Sunday, June 22
Go, Set, Ready
By Gary Bittner
Scripture: By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. —Hebrews 11:8
For me, one of the key sentences in this day’s reading was, “If you are looking for excuses, you will always find one.”
Rather than making excuses as to why we cannot, should not, or otherwise, today let's live our lives like a journey—one filled with faith, trust, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
Abraham, known as the father of faith, teaches us a powerful lesson through his unwavering trust in God. He faced a pivotal moment when God called him to leave everything behind and venture into the unknown. Imagine the weight of that decision—the uncertainty, the questions, and the fear that might have lingered in his heart. Yet, Abraham chose to embrace God's call with resolute faith.
Faith is not about having all the answers; it is about having absolute confidence in God's character and His promises. Abraham's response was marked by obedience, even though he did not have a clear roadmap or a detailed itinerary. He stepped out in faith, entrusting God with the destination and the journey itself.
In our lives, we often encounter moments when God calls us to step into the unknown. It may not be a physical journey like Abraham’s, but it could be a new career, a relationship, a change in location, or a leap of faith in pursuing a God-given dream. In these moments, doubts and fears may arise, attempting to hold us back from embracing God's call.
Let us be inspired by Abraham's example. He obeyed, not because he had all the answers, but because he believed in the One who called him. His faith propelled him forward, enabling him to overcome uncertainty and embrace the promises God had in store for him.
When we choose to step out in faith, we encounter the very heart of God and His faithfulness. During the unknown times, God unfolds His plans and reveals His purposes to those who trust Him. It is in our obedience and surrender that we witness His provision, guidance, and the fulfillment of His promises.
Wherever you find yourself today—whether facing uncertainty or grappling with a decision—remember that God is with you. Embrace Hebrews 11:8 as an invitation to step out in faith, knowing that God's hand is guiding you. Trust in His faithfulness and allow His promises to light your path.
Saturday, June 21st
Speak Life
By Galen Troyer
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Prov. 18:21 (ESV)
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. Prov. 18:22
When I’ve read these verses before, I have always considered them separately: Solomon’s advice concerning the power of my words, then his advice about finding a good wife. This time it seemed obvious that it wasn’t just a coincidence that these verses are together.
We understand his description of the tongue—that what comes out of our mouth can be good and life-giving, or hurtful, even to the point of death to a relationship with whoever hears them.
No one can choose my words for me. I am responsible for everything I say and do.
I’m thankful for great examples to follow and will always be quick to say, “I’m sorry” when I fail.
Monday, June 16th
Confidence in God
By Jonah Lang
Romans 8:28 NIV
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
We can have such confidence in God, We get to work for Him, We get to love Him and He ALWAYS works for our good.
Sunday, June 15th
We Are Kingdom Citizens
By Gary Bittner
Hi River Center,
Here is this weekend’s devotional. God bless!
We Are Kingdom Citizens
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." — Philippians 3:20
As followers of Christ, we have a unique status — we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. This is not just a metaphor but a reality. Just as someone can be a citizen of an earthly nation, we have been granted citizenship into God's eternal Kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to be a Kingdom citizen? It means our primary allegiance is to our King — the Lord Jesus Christ — not to a political party, candidate, or officeholder of our choice. The values, principles, and priorities of His Kingdom should shape how we live our daily lives, not ‘right or left’ preferences. We are ambassadors and representatives of this heavenly Kingdom wherever we go on earth.
Characteristics of a Kingdom Citizen
A New Identity
When we put our faith in Christ, we received a new identity as children of God (John 1:12). Our citizenship transferred from the kingdom of this world to the Kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). This incredible privilege means we can approach God as our perfect, loving Father.
A New Purpose
As Kingdom citizens, we have a high calling — to glorify God and advance His Kingdom on earth (Matthew 6:33). Our lives take on eternal significance as we become agents of God's redemptive work in the world around us through our words, actions, and influence. And our responses to difficult times and difficult societal and political situations must bebiblical and not simply ‘right or left.’
A New Family
One of the blessings of being a Kingdom citizen is that we are united with our brothers and sisters in Christ across the globe (Ephesians 2:19). We are part of a multiethnic, multigenerational spiritual family that transcends earthly divisions.
A New Loyalty
While we live on earth, our ultimate allegiance is to the King of kings (Revelation 17:14). This means our values, ethics, and decisions should be shaped by biblical truth rather than the shifting ideologies of this world. We march to the beat of a different drum.
Living as a citizen of the Kingdom of God is such a privilege. It means embracing our new identity in Christ, living with eternal purpose, being part of God's family, and maintaining unwavering loyalty to our King. As we do this, we represent the values of His Kingdom and point others to the life only He can provide.
God bless,
Gary B.
Friday, June 13
Wages or a Gift: Choose One
By Galen Troyer
If you were offered a choice between wages and a gift, which would you choose? Obviously, you know the difference: wages are something you earn, and a gift is something you don’t earn. A gift is free for the taking.
We all make choices—sometimes intentionally, and other times by default.
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 3:23 (NKJV)
A gift is only a gift if it is received.
For all who have received this great gift from God, the best way we can show our appreciation is to live our lives in such a way that others see and desire the joy and satisfaction that only He gives.
I’m forever grateful for God’s gift!
Friday, June 6
Live God’s Way
By Galen Troyer
There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful in one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word, we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. II Timothy 3:15-17 (MSG)
Is it even possible to live God’s way without knowing the Scriptures? I would say that it isn’t.
It’s in the Scriptures that we learn the way to salvation through faith in Jesus. When anyone invites Him into their life, the Scriptures come alive.
Living God’s Way is the Best Life. The more you read and meditate on Scripture, and pray—oh, that all sounds so easy :)—the more fulfilled your life will be. And you’ll be in shape for the tasks (good works) that God has for you. His desire is that you live your best life, and His Way is best.
Monday, June 2nd
To Take Part In
By Jonah Lang
John 13:1–30 tells the storyline of the Last Supper and teaches us how to take part. Jesus said to Peter,
“Unless I wash you, you have no part in me.”
We see our need for salvation and requirement to be a part of Jesus, to take part in Jesus…
Worship, communion, baptism, walking in the fruits of the Spirit, extending grace, walking in grace are all ways we take part in Jesus.
While this list is not exhaustive, it is a good starting point to take part in Jesus...
Sunday, June 1st
Yes, YOU!
By Gary Bittner
We must understand that we are not here, now, by accident, or some cosmic force, but by the hand of and in the plan of God, Creator of the universe!
Ephesians 1:3-12 = He chose YOU!
I Peter 2:4-10 = He called YOU!
Ephesians 3:10-11 = For NOW, in light of His eternal purpose!
Acts 17:24-27 = Here, wherever YOU are!
It’s a set up!
Ephesians 2:8-10 = God has things already in place for you. Divine Appointments! But we must seek Him to see them fulfilled.
Yet, with all this evidence that God wants to use them, some still say “Not Me!”
God says, “Yes, You!”
Some say, “I’m not qualified.” Who did Jesus pick?
If the disciples had to fill out applications, their HR recommendations might’ve read like this:
James & John: Tend to be self-seeking, self-promoting. Not sure if they would have the company’s best interests in mind. Also, mother seems to be too involved in their decision-making process.
Peter: Good potential. Needs lots of work on communication skills. Also, might have a tendency to run out if things get tough.
Thomas: Lacks faith and vision. Not much of an entrepreneurial spirit, always wants to see before he believes.
James the Zealot: Not recommended. Too adversarial with the city council.
Others: Short tempers. Wanted to go postal on some followers of Jesus and call fire down from heaven on them.
There is one however who looks very promising. Good business sense, gets along well with religious and government officials, seems to have good money management skills. We recommend Judas Iscariot for your employment.
Some say, “But I’ve failed in the past.” Who hasn’t?!?! Anyone here failed in the past? Anyone died from it? Peter failed, and yet God used him mightily.
Proverbs 24:16 “The righteous falls 7 times, but he rises again. The wicked fall and stay down!”
“Failure is the soil from which success springs.”
Don’t quit, not here, not now!!! You are precious to God, as you are. You are precious to our church! Glean and go, learn and live!
Some say, “I’m afraid of what others might say.” Who cares!!!!!
Critics are not whom you should be concerned about. God is your most important audience, and He is saying, “I love you, you can do it! Yeah! That’s my boy! That’s my daughter!” Forget about the critics!
Some say, “What if I step out and the storm comes?” “What if I begin to do what I believe God has called me to do and the storm comes?” THE STORM IS GOING TO COME ANYWAY — YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE FULFILLING THE PURPOSES OF GOD!
You have to believe that you are called, chosen, loved, destined to win — set up for success.
But even a sailboat, carried along by a force that does not originate with itself, still has to have the rudder manned. You have to stay on course. He will provide energy and direction; you must make adjustments as needed.
You have to believe your steps are ordained, are ordered, are in the care of God if you are going to jump off the cliff of self-preservation and “same ol’ same ol’.”
Listen, an African gazelle can jump 10 feet high and cover 30 feet in a single leap. But they can be confined in any zoo that has a 3-foot-high fence because they won’t jump unless they can see where their feet will land.
He loves you, wants the best for you, wants you to know the joy of fulfilled purpose!
Jump!
Friday, May 30
A Powerful Testimony
By Galen Troyer
Then they (the Pharisees) asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
He answered, “I have told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”
Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.”
The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. — John 9:27–34
What an amazing day this was for a man who had been born blind! He was a beggar, and he began that day assuming that it would be just like every day before, and the same as the days ahead. There was no way that a blind person was ever going to see.
But Jesus came along… and everything changed.
It was not a coincidence. He did what Jesus told him to do, and suddenly he could see! Not only did he see what was going on around him for the first time, but he saw who Jesus was. His spiritual eyes were opened, and he believed and testified.
The former blind beggar became a bold evangelist: “Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
Because Jesus found him, he was a new man. With him we can say, “Once I was blind, but now I can see, the light of the world is Jesus.”
Like the man who had been blind, each of us has a story to tell!
Tuesday, May 27th
I Will Trust the Father
By Jonah Lang
Psalms 26:1-3 NIV
I WILL BLESS THE LORD
1 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have integrity, and I trust in the Lord without wavering. 2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me! Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! 3 For I am ever aware of your faithfulness, and your loyalty continually motivates me.
It's an interesting thought to allow God to inspect or examine one's self...
As God proves Himself faithful and trustworthy, giving him access to your inner most thoughts becomes a welcome act. And the more time you spend with him the more like him you'll become.
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Our Faithful God
By Gary Bittner
One of the most comforting attributes of God is His faithfulness. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of God’s unwavering faithfulness toward His people. From Abraham to Moses, from David to Daniel, to you and me, God has proved Himself faithful time and time again.
God’s faithfulness is a foundational truth that we, as Christians, hold onto throughout our entire lives. It is the bedrock of our relationship with Him, and it helps us stay steadfast in our faith when we face challenges and difficulties.
The Bible is full of examples of God’s faithfulness—from the creation story to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. In every situation where God made a promise to His people, He fulfilled it without fail.
Joshua 21:45 says, Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. This verse is a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness. He keeps His promises, even when we do not.
God’s faithfulness is not only reflected in His actions, but also in His character.
2 Timothy 2:13 says, If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. God’s faithfulness is an essential part of who He is, and it cannot be changed or diminished by our actions.
Psalm 119:90 says, Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. God’s faithfulness endures through all generations. He is faithful, He has always been faithful, and He will always be faithful.
Psalm 36:5 says, Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. God’s faithfulness is so great that it extends beyond what we can even imagine. He is always true to His word and never goes back on His promises.
Deuteronomy 7:9 says, Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. God’s covenant love and faithfulness will never change. He remains faithful to His children even when we are not.
Even in the midst of trials and challenges, God’s faithfulness remains.
Lamentations 3:22–23 says, Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. God’s compassions and faithfulness are new every morning, meaning we can always come to Him with fresh needs and concerns.
We can trust in God’s faithfulness because it is grounded in His character.
Hebrews 13:8 says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Just as Christ’s character remains constant, so does His faithfulness.
Let us hold onto the promise of God’s faithfulness, even during the most difficult times of our lives. He has been faithful to His people throughout history and will continue to be faithful in the future.
Thursday, May 22
Truth
By Galen Troyer
About the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” — John 7:14–20 (ESV)
Jesus spoke the truth to the Jews, and they didn’t like it. He exposed them for who they really were. Many of those in authority believed in Him, but because they feared the Pharisees, they didn’t confess it. Had they done so, they would have been thrown out of the synagogue and lost their authority. Sadly, they loved the praise that comes from man more than the praise that comes from God. (John 12:42–43)
(Jesus said) "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 6:1
If our desire is to do God’s will, He can free us from the need and desire for human praise.
Jesus shows us that nothing compares to God’s approval. His words in the Scriptures remind us in so many ways: He is The Truth!
Tuesday, May 20
Grateful Praise
By Jonah Lang
Is there a better way to start our week?
I can't think of one.
Psalms 100 NIV
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Friday, May 16
He Cares About You
By Galen Troyer
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness;
He will quiet you by His love;
He will exalt over you with loud singing. Zeph. 3:17 (ESV)
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Ps. 36:5
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Ps. 34:18
His Love is incomparable.
You can always count on God!
Monday, May 12th
Be Kind
By Jonah Lang
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.
These are simply great words to live by.
Saturday, May 10th
What Do We Smell Like?
By Gary Bittner
Scripture: In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, MSG
These words paint a beautiful picture of the impact that our lives can have when we allow God to lead us. We are not mere wanderers, but participants in a perpetual victory parade orchestrated by God Himself.
As we walk in obedience and faith, we carry the fragrance of Christ’s love, grace, and truth with us. Everywhere we go, people have the opportunity to ‘breathe in this life fragrance’ and encounter the love of God and the power of the Gospel.
God is always leading us from place to place, from circumstance to circumstance in His victory parade. Even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good and for His glory.
May our lives testify of the love of God and may the fragrance of
His love permeate everything we do and in every relationship we find ourselves in.
As we walk with Him through life and life’s challenges, let’s remember that God guides us along in His perpetual victory parade.
Thursday, May 8
Perfect Peace
By Galen Troyer
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)
People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole,
Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing. Isaiah 26:3-4 (MSG)
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (NKJV)
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world. John 16:33
I know that Jesus is my only source of true peace. The world tries to fool people into thinking peace can be found there. But sooner or later, the rug always gets jerked out from under them, leaving them disappointed and empty.
The words (promises) of Jesus give us peace. There is real benefit in reading and reminding ourselves of all that he said. We have peace-Jesus said so-no matter what is going on around us.
..to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6b (NKJV)
Declare it!
Tuesday, May 6th
Be Still
By Jonah Lang
Psalms 46:10 NIV
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
When I read this verse I hear God shushing us, a long soft SHUSH and I feel his hand come and rest on my shoulder.
Only God can still our spirit and bring calm to our lives...
Saturday, May 3rd
My Life is His From Start to Finish
By Gary Bittner
We will only find WHAT we’re looking for WHEN we are living HOW God designed us to live.
Irenaeus, a 2nd century bishop said “The glory of God is man fully alive.”
What does that phrase (the glory of God is man fully alive) mean to you?
“The glory of God is man fully alive.” Unfortunately, a lot of us have forgotten, or maybe some have never known, what it is to feel that way. We've lost our hearts, we’ve lost our ‘zest for life,’ we’ve lost our song. As human beings, we bear the image of God and are to reflect His glory.
Too many of us sigh, because we know there has to be more to this life in God than what we’re experiencing. There must be more to life than staying busy, going to work, earning a buck, making ends meet, and living for the weekend…or surviving each day until we can fall into a chair and escape into someone else's TV reality. There must be more to marriage than just coexistingand keeping things civil…more to parenting than trying to make children behave. And there has to be more to this God thing than the boredom we experience day after day, going through our motions of religion and being moral.
Albert Schweitzer said “The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives.”
‘The glory of God is man fully alive.’ Each of us is a unique creation of God, meant to give him glory by being fully and uniquely the personal work of art of God meant us to be.
Ephesians 2:7-10 (The Message)
“Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
We will only find WHAT we’re looking for WHEN we are living HOW God designed us to live.
Jim Elliott said “He is no fool who give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
We only find our lives when we give them away.
Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul.
When it’s all said and done my opinions, my pet doctrines, my personal preferences, my ‘style’ of worship won’t matter at all. All that matters is did I fulfill the will of God for my life.
WHEN IT’S ALL BEEN SAID AND DONE…..
Thursday, May 1
Guaranteed Protection
By Galen Troyer
Hear my cry, O God;
Listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is overwhelmed and weak;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I (a rock that is too high to reach without Your help).
For You have been a refuge and shelter for me,
A strong tower against the enemy.
Let me dwell in Your tent forever;
Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Ps. 61:1-4 (AMP)
No doubt, like King David, each of us have been overwhelmed at times. His prayer reflects his experiences of God’s deliverance in the past and his confidence that God will always be faithful.
God hears us when we cry out to Him for help.
He has always been and will always be a refuge and shelter-that no enemy can defeat - to those who cry out to Him.
Taking refuge in the Rock and “in the shelter of His wings” is protection and security that never fails.
Monday April 28th
What is Faith?
By Jonah Lang
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
By Faith
11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Step out in confidence knowing what faith is…
Friday, April 25th
The Night Won’t Last Forever
By Gary Bittner
Hi River Center Family,
Here is this weekend’s devotional. God bless.
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
— Psalm 30:5 (ESV)
There are times in our lives life when the night feels really long. Sadness feels overwhelming and it seems like it will stay with us forever.
If that's where you find yourself today? I want you to hear this with all the encouragement I can offer: This night will not last forever.
God sees you, and His word promises you something deeper and truer than your present pain: Joy is on its way.
The Psalmist reminds us that times like this are brief compared to the lifetime of favor He pours out on us. His heart toward you is love, always and forever. His favor rests upon you like a banner waving high, declaring: "This one belongs to Me."
The sadness may "tarry" — but it cannot stay forever because God has appointed a morning for you. And with the morning comes joy. A joy rooted in the unshakeable goodness of your Father, who delights in redeeming broken things, who brings light to the deepest darkness,
who exchanges mourning for dancing.
If you are in a night season right now, hold on a little longer. Lean into Him with your sorrow. It's okay to bring your tears — they are safe in His hands. But also let your heart begin to hope again.Morning is coming. Joy is coming. Jesus is near.
God is not distant from you. His heart toward you is tender. His favor — His kindness, His blessing, His delight in you — is not a passing thing. It’s for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for a while, but it’s not permanent.
It’s a visitor, not a resident. Joy is the one who gets to move in for good. And the kind of joy God brings? It’s not a “put on a brave face” kind of joy. It is a real, deep-down, steady joy — the kind of joy that reminds you you’re never alone, never forgotten, never unloved.
I promise you: The God who holds your night also holds your morning. He hasn’t forgotten you. He’s right here, sitting with you in the dark. And He’s the same God who will dance with you in the light.
The same God who holds your night will be the One who leads you into the light. You are deeply loved. And joy is closer than you think.
Thursday, April 24th
Real Living
By Galen Troyer
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ - the Message - have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives - words, actions, whatever - be done in the name of the Master Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. Colossians 3:12-17 (MSG)
We are the church, His Body, and we need each other. I know that I would never make it on my own.
I’m thankful for all of you!
Tuesday April 22nd
Rejoice and be Glad
By Jonah Lang
Psalm 16:9-10
Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
God does meet all out needs including our physical ones. He will never abandon us.
Friday, April 18th
It's Empty, the Tomb is Empty
By Gary Bittner
Hi River Center Family,
I found this story a few years ago and shared it last Easter season. It’s so good I’m sharing it again. As we enter into Easter weekend, let us be like Philip. God bless.
Little Philip, born with Down's syndrome, attended a third-grade Sunday School class with several eight-year-old boys and girls. Typical of that age, the children did not readily accept Philip with his differences, according to an article in Leadership magazine. But because of a creative teacher, they began to care about Philip and accept him as part of the group, though not fully.
The Sunday after Easter, the teacher brought Leggs pantyhose containers, the kind that look like large eggs. Each receiving one, the children were told to go outside on that lovely spring day, find some symbol for new life, and put it in the egg-like container. Back in the classroom, they would share their new-life symbols, opening the containers one by one in surprise fashion.
After running about the church property in wild confusion, the students returned to the classroom and placed the containers on the table. Surrounded by the children, the teacher began to open them one by one. After each one, whether flower, butterfly, or leaf, the class would ooh and ahh.
Then one was opened, revealing nothing inside. The children exclaimed, "That's stupid. That's not fair. Somebody didn't do their assignment." Philip spoke up, "That's mine." "Philip, you don't ever do things right!" the student retorted. "There's nothing there!" “I did so do it," Philip insisted. "I did do it. It's empty, the tomb is empty!" Silence followed. From then on Philip became a full member of the class.
Philip died not long afterward from an infection most normal children would have shrugged off. At the funeral this class of eight-year-olds marched up to the altar not with flowers, but with their Sunday school teacher, each to lay on it an empty pantyhose egg.
Wednesday April 16th
God’s Victorious-Living Plan
by Lynn Koehn
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. [Romans 12:2]
Righteous living is a direct manifestation of a Spirit controlled mind. The Bible says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” [Romans 8:5]
God has given us His tried and proven strategies of living victoriously above our flesh, worldly influence and the devil. I invite you to read these scriptures, meditate on them and trust the Holy Spirit to help you continually live your life according to God’s “victorious-living” plan!
2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”
Philippians 4:8 [AMP], “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
Colossians 3:2, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Psalm 119:112, “I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever, no matter what.”
Let the mind of the Master be the master of your mind. –Author unknown
Monday April 14th
Praise His name
By Jonah Lang
Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Sometimes it's just good to praise the name of God.
Actually, it's always good to praise His name!
Thursday, April 10th
Pleasing Him
By Galen Troyer
In our Practicing the Way series, and home groups, we are being challenged to be with Jesus: watch what He is doing and do what He did/does. It is challenging and only possible when I/we commit to embracing each step.
Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father taught me, I speak these things. And He who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. John 8:28-30 (NKJV)
Can anyone else say what Jesus said, that they always do those things that please the Father? I know that I don’t, even though (like many others) it is my desire.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Ps. 19:14
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Come, follow Me
by Lynn Koehn
“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Mathew 4:19
“I will make you…” Jesus is implying that his disciples were not fishers of men when he chose them. He is also implying that they were not going to become fishers of men on their own. And lastly, Jesus was implying that making them fishers of men would be a ‘transformative process.’
Charles Spurgeon describes the forming process this way: “abide with Christ, and you will be made fishers of men.”
To these disciples; Peter, Andrew, James, John and the rest of the twelve being with Jesus meant they would repeatedly hear Jesus publicly proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. They would receive in-depth explanations of the truths Jesus was declaring. They would witness Jesus performing miracles. They would hear Jesus pray. “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” that meant they would witness first-hand: Jesus’ compassion, his love, his care and concern for lost, poor and sick, lonely and hurting people. It meant they would become more like Jesus and do the things He did.
“Come, follow Me.” Being with Jesus means that we will catch his heart. It means that will be transformed (formed) into becoming more and more like Jesus. It means we will live our lives more and more like He lived and do more of the things He did.
“And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 [AMP]
“Day by day, fill your heart with the wonder of the person, gospel, and life of Jesus. Read and reread the Gospels, pour over each story, turn your mind to him in prayer. Gaze on the Son of God.” –John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way, Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. Pg 219.
Monday April 7th
What We Ought to Do
By Jonah Lang
1 John 3:16 ESV
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
Looking at the life of Jesus, one cannot help but see love. Reading the word, one cannot help but see that Jesus is love sent by God…
Also, the word ought is interesting to me; Abraham Lincoln said this "Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but what we ought.”
God gives us free will and allows us to choose what we do. However, the love we see in Jesus for us should cause us to do what we ought… which in this verse is telling us is the we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers...
Saturday, April 5th
Rest for the Weary
By Gary Bittner
Hello River Center Family,
Here is this weekend’s devotional. God Bless.
Isaiah 40:28-31:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Yep, life feels heavy sometimes. Maybe you're carrying the weight of a sick loved one, the pain of unanswered prayers, or the quiet ache of exhaustion that no one else seems to see. Maybe you’ve just had enough. You’ve smiled when it hurt. You’ve kept going when your soul was screaming for rest.
But listen again—
“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.”
He is not like us. He doesn't run out of strength. He doesn't get blindsided. He doesn't grow weary. When your reserves are gone, His are just beginning. Where your understanding ends, His wisdom continues without limits.
This is not a God who stands far off, shaking His head at your weakness. This is a God who enters in.
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.”
You don’t have to be strong all the time.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t need to pretend you're okay when you’re not.
Even the strongest among us—those who seem put together, confident, full of energy—even they will grow faint. They will stumble. They will fall. But there’s a promise here for the waiting ones—for those who stop striving long enough to look up.
“They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.”
This kind of waiting isn’t passive. It’s not just sitting in silence. It’s a leaning-in, a trusting, a resting in the goodness and faithfulness of God. It’s a quiet confidence that He is still in control even when the world seems like it’s falling apart.
And for the weary, this promise rings like music in the soul:
“They shall mount up with wings like eagles…”
Not like sparrows flapping in panic.
Not like pigeons scurrying in confusion.
Like eagles—soaring high above the storm, carried by invisible currents of grace.
“…they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
There will be seasons of soaring.
There will be seasons of steady walking.
But in all of it, God sustains.
So today, if you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, know this: You are not alone.
You are not forgotten.
And you are not expected to carry this life on your own.
The Everlasting God sees you.
He understands you.
And He will give you exactly what you need—not always what you want, but what will sustain you, grow you, and carry you through.
Take a deep breath.
You are safe in His hands.
Strength is coming.
Peace is yours.
And He is with you—right here, right now.
Amen.
Thursday, April 3
JOYFUL LIVING
By Galen Troyer
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD; He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him and bless His name. For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100 (NKJV)
All of these things were part of King David’s daily thoughts and practices:
Shouting joyfully to the Lord.
Gladly serving the Lord.
Singing in His presence.
Celebrating the fact that He is my Lord and God and I am created in His image, as are all His children.
I’m a part of His Church.
I’m thankful that He welcomes me into His presence.
I praise Him and bless His name.
He is Good.
His mercy is never-ending
He always was and always will be
The Way, the Truth and the Life.
He alone is worthy of our praise!