New Years Prayer

For all of you, I pray a very happy and God-filled time! May you have love, peace, and the joy that comes from everything new!! Be safe and be blessed!!  God bless each and every one of you!!! 
In Christ,
Rick
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A Resolution For All of Us

Matthew 14:22-23 (NIV) "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone." Jesus knew it was important to spend time with the Father to pray. He dismissed everyone and everything that would be a distraction to him, before he went to the mountainside to pray. Not everyone has the luxury of going to the mountainside to pray, but the message here is to find uninterrupted time to pray. God wants us to give Him our undivided attention, doesn't He? If not, how can we do a good job listening when He answers our prayers? Life is full of distractions, but we can get rid of those distractions, by making a special effort to find our place of solitude. As a brand new year is quickly approaching, many people will make their typical resolutions, only to find that they are unrealistic and unattainable. It sure is disappointing to know that resolutions always 'look good on paper' but are often broken within days or even hours from the time they are made. How many of these resolutions are focused on spiritual things? God wants us to commit our lives to His service and His kingdom. Dear Friend, let us be like Jesus and resolve to find our own 'mountainside' when we pray. Let us dismiss all distractions as we communicate with Him. Jesus has already shown us the way. Let us follow His example as we grow closer to Him in 2011. Blessings to you, Dave Henry

Merry Christmas!

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." You may have heard about the little boy who was shopping with his father in a department store and noticed the large red-and-green "Happy Xmas" sign. As he was bothered by what he had just observed, he asked his dad if they had crossed Christ out of Christmas. His father admitted that he had never thought of it that way before, but finally agreed that his son must be right. Being similar to the boy in this story, I have always thought the same thing about retailers and others who have used X-mas instead of Christmas. Are they taking a stand against the real reason for the season, or are they just being lazy? According to the Greek lanquage that was used in the New Testament, "Chi" is similar to the Roman " X" which is the first letter of Christ. Many, many years ago when printing was slow, tedious, and was performed by by hand, abbreviations were very widely used. In fact, it was very common for churches to use the abbreviation "X" for "Christ" in their Christian publications. As a Christian, I've never written X-mas instead of Christmas. Many years ago at a very young age, I learned that when our family shared Christmas greetings with others, we have always expressed "Merry Christmas." Dear Friend, remember to always include Christ in all you do. If you are thankful for your relationship with Christ, it will be very easy and natural to write His full name and not participate in omissions or substitutions. Always be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in Him. Merry Christmas! Dave Henry

Our Christmas Present

Stepping from the throne, he removed his robe of light and wrapped himself in skin, human skin. The light of the universe entered a dark, wet womb. He who angels worshiped, nestled in the placenta of a common peasant girl, was birthed into the cold night, and then slept on the cow's hay…(Max Lucado) "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1 What a Christmas present we have received! Merry Christmas to all of you and our prayer for you is to be safe and blessed!
In Christ,
Rick
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More Blessed to Give Than to Receive!

Acts 20:35 (NIV) "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "   Do you really believe it?  At Christmas, we all like to receive gifts, don't we?  Have you ever quoted the last few words of this verse?  Did you mean it?   Christmas is such a happy time of year for so many people, but for many others it can be a very sad and depressing season.  In every community there are jobless people, homeless people, and those who just need a special gift of love from someone.  Maybe that someone can be you this year.    Here are some ideas to share God's love this Christmas: 1.)  Adopt a family and give a special gift to each family member. 2.)  Share Christmas cards with spiritual greetings. 3.)  Go carolling with friends. 4.)  Write a special letter to a missionary or member of our military.   Dear Friend, let us all show the world this year that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive this Christmas.  Ask God to guide you in your giving and you will truly be a blessing to others.   Merry Christmas! Dave Henry

Where is the brightest star?

When the wise men followed the star they had faith and believed that God would provide
a way for them to reach their destination. They did not question where they were going,
they did not question why they were going there, they did not try to come up with a
better or easier way to get there, they did not complain, they did not stop, they stayed
steady on the path and followed their given direction.
If an angel appeared to you today and gave you direction. How would you respond?
Would you question, would you try to find a better way, would you complain, would you
take a break, would you stay on the path? We all get caught up with our fast paced
lifestyle and are always trying to find a faster or better way to complete our tasks.
I pray today that you would take the time to enjoy your family, and all God has provided
for you. Take time to see all the amazing things that God has done for you. Take the
direction that God has given you and follow. Let God reveal to you in His time what He
wants you to see.

Have a wonderful Christmas!
Jonny

A Leader who serves...

Jesus doesn't ask us to serve any differently than he served. He's been there, he has been here…on Earth, among grumpy, demanding people, feeling tired and worn thin. Paul explains in Philippians 2:5-11 that Jesus was the ultimate servant. Reading those passages may make you feel like Jesus is a tough act to follow. But Jesus made it clear in Matthew 20:25-27 that it is you attitude that matters most! When you see life through Jesus' eyes, it's natural to spot opportunities to serve. Too often we miss them because we focus on ourselves. We can't see beyond the wall of our own problems and concerns. Only when we look beyond ourselves can we be the servants that Jesus desires us to be. Jesus tells his disciples that the leader among them would be a servant. By setting your heart on serving, you can follow in Jesus' footsteps. Who is more important, the leader or the servant? The first shall be last and the last first! Be like Jesus, love others like Jesus. Be a servant to others so they can know what is like to know Jesus' love!
In Christ,
Rick
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Christmas for You!

Luke 2:1-20 (NIV) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Dear Friend, have you taken the time to thank God for the very first Christmas so long ago? It was because He came to earth as one of us and later died on the cross that we might have eternal life. The angel of the Lord said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." "Good news for all the people" is talking about salvation that is available for everyone. Have you accepted Him in your life today? The birth of Jesus is the best Christmas gift ever given! Merry Christmas! Dave Henry

Christmas is almost here!

How fast another year will soon pass as we enjoy the holiday season with
our family and loved ones. We really let time get away from us. I think back
of when we were younger and time would stand still and it seemed as if the
holiday's or a special event would never get here, but now as we have grown
time fly's by faster and faster. We will all be working away each day, shopping
for that special gift for someone, attending Christmas parties and events, watching
Christmas programs at the schools and Church, just a very busy time.
My prayer for you today is that through the fast pace lives we live that we don't
overlook what God has for us. I pray that we keep our eyes and our hearts open,
and allow God to reveal what He has just for us this week. When you get that
feeling that you should take a moment and do something or when you hear God speak
to you take a moment and do it. God will bless you! God will provide for your
every need. Pray believing and you will be amazed with the greatness of God.

Have a great Monday!
Jonny

Child-like Faith

It is getting closer to Christmas and I must confess, I am looking forward to this year as much if not more so then in the past. This year brings the addition to two precious grand babies. Not to say my children aren't wonderful, they are, but there is something about a new baby and the love and joy they bring. The house seems full and there seems to be more life in everyone around here these days. I can imagine the joy in Mary and Joseph when the little life arrived for them. What I can't imagine is how amazing it must have been to hold this child, knowing the appearance of angels and others coming to visit at his birth. Joseph taking him to raise, teach and love as his own, knowing that one day the young man would have venture out on his own to face a world that would hate and condemn him for saving them from themselves and their sin. Jesus tells us that we must receive the kingdom of God like a child. If we don't, we "will not enter it at all" (Mark 10:15). In other words, our whole attitude toward God, Christ, and the kingdom must be childlike. As a child is endeared to his parents for the blessings they bestow upon him, so Christians love God and seek to please Him in everything we do. Children have a wonderful sense of understanding, they love without question, they believe when we as adult would not. They have faith…faith as a child. That is what our Lord asks of us. To receive Him and the Kingdom of Heaven as a child. Have we become so intelligent and jaded that we aren't able to believe? Belief and faith are things we could learn from our children. God bless them for it! I am learning everyday to believe and have faith. My babies and grand babies have given me that ability, all I have to do is watch them and teach them about God. In Christ, Rick

I've decided not to title this discussion...I bet this gets your attention better. ;)

Simply amazed this evening after listening to Casting Crowns!! Those guys always blow me away with their music! As I'm sure all who are reading this already know, we have been in the studio this week doing what God has prepared for us to do. We have been frustrated at times as well as excited and speechless. Today we nearly finished what we weren't suppose to be done with until Thursday or Friday and yet we sit here finished except for a quick vocal fix on one song that will take no more than 5 minutes to complete. God has shown us His love in an unbelievable way that we can't possibly begin to thank or repay Him for. Back to what I said with the frustration this week though, it's not been all easy work. We've been mad at ourselves individually and at each other, I know personally I was frustrated with myself as well as everyone else I'm sure being frustrated with me on a part in "Stand." But after hearing Casting Crowns tonight, most of us agreed that even professionals can make mistakes. And in no way at all was that meant to put them down. They had an amazing show, hands down. But most of us in the band agreed that it was encouraging to hear a mistake here or there from a band who does this for a living and is at the top of the charts with their music. It was encouraging to see that it's alright not to be perfect in what we play each time as we made a lot of mistakes this week in the studio. Going to the concert tonight was surely a God thing, whether anyone else heard those missed notes or not isn't important, I feel it was a sign from God saying "Good job well and faithful servant, no one is perfect." Nor are we expected to be perfect, hints John 3:16 and many other verses that back that up. So in conclusion, we know God has not called us to be perfect, but rather, faithful in the path He has laid before us to walk in. Nothing can stray us from our paths with Jesus, even with the mistakes we may make, as long as we are in fact, walking with Jesus. There are no flaws seen in us when we put our faith in our God who reigns and always will be on His thrown!! No matter the storms in your life, our God sees us as flawless when we have that faith in Jesus Christ as our savior. *Amen To Such An Amazing God* -Tyler

Be Strong and Courageous!

2 Chronicles 32:7-8 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." To successfully endure the battles of life, we must be strong and courageous. This is not always easy to do, is it? We must know that God is always with us as He has promised. He has promised us that he will be with us even unto the end of the age. To know that He has always been with us and for us, and will always be our source of strength, should give us comfort and peace. Dear Friend, what battles are you facing today? Allow God to go with you in everything you do today. To know that God is, truly means that He always was, always is, and always will be. His promises are true and He wants to be your guide forever. Do you trust Him? He never promised us that it will be easy, but He did promise each and everyone of us that He would be with us in everything we do. Be strong and courageous! Dave Henry

Whiter Than Snow

Psalm 51:7 "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Last night as we drove home after an evening with friends, the first measurable snow began to fall. As the local forecasters had predicted between 1 to 3 inches of snow to arrive in our area overnight, many comments throughout the day ranged from excitement to dismay, as you can imagine. Most mornings at 5a during this time of year are rather dark and dreary, and for many people it is difficult to climb out of bed at that hour. Today I awoke to a beautiful morning that was much brighter than normal. Yes, our snow had gently arrived overnight and we have 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ground. I glanced out the window and noticed how quiet, how serene, and how beautiful the snowy white conditions had brightened the entire yard. From the trees to the mailbox, every structure has received a beautiful blanket of bright, white snow. You see, the snow in its natural state of beauty is bright, and white, and is a symbol of purity. Dear Friend, have you been washed and cleansed by the blood of the Lamb? If so, the bible clearly states that you will be whiter than snow. As I witnessed again today, the brightness of snow just couldn't be contained to itself. Is your life a symbol of purity today? Can you truly say that your life is whiter than snow? Trust Him today to wash you from your sins so that you may reflect His love and beauty to everyone you interact with today. Enjoying Our First Snowfall, Dave Henry

Prayer Request!

This is a very short and simple devotion from me this week. I'm sure the rest of the band will agree with me that we are ecstatic about what next week is going to bring. I just ask for prayer from all of our fans. Please pray that we will be prepared, patient, confident, safe, obedient, and wise in this next week as we leave to record our first album with Tate Music Group. We have a lot of work to do and it's all for God's glory, we would have nothing without Him. For instance, we wouldn't even have a topic to sing and play for without our God being on His throne. So keep us in your hearts and on your minds this week and pray often as we do God's will for us!! And always, ask us for prayer in your life as well, there's nothing I enjoy more than being able to pray for others and being supportive of those growing in Christ. *Serving my God with all my life* -Tyler