Dr. Scott Ferrell

Dear Friends,

We all make mistakes. The “human condition” that we all deal with on a daily basis reminds us that we all have issues, we all sin and we all need a savior. It’s easy to be crippled by living in the past. This is not what God wants for us. He came that we might have life and have it abundantly! This can only happen if we forgive ourselves and release our regrets to the One who gave His life for us. Read on and be blessed! Peace, Love and Forgiveness, Scott

Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself. I can bring good even out of your mistakes. Your finite mind tends to look backward, longing to undo decisions you have come to regret. This is a waste of time and energy, leading only to frustration. Instead of floundering in the past, release your mistakes to Me. Look to Me in trust, anticipating that My infinite creativity can weave both good choices and bad into a lovely design.

Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes. Thinking that you should live an error-free life is symptomatic of pride. Your failures can be a source of blessing, humbling you and giving you empathy for other people in their weaknesses. Best of all, failure highlights your dependence on Me. I am able to bring beauty out of the morass of your mistakes. Trust Me, and watch to see what I will do.

Romans 8:28 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Micah 7:7 7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Beloved and Faithful Servants,

This devotional confirms what I wrote yesterday in my blog. Troubles will come, but take heart. You are not alone. Read on for inspiration and be blessed as you claim the truth in these scriptures. Peace and Love, Scott

Do Not Long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal, since in this world you will have trouble. You have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven. Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth.

Begin each day anticipating problems, asking Me to equip you for whatever difficulties you will encounter. The best equipping is My living Presence, My hand that never lets go of yours. Discuss everything with Me. Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle. Remember that I am on your side, and that I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 33″I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Isaiah 41:13 13 For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Philippians 4:13 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

Jesus reminded us that in this life, we will have trouble, trials and tribulation. It’s a fact. But, even in the midst of these adversities, God can use them for good. Only God can do that. It’s good to be reminded that no matter what, God is with us and that He is in control. Be blessed as you read and meditate upon these beautiful words. Peace and Love, Scott
_______________________________________________

If You Learn To Trust Me-really trust Me-with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from My Peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me. This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you. Joseph was a prime example of this divine reversal, declaring to his brothers: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

Do not fear what this day, or any day, may bring your way. Concentrate on trusting Me and on doing what needs to be done, Relax in My sovereignty, remembering that I go before you, as well as with you, into each day. Fear no evil, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter.

Genesis 50:20 (NASB) 20″As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
Psalm 23:4 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

Today is National Day of Prayer and as many of us gathered at the Mansfield City Hall, I am reminded just how blessed we are to live and worship in a free country. Many races, religions and differing political views were represented this morning. But we were united in spirit, truth and song! Indeed, the life lived through Christ is an abundant life. So, I urge you all to continue praying each and every day for our country and its leaders, along with our church and community so that we may indeed be salt and light to all of those around us. God is at work. Can you feel it? Be blessed today friends as you faithfully serve each and every day. I’ll see you Sunday for Holy Communion in the morning and for the Confirmation service at 3pm. God is good! Hugs and Love, Scott

_______________________________________________

Living In Dependence On Me is the way to enjoy abundant life. You are learning to appreciate tough times, because they amplify your awareness of My Presence. Tasks that you used to dread are becoming rich opportunities to enjoy My closeness. When you feel tired, you remember that I am your Strength; you take pleasure in leaning on Me. I am pleased by your tendency to turn to me more and more frequently, especially when you are alone.

When you are with other people, you often lose sight of My Presence. Your fear of displeasing people puts you in bondage to them, and they become your primary focus. When you realize this has happened, whisper My Name; this tiny act of trust brings Me to the forefront of your consciousness, where I belong. As you bask in the blessing of My nearness, My life can flow through you to others. This is abundant life!

Proverbs 29:25 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

John 10:10 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Worry? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Be present in the present and stay in constant communion with our Lord and Savior. Read on and be blessed! Hugs, Scott
___________________________________________________________

You Are On The Path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments slip through their fingers, half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. They forget that they are creatures who are subject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present.

Every moment is alive with My glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let My Spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along the path of Peace.

Luke 12:25-26 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Luke 1:79 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

We are a blessed people who have everything we need and most of what we want. Yet, sometimes we do feel as if we’re lacking in some way. It could be health, it could be energy, it could be time and it could be financial need we are experiencing. Whatever it is, our very need is a blessing because it reminds us that we can’t do it alone. We need a Savior. We need a Father. We need the wisdom from the Holy Spirit. So, when you feel lacking, go to the Source that never runs dry! Amen! Peace and Love, Scott
_________________________________________________________________

When Some Basic Need Is Lacking-time, energy, money-consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you were meant to live-in the present; it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.

The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My power is made perfect in weakness.

James 1:2 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB) 9And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness ” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young