Video Devotionals

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Solid and Secure!

| 1:31 MIN READ |

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence in many places. They often blow in and sweep through quickly, leaving debris behind. When warned of strong ones, it’s wise to tie down your yard items. The intense winds toss around things that aren’t secured.

The Bible reminds us that the same thing can happen to us. There are all kinds of spiritual storms in life. They sweep through with force and intensity and toss around unsecured parts of our soul. We prepare for them by becoming spiritually solid and secure.

Paul, the apostle, wrote about this in Ephesians 4:13, 14 (NIV) “… until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind …”

To be spiritually solid and secure you must be spiritually mature. Growing up spiritually means that you have learned essential spiritual principles and you consistently seek to live them. It means that you know God’s Word, and recognize ways of thinking that contradict it. It means that you nurture your personal relationship with God through prayer and worship. It means that you are a vital part of a local church, contributing to the health of the body of Christ.

When you’re spiritually mature, you’re solid and secure. It doesn’t mean that storms don’t come. It doesn’t mean that storms never disturb you. It means that you make it through them unharmed!

Pastor Dale

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Repaired and Restored

| 1:21 MIN READ |

Occasionally I enjoy watching television programs showing the restoration of old cars. The storyline is predictable. An old car is found in a barn somewhere, purchased by someone with a vision for its restoration, and shipped to a garage, where the work begins.

In most cases, there is a twofold process needed to produce the glorious end result the new owner wants. First, there is the repair work. Second, there is the restoration work.

The repair work involves straightening frames, replacing metal destroyed by rust, overhauling the engine, and a variety of other projects. Once essential repairs are done, the restoration work begins. Old parts are brought back to life. Interiors are upholstered, and original paint colors are applied. The end result is an antique car looking like it just came from the showroom.

God does similar work in our lives. He finds us in our deteriorated condition. He rescues us from dead-end spiritual places. He begins the process of repairing and restoring us.

David writes about the joy he experienced when he thought about this restorative work of God in Psalm 14:7 (NLT) ”Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy and Israel will rejoice.”

Think about it. God is repairing you and restoring you! It’s a reason to rejoice!

Pastor Dale

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Living with Longings

| 1:08 MIN READ |

What are you longing for? A longing is something you want, desire, and crave consistently. It usually refers to something you ache for in your heart. It represents a need or perceived need in your life.

Most folks have longings. It’s part of being human. No one ever has everything they want in life.

Actually, longings are good for us. They make us think about what’s really important in life. They develop perseverance in us. They help develop the discipline we need to live faithfully, in the face of disappointments and emotional pain.

The greatest potential benefit of longings is allowing them to lead us to God. David, the psalm writer, learned this lesson. Look at what he wrote in Psalm 38:9 (NIV) “All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.” The Passion Translation reads this way, “Lord, you know all my desires and deepest longings. My tears are liquid words and you can read them all.”

What are you longing for? What are the unfulfilled desires of your heart? Take them to God. Pour out your inner pain to Him. You’ll find He’s more than enough. He satisfies, and He saves!

Pastor Dale

Monday, January 13, 2020

Turn Pressure Into Prayer

| 1:27 MIN READ |

What pressures are you facing? The word “pressure” refers to “the burden of physical or mental distress; the constraint of circumstance; the stress or urgency of matters demanding attention.” (Merriam- Webster Dictionary).

Pressure comes in many forms—mental, financial, emotional, and relational. It wears away at our strength and energy. It muddies thinking and distorts our perspective. It drains us.

What’s the best way to handle pressure?

We get some answers to this question from the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. The first chapter of this book tells the story of a lady named Hannah, who was under great pressure. Although she was deeply loved by her husband, she was unable to bear children. While this created certain pain and pressure for her, it was made worse by her husband’s second wife, Peninnah. She was a cruel, belittling woman.

Take a look at the pressure Hannah faced from her nemesis. It’s recorded in 1 Samuel 1:6, 7 (NIV) “… her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year … her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.”

How did Hannah respond to this kind of pressure? The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 1:10 (NIV) “In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.”

Hannah turned her pressures to prayer. When she did, God heard, answered and helped her!

Are you under pressure? Take it to God in prayer. He’s the One who will get you through it!

Pastor Dale

Friday, January 10, 2020