Are You Humble?

Micah 6:8 "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Matthew 23:12 "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Romans 12:16 "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." As many people have enjoyed the national basketball tournament this year, there are some happy fans and some who are extremely disappointed by the outcome of the games. It has been interesting to compare the tournament brackets with others, and to listen to the commentators and analysts before and after each game. In a post-game interview with the coach of the winning team after a game this weekend, the announcer asked the coach how his team won the game. Very politely and humbly he replied that he was outcoached by his opponent the entire game, but his team was the fortunate team to have the most points when the time on the clock had expired. I was very surprised to hear his words, but was thankful for his humble, yet candid reply to a question that is often times answered much differently. Dear Friend, how about you? When you are victorious in your life, are you gentle and humble in your ways, or do you take all of the credit for being great? The bible very clearly instructs us to walk humbly with Him and to avoid being conceited and proud. The world would be a happier place if everyone would embrace and live by these simple instructions. Blessings to You, Dave Henry

Following God's Direction

During rehearsal last week I began sharing with the guys from the band the history of the creation
of RideTheWind and how God was putting us all together. Each of us hand picked to fulfill His calling.
I meet Dave Loughmiller at Church. He was playing in the worship band and God was telling me this is
the guy. As soon as I asked Dave, he immediately said yes. A few months later Dave and I, with some
others were playing at the theater and we crossed paths with Rick Swearegen a drummer that caught my
attention. I followed God's lead and called Rick because this was the guy that God wanted. About a
month later I went to see Mark Shultz, what an amazing event. I felt God leading me to speak to Dave
Henry, a local Harp player. I didn't really know what was happening at the time, but I was following
God's lead. This was the guy that God wanted. I then invited Tyler Mattox over to rehearsal and I
knew the moment that he introduced himself that this is the guy that God wanted. Over a year later and
here we are one month from releasing our first CD. We have signed with an independent label and are
moving forward to what God wanted. It is truly amazing what God can do when you let Him lead. Letting
go of your own desires and wants. Letting God prepare you for what He wants. All I can say is WOW!

Have you let God lead in your life? Are your desires created by self want? Let God lead today and
watch what He will do.

Have a great day!

RTW

Born to Be Rich!

Proverbs 16:8 (NASB) "Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice."   Proverbs 22:16 (NASB) "He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty."    Luke 16:10 (NASB) "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."    Philippians 4:19 (NIV) And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.   I received a spam email this week with the subject line informing me that I was born to be rich.  I only read a few lines before quickly deleting this unwanted email, but several thoughts came to mind before I tossed it in the trash.  I wanted to ask the sender of this email what it truly means to be rich.    For many of us, we would struggle to give an accurate account of what God means by 'rich'.  You see, as Christians, we are very wealthy to be heirs of the kingdom of God!  Isn't that a wonderful?!   Dear Friend, are you rich?  Have you been adopted into God's kingdom?  If you are a child of God, you have riches beyond all earthly wealth.   Thanking God for His Riches, Dave Henry

Can You Move A Mountain?

Want to see a miracle?

 

Take a seed the size of a freckle. Put it under several inches of dirt. Give it enough water, light, and fertilizer. Get ready…

 

A mountain will be moved. It doesn't matter that the ground is a zillion times the weight of the seed. The seed will push it back.

 

Every spring, dreamers around the world plant tiny hopes in overturned soil. And every spring, their hopes press against impossible odds and blossom.

 

Never underestimate the power of a good seed.

 

As far as I know, James, the epistle writer, wasn't a farmer, but he knew the power of a seed sown in fertile soil.

 

"People who work for peace in a peaceful way, plant a good crop of right living."

 

The principle for peace is the same as the principle for crops:

Never underestimate the power of a good seed.

 

How good are you at sowing seeds of peace?

 

Pause for a moment and think about the gallery of faces that are significant to you.

 

Want to see a miracle? Plant a work of love heart-deep in a person's life. Nurture it with a smile and a prayer, and watch what happens…

 

Never underestimate the power of a good seed!

(The Devotional Bible)

 

You are the farmer, sow the seed God has given you. Fertilize it with love and faith. Keep nurturing the seed as you watch it move mountains.

 

In Christ,

Rick

Praise Him with Music!

Colossians 3:16 (NIV) "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Psalm 98:4-6 (NIV) "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn— shout for joy before the LORD, the King." Earlier today our band practiced for an hour or so, working on a few of our new songs. It was very enjoyable to share the wonderful gift of music after a busy, tiring day at the office. While we played, I was reminded that there is an amazing power and benefit in music. Even when we don't have the right words to say to someone who needs to be encouraged, music has an amazing way of lifting our souls. As a brother in the band, I can truly say that daily we pray that our music is uplifting and encouraging to all who listen. Some of our songs are slow and melodious, while others are peppy and upbeat. Our message and mission is very clear--all of our music is a gift from God that we have been entrusted to share with a hurting, struggling, dying world. We are truly grateful for this wonderful opportunity to share our music as we have been commanded. Dear Friend, how has music impacted your life? Do you sing to God with a grateful heart?  I encourage all of us to take time each and every day to offer songs of praise to our Savior, for He alone is worthy! Blessings to You, Dave Henry

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 148 (NIV) Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD. What exactly does it mean to 'Praise the Lord'? According to the dictionary, praise is an act of approval or admiration. Do you approve of what the Lord has done in your life? Can you truly say that you admire the Lord? Dear Friend, Psalm 148 has clearly instructed everyone and everything to offer praise to our Lord! Do you take time each day to offer praise and thanksgiving to the Lord? Take a few moments right now to thank Him for loving you, and for saving your soul. Thank Him for His amazing love and provision on your life. Thank Him for giving you life and health and love and joy. For Who He is in your life, Praise the Lord! Praising our Lord Today, Dave Henry

He Is Our Rock!

Deuteronomy 32:4 "He is the rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He." 1 Samuel 2:2 "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no rock like our God." Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." 2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." Is there uncertainty in your life? Does life seem confusing or unfair? Are you dealing with change in your life today? Perhaps you are facing an illness, or the loss of a loved one, or a change in finances, or a change in your employment. We serve a God who never changes. Take a closer look at the verses above and see some attributes of our God. It says that He is our rock! Rocks have always been known to be solid, unchanging, and steadfast. Many advertisers have used a rock as a symbol or promise to always be there for you. God is also our shield and stronghold. The shield has always been and always will be a sign of protection. Once again, many businesses have used various forms of a shield to signify that they will protect you from the uncertainties in life. Long before these businesses were established, God has already provided a shield of protection over His children. It also says that all of God's ways are perfect, and that the bible is flawless. To be perfect and flawless, is merely impossible for man to achieve. Isn't it wonderful to know that in the midst of our shortcomings, we can call upon our God to help us and comfort us? Dear Friend, can you truly say that God is our Rock? Have you put your complete faith and trust in Him? He alone is faithful until the very end, and He will protect you as He as promised. Rest in His promises today and allow Him to be your Mighty Fortress and Deliverer. Blessings to You, Dave Henry

Old Wounds

 

Old Wounds

 

Do you have a hole in your heart?

 

Is the wound old…are you angry?

Maybe the wound is fresh and you're hurt.

Part of you is broken and the other part of you is bitter. Part of you wants to cry, and the other part wants to fight. The tears you cry are hot because they come from your heart, and there is a fire burning in your heart. It's the fire of anger. It's blazing. It's consuming. The flames leap up under a steaming pot of revenge.

 

            You are left with a decision: "Do I put out the fire or heat it up? Do I get over it or get even? Do I release it or resent it? Do I let my hurts heal, or do I let it turn into hate?"

 

            Are you allowing your hurts to turn into hates? If so, ask yourself: Is it working? Has your hatred done you any good? Has your resentment brought you any relief, any peace? Has it granted you any joy?

           

            Allow the hole in your heart to heal!

 

In Christ,

Rick

Be Imitators!

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."   Many foods and other household products contain 'imitation' or 'artificial' ingredients that are made to resemble the real thing.  Sometimes the imitation is so good and so very genuine, that there is no noticeable difference between the two.   How is your life?  Are you an imitator of Jesus?  When people see you, do they see the same characteristics of our Lord?  We have been encouraged, as God's 'dearly loved children to walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.'   Dear Friend, let us strive to be like Christ in all we do.  What a wonderful compliment it would be if everyone who professed to be a Christian, would truly be an imitator of Him.  Take a moment right now and ask God to make you a genuine follower of Him.  Ask Him to make your life so real that others will see Jesus when they see your life.   Blessings to You, Dave Henry

Rest Under His Wings

Psalm 91:1-4 (NIV) Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. There is a beautiful song that we sang many years ago that speaks about finding refuge under His wings. William Cushing, the author of the hymn "Under His Wings" was a pastor for many years, and later lost his ability to speak. In his distress, he cried out to God to rescue him from his inability to communicate. God was faithful and answered his prayers. Pastor Cushing later wrote over 300 hymns. Here are the words to this beautiful hymn: 1. Under His wings I am safely abiding, Tho the night deepens and tempests are wild; Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me, He has redeemed me and I am His child. 2. Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow! How the heart yearningly turns to His rest! Often when earth has no balm for my healing, There I find comfort, and there I am blessed. 3. Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment! There will I hide till life's trials are o'er; Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me, Resting in Jesus, I'm safe evermore. Chorus: Under His wings, under His wings, Who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever. Dear Friend, are you resting under His almighty wings? The Psalmist wrote so many years ago that you will find refuge from all harm under the wings of God. That wonderful promise is still true today, and will continue to be true for all of eternity. Do you know the song? Sing it aloud to our Savior as an anthem of praise and reflection for His amazing love and protection. Resting Under His Wings, Dave Henry

The Fourth Day!

Genesis 1:14-19

14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

It's funny how we look at the time change. We "Fall" back and "Spring" forward. Listening to everyone's take on how they feel about the time change.
We are approaching the most beautiful time of year. Everything will be coming back to life. Flowers will be blooming, tree's will be budding, fresh scents in the air. Ahhhh! Just take a moment today and reflect on all God has created. God gave us the day and the night and everything in between.

Have a great Monday!

RTW

Jesus, Our Great Shepherd

Luke 15:3-7 (NIV) Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. John 10:27-30 (NIV) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." Isaiah 53:6 (NIV) We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. Many times in the bible, we who are followers of Jesus, have been likened to sheep, and Jesus is our Great Shepherd. We are very similar to sheep in our behaviors. I have never owned any sheep or worked directly with them, but have become familiar with some of their characteristics, and now have a better understanding of why Jesus called us His sheep. Sheep are known to be very fearful and are often easily-panicked. The are also very gullible, and are easily influenced by their shepherd. Sheep are very helpless, and can die of starvation without the help from the shepherd. Sheep are also known to be 'creatures of habit' and are also known to require the most care of any of the livestock animals. Dear Friend, are you a central part of God's heavenbound flock of sheep, or have you gone astray? Are you in a 'rut' and are doing things your own way? Our Great Shepherd is continuously keeping watch over His flock, and loves each one so very much! He has promised you that you will have eternal life and that no one can snatch you from His tender loving care, if you will follow Him and listen to His voice. Won't you trust Him today? Blessings to You, Dave Henry

Just Smile :)

A smile costs nothing, but gives so much.  It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give it. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business, and is the sign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen.  For it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away.  Some people are too tired to give you a smile.  Give them yours, as no one needs a smile so much as he who has no smile to give.   Author Unknown

Holy and Clean

Holy and Clean

 

What does it mean to be holy?

 

Holiness is one of those intimidating religious words that we always hear but don't understand. Holiness means set apart, sinless, and perfect. God is holy; we are not.

 

            God loves us despite our dirty, sin-soiled clothes. He wears His holiness like a dazzling, spotless white robe. The Bible encourages us to purify ourselves so that we can be holy, just as God intended us to be.

 

            See that big black spot on your collar? That's lust. Don't forget that smear on the right sleeve. That my friend, is jealousy. There's a stain on your cuff and a streak on your shirt. Those are pride and dishonesty. What an eyesore we are next to God's purity!

 

            But we can wear holiness, too. We don't wear our own; we wear Christ's. We are covered in His holiness. Once we have been cleansed white as snow, we can stand next to God in pure, holy garments.

(Lucado)

 

But be holy in all you do, just as God, the One who called you, is holy. It is written in the Scriptures: "You must be holy, because I am holy" (1Peter 1:15-16)

 

We have been washed in His blood.

In Christ,

Rick

Practice!

We had practice this evening and it was GREAT! Got to show some of the songs Dee has written for us to play to her and how they have come together. It's always good to get positive feedback from the things we work on. Please keep up the prayers and tell one or all of us in RTW if there is something you need prayer for as we would love to pray for you. It's just music we come together to do, we join as one to help serve our Father in Heaven as a unit of brothers. We pray before each practice and before we leave to go our separate ways after practice, this is where the true meaning of RTW comes into play, giving God His glory for the things He has joined us together to do. *Always Serving* -Tyler

Treasures in Heaven

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."   Romans 12:11-14 (NIV) "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."   Hebrews 13:16 (NIV) "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."   Last week, while on vacation, I had the wonderful privilege of listening to the Christian music station in the area.  Many Christian music stations across the country are listener-supported, meaning that the funding comes entirely from faithful, generous listeners.    There was a particular recorded announcement that played several times throughout the week that had such a strong impact on my life.  They shared the story of a homeless person named "Chuck" who wrote a letter expressing his gratitude to the station and to the faithful listeners who have faithfully supported the ongoing ministry.  "Chuck" also included his own financial gift to the station.    Every time I heard the announcement, I reminded myself that we have all been blessed by the generosity of others, and we have all been given many chances to bless others by our own giving.  My heart was challenged to be an ongoing, generous giver of my time, my talents, and my all, to further the Kingdom of God.   Dear Friend, the bible has clearly instructed all of us to store our treasures in heaven.  Where is your treasure?  Is it in heaven, or on earth?  Continue to serve Him each day!  You won't have any regrets!   Blessings to You Today, Dave Henry

Wake Up Call...

Many refer to a "wake up call" something that is available when we stay over in a hotel. Many also refer a "wake up call" as an event that takes place during the course of your day that open your eyes, or make you think.  In the moment we are totally aware of our surroundings and what is happening, but after a few hours to a couple days we are right back living our lives.     Spending time in the word will constantly direct you to evaluate your life and your walk with God.  Giving you little "wake up calls" as you study.  Ephesians 5:4 "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." The teacher tells the student to pay attention!  When we are attentive we are constantly looking. Here are a few "LOOKS" for you during the day that will help you to "pay attention" when those "wake up calls" come your way! Look for the approach of temptation. Look at your inner attitude. Look at your influences. Look at how people can influence you, for good or evil. Look at your Bible reading habits. Look at your involvement in prayer. Keep your eyes open - be aware of your surroundings. Are you getting a "wake up call"? Have a great Monday! RTW

Abundant Life

Abundant Life

 

A friend of the late American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes asked him why he had taken up the study of Greek at the age of ninety-four. Holmes replied, "Well, my good sir, it's now or never."

 

          When J. C. Penny was ninety-five years old, he affirmed, "My eyesight may be getting weaker, but my vision is increasing."

 

          Growing old can be dangerous. The trail is treacherous and the pitfalls are many. One is wise to be prepared. You know it's coming. It's not like God kept the process a secret. It's not like you are blazing a trail as you grow older. It's not as if no one has ever done it before. Look around you. You have ample opportunity to prepare and ample case studies to consider. If growing old catches you by surprise, don't blame God. He gave you plenty of warning. He also gave you plenty of advice.

"Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life." (Matthew 10:39)

"There are two ways to view life," Jesus is saying, "those who protect it or those who pursue it. The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years."

There is a rawness and a wonder to life. Pursue it. Hunt for it. Don't listen to the whines of those who have settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same so they won't feel guilty. Your goal is not to live long, but to live.

Time slips away and days pass, years will fade. Life ends. We must do what we came to do while there is still time.

          We would think it bizarre for a traveler not to be prepared for the end of a journey. We would pity the poor passenger who never read his itinerary. We would be bewildered by someone who thought the purpose of the trip was the trip.

          Others, however, are anticipating the destination. I hope you are. I hope you'll be ready when you get home. For you, age is no enemy. Age is a mile-marker; a gentle reminder that home has never been so near!

(the Devotional Bible – Max Lucado)

 

Will you live, or will you just exist? Just existing seems boring to me, I will live, love and breathe with everything that God has given me. I ask you my friends…will you live...or will you just…exist?

 

In Christ,

Rick