| Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Just as quickly as Thanksgiving came and went, Christmas became the central theme and focus in retail stores and in homes across our land. Many of us have already decorated our Christmas trees and also have made our plans for our family gatherings in the upcoming weeks. As a small child many years ago and even today, I have always enjoyed the beautiful lights of Christmas. I remember the joy of counting the number of homes that had light displays as we traveled to church on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. In our short 15 minute drive, we counted as many as few hundred homes sometimes. Our family decorated our Christmas tree and hung the lighted garland a few days ago, and we had such a fun time as we completed this project together. The thoughts of 'letting our light shine' crossed my mind several times as we worked to create our bright display. Dear Friend, what have you done to shine your light where you live? God has placed all of us in different homes, different jobs, and different towns where we can shine our lights for Him. Is your life a bright light that is pleasing to our Father in Heaven, or have you hidden your light under a bushel basket? May we all be a bright and shining light today as others watch us and are drawn to our Savior. Dave Henry |
Monday, November 29, 2010
Make a difference!
We spent the day at my parents for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time.
It seems as if we only see our whole family on the holidays. We all seem
to have very busy lives, doing what we do. It was nice just to sit there
and see everyone enjoying the day. I really enjoyed watching my parents and
my aunts and uncles watch and play with the younger kids. They receive a
great amount of joy spending time with them. They make a difference in
the younger generations lives. It is amazing how the smallest thing can
make such a huge difference in someones life.
It seems as if we only see our whole family on the holidays. We all seem
to have very busy lives, doing what we do. It was nice just to sit there
and see everyone enjoying the day. I really enjoyed watching my parents and
my aunts and uncles watch and play with the younger kids. They receive a
great amount of joy spending time with them. They make a difference in
the younger generations lives. It is amazing how the smallest thing can
make such a huge difference in someones life.
In just one week we (RTW) will be moving forward to do our part in making
a difference in as many lives as possible. We (RTW) pray that God uses us
for His will, that His word may pierce hearts and lives would be changed.
This journey is His, we will be obedient and follow where ever God takes us.
I pray today that you would listen to what God is saying to you. That you
would take the steps required to make a difference. It will not always be
easy. The road may take you on a very difficult journey, but God is always
there. Lay all your faith in the hands of your creator. Praise Him for
all He has done, believe that He will help you through and you will
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
Have a great Monday!
Jonny
Sunday, November 28, 2010
On Your Feet in Praise!
We should not hesitate to give God a standing ovation! We should be on our feet, lifting our hearts and our voices to Him in praise. Psalm 150 clearly tells us that He deserves all the credit. Creation cannot help praising the Creator. Jesus said that is people didn't praise God, the rocks themselves would cry out to God!! Imagine the rocks doing what He wants us to do!! How often have you heard, "so easy a monkey could do it?". Yeah, well….rocks!! Praise God!! We can spend hours in worship of our Lord, but if praise comes from an insincere heart, our efforts are wasted. God listens attentively, His head resting in His hands, peering into our hearts. He isn't impressed if our lips move without our hearts moving as well. Worship isn't a duty. Worship is a privilege, an act of obedience, an urge to satisfy a heart that longs to praise God. God is the focus, the reason, and the joy of our worship. No matter what problems you're facing, don't let them drag you down or distract you from your focus. Because of His work on the cross, for that reason alone, He deserves an unending stream of praise from our lips forever! And if we won't do it…just look at the ground and listen to a rock! May the Lord bless and keep you,May He make His face to shine upon you. May He lift His countenance upon you, and give you His peace. Now and forevermore.
In Christ,
Rick
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In Christ,
Rick
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Let Us All Give Thanks!
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Last night our family traveled to the annual Thanksgiving destination, and upon arrival at the homes of our cousins, the hugs and smiles began without hesitation. It is always good to see family and friends, but prior to arriving, one thought repetitively filled my mind as we shared our journey together and witnessed the heavy traffic in all directions on the highway. There were many people travelling alone, but seemingly more cars and vans were filled with moms and dads and their children. I know that they, too, were travelling to see their families as well, and would hopefully share the same joy that our family shares each year for this wonderful holiday. I thank God for all of our families and the close relationships we share. I know that God must be pleased to see that our nation has set aside a national day of reflection called Thanksgiving, where we honor our loving God for His neverending, neverfailing provision in our lives. Dear Friend, what are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Will you share it with your family as well, or will you be alone? There is no need to be alone. Individually or corporately, spend time with God today and thank Him for all of the many blessings in your life. He has blessed us with so much more than we deserve, and all thanks should be returned not just today, but every day. From A Thankful Heart, Dave Henry |
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Give and expect nothing
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the
ungrateful and wicked.
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the
ungrateful and wicked.
Matt. 5:41
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
It is hard to love your enemies, and even harder to do good toward them. We are all instructed in
the bible to do so, and to give to them expecting nothing in return. This is very difficult and
becomes harder as time passes. But God promises that your reward is great, and you will find peace
and understanding with the knowledge you will gain as you do good works. As you put on your amour
and face each and every day with thankfulness and faith. In Matthew chapter 5 and verse 41 the
bible tells us about being forced to go one mile. And that you should be willing to go with
them two miles.
With tomorrow being Thanksgiving as all the families gather and homes are filled with food and
laughter, somewhere out there someone is hurting and in need. Someone is holding a grudge or
grievance against a brother or a sister. The prayer today is that the walls would be torn down,
the barriers would be divided and healing would begin. Do you love your enemies? Could you
give to them expecting nothing? Are you willing to go the extra mile?
Prayers are with you,
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Time for dinner! GOBBLE! GOBBLE! LOL!
Jonny
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Our Great Healer
| Mark 5:25-34 (NIV)) And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' " But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Wow, what an amazing account of faith and healing! As I have read this passage numerous times in preparation for today's inspiration, the first question that comes to mind is why do we wait so long before we seek Jesus for healing in our lives? Shouldn't He be our first course of action instead of our last hope? The passage tells us that this woman had been bleeding and suffered for several years and had spent all she had under the care of many doctors. The purpose of this amazing story of miraculous healing is not to focus on the doctors and to announce their limitations and shortcomings to the world. It is, however, and account of faith in Jesus. When we direct our focus on our Great Physician and Great Healer and Master of all Medicine who made us, and who has all of the ultimate healing power in the world, great things will happen. Dear Friend, do you have a need for healing in your life? Do you have a need for physical healing, spiritual healing, or emotional healing? Our Father in Heaven loves you and desires the best for you. In whom have you placed your trust for healing? God wants to hear from his children today. Take a few moments right now and seek Him as this woman of faith did so many years ago. He alone is ready and willing and able to supply all your needs. And remember to thank Him for His unfailing love in your life. Blessings to you this day, Dave Henry |
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thanksgiving always takes me there!
I grew up in a little town called Tangier. Everyone knew you, and the whole community was
like one big family. So if you were to get in any mischief your Parents, Grandparents, and
pretty much your whole family new you were in trouble before you arrived home after school
or football practice. I always have to laugh about things like that. And it seems that
the holiday's always seem let my memories run wild of being a young boy. But one that
stands out the most is my memory of my Grandma, or Grams as I always called her. What a
supper lady! Grams had nothing but love and compassion for everyone. Such a strong lady
with a huge heart. On Thanksgiving I always knew the Grams would have her homemade
macaroni and cheese. She made the best! You could smell it when you walked up to the house.
I think I can almost smell it now! LOL! Isn't it awesome how the smell of a certain food
can take you to a cherished memory. Grams went to be with Jesus early in her life. She has
truly been missed. But something that stands today through my whole family is the knowing
knowledge of the love Grams had for Jesus. She was a beaming light for God! I wish I could
thank Grams for the impression she made on me and my whole family. And share with her the
amazing things that God has done in our family since she has past. My Father became a Pastor,
I have been given the gift of music, and our next generations are beautiful and full of energy.
And I am looking forward to being the light as the generations pass. And I pray that my light
shines just as bright as Gram's.
like one big family. So if you were to get in any mischief your Parents, Grandparents, and
pretty much your whole family new you were in trouble before you arrived home after school
or football practice. I always have to laugh about things like that. And it seems that
the holiday's always seem let my memories run wild of being a young boy. But one that
stands out the most is my memory of my Grandma, or Grams as I always called her. What a
supper lady! Grams had nothing but love and compassion for everyone. Such a strong lady
with a huge heart. On Thanksgiving I always knew the Grams would have her homemade
macaroni and cheese. She made the best! You could smell it when you walked up to the house.
I think I can almost smell it now! LOL! Isn't it awesome how the smell of a certain food
can take you to a cherished memory. Grams went to be with Jesus early in her life. She has
truly been missed. But something that stands today through my whole family is the knowing
knowledge of the love Grams had for Jesus. She was a beaming light for God! I wish I could
thank Grams for the impression she made on me and my whole family. And share with her the
amazing things that God has done in our family since she has past. My Father became a Pastor,
I have been given the gift of music, and our next generations are beautiful and full of energy.
And I am looking forward to being the light as the generations pass. And I pray that my light
shines just as bright as Gram's.
I am thankful for the memories and thankful that Thanksgiving always takes me there!
Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving,
Jonny
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Loving Others
Loving others requires us to express our liberty wisely. In other words, love must rule. I'm not my own, I'm bought with a price. My goal is not to please me, it is to please my Lord Jesus, my God. It is not to please you, it is to please my Lord. The same is true for you. So the bottom line is this: I don't adapt my life according to what you may say, I adapt my life according to the basis of my love for you because I answer to Christ. And so do you! Even if you personally would not do what another is doing, let it be. And you who feel the freedom to do so, don't flaunt it or mock those who disagree. We are in the construction business, not the destruction business. And let's all remember that God's big picture kingdom plan is not being shaped by small things like what one person prefers over another, but by large things, like righteousness and peace and joy! (ChuckSwindoll)
I love you because He first loved us!
In Christ,
Rick
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I love you because He first loved us!
In Christ,
Rick
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Let Us Sharpen Each Other
| 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." 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Last night I had a wonderful conversation with my brother! What began as a 'brief' call to let him know the status of my recent medical procedure, quickly became a sweet discussion about God's goodness and His amazing providence in both of our lives. We have been studying the bible on our own, and had reflected numerous times throughout our hour long chat that God always meets our needs, but we must trust Him first. It is only when we put our complete faith and trust in Him and surrender our own desires that we experience joy and happiness that He alone provides. Both of us agreed that our chat lasted much longer than we had initially intended, but no apologies are needed. Near the end of our conversation, we affirmed that 'iron sharpens iron' and that our time together was extremely valuable to each other. Dear Friend, have you shared scriptures with someone today? Have you shared God's love and hope with someone you love? We are all at different levels of spiritual maturity, but can richly benefit from our interactions with others as we shapen each other. Take some time right now to thank God for allowing us to have relationships and interactions with others. For it is in these bonds of unity that allow us to become stronger together as we all draw closer to Him. Blessings to You Today, Dave Henry |
Monday, November 15, 2010
Let Us Give Thanks!
| Psalm 95:1-6 (NIV) "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker." Psalm 100 (NIV) "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 107:1 (NIV) "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 (NIV) "Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." Dear Friend, are you ready for Thanksgiving? You see, Thanksgiving is more than a day to gather around the dinner table to eat turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberries with family and friends. When is the last time you expressed your thanks to God for your salvation? Take a few minutes right now to give thanks to Him for all of the many blessings in life. He alone is worthy of all honor and all glory and all praise from His children. Let us give thanks! Dave Henry |
Anticipation!
Here we are 3 weeks from our Studio date with our new label. When we signed with the label it seemed as if
the date would never get here and now we are making plans for transportation and hotel. The days are flying
buy. We have really been anticipating this Journey! God has really done some amazing things for us.
It has been about a year and a half now since God changed my heart! I remember the day as if it were
yesterday. Standing on stage in Nashville with Dave. I knew I could not go on. That was not the
direction that God wanted. I could not stay the course I was on and go with God. I prayed believing that
God would help me use the gift He had given me to reach others.
the date would never get here and now we are making plans for transportation and hotel. The days are flying
buy. We have really been anticipating this Journey! God has really done some amazing things for us.
It has been about a year and a half now since God changed my heart! I remember the day as if it were
yesterday. Standing on stage in Nashville with Dave. I knew I could not go on. That was not the
direction that God wanted. I could not stay the course I was on and go with God. I prayed believing that
God would help me use the gift He had given me to reach others.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Matthew 21:22
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
At this time I had no idea what God was doing, or what direction He would take me. I began writing new songs.
I began playing my guitar in a whole new way. More passion, more love! Over the course of a year and
a half God has really blessed my life. God has given me, with the RideTheWind band, an opportunity to do
something I really love to do.
I encourage you today to call out to God with anticipation!
Matthew 7:7
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Allow God to change you, allow God to use your gifts to help others, allow God to lead you home!!!
Have a Great Monday and Anticipate greatness!
Jonny
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Call Upon Our Lord
| Isaiah 55:6 (NIV) "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." Yesterday as I drove in unfamiliar territory to meet someone, it became even more unfamiliar as my planned route to the destination became more lengthy due to road construction. At the time I two choices, to follow the provided alternative directions commonly called a 'detour' or to create my own game plan. I saw two or three cars make a turn on a different road that appeared to be the right direction and I thought they must know their way around this mess, so I followed them. It didn't take more than a few minutes and I was quickly on my own. There were no cars in front of me and no cars behind me. I continued on the same road for several miles, and was convinced that I was getting closer to my destination. Although there were temptations to correct my decision to find the detour again, I realized that I must continue driving, because the road I traveled was certainly a well-traveled road. As I arrived in town, the alternative path had taken me approximately near the destination, but forced me to make some quick, split-second decisions once again. I managed to find my way, but only with the help of street signs and a GPS that was under the seat. I had paused a moment from my scurrying and asked for God's help, and remembered that I had a GPS in the car, but it was certainly in a secure location, where nobody would see it or bother it. Within minutes, I was able to locate my friend's house. Dear Friend, have you ever been lost? Have you drifted from God? Are you on the right path to your eternal destination, or have you taken your own detour? The GPS under the seat is similar to our bibles, isn't it? If we do not read our bibles daily, the directions and solutions for life may never be found. Won't you allow God to be your GPS today? Dave Henry |
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Remembering!
Remembering!
I sat down to write a good long devotional, but felt lead to do something different today. November 11, 2010, Veterans Day and with all the remembrances and services held, I was reminded of my grandfather who spent his life in the service of Christ. He was first and foremost a loving family man who gave all he had to make sure we were loved and cared for (even when we didn't think we needed it). My grandfather spent the 1940's just like most men of that era, fighting for freedom and touring the world on the US GI plan. He got to see some beautiful places, fraught with war and strife that were not so beautiful anymore. There is a photo on my computer desktop of him walking the beaches of Normandy, France, fifty years after he walked it the first time. A look in his face that took him back to the bitter days of hatred and anger of a world at war. He always saw the good in people and would always greet them with a, "Hello friend!" I am happy to have known this man. I am thrilled he let me see that real men could be a strong resilient type, but could also be soft and caring. After the war he became a minister and continued teaching the Word of God up to the day he left this temporary home to be with the Father. My grandfather, Rev. Edward Randall Jr. taught me how to be strong, how to love, how to forgive, how to teach, and most of all be a friend to those who would not want friendship. An infectious smile and loving heart and a "Hello friend!" with the love of Jesus in your heart were what he advised. I admired my grandfather for the man he was. I admire him much more for the man he made me become. He taught me about God, and not to be ashamed or afraid to be a Christian.
To you grandpa!!
In Christ, Rick
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I sat down to write a good long devotional, but felt lead to do something different today. November 11, 2010, Veterans Day and with all the remembrances and services held, I was reminded of my grandfather who spent his life in the service of Christ. He was first and foremost a loving family man who gave all he had to make sure we were loved and cared for (even when we didn't think we needed it). My grandfather spent the 1940's just like most men of that era, fighting for freedom and touring the world on the US GI plan. He got to see some beautiful places, fraught with war and strife that were not so beautiful anymore. There is a photo on my computer desktop of him walking the beaches of Normandy, France, fifty years after he walked it the first time. A look in his face that took him back to the bitter days of hatred and anger of a world at war. He always saw the good in people and would always greet them with a, "Hello friend!" I am happy to have known this man. I am thrilled he let me see that real men could be a strong resilient type, but could also be soft and caring. After the war he became a minister and continued teaching the Word of God up to the day he left this temporary home to be with the Father. My grandfather, Rev. Edward Randall Jr. taught me how to be strong, how to love, how to forgive, how to teach, and most of all be a friend to those who would not want friendship. An infectious smile and loving heart and a "Hello friend!" with the love of Jesus in your heart were what he advised. I admired my grandfather for the man he was. I admire him much more for the man he made me become. He taught me about God, and not to be ashamed or afraid to be a Christian.
To you grandpa!!
In Christ, Rick
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Do You Have Trials Today?
| James 1:2-6 (NIV) "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." Life is certainly full of trials, isn't it? It seems that when we face trials, we are more likely to return to our knees and ask for strength, wisdom, and guidance more than any other time in our lives. But the one question that we must ask ourselves is whether or not we consider it a 'pure joy' when we are facing these trials. That is a very difficult thing to do, isn't it? The passage continues to instruct us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. As we persevere and endure our trials, God has promised us that He will offer us wisdom if we are lacking wisdom. We are also instructed that when we ask God for wisdom, we must truly believe that His promises are true and will be fulfilled as He has promised. If we have any doubt that God will provide and meet our needs, we are compared to the waves of the sea, which are blown and tossed around by the wind. Dear Friend, are you facing trials today? Are you handling all of your problems on your own, or have you placed your trust in God that He alone can deliver you and heal you? Are you lacking wisdom today? The Author, Provider, and Deliverer of your Salvation has promised all of us that He alone will provide the strength and wisdom we need to endure all of life's trials and problems. Take a few moments right now and call upon Him so that you will have the strength and wisdom you need to face the rest of the day. Remember also to return thanks to God for His awesome love and provision on your life today. He alone is worthy! Dave Henry |
Monday, November 8, 2010
Healing for you!
Most of my day I spend with music in my head. Keeping me lifted up and I'm always
searching my mind and the Word for a way to reveal life experiences through music
that will reach people. It is so amazing how music can reach someone. And it
will reach someone else differently. Today my mind has been wrapped around the
gracious healing! A song by Aaron Jeffory from a few years ago. A song titled
"Heal me". Read through the words of the chorus below and allow them to
saturate your mind and be open to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you today.
searching my mind and the Word for a way to reveal life experiences through music
that will reach people. It is so amazing how music can reach someone. And it
will reach someone else differently. Today my mind has been wrapped around the
gracious healing! A song by Aaron Jeffory from a few years ago. A song titled
"Heal me". Read through the words of the chorus below and allow them to
saturate your mind and be open to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you today.
Heal me
Heal these eyes
Heal this heart
Heal my mind
Breathe Your breath of life
Heal me
Wake my soul
From this sleep
Give me back the joy
Of when I first believed
Heal me
I pray for you today. Whomever you are that needs this healing. I pray that God
will breathe His breath of life in you, that His spirit would awake in you, that
your joy would be restored!
Have a great Monday!
Jonny
God's Scrapbook
The Bible comes even more alive when we realize that it's God's scrapbook. paging though it, you learn more about Him with each turn of the page. It overflows with collages of pictures, stories, poems, and letters. You'll discover a piece of music David wrote for Him and a prayer God received from Job. You'll glimpse a snapshot of God's face as He watched His Son die.
What makes the Bible a unique scrapbook is that it doesn't commemorate the past, it provides guidance for today and hope for tomorrow. You can find your name and face in its pages. Next to each Bible promise is a picture of you!
God loves you enough to scrapbook though the ages!! Look through it now and then and find what you have been missing in your life!
In Christ,
Rick
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Angry Love Letter!
| Confession time, their are people I come in contact with on almost an everyday basis that I don't like. And to be honest, sometimes I think my life would be much better spent never coming in contact with them. But that's not God's plan for any of us. Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as we love our self in Mark 12:31. I know God has put me in the place that I'm in so I can be a light to others. Even if I feel like there's not enough light to save some people from darkness!! I know that the life I've chosen to live comes with insults and hatred towards me, as a lot of you can relate to also I'm positive, but some times Satan does indeed get the best of me (and you) and tears us down. I'm currently broken down and hurt, yes real men can be hurt and be honest about it! However, there is a God up in heaven that has sent His Son to live on this earth and to make the ultimate sacrifice for doing absolutely nothing wrong and deserving none of what He got on earth!! For this reason, I (and you should consider doing this yourself) will continue to take the insults, the smart remarks, the stabs in the back, and whatever else comes my way because Jesus took all of that and more to give me (and you) forgiveness of sins! So when you come in contact with people you don't like, or often hate (like I do right now), begin with praying for forgiveness of that dislike (or hate) because that is just as much a sin as anything the other person could do, then humble yourself and realize this is something God has given you to endure for a reason. Whether that reason be to plant a seed, to personally gain either wisdom, patience, or knowledge, or to build on your own personal faith foundation. Whatever the reason may be, God doesn't promise an easy life as a Christian nor does he promise everyone will like you or be nice to you, but He does promise not to give any of us something we can't handle :). Those who aren't nice or don't like you still need Jesus to receive salvation, I know if I didn't have the faith I have, I would definitely want someone to get me on the right track whether I like them or not!!! *Keep working in the battlefield* -Tyler |
Create in me a pure heart
Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Romans 6:13-14 (NIV)
"Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)
"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."
Dear Friend, how long has it been since you asked God to create in you a pure heart? If it has been awhile, today is a brand new day, and is a wonderful day to begin a new journey with Him. Our Savior longs to have a relationship with you, and desires to fill you with the Holy Spirit. He has commanded each and everyone of us to be holy in all we do. Can you imagine a world that is filled with a people that desire holiness? Let it begin with you, and let it begin today.
Dave Henry
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Romans 6:13-14 (NIV)
"Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)
"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."
Dear Friend, how long has it been since you asked God to create in you a pure heart? If it has been awhile, today is a brand new day, and is a wonderful day to begin a new journey with Him. Our Savior longs to have a relationship with you, and desires to fill you with the Holy Spirit. He has commanded each and everyone of us to be holy in all we do. Can you imagine a world that is filled with a people that desire holiness? Let it begin with you, and let it begin today.
Dave Henry
Monday, November 1, 2010
There is a God!!
This morning I was driving and thinking about what God would have me share
today in my inspiration. And I found myself singing an old song in my head by
Carmen, a contemporary Christian artist from my youth. "Step of Faith" - taking
a step taking a step of faith! Then I found myself with a memory from my youth
of seeing Carmen live and during his show he performed a song titled "There is
a God"! I knew that this was what God wanted me to share today. Read through
the word written in this song. It is so amazing!
today in my inspiration. And I found myself singing an old song in my head by
Carmen, a contemporary Christian artist from my youth. "Step of Faith" - taking
a step taking a step of faith! Then I found myself with a memory from my youth
of seeing Carmen live and during his show he performed a song titled "There is
a God"! I knew that this was what God wanted me to share today. Read through
the word written in this song. It is so amazing!
There is a God!
93 million miles from the blistering surface of the sun hangs the planet earth.
A rotating sphere perfectly suspended in the center of the universe. The ultimate
creation from an infinite mind. An unbelievably intricate complex design.
A supernatural testimony, an irrefutable sign that there is a God.
The size, position and angle of the earth is a scientific phenomenon to see.
A few degrees closer to the sun we'd disintegrate, a few degrees furter we'd freeze.
The axis of the earth is titled at a perfect 23 degree angle and it's no mistake
that it is. This allows equal global distribution to the rays of the sun making
it possible for the food chain to exist.
Or take for example the combination of nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere we
breathe every day. It just happens to be the exact mix that life needs to prosper,
it doesn't happen on any other planet that way.
You see, the Bible says the invisible things of God are seen through His creation,
to believe this is not hard, if there's a design, there's a designer, if there's a plan,
there's a planner and if there's a miracle, there is a God.
The Scripture says the heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work
of His hands. If we allow our minds to drink in all the truth that just surrounds us,
creation itself with help us understand.
Did you know the moon controls the tides, it's the maid that cleans the oceans.
Even the waves don't crash the shores in vain. The tides drag impurities from the depths
of the sea, it's nature's constant recycling chain.
It simply boggles the mind to think that the stars will rotate with such exact precision
that it's true. That the atomic clock with an error factor of less than three seconds per
millennium is set by the way we move.
Though they silently orbit, the sun, the moon, the stars are like celestial evangelists
above. Who circle the earth every 24 hours shouting in every languages that there is a God.
For it's God who created heaven and earth and flung the stars in space and breathed in the
handful of dirt and it became a man. It's God who sits on the circle of the earth and
measures the mountains in a scale, and holds the seven seas in the palm of His hand.
It's God who sent His only begotten Son to the cross of Calvary to save our souls from
Hell and the grave. It's God who creates, God who delivers, God who heals and who is worthy
of a thunderous ovation of praise.
There is a God, there is a God
And I know, I know, I know there is a God
Have a great Monday!
It's November 1st!!!
Jonny
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