Dr. Scott Ferrell

Beloved Friends,

I love the thought of being on this path or this journey with you.  Every Wednesday and Sunday that we’re together is a “God Moment” in my way of thinking.  Precious and fulfilling.  So, enjoy these times together, the projects that we undertake and the music that we make.  Living in the Spirit and knowing without a doubt that we are doing God’s will is a blessing indeed.  Thanks be to God!  Peace and Love, Scott

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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,

I love how, in this land of abundance, we often feel as if we’re lacking something in some way.  As Christians, we truly have everything we need and more.  However, when we do occasionally feel lacking, it’s good to know that we can depend upon the well that never runs dry.  Thank you Jesus!  I pray you tap into this well-spring of joy, peace, grace, love and, yes, abundance today and every day.  Love, Scott

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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

Beautiful!  Be blessed friends!

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Welcome Problems as perspective-lifters. My children tend to sleepwalk through their days until they bump into an obstacle that stymies them. If you encounter a problem with no immediate solution, your response to that situation will take you either up or down. You can lash out at the difficulty, resenting it and feeling sorry for yourself. This will take you down into a pit of self-pity. Alternatively, the problem can be a ladder, enabling you to climb up and see your life from My perspective. Viewed from above, the obstacle that frustrated you is only a light and momentary trouble. Once your perspective has been heightened, you can look away from the problem altogether. Turn toward Me, and see the Light of My Presence shining upon you.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal. 

Psalm 89:15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear Friends,

This is a perfect illustration of the spinning world around us.  I sometimes feel as if the world is spinning out of control—don’t you?  It’s at times like this, when anxiety and worry seem to be taking over, that I stop, take a deep breath, say a prayer, ask God to help me refocus and then do my best.  If you have trouble and can only seem to focus on your own problems, go volunteer at Feed By Grace or at the hospital.  It’s amazing how that simple act gives you a different perspective on life and your own issues.  Peace and Love, Scott

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Make Me Your Focal Point as you move through this day.  Just as a spinning ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point, to maintain her balance, so you must keep returning your focus to Me.  Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around you.  The only way to keep your balance is to fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes.  If you gaze too long at your circumstances, you will become dizzy and confused.  Look to Me, refreshing yourself in My Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure. 

Hebrews 12:2 ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Psalm 102:27  ²⁷ But you remain the same, and your years will never end.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Beloved,

Be blessed today as you simply “be”.  Be still.  Be quiet.  Be open.  Be listening.  Be blessed!  Peace and Love, Scott

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Rest In The Stillness Of My Presence while I prepare you for this day. Let the radiance of My Glory Shine upon you, as you wait on Me in confident trust. Be still and know that I am God.  There is both a passive and an active side to trusting Me.  As you rest in My Presence, focusing on Me, I quietly build bonds of trust between us.  When you respond to circumstances of your life with affirmations of trust, you actively participate in this process.

I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid.  Your fear often manifests itself in excessive planning.  Your mind is so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that you are only now becoming aware of how pervasive it is and how much it hinders your intimacy with Me.  Repent of this tendency and resist it, whenever you realize you are wandering down this well-worn path.  Return to My Presence, which always awaits you in the present moment. I accept you back with no condemnation.

Psalm 46:10 ¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 

Romans 8:1  ¹Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Dear friends,

Listening to the Holy Spirit to give us guidance and direction is the only way to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.  Through the Spirit, God’s will for us is made known.  Thank you all for being “in the Spirit” yesterday as you lead in worship.  What a joyous time!  Peace, Scott

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Keep Your Eyes On Me, not only for direction but also for empowerment.  I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task.  That is why it’s so important to seek My will in everything you do.  There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no.

In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me-enjoying My Presence.  This is not an onerous task but a delightful  privilege. I will show you the path of Life; in My Presence is fullness of Joy; at My right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 16:11 (KJV)¹¹ You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 141:8 ⁸ But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Q: Are you available for 30 minutes to sing on the steps of City Hall to celebrate our National Day of Prayer?  Date: Thursday, May 3^rd at noon.  Our country needs a LOT of prayer right now.  Will you join me?  Details are still in the works, but I wanted to see who might be willing to sing during the lunch hour before going any further.

Dear Choir and Orchestra,

Love this devotional, especially as we are all “performers” to a certain degree.  May God bless you as you live and “perform” in His unfailing love.  Hugs, Scott

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^{I Love You regardless of how well you are performing. Sometimes you feel uneasy, wondering if you are doing enough to be worthy of My Love. No matter how exemplary your behavior, the answer to that question will always be no. Your performance and My Love are totally different issues, which you need to sort out. I love you with an everlasting Love that flows out from eternity without limits or conditions. I have clothed you in My robe of righteousness, and this is an eternal transaction: Nothing and no one can reverse it.  Therefore, your accomplishment as a Christian has no bearing on My Love for you. Even your ability to assess how well you are doing on a given day is flawed. Your limited human perspective and the condition of your body, with its mercurial variations, distort your evaluations.}

^{Bring your performance anxiety to Me, and receive in its place My unfailing Love. Try to stay conscious of My loving Presence with you in all that you do, and I will direct your steps.}

Jeremiah 31:3 ³ The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love;  I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

Isaiah 61:10  1⁰ I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God.  For he has clothed me with garments of salvation  and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Psalm 31:16¹⁶ Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

Psalm 107:8   ⁸ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young