Promise for Today - Direct and Protect

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

John 10:10-11 (NLT)

Sheep are essentially defenseless animals, so a shepherd carries a few tools to care for and protect his sheep. He has a rod for guarding and protecting, and he uses a staff with a little crook in it to rescue the sheep.

We are like lost sheep in need of protection and direction, so Jesus came to earth to be our Good Shepherd. He said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11 NLT).

Just as a shepherd uses the physical tools of the rod and the staff for direction and protection, God wants to direct and protect you. Here are two ways he does that:

If you follow him, Jesus leads you in the right direction.
You need a guide—a shepherd—to go before you in life. You need Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who leads from the front and calls you forward. This is different from a cowboy, who drives cattle from the back. Jesus is not going to push you through life. He gets in front of you and essentially says, “Watch how I do it. Look where I go.”

John 10:4 says, “When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice” (CEV).

If you bring your hurts to him, Jesus is compassionate.
Jesus has compassion on us because he knows that we are helpless without him. Matthew 9:36 says, “When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (NIV). The sense in the original Greek text is that Jesus hurt deeply for the people in the crowd and wanted to help them.

In the same way, when you bring your pain to Jesus, he doesn’t put you down; he lifts you up. He doesn’t hassle you; he heals you. Because of God’s goodness, Jesus directs and protects you. Jesus is our Good Shepherd, who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28 ESV).

Talk It Over

When have you sensed God going in front of you to lead you? In what ways did that experience grow your faith?

How have you seen Jesus’ compassion bring healing in your own life or someone else’s?

In what direction is Jesus leading you right now? In your work? Your family? Your community? Your church? Your relationships?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          We come before You with open hearts. Guide our steps so they align with Your will, and light the path when the way ahead feels uncertain. Grant us wisdom to make choices that honor You, and courage to walk in faith even when we cannot see the whole road. Cover us with Your protection - shield us from harm, guard our minds from fear, and keep our spirits anchored in Your peace.
          Surround our loved ones with Your care, and let Your presence be the constant compass that leads us safely through each day. We trust that You go before us, and walk beside us. Watch over us always. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Fear Not

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

What are you worried about today? The economy? Your health? Your bills? Your kids? Are you worried about the future? The fact is there are a lot of reasons to be afraid in today’s world. More than ever, we feel the stress of even everyday tasks that seem infinitely more difficult because of the state of the world. Life is just hard.

But God promises that, even in your darkest valleys, he is walking beside you.

It’s interesting to note that there are 365 verses in the Bible that say, “Fear not.” God provided us with one “Fear not” message for every day of the year! He wants us to hear the message: Don’t be afraid!

Why does God have to repeat himself so often when it comes to our worries and fears? It’s because our hurts and hang-ups can often cause us to think that God is out to get us, that all he wants to do is condemn us and punish us. But that simply isn’t true. Jesus is the proof of that.

When you understand God’s grace and mercy, then you have no need to fear the future. God isn’t trying to get even with you. Jesus has taken the penalty for everything you’ve ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross. So, when a bad thing happens, you don’t have to think, “God’s getting even with me.” Instead, remember and pray this verse:“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

But you can’t just say this Scripture and then expect all your fears to go away once and for all. These are verses you will have to pray over and over again as your human nature slips back into worry. But keep praying. Keep reminding yourself of God’s promises.

They never fail!

Talk It Over

What promises from God’s Word can you claim when you’re tempted to worry about something in your life?

In what ways does God protect you?

Why should understanding Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross keep you from fearing the future?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          When our hearts are overwhelmed, overwhelm us with Your peace. Lead us to You, our Rock. Guide us to Your word, which gives us strength and refuge. Help us not to run from our pain but to trust fully in Your goodness and power to carry us through. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Promise for Today - A Never-ending Story

We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again . . . we know that God raised the Lord Jesus to life. And just as God raised Jesus, he will also raise us to life. Then he will bring us into his presence together.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 14 (CEV)

When the future is uncertain and there is a lot of fear, it might seem like your story is coming to an end. When life seems uncertain, remember this truth: You can’t lose! You’ll win in the end, no matter what happens. Even when you lose your life, you’re going straight into the presence of God if you believe in Jesus Christ as Savior. 

And when you arrive in heaven, your story is only just beginning.

Have you ever watched a TV show where every single episode ended in a cliffhanger and left you thinking the hero might not survive? Even though it’s just a story, the tension can feel enormous. But when all the episodes from the entire series are available to stream, you don’t feel as much tension because you know the hero survives for another six seasons. When you know the series will continue, then you know each episode is not the end of the story. The hero will make it out of a tight spot and on to the next season.

That’s how your life is. Even when you’re in a difficult circumstance, you know that the tough spot isn’t the end of your story. You can live with hope in the middle of a crisis because you have an eternal perspective.

One day, when you meet Jesus in heaven, all your pain, sickness, sorrow, sadness, stress, and grief will end. Here's what you can look forward to in heaven: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4 NIV).

This life is not the end of the story. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future.

Talk It Over

In what specific areas of your life do you need to change your focus from fear to hope?

What tools do you have to remind you of the hope of Jesus when you feel discouraged or fearful?

Why is it important for the world to see that Christians have hope and confidence, even in the midst of a crisis?

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Are you certain of where you will go when you die?
One day your life on earth will end—but your story won’t end. If Jesus is your Savior, you’ll spend eternity with him in heaven. How can you have confidence that your story will continue after you die?

The Bible says that every one of us sins and that the penalty of sin is death. But God loves you so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty of your sins, to bring you into the family of God, and to save you from the fear of death.

PRAYER:

If you’re ready to enter God’s family, here’s a prayer you can pray: “Dear God, I know that when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I ask you to save me. Please save me from my sins and from my fear of death. I believe in you, Jesus, and your promise to save me instantly and bring me to heaven one day to continue my story with you in eternity. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at Rick@PastorRick.com. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.

Promise for Today - Seeing Our Way Out

Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)

When a crisis hits, you have to do the smart things necessary to get through it. You listen to God’s Word and godly advice, you make good choices, and you keep moving forward while remembering that this will pass. It’s not going to last forever!

The Living Bible paraphrases 1 Peter 4:12 this way: "Dear friends, don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you" (TLB).

In this world, there will be times of trial and testing. It’s guaranteed! Since sin entered the world, nothing works perfectly. Everything on this planet is broken—the weather, the economy, your body, and even your best plans. Nothing works perfectly in this life because sin broke everything on earth.

The Bible says, “The earth suffers for the sins of its people, for they have twisted God’s instructions, violated his laws, and broken his everlasting covenant . . . The earth has broken up. It has utterly collapsed" (Isaiah 24:5, 19 NLT).

On earth, everything is lost, abandoned, and confused. Even nature is groaning. We may wonder why God allowed sin and evil to enter the world; it’s because God wanted us to have a choice. And we're the ones who have chosen to cause evil. We're the ones who are selfish and self-centered, causing problems in society and in our environment.

This earth is not heaven. That’s why Jesus taught us to pray the Lord's Prayer—"your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10 NIV). Heaven is a perfect place with no sorrow, sickness, sadness, or stress, but we shouldn't expect heaven on earth. One day we'll get there, but we're not there yet.

You will get through whatever trial you’re facing right now. Soon enough you will marvel at all that God did in the midst of your trouble as you look at it from the other side.

There will be more challenges to face and adversity to endure. But you can always hope in this truth: "Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV).

Talk It Over

What are some ways you hope to grow spiritually, physically, and emotionally through a current time of trial?

God does not cause bad things to happen, but he can work to redeem those bad things. How have you seen him redeem adversity in your life or in someone else’s life?

What do you place your hope in during a crisis? Is it enough to sustain you?

- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:

Father, 

        We come before You with humble hearts, seeking solace and strength in the midst of crisis. In times of hardship, when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us, we turn to You, the source of all comfort and grace.

In the depths of our struggles, we find refuge in Your boundless love. As we navigate the turbulent waters of uncertainty, we lean on the pillars of faith You have provided. Grant us the wisdom to recognize the lessons hidden within the challenges we face and the courage to embrace growth in adversity.

We lift up those directly impacted by crisis—whether through illness, loss, or unforeseen challenges—and surround them with Your healing light, O God. May Your comforting embrace be felt in the darkest moments, offering reassurance that even in the midst of pain, Your love prevails. Grant resilience to those at the epicenter of chaos, infusing their spirits with unwavering strength so they may stand firm against the winds of despair. May they emerge from the tempest with newfound courage, resilient like the mighty oak that withstands the fiercest storms.

In our collective efforts to manage a crisis, instill in us a spirit of unity and collaboration. Let compassion be the guiding force, inspiring acts of kindness that ripple through the tapestry of human existence. Guide the hands of those in positions of leadership so that they may navigate these challenges with wisdom, empathy, and a commitment to the greater good. Illuminate their minds to make decisions rooted in justice, equity, and compassion.

In our moments of despair, help us find solace in the power of community and connection. Let us be reminded that we are not alone in our struggles, for You have blessed us with the gift of one another. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - In the Valley

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” 

Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

You may not be in the valley of the shadow of death right now, but you may be in another valley. Valleys are the hard places on your journey, where it’s easy to doubt or overlook God’s goodness. But you can always trust that God walks through the valleys with you. And he’s promised to bring you through to the other side.

Here are three truths to remember when you are in the valley:

1. You are not alone. God is with you.
The shadows in your life are evidence of the presence of light. How do you deal with a shadow? You turn your back to the shadow and look at the light. Jesus said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life” (John 8:12 CEV).

The Bible says that God is light and that in him there is no darkness at all. You need to stop focusing on the dark things that scare you: those bills, health concerns, or worries about your children or aging parents. When you move your focus off your fears, you can focus on the Father.

2. God has a good purpose for your valley.
God can’t do evil. Even when you’re facing problems, conflict, grief, fear, or failure, God is at work, creating good from your valley.

Romans 5:3-5 says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (ESV).

3. The reward will last forever.
You’re going to be rewarded for remaining faithful to Christ in the valley of failure, fear, conflict, grief, or trouble. You’ll be in heaven less than a minute before thinking, “Why did I worry when I was going through those valleys? God was right there with me all the time, and he was good to me all the time.”

As the Bible says, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT).

Talk It Over

What do you fear most right now? What lies are you believing that are making you so afraid?

How can you be reminded of God’s goodness when you walk through your next valley or while you finish walking through the valley you’re in right now?

Why is it important to look for the good that God is working out while you’re in your valley and not just after you’ve come through to the other side?
- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          It is written in the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 12, that Jesus spoke to them, saying 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' In the midst of shadows that surround us, we seek Your light to guide our paths. Illuminate our hearts with hope and courage, dispelling the darkness that seeks to overwhelm. May Your presence be our comfort and strength, leading us to peace and clarity. Help us to shine Your light in the lives of others, reflecting Your love and grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Busier Than God

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” Psalm 127:2 (NLT)

God doesn't want you to accomplish everything all at once. He wants you to learn to pace yourself as he uses the circumstances of your life to help you mature little by little. While God is growing your business, he’s growing you. While God is growing your children, he’s growing you. While God is growing your career, he’s growing you. For you to grow, you have to learn to rest in God’s goodness.

Some people think God only smiles on them when they're working, praying, or doing “spiritual” things. But God also smiles on you when you rest.

If you’re a parent, and you’ve ever gone into your kids’ room and checked on them at night, you know the joy it gives you just to watch them sleep. Your heavenly Father enjoys watching you sleep and rest too. He created you to need rest. Even God rested! Are you busier than God?

The Living Bible paraphrase says, "Work six days only, for the seventh day is a special day to remind you of my covenant—a weekly reminder forever of my promises to the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and rested on the seventh day, and was refreshed" (Exodus 31:17).

God has taught me some things about balance—which I’ve had to learn over and over again since starting our church. Here’s what I learned: Resistance to rest is immaturity. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the church nor anything else that is worthwhile.

Why did God rest and relax on the seventh day? It’s not because he was tired, because God doesn't get tired. He was modeling what he wants you to do: Stop work and relax. Keep a Sabbath, and rest in God’s goodness.

Talk It Over

What are your reasons for overworking at home, school, or work?

How is creating margin in your life a spiritual discipline?

Does your daily schedule reflect a priority to finish your to-do list or to grow spiritually? In what ways?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

         Jesus withdrew to pray and seek solitude in Your presence. Teach us this divine rhythm, to pause and find our quiet place. As we rest in Your love, we ask for renewal and clarity. Clear our minds of clutter and fill our hearts with Your peace, so we may rise with strength and purpose, ready to face each day with grace and understanding. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

Promise for Today - Wait for It

Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there! 

Psalm 77:19 (NLT)

The Bible says God actively works through your circumstances. But you cannot judge your situation apart from God’s wisdom. In other words, you must leave it up to God to interpret your circumstances. Only God is capable of understanding all the facts, and only he sees the significance of every detail. That’s why it is so important that you use his Word to test what you’re going through.

If you feel overwhelmed or confused about a decision, it might be because you’re so caught up in your own limited way of thinking that it blocks out God’s voice. The Bible says, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV). He is not the author of confusion. So if you’re feeling confused, guess what? It’s not God’s voice speaking in your life.

There will be times you come up against enormous financial, spiritual, or physical barriers. That’s when you need to confess, “God, there are mountains on either side and an impassable barrier in front of me.” And then you wait for God to respond and assure you that he’s got you exactly where he wants you to be. He will make a pathway where there seems to be no way. Psalm 77:19 says, “Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there!” 

When you don’t know what to do, God will guide you. He didn’t design you to go through life on your own ingenuity and power. You don’t have to just hope you can figure things out. God wants to lead you on the right path, and he will do that when you surrender to him and his guidance.

Talk It Over

When you’re frustrated because God doesn’t seem to be answering your prayer for guidance, what do you think he wants you to do? What have you learned through those kinds of experiences in the past?

How has God used your pain to show you his purpose for your life?

Why do you think God sometimes lets you get to the point where there seems to be no way out of a difficult circumstance?

 - by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,
            Your Word tells us in Isaiah 40:31 that those who wait for You will renew their strength. Renew our strength as we wait for You, trusting You for patience, courage and peace as promised in Romans 8 and Psalm 27. Lord, You are good to those who wait for You. We ask for Your promised peace, that confusion and anxiety will not rule our thoughts; for endurance, that we will keep going without losing heart; for Your wisdom. You said we only have to ask and You will give it to us so that we will know what steps to take and what to release. Increase our measure of faith that our trust in You will grow and deepen. That Your joy in us would be our strength. Help us to not become caught up in the cares of situations that seek to erase our ability to worship You. Father, we ask all these in Jesus' Name. Amen

Promise for Today - Getting Rid of the Guilt,

 “But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings. . . . All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the wrongdoing of us all to fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:5-6 (NASB)

Every one of us has a good reason to feel guilt. No one does everything right! We hurt other people. We act selfishly. Often the unkindest things we say and do are to the people we love the most.

Just like you can’t hide your sins from God, you can’t hide your guilt from him either. Not only that, but when you try to cover up your guilty feelings, they start to eat at you on the inside.

Only one thing works to get rid of guilt: Confess your sins, and trust in God’s forgiveness. The word “confession” in the Bible in Greek is homologeo, which means “to say the same thing.” So confession simply means to agree with God: “You’re right, God. I was wrong.”

Everything you’re going to do wrong—including the stuff you’re going to do tomorrow, next week, and 10 years from now—has already been paid for. That is the goodness of God.

Jesus takes all your guilt on himself. He gives you his goodness—his righteousness. This is the most basic, fundamental truth of the Bible: Your broken soul becomes whole again in him.

If you don’t feel forgiven, it means you don’t fully understand God’s goodness. When Jesus died, he covered all your sins. It’s as if he threw them into the deepest part of the sea and put up a “No Fishing” sign.

Confess your sin to God. And because he forgives and forgets your sin, you’ll have no need to drag it out again.

Talk It Over

What are some common but unhealthy ways people try to handle guilt?

Is there guilt you need to let go of today? What is holding you back from making that choice to confess your sin and accept God’s forgiveness?

Why is joy a natural result of understanding God’s grace? 

The answer to your guilt is not to hide it; it’s to confess what you’ve done.

The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 CSB). And it also says that you cannot earn your way into heaven: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you’re ready to confess your sins and to trust Jesus with your life, start with this prayer:

“Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I believe that he died for my sin and that you raised him to life. Jesus, I want to trust you as my Savior and follow you as Lord from this day forward. I accept your free gift of salvation. Guide my life, and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

- by Pastor Rick

Promise for Today - Before the Harvest

 Another great message from Pastor Glotzbach. 

Good things take time. This morning I was out watering our garden and it got me thinking about how much this simple daily task viewers are life. 

Over the last few weeks, we've planted some new seeds. After a successful Harvest of broccoli, we're trying our hand (or thumbs) at growing a few more vegetables.

Harvesting is the fun part. It's exciting to pick what's finally grown. The fruit (or vegetable?!) of our labor.

If I'm honest, I've never enjoyed the watering or the weeding. I want the reward. I want the finished product. I want it now. 

This morning, though, I sensed the Lord inviting me into a different perspective. What if the watering is just as meaningful as the harvest? Or to put it another way what if the journey is just as important as the destination? 

I'm someone who likes to get to the end - and usually as quickly as possible. But God reminded me today of all the work He does before we ever arrive. Most of His work happens beneath the surface where we can't see it. And often - that's where His greatest gifts are found. 

Growth doesn't happen in the Harvest. It happens in the watering. In the waiting. In the weeding. 

So today, I want to challenge you - and myself - not to rush to one day. Don't hurry past the season you're in just because you're longing for the next one. Enjoy the process because good things take time. 

Prayer:

Father, help me slow down. Help me never to outrun You or Your work in my life. Teach me to be content in the watering season and the weeding season not just the reaping season. You created every one of these moments and none of them is wasted. You use each one for Your glory and my good. Help me to trust you in every season. amen.

Promise for Today - Learning the Lessons

Hi! I'm back - on a (somewhat) limited basis. According to the doctor, complete healing is projected to take 3-6 months, but doctors practice medicine. Our Father is the Creator, the Great Physician, Jehovah Rapha, our Healer. And His Word is the final Word - 1 Peter 2:24 declares that Christ suffered the stripes on His back to pay for our healing, amen? So, if you'll bear with me, I will pick up with using other's encouraging words where I can copy and paste (with their permission) until my arms and hands are restored to full capacity for unlimited keyboard use. Thanks for the prayers and well wishes. We don't need to always understand, but we DO need to always trust Him. His plans and timing are perfect as is everything He does. And God is faithful.

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Today's comes from Pastor Christopher Glotzbach, of Muncie, IN, USA

This morning on our way home from the gym, Brittany and I pulled out behind a truck that was going 10 MPH below the speed limit.

It should be illegal to get as annoyed as I was before 6:00 AM. But if I'm being honest, I found myself in a very judgmental place. 
Thoughts like:

"This guy shouldn't be on the road."

I was a little embarrassed by how badly I wanted to lay on the horn—just to encourage him to speed up.  But again, it was 6:00 AM.

So I slowed down and tried to be okay with not getting home as quickly as I would have liked. Then we came to the first stop sign.

He came to a complete stop and then sat there for what felt like forever before moving forward. Here comes the judgment again:

"What is going on with this dude?"

At the next stop sign, we stopped under a streetlamp and for the first time I could see the bed of his truck. It was piled high with materials. Nothing was strapped down. It looked like enough lumber and supplies to build a shed.

And then I sensed the Holy Spirit whisper something that stopped me in my tracks:

"Christopher, sometimes people are carrying heavy burdens and it requires them to move at a different pace."

Man, that was convicting. How often do I pass judgment without knowing what someone else is carrying? 

The reality is that if he had driven any faster, he would have risked losing some of that load. It could have ruined the materials—or worse, hurt someone else on the road. Suddenly, my frustration turned into gratitude. Well... for a moment.

Then I caught myself thinking, "He still could have tied it down."

Apparently the sanctification process wasn't quite finished.

But because he didn't, God used a slow-moving truck to expose something in me: how quickly I can assume, judge and criticize when I don't have the full story.

And I wonder how often we do the same thing with people.

Someone seems distant.
Someone seems slow.
Someone seems distracted.
Someone seems frustrated.
And we immediately create a story about them without knowing the burdens they're carrying.

I love what Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

What a beautiful invitation. When we're overwhelmed, burdened, exhausted, or carrying more than we should, Jesus invites us to come to Him. Not only that, He invites us to yoke ourselves to Him—to walk alongside Him and learn from Him.

And notice what He says we'll learn: Gentleness. Humility.

Those don't come naturally to me. Maybe they don't come naturally to you either. But Jesus says, "Learn from me."

So today my prayer is simple:

Jesus, teach me to be gentle and humble in heart. Teach me to stay tethered to You—not just on the hard days, but on the ordinary ones. The days when life is moving too slowly. The days when I'm frustrated. The days when I think I know what's going on in someone else's life.

Thank You for using a slow truck before 6:00 AM to remind me that I still have a long way to go in becoming more like You.

And thank You that Your grace meets me on that journey.

Amen

Promise for Today - UPDATE on MOM

 Mom had major surgery on her neck (caused by a fall), and we got her home last evening. If you will, please pray for her quick and complete healing. She will be back with you as soon as possible, by the grace of God, Jehovah Rapha, our Healer. 

Promise for Today - Every Good Thing

Protect me, God, because I trust in you. I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord. Every good thing I have comes from you.’ 

Psalm 16:1-2 (NCV)

Not everything that happens in your life is good. But God is good—and he is pouring his goodness into your life.

Circumstances may be very difficult in your life right now, but God can take the bad and bring good out of it. Even in the worst times, you can trust this: God has a good purpose, a good plan, and a good reason. No matter where you are in life right now, you could use a reminder of God’s goodness. And sometimes the best way to remember something is to talk with God about it through prayer.

Would you stop now to pray and talk to God about his goodness? Say something like this:

“God, you are so good. I could never deserve your goodness. I’m sorry that I have often forgotten or doubted your goodness. Forgive me for my ungratefulness and prideful self-centeredness. I am nothing without you. Like King David in the Bible, I would despair if I didn’t know your goodness. Open my eyes to see how good you really are and let your goodness transform my life.

“God, my soul needs restoring. I don’t always think right. I don’t always choose right. I don’t always feel right. I need you to restore my damaged soul, my mind, my will, and my emotions. As I continue learning about your goodness, I trust that my sins have been forgiven because I’ve come to you and admitted I need a Savior. I’m going to release the people who have hurt me and pray a prayer of blessing over them. I’m going to team up with you and ask you to help me with the load I’m carrying. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Talk It Over

Why is it prideful not to acknowledge God’s goodness?

How have you seen God turn the bad things that have happened to you into something good?

When you look back and recognize God’s goodness in your life, how does it affect your perspective on your current circumstances?

- by Pastor Rick

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The greatest example of God’s goodness is Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. You won’t fully experience His goodness until you experience His salvation. If you don’t know Jesus as Savior, you can pray this right now:

“Jesus Christ, I want to get to know You. I want to learn to love You and trust You. Please forgive me for my sin. I ask You to accept me into Your family, not because I deserve it but because on the cross, You paid for all of my sins. Thank You for Your gift of salvation. I receive it and ask for Your help to follow You faithfully as my Lord. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.”

Promise for Today - The Long Game

Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

Don’t ever give up on the dream God has given you.

If anybody had the right to be discouraged because God’s plan took so long, it was Noah. It took at least 80 years to build the ark. The Bible tells us that Noah got in the ark and closed the door 120 years after God told him to build it.

Would you be able to maintain enthusiasm for a project that took you 120 years, when everyone else criticized and made fun of you for it? Could you handle that kind of opposition?

The reason why most people don't succeed in life is short-term thinking. They give up too soon. They don't sustain their dream over the long haul. It's often in the middle of your life that you want to give up, and it determines whether you're going to end successfully or not.

Don’t give up!

Culture says live only for today. The Bible says instead to think about eternity. Everything about God’s dream takes longer than you think—not because God wants to make it harder on you but because he has eternity in mind. He is working with an eternal mindset, and he wants you to think that way too.

I'm sure Noah faced loneliness and fatigue over how long it was taking to reach his goal. And yet he is a model of patience and persistence. Why? Because of his faith in God. Hebrews 11:7 says that Noah did all this by faith.

For 42,001 days, Noah had one goal: fulfill his destiny. I bet on many of those 42,001 days, Noah didn't feel like going to work.

What is it in your life that God has told you is going to happen, but the end is not in sight—or even the next step? Are you going to give up? Are you going to keep trusting? Galatians 6:9 says, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (NLT).

In our broken culture, God is looking for people who will choose righteousness, who will trust him, obey him, ignore the critics, go the opposite way from the way culture is going, and persevere until the end. Will you be one of the faithful ones?

Talk It Over

What are some practical ways you can keep an eternal mindset? What difference does it make?

Would you be able to persevere if you knew God’s dream for your life was going to take the rest of your life to complete? Why or why not?

How can you tell or show God that you trust him and want to do things his way?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          We come before You today with humble hearts, seeking Your strength to fulfill the purpose You have placed in us. We ask that You fill us with the courage to walk in the path You have ordained, even when it is difficult or uncertain. Open our eyes to see the unique calling You have for each of us. Remove every distraction, fear, and doubt that may keep us from stepping into Your plan. Give us wisdom to discern Your will in every decision, and passion to serve You wholeheartedly.
          We surrender our own ambitions to You, trusting that Your plans are far greater than we can imagine. Strengthen us when we feel weak, and equip us with every spiritual gift and resource we need to carry out the work You have entrusted to us. Break every chain of insecurity and hesitation, and fill us with holy boldness. Align our hearts with Yours so that our every action reflects Your love, grace, and truth. Order our steps and lead us to the right people, places, and opportunities that will help us fulfill Your purpose in our lives.
          Father, remind us that You are faithful to complete the good work You have started in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Partial Obedience is...

So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.

Genesis 6:22 (NLT)

If you're going to make it to the finish line in life and fulfill the vision God has given you, then you’re going to have to make a choice: Even while facing setbacks, you’re going to have to do exactly what God tells you to do—without taking shortcuts.

God gave Noah specific instructions about how to build the ark: He told Noah to build it with cypress wood and seal it with tar. Make it 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high, with three decks and stalls throughout the interior, one door, and an 18-inch opening all the way around the boat just below the roof. He told Noah how many animals and how much food to load on the boat. “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him” (Genesis 6:22 NLT).

At any stage of your life, you're going to be tempted to cut corners. You're going to be tempted to take the easy way, skimp a little here and there, skip a step, or fudge a little on the accounts. God will tell you what to do, and you’ll think how much easier and faster it would be to do it your way or that you know better than God. You’ll follow through, but on your own terms.

That kind of thinking will cause you to miss your purpose and God's plan every time. Why? Because partial obedience is disobedience.

Can you imagine Noah trying to accomplish what God told him to do in his own way rather than God's way? I can imagine Noah had some questions, like, “Are the bugs really necessary?”

But a dream from God will require God’s blessing. And you cannot get God’s blessing when you are disobedient. God’s vision for Noah was too big for Noah to accomplish with his own power and his own plans. He knew he couldn’t do it without God’s blessing, and so he did everything exactly as God had commanded him. When you’re tempted to take shortcuts, you need to remember this paraphrase of Genesis 6:9: Noah “tried always to conduct his affairs according to God's will” (TLB).

Do you want this to be true of your life? You have to decide that you will choose God’s way for God’s blessing, even when it doesn’t make sense to you.

Talk It Over

Think of the dream God has given you for your life. In what ways have you been tempted to take shortcuts morally, financially, or relationally?

When you have to decide about how to pursue your dream, how can you know if you are following God’s way or your own way?

Do you think it’s okay to ask for God’s blessing on your dream? Why or why not?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

       We ask for willing and obedient hearts. Remove every resistance within us that makes us reject Your instructions. Let our hearts delight in doing Your will, even when it challenges our desires. Teach us to love obedience and to daily walk in alignment with Your Word. We desire a willing heart to obey You. Fill our hearts with love for Your commandments. Let obedience flow from love, not obligation or fear. Remove anything in us that despises or ignores Your instructions. Help us to cherish Your Word and follow it faithfully. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Where'd You Get That?

What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? 

1 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)

We’ve talked about how trusting in God’s goodness helps you face life’s struggles. But what happens when you start thinking you earned the good things in your life and forget they come from God?

In Luke 12, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who is very successful but doesn’t give God any credit for his prosperity. And so God tells the rich man, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?” (Luke 12:20 NLT). Jesus finishes the story by saying, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:21 NLT).

That’s a sober warning!

Prideful ingratitude is the sin that got Satan kicked out of heaven, and it’s the source of all sins. When you stop being grateful to God, you get into trouble: “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused” (Romans 1:21 NLT).

The problem with some self-made people is that they end up worshipping themselves. They may think, “Wait a minute; I built this business with my bare hands.” But who gave you your hands? They say, “I thought up the business plan totally by myself.” But who gave you your mind? They claim, “I worked hard for where I am today by the sweat of my brow.” But who gave you the ability to work so hard?

The Bible asks it this way: “What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

Everything you have in life—the ability to see, hear, and eat, even your freedom and thoughts—you owe to God. You would not take your next breath if it weren’t for the goodness of God.

Ingratitude is a root of atheism; when you’re ungrateful, you start dismissing or even denying what God has done. And that’s just a short step from denying that God even exists.

Yet the truth is, you can see the presence of God everywhere you look: “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20 NLT).

If you start to doubt God’s goodness, just take a step outside your door and look around. You can see God’s goodness throughout his creation!

Talk It Over

When you look beyond the obvious things like rain and trees, what do you notice about God’s goodness in nature?

What good things in your life do you tend to take credit for rather than giving credit to God?

How does a wrong understanding of God’s character skew your perspective on life? How does it make you “dark and confused,” as Romans 1:21 says?
- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 
          Forgive us when we so easily get caught up in the busyness of life and overlook the blessings that surround us. We know that each day is a gift from You, filled with moments of grace, love, and provision. Thank You for the many blessings You have poured into our lives.  Keep us ever mindful to see Your hand in all things and to cultivate a heart that is always thankful.
      Remind us, too, to give thanks, not just in the good times, but also in the challenging moments, trusting that You are working for our good. Fill our hearts with gratitude, and let it overflow in our words and actions. We want to be a living testimony of Paul's words in Colossians that whatever we do, whether it be in word or deed, that we do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to You, Father, through Him. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Even in the Tough Times

For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100:5 (NLT)

If you grew up in a Christian home, you may have learned this childhood prayer: “God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for our food. Amen.” While simplistic, that prayer covers one key characteristic of God: his goodness.

Is it really true that God is good all the time? Absolutely! But many people don’t live like they believe it. It can be hard to believe in God’s goodness, especially when you’re in pain and conflict. Those are the times you forget about God’s goodness. When you’re depressed, you think his goodness is for everyone except you. And when you’re worried or stressed out, you can’t seem to find—much less think about—God’s goodness, even when it’s right in front of you.

So how can you trust in God’s goodness when you don’t feel it? The Bible reminds you of his goodness over and over. Psalm 100:5 says, “For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation” (NLT).

Focusing on God’s goodness is so important to your life. It gives you a new perspective on your darkest days. But when you forget God’s goodness, you lose perspective and can only see the difficulty you’re facing.

God wants to give you a life of confidence by assuring you of his love and care. He wants to give you a life of influence and opportunities so that you can make a difference in the world. And he wants to give you an inheritance and a home in heaven with him forever. Who doesn’t want that? Who doesn’t need that?

Sure, you can learn about God’s goodness when you read the Bible or hear a message about it, but how can you experience God’s goodness? You actually experience God’s goodness when you worship him. Nothing helps you focus like worship!

The Message paraphrase says, "Worship GOD if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness" (Psalm 34:9). The way you experience God's goodness is through worship—when you praise God and thank him for who he is and what he has promised you.

Believing and understanding the goodness of God will revolutionize your life and give you a new perspective on your circumstances. It will transform your life!

Talk It Over

How does remembering God’s goodness to you in the past help you in your present pain?

Why does believing in God’s goodness give you confidence as you walk through life?

What verses from God’s Word remind you of his goodness?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

           We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your boundless goodness and mercy. Help us to see Your hand in every circumstance, to trust Your perfect plan, and to recognize Your love even in times of difficulty. Open our eyes to the blessings You have placed around us, both great and small. We want to honor You through our thoughts, words, and actions. Help us to serve others with the same goodness You have shown us, and to share Your love generously with those in need. Teach us to trust in Your wisdom, to walk in righteousness, and to embrace Your mercy in every decision we make. Let Your presence be our comfort and our light, and may we always seek to live in a way that reflects Your perfect goodness to the world around us. Guide us to reflect Your love and grace to others, and let our lives be a testimony to Your great faithfulness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - What You Expect

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

2 Peter 1:3 NLT

The vast majority of people pay no attention to eternity. They’re living for the here and now, which is a waste. Most of what’s “here and now” isn’t going to matter in five days, much less 50 years—and certainly not for eternity.

If we stretched a rope from California to Tokyo, and that represented all of eternity, your life on earth wouldn’t even register by comparison—not even a millimeter! So how do you live in light of eternity? You live for God’s glory, because he’s going to share his glory with you in heaven. You don’t get to choose what’s going to happen to you the rest of your life. But you do get to choose how you respond.

You can face the future as a cynic, a critic, a pessimist, or a doubter. You can face the future expecting the worst and experiencing the worst. You can face your future being ungracious to other people, and you can live for your own glory.

Or you can face the future with gratitude, generosity, and graciousness . . . and live for God’s glory.

Which one do you think will make you happier? Which one do you think will make you more successful? Which one do you think will bring a smile to God and bring rewards in heaven?

Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (ESV).

We were created because God wants a family. He wants to spend eternity with his family. He wants to spend eternity with you and me! Heaven is one of the main reasons we can have joy—God has given us eternal life, and living in heaven with him will be amazing!

Talk It Over

In what ways does God use your time on earth to prepare you for eternity?

How does being grateful and generous make you happier?

When you expect the worst in life, what does that say about what you believe about God?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          In a world rife with confusion and noise, it is so easy for our souls to become tangled in the web of worry and anxious thoughts. There are so many voices vying for our attention and so many distractions that draw our focus away from You. Yet, we are reminded by Your Word to quiet our spirit and redirect our thoughts toward You. We ask for Your strength to wait patiently, with unwavering faith and steadfast resolve, to trust that You are working, even when we do not see it. Lord, we lift our hearts to You in expectation. When the storms of life rage and uncertainties loom large, it is so easy to forget that our expectations should rest in You, for Your plans are always for our good. You are a faithful God, and Your promises are everlasting. As we meditate on this verse, we seek to cultivate an attitude of expectancy. Help us, Father, to see and acknowledge the blessings that already surround us. May we learn to recognize the mercies and the moments of grace that often go unnoticed in our rush to find resolution. Teach us that the beauty of waiting lies not only in the outcome but also in the process of becoming more attuned to Your voice and sensitive to Your Spirit. God of all hope, we also lift up those who find waiting to be hard and heavy. For those who feel burdened by their expectations and are struggling to see Your hand at work, we pray for comfort and reassurance. May they find their souls anchored in promise and their hearts renewed in faith. O Lord, remind us all that You are not indifferent to our struggles but that You are ever-present and intimately involved in our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen