Video Devotionals

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Favored with Deliverance

| 1:22 min read |

You’re favored by God! You’re the object of God’s love, grace, and goodness. He has done, is doing and plans to do favorable things in your life!

Life changes when we believe in the favor of God—when we know that it’s real and that it’s promised to us! Our thinking and actions improve when we live with an awareness of God’s favor. Our expectations change. We begin looking for evidence of God’s presence and blessings around us.

One of the great blessings of God’s favor is deliverance. There are times when we’re oppressed by spiritual enemies, face unyielding circumstances, and struggle with hard places in life. In these times we often cry out to God for deliverance.

There was once a king of Israel named Jehoahaz who found himself and his nation in an oppressed situation. Take a look at what he did, and what God did in response in 2 Kings 13:4, 5 (NIV) “Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. The Lord provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram.” Notice the connection between God’s favor and the provision of His delivering power.

Are you struggling with something oppressive? Remember, you’re favored by God! Just like God’s favor brought deliverance to King Jehoahaz, His favor will deliver you!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

God’s Favor Brings Blessings

| 1:23 min read |

You’re favored by God! You’re the object of God’s love, grace, and goodness. He has done, is doing and plans to do favorable things in your life!

Life changes when we believe in the favor of God—when we know that it’s real and that it’s promised to us! Our thinking and actions improve when we live with an awareness of God’s favor. Our expectations change. We begin looking for evidence of God’s presence and blessings around us.

What does God’s favor do for us?

The favor of God brings the blessings of God to us. Take a look at the prophetic words spoken over the Israelite tribe of Naphtali in Deuteronomy 33:23 (NIV) “About Naphtali he said: ‘Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the Lord and is full of blessing…’”

Notice the connection between “abounding with favor” and being “full of blessing.” While this specifically referred to this tribe, the broader principle applies to us. God’s favor brings blessings!

What are blessings? A blessing is “a special favor, Mercy or benefit.” (Dictionary.com). A blessing promotes and produces “happiness and welfare.” (Merriam-Webster).

Because you’re favored by God, you’re also blessed by God. He is looking after your welfare. He’s engaged in teaching and guiding you to live your life in a way that produces genuine happiness. He’s for you, not against you!

You are favored, and you are blessed!

Pastor Dale

Monday, January 7, 2019

You Are Favored!

| 1:23 min read |

Certainly, you have asked someone for a favor at some point in your life, and likely you have done a favor for someone.

True favor involves doing something for someone that’s not required, expected or demanded. It’s an act of assistance, goodness or generosity that comes from the heart of the person extending it, with no strings attached.

God is in the favoring business—not just for a select few. God favors all His children! His nature is gracious, generous, kind and good. He continually expresses His favor to people like you! You can’t earn it, and you don’t deserve it, but He gives it anyway!

The promise of God’s favor is found in many places in the Bible. Look at what the psalm writer David said about it in Psalm 5:12 (NIV) “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

Think about this for a moment. God’s favor is surrounding you. It’s shielding you. You are in the center of an outpouring of God’s favor in and upon your life!

Knowing and believing this, changes your attitude. It changes your perspective. It causes you to live with hope, anticipating good things from God, expecting demonstrations of God’s goodness to you.

Know and believe that, as one of God’s children, you’re favored! Hold your head up in faith and look for the evidence. It’s all around you! Declare today, “I am favored by God!”

Pastor Dale

Friday, January 4, 2019

Can or Can’t?

| 1:30 min read |

Which word best describes you, can or can’t?

Whether you realize it or not, there’s a primary voice inside your soul that is constantly communicating messages to you. It’s your self-talk. It tells you what you can and can’t do. And sometimes it lies to you.

There’s a story from the life of David that teaches us a lesson about the voices of can and can’t. Take a look at it in 2 Samuel 5:6, 7 (NIV) “The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, ‘You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.’ They thought, ‘David cannot get in here.’ Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.”

The Jebusites occupied Jerusalem at this time in history. David was called by God to conquer it and set up his home there. Ultimately the temple of the Living God would be built there. The Jebusites had an opinion about what David could and couldn’t do. But David proved them wrong. He did what his enemies said couldn’t be done! He conquered the city!

There are enemies in your life too. They regularly tell you what you can’t do and what can’t be done. They are constantly reminding you of your limitations and impossibilities. Their goal is to get us to give up without trying. Just as David ignored the voices of the Jebusites, you must ignore the negative voices telling you what you can’t do. David did what his enemies said was impossible. With God’s help, you can too!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, January 3, 2019

What Do I Do?

| 1:07 min read |

Decisions are a part of life. From the moment we rise in the morning until the time we go to bed at night, we’re constantly making decisions. Some are small and inconsequential. Others are life-shaping and life-altering.

God cares about your decisions. We see this in a number of places in Scripture. Here’s an example in the life of David, in 2 Samuel 2:1 (NIV) “In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?’ he asked. The Lord said, ‘Go up.’ David asked, ‘Where shall I go?’ ‘To Hebron,’ the Lord answered.”

These verses highlight the importance of seeking God’s guidance in the decisions of life. David didn’t presume to choose his own life direction. He asked for God to guide him. He prayed for God’s will.

It’s wonderful to see what God did—He very clearly answered David! He made sure David understood what his next move was to be. David asked for guidance, and God gave it.

This is the assurance you can have too. When you need to know what to do, ask God for His guidance. Then believe that He is going to make the way clear for you. God answers when we ask!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Healing Your Hurts

| 1:17 min read |

When was the last time your feelings were hurt by someone? Maybe it was a curse word, a harsh look or bad behavior by someone, but the result was pain—heart pain. We feel wounded on the inside. And the more we think about the situation the more intense our emotions become.

What do you do when you’ve been hurt by the words, actions or attitudes of someone? How do you get past it and move forward?

There’s a story in the Bible of a man who was deeply hurt by something that happened in his family. His name is Absalom, one of King David’s sons. Absalom was wounded by the actions of his half-brother, Amon, against his sister, Tamar. Amnon took advantage of Tamar, and unfortunately, David did nothing about it.

The hurt Absalom felt grew into strong anger toward his half-brother and father. He eventually had Amon killed and rebelled against his dad. The hurt Absalom felt ended up ruining his life. Although others were at fault, Absalom’s decision to hate instead of heal cost him everything. It destroyed his destiny! You can read the entire story in 2 Samuel 13-17.

What about you? Are you holding on to something someone did or said to you? Will you let anger and bitterness destroy your life? The choice is ours—continue to hurt or decide to heal!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Ready?

| 1:16 min read |

Getting ready for anything is a process. It involves preparing for what’s about to happen. It involves thinking ahead and getting things in place for whatever is anticipated.

The psalm writer David spoke of the importance of spiritual readiness. He described what God does to prepare us for life’s seasons, challenges and experiences. Look at what he wrote in Psalm 18:32 (NIV) “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”

David declared that God “armed” him. God girded, equipped and readied him for both the opportunities and potential difficulties he faced. God gave David the strength, power, and ability that made him bold and secure, even when he was surrounded with insecure situations. Because of this, David was confident that nothing could or would defeat or destroy him.

This promise wasn’t just for David, it’s for you too. God is the One who is working in your life, getting you ready, arming you with strength, power, and ability. His presence and activity in your life should give you confidence, courage, and security to face and overcome any challenge with your head held high, knowing that you’re a winner, you’re a conqueror, you’re an overcomer—victory is yours. Claim this promise in your life today!

Pastor Dale

Monday, December 31, 2018

How Helpful Are You?

| 1:43 min read |

Are you a helpful person? To be “helpful” is to provide what is needed or useful to someone. Helpful people are great blessings. It’s someone we all should want to be.

Paul, the apostle, wrote about someone who was helpful to him in 2 Timothy 4:11 (NIV) “…Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”

Paul told Timothy to bring a young man named Mark to him during a challenging time in Paul’s life. Paul had history with Mark. Years earlier, when Paul and his co-worker Barnabas first began planting churches, Mark traveled with them as an assistant—as a helper. Sadly, because of the roughness of the task, Mark deserted Paul in the midst of the mission. Paul was deeply disappointed in Mark’s actions and refused to allow him to travel with him on his next journey. Instead, he took Timothy.

We might say that, because of his immaturity, Mark was somewhat useless during this earlier season in his life. He didn’t have the grit and perseverance to be a reliable helper. However, after the passing of time and the mentoring of others, including the apostle Peter, Mark changed. He became helpful. He was now ready for a new assignment. He was prepared to be used by God, and to be useful to Paul.

What’s the lesson for us? First, this story is a reminder for us to focus on developing the character needed to be a true helper in God’s work, and helpful to others who are doing God’s work. Second, it’s a reminder that we should never give up on someone who failed the useful test in the past. Mark is an example of someone who grew into usefulness over time.

God is looking for people who are helpful. He has wonderful assignments for folks like this!

Pastor Dale

Friday, December 28, 2018

Saved from Yourself

| 1:52 min read |

Matthew 1:21 “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

What’s in a name? Most couples preparing for a birth spend a lot of time reviewing and deciding on a name. Naming a child is a special privilege and responsibility.

When God the Father sent His Son into the world, He chose His name. Mary and Joseph did not have the freedom to give the child any name they desired. As the angel of the Lord described to Joseph the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy, he gave Joseph this divine mandate, “… and you are to name Him Jesus …”

Why did God give this name to His Son? The name “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua,” which means, “The Lord saves.” Following Moses’ death, it was Joshua who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He guided them from a life of wilderness wandering into the occupation of God’s promised possession. Through Joshua, the Lord saved His people from wasting their lives and missing their potential.

While the primary ministry of Jesus is to save us from our sins, He saves us from ourselves as well. Left to ourselves we end up wasting our potential on things that have little or no eternal value. When Jesus comes into our lives He prepares and empowers us to enter into the Promised Land He has planned for us.

As you celebrate this Christmas, pause and give thanks to the Lord for saving you—from your sins and yourself. Thank Him for preparing you to possess your Promised Land.

PRAYER

Lord, how grateful we are for your name. Thank you for caring for us so tenderly and completely. Thank you for saving us from our sins and ourselves. Thank you for preventing us from wasting our potential. Thank you for empowering us to invest in things that really matter. Thank you for leading us into our Promised Land. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Light of the World

| 1:56 min read |

Luke 1:78-79 “Because of God’s tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

John 8:12 “Jesus said to the people, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”

Candles are a part of most Christmas celebrations. Window sills and tables, church altars and sanctuary candelabras are often adorned with brightly burning candles throughout the season.

There is something warm and inviting about the dancing flame of a candle. Watching it glow seems to nourish the soul. Its light puts darkness to flight. Its presence brings comfort. Candles communicate hope and help.

Candles an important part of Christmas because they remind us of who Jesus is and what He came to do.

Jesus came to lift us out of the darkness of sin and shame. He came to light up the darkened corners of our minds where destructive thoughts breed. He came to warm the cold places in our hearts with His love. He came to chase away the dark, evil forces that seek to harm us. He came to illumine our pathway so that we do not stumble and fall.

He came to rescue us from the shadowy places of carnality. He came to bring us into the light of His kingdom and will. He came to free us from deception, providing us the light of His truth.

When you see radiant candles this Christmas, think of Jesus. Remember, He is the light of the world. Decide to live in His light, and determine to tell others about His light.

PRAYER

Lord, we want more of your light in our lives. We know that your light brings freedom and direction. We know that by your light we see more of ourselves and the changes you desire to work in us. During this Christmas, let us learn to live in your light and share your light with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Be a Wiser Person

| 2:02 min read |

Matthew 2:10-11 “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

The story of the wise men has intrigued people through the centuries. Who were these men?

Traditionally they have been identified as three men, most likely from Persia. They are thought to number three because of the gifts they gave to Jesus; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Other than this, information about them is very sketchy.

While there is much mystery surrounding the Magi, several observations about them are valuable. They possessed certain characteristics that confirmed their title as wise men.

First, they were perceptive men. These men noticed an unusual star and recognized that it signified an unusual event. They realized that God was at work in the world, and they wanted to be involved in what He was doing. That’s wisdom!

Second, they pursued Jesus. They journeyed a long distance to Jerusalem to find Him. Their objective was to worship this newborn King. They were wise because they pursued Jesus.

Third, they persisted in their spiritual pursuit. Even when the star temporarily disappeared from their sight, they did not give up. They held on to their hope of finding and worshiping the Savior. They had dogged spiritual determination.

As you think of the wise men this Christmas, think of three phrases; spiritual perception, spiritual pursuit, and spiritual persistence. Wise people cultivate these qualities.

PRAYER

Lord, we learn some valuable lessons from the wise men. Help us to develop the same qualities they possessed. Help us perceive your presence when others are blind to you. Help us to pursue your presence, while the world pursues its pleasures. Help us to persist in our pursuit of you, when others give up. Help us to truly be wise men and women. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

God Will Do What He Says

| 1:58 min read |

Luke 1:45 “You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

After Mary received the angel’s message that she would carry the Christ-child, she soon shared the story with her relative, Elizabeth. Luke 1:45 records a portion of Elizabeth’s response to Mary’s news.

Elizabeth was most impressed with Mary’s faith. She realized that the only way Mary could fulfill God’s plan was to have an unshakable, untiring and unyielding faith.

Mary’s faith was the character quality that would sustain her through her journey. Her faith would give her the courage and strength to do God’s will. Mary had to believe that God would help her fulfill His assignment.

Mary passed the test! She accepted her responsibility to be a young woman of faith. She believed that God would do what He had spoken. She was confident that, although the path would have its difficulties, God would get her through. She believed!

Just as God had a plan for Mary’s life, He has a plan for you also. He wants to form the character of Jesus Christ in you. He wants to use you to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people that do not know Him.

Just as Mary had to exercise faith to complete her God-given mission, so do we. We must believe in God’s promises, no matter what our circumstances say. We must be confident that God is able to do in us and through us what seems impossible to us.

This Christmas give fresh attention to your faith. Let Mary’s faith inspire you to believe that God can and will do the impossible in and through you.

PRAYER

Lord, there are times when we give in to unbelief. Instead of believing that you can and will do the impossible in us and through us, we doubt your promises. Forgive us for our failure to believe. Forgive us for our tendency to look at our personal circumstances and inadequacies rather than trust in your infallible Word. This Christmas we commit ourselves to grow in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Monday, December 24, 2018

Angelic Celebration

| 2:12 min read |

Luke 2:10 “But the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!’”

Luke 2:13-14 “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.’”

Christmas decorations are not complete without angels. Whether they are ornaments on your tree, knick-knacks on your coffee table or renderings on a card, angels go with Christmas.

Have you noticed all the angelic activity in the Christmas story? An angel announced to Mary that she would bring Messiah into the world. An angel spoke to Joseph, comforting him about the circumstances of Mary’s pregnancy, encouraging him to marry her. An angel proclaimed Christ’s birth to the shepherds tending their flocks. A great host of angels joined in a chorus of praise as the shepherds looked on. At the first Christmas, angels were everywhere!

Why were angels such an important part of Christ’s coming? While they were obeying God’s command to proclaim the message of Jesus’ birth, there was something more. The angels were excited about this historical happening. They wanted to be a part of the grand celebration of the Savior’s advent. They understood its implications for the world.

The angels understood that Jesus’ entrance into the world was “good news of great joy for everyone.” They understood that Messiah’s arrival would make available “peace on earth.” They knew that Jesus’ coming began a new era of God’s “favor.” They couldn’t help but be excited about Christmas.

Every time you see a figurine or portrait of an angel this season, let it produce in you the same spirit of joy the angels exhibited at Jesus’ birth. Let the angels’ example cause you to remember what a wonderful day Christmas really is!

PRAYER

Lord, it is thrilling to read about the angelic celebrations surrounding Christ’s coming. What joy must have filled heaven when Jesus was born. Help us adopt the angels’ spirit of praise. May our hearts be filled with the same excitement the heavenly hosts experienced that first Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Friday, December 21, 2018

The Heart of Worship

| 1:46 min read |

Matthew 2:2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him.”

Worship is a word we spend little time contemplating. We usually connect it with certain common spiritual activities.

For many, worship is attendance at a particular religious event. For others, it is participation in some liturgy associated with their faith. Still, others think of worship as a set of spiritual songs sung privately or in a gathering of believers.

While all these definitions capture some of the elements of worship, they fail to fully address its essence. Worship is these things, but it is more than these things. We can perform these activities and still not worship. Why? Because real worship starts in and flows from a person’s heart. Without the right heart, our worship is weak. It misses its mark.

When the Magi followed the Savior’s star to Jerusalem, they were doing more than satisfying their astronomical curiosity. They recognized that this star was directing them to someone worthy of worship. They wanted to find this newborn King of the Jews so that they could worship Him. Worshiping Jesus was in their hearts and on their minds.

The Magi got it right. Their first priority was worship! How about you? Are you a true worshiper of the Lord? Let’s make this Christmas a time to rekindle our spirit of worship.

PRAYER

Lord, we often engage in the activities of worship without a full investment of our attention and with less than our whole hearts. Thank you for the example of the Magi who understood your worthiness and pursued you for the primary purpose of worship. During this Christmas season, please rekindle a spirit of genuine worship in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Thursday, December 20, 2018

A Humble Beginning

| 1:54 min read |

Luke 2:7 “She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.”

The innkeeper had nothing to offer except a small stable where the animals bedded. Joseph took what he could get. At least it would be a roof over their heads; a covering from the elements. He and his wife Mary settled in for the evening.

Suddenly Mary announced to Joseph that the time had come. The baby was on its way. There, in that stable, surrounded by God’s creatures, the Son of God entered the world. His first cradle was an animal feeding trough. In an obscure and humble setting, the King of Glory came to earth.

The circumstances of Jesus’ birth foreshadowed a theme that continued through His ministry. It revealed a tremendous character trait in our Lord—the spirit of humility. Pride is the tendency of humanity.

Pride promotes one’s own interests, even if it hurts others. Pride seeks promotion, at the expense of principles and people. Pride demands attention and accolades. Pride strives for position, power and prestige. Pride is always right and has to have the last word. Pride shows off possessions and relishes superiority. Pride seeks to be served.

Jesus’ spirit was so different. When He was placed in the manger it was a statement that, although He had the right to claim privilege, His choice was the low path of humility.

What word describes your personality, pride or humility? Do you look for the suite or the stable, the place of majesty or the manger?

PRAYER

Lord, as we reflect on your humble birth, forgive us for the pride that permeates so much of our lives. We want to follow your example of humility and selflessness. Help us die to ourselves and live for you. Let us choose the path you chose. Thank you, Jesus, for the reminder of the manger. In your name, Amen.

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

The Prince of Peace

| 1:57 min read |

Isaiah 9:6-7 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!”

Peace is a precious quality. When nations, families and friends are in conflict, our prayer is for peace. When worry and fear fill our minds, our cry is for peace. When uncertainty surrounds us, we look and long for peace.

Peace makes good things happen. People are most productive and fulfilled in an atmosphere of peace. People are healthier when their spirits are at rest. Homes are stronger when mom and dad get along.

One of the royal titles of Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. When and where He rules, the result is supernatural peace.

As the Prince of Peace, Jesus handles the worries we release to Him. He reconciles strife-infected relationships. He quiets our raging emotional storms and drives away demons of fear by His Word and power. When and where Jesus rules, there will be peace!

Christmas provides us a fresh opportunity to seek God’s peace. Are you worried? Give your cares to Jesus. Are you at odds with another person? Invite Jesus to heal your broken relationships. Are you living in guilt about some sin in your past? Look to Jesus for His forgiveness. Let this Christmas be a new day of peace for you!

PRAYER

Lord, how we need your peace! Worry and fear, strife and bitterness regularly rob us of the full life you designed for us to live. Help us to enter into your peace. Teach us how to keep your peace. Drive away every force of darkness that torments our minds and disturbs our relationships. Come as the Prince of Peace and rule over us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Dale