peter 1:3, 4 (MSG) “Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.”

To claim God’s promises you must know them. There’s a promise from God for every problem in your life. Look for them. And when you find them, claim them for your life!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Don’t Diet

| 1:15 MIN READ |

We’ve all heard statistics addressing the epidemic of obesity. I recently read an article describing the crisis. According to the author, studies reveal that 70% of Americans are overweight! A staggering stat.

The usual response to dealing with extra pounds is a diet. You’ve got the paleo, the keto, the Mediterranean, the low-carb, the intermittent fasting, the South Beach, the North Beach, the no beach…! Diets, diets, diets!

While most of us could benefit from a diet plan, there’s one part of your life that should never be placed on a diet. There’s an area in your life where the more you eat, the better you’ll be — your spiritual life.

While our waistlines are too frequently expanding, our hearts are shrinking — malnourished and emaciated. Our spirits need to be fed. Our souls need to be fat.

Your spiritual life is sustained and grows through faith, and faith has to be fed for it to grow! Look at what Paul, the apostle, said about this in Romans 10:17 (NKJV) “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

The more you read, reflect on and apply God’s Word, specifically His promises, the stronger your spirit will be, and the bigger your faith will grow. When it comes to your spiritual life, don’t diet!

Pastor Dale

Monday, October 7, 2019

You’ve Got It

| 1:07 MIN READ |

People who are successful in certain careers, especially high performance or highly demanding careers, often possess a mysterious “it” factor. We say things about them like this, “They’ve got it!” The “it” may be charisma, a special unique skill set, or a key attitude that elevates and empowers them to get a job done well.

When pursuing a strong and growing relationship with God, we need a critical element. We need “it.” That “it” is something called faith. The New Testament book of Hebrews reminds us of the need for faith. Look at Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

You’ve got to have faith to please God. Here’s the good news, you’ve got it! Every day you exercise faith. Faith is simply relying on someone’s word, promise or character. It is counting on someone or something’s strength and integrity. You got “it,” you only need to direct it toward God and His Word and use it by believing in and claiming His promises.

You’ve got faith — use it!

Pastor Dale

Friday, October 4, 2019

You Don’t Have Because…

| 1:07 MIN READ |

I’m a grandfather. My primary job in life, when it comes to my grandkids is to say, “yes!” Of course, I’m kidding (kind of)! There are times when I say, “no” to one of their requests, but I do take great pleasure in saying, “yes!”

We sometimes need to be reminded that God takes pleasure in saying “yes” to us, too. Certainly, God says, “no” to the foolish things we request that could destroy us. But God is also a “yes” God. Many times in His Word He encourages us to come to Him with our needs and desires. He actually tells us to confidently ask Him for help, answers, and resources.

Jesus made this very clear in Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; … If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Asking is the key to receiving. Believing is the key to asking. Failure to ask is the reason we sometimes miss out on resources, blessings, and opportunities our good Heavenly Father has for us!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, October 3, 2019

House Visits

| 1:18 MIN READ |

When was the last time God showed up at your house?

Whether you realize it or not, your house is important to God. In our English translations of the Bible, the word “house” is found hundreds of times. The many references to people’s houses remind us of the value God places on your house.

By house, I’m not just talking about the physical structure where you live. While your house includes the roof over your head, it’s more than that. It includes all the people, relationships, activities and attitudes found there. God wants to show up at your house, and when He does, He makes a difference there.

We find a great story about God showing up at Peter’s house one day in Matthew 8:14, 15 (NIV) “When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.”

Peter invited Jesus to his house because there was a problem there. His mother-in-law was seriously ill. The problem provided an opportunity to bring God into his house. When Jesus came in, the problem was resolved.

Too often we continue to suffer needlessly with issues, problems, and pain, all because we haven’t invited God into our house. When He comes to your address, life always improves! Invite Him to your house!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

It’s Possible, With God

| 1:24 MIN READ |

“I can’t! It will never happen! Nothing’s going to change! It’s impossible!” Most of us are quite familiar with these statements. We hear them, and perhaps regularly make them. But are they true?

Certainly, there are limitations in life. There are problems that perplex us and seem to defy solving. There are situations that need to be accepted as they are. However, there’s another side to the story. As we contemplate our limitations, ongoing problems and challenges, and the impossibilities we face, we must never forget God. God is the One that disrupts standard life equations! Numerous times in the Bible you find impossible situations redefined by one key phrase, “But God…!”

These two words are far more powerful than we often imagine. It’s the acknowledgment that God is the difference-maker. Jesus reminded us of this in Luke 18:27 “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’”

It’s easy to read these words and discount them. We consider our issues as “special cases;” too hard, too long-standing, too deep-seated to be included in the “possible with God” category. Maybe God helps others, but we’re not sure, and perhaps we’re even doubtful that He’ll do miracles for us.

Here’s today’s lesson. Never discount what God can and will do. Never underestimate what God can and will for you! God is Almighty God, and nothing is impossible with Him!

Pastor Dale