Forgivness

Proverbs 19:11 - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. All I can say is "wow." I've found this to be one the hardest things to do in life. To completely forgive others when they have wronged me. I still hold grudges from years ago, but I've found that it only hurts myself. I've found that all these grudges can do is tear you down personally for holding them. As hard as it is to do, God tells us not to judge others or hold grudges because we ALL fall short of the glory of God. This means no matter what others do to you, we are no better or worse than each other. It doesn't pay to be mad at others for wronging you, especially when it more than likely doesn't bother them near as much if they have aleady apoligized or aren't aware they've wronged you. This is why it is better to let God deal with the situation and pass judgement rather than letting the little things in life tear you down. A good friend of mine once told me, why do you let earthly things bring you to your knees? Do you not realize none of them will matter 100 years from now? When salvation comes, I'm not letting anything on this earth hold me here, I'm ready to see my Creator and walk with angels...holding grudges here on Earth sure doesn't guide the path to heaven. *I Serve An Awesome God* -Tyler

Be Still

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God." What a crazy, busy life this has become for all of us! In our home we have a display on the living room wall that includes this verse. How often do we get so caught up in the things of this world that we forget to be quiet before God? The following poem, written by Regine Ann Baldomar, was given to me about 10yrs ago by a friend who told me to always take time to pray early in the morning before I start my day. I got up early one morning, And rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish, I didn't have time to pray. Troubles just tumbled about me, And heavier came each task. "Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered. He answered, "You didn't ask." I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, "Why, child, you didn't knock." I wanted to see joy and beauty, But the day toiled on gray and bleak. I wondered why God didn't show me. He said, "You didn't seek." I woke up early this morning, And paused before entering the day. I had so much to accomplish That I had to take time to pray. Dear Friend, won't you take time to pray today? It doesn't matter if it is in your car, your living room, or in your office, but God has instructed us to be still and be quiet before Him. Psalm 46:1,2 says that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble; therefore we will not fear." Make it a great day today and remember that our Father in Heaven loves you and cares for you so very much! He is ready and able and willing to help us accomplish all of our tasks today as we keep our eyes on Him. Dave Henry

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Good Morning everyone!  Hope you are all doing well.  We had an awesome turnout at Forest park.  Thank you to all who joined us.  Hope everyone enjoyed the show and the "FANS" .  What a joy to stand up for what you believe in and share with others.  A true blessing!  Thank you to those who are sending pictures and bringing cd's of pictures to us for our website.  It is awesome to see the involvement of our community.  RideTheWind has a lot of exciting things in store for the summer and later this year.  Hope that those who missed us this time will be able to catch up with us next time.  I will have to say seeing those of you out in the crowd singing along with the songs brings a whole new level of joy to the band.  It creates an amazing level of excitement for us while we play.  Thank you! The morning before the show I shared with the band a passage from Ephesians Chapter 4.  Talking about the unity of the body!  The acceptance of your calling to serve in any capacity.  I encourage you today to take a moment and read Ephesians Chapter 4.  And reflect on your life.  Where do you stand?  Have a great Monday! Love you all, Jonny

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Good Morning everyone!  Hope you are all doing well.  We had an awesome turnout at
Forest park.  Thank you to all who joined us.  Hope everyone enjoyed the show and the
"FANS" .  What a joy to stand up for what you believe in and share with others.  A true
blessing!  Thank you to those who are sending pictures and bringing cd's of pictures to
us for our website.  It is awesome to see the involvement of our community.  RideTheWind
has a lot of exciting things in store for the summer and later this year.  Hope that those
who missed us this time will be able to catch up with us next time. 

I will have to say seeing those of you out in the crowd singing along with the songs brings
a whole new level of joy to the band.  It creates an amazing level of excitement for us
while we play.  Thank you!

The morning before the show I shared with the band a passage from Ephesians chapter
4.  Talking about the unity of the body!  The acceptance of your calling to serve in any
capacity.  I encourage you today to take a moment and read Ephesians chapter 4.  And
reflect on your life.  Where do you stand? 

Have a great Monday!

Love you all,
Jonny

Have Child-like Trust In The Lord

Lord, my heart is not proud;
I don't look down on others.
I don't do great things,
And I can't do miracles.
But I am calm and quiet,
Like a baby with its mother.
I am at peace, like a baby with its mother.

People, put your hope in the Lord now and forever!
Psalm 131

God Bless and keep you safe!
Rick

Daily Care

The other day I sitting in my room and I looked down at my Ipod. I realized that I had not done my "daily chores." I have some apps that require me to use it daily, like feeding my fish and harvesting crops in my fake fish tank and fake farm. It got me thinking, this is God's job everday. And it's so much more than just feeding a couple of fish, He provides for the ENTIRE world and everything and everyone in it. How much greater of a task is this than the tiny task I try to stay on top of? Every now and again I forget to feed my fish or harvest my crops on my Ipod, yet God never forgets and He has so much more to do. Isn't it great to know that He will NEVER forsake you? He will NEVER forget about you? He will NEVER leave you? He will NEVER give you anything you can't handle. So many things God has done for us and provided for, He has delivered each of us from trouble and kept His hand on us. How great is our God that He will never forget to provide for us what we need for daily life?? Amen. *We Serve A Powerful God* - Tyler

He Has Truly Made Me Glad

Hillsong--"Made Me Glad"   I will bless the Lord forever (Psalm 34:1) I will trust Him at all times (Proverbs 3:5-6) He has delivered me from all fear (Isaiah 41:8-10) He has set my feet upon a rock (Psalm 40:2) I will not be moved (Psalm 16:8) And I'll say of the Lord You are my shield, my strength (Psalm 28:7) My portion, deliverer (Lamentations 3:24) My shelter, strong tower (Psalm 61:3) My very present help in time of need (Psalm 46:1) Whom have I in heaven but You There's none I desire beside You You have made me glad And I'll say of the Lord You are my shield, my strength My portion, deliverer My shelter, strong tower My very present help in time of need   Dear Friend, how many times do we sing at church or in the car and enjoy the song we're singing, but don't pay attention to the meaning of the lyrics?  So many praise songs and choruses have such strong scriptural foundations.  The song above by Hillsong is a great song with solid biblical principles, and provides such strength and encouragement, especially when we are discouraged and are dealing with life's uncertainties.  Take some time today to read the biblical references.   Blessings to you, Dave Henry

Here Is Your Chance!

Hey Everyone!  Here is your chance to see RideTheWind.  We are playing Saturday June 26th at Forest park in the pavilion at 6:00 pm.  You won't want to miss this show.  Things are going very well for the band.  Come out and Ride the wind with us! Busy week this week passing out fliers and preparing for our show on Saturday.  Look forward to seeing and meeting everyone there.  Hope everyone had an awesome weekend.  Spent yesterday with Dad.  Always a good time to hang out with Dad.  I am very thankful for the memories that we are creating as a family.  Look forward to many more. Set aside time for quiet because it is here that you will come to know yourself and to know God. Lord, the distractions and interruptions of my day are many, but for a few moments each day we will talk.  Don't let those distractions and interruptions during this day take you away.  Stay true! Have a great Monday!! Love you all, Jonny

Do You Have a Happy Home?

Joshua 24:15  "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."   While enjoying a wonderful weekend with my parents, I had the privilege of attending a service at the Nevada Mills United Methodist Church directly across the cove.  All of the songs and the message today focused on fathers and our obligation and privilege to serve and being open to God's direction for our lives.  One of the hymns we sang, "Happy the Home When God is There" has such powerful words, especially for fathers.  The lyrics to this beautiful hymn were written by Henry Ware and the melody by John Dykes.  Read the words below and challenge your heart today.    Happy the home when God is there, And love fills every breast; When one their wish, and one their prayer, And one their heav'nly rest.   Happy the home where Jesus' Name Is sweet to every ear; Where children early speak His fame, And parents hold Him dear.   Happy the home where prayer is heard, And praise each day does rise; Where parents love the sacred Word And all its wisdom prize.   Lord, let us in our homes agree This blessed peace to gain; Unite our hearts in love to Thee, And love to all will reign.     Dear Friend, do you have a happy home?  Have you allowed God to be the center of your household?  He is ready and willing and able to direct you in everything you encounter.  Are you serving the Lord today?  It is God's will that you have a happy home.   Happy Father's Day!   Dave Henry

Extending God's Grace

Extending God's Grace

God's judgment has never been a problem for me. In fact, it always seemed right. Lightening bolts on Sodom. Fire on Gomorrah, Good job God! Egyptians swallowed in the Red Sea, they had it coming. Forty years of wandering to loosen the stiff necks of the Israelites? Yep, would have done it myself.

Discipline is easy for me to swallow. Logical to assimilate. Manageable and appropriate.

But God's grace? Anything but.

Examples? How much time do you have?

David the Psalmist becomes David the voyeur, but by God's grace becomes David the psalmist again.
Zacchaeus, the crook. The cleanest part of his life was the money he laundered, but Jesus still had time for him.
The thief on the cross: hell bent and hung out to die one minute, heaven bound and smiling the next.

Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise. If God can tolerate my mistake, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can overlook my errors, can't I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with all my sin and failures to call Him Father, shouldn't I extend the same grace to others?
(Thoughts from The Devotional Bible)
Rick

Sing to God!!

"Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the
clouds — his name is the LORD— and rejoice before him. A father to the
fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling."- Psalm
68:4-5

Sing to God....
Sing praise to His name....

Let's RideTheWind of God!!!

Dave L.

Seeds

Romans 8:5-8 A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among throns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown. How true is this? We get the opportunity to sow a seed and plant the word of God in someone's life and we sometimes pass it up. Why? Some of the reason I pass it up are fear, lack of faith, humility, or just not thinking quickly on my feet. The way to solve this is to spend more time in prayer and reading God's word. So many times God gives us the chance to sow a seed that will yield a hundred times more than was sown, it's a matter of being able to do it whole-heartedly and without fear of rejection. Even if you do get rejected, that doesn't mean the seed hasn't been planted, it may take a long time to sprout or it may never sprout at all, but by planting it you have done a good deed in our Father's eyes. *We Serve An Awesome God* -Tyler

Spend Time with Him

Dear Friend, have you spent time reading the bible today?  Have you prayed today?  How often do you talk to people about the bible?  Are you prepared to give an answer for the hope you have in Him?  When is the most recent time you told our Lord that you love him and are thankful for all He has done for you?  How many times have you said that a particular verse is in the bible, but didn't know where to find it? Here are some familiar verses that provide strength, hope, encouragement, and power for today.  Read each verse carefully, and commit them to memory, one at a time.   Ecclesiastes 3:11  "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Psalm 90:12  "Teach to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Matthew 6:34  "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will take care for itself." Jeremiah 33:3  "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Philippians 4:6-7  "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Matthew 24:44  "Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of Man cometh." Psalm 5:3  "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Jeremiah 9:24  "But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord. Proverbs 6:16-19  "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." 1 Peter 3:15  "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." Psalm 32:7  "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Mark 13:31  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."   Dave Henry

Back from Vacation!

Hey Everyone! Back from Virginia with the family. We had a great
time. Looking forward to hanging out with my brothers and jamming
some tunes! We are together tonight at Benwood campground.
Should be a good evening with S.O.S.!
Will be working on getting everything together this week to set in
stone dates to finalize our CD. Can't wait to give them out.

Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Here is a little inspiration to get your day moving in the right direction!

Ask yourself if what you are spending your thoughts and energy on will
matter in a week, a month, or a year. Lord, help me select my
priorities wisely and use my time in ways that will make my life and
those around me better and happier.

Love you all!

Jonny

Living By Example, Living By Faith

Living By Example, Living By Faith

I was touched last evening by a small act of kindness that only comes from a belief system, faith if you will.

There is a group (kids, teens, young adults) in our community that minister to children and teens that may never have the opportunity to hear the message that Jesus delivered for us. The group takes the youth and teaches them the Word of God as well as giving them a safe place other than hanging out on the street (where they most likely would get into some sort of mischief). I watched these kids play and have fun and worship in their own way to the music that was being provided to them by another youth from our community. This young man has a heart for God, and a love for the music that was given to him as a gift from God. A small group of young people (and one old one) was put together specifically to minister to these young people in need. Several kids spent time in groups away from the main group, but observing them, I could tell they were listening to the music and message. Many of the kids were singing along and not caring about what other were thinking about them. What an awesome, God-filled time was had by both the youth in need and the youth leading the worship time. Not to mention the old guy who sat and laughed, prayed and was in as much need as the young people that we were there to serve.

I thank my God for the ability and the knowledge to do what is needed, and I thank the young people who have the forethought and wisdom to pass this along to other young people. Tyler, you are wise beyond your years my friend. The young people of the community have a wonderful person to look up to. I have a wonderful friend that teaches me everyday how I should live. Living by example and living by faith are the best ways to live your life. My faith is stronger today my friend!

Live by example,
Live by faith!!
Rick

Humility...

In what ways do you accept, respect, and honor those
who have more than you? Practice humility not by putting
yourself down, but by building others up. What friend, relative,
or co-worker can you regard as more important than yourself this week?
Think of at least three specific ways you can build that person up this week!

May the Lord bless and keep you;
May he make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
May He give you His peace now and forever

Rick

What If...

What if we used the Bible like we used our cell phones?

What if…

we carried it around in our pockets or purses?

we turned back to get it if we forgot it?

we accessed it several times a day?

we used it to receive text messages?

we treated it as if we couldn't live without it?

we gave Bibles to our children as gifts?

we shared it with others?

we used it when traveling?

we used it in case of emergency?

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
- 2 Timothy 3:16

Keep praising God in all you do!
Rick

Apart from the Lord, I have no good thing.

Psalm 16:2 - "I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing'." How true is this? So many times I take for granted the things God has given me. Taking time to count your blessings is so important. Without God and doing the best I can to follow His rules and not sin I wouldn't be where I am today. I have an amazing family that has grown in their relationship with Jesus, some of them have actually found Him for the first time from listening to RideTheWind play and supporting us. I have guitars and musical talent to know what to do with them. When I got my first bass guitar I remember sitting down outside my house on the deck with it and wondering what to do with it. I was so excited to finally get it but I had no idea how to play it. Little did I know that God was building me up to be something I would have never guessed. God has worked through me in ways I may not even be aware of because I've followed His rules by playing music to worship Him. Again, "Apart from You, I have no good thing." I have the girl of my dreams that is just as much in love with me as I am with her. So many people fall into the trap of having sex before marriage instead of waiting, and they end up hurt, but through following the rules the Lord has set before me of waiting until marriage, I have found myself to grow so much more and to find a girl that feels the same way and lives her life for God just as I strive to do..."Apart from You, I have no good thing." I don't say these things to put myself on a pedistal, I say them to prove that through following God in ALL things, not just what is easy and managable, He will bless you all the more. I take great happiness in what God has given me because without His blessings, none of them would mean anything. I feel like if I died today, people would remember me exactly how I would want to be remembered...a child and follower of Christ. How marvelous it is to be a light to those who need it!!! *What A Great God We Serve* - Tyler

Do Not Repay Evil for Evil

(NIV)  Romans 12:17  "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody."   Wow, what simple, but direct commands for us to live our lives.  How many times have we said at one time or another, "....you just wait and see what I'll do to him if he says this or does that....!"?  How many times have we proclaimed...."that if they even breathe a word about what just happened, I'll get even with them when they least expect it!"?  How many times has someone cut you off while you were driving your car, and you couldn't wait to even the score? It is so simple to get caught up in the moment and to become so overwhelmed with great emotion, that we forget the teaching and instruction in the bible.  Dear Friend, have you given in to the temptation to repay evil for evil?  As Christians we are being watched each and every day of our lives.  I think that we are purposely provoked sometimes just to see how we will react in certain situations.  Before you react and repay evil for evil, take a moment and ask God how you need to respond, and remind yourself of today's verse. Dave Henry

Remembering John Wooden

With the Passing of John Wooden at age 99 recently, I reviewed some of his amazing accomplishments.  The experts say that records are made to be broken, but many of the records that are next to John Wooden's name will likely never be matched.  I have often wondered if he were a Christian man, because I have not seen specific, detailed articles about his faith in God, although his coaching principles extend from biblical teaching. Below is a list of seven standards to live by, which have been commonly called John Wooden's Seven Point Creed.  I have added some bible verses as references, which pertain to some of the items in the list.  Coach Wooden received this creed from his father upon graduation from grammar school:  Be true to yourself. Make each day your masterpiece. Help others. (Hebrews 13:16) Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. (Psalm 119:105) Make friendship a fine art. (John 15:13) Build a shelter against a rainy day. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day. (James 1:5)

Get To Know Him!

Psalm 139:1-6
Lord, you have examined me and you know me.
You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts.
You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions.
Even before I speak, you already know what I will say.
You are all around me on every side; you protect me with your power.
You knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding.

This is my God's understanding of me, and it is your God's understanding of you.
Get to know Him as He knows you. Learn about the Lord. Go to a Bible study, talk to your pastor, or sit down with a friend. You can even contact one of the RideTheWind members and we would be glad to talk to you. We learn more everyday about our Lord and Savior, and it is an ongoing process. Never stop learning! Never lose the desire to know your God! He loves you!

May God bless you and keep you;
May He make His face to shine upon you.
May He be gracious unto you; and give you His peace.
Both now and forever!

Rick

True Time With God

I was listening to the song "Open Skies" by David Crowder Band the other night and it spoke so much to me. At the time, I wasn't even sure what all the lyrcis were, but I found myself listening to it again again because it truely put me in the presence of God. I'm sure I looked like a fool as I was dancing and waving around in my car, but what better way to be a fool than for my God? It was amazing to not have any stresses, worries, and to not care what others thought and just be me and dance without a care in the world. 2 Samuel 6 mentions David dancing before God with few clothes on. He wasn't worried about what others thought, he was simply in the moment of praising his God, how amazing! I encourage you to take time just be with Jesus in the moment and let him hold your heart. Needless to say, I felt so much closer to Him after driving home that night. If you give it a chance, I think it will help you also. :) *Serving An Awesome God* - Tyler

Are You In A Puddle Or A Pond?

At a bible study the other week a question was posed to me and everyone else. We were told about a story of a duck sitting in a little puddle along the road and just swimming in a tiny circle in the water. If the duck would have just flown up in the air he could find a big body of water in any direction he flew, but yet he stayed in this little puddle that will soon evaporate along the side of the road. Sometimes we are this duck in the puddle on the side of the road. If we would just Ride The Wind of God, we could find our big body of water to be in rather than a puddle. So when I was asked the question of am I in the puddle or am I flying to find the pond God has already provided for me, I was proud to say that I'm already Riding that Wind of God and I'm on my way to the "pond" he has me. =D So where are you in your life? Are you content with the puddle or are you flying to your pond? *What An Awesome God We Serve* - Tyler

Bundle of Sticks!

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV) God has certainly has called us to live a life of unity! As we read the words 'humble and gentle' the words 'be completely' are at the front of this verse. It is so vital for Christians to live a life of humility and gentleness as we unite. God has absolutely called us to be of one body and one Spirit. Isn't that amazing? How often do we forget that as we live such busy lives? It is so easy to get snatched into the things of this world, and we forget why we are really here--to serve Him, but doing so in complete humility and love for one another as we serve in a Spirit of Unity. Many months ago an elder of our church called our band a 'Bundle of Sticks' just before we prayed before our first concert. He explained to us that as individual sticks, we can easily be broken, but if we unite as God would have us unite, then we become a Bundle of Sticks. He further clarified that a Bundle of Sticks is not easily broken, because of the bond of love, peace, humility, and gentleness. I will never forget our special time together in the prayer room of our church. Several months have passed, and many times I have thought about what was said to us in October 2009. In addition to the strength of being a Bundle of Sticks, preventing us from being broken individually, we are also a much brighter light as a bundle as we become on fire for God. Dear Friend, are you living in unity with other Christians? Could someone call your family or church or other social group a Bundle of Sticks? We have been called to be a Bundle of Sticks and allow the Holy Spirit to unite us in His love. Dave Henry