December 29th 2020
David_Orr • December 29, 2020
ENLIGHTENMENT
'having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ' Ephesians 1:18 https://my.bible.com/bible/59/EPH.1.18
We see what we choose to look at. When David said “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me.” He knew exactly where he was and what was going on around him but his focus was Jesus. “HOW COULD HE KNOW JESUS? HE HADN’T EVEN BEEN BORN YET?” Wow, his faith must have been better focused than yours. He wrote more prophecy about Jesus in Psalms than Isaiah ever did… Isaiah knew Jesus too! Job said in the worst of his anguish “I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVETH And will someday walk this earth!” We all see the bad but staring off into the darkness screaming LA LA LA won’t make it go away. Focusing on Jesus for the instruction of every step OVERCOMES it and works victory in us.
The Christians we know about from the past all lived their faith in bad situations. I knew very few of the founding members of our church and it was founded around 1960. But names like Wycliffe and Tyndale, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther, Dwight L. Moody and Billy Graham ring true. Tyndale was martyred and they dug up Wycliffe’s bones and burned them for translating the New Testament into English. John Bunyan wrote the Pilgrim’s Progress in the cell of England’s dungeons for being a preacher of an unsanctioned church. Charles Spurgeon traveled this world preaching the Gospel as did Moody and Graham. Martin Luther stood firm on what God’s Word actually says against the excommunication of the Catholic Church.
The enlightened disciple of Christ knows ahead of time that right choices are going to be the toughest way. They also know that those right choices are completely necessary and they are the will of God for them. They see the Heavenly equation that Salvation = changed heart = changed ways = changed world. Why did David hide in the caves from Saul? He could have just left and he finally did but even in that wrong decision God had anointed David to be KING. When David kept Jesus in focus the Salvation God worked in him testified to evil Saul his heart was pure. David loved the man who had made himself David’s enemy because seeking God’s heart showed him God’s reality. God’s LIGHT helps us keep our heads and work His will in the most fearful circumstances.
35 years ago this coming February 18th I was carrying out my righteous death sentence for my crimes. But the only true Judge intervened and sentenced me to “LIFE” lived His Way. It’s been a “Wide-Eyed-Ride” ever since with Awesome things and bad things: you will never have “Boring” seeking Jesus. God showed the Adrenaline Junkie that his death defying stunts were nothing compared to walking in His Spirit. Yeah I have been through the “Valley of the Shadow” bunches of times but the Enlightened in Christ walk through. Jesus didn’t save us to hide in our church buildings: He saved us to go out and rattle Satan’s cage and free his prisoners. Get that Gospel armor on and pick up your sword and shield and open blind eyes to seeing Jesus! (Be sure to wear a mask and wash your hands too.)
Oh… Read Ephesians 1: it’s AWESOME!
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,