"Testimony & Baptism at North Point Church"...Can you relate?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjw6iNRqtRg&feature=colike

“Does The World Seem Dark and A Bit Scarey?”

Does it seem dark to you? I mean when you look around does it seem that the world and the times we are living in look dark and a bit scary? You read about, you hear on the news about... wars, famines, earthquakes, volcano's erupting, tsunami, and uprisings in cities you may never have heard of; the names of countries you know little about. All can give you a sense of unrest in your soul, fears and worries about your future and that of your family.

When I was growing up in Southern California as a child and I had stayed out to late at friends playing after supper, coming back home at night in the dark got scary at times, especially when it was windy and the trees gave off shadows and seemed to creek and give out sounds in the night. My steps would quicken and I was oh so glad to see the porch light of my house!

Jesus gives us a ray of hope and a lamp for our darkest times with His words in

John Chapter 12 verse 46,

“I am come a light into the world that whoever believes on me should not abide in darkness.” Did you catch the good news? “I am come”, the 'I AM' , (God Himself), has come into your DARK world, “a LIGHT” and what does a light do to the darkness? It displaces it. It dispels it! He came, and He comes to us 'to shine!', “that whoever believes on me”, that's you & me, “should NOT abide, (or live), in darkness.” That truly is 'Good News.'

I have heard it said, “It is always darker just before dawn.” It is about to break the dawning of a new day, walk in the light of His presence and have HOPE friends. 

Get refreshed daily...spread the word.

Have a "Conversation" with God today!

When you pray, remember it's a conversation, not a just a petition.
1st half: You talk- God listens;
2nd half: God speaks; you listen.
Why is it that we do so well with sharing our needs with God, then leaving the place of prayer before God shares His thoughts with us?
STAY in the place of prayer long enough to hear from God, it will make all the difference in your life and others.
This will make your day every day... be refreshed.

"Be the Leader God has called you to be."

Some people are drifting in life as though the anchor of their faith had been cut loose. Broken relationships, respect issues present and splintered family?This is not how God wants you to live, under the circumstances, instead of rising above them.  Now's the time to stand up and "BE" the Christian leader God has called you to be for the "Whole Family!" His touch can make you Whole, your leadership under Him can make your family whole again. Stand up, and stand out! That's the view from where I stand. have a refreshing day.

I am feeling poetical today..."Brokenness" a poem by David Rails

“Brokenness”, by David D. Rails 1979

[ A poem of God's love and compassion]

My life in all it's pieces lay shattered on the floor,

with tear filled eyes I softy prayed, come take it I implore.

He picked up all the pieces with gentleness and care,

He said that He was with me in answer to my prayer.

He told me He could heal me and restore my life again,

the process would take more breaking, and cause me still more pain.

He broke up all the pieces into powder on that day,

adding "His tears" with every breaking, remaking me as clay.

He sat down at the potter's wheel, a new vessel He would make,

with every turn, He molded me, not a memory did He take.

With tender hands He shaped me,

a new vessel for His filling,

He told me of His plans for me,

if only I was willing.

He gently placed me in the fire to refine me and to strengthen,

the process He'd begun in me, now coming to completion.

My life now has a purpose, I feel I'm born anew,

this same God is still creating LIFE, and He'll do the same for you!

[Life can break you, thank God...He can remake you], DDR April 2011

"Dream BIG!"

Are you a dreamer? I have read in the bible about dreams and those that dreamed them. It has been exciting to read in many books about people who have had dreams and were able to have those dreams come true, (Become reality). I see a common thread in those people who dream BIG dreams; a faith in God. It has led me to believe this about dreamers...To dream BIG you need to have BIG faith, which only comes through long and earnest prayer before God! Are you a Dreamer of dreams? Hope you are and hope you are developing a strong prayer life in Christ. I'm praying that God opens the windows of heaven on you my friend.... have a refreshing day.

Living in a Hectic World?

Hectic world, demands a closer relationship with the creator!...Jesus
...get refreshed today

Searching for something?

Searching for something? I have found my peace, my refuge, my rest, my comfort, my strength, my place and my all -in-all in Christ Jesus. That's what I'm talking about, what's your story?
be refreshed in Him today and always.

"Be Bold For Christ!"

Be BOLD for Christ in all circumstances. Let HOPE arise, and be BOLD for Christ! Acts 4:31 yeah! Shake it up people.

Prayer Changes Circumstances!

Prayer Changes Circumstances!Faith moves mountains! So what are you waiting for? be refreshed today.

Time for the Blues & the Reds to stop politics and LEAD!

It is time for Democrats to stop the politics of, "Blame & Shame" and work with Republicans on the DEBT Ceiling! No more retoric, need 2 act. have a refreshing day in Christ,

"Make a plan; Put the plan into action; See the plan through to completion"

It's time my friends, for the righteous God fearing people of these United States of America, to once again unite,
and lift off the people, the burdens placed upon them by unrighteous, self-seeking politicians and take back our country. Let us,  "Make a plan", then let us with firm resolve, "Put the plan into action", then once we have raised up our just cause, let us then "See the plan through to completion!" Let us all first count the cost of doing the right thing, RIGHT! Then, let us join our voices as one, and not stopping until we have seen this plan to completion!
It's time for. "We the People" to let our voices be heard, Loud & Clear...we want change that is ultimately for the good of our families and their future. Can I hear your voice with mine?

Change is a "Process", not an event.

Change is a "Process", not an event! Look at God's help for Noah and his family aboard the arch and the healing of the then water covered Earth, it was a "process", not an event. Let God heal you, restore you; it takes time, but He comes through. He does ALL things well. have a refreshing day.

Pentecost Sunday at our Church

Wonderful worship, blessed by His word being shared, and the people of God assembling together for prayer and fellowship, thanks for showin up God! How awesome you are. How was church where you are? Did you get an opportunity to go? I hope you did and were blessed...then become a blessing to others. have a refreshing week in Him.

Wonderful worship blessed by His word sharing, and the people of God assembling together for prayer and fellowship, thanks for showin up God

He Is Able

"He is able!" Never forget that, never take your eyes off Him! Never let doubt rule your soul, He is still in control! ...have a refreshing day

Let the leaders hear from you!

Michael Kilby wrote...
U.S.A. Homeless go without eating.
U.S.A. Elderly go without needed medicines.
U.S.A. Mentally ill go without treatment.
U.S.A. Troops go without proper equipment.
U.S.A. Veterans go without benefits they were promised.
...Yet we donate billions to other countries before helping our own first.
and I say, amen...but in a country that was build on "Of the people, by the people and for the people", shouldn't our leaders be hearing from "The People?" that's what i'm sayin'~be refreshed.

in need of a refreshing?

Holy Spirit rain down, Father rain down your love on us! Oh, how we need His refreshing today. Be refreshed my friend, and be a refreshing to others.

"Big News!"

Well my lovely wife and I are now moved into our new home in Lodi, CA. Took four days, two trucks, one sweet wife in a van with the cat & dog, and a whol;e lot of prayers to get us here, but we are settling into life in Lodi, CA. The first Sunday, Easter Sunday, had a very nice attendance including some new people. Keep us in your prayers and thoughs in the coming weeks.
Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and prayers.
Have a refreshing day.

"Hold the Presses", BIG news up-date!

It has been said, "The longest journey begins with the first step!" A new chapter in my life starts today, with the CALL from Lodi Community Church, CA to be their Senior Pastor. Dale & I would appreciate your prayers as we pack and prepare to move to Cali again. We are leaving many friends & family members behind as we move, so it is with a mix of sadness in saying "Good-bye" and the excitement of the awesome adventure God has in store for us. He is faithful! Not sure what God has instore for us, but I will indeed keep you posted on this blog about our packing, moving and the adventures ahead, HOLD ON! and have a refreshing day ~David (Chip)

I determine to let Him move me, or I shall not be moved! I stand by His grace alone, but not ALONE; for He has given me a His Spirit and a HOST of true friends to uphold me, enfold me and encourage me "To Stand." That's my view from where I am, what's yours? Let me know...."Comment".
Have a refreshing day ~David

"How's Your Vision?"

How's your vision? No, I am not talking about your EYE Sight, what I am asking is, what are you focused on? What are you giving your attention to? Ministry leaders and managers alike need to have their focus the future. They need to be forward thinking, ever looking for the problems and the opportunities ahead. Yes, you can learn from your past, but it can not be the focus of your attention. You can't see where you are GOING, if your eyes are always looking into the REAR view mirror! Yes, we all make mistakes, but don't let the past keep you captive. Break free and place your focus on new opportunities and adventures yet to be discovered. Use your calendar to look at dates and major world wide, national, local events ahead, use the calendar in planning where you want to be and things you want to accomplish; be PRO-active in organizing for growth, change, adjustments to be made for your course of action as you plan events and activities that will keep you moving forward and on target. Keep your focus with eyes on whats ahead and you'll avoid a TRAIN Wreck from occuring. That's my view on the matter, what's your's? Let me know what you think, that's called collaborative dialog. Have a refreshing day.

Be Bold in FOUR areas

From North Point Church, Atlanta, GA a message from Pastor Andy Stanley.
You need to watch this if you want your participation in church to ramp-up, see your church grow in this new year, you want to grow your relationship with God in new ways, take this to heart! I amen this message to the max! Have a refreshing day. ~David (Chip)

"Standing In The Need of Prayer"

When you got up this morning, did you think that today you might change the outcome in a persons life, or a nation for that matter? Such was the case in point with a young woman by the name of Esther. Little did she know that when she went to prayer for her people, God would move the heart of a king and a nation to save her and her people from certain death!Esther4:15-16 records that she asked her people to "Fast & Pray" and she herself did, and then she went to see the King. Today you can make the difference in my life, for me and my family's future, on your knees before the throne of our loving and faithful Lord, and maybe even "Fast & Pray" with me.
Friends and Family, please keep me & my family in your prayers, as we together seek God's direction for this next chapter in my life. I really want to please God with my life and service to Him. I need His guidance as to which door to walk through, and where to spend the rest of my ministry. The desire of my heart is to do the will of my Heavenly Father. I really believe in the "POWER of PRAYER", and is is all enabled by precious people like you! Will you join with me in asking God to lead, guide and direct Dale & me? Thank you so very much! Don't weary in well doing.

So,do you think you know what God's plans are for you?

So,do you think you know what God has planned for you? Isaiah records "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the Earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Like Moses' encounter with the burning bush and Esther's surprise at God's elevating her to a place of promenance, to God's use of Joseph in Pharoh's court to, well yes, His placement of where you are today... its not by accident! God has a plan for you, and how He chooses to use you is quite beyond your understanding, but NOT out of your control. He can place you where he wants you to be, but you must yeild to His will and plan for you. You must say, I am your vessel fashion me as you will great potter, designer of my life, and He will shape you and fill you and use you for greater things then you could ever imagine.
Take these words for you today from the prophit Jeremiah Chapt.29 and verse 11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declaes the Lord, "plans to prosper you not to harm you,plans to give you hope and a future." He knows the plan of your life because He is the Architect who designed you and the potter who fashioned you for His use and purpose. Nothing catches Him by surprise, not even YOU! Say, "Yes Lord, have your will in my life today and always!" Watch out though, He will take you at your word if you'll take Him at His Word! Have a refreshing day, ~David

Pastor friend sent this forward, it's worth sending on with an Amen! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTc_FoELt8s Lord shine thru us.
Always seems we try to lump all Christians into the same BOX! Truth is that some who call themselves "Christian" have a warpped concept of what Christ ment by sharing the "Good News" or Gospel message. Watch John Piper's take on "The Gospel" and tell me what YOU think? Yes I want to hear from you.

Slave (Jacketed Hardcover): The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ by John MacArthur | Book | Thomas Nelson | Publisher of Christian Products

Slave (Jacketed Hardcover): The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ by John MacArthur | Book | Thomas Nelson | Publisher of Christian Products
This is a MUST READ book for the new year 2011 for us all! Join me in prying open this here-to for hidden mistake in scripture, or is it?
Let us explore it, then talk to each other, OK? This is you blog friend David Rails saying,"have a Great year in Christ our Savior"!

Guard Your Calling, Frodo | LeadershipJournal.net

Guard Your Calling, Frodo | LeadershipJournal.net
You have to check this out, it is transformational!
There have been roads I have started down, when I catch myself saying like frodo, "Why am I here?"
Perhaps the load you carry is heavy like the one, Christian carried in Pilgrim's Progress that burden he carried weighed him down so, that the dropping of it caused him great rejoicing. Even so, our friend Frodo does manage to carry his precious cargo all the way, with Sam's help and others along his path. I am so glad to have thos along my way that have encouraged me to, "go on!"
This is your blog friend David Rails
Check out my other ramblings at, http://getrefreshedtoday.blogspot.com

"What's in a Name?"

Are you looking for a new church to call home? Well, then this blog is for you. Ever notice as you drive through a town or city, all the different names of churches? Well, as many do, you can “let your fingers do the walking” in the yellow pages under churches, and you’ll see a plethora of houses of worship with a variety of names, a literal, “Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors” to choose from.
When I was born into my family we were Nazarene, (a very musical denomination), at the age of twelve the family moved our membership to the Friends Church, (a truly friendly bunch), and then at age 14 my parents started attending New Hope Church of God, an Anderson, Indiana Church, (probably best know for the Gaithers and Sandy Patti, whom I know personally, but that’s a different story!). Now many of those Anderson, IN Churches called themselves, “First Church of God”!
Seemed like the thing to do if there was a “Second” Church, but most times there wasn’t. Many churches call themselves “First”, like: First Baptist; First Presbyterian; First Church of the Nazarene, etc…and then there are “Free” churches, like: Free Methodist and Evangelical Free Church, ( of which I have been serving as pastor these past 5 years at Living Water Evangelical Free Church, South Hutchinson), but ya have to ask yourself, “What’s in a Name?” I mean, take those 1st churches, what are they 1st in? Where they the 1st church in town? 1st in sales and service? I’m sure there is a historical precedent for it, there usually is. But, when the average non-church goers looks at a church name, what does it say to them about who attends there, what kind of people are they? What do they believe? I mean, if you’re going by a name. Do church boards and elders really think about what a church name says to the “potential church attendee” out there? Take our church for instance. To a world of people who are trying to be: “Fat Free”; “Cholesterol Free”; “Sugar Free” and “MSG Free”? What do you think they think when they see “Evangelical Free”? Maybe less of, or not Evangelical at all? My point exactly. That is perhaps why so many churches today have dropped the Denominational name and have instead, chosen a name that says more about who and what they are, like: The Anderson, IN Church of God in Wichita goes by “Central Community Church”; the newest Evangelical Free Church plant in Newton is called, “River Point Church”; and probably you never thought of Pastor Rick Warren’s church,” Saddleback Community Church” in Southern CA as a “Southern Baptist Church” did you? You see, it’s not in the name itself. Shakespeare said it best, “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet!” It’s not in the name, but really, what you find when you experience the church, (the people), and the life of the church itself, (what’s going on in that body of believers). So, don’t just look at a name, experience the church by getting to know the people who worship there, get into the worship, the fellowship and life of the church before you say, What’s with that Name? Here’s hoping you will! This is David(Chip)Rails, hoping that you will find a church that is, “Just Right for You!” Then, get involved in its life, it will change yours!