September 16th 2020
David_Orr • September 16, 2020
The Light
Job was no stranger to the darkness because he had rescued many from its hopelessness. This chapter is about remembering how God used him to help others as he listened to his friends accuse him. I get what he is seeing all to clear because I have been there. Things have been so bad that I questioned why God kept me alive and I have questioned my Salvation. Like Job’s friends mine seemed to mock and scold when I needed a hug and a hand. Having to rely completely on God and His Grace taught me He is more than enough to see me through. I love people and I have an awesome church family but when I am in trouble it is God I seek. In my illness and inability to work my church family helped more than they can know: but I asked God.
I have walked through the darkness by His Light and His Lamp has shined upon my head. But I have fought for breath in the darkness and pleaded with God to show me one ray of hope too. I have prayed for help and God sent someone to come along beside and help: but sometimes it’s just Jesus. Like a fight I was almost in once: there were 15 with the other guy and my friend had two. The other boy and I stood and watched our friends pass by and leave us to our fate. I have asked God to send me someone to help and in His wisdom he gave me strength.
Why would God teach me so much about reliance on Him and not help me trust in others? How did Job survive the help of his “Miserable Comforters” (Chapter 16) and make it through on His own? If others are dwelling in relative happiness they are usually oblivious to your pain. If you have helped others and they see you enduring great suffering they will usually react out of fear. Like Job’s friends yours will take your calamity as a threat to their false sense of security. Should you ask other’s for help? You should always ask God first and if He leads you to ask others: be obedient. Remember that God is the only one that has promised to never leave nor forsake you. Your Light is Christ not your friends, your family or your church. God Knows How to Fix it
Pay Attention
Be aware of what your friends endure and help when they ask or when God says to. God doesn’t but in where He isn’t wanted and you shouldn’t either: but never be blind to others. I will not give you a tedious list of do’s and don’t s because those things vary with each situation. Let God show you what needs done and stay away from things He says avoid. The Light of God’s Word in you is for guiding you in the darkness and helping others through the darkness. Don’t neglect to feed your Spirit daily so you can be healthy spiritually to meet whatever the devil throws at you. Job was remembering and getting back in touch with what he already knew: Have you known God’s Light in darkness? God’s Got this and He won’t leave you.
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,