Not the same twice

If you must make mistakes, it would be more to your credit if you’d make a new one each time. – Sparks

Though Peter denied the Lord on that fateful night, as imperfect as he was he never went down that road again. Hmm!

No matter how long we’ve been around “learn from your mistakes,” is a siren call we’ve heard almost all of our lives. And true to the task many of us have learned, albeit the wrong way. We still commit the offense (sin), but we’ve learned how to make it seem plausible, acceptable, even almost necessary; that we may live with the guilt. Our old excuses may work with one another, but God looks on our hearts and no matter how we want to perceive it, with God it is still wrong, and one for which we will have to give an answer. His will is that we learn to avoid the mistakes, not grow to accept them. He knew we were imperfect which is why He sent a redeemer and reconciler. But if we continue in our ways we cannot be His disciples.

Until ……

Pastor Botts

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” – Romans 6:1-2

P.S. - Don't forget Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9AM and our Christmas Presentation Sunday morning at 9AM. Blessings!

Keep Moving!

He who limps is still walking. – S. Lee

Jacob wrestled with God and received a ‘limp’ along with his blessing. Hmm!

Canes. Crutches. Walkers, or other medical devices. We’ve all seen them in one manner or another. All inventions to keep us mobile, moving, and/or active and in the main of life despite physical setbacks and weaknesses. There’s a great lesson in them. Perhaps you’ve suffered great losses in your life. Perhaps you’re suffering grief or sorrow or hurt that still brings pain or discomfort to your daily life. Don’t stop there or give up, for that’s what the enemy wants. The key is to keep moving closer to God and His purposes. He’s strong enough for us to lean on and He doesn’t mind us doing so.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“To keep me from becoming conceited….there was given me a thorn in my flesh….to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – II Corinthians 12:7-9

Need Answers? Look to God.

If we aren't seeing eye to eye with God, there is a good chance His eyes aren't the ones needing adjustment! - J. Wilson

It wasn't until Cleophas and his friend actually looked up they realized the 'Resurrection' was right before them. Wow!

When it comes to the Word of God and the issue of our own hearts, there are commands that we just don't seem to agree with, we don't see the reasoning or logic behind them (give, serve, love, forgive, etc....). But God told us in His Word there are some things He reserves or keeps to Himself, He is not obligated to share with us every detail. But also there are many commands that only bring blessing when obeyed in faith. and God has given us enough to still trust Him fully. He has always been God, His ways have always been and always will be perfect, and He loves us unconditionally and does everything for 'our good' and His glory. So though we may not see it at the time, if we just keep our focus on Him it will be alright. If we continue to look for the answers we miss God, but if we look for God we get both.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare." - Psalm 25:15

How Are You Doing?

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. – B. Hybels

Jesus once asked his disciples ‘who do you say that I am?’ to make sure they were getting the message he was conveying. Peter knew the answer. AMEN!

Product surveys, town-hall meetings, suggestion boxes, etc. – what do they all have in common – they are ways people solicit feedback to see how they are doing and what they can do better. They go directly to the source – you. Jesus did it often with his Father as an example for us to follow. The best way to ensure we’re carrying out God’s plan and not our own is to check with Him often and take time to listen to what He says. He’s already assured us in His book of the victory.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20

More than Average

The average day is average only because we don't make it something more. - J. Maxwell

God fed the Israelites 'fresh food' (manna) everyday. They just ate without giving it a second thought. Hmm!

Most moments in our lives become 'special' only because we designate them so. Celebrations, major events or milestones, etc. But when we designate what is special we leave God out. It was He who determined what is 'good' and the very first day He made and every one since then is 'good.' The very fact that we had nothing to do with the creation and coming of today makes it miraculous. God designed it, cropped it, filled it with His glory, and gifted it to us; all in a manner designed to help perfect our character. If we can get so excited at someone just baking us a cake for our birthday, should not our appreciation for what God shows us every day be 'off the charts!' Hopefully, we'll all take time to be amazed today.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"...the Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands....Day after day.....night after night...." - Psalm 19:1-2

Rejoicing in Today

Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren’t enjoying today’s sunshine. – W. Feather

Martha was so busy making preparations for Jesus’ visit to their home, she never really got an opportunity to visit with him when he came. OUCH!

Though the calendar on the wall or in our pocket may show a 7-day weekly period, or 30-day month, today is all we have. All the other days have either disappeared into oblivion or darkness, or not yet emerged from it. It is wise to plan for the future ahead of us but never at the expense of sucking all the joy out of right now. We cannot fully experience or praise God unless we take time out to enjoy Him and His creation right now. The ability to ‘earn our keep’ by the work we do is a grand opportunity to experience God working through us. Rainy days or hardships may come or may already be upon us, but nevertheless, today is still all we have. If we live by the Spirit we will find opportunity to enjoy what God is doing and give Him praise.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24