Dr. Scott Ferrell

Dear Beloved,

Today, I give thanks for each of you and the many ways you serve our world through leading in worship. I pray God’s protection upon each of you as we all learn to deal in what can be a very violent world. Christians and those that profess to be a Christian nation are often the target of those that would threaten to undo us. I’m sure the Romans and the Jews thought that Jesus and His followers would simply die, along with their teachings. But, because of the power of the resurrection and the unshakable faith of His followers, acts of violence fueled the flame of our salvation in and through Jesus Christ! So, in every circumstance, we give thanks. Not for senseless acts of violence, but for the response of our great nation and the unbreakable glue that binds us together in difficult times. For that and for you, I give thanks. May God sustain the families of the victims of the Boston bombings and give them peace during this difficult time. Peace and Love to each of you, Scott

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I Am Calling Youto a life of thankfulness. I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving. This basis for your gratitude is My sovereignty. I am the Creator and Controller of the universe. Heaven and earth are filled with My glorious Presence.

When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better that I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I’m mismanaging things. But you don’t know what I know or see what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you to walk by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing the future or seeing into the spirit world. Acknowledge My sovereignty by giving thanks in all circumstances.

Isaiah 6:3 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 7We live by faith, not by sight.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

I give thanks that each of you are not “Couch Christians”. You make time to serve and to lead in worship each and every week. What a blessing! So, thank you all for allowing your comfortable routines to be shaken up every once and a while as together we bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the masses through song. Through faithful service, prayer and your gifts, you are constantly being transformed into His likeness as the Spirit that dwell within you shines more brightly with each passing day. Thanks be to God! Amen! Love and Hugs, Scott

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TRUST ME,and don’t be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don’t be afraid.

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord , the Lord, is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation.

Psalm 61:2-4: 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,
Having an attitude of gratitude can get you through even the most difficult times.  We’ve all faced them from time to time.  Some of you may be in the midst of a difficulty right now.  Keep the faith and know that you are not alone!  God is working out His purpose in every detail of your life, whether pleasant or not.  Give thanks knowing you are not alone.  I also love the fact that God, and only God, can take our sin and turn it into good through His grace.  That’s love and forgiveness in its purest form.  So, rejoice and be glad.  Tell of His amazing love and grace in your life.  If you’re wondering why you are chosen, read the last line of the last Bible verse.  Look for opportunities to tell of His greatness, sing his praises and play instruments of praise.  Tonight would be a good night for it!  See you in rehearsal friends.  Peace, Scott

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Trust Me In Every Detail Of Your Life. Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace.

While you were still living in darkness, I began to shine the Light of My Presence into your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in every facet of your life.

Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

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

Psalm 40:2 He drew me up out of a horrible pit (a pit of tumult and destruction), out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and sit my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Beloved,
My dad was a fireman all his life.  And I, like most boys, wanted to grow up to be a fireman.  I think even boys whose dads aren’t fireman often want this life of riding on bright red fire engines, putting our fires and saving people from their fiery fate.  Even though I don’t don a fire helmet or ride in a red fire engine, sometimes I feel like a fireman going hither and yon putting out all the problem fires that seem to pop up in my life.  Maybe you feel this way too.  Going from “fire” to “fire”, or from problem to problem each and every day.  It’s easy to get into problem solving mode and forget that we have a Savior waiting to help us and just to be near us.  Read on and know that He is always there for you, ready to give you peace and help you with your problems.  Hugs, Scott

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You Are Mine For All Time ; nothing can separate you from My Love. Since I have invested My very Life in you, be well assured that I will also take care of you. When your mind goes into neutral and your thoughts flow freely, you tend to feel anxious and alone. Your focus becomes problem solving. To get your mind back into gear, just turn toward Me, bringing yourself and your problems into My Presence.

Many problems vanish instantly in the Light of My Love, because you realize you are never alone. Other problems may remain, but they become secondary to knowing Me and rejoicing in the relationship I so freely offer you. Each moment you can choose to practice My Presence or to practice the presence of problems.

Romans 8:38-39: 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Exodus 33:14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you , and I will give you rest.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,
This reminds me of a joke Pastor Mike likes to tell.  It’s the story of an old farmer and his wife sitting in front of the pickup truck as it barrels down the road.  He’s driving, as usual, and she’s sitting on the passenger side next to the door.  After moments of silence, she sighs and says to her husband, “remember how we used to sit next to each other in this truck.  You couldn’t get a piece of paper between us we were so close.”  He turns and says, “I ain’t moved”.  Our relationship with our Heavenly Father is the most important relationship in our lives.  Make time to be with Him every day.  He’s always waiting to hear from you.  Read on for words of encouragement.  Peace and Love!

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I Am With You And For You, your constant Companion and Provider. The question is whether you are with Me and for Me. Though I never leave you, you can essentially “leave” Me by ignoring Me: thinking or acting as if I am not with you. When you feel distance in our relationship, you know where the problem lies. My Love for you is constant; I am the same yesterday, today and  forever.  It is you who change like shifting sand, letting circumstances toss you this way and that.

When you feel far from Me, whisper My Name. This simple act, done in childlike faith, opens your heart to My Presence. Speak to Me in love-tones; prepare to receive My Love, which flows eternally from the cross. I am delighted when you open yourself to My loving Presence.

Genesis 28:15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young