Video Devotionals

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Simple Obedience

| 1:47 MIN READ |

How does God lead people? Receiving God’s guidance is wonderful. It gives us confidence. It puts us on the right track. It leads us to our highest and best in life.

Discovering God’s guidance isn’t complicated. Sometimes it’s found in the simple act of doing something we’ve been asked to do—completing a simple assignment.

This was true for the Bible character David. David’s dad, Jesse, gave him a simple assignment to fulfill. Some of Jesse’s sons were in King Saul’s army, facing the Philistines. Jesse instructed David to take bread and cheese to his brothers and to get an update on how they were doing to bring back to him.

David didn’t realize how life-changing and important doing this simple thing would be. It led him to one of the biggest days and opportunities of his life. God was guiding David through his dad’s assignment.

David could have resisted. He could have lollygagged along and missed his moment — the incredible defeat of Goliath. Instead, he immediately did what his father asked him to do. Look at the story in 1 Samuel 17:17-20 (NIV) “Now Jesse said to his son David, ‘Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.’ Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry.”

Sometimes the most significant things in our lives are connected to obedience in the insignificant things. It’s one of the ways God guides us!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Get The Ball Rolling

| 1:28 MIN READ |

Inspiration is a powerful thing. One way it happens is when we see someone else doing something great, awesome, or life-changing. Their example of success or positive action births something in us. It inspires us to do what we were otherwise afraid to do, or too lazy to do.

We see this all the time with kids. We have a swing set in our backyard for our grandchildren. I’ve watched one grandchild inspire another to get on the swing, climb the monkey bars, swing higher and faster, all because someone else did it first! Example is a powerful thing.

David did this for the men of Israel. After he chose to fight Goliath and defeated him, suddenly, these formerly fearful men got a massive dose of courage. Take a look at what happened in 1 Samuel 17:48, 49; 52 (NIV) “As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. …Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. Their dead were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.”

The big question for us is, will we be “inspirers” or “inspirees” in life? Probably both. Find someone that can inspire you. Then find a way to be an inspiration to others. Get the inspiration ball rolling!

Pastor Dale

Monday, November 18, 2019

Blessings In Disguise

| 1:31 MIN READ |

Give me an opportunity! People complain about, beg for, are jealous of others—all because of their feelings about opportunities.

What is an opportunity? Webster defines it as “a good chance for advancement or progress.” Opportunities are moments in time, when if recognized and seized, take our lives forward.

Why do so many people feel frustrated about their opportunities? They are blind to them! They don’t recognize them when they show up. Why? Because they look different than we expected.

Opportunities—the best opportunities in life—come dressed up as a challenge, problems to solve, purposeful work we can do, or battles we’re willing to fight.

This was the situation with the Old Testament character David. When he showed up on the battlefield, Goliath was intimidating Israel’s army. David saw what others couldn’t or wouldn’t see. He saw an opportunity! How do we know? Look at the question he asked in 1 Samuel 17:26 (NIV) “David asked the men standing near him, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’”

Dealing with this giant was an opportunity to glorify God and advance his future. He was wise enough to see his opportunity dressed as a challenge!

What opportunities are you overlooking that may be the key to your future? Don’t look for blessings falling from the sky. Look for work, challenges, and problems you can put your hand to!

Pastor Dale

Friday, November 15, 2019

Preach It!

| 2:10 MIN READ |

Have you ever given a sermon? Chances are, most of you have never preached a message, other than to your spouse or children! While we may unwisely preach at others from time to time, there is a certain kind of sermon you need to be ready to give, forcefully and confidently.

The shepherd boy David gives us some preaching lessons when he faced Goliath. There is no doubting that Goliath was the poster boy for a big-mouthed bully. Before he prepared to fight David with his sword and spear, Goliath had already eviscerated the army of Israel with his words. These otherwise mighty military men had been shredded by Goliath’s arrogant tongue.

When David headed into battle against this giant, Goliath tried the same old tactics on him. Look at what he said to David, 1 Samuel 17:42, 43 (NIV) “He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. He said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?’” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” Big-mouthed Goliath was at it again.

David would have none of it. He had a sermon prepared for the giant. Here it is. Read it. It will inspire you! 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NIV) “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.’”

Preach it, David!

What does this have to do with you? You need to prepare a good, strong faith-filled, conquering, Holy Spirit-fired sermon to preach to your giants. They’re always talking trash to you. It’s time to turn the tables on them! Get a good message based on the great character and power of God, and His promises to you, His child, and PREACH IT!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Can The Can’t

| 1:55 MIN READ |

Which word is more attractive to you, can or can’t? Even the most negative person would likely say they prefer to hang around a “can do” person rather than a “can’t do” person.

Although we’re attracted to positive people, many of us are still locked into a negative mindset. While we prefer the “can do,” we may still be infected with the “can’t do” virus.

This was true for the Israelite soldiers millennia ago facing the intimidating taunts of the giant, Goliath. His massive body and booming voice assaulted the psyche of these men, day after day. Goliath’s words and presence wore them down. Steadily their “can do,” became “can’t do!” They became convinced of the impossibility of their situation. The disease of negativity was contagious and epidemic.

It took an outside influence to break this cycle and mindset of impossibility. That influence was the voice of a young man named David. He saw differently and spoke differently. Negativity had no hold on him. He was the quintessential “can do” person.

Look at David’s confident faith in 1 Samuel 17:34-37 (NIV) “But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.’ Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the Lord be with you.’”

We know the end of the story. God gave David victory. His “can do” spirit attracted the presence and power of God!

Which voice controls you “can do” or “can’t do?” Can the can’t and see the good that comes when you do!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Remove The Filters

| 1:58 MIN READ |

Filters are popular in photography. Certain filters add color; others remove color. Some change the amount of light in the exposure. Some filters are added while taking pictures and others in post-production. Photographs can be enhanced by filters or ruined by them.

When it comes to life, we’re often living under the influence of filters. We view the world through past experiences, usually bad ones. We look at our circumstances, relationships, and opportunities through filters of unresolved pain, anger, resentment, grief, and disappointments. These filters distort, color, darken, and reduce our ability to see life and God, clearly and accurately.

This happened to the Israelite soldiers facing the giant, Goliath. While David saw the situation clearly, and responded to it with faith, the rest of the Israelites looked at the situation through a filter called fear. It’s one of the most common distorters of reality. They fell prey to it, as do we, all too often.

Look at how fear controlled these folks, 1 Samuel 17:23, 24 (NIV) “As he [David] was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.”

Notice what fear did to these otherwise strong military men. They ran! When they heard Goliath’s words, they turned their backs to Goliath and fled as fast as possible. It’s sad, but it’s also frequently true of us. The filter of fear gets in the way of our vision of God and His greatness.

After David faced down Goliath and defeated him, the fear filters on these soldiers were removed. Then, and only then, were they able to run toward their enemy in faith. After fear was gone, victory was won, and the plunder of the Philistines was enjoyed.

What filters are messing up your vision? When you remove the distorted and destructive filters, you’re ready to move forward!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

The One Thing That Changes Everything

| 1:51 MIN READ |

Here’s a profound statement for you. You see what you look at and what you look for! Now that you are deeply impressed with my astounding observation, what’s the point?

The lesson is, your life is limited or enlarged by your vision. If all you see are problems, difficulties, and impossibilities, you’ll have a miserable life and accomplish little. You will live your life defensively, fearfully, and in reaction mode.

On the other hand, if you see life from an entirely different perspective—a positive, faith-filled perspective—you’ll live an inspired, forward-moving, giant-battling life.

Ask the Bible character, David. When he arrived on the battlefield where the Israelites were experiencing intimidation by the giant Goliath, all he heard was negativity. He found himself surrounded by massive fear. All the Israelite soldiers could talk about was Goliath. Why? Because all they were looking at was Goliath!

David had a different vision. While the Israelites saw Goliath, David saw God! And because he saw God, he was ready to take on Goliath, “mano a mano!” He knew that God was far greater than Goliath!

Look at David’s words, 1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV) “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’”

The one thing that made the difference that day was David’s vision. David saw what others couldn’t see or refused to see. Faith-filled vision! It’s the one thing that changes everything!

What are you seeing? Is your vision filled with lots of Goliath’s? Do they loom over you, intimidating and threatening you and your future?

There’s one thing that changes everything. Change your vision? Look past your giants and see God. He gave victory to David, and He’ll do it for you too!

Pastor Dale

Monday, November 11, 2019

It’s In Front of You

| 2:03 MIN READ |

Many people are pining away about the lack of something in their life. If you listen closely to their complaining, you’ll usually hear them express frustrations and jealousies about others who seem to have more opportunities than them.

While it’s true that life isn’t always fair, and some people get a head start on success, there’s another truth we shouldn’t miss. There are great opportunities in front of you now. You don’t need to look farther than the responsibilities on your plate. Every responsibility in your life actually represents opportunities to improve your future and the future of others.

The Old Testament personality David teaches us this lesson. There was a day that he found himself on a battlefield. He had been sent there to deliver food to his brothers serving in Israel’s military. When he arrived, David saw something that no other Israelite soldier saw. When the Philistine giant, Goliath appeared on the hillside, taunting Israel’s army, David saw a great opportunity. While performing his responsibilities, David saw opportunities.

Take a look at David’s perspective, 1 Samuel 17:26 (NIV) “David asked the men standing near him, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’”

David made his intentions clear to King Saul, 1 Samuel 17:32 (NIV) “David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.’”

You know the story. David went against Goliath, defeated and destroyed him. It was not only a great day for David, but it was also a great day for Israel. It was also a day that brought honor to God.

All this happened because, in the midst of doing what his dad asked him to do, David saw an opportunity.

Let’s stop whining about what we feel is a lack of opportunity. Look for the opportunities amid your current responsibilities. There are giants waiting to be defeated, and victories waiting to be won!

Pastor Dale

Friday, November 8, 2019

How To Get There From Here

| 1:28 MIN READ |

Directions. We need them regularly. To get to an unfamiliar place, we need to know the way. What roads do we take? What landmarks do we look for?

It’s true in life too. We need to know the way to life destinations. “What career do I pursue? What neighborhood should I live in? What friends should I make? What purpose does God have for my life?”

All these questions are legitimate. They point to our need to know how to get there from here! We need guidance!

God has actually made guidance simple. He’s not in heaven hiding His will from us. He wants to help us get from here to there, and He’s made it clear how to find the way.

Take a look at God’s guidance made simple. It’s found in Proverbs 3:5-7 (TPT) “Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong.”

Simply put, rely on God to guide you. How?

R – Develop a personal RELATIONSHIP with God.

E – Get a good spiritual EDUCATION. Learn, believe and obey God’s promises, commands, and principles.

L – LET GO of your own will and life agenda. Always want God’s will, not your own.

Y – Trust that He loves and will lead YOU!

Never forget, God knows how to get you from here to there!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Count On Me!

| 1:56 MIN READ |

Have you desperately needed someone’s help in a crisis? We’ve all had difficult moments when we needed a friend’s assistance. It’s extremely comforting when a person proves reliable in times of trouble. It’s also painful when someone who promised to be there for us, isn’t there when we need them most. It’s the difference between being reliable or unreliable; faithful or unfaithful.

The Bible talks about this trait called faithfulness or reliability in many places. Here are a few examples:

Proverbs 25:19 (TLB) “Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot.”

Proverbs 20:6 (TPT) “Many will tell you they’re your loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly trustworthy?”

1 Corinthians 4:2 (NLT) “Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”

To be reliable and faithful is to be someone others can always count on. A faithful, reliable friend isn’t a fair-weather friend. They’re an all-season friend. A faithful, reliable worker works as diligently when not being watched as they do when they’re watched. A faithful, reliable soldier is vigilant and ready at all times.

One of my favorite places to visit in Washington, DC is Arlington National Cemetery. I especially enjoy watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These Army soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, march in front of the tomb of an unknown comrade’s remains 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, good weather and bad. They’re reliable. They’re there morning, noon, night, and in the earliest hours of the morning when no one is present. They never stop marching, never stop guarding, never let up on their duty. They are reliable. They are faithful. They are a great example for us.

One of the best things potentially said about someone is, “He or she is reliable!” Be a “count on me” person!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Your Attention Please

| 1:39 MIN READ |

Many important announcements begin with a call to attention. You can’t hear what you need to hear, and do what you need to do if you’re not paying attention!

Often in Scripture, we’re called to attention. Of all the things we should pay careful attention to, we should give full attention to the things God pays attention to.

Jesus pointed out something very important to Him, and something He consistently watches in people’s lives in Luke 16:10 (TPT) “The one who manages the little he has been given with faithfulness and integrity will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities. But those who cheat with the little they have been given will not be considered trustworthy to receive more.” This principle is repeated in Matthew 25:23 (NIV) “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

What’s the principle? Jesus taught us to pay close attention to the little things in life. Little things are big things with God! One of the ways He knows you’re ready for bigger things is by watching how you handle the little responsibilities, the little resources, the little opportunities, the little influence you have.

By nature, we’re geared to look for big things. We think big things are the really important things. Not in God’s view. He knows this, the attention we pay to things that may seem insignificant actually predicts how we’ll handle anything greater. He’s paying attention to the attention we pay to small things.

Your attention, please. Your future depends on it!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

All In?

| 2:09 MIN READ |

Passion, enthusiasm, commitment, dedication, endurance — these words describe admirable qualities in someone. They show that someone is “all in.”

We often speak of people being “into” certain things. “He’s ‘into’ football.” Or “She’s ‘into’ fitness.”, etc. When we use this term in this way we’re describing our observations of others. We see the amount of time someone gives something. How often they bring it up in conversations. The discipline they show in pursuing this thing in their life. Actions and conversations reveal how important something is to us. When we are “into” something, we’re “all in.” The way we live testifies to it.

Jesus reminded us of the “all in” principle. One day He was asked a question about “all in” living. Take a look at the question and His answer in Mark 12:28-31 (TPT) “Now a certain religious scholar overheard them debating. When he saw how beautifully Jesus answered all their questions, he posed one of his own, and asked him, ‘Teacher, which commandment is the greatest of all?’ Jesus answered him, ‘The most important of all the commandments is this: ‘The Lord Yahweh, our God, is one!’ You are to love the Lord Yahweh, your God, with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, with every thought that is within you, and with all your strength. This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.’ You will never find a greater commandment than these.’”

Jesus said, “You need to be ‘into’ loving God and loving others. Be all in!” You know you’re all in by the way you live. It’s seen in your choices and conversations.

Gospel music artist Jonathan McReynolds expressed well the “all in” life for Jesus in his great song, “Make Room.” Look at some of the lyrics:

“I find space for what I treasure
And I make time for what I want
I choose my priorities and
Jesus, You’re my number one

So I will make room for You
I will prepare for two
So You don’t feel that You
Can’t live here
Please live in me”

What a powerful way to say to Jesus, “I’m all in with You!”

Are you “all in” with Him?

Pastor Dale

Monday, November 4, 2019

How Humble Are You?

| 1:30 MIN READ |

Did you hear about the man who wrote the book “Humility and How I Achieved It”? Obviously, there’s no book with this title (as far as I know!). If there was, the name alone would negate its message! This is called a “humblebrag”, which isn’t actually humble!

Humility is an interesting quality. It’s unknown to oneself but apparent to others. Awareness of one’s humility is a contradiction. Humility isn’t something you’re proud of in yourself or a performance for others. It’s who you are, in your soul. It reveals itself in how you live and in the way you relate to others. It’s not something you put on, it’s a way of thinking about God, yourself and others. Pride and entitlement are the antitheses of humility.

The Old Testament character, David, demonstrated a life of humility. He also often described the benefits of it. Here are a few examples from his writings:

Psalms 18:27 (NIV) “You save the humble …”

Psalms 25:9 (NIV) “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”

Psalms 147:6 (NIV) “The Lord sustains the humble …”

Psalms 149:4 (NIV) “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”

Sounds like humility is an excellent quality to possess! It releases lots of blessings to people.

One of the best ways to develop humility is to recognize the characteristics of pride, and the signs of entitlement in your life. Acknowledging and repenting of these ugly traits opens the door to developing humility, and the benefits it brings!

Pastor Dale

Friday, November 1, 2019

Test Taking

| 1:10 MIN READ |

At a certain point in school, all kids become familiar with the dreaded phrase, “pop quiz.” It’s the moment the teacher gives an unannounced test on a subject you’re supposed to know. “Pop quizzes” are real-time opportunities to demonstrate your attentiveness to study and the grasp of information that has been taught.

Every good teacher uses tests. It’s impossible to know what a student is actually learning without them. And every good teacher is thrilled when a student passes a test. Nothing is quite as satisfying to a teacher as knowing that your students are getting it!

God is a teacher. As a teacher, He gives tests too. He tests us to help us know what’s really important. He tests us to help us see our progress and to gain insight into our needed areas of improvement. A wise student appreciates tests.

Are you in a spiritual testing time? Are you feeling the pressure and stress of challenges and circumstances? Don’t be discouraged. Look for what you can learn. Become a better student. Ask God to give you wisdom to understand the things you need to understand and gain the character and capacities critical to your future!

Pastor Dale

Thursday, October 31, 2019

In The Right Place

| 1:35 MIN READ |

In many sports, the right placement is one of the keys to winning. The strategic placement of players on the field is important. The placement of the ball on the field is critical. For example, in football, there’s a big difference between having the ball on your five-yard line or having it on your opponent’s five-yard line. The difference is the distance you must go to score. Placement matters!

Placement is also important in life, especially the placement of your heart! We sometimes hear the question, “Is your heart in the right place?” It’s a basic inquiry into the condition of your attitudes.

Think about it. If your heart is “in” something, you’ll give your best to it. You’ll work hard, persevere, and demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the cause or relationship. If not, it becomes very evident.

When it comes to your life, God is most interested in the placement or condition of your heart. When searching for the second king of Israel, the Lord made this very clear to the prophet, Samuel. Look at His words in 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) “ … ‘The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

If God inspects the condition of our hearts, it’s a good idea for us to take time and do the same. Where’s your heart when it comes to obeying and serving God. How consistently and enthusiastically are you loving, giving, caring and serving others? Is your heart in it? If you find that your heart placement needs adjusting, the Lord specializes in helping us with our hearts. Ask Him to help you!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Heart It

| 1:45 MIN READ |

The world is now filled with hearts. From YouTube to Facebook to Instagram, the little heart icon has become the universal symbol of approval.

God is big on hearts too! He made this clear when He sent Samuel the prophet to anoint the second king of Israel. Samuel was sent to the house of a man named Jesse in Bethlehem. God told Samuel that the next king was one of Jesse’s sons. He also promised to make it clear which one to anoint.

Samuel showed up at Jesse’s home and began the process of reviewing all his sons, from the oldest to the youngest. Eliab was the eldest son. Samuel looked him over, and note what happened, recorded in 1 Samuel 16:6, 7 (NLT) “When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, ‘Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

When God gets ready to give someone important opportunities, He has a unique inspection process. While we generally judge people on their appearance and achievements, God goes about it differently. He goes deeper. He inspects the heart. Eventually, God affirmed to Samuel that David was the young man who had the right heart to lead Israel forward into the future.

When God chose David, David had no major accomplishments, no fancy resume, and no impressive credentials. His only experience was being a faithful shepherd over his dad’s flock of sheep. What he did have was a prepared heart! God was impressed with David’s heart.

How’s your heart? Are you giving attention to the thing that matters most to God–your heart? If so, good. If not, start today!

Pastor Dale