October 31st 2020
David_Orr • October 31, 2020
The Light
The De-Creation of God’s Earth
Why was God so appalled by heart condition of His chosen people that He used a phrase: “Where I started”? God led me to use the picture of color and beauty today. I thought black words on a black background were appropriate but that would convey no meaning. God wanted the picture He chose to convey how He wills our hearts to be. God sees our indifference as hate toward others and toward Him – Black words on a black screen. Real Love is an Unknown
I write these devotionals because I love people and being single, being personal is dangerous. The world is in such a dark condition that expressing real love to people personally usually makes them think intimately. The Ideal laid down by God in His Word is we are all to love each other without expectation. You can care about people without wanting them: actually real care is void of want. People are so hungry for real love that someone expressing “You Matter” takes them from 0-100 in a nanosecond. The saddest part is that most Christians don’t know this and “The Why” is utterly heartbreaking. The why is they have never done it. When you really care about people it touches their heart because you are giving what they really need.
Someone expressing real love toward me does me the same way and I have to let God have my emotions. I have to let God be in charge of putting things where they belong instead of as I would want. Someone that acts like they care and asks after your welfare can’t fake it because real love is like Jesus. When I meet a female that treats me with that real love I ask God for Him to show me. Real love is the entry point: where that person belongs in your life is God’s design. God looked at His beloved Jerusalem and said -
'“For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.” ' Jeremiah 4:22 ESV
'Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ' 1 John 4:7-8
Folks I am crying as I write this because I am heartbroken about what God intends for everyone being unknown. The first verse of 1 John 4 says -
'Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. ' 1 John 4:1
and then the test -
'By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. ' 1 John 4:2-3 ESV
As Christians among Christians we state that Jesus came to save us from time to time. A testimony is not for in church to saved people but Lost people in darkness. Do you LOVE lost people? How about people that have great need or people that just need to hear they matter? Does God see us as the without form and void undoing of His intention? LOVE AIN’T SUPPOSED TO BE RARE! If you are afraid someone will take your real love to intimately broadcast God’s Love. If people see that is who you are toward everyone understanding for them will work itself out. If we all shine the Light of God’s Love into this darkness the world will be brighter. The effect in your heart will be that you finally are working as God intended. SHINE!
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,