Dr. Scott Ferrell

Dear Friends,

It is humbling to think that no matter where we are or where we go, God is there. The longer you live and the more of life you experience, the more you realize this to be true. It seems that mature Christians are keenly aware of God’s presence. They sense it, anticipate it, welcome it and celebrate it! May the Spirit find you ready to receive and share what God is doing in you and through you. Peace, Scott

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There Is No Place so desolate that you cannot find Me there. When Hagar fled from her mistress, Sarah, into the wilderness, she thought she was utterly alone and forsaken. But Hagar encountered Me in that desolate place. There she addressed Me as the Living One who sees me. Through that encounter with My Presence, she gained courage to return to her mistress.

No set of circumstances could ever isolate you from My loving Presence. Not only do I see you always; I see you as a redeemed saint, gloriously radiant in My righteousness. That is why I take great delight in you and rejoice over you with singing!

Genesis 16:7-14 7But the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness on the road to Shur. 8And He said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where did you come from, and where are you intending to go? And she said, I am running away from my mistress Sarai. 9The Angel of the Lord said to her, Go back to your mistress and [humbly] submit to her control. 10Also the Angel of the Lord said to her, I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be numbered for multitude. 11And the Angel of the Lord continued, See now, you are with child and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Ishmael [God hears], because the Lord has heard and paid attention to your affliction. 12And he [Ishmael] will be as a wild ass among men; his hand will be against every man and every man’s hand against him, and he will live to the east and on the borders of all his kinsmen. 13So she called the name of the Lord Who spoke to her, You are a God of seeing, for she said, Have I [not] even here [in the wilderness] looked upon Him Who sees me [and lived]? Or have I here also seen [the future purposes or designs of] Him Who sees me? 14Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi [A well to the Living One Who sees me]; it is between Kadesh and Bered.

Psalm 139:7-10 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Zephaniah 3:17 17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

In this frenetic world we live in with so much to “do”, I admit I find it hard to believe that we can do less but accomplish more. However, I know that “doing” and “being” are two totally different ways of living. As a “doer”, it’s easy to loose sight of what’s really important. Time spent with God and His people are numero uno! Time and energy spent with loved ones is never wasted time. But, as you read below, it seems first we must sit quietly with God before anything else, then all will fall into place. It’s never too late to stop what you’re doing and just to sit for a few moments and listen. Be blessed as you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Love, Scott

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Demonstrate Your Trust In Me by sitting quietly in My Presence. Put aside all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything. This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring. By waiting with Me before you begin the day’s activities, you proclaim the reality of My living Presence. This act of faith-waiting before working-is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness.

The most effective way to resist evil is to draw near to Me. When you need to take action, I will guide you clearly through My Spirit and My Word. The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. Doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy. When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of directions. As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more.

Luke 12:22-26 22Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 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?

Ephesians 6:12 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Proverbs 16:3 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

We are people of Light! Let your light shine as a reflection of the relationship you have with your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Be blessed today! Love, Scott

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Grow Strong in the Light of My Presence. As My Face shines upon you, you receive nutrients that enhance your growth in grace. I designed you to commune with Me face-to-Face, and this interaction strengthens your soul. Such communion provides a tiny glimpse of what awaits you in heaven where all barriers between you and My Glory will be removed. This meditative time with Me blesses you doubly: you experience My Presence here and now, and you are refreshed by the hope of heaven, where you will know Me in ecstatic Joy.

Psalm 4:6 6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.

Revelation 21:23 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

I like sunshine! That’s one of the reasons I love Texas so much. We get a LOT of sunshine here…about 232 days a year to be exact. But on those cloudy days—days when the future looks unclear and fear and doubt start to creep in, it’s good to know that spending time with God can brighten any day! So, keep your focus on Him and every day will look brighter through His eyes. Peace and Love Friends, Scott

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Spend Time With Me for the pure pleasure of being in My company. I can brighten up the dullest of gray days; I can add sparkle to the routines of daily life. You have to repeat so many tasks day after day. This monotony can dull your thinking until your mind slips into neutral. A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to “the world, the flesh, and the devil,” all of which exert a downward pull on your thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly confused and directionless. The best remedy is to refocus your mind and heart on Me, your constant Companion. Even the most confusing day opens up before you as you go step by step with Me. My Presence goes with you wherever you go, providing Light for your path.

Psalm 63:7-8 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 119:105 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Good Friends,

How easy it is to idolize….even loved ones. I remember a few months ago taking my 12 year old son to the Kimble art museum. We viewed a beautiful painting depicting the Abraham/Isaac scene mentioned below. As we talked about what was going on, my son asked me if I would ever do that to him. I paused and said, “Aidan, I gave you to God a long time ago”….he didn’t say a word and we just walked on. Peace and Love, Scott

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Entrust Your Loved Ones To Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a love one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one-as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from his son-worshiping. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father’s undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.

When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care. I am free to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do.

Genesis 22:9-12 9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

Ephesians 3:20 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Exodus 33:14 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 Beloved Friends,

Love this devotional! It’s so affirming on so many different levels. Remembering Mike’s message from last Sunday, this seems especially timely too. “Castaway” is one of my all-time favorite movies as well. Pastor Mike mentioned the ball “Wilson” in his sermon and how difficult it was to let “Wilson” go. But when it came to choosing “life” or choosing “Wilson”, the right decision became clear. I wrote in my notes: “Who or What are the “Wilsons” in your life? What do you need to let go of in order to be with and trust in God? Think about that as you read on. Be Blessed! Hugs, Scott

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Trust Me, and don’t be afraid. I want you to view trials as exercises designed to develop your trust-muscles. You live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles, and fear is one of Satan’s favorite weapons. When you start to feel afraid, affirm your trust in Me. Speak out loud, if circumstances permit. Resist the devil in My Name, and he will slink away from you. Refresh yourself in My holy Presence. Speak or sing praises to Me, and My Face will shine radiantly upon you.

Remember that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Me. You have been judged NOT GUILTY for all eternity. Trust Me, and don’t be afraid; for I am your Strength, Song, and Salvation.

James 4:7 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Romans 8:1-2 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Isaiah 12:2 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.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

As worship leaders we are called to proclaim the Good News through music and to help prepare the way of the Spirit to do its work in His people. This was certainly true last Sunday as you all proclaimed through song that we are indeed, more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness and willingness to partner with me in ministry. You are a blessing to me and so many others. Peace in Christ, Scott

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Wait With Me For A While.

I have much to tell you. You are walking along the path I have chosen for you. It is both a privileged and a perilous way: experiencing My glorious Presence and heralding that reality to others. Sometimes you feel presumptuous to be carrying out such an assignment.

Do not worry about what other people think of you. The work I am doing in you is hidden at first. But eventually blossoms will burst forth, and abundant fruit will be borne. Stay on the path of Life with Me. Trust Me wholeheartedly, letting My Spirit fill you with Joy and Peace.

1 Kings 8:23 23 and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.

Galatians 5:22-23 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

With God, all things are possible. He has been called “the great physician” because of His healing powers. I give thanks to God and the way He heals through His son, Jesus Christ, and through sons and daughters who are called to the ministry of healing through counselors, nurses, doctors etc. Be blessed as you are healed and, in turn, heal others in the name of Jesus. Peace, Scott

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I Am A God Who Heals.

I heal broken bodies, broken minds, broken hearts, broken lives, and broken relationships. My very Presence has immense healing powers. You cannot live close to Me without experiencing some degree of healing. However, it is also true that you have not because you ask not. You receive the healing that flows naturally from My Presence, whether you seek it or not. But there is more-much more-available to those who ask.

The first step in receiving healing is to live ever so close to Me. The benefits of this practice are too numerous to list. As you grow more and more intimate with Me, I reveal My will to you more directly. When the time is right, I prompt you to ask for healing of some brokenness in you or in another person. The healing may be instantaneous, or it may be a process. That is up to Me. Your part is to trust Me fully and to thank Me for the restoration that has begun.

I rarely heal all the brokenness in a person’s life. Even My servant Paul was told, “My grace is sufficient for you.” when he sought healing for the thorn in his flesh. Nonetheless, much healing is available to those whose lives are intimately interwoven with Me. Ask, and you will receive.

Psalm 103:3 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases

James 4:2 (KJV) 2Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Matthew 7:7 7″Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Beloved Friends,

I pray you carve out some time to be the Lord today. Nothing can take the place of our God time! Thank you for YOUR time last night as we worshipped together through song. Be blessed! Hugs, Scott

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Meet Me in early morning splendor. I eagerly await you there. In the stillness of this holy time with Me, I renew your strength and saturate you with Peace. While others turn over for extra sleep or anxiously tune in to the latest news, you commune with the Creator of the universe. I have awakened in your heart strong desire to know Me. This longing originated in Me, though it now burns brightly in you.

When you seek My Face in response to My Love-call, both of us are blessed. This is a deep mystery, designed more for your enjoyment than for your understanding. I am not a dour God who discourages pleasure. I delight in your enjoyment of everything that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. Think on these things, and My Light in you will shine brighter day by day.

Isaiah 40:3 3 A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the LORD ; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.

Psalm 27:4 4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

Philippians 4:8 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young