July 23 devotional

Posted on July 23, 2013 by drscott

Dear People of Light!


I love the images of light shining in the darkness and living in the Spirit.  It can be a difficult task, for there are many that would snuff out your light if given the chance.  The tools used to do this include negative comments, gossip, manipulation and jealously.  Put on the strong armor of faith and stand firm in your convictions.  Let your light shine so that all will know Christ through you as they witness Christ at work in you.  Peace Friends!  Can’t wait to get back to Wednesday night rehearsals.  I’ve missed you all!

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I Am The Light Of The World.  Men crawl through their lives cursing the darkness, but all the while I am shining brightly.  I desire each of My followers to be a Light-bearer.  The Holy Spirit who lives in you can shine from your face, making Me visible to people around you.  Ask My Spirit to live through you, as you wend your way through this day.  Hold My hand in joyful trust, for I never leave your side.  The Light of My Presence is shining upon you. Brighten up the world by reflecting who I am.

John 8:12  12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 5:14-16  14″You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Exodus 3:14  14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 21 devotional

Posted on July 21, 2013 by drscott

Ah.  Rest!  Our Creator rested on the seventh day.  God models rest for us.  Not that He needed rest, but, by design, He knew we would need times of rest and relaxation.  I hope and pray that you’ve found time to do that this summer.  Soon, we’ll all be back together again to sing, play and lead in worship.  What an honor!  May God bless you and yours as you bask in His glory and goodness.  Peace and Love, Scott

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Rest In My Presence when you need refreshment.  Resting is not necessarily idleness, as people often perceive it.  When you relax in My company, you are demonstrating trust in Me.  Trust is a rich word, laden with meaning and direction for your life.  I want you to lean on, trust, and be confident in Me.  When you lean on Me for support, I delight in your trusting confidence.

Many people turn away from Me when they are exhausted.  They associate Me with duty and diligence, so they try to hide from My Presence when they need a break from work.  How this saddens Me!  As I spoke through My prophet Isaiah: In returning to Me and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.

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July 18 devotional

Posted on July 19, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,


What a comfort to know we’re not alone–ever!  I think many go through life trying to fill an empty hole in their heart that can only be filled by God.  It’s in our very DNA, this longing for acceptance, wholeness and peace that can only be found in a relationship with our Creator.  My heart is heavy that many young people attempt to escape their reality with drugs and alcohol.  It’s an easy trap that many fall into as they search for meaning and purpose.  I was one of the millions who watched “Glee” when it first came out.  An unknown Cory Monteith was an instant star and quickly had fame and fortune.  He, like many other famous stars, couldn’t escape who he was.  I’m not judging and I don’t pretend to understand what it’s like to be a “star”.  But, I do know that simply being a child of God and loved unconditionally is enough for me to have peace and joy in this life regardless of my circumstances and situation.  I wish this for all of humanity, as Christ did too.  So, continue the good work begun in you as you spread the Good News of Christ’s love for all. “And lo, I am with you always.”…..

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I Am Nearer 

than you think, richly present in all your moments.  You are connected to Me by Love-bonds that nothing can sever.  However, you may sometimes feel alone, because your union with Me is invisible.  Ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can find Me everywhere.  The more aware of My Presence, the safer you feel.  This is not some sort of escape from reality; it is tuning in to ultimate reality.  I am far more Real than the world can see, hear, and touch.  Faith is the confirmation of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.

Acts 17:27-28 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) 1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling by Sarah Young


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July 17 devotional

Posted on July 17, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,


Are you too busy to read this devotional?  Are you too busy to spend a little quiet time with God?  I know how difficult it can be to make time for God.  But, it should be my highest priority.  May God bless you today and every day as you make time for Him.  Peace, Scott

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Come Away With Me for a while.  The world, with its nonstop demands, can be put on hold.  Most people put Me on hold, rationalizing that someday they will find time to focus on Me.  But the longer people push Me into the background of their lives, the harder it is for them to find Me.

You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives.  Even those who know Me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world.  They have bought into the illusion that more is always better: more meetings, more programs, more activity.

I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, making time alone with Me your highest priority and deepest Joy.  It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often despised.  However, you have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you.  Moreover, as you walk close to Me, I can bless others through you.

Song Of Songs 2:13  13 The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.   Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”

Luke 10:42 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 16 devotional

Posted on July 16, 2013 by drscott

Dear Beloved,


Depression is a serious disease that affects over 15 million Americans every day.  Research has found that 1 in 10 suffer from some form of depression.  Aside from the disease though, many of us, at one time or another, engage in self-pity and the “poor me” syndrome that so easily traps us in a web of narcissism that’s hard to break.  For me personally, I call it “the funk”.  I can get into a “funk” every now and then.  Fortunately, it doesn’t last long.  Maybe a day or two.  But I hate it when I’m in it!  One of the best ways to get out of self-pity and self-absorption is to help others.  You’d be surprised how a simple act of helping or giving to others makes you feel better.  And remember, Christ is always there to pull you up, dust you off and make you whole again.  Peace and Love, Scott


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Self-Pity Is A Slimy, Bottomless Pit.  Once you fall in, you tend to go deeper and deeper into the mire.  As you slide down those slippery walls, you are well on your way to depression, and the darkness is profound.

Your only hope is to look up and see the Light of My Presence shining down on you.  Though the Light looks dim from your perspective, deep in the pit, those rays of hope can reach you at any depth.  While you focus on Me in trust, you rise ever so slowly out of the abyss of despair.  Finally, you can reach up and grasp My hand.  I will pull you out into the Light again.  I will gently cleanse you, washing off the clinging mire.  I will cover you with My righteousness and walk with you down the path of Life.

Psalm 42:5  5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior.

Psalm 147:11  11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Daily Devotional is from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 15 devotional

Posted on July 15, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,


What is reality?  “Reality TV” has been popular for years now.  What is our obsession with watching others “live”?  Their “reality” is not our reality.  Reality for a Christian is knowing that regardless of our circumstances, God is with us.  Through prayer, our bond with Christ grows so that we are keenly aware of His presence each and every day.  Christians are tuned in to Christ, in other words.  As we practice tuning out the world, our reality is focused on that which can not been seen, but only felt through the Holy Spirit.  This is faith.  Practiced.  Lived. And tested each and every day.  May you feel His presence today.  Hugs and Love, Scott

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I Am Nearer than you think, richly present in all your moments.  You are connected to Me by Love-bonds that nothing can sever.  However, you may sometimes feel alone, because your union with Me is invisible.  Ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can find Me everywhere.  The more aware of My Presence, the safer you feel.  This is not some sort of escape from reality; it is tuning in to ultimate reality.  I am far more Real than the world can see, hear, and touch.  Faith is the confirmation of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.

Acts 17:27-28 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) 1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 11 devotional

Posted on July 11, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,


I’ve always had an issue with the words “jealous God”.  To me, jealousy is such a negative, human emotion that destroys people and relationships that I can’t associate it with my Lord and Savior.  So, I did a little research to see what other people thought about it.  Seems I’m not the only one having difficulty wrapping my mind around a “jealous God”.  I think the easiest way to deal with it is to substitute “zealous” with “jealous”.  God is passionate about us and our relationship with Him.  He knows that if we worship other idols, we will hurt out relationship Him and eventually hurt ourselves.  He loves us with an everlasting, passionate zeal.  That’s pretty amazing when you really think about it.  Makes one feel special and important.  And you are!  So, be blessed and be careful of putting anything or anyone above the One who loves you like crazy.  Hugs, Scott

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Worship Me Only.  Idolatry has always been the downfall of My people.  I make no secrets about being a jealous God.  Current idols are more subtle than ancient ones, because today’s false gods are often outside the field of religion.  People, possessions, status, and self-aggrandizement are some of the most popular deities today.  Beware of bowing down before these things.  False gods never satisfy; instead, they stir up lust for more and more.

When you seek Me instead of the world’s idols, you experience My Joy and Peace.  These intangibles slake the thirst of your soul, providing deep satisfaction.  The glitter of the world is tinny and temporal.  The Light of My Presence is brilliant and everlasting.  Walk in the Light with Me.  Thus you become a beacon through whom others are drawn to Me.

Exodus 20:4-5 4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.

2 Samuel 22:29 29 You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. 

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 10 devotional

Posted on July 10, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,


There is nothing better than having a true friend or spouse with whom you can be yourself.  That unconditional love was first modeled in the relationship of God and Adam.  We were created for worship and relationships.  It’s in our very DNA.  Yesterday I challenged you to find some quiet time with your Lord.  As I sent that email out, I also went to the sanctuary for some quiet time.  As I sat on the pew and closed my eyes, I found it difficult to quiet my mind.  I thought, maybe if I lay down on the pew, I’ll be able to focus better.  I almost fell asleep!  Can’t be listening to God if I’m asleep!  After some time, I was able to quiet most of my mind and just listen.  It’s not easy!  But, Jesus honors our efforts none the less.  Be at peace and relax in Him.  Hugs, Scott


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Relax In My Peaceful Presence.  Do not bring performance pressures into our sacred space of communion.  When you are with someone you trust completely, you feel free to be yourself.  This is one of the joys of true friendship.  Though I am Lord of lords and King of kings, I also desire to be your intimate Friend.  When you are tense or pretentious in our relationship, I feel hurt.  I know the worst about you, but I also see the best in you.  I long for you to trust Me enough to be fully yourself with Me.  When you are real with Me, I am able to bring out the best in you: the very gifts that I have planted in your soul.  Relax, and enjoy our friendship.

Revelation 17:14 14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

John 15:13-15 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 9 devotional

Posted on July 9, 2013 by drscott

Dear Beloved Friends,


Quiet time with God is sacred indeed!  And, being one who is constantly on the go and at others’ beck and call, it’s difficult to find this time.  Seek and you will find is a promise from our Creator.  So, today I challenge you to make 5, 10, 15 minutes of alone time with God.  Notice I said “make”, not “find”.  We have to make this time for too often we say “I could not find the time to be with God”.  Make it a priority and I promise you will be blessed!  Let this be intimate.  You don’t have to tell me or anyone what God says to you.  This loving relationship is precious.  Enjoy!  Love and Hugs, Scott

p.s. our sanctuary is always open to you.  can’t promise it’ll be quiet, but most of the time it is during the day.  Just fyi….that’s where I’m heading now.  peace…


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Stop Worrying 

long enough to hear My voice.  I speak softly to you, in the depths of your being.  Your mind shuttles back and forth, hither and yon, weaving webs of anxious confusion.  As My thoughts rise up within you, they become entangled in those sticky webs of worry.  Thus, My voice is muffled, and you hear only “white noise.”

Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can think My thoughts.  This ability is an awesome benefit of being My child, patterned after My own image.  Do not be deafened by the noise of the world or that of your own thinking.  Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Sit quietly in My Presence, letting My thoughts reprogram your thinking.

Deuteronomy 30:20 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Genesis 1:27  27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Romans 12:2 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 8 devotional

Posted on July 9, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,


“When your joy in Me meets My joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy.”  Having just seen some wonderful fireworks this 4th of July weekend, this sentence has a fresh new meaning to me.  It truly is magical, spiritual and heavenly when our joy and the joy of the Lord come together.  That sweet, mystic communion makes me feel as if I’m floating sometimes.  I feel lighter than air and filled up with the Holy Spirit at the same time.  I pray you find time to be with God today and every day.  I can’t promise a transcendence from earthly realms to heavenly realms, but I can promise you that if you seek Him, you will find Him.  Be blessed in this knowledge and anticipate the great communion of you and your Lord, Jesus Christ.  Hugs!  Scott


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When You Seek My Face, 

put aside thoughts of everything else.  I am above all, as well as in all; your communion with Me transcends both time and circumstances.  Be prepared to be blessed bountifully by My Presence, for I am a God of unlimited abundance.  Open wide your heart and mind to receive more and more of Me.  When your Joy in Me meets My Joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy.  This is eternal life here and now: a tiny foretaste of what awaits you in the life to come.  Now you see only a poor reflection as in a mirror, but then you will see face-to-Face.

John 15:11 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

1 Corinthians 13:12 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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