Community Chaplain Services

07/01/2025

07/01/2025

God Grown Faith

If God wanted to grow our faith, how might He do that?

Not just in our belief systems, but in the inner most part of us that struggles to trust in what we can’t see. That wrestles with life’s meaning. That wonders why things happen the way they do...

Most of us have heard someone say, “There must be a reason,” when facing something hard or confusing. And deep down, many of us do believe that.

Scripture tells us in Romans 12:3 that God has given each of us a measure of faith. But like the man who cried out to Jesus, we often say, “I believe-help my unbelief!”

So, how does God develop that kind of faith in us?

1 Peter 1:6–7 gives us a glimpse:

“Now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith... may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Faith, like gold, is refined by fire.

Trials aren’t punishments, they’re invitations.

Opportunities for something eternal to take root in us.

So, the next time you’re facing something difficult or out of your control, try praying this simple prayer, “Lord, here I am. Teach me. Show me what You want me to see about You, and about me."

Let’s allow God to develop our faith- His way.

Pastor Dale

05/01/2025

Consider the example of Job
Chaplain Anthony

"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives” - Job 19:25a

In this life, it can be so easy to dwell in the negative. After all, we seem to be surrounded, even consumed, by so much negativity on a daily basis. I look to my right and people are talking bad about me. I look to my left and my house is in disarray. I look down at my hands and see money problems piling up. I look down at my feet and I’m stuck in an unfulfilling job. I look in the mirror and see physical and mental heal th issues overwhelming me. What in the world am I to do? How can I possibly go on?

Consider the example of Job. Surely, no suffering in this life can possibly compare to the persecution afflicted on Job. In the midst of his protracted trials, Job lost everything, questioned everything, was accused of everything and was confronted by everyone. Job endured an undeserved, unyielding sentencing despite having committed no crimes. Yet, through it all, he remained faithful to the Lord, (even when he wasn’t sure the Lord was being faithful to him!). In response to the insistence by one of his “friend’s” that he must have done something terribly wrong, Job insists, “I know that my Redeemer lives”, maintaining the position that he will trust in God no matter what. No Matter What.

So do as Job did. Choose God first, last and always knowing He will never leave you nor forsake you…even if you need to complain once in a while.

04/08/2025

20 YEARS LATER - APRIL DEVOTIONAL

In the news in 2005, we learned that Brian Nichols shot four people in a Georgia courthouse as he was facing the court on r**e charges. As he fled, he took a young mother named Ashley Smith hostage. For 24 hours, Ashley had the opportunity to talk with Brian. Her topic was about God, as she read from the Bible and the book The Purpose Driven Life.

One reporter said she read from the 33rd chapter. This is a chapter on servant hood. Portions of that chapter read like this: “Real servants of God make themselves available to serve… real servants do what’s needed, even when it’s inconvenient… can God mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don’t get to pick and choose when or where you will serve… Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to… servants see interruptions as divine appointments… great opportunities to serve never last long; they pass quickly, sometimes never to return again… you may only get one chance to serve that person, so take advantage of the moment…”

Brian surrendered to the police. Ashley surrendered her own addiction to God. Last report was she was married with a family occasionally still being asked to share her story!

What an object lesson on the power of serving. Your act of serving will save lives also. Just because you can’t see it immediately does not mean God didn’t have a purpose. Mark 10:43: “Whoever wants to be great must become a servant” … Matt. 7:16: “You can tell what they are by what they do” …

If you need to talk to a Chaplain, visit our website:

www.CommunityChaplainServices.org



Blessings,
Pastor Dale

Community Chaplain Services - Serving the Community Through Clinical and Pastoral Counseling. Community Chaplain Services was created to assist in the issues of life, with experienced and educated Chaplains trained in Pastoral services and Counseling.

03/01/2025

March Greetings from Chaplain Dale,

One of the great privileges I have as a Chaplain is meeting many of you in person or virtually. I see you in ways that many others do not. During my visits, I have noticed how hard so many of you work. I am reminded that you carry responsibilities at your jobs, deep concerns for your families, relationship challenges, financial pressures, and so much more. It can be overwhelming.

Today, I was reading Psalm 46 and found comfort. It reminded me—and I want to remind you—that God is our refuge and strength. Because of that truth, we don’t have to be afraid. He is with us.

One verse that blessed me the most was the exhortation to “Be still…” Think about that! In the midst of our busyness, we are told to STOP. Be still. Every day, let us take time to stop and simply be still. In that stillness, recognize God. Acknowledge His presence, His assistance, His blessings—and give thanks. It is energizing.

For me, this is a reminder of where my strength comes from. He is an ever-present help, even in times of trouble. He is a good God.

If you need to talk to a Chaplain, visit our website:
CommunityChaplainServices.org

Blessings,
Pastor Dale

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02/14/2025

Greetings from Pastor Dale,

I have been around the church in one form or another most of my life. It was late in my 19th year that I found Christ which radically changed my life. I have never been the same since.

During one Sunday's worship, I came across a song that shook my concept of God's love for me. Let me explain, I grew up with square dance music in my dad's house. He had a band, and he taught me how to play the guitar. He taught me to listen to Merle Haggard and southern gospel quartets but to have hymns and organ music in church. It took some time for me to accept praise bands at church and that most of the staff wore flip-flops with jeans even when preaching. I suppose the greatest surprise to me is how God ministered to me through music I thought I didn't like.

Once when the praise band played a song called "How He loves us", I heard God's love expressed in ways I never heard before. Listen to some of these lyrics...

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful You are
And how great Your affections are for me

And oh, how He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us all

And we are His portion and He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If His grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
And heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about, the way...

He loves us...

John 3:16 says...For God so loved he world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Enjoy Your Valentine...Pastor Dale

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02/14/2025

Greetings from Pastor Dale,

I have been around the church in one form or another most of my life. It was late in my 19th year that I found Christ which radically changed my life. I have never been the same since.

During one Sunday's worship, I came across a song that shook my concept of God's love for me. Let me explain, I grew up with square dance music in my dad's house. He had a band, and he taught me how to play the guitar. He taught me to listen to Merle Haggard and southern gospel quartets but to have hymns and organ music in church. It took some time for me to accept praise bands at church and that most of the staff wore flip-flops with jeans even when preaching. I suppose the greatest surprise to me is how God ministered to me through music I thought I didn't like.

Once when the praise band played a song called "How He loves us", I heard God's love expressed in ways I never heard before. Listen to some of these lyrics...

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful You are
And how great Your affections are for me

And oh, how He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us all

And we are His portion and He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If His grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
And heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about, the way...

He loves us...

John 3:16 says...For God so loved he world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Enjoy Your Valentine...Pastor Dale

Send a message to learn more

12/09/2024

Belated Thanksgiving Greetings:

Passing on a word to encourage you all.

Today I choose to give all my hurt to God.
Today I choose to not let the little things get to me.
Today I choose to respond to whatever life throws at me in a positive way.
Today I choose to seek God in everything I do.
Today I choose to see God in everything I do.
Today I choose to forgive.
Today I choose to be an encourager.
Today I choose to make the most of every opportunity.
Today I choose to be the best that I can be.
Today I know that I can only do these things with the strength, grace, mercy and love of God.
Today I choose to let God take control.

This month I choose to be Thankful in all things.

Blessings!

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09/26/2024

Pastor Dale and Chaplains Kristel and Anthony will be there!

09/26/2024

Greetings from the Chaplain:

I don't have to remind you all that this world is broken. Now a days it is constant striving, political wrangling, accusing one another, can't trust the news anymore and etc... It can feel overwhelming and discouraging. I know some who wonder If God really know what's going on down here? BUT... here's a verse to consider for today...Isaiah 41:10

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

WOW! Almost forgot : )! Today, let's remember He's got the whole world in His Hands... and forever will be. Paul says in Philippians 4:6..." Don't worry about ANYTHING!!!

Blessings,

Pastor Dale

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09/19/2024

Greetings from the chaplain,

Well... here we are in the last full month of summer. Can you believe it? In many ways it's a quiet month. Sometimes referred to as the Dog Days of summer. A month to sit in the shade, relax and reflect. Maybe think how you completed those Spring/Summer projects or thinking about what's about to happen in the coming months, a time to ponder and rest.

The scripture often mentions for us to rest also... like Ps.46:11, Matt.11:28-30 and the most familiar of all Ps. 23:2-3. The green pastures reminds us of His plentiful supply and the still waters of His peace. As we wind down our summer let us also enjoy the "Dog Days" being comforted by God's provisions... and do not allow the enemy to scare you into somehow believing, God doesn't know what's going on in this world. Remember He has the whole world in His hands!

Blessings, Pastor Dale

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05/03/2024

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/BKanTBx

Now that I'm getting older, I have noticed just how faithful God has been to me throughout the years. The other day I was walking and talking with the Lord, reflecting back on my life and on the many provisions He has given for me. He has taken wonderful care of me and for that I'm so thankful. In t...