Are You Rooted?

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) "But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." My wife and I had the wonderful privilege yesterday to attend a worship service with my brother and his wife. The service was very inspiring, and I couldn't wait to share from our worship experience. I have read these verses many times over the last several years in my walk with God, but yesterday was particularly special. Pastor Dan talked about hurricanes that had struck the area and had delivered mass destruction to homes and the landscape along the ocean. As he described the giant hardwood trees that were leveled to the ground by the mighty winds, he also reminded us that the trees that fell to the ground because they had no root systems to withstand the storms. Pastor Dan instructed us that at our time of salvation, we are just beginning our walk with God. I was amazed by that when I heard those words, because earlier in the week, I asked another pastor friend how often we ask each other if we are growing spritually. What an awesome reminder to be accountable to each other, so that we can be rooted together and produce great fruit for our Lord. Dear Friend, how is your root system? Are you daily rooted in God's word? Are you prepared to withstand the storms, or are you easily tossed around by the wind? The bible tells us to stand firm in the faith, and to let nothing move us and to place our confidence in Him. God's promises have alsways been true, and always will be. Can you truly say that you will not be moved? Blessings to You Today, Dave Henry

How Do You Handle Attacks and Pain?

 

            Have ever felt like you are being attacked from all sides? Felt like it seems everyone has gotten their jabs in on you, and you are the community punching bag? Like the enemy has got you zeroed in, and you're the center ring on the target? I feel like I have those days just about six or seven times a week!

 

            Everyone has had those days, and you feel like they are singling you out for mistreatment or undo pain and suffering. I tell you now that any pain and suffering we feel is placed upon us as a gift. A gift? I know it sounds like I must be completely out of my mind or in serious need of counseling. Maybe so, but I believe our suffering is a reminder of the wonderful days ahead, when there is no more pain, no more suffering. No more hatred or prejudice.

 

            Jesus suffered the most agonizing torture, beatings, and death, all to show His love for us. He knew what was coming, and He did what He was asked of Him by His Father. Out of love for us. He endured more that we could ever imagine, to show us that He knows what we go though in this life. He took the ultimate punishment that man could give. He did it willingly praising God. While we go through our lives complaining that we have too many hours to work. My boss is a jerk, how does he expect me to get all this stuff done, or the restaurant messed up my order again and how many times must I be treated like this…

Sound familiar? It does to me. I admit that I have not been the one with the most patience, and I have been guilty of some of those seemingly ridiculous complaints. But in times it seems like we are being attacked, we must remember to praise God for these times. I know, you are asking me how in the world you can give praise for troubles and times when you are being attacked. I tell you that if you are being attacked, it is because satan does not attack his friends. You are a friend, much more than that; you are a child of God. If you are being beaten and tossed around in your life, it is because God loves you and the enemy wants to do anything he can to get you to sin so he can say, look God…look at your human…he is sinning, and the punishment for sin is death! If you listen closely, you will hear Gods' response to the enemy. This person is a child of mine and the debt has already been paid. Paid in full by My Son, who gave His life to atone for all sin.

 

            Does that mean we are free to go continue to sin? Absolutely not. We must as true and faithful servants, ask for forgiveness and do what we must to keep our faith and encourage others to build strength in their fight with the daily attacks that come without ceasing.

 

I ask you today, do you praise God when it is convenient and when everything is going great in your life? Or, can you praise and give thanks when you are being bombarded and all you want to do is sit in a corner and quit the world? That is the question…can you give thanks for the pain?

 

Stand strong my friends and praise Him for everything you have. Because we are His children, and our Father loves us!!

 

In Christ,

Rick

To Go Or Not To Go?

It's 11:59 now as I am typing, so this still counts as my Wednesday devotion. :) So I was strongly urged to go on a college spring break trip to Panama City next week for an event called "Beach Reach." This is an event where college age students go to Panama City to pick up other college students who are drunk or buzzed and need a ride back to there hotels. In the process of driving them back to there hotels or condos, we speak to them about Jesus and ask them questions about their own life pertaining to Jesus. I'm super encouraged to go and do this for my God, but as bad as it is, I'm doubtful. I ask this week for prayer in allowing the funds, ability, confidence, and faith to take this leap and go on such short notice. I have asked God about it and I feel a strong urge to go and take this leap of faith because I feel that God is going to do something amazing through this act granted I follow in His footsteps and do His will. So again, this week I simply come and ask for prayer that I may be able to confidently take this leap of faith for the glory of our God on His throne! Amen! *Desiring to Serve Him More Each and Every Day* -Tyler

What Do You See?

In this world we live in most people believe that someone can not change.  They believe that someone will always remain the same. But they don't realize that when God changes you, He makes you new.  He gives you new life, and what you do from that point defines you. When you look at yourself in the mirror, and walk away, do you remember what you look like?  Are you hearing the words spoken to you from God? Are you walking away from God?  Are you focused on what God wants?  I have been really caught on this lately.  God really has been working me over on hearing what He is saying, and doing what He is asking.  As you read James 1:23-25 ask yourself those questions. James Chapter 1 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. What do you see today? What are you doing? Have a great Tuesday! RTW

Pray For Our Leaders

1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Dear Friend, today is President's Day, and many have modified it to be Presidents' Day to honor more than the first president of our country. Many banks, schools, and other offices are closed today to celebrate this national day of recognition of our presidents. In the early years, the leaders of our country earnestly sought wisdom from God, and took time to pray each and every day. It is only when we take time to be quiet and still before God, that we can sense his guidance in our lives. Whether you are working today, or enjoying the day in another manner, please take time to pray for our leaders. Thank God for their service and leadership, and ask Him to guide them, especially as they have many difficult decisions to make each day. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Blessings to You, Dave Henry

Hang In There...

I speak to you from the depths of your being. Hear me saying soothing words of Peace, assuring you of My Love. Do not listen to voices of accusation, for they are not from Me. I speak to you in loving tones, lifting you up. My Spirit convicts cleanly, with out crushing words of shame. Let the Spirit take charge of your mind, combing out the tangles of deception. Be transformed by the truth that I live within you.

 

The Light of My Presence is shining upon you, in benedictions of Peace. Let My Light shine in you; don't dim it with worries or fears. Holiness is letting Me live through you. Since I dwell in you, you are fully equipped to be holy. Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me, this is atheistic living. I want to inhabit all your moments…gracing your thoughts, words, and behaviors.

(40 days with Jesus – Sarah Young)

 

Cease from anger - That is, in reference to the fact that there are wicked people, and that they are permitted to carry out their plans. Do not allow your mind to be excited with envious, fretful, wrathful, or murmuring feelings against God because he bears patiently with them, and because they are allowed a temporary prosperity and triumph. Be calm, whatever may be the wickedness of the world. The supreme direction belongs to God, and he will dispose of it in the best way.

 

In Christ,

Rick

 

The Prayer of Serenity

(Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr) God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen. I remember as a small child and as a young adult having many meals at Grandma Pauline's house. On the wall in her kitchen near the dinner table was a wooden plaque that inluded the first verse of the Serenity Prayer. It is my understanding that the author of this famous prayer was a pastor and had written this verse as part of one of his sermons in the 1930's or 1940's. I think about this prayer from time to time, and when I do, I am reminded that there are some things in this life that we cannot change. On the other hand, there are many things that can be changed in this world, if we have the courage to change them. We must first have the wisdom to know the difference between the two, or all of our efforts will be futile as we pursue our own agenda. We must also remember that Jesus has promised us that He will always be with us. Matthew 28:20 (KJV) "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Dear Friend, have you trusted Jesus to grant you peace and serenity in this world? Have you trusted Him to guide you today in all of your efforts? God has a holy and perfect will for our lives, which we must desire and pursue, if we want to find true happiness and contentment. What a wonderful promise it is that He will always go with us, even unto the very end of this life! Blessings, Peace, and Serenity to You, Dave Henry

The Prayer of Serenity

(Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr) God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen. I remember as a small child and as a young adult having many meals at Grandma Pauline's house. On the wall in her kitchen near the dinner table was a wooden plaque that inluded the first verse of the Serenity Prayer. It is my understanding that the author of this famous prayer was a pastor and had written this verse as part of one of his sermons in the 1930's or 1940's. I think about this prayer from time to time, and when I do, I am reminded that there are some things in this life that we cannot change. On the other hand, there are many things that can be changed in this world, if we have the courage to change them. We must first have the wisdom to know the difference between the two, or all of our efforts will be futile as we pursue our own agenda. We must also remember that Jesus has promised us that He will always be with us. Matthew 28:20 (KJV) "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Dear Friend, have you trusted Jesus to grant you peace and serenity in this world? Have you trusted Him to guide you today in all of your efforts? God has a holy and perfect will for our lives, which we must desire and pursue, if we want to find true happiness and contentment. What a wonderful promise it is that He will always go with us, even unto the very end of this life! Blessings, Peace, and Serenity to You, Dave Henry

---

Never miss an email again!
Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it out.

Love One Another All Year!

Romans 12:9-10 (NIV) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 1 John 4:7 (NIV) Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Dear Friend, it is Valentine's Day, and there is no doubt about that. More than just today, we have been commanded to love one another and esteem others above ourselves. I particularly am challenged by the passage in 1 Corinthians 13, commonly known as the 'Love Chapter.' Where the verse mentions the word 'love' every time, are you able to insert your name and the verse still be a true statement? Let us truly love one another unconditionally as Jesus has first loved us! Blessings to you, Dave Henry

Contentment

Contentment

 

Satisfied? That is one thing we are not. We are not satisfied.

 

We push back from the table and pat our round bellies, "I'm satisfied", we declare. But look at us a few hours later, back in the kitchen picking over leftovers.

         

          We wake up after a good night's rest and hop out of bed. We couldn't gob back to sleep if someone paid us. We are satisfied – for awhile. But look at us a dozen or so hours later, crawling back in the sheets.

 

          We take a vacation of a lifetime. For years we planned. For years we saved. And off we go. We satiate ourselves with sun, fun, and good food. But we are not even on the way home before we dread the end of the trip and begin planning another.

 

We are not satisfied.

 

          As a child we say, "If only I were a teenager." As a teen we say, "If only I were an adult." As an adult, "If only I were married." As a spouse "If only I had kids." As a parent, "If only my kids were grown." In an empty house, "If only my kids would visit." As a retiree in the rocking chair with stiff joints and fading eye sight we pine, "If only I were a child again."

 

          We are not satisfied. Contentment is a difficult virtue. Why?

 

          Because there is nothing on earth that can satisfy our deepest longing. We long to see God. The leaves of life are rustling with the rumor that we will…and we won't be satisfied until we do!

(Max Lucado)

 

What do you wish for in your life? Money, power, maybe fame? God said, "You shall have no other god before me." (Exodus 20:3) Only when we get to our eternal home with our Father, will we be truly satisfied.

 

In Christ,

Rick

---

Be a PS3 game guru.
Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games.

No Benefits in Complaining

Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV) Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. In our part of the country, we have experienced many storms that included snow and ice in the past few weeks. Many people have fallen and injured themselves, schools have been closed for the past several days, and many churches did not have worship services on Sunday. There were, however, hundreds of workers who were deployed from other states to our area who made huge sacrifices to trim trees and restore power very quickly. The weather affects all of us, and is often a very common way to open conversations. Having many personal interactions each and every day, I have noticed a lot of grumbling and complaining about the long, harsh winter. I don't think most people regard these comments to be formal complaints, but as Christians we must be careful what we say and how we say it. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Dear Friend, as the scriptures have instructed, we must be careful to say things that are uplifting to others. Our weather conditions will occur with our without our approval. Whether the famous groundhog was right or not on Feb 2, our weather will be what the weather will be. Let us offer praise to God for the beauty in the storm, and remember that He is and has always been in control of our lives. Blessings to you, Dave Henry

Don't be afraid of change.

Most of us don't really like things to change around us. We don't really fess up to it, but we
get comfortable with the same ol', same ol'. Think about it for a minute. You got up today and
prepared for your day, maybe had a cup of coffee, maybe breakfast, read the paper...etc. It's a
pattern that we get into, a comfort zone. Then when something is different, we seem out of sorts.
We all do this thinking that we don't miss the mark. But do we? Change is happening all around
us, everyday something is changing. If we are not willing to adapt, we will be left behind.

There is only one thing for sure that is the same as yesterday, will remain the same today, and will
be the same tomorrow. Jesus was crucified on a cross to save each and everyone of us!

So, tomorrow as things will continue to change around us. Thank God for what He has done for us, and
maybe have that cup of coffee at the restaurant. Introduce yourself to someone new. Inspire
someone to be great. You never know just how important that one word you share with someone
may help them through the day.

Have a great Monday!
Jonny

Jesus: The Invitation

 

You are tired.

You are weary.

Weary of being slapped by the waves of broken dreams.

Weary of being stepped on and run over in the endless marathon to the top.

Weary of trusting in someone only to have that trust returned in an envelope with no return address.

Weary of staring into the future and seeing only futility.

 

What steals our childhood zeal?

 

It is the weariness that makes the words of the carpenter so compelling. Listen to them. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."

 

Come to me…The invitation is to come to him. Why him?

He offers the invitation as a penniless rabbi in an oppressed nation. He has no connection with the authorities in Rome. He hasn't written a best-seller or earned a degree from a prestigious school of higher learning.

 

Yet he dares to look at the faces of the farmers and housewives and all who would listen and offer rest. He looks into the disillusioned eyes of a bartender and makes this paradoxical promise: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, you will find rest for your souls."

 

The people came. They came out of the cul-de-sacs and office complexes of their existence and he gave them, not religion, not doctrine, not systems, but rest.

 

As a result, they call him Lord.

As a result they call him Savior.

Not so much because of what he said, but because of what he did.

What he did on the cross during six hours, one Friday…

(Max Lucado)

 

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us a place to rest. A place in you to rest our weary souls…

 

Come to Him all of you who are weary…

 

In Christ,

Rick

Trust Jesus in Life's Storms

Matthew 14:22-33 (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, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." There are several interesting observations in this well-known account from the bible. After Jesus dismissed the crowd, he instructed the disciples to go on ahead while he went to the mountainside to pray. Jesus spent a lot of time praying to our Father, and it was especially important for Him to be free from all distractions. It is very important when we pray to do more than all of the talking. God uses our time of prayer to speak to us, especially if we will take time to listen and be still before Him. I also wonder why the disciples didn't recognize Jesus and thought He was a ghost. Were they so caught up in their fears and trembling, and consumed by their fate that they didn't recognize the Son of God whom they followed daily? God is always present and in our midst, especially in life's storms. Another interesting observation is how Peter responds to Jesus. When Peter's eyes were focused on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. When he took his eyes away from Jesus and became consumed by the fearful, strong blowing wind, he began to sink very quickly. Peter did realize, however, that Jesus was the only One who could save him, and he cried to Jesus for help. Finally, when Jesus climbed into the boat, the winds immediately became calm. What an amazing revelation to us that when Jesus is in our boat with us, and we are in complete communion with Him, the storms of life are no longer fearful! Dear Friend, is Jesus calling you today to follow Him? Will you keep your focus on Him, or will you fear the winds that howl and blow, and cause you to sink below the rough waters? Let us all be focused on Jesus today. He is our only Hope, and He is our only Strength, and He is truly our Salvation and Deliverer in all of life's storms. Won't you trust Him today? Praying for Peace in the Storm, Dave Henry