September 11th 2020
David_Orr • September 11, 2020
The Light
It is no coincidence that the day Job wished had never been is what we are studying today. I wished the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001 had never happened but I have gotten past condemning the day. But Have I lost everything and everyone and my body covered from head to toe with miserable infection? Our wound is 19 years old and sadly many have even forgotten the loss we endured. It’s sad because our country has factions trying to embrace what tried to destroy us that day. Satan ruthlessly attacks and then tells us surrendering to the evil is the only to stop it from happening again. Can we surrender God Given freedom for being Evil’s slave for convenience’s sake? “I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”
- Martin Luther
My Steadfast Faith like Job’s, Martin Luther’s and Alvin York’s were born out of adversity. Alvin York and Martin Luther actually came to the Light through actually being struck by lightning. Alvin York was on his way to kill the man that took everything he had worked for and sold it. The lightning bolt split his rifle barrel and blew the shoes off the mule he was riding: they both survived. When He came to He heard singing from a revival meeting and came to God’s Throne of Grace.
In hindsight we look back on those days that we once wished had never had light and we understand. We understand how God used those days to make drastic changes in us that were absolutely necessary. But Job’s case was special: God wasn’t changing Job he was showing Satan and the world Job’s Faith. Job had just endured everything the personification of Evil could throw: Satan’s only limitation was he couldn’t kill Job. Job’s Testimony was “Just because you learned to be completely obedient don’t be misled: bad things happen to everyone.” The men that stole everything Job had were the ones doing evil, not Job. The death of Job’s children was because Satan is evil, not Job. Job’s wife telling him to “Curse God and Die!” was evil; but Job cursing the day he was born wasn’t. Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul?
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,