Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin.

God picks you from the patch and washes all the dirt off. He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for the entire world to see. This was passed on to me by another pumpkin.
I want His light to shine in me…how about you? Have a safe and joyous Halloween!!
In Christ,
Rick
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Our Master Calls Us

Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" John 10:27 (NIV) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I have always been amazed how pets know their master's voice. When their master calls, the cat or dog always comes. I know that animals don't have much 'clutter' in their lives or try to 'second guess' what their master is thinking, they simply come when they are called. Sometimes we are simply 'too busy' to hear our Master's voice, don't you think? We may be busy doing all the talking, too, and have just not allowed time for our Master to lead us. Dear Friend, God wants to talk to you today. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in a special way today, and be ready to listen. There are so many things He wants you to know today, and He will show you if you listen. Spend more time listening to the Master's voice, and less time talking, and He will lead you where He needs you to be. Dave Henry

Monday October 25, 2010

I am praying for you!

Jonny

Each One Win One

1 Corinthians 9:18-19 "What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it. Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." 2 Timothy 2:24-26 "And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." Today's message is very simple--as Christians, we are being watched each and every day. We are judged by our deeds, our actions, and most importantly our words. Our Father in Heaven has designed multi-level marketing long before the 20th Century, and has commissioned each and everyone of us to do our part to further the Kingdom of God. God has strategically placed each and everyone of us in our jobs, in our homes, and in our families to be the best witnesses that we can possibly be in order to demonstrate God's wonderful plan of salvation for all. I have experienced interactions and conversations today with others that you have not experienced, and vice versa. Hopefully God was pleased with each encounter today. Dear Friend, what are you doing to further God's Kingdom today? Is your life pleasing to Him, or would you say that you have engaged in crossfire, gallantly demonstrating your knowledge of the scriptures, but have not led another soul to the foot of the cross? Let us all be courageous, and confident, but conduct ourselves in a gentle, loving manner, so that all will truly experience the Love of God. Dave Henry

Give Your Best

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV) "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." Colossians 3:22-24 (NIV) "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." We have been given a certain number of days on this earth to serve, to love, and to give. There are many verses in the bible about obeying your authorities, about loving and serving others. There is a song that was written many years ago that encourages us to give our very best to our Lord. "Give of Your Best to the Master" was written by Howard Grose, and music by Charlotte Barnard. Here are the lyrics to this beautiful, encouraging hymn: Give of your best to the Master; Give of the strength of your youth; Throw your soul's fresh, glowing ardor Into the battle for truth. Jesus has set the example, Dauntless was He, young and brave; Give Him your loyal devotion; Give Him the best that you have. Refrain: Give of your best to the Master; Give of the strength of your youth; Clad in salvation's full armor, Join in the battle for truth. Give of your best to the Master; Give Him first place in your heart; Give Him first place in your service; Consecrate every part. Give, and to you will be given; God His beloved Son gave; Gratefully seeking to serve Him, Give Him the best that you have. Give of your best to the Master; Naught else is worthy His love; He gave Himself for your ransom, Gave up His glory above. Laid down His life without murmur, You from sin's ruin to save; Give Him your heart's adoration; Give Him the best that you have. Dear Friend, are you giving your best to the Master? We have been instructed and encouraged to do everything as unto the Lord, giving our best effort in all we do. Let us always remember that it is Jesus that we serve, and he requires us to give our best, and we will be rewarded when we see Him again. Dave Henry

Still Standing Strong!

I got a very good lesson in standing up for your faith doesn't always mean you get the best ending. I had a test in one of my classes that I've been fighting with all semester and the day finally came where a lot of my answers either favored creation or evolution. The "correct" answers where those that favored evolution. I just could not bring myself to put those answers down. My test was returned to me with an F. I've never been told I fail anything, let alone for standing up for my God. I do believe I took a lot more out of this class than what my grade reflects though. I've grown closer to my God and I've made the decision that there is absolutely NO earthly grade or situation worth giving up my salvation for. And I will continue to stand strong in this regardless of what anyone says or does to break me down. I still know my God has a plan for me, that He will deliver me, and that He will provide for me always. *Still Standing from Satan's Blows* -Tyler

The Love of God

Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."   One of my favorite hymns, "The Love of God" written in 1917 by Frederick Lehman, describes his view of God's love for us.  Here are the words to this beautiful song:   The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell; The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin. Refrain: Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure— The saints' and angels' song. When hoary time shall pass away, And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall, When men who here refuse to pray, On rocks and hills and mountains call, God's love so sure, shall still endure, All measureless and strong; Redeeming grace to Adam's race— The saints' and angels' song. Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky. Dear Friend, do you know the Love of God today?  The author uses some big, but descriptive words in an effort to convey God's amazing love for each and every one of us.  God loves you and cares for you so very much!  Life isn't always easy, but God's love, is 'measureless and strong and will forevermore endure the saints and angels song.'  Amen!   Dave Henry

The Sharpest tool

What is the tool that is sharper than no other?  It is a tool that becomes sharper by
constant use.  This tool can destroy both the strong and the weak. This tool can piere
the strongest barrier and cause walls to crumble to the ground.  This tool can be used
and continue to be destructive even after years have past.  Do you know what this tool
is?  This tool is your TONGUE!  Psalm 63:4 They sharpen their tongues like swords and
aim their words like deadly arrows.  Your tongue can really create some major damage.
Sometimes when you don't even realize it has happened.  Take care in what you say and
how you say it.  The Bible tells us in Proverbs 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a
sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. And also tells us in Titus 3:2
Slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Today ask God to help us to have peace, and to be considerate.  Use our words to bring
healing.

Saturday is RideTheWind's last local show on the schedule.  Take an evening and come
experience what God is doing.  RTW will be at River Community Church in Brazil, Indiana.

A Huge Thank you to the North Side Christian Church in Terre Haute and First Congregational
Church in Marshall Ill.  You all are wonderful people.  Thank you for sharing with RTW.

Have a great Monday!
Love you all,
Jonny

 

Forgiveness?

Forgiveness, can we really do it? Jesus chose twelve men to follow him and become teachers, fishers of men. Those twelve men were not holy men of the day. Jesus knew the holy men and law makers; the Pharisees and Sadducees had strayed from the true meaning of the Word and made deals with Rome to be able to continue in their way of life. The twelve men Jesus chose were in fact fishermen, tax collectors, Zealots, even one, later who was carrying a list of Christians to be rounded up by the authorities because he believed Christianity was wrong. Two of them were known as the Sons of Thunder, not because of their sweet disposition. They doubted, they questioned, they denied. Through out the entire ordeal one thing remained a constant, their love for Jesus and the ability to return to His love with forgiveness. In this, Peter was able to deny knowing Christ three times, and after remembering the words of Jesus earlier, broke down and wept. He wept tears of sorrow. Peter was forgiven his sin, the sin of denying the Son of God while Jesus was being crucified for our sin, because of his repentance. God allows for us to make mistakes, He knows we aren't perfect. He sent His son to die for us so we would be able to live a life with Him. All we have to do is ask for forgiveness from him. Jesus' death allows for us to be given a second, third, fourth chances and so on. John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know people in my life that have truly asked for forgiveness, I believe in my heart they have been forgiven by our Lord. Even if the world is unable, or unwilling to forgive them, they are forgiven by the One who can offer this to them. Just like Peter, they wept tears of sorrow for their sins. I count myself in that group, I have asked for forgiveness and continue to ask as I am not perfect. Then again none of us are perfect. There was only one… In Christ, Rick

~Fail~

My inspiration today is set to inspire you to be prepared. My reason for this is that I'm not well prepared to write this inspiration this week due to lack of planning and time management. The good thing to know from this is that no matter how often we fall or fail at life...such as me not being prepared this week, God still loves us and has a spot for us in heaven who believe Jesus died for our sins. AMEN!! *Still serving an Awesome God* -Tyler

Can You Say Amen?

Psalm 106:48  "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, 'Amen!'  Praise the Lord."   James 5:16  "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."   If you have prayed today, or have heard someone else pray, the word "Amen" was likely spoken at the end of the prayer.  As a small child and through my adult years I have heard my parents, pastors, youth group leaders, and even friends use this familiar word.    The word 'Amen' literally means 'so be it' or 'it is true.'  I have always believed that God will hear our prayers, but we must first rid ourselves of the daily clutter and sin that so easily permeates our lives.  The verse above in James, directs us to confess our sins to each other and to also pray for each other, and then we will be healed.  It also says that prayers of righteous men are powerful and effective.  Can you say, "Amen" to that?   Jesus also used the words, "Veriy, verily I say unto you...." before he spoke as He imparted truth to the crowds and to His disciples.  "Verily, verily" means the same thing as "Amen!" as well.  Today, we might tell someone to "listen carefully" or "pay attention" when we have something important to say.    Dear Friend, the verse in Psalm 106 above tells us to praise God, who is everlasting.  It also commands us to say "Amen!"  Can you say, "Amen?"  He alone is worthy of all our praise!   Dave Henry

Lasting Impression

Ever have someone leave an impression on your life?  I have.  When I was but a
young boy, I knew a man named Charlie Cole.  He and his wife owned a little
country store where I grew up.  Several times when you stop by this old store
you could hear the beautiful sounds of a dulcimer being played inside by Charlie.
And every year at this time I always reflect on the memory of listening to him play.
Charlie would setup at the community building and play for people as they pass during
the Covered Bridge Festival.  I can still almost hear him playing in my head.  I can
remember how Charlie was always very interested in everything I had going on, and
always treated me like family.  He was a very good man.  Charlie has been gone for
several years now, but I have not ever forgotten about him and the way he shared
his life with everyone.  Knowing him left such a great impression on my life that
back in October of 2006 I wrote a song about Charlie and that ole' store. I have
not ever played the song live or recorded it.  I plan to record the song soon I can
share it with his family and all the RideTheWind fans. Here is the first verse of
"The Ole' Store".

Sittin' at the ole country store,
gotta Mr. Pibb and a Candy bar.
Listenin' to that ole boy pick n' play.
Charlie Cole on the dulcimer,
and when he'd stop they all yell for more.
I'd just love to sit and listen to him play.

Everyone have a great Monday!
Love you all,
Jonny

See RTW live this Friday in Terre Haute and Sunday in Marshall Ill.  Check our show
schedule for times!

 

Anger

My thoughts seem jumbled, my actions harsh.  I feel like I am pulled in every direction and it makes me angry.  Not because I am angry at others, but mostly at myself.  I have let myself fall into that trap that is set by the enemy.  I give in to my anger and lash out. Angry people usually justify their anger, saying it's someone else's fault they are angry. Yet the Bible repeatedly warns us against giving in to anger when we are upset by other people's words or actions. There is such a thing as righteous anger.  And sometimes we need to talk about problems or deal with dangerous situations. (Even at these times, we must exercise self-control.) Yet most of the time, our anger is not righteous.  As James wrote, "Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:20). When we give in to anger, we often focus on our own welfare, comfort or happiness. Instead, we should be primarily concerned about other people's welfare and being a good witness for God. God does not want us to simply react emotionally to others' actions.  Instead, we should respond with wisdom and a gentle spirit. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2 Timothy 2:24). "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-7). God gives me the wisdom and courage to act in His way, I must be the one to act upon it. My anger only leads to resentment, more anger and sin. He tells me I must love my enemy, but sometimes I have problems doing just that. Does that make me bad?  No, but it does mean that I have to try harder to act the way He wants me to act. Be the person He wants me to be.  Because, as you know, I am a sinner saved by His grace! In Christ, Rick

The Snake

I was watching a show on tv last night that was about snakes, on a side note, it was awesome!! But back to my point, a guy was catching snakes and taking pictures of them. As I watched him take pictures while picking the snake up, I noticed how quickly and effortlessly he could strike the guy and kill him. This made me think of Adam and Eve when Eve ate the fruit she was not suppose to eat, then gave some to Adam also. When God said the snake would slither on the ground for the rest of it's days without feet, we find that Satan, who was playing the role of the snake, is always in our lives to tempt us. Also, he can strike and kill us almost instantly and without any effort. However, if you're well trained in the profession, you can pick up a deadly snake and have no problem telling it you are in control and that it can't harm you. I just found it really cool that this show on snakes was so closely resembling Satan's presence in our lives. The difference was that this guy actually went out looking for the snake. Even though he was purposely looking for it and trying to find it, he was still confident that when he did find it, he would know exactly what to do. Are you well-trained or at least in the process of training yourself to handle the snake in your life when it comes about? When Satan shows his face in your life, are you ready to handle it accordingly so as not be harmed or struck by his fangs? One way of training is a little thing I like to call B.asic I.instrustructions B.efore L.eaving E.arth, a.k.a. Bible. :) *Training myself to fight the battle for an awesome God* -Tyler

The Family of God

Colossians 3:23-24 "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." (Contents of story from www.tanbible.com) Bill and Gloria Gaither are faithful members of a local church in Alexandria, Indiana, and the church body is very dear to them. A young family in their congregation, Ron and Darlene Garner and their three children, inspired the writing of the Gaithers' song "The Family of God." As Gloria tells it:   It was the Saturday after Good Friday that Ron went in for work at the garage where he was serving as a mechanic. He was making up time that he had taken off the previous Thursday to take his little daughter for some tests prior to some anticipated heart surgery. While Ron was working with combustible material, there was an explosion. He managed to crash his way through the large double doors before the building blew apart and went up in flames, but he was severely burned over most of his body. Ron was alive but was not expected to make it through the night. Within minutes a chain of telephone calls alerted the family of God, and the whole church began to pray for Ron. Little groups, bigger groups, in homes, at the church, over the phone. The church building was kept open, and lights burned all through the night as a steady stream of folks who cared and loved came to talk to Jesus about this young father. Easter morning the sun rose on a sanctuary filled with a bleary-eyed congregation. The pastor came in with a report from the hospital. Ron has outlived the deadline. The doctor says he has a chance. For the Body of Christ, that news was better than eight hours of sleep and a good breakfast. New life was infused into us all. Tears of praise and joy began to flow, and our hope and gratitude poured itself into the glorious songs of Easter. Jesus lives, and because He lives, we too shall live! With the words of victory we pledged ourselves to what would lie ahead: help with the children, many long trips to the hospital, blood for transfusions, money, meals—long months of support while the healing process went on. On our way home from church that morning, Bill and I were so full of the beauty of it all that we could hardly speak. Finally, we said to each other what we had come to realize through all this: They'd do that for us, too! It was almost too good to realize, but it was true! We aren't very model church members. The function we fill in the Body of Christ takes us away from a lot of the activities of our congregation. We're never available on Fridays and Saturdays. We arrive early on Sunday mornings to get our children to their Sunday school and church, but we can't be counted to teach a class with a schedule like that. But they'd do the same thing for us if we were the part of the Body that was suffering! Not because we were worthy or had earned special treatment or were indispensable—but just because we were a part of the Family of God! As I started dinner, Bill sat down at the piano. It wasn't long before the magnetism of the chorus Bill was singing drew me from the kitchen to the piano, and we finished the song that was to feed us better than any other food. Dave Henry

The Family of God

Colossians 3:23-24 "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Bill and Gloria Gaither are faithful members of a local church in Alexandria, Indiana, and the church body is very dear to them. A young family in their congregation, Ron and Darlene Garner and their three children, inspired the writing of the Gaithers' song "The Family of God." As Gloria tells it: It was the Saturday after Good Friday that Ron went in for work at the garage where he was serving as a mechanic. He was making up time that he had taken off the previous Thursday to take his little daughter for some tests prior to some anticipated heart surgery. While Ron was working with combustible material, there was an explosion. He managed to crash his way through the large double doors before the building blew apart and went up in flames, but he was severely burned over most of his body. Ron was alive but was not expected to make it through the night. Within minutes a chain of telephone calls alerted the family of God, and the whole church began to pray for Ron. Little groups, bigger groups, in homes, at the church, over the phone. The church building was kept open, and lights burned all through the night as a steady stream of folks who cared and loved came to talk to Jesus about this young father. Easter morning the sun rose on a sanctuary filled with a bleary-eyed congregation. The pastor came in with a report from the hospital. Ron has outlived the deadline. The doctor says he has a chance. For the Body of Christ, that news was better than eight hours of sleep and a good breakfast. New life was infused into us all. Tears of praise and joy began to flow, and our hope and gratitude poured itself into the glorious songs of Easter. Jesus lives, and because He lives, we too shall live! With the words of victory we pledged ourselves to what would lie ahead: help with the children, many long trips to the hospital, blood for transfusions, money, meals—long months of support while the healing process went on. On our way home from church that morning, Bill and I were so full of the beauty of it all that we could hardly speak. Finally, we said to each other what we had come to realize through all this: They'd do that for us, too! It was almost too good to realize, but it was true! We aren't very model church members. The function we fill in the Body of Christ takes us away from a lot of the activities of our congregation. We're never available on Fridays and Saturdays. We arrive early on Sunday mornings to get our children to their Sunday school and church, but we can't be counted to teach a class with a schedule like that. But they'd do the same thing for us if we were the part of the Body that was suffering! Not because we were worthy or had earned special treatment or were indispensable—but just because we were a part of the Family of God! As I started dinner, Bill sat down at the piano. It wasn't long before the magnetism of the chorus Bill was singing drew me from the kitchen to the piano, and we finished the song that was to feed us better than any other food. Dave Henry

He Can!

RTW has been honored once again with a wonderful song written
by the most incredible woman I know.  I am so thankful that I spend
my life with her.  Thank you Dee for all you do.  Yep, we have a new
song "He Can" - here is part of the lyrics. "WOW"
"I know the Father can, He can change the world with the touch of
His hand oh oh yeah yeah yeah the Father Can!"
One of our "Wind Riders" Taylor Payne gave us a verse from Job chapter
30 and verse 22.  "He lifts me up to the wind and causes me to ride..."
Honestly, I was in awe when I first read it.  And I really wanted to use
this with our RTW ministry. So I started reading the story and I called my
Dad and asked him to study over this area and here is what we have found;
Just as Job, RideTheWind understands the mighty power of God.  How He can
lift us up into the wind and cause us to ride! How He can hold us with His
awesome greatness.  And we also know He can break us down, bring us to our
knees. Sweetly broken by the Master's hand. Thank you Taylor for being a
true and faithful believer, and for being a "Wind Rider".
So this brings me back to our new song  "I know the Father can, He can
change the world with the touch of His hand oh oh yeah yeah yeah
the Father Can!"

How many of you believe that He can change all things?

Have a great Monday,
Love you all,
Jonny
RTW