December 5th 2020
David_Orr • December 5, 2020
'And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. ' Acts 12:7
The Light
In writing time yesterday was the day after Thanksgiving and I was in an awful state of depression. Thanksgiving is usually all of my brother’s kids and grandchildren all gathered together in joyous Chaos. This year it was my mom and dad and one brother and after the older left the other brother came. I am usually depressed the day after thanksgiving but it is because it’s like coming down off a High. This year it was a depression that the high never happened. I gave up the continuous fake High I once kept to be able to feel good things again years ago. I knew I would have to endure the bad too to get to the good but yesterday I was upset. Satan had stolen one of my few good days that I wait all year for. But unlike Peter in today’s Reading I wasn’t in prison.
Yesterday’s devotional took almost 3 hours to write because I was fighting every word Satan was trying to interject. I knew what I was feeling was for God’s purpose to shape what I was writing. After I was finished The Holy Spirit told me to go back and read the devotional from November 17th 2015. After I had scheduled everything I forgot until I was on my way back to write this morning. The reading covered 3 chapters in Joshua from the crossing of the Jordan to the defeat of Jericho. I knew before I even sat down that God tried to lead me to something that could have freed from yesterday’s dungeon. From the memorial stones taken from the bottom of the dry river to the fallen walls of Jericho God told me to remember.
The biggest happening in Joshua 4-6 was Joshua meeting Jesus the Captain of the LORD’s Army. Joshua asked “Friend or Foe” and Jesus said “Neither! I’m your BOSS!”
In today’s reading Peter was about to be beheaded for preaching the Gospel by Herod. John’s brother James had already been beheaded and the Church at Jerusalem earnestly prayed for Peter’s release. Jesus sent an angel to get Peter out and Peter knocked on the church door “Let Me In!” And the girl that came to the door was so excited “It’s Peter” and she forgot to open the door. I am amazed at them and at myself for not understanding God had answered our prayer. By the end of this chapter Herod was dead and would no longer be a problem.
It’s hard to shine in the middle of hard things but Darkness is what magnifies THE LIGHT. For there to be Salvation there has to be a condemnation to overcome. 5 years ago I had determined that I did not have to make God’s plan happen: that’s His Joy. My responsibility is obedience. Had I remembered his command and been obedient yesterday afternoon I would have spent Yesterday in His Light. As it worked out my night of darkness magnified today’s LIGHT. It was to be the fuel for today’s lantern but surely I could have remembered that victory until this morning. I might have even been led to write this yesterday. If I had sought that Light yesterday would God have not reminded me that my obedience was incomplete? I sit here in Great Joy and shame because I could have met with the Boss and been fixed.
Delaying Obedience for whatever reason delays the good God wants to give you. Our Darkness is our doing because THE LIGHT doesn’t do darkness.
Ridgecrest Blog
There’s a difference between walking near someone and walking with them. It's a difference you can feel. I don’t just want to walk beside my wife—I want to hold her hand, to wrap my arm around her, to stay close. And in the same way, God doesn't just want us to stroll behind Him at a safe distance. He wants us right next to Him. Closer than close. The Bible makes that clear—again and again. In fact, one of the most beautiful things is when the same truth is spoken in both the Old and New Testaments. That’s when we know God is driving a point home. Take James in the New Testament. He gives us four practical, life-changing steps that can draw us closer to God: Depend on the Savior Deny the devil Desire to sin less Delight in selflessness These aren’t just catchy phrases—they’re daily actions. They’re reminders that we’re not strong enough to live this life on our own. We need help. We need a Savior. And when we lean on Him, He promises to draw near to us. That message isn’t new. It echoes through Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” This ancient wisdom from Solomon aligns perfectly with James. Why? Because truth doesn’t change. God's Word is living, consistent, and always calling us to take that next step closer to Him. Maybe you’re reading this and you feel distant from God. Maybe you’ve been walking on autopilot—doing the right things, going to church, saying the prayers—but deep down, you know there’s a gap. Here's the good news: If you’re not close to God right now, it’s not because He moved. He’s still there. Still waiting. Still inviting. “Draw near to me,” God says, “and I will draw near to you.” That word “draw” isn’t passive. It’s personal. In the original language, it carries the idea of reaching out and hugging someone. That’s the kind of closeness God wants. Not cold religion, but a warm relationship. An embrace. An arm around your shoulder. And if you’ve never experienced that before—if you’ve never known what it’s like to walk hand-in-hand with Jesus—it’s not too late. All you have to do is ask. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Admit you can’t save yourself. Believe that only Jesus can. He will meet you there. Every time. And if you’re already a believer? There’s still room to grow. Every single one of us could walk a little closer to Jesus than we did yesterday. None of us have arrived. And the beautiful part is—He’s not asking for perfection. He’s just asking for your heart. So today, let’s take those steps. Let’s depend. Deny. Desire. Delight. Let’s walk a little closer. Let’s hold His hand. And let’s never let go. Closing Thought: Wouldn’t it feel good to be hugged tight by Jesus? That’s not just poetic. That’s possible. Because He’s reaching out right now—waiting for you to reach back.
We are proud to share that Ridgecrest Baptist Church has been a part of the efforts supporting Together We Foster, an organization dedicated to serving the foster care community of Northeast Arkansas.
Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church! We're thrilled to have you join us today for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you're a long-time member or visiting for the first time, your presence enriches our community. Let's open our hearts to receive God's word and blessings together. Thank you for joining us at our VBS closing celebration! Today, our kids will receive certificates, perform a special song for parents, and enjoy a slideshow/video highlighting this week's exciting activities. Stick around after the service for a celebration meal with all families. Blessings,
Happy Father's Day! Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church as we celebrate and honor all fathers today. Whether you're a father, a father figure, or celebrating with a father, we're delighted to have you join us for worship and fellowship. Let's take this opportunity to reflect on the blessings of fatherhood and the love of our Heavenly Father. May today's service uplift and inspire you! "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." - Psalm 112:1-2 (ESV) Blessings,