Playin' in the rain!

Yesterday RideTheWind had the opportunity to play at the Banks of the Wabash Festival at Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute!  What an amazing time!  The rain came and the rain went, but the show went on until the lighting came.  We ended our set short, but some amazing things happend.  We spent an awesome evening with Jim and Sue, thank you so much for allowing us to hang out.  You both have blessed all of our lives.  Thank you to our fans who braved the weather to see their favorite up and coming alternative Christian band.  Can not wait to get you all a CD.  Great things are coming this summer for RideTheWind.  Keep watching our Facebook page for things to come!
 
Also, a BIG thank you to Rick's family for allowing us to jam out in the old gym! 
 
Have a great Monday!
 
God Bless
Jonny

Worry

Matthew 6:33-34 - 33 But put God's kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all of those things will also be given to you.  34 "So don't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own I have to say, I've had quite a week this week. Without going into details, I've been a nervous wreck. I try not to worry about things but Satan has been at the top of his game this week hitting me with the lowest of low blows. He's put so much doubt into me this week about numerous things that I feel I've hit a rock bottom because I've let them get to me. It wasn't until tonight when I was truely terrified over something I heard that wasn't even true that I realized how easily I let things get to me. Rumors and/or jokes that people say are some of Satan's best tools, and if you don't have your faith right and have a good relationship with Jesus, it's very easy to fall into believing things that aren't true. I came home after hearing something that truely terrified me and God showed me Matthew 6: 33-34 and I read it over and over and I prayed a lot about my worries tonight. Once I surrendered them and got my head back on straight, I realized there was no conflict because MY GOD is, was, and always will be in control and I have no worries. AMEN! *I Happily Serve A Truely Amazing God* -Tyler

Controlled by the Holy Spirit

Controlled by the Holy Spirit
(Paul Twist)

When Jesus told His Disciples He would soon be leaving them, He also promised
He would send the Holy Spirit to live with them forever. Living for Jesus by the power of the
Holy Spirit is the great confidence of the Christian life. The Holy Spirit will fill and control the believer
as he surrenders and willingly yields to Him!

When we empty our life's pail of its selfish sand and greedy gravel, the heaven-sent Holy Spirit will
Immediately fill the emptied life with a cluster of fruit, "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith,
meekness, temperance; against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).
There is no room in the believer's life for both self control and spirit control.

"A vessel He will make of you; if great or small, 'twill surely do.
Great joy and peace will always follow the one who's yielded to His will"

God grant you His peace!
Rick

Fasting

I would like to continue on Tyler's post from yesterday... This also
applies to fasting, you shouldn't go around telling people that you
are fasting to bring up yourself in their eyes. Just fast on your own
and spend time with God, developing your relationship with Him. Food
is the most common thing to fast, but the point behind fasting is to
sacrifice something so that you can spend some time with God. I have
found that the best way for me to fast, is to fast music in my car...
I have spent some great times talking with God in my car with my
stereo turned off. It is a good reminder for me to pray when I get in
my car and start down the road and there is nothing on the radio.
Music is something I enjoy very much and it is hard for me to leave it
out, but when you give it to God as a sacrifice, it is very pleasing
to Him.

Dave L.

Simple Prayer

Matthew 6:5 - And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. There is a very simple message in this verse, and if you read the rest of the verses it becomes very clear, just be real. Those who pray in front of people to look fancy are only hurting themselves. It is better just to be yourself because that's who God created you to be, how could we possibly impress God by changing who He made us to be? *I Serve An Awesome God* - Tyler

Laughter, God's Medicine for the Soul

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) "He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21 (NLT) "We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the Lord has done for them."" Psalm 126:2 (NLT) "Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains." Proverbs 14:13 (NLT)   ********************************************************************************************************* ********************************************************************************************************* Many years ago, I took weekly Viola and Violin lessons with my brothers.  Before we began our lessons, Mrs. Hinton always asked us to share a joke.  She told us that we were all members of the S.O.H. Club.  Not one of us wanted to be ignorant, so we didn't ask her what S.O.H. was, but we knew that we were valued members of the Club.  After about 2 or 3 weeks, she asked us if we knew what S.O.H. was and not one of us knew the answer.  She quickly told us that S.O.H. was Sense Of Humor. It was very important to begin our lesson each week with a little humor.  As I reflected on the special times we shared with Mrs. Hinton, I am thankful that we spent the beginning few minutes sharing something funny with each other.  It sure did lighten the mood of our hour together, and it was especially valuable if we hadn't spent much time practicing during the week prior to our lesson!    Dear Friend, do you have a heavy heart?  Have you spent some time laughing today?  The bible tells us that a merry heart doeth us much good, just like medicine.  I am so thankful that Mrs. Hinton allowed us to share something funny every time we met.  I will always remember her positive attitude and encouraging words to me and my brothers.     Dave Henry

Rockin' The "House"

We had an opportunity last night to play again at the House of Hope.
I have to say, playing there is just like sitting down in your living
room and hanging out with friends and family you have known for years.
We received such a blessing last night. I am recharged and filled
with excitement. The "House" was rocking. Thank you Tyler for
throwing out your new song. Everyone loved it. I thank God today for
each and every person that was there last night. I pray that God will
continue to work in their lives and fill them with His love. I can
not wait to go back and share some more time with our family at the
House of Hope.

For me and my "House" we will serve the Lord!!

Big things coming this weekend. We are closing the show on Sunday the
30th at the Banks of the Wabash Festival at Fairbanks Park. Hope to
see everyone there.

Have a great Monday!!

love you all,

Jonny

All men live in one of two tents – content or discontent. In which tent do you live?

The contented man looks beyond his circumstances and sees a better day;
The discontented man looks at his circumstances and sees no other way.

The contented man understands the purpose for which he was born;
The discontented man looks at others' success with a face that is filled with scorn.

The contented man has surrendered to a purpose that demands his best;
The discontented man has selfishly hoarded much and, grasping for more, he will not rest

The contented man has placed his values on things that will forever last;
The discontented man has placed his values on things that will soon pass.

The contented man is anchored to clear goals and hardly ever sways;
The discontented man has no goals that anchor him and many times dismays.

The contented man counts his blessings and names them one by one;
The discontented man counts others' blessings and thinks he has no fun.

All of us live in one of two tents – content or discontent.
In which tent do you live?

- from John Maxwell's "Think On These Things"

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30

Rick

Just Sing!

Ephesians 5:19-20  (NIV) "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."   I remember as far back as a small child my father singing songs throughout the day regardless of the circumstances around him.  For many years in April and May, I planted seeds with dad in our massive gardens well past sunset and while being devoured by large mosquitoes, dad was still singing a song.  Dad would always sing hymns and other choruses, and sometimes he added a 5th verse of his own or sang his own song.   All of the songs he sang echoed strongly from the depths of his faith and his love for God. A few years ago, dad helped me assemble a piece of furniture.  We were missing some parts and it seemed that the harder I tried to complete the assembly, the more difficult it became.  I knew that the clock was quickly moving and I had other places I needed to be, and became increasingly frustrated.  As dad watched me in my state of frustration, he said that we should sing and I thought to myself that we cannot do that, especially since I wasn't in the mood at the time.  I remember telling him that it was ok if he wanted to sing.  Knowing my dad, it didn't take long before he was singing a song of praise. As I read today's verses several times, I reflected on the command to always give thanks to God the Father in everything.  Dear Friend, do you have a song in your heart today?  Have you taken time to sing and make music in your heart to the Lord?  I know that it will benefit you and everyone you see today.  May we all sing a joyful song to God today regardless of our circumstances.   Dave Henry

Ask

To ask is to depend on someone other than yourself. It is very humbling.
Asking indicates:

I don't know
I failed
I ran out
I can't find it
I'm not sure
I don't understand
I forgot
I didn't listen
I didn't care
I was wrong
I'm not prepared
I need more information
I came up short

Notice all of those started with "I". Why do we always try to do
things on our own. We don't include God and fall on our face. We
don't include our partner and have trouble succeeding. Matt. 7:7
clearly states: Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will
find, knock and the door will be opened to you. Matt 7:8 For everyone
who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door
will be opened.

No maybe's there!!

Have a great Monday!!
Love you all,
Jonny

The Old Rugged Cross

Jesus Christ took His cross and carried it for me. He carried it for you.
What would you do for Him?

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.

In His love!
Rick

Hardships

As we had practice last night it was obvious that Satan had a hand in it. He was doing all he could do to hold us back and take our high spirits away. Each of us have our own weak spots in our life that are being attacked, just as everyone else has. We ask not only for individual prayer but for a family/group prayer. We ask that God will be in our lives in every aspect as well as in our band and surrounding family which is just as much part of the band because without them we wouldn't be who we are today. As you pray for all these things for us like high spirits, peace at mind, no stress or worries, etc...We also ask you tell us what to pray for you about. Nothing will be told to anyone outside us 5 or even just 1 of us individually if thats what you prefer. So please take this opportunity to get in contact with one of us if you wish about whatever you need prayer about and we promise to make it an everyday prayer either as a group or individually because there's power in prayer. Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them *We Serve An Awesome God* - Tyler

Let Us Pray For Each Other

As we had practice last night it was obvious that Satan had a hand in it. He was doing all he could do hold us back and take our high spirits away. Each of us have our own weak spots in our life that are being attacked, just as everyone else has. We ask not only for individual prayer but for a family/group prayer. We ask that God will be in our lives in every aspect as well as in our band and surrounding family which is just as much part of the band because without them we wouldn't be who we are today. As you pray for all these things for us like high spirits, peace at mind, no stress or worries, etc...We also ask you tell us what to pray for you about. Nothing will be told to anyone outside us 5 or even just 1 of us individually if thats what you prefer. So please take this opportunity to get in contact with one of us if you wish about whatever you need prayer about and we promise to make it an everyday prayer either as a group or individually because there's power in prayer. Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them *We Serve An Awesome God* - Tyler

Be Holy In All You Do

1 Peter 1:15-16 "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." What amazing words of instruction and commandment! The story has been told about a teenager, who was a candidate for his driver's license. After completing his driving test, he replied to the driving instructor that he was glad that he wasn't required to drive like that all the time, now that the instructor had stepped out of the car and the test was over. I don't know the outcome of the story, but many things come to mind when we think about the comments that were made by this young man. As we read aloud these two verses, one thing is very apparent. The word "holy" comes from a Greek word that means to "separate" or "set apart " from the world. The word "holy" is also an absolute. Being holy should be a full-time endeavor in our lives. We have been commanded to be holy, because our Lord is holy. Dear Friend, are you holy? Are you living a life that is pleasing to God? It is never too late to seek His forgiveness, and to begin your journey of holiness. I encourage you to spend time each day to read your bible and to pray and to seek the holy lifestyle that is pleasing God. Dave Henry

Proverbs ch 31. v10-30 10 A wife of noble character who can find?        She is worth far more than rubies.  11 Her husband has full confidence in her        and lacks nothing of value.  12 She brings him good, not harm,        all the days of her life.  13 She selects wool and flax        and works with eager hands.  14 She is like the merchant ships,        bringing her food from afar.  15 She gets up while it is still dark;        she provides food for her family        and portions for her servant girls.  16 She considers a field and buys it;        out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.  17 She sets about her work vigorously;        her arms are strong for her tasks.  18 She sees that her trading is profitable,        and her lamp does not go out at night.  19 In her hand she holds the distaff        and grasps the spindle with her fingers.  20 She opens her arms to the poor        and extends her hands to the needy.  21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;        for all of them are clothed in scarlet.  22 She makes coverings for her bed;        she is clothed in fine linen and purple.  23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,        where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.  24 She makes linen garments and sells them,        and supplies the merchants with sashes.  25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;        she can laugh at the days to come.  26 She speaks with wisdom,        and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  27 She watches over the affairs of her household        and does not eat the bread of idleness.  28 Her children arise and call her blessed;        her husband also, and he praises her:  29 "Many women do noble things,        but you surpass them all."  30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;        but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. What an amazing passage of scripture giving honor to a woman.  I just want to share today that I am very thankful for my partner.  A gift from God!  Someone I can confide in, honor, trust, love, cherish, and adore!  I want to thank her for loving me, and thank her for her faith.  Sharing faith with someone you love is amazing.  Have a wonderful Monday!!!! Love you all, Jonny

Proverbs ch 31. v10-30

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

What an amazing passage of scripture giving honor to a woman. I just
want to share today that I am very thankful for my partner. A gift
from God! Someone I can confide in, honor, trust, love, cherish, and
adore! I want to thank her for loving me, and thank her for her
faith. Sharing faith with someone you love is amazing.

Have a wonderful Monday!!!!

Love you all,

Jonny

Got A Question?

Got A Question?

There are ten questions you'll want you to ask yourself and pray about when you're faced with a decision. The first five are generic. They represent moral issues and godly wisdom that are normative for all times. The next five are questions that you need to ask when facing a change in direction. Let's take a look at what each question entails.

First, have you prayed about it? The Lord's Prayer begins with a petition for His will. Prayer was never meant to be a fourth down punting situation in which we ask God to bail us out of our hasty decisions. It was intended to be a first down huddle. We aren't supposed to ask God to bless our plans; we are supposed to ask God for His plans.

Second, is it consistent with the Word of God? In our culture ignorance is no excuse since resources abound. I believe every home should have one concordance, Bible dictionary, and a study Bible with notes.

Third, can I do it and be a positive Christian witness?

Forth, will the Lord be glorified? Am I seeking the glory of man or glory of God? Am I doing this to be noticed by man or am I seeking to please the Lord?

Fifth, am I acting responsibly? God doesn't bail us out of our irresponsibility. He will let us suffer the consequences of our sins and irresponsible choices. But when we are faithful in little things, He will put us in charge of greater things.

Sixth, is it reasonable? God expects us to think. His guidance may transcend human reasoning, but it never excludes it. God doesn't bypass our mind. We are warned in scripture not to put our minds in neutral. We are to think and practice what we know to be true. (Philippians 4:8-9)

Seventh, does a realistic opportunity exist? Closed doors are not meant to be knocked down. If you have a hopeless scheme, let it go. If it isn't of God's timing, wait! If a realistic opportunity exists, and all other factors are in agreement, then take the plunge!

Eight, are unbiased, spiritually sensitive associates in agreement? Be careful not to consult those who will agree with you. Give your advisers permission to ask hard questions. Don't be afraid of "no" answers. If it isn't God's will, don't you want to know before acting impulsively?

Ninth, do I have a sanctified desire? Don't think that being in the will of God must always be an unpleasant task. The joy of the Lord should be our strength

Tenth, do I have peace about it? This is an inner peace. In the world you will have tribulations, but in Christ we have assurance of overcoming the world. Is the peace of God guarding your heart and your mind?

If you have been able to answer yes to all ten questions, what are you waiting for?
(Walking in the Light by Neil Anderson)
Are you having trouble with some tough decisions? You only need to ask God's guidance, and you will be able to answer anything life brings to your table!

May the peace of our Lord be with you!
Rick

Accountability

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so
that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and
effective."- James 5:16

We all get too caught up in our hectic lives and forget to set aside
some time to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other.
This comes from being accountable to each other. I want to encourage
everyone to find someone to be accountable to. It can be very helpful
to have someone ask you every once in a while how things are going
with particular issues. It keeps you in check. While keeping each
other in check, you can also pray for each other. It is great to have
someone praying for you. You will be amazed how much it helps just to
have someone praying for you!

Dave L.

Prayer

I've been hearing this country song on the radio that talks about saying negative prayers to God. A couple lines from the song are: "...I pray your brakes go out runnin' down a hill, I pray a flower pot falls from a window sill, and knocks you in the head like I'd like to...." I was telling a friend of mine earlier that I don't agree with this song's message at all. As a matter of fact, I go as far as to change the radio station if this song is played. I agree that we should be totally real and honest in our prayers, after all, God already knows how we feel anyway, theres no surprising Him. But I feel this song gives the wrong impression of real Christians. People that listen to this song are going to automatically get the impression that this is how ALL Christians pray, only to get revenge on others. This isn't what our God is in the business of doing AT ALL. Besides that, I still don't think this should be in our prayers even if we are being honest. God calls us to forgive those who trespass against us as He has forgiven us of our trespasses. In order to forgive, we should be praying for a humbled heart rather than a stone heart to want revenge. As the famous saying goes, "Two wrongs don't make a right." I just can't give this song any credit, I feel sorry for whoever wrote it. *I Serve An Awesome God* - Tyler

Pray for our Leaders!

1 Timothy 2:1-2 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." We have been instructed to pray for our leaders, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. With all of the confusion in our world today, we should take a few moments each and every day to pray for our leaders. It is not a difficult thing to pray for our leaders, but sometimes it is more difficult to pray and so much easier to complain, isn't it? Dear Friend, did you vote in the primary elections today? Did you take a few minutes before or after you voted to pray for our leaders? If we all unite in this biblical instruction, I truly believe that right decisions will be made by our leaders, and God will truly heal our land. Dave Henry

Do not doubt!

Another powerful message from the Pastor yesterday! Thank you for
your commitment to serve Pastor Rich! I'm sharing a passage from
James ch.1 v.2-8. in which Pastor Rich brought to us.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many
kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks
wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding
fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe
and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown
and tossed by the wind.

Have we been asking with FAITH that God will give us the desires of our hearts?
Have we been asking, BELIEVING that God will provide?

God wants us all to prosper, and be great!

The show we played for Mercedes Compton and The Close Closet was
awesome! We shared the stage with Eternal Cry. WOW! What a
incredible message they bring. We shared with House of Hope. I love
spending time with them. Such and amazing group of men and women.
They truly have FAITH, are BELIEVING, and are RECEIVING the blessings
of God.

My request for you today is to ask with FAITH, ask BELIEVING, and I
pray you RECEIVE the desires of your heart.

Have a great Monday!!

Love you all!
Jonny