Video Devotionals

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Supernatural

| 1:25 MIN READ |

Who are you? This question goes beyond superficial interest in your name or job. When someone really gets to know you, they know something about you — the real you. They understand your personality, your character, your values, and your nature.

The same is true with God. To say that we know Him is to affirm that we’ve learned something about who He is. We’ve experienced His nature. We’ve encountered His character. We’ve learned something about His values.

One of the key qualities of God is His unmatched, incredible power. He is the supernatural God — the God of miracles. Supernatural means, above and beyond the natural. Natural is what normally happens based on the ordinary laws of nature and life. But God isn’t constrained by the natural. He created the natural, and can certainly override it whenever He wills.

Why is this important to us? When we know God and live in relationship with Him, His supernatural power is available to us too. This means that whatever your problems or challenges are in the natural circumstances of your life, there’s One who can step in and do miracles. This is part of the purpose of prayer. Prayer is inviting the supernatural God to bring His power to bear on the natural course of human impossibilities.

Remember the words of the psalm-writer, David in Psalms 17:6 (NIV) “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.”

Pastor Dale

Monday, September 30, 2019

A Praying House

| 1:17 MIN READ |

What is your house known for? We can be known for lots of different things, but one of the best is to be known as a person of prayer and to create an atmosphere of prayer in our houses.

Jesus taught us the importance of this. There was a day He came to the temple in Jerusalem and discovered all kinds of activities in God’s house that were inappropriate and counter-productive to people’s spiritual health. This aroused His righteous anger and moved him to drive out all the money-changers and insincere riff rafts. He then made this statement, recorded in Mark 11:17 (NIV) “And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Notice that God wants His house to be known as a house of prayer. He wants the same for your house!

How do we make our house a prayer house? Here are some simple suggestions:

• Make mealtime a brief prayer time. Pray over your meals.
• Pray with your children when you send them off to school in the morning and when you prepare them for bed at night.
• When problems, pressures, or challenges show up at your house take them to God in prayer.

Make prayer a habit in your house. Be known in your neighborhood with your family and friends as a house of prayer!

Pastor Dale

Friday, September 27, 2019

Pray it and Say it!

| 1:21 MIN READ |

What you pray about and talk about reveals a lot about you. If it’s important or concerning to you, you’ll likely talk to God and others about it.

Hopefully, one of your greatest concerns is the kind of life you are living and the kind of house you are building. I’m not talking about a physical house, but your spiritual house. We need God’s help to live the life, He wants us to live, and to build the spiritual house He wants us to build. Prayer is the way we find and connect to His help.

We have a lot more confidence in prayer when we’re sure we’re praying the right way. When we pray God’s Word, we pray the right way!

Over the years I have learned, and continue to learn the power of praying the words of Scripture over my life and household. I’ve learned that these kinds of prayers allow me to pray with deeper faith and conviction. And when praying them, they often become more than a request for God to do something. They become a proclamation of confidence, declaring that God will do what His Word says He’ll do!

How do you do this? Start by searching the Bible passages and promises that reflect the core of your heart for your house. Use them as your prayers. Read them out loud, to God. But don’t just pray the verses, say them — proclaim them — as God’s promises to you and your household, trusting God to do all He said He will do!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Clean Up!

| 1:21 MIN READ |

Life is messy. Let your house go a few days or weeks without cleaning, and you’ll see. It’s called “a mess.”

The only way to keep a mess out is by regular cleaning. Perhaps one day someone will create a completely self-cleaning house, but until then, the job falls on us!

Your life is a house too. Through the daily influence of our evil world and the sinful choices we make, our spiritual house gets dirty. If we don’t have a regular cleaning process, the spiritual filth accumulates and becomes harder and harder to remove. Eventually, uncleaned houses become dilapidated houses. The unaddressed dirt, grime, and germs destroy it.

Paul, a great leader, and teacher of the first-century church wrote about the kind of regular cleaning of our spiritual houses. Look at his words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, in 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV) “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

When a house is clean, it’s not only a more pleasant place, it’s a more usable place. When our lives are cleansed from evil they too are more pleasurable and useful for God! What clean up do you need to do?

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Keeping the Mouse out of Your House

| 1:16 MIN READ |

You probably had the problem — A mouse in your house! It’s an unpleasant discovery. Hopefully, it moves you to action.

When it comes to mice in your home, the old proverb of Benjamin Franklin is appropriate, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The best way to keep the mouse out of your house is to plug every possible access point. Give the critter no entry. The smallest openings have to be filled vigilantly and diligently.

There’s a spiritual lesson in all this. Our enemy the devil, is looking for ways to get into our houses — our lives, families, and relationships. Sadly, we have often thrown out the welcome mat to him. We give him unchecked access points.

How does this happen? Through the media we consume! Music, movies, computers, and all potential access points of our spiritual adversary into our house. The enemy of our soul brings into our lives spiritual germs, diseases, and filth because of the choices we make.

Peter, the apostle, reminded us of the potential invasions and what we should do about them 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.”

Do everything you can to keep the spiritual mouse out of your house!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Emotional Management

| 1:24 MIN READ |

How are you feeling? It’s a common question that usually gets a superficial answer. Yet it reminds us of a very real part of life — emotions.

Emotions are our “inside feelings.” They are important because they often affect our actions. When our thinking is right, our feelings improve. The opposite is also true. A mess in our mind creates a mess in our emotions.

The biggest mistake we make with feelings is letting them lead us, rather than us leading them. Feelings make lousy leaders. They are up and down. They can drag you from one extreme to another one in a matter of minutes. To have a better life we must become better emotional managers.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “manage” this way, “to handle or direct with a degree of skill; to make and keep compliant; to exercise…supervisory direction of.”

Managing emotions is a responsibility you’ve been given. You are responsible for managing your own emotions. You’re the boss of your feelings. You can’t always control what you feel, but you can control what you do with them. Paul the apostle, reminded us of this using the example of anger, he reminded us of our responsibilities to manage our emotions well in Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

You have been given the life responsibility of emotional management. Do it well!

Pastor Dale

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