God At Work

What we see depends truly on what we're actually looking for! - Anon

Many folks saw Noah working on the ark but none of them believed God was with him. Hmm!

Jesus said "my Father is always at His work!" So the question I guess is how often throughout the day do we actually see God working? It's all a matter of perspective and understanding. Many people look at a tree and just see a tree. A person of faith sees 'God at work' with all that the tree provides - homes for birds and other animals, shade/shelter, food - not to mention greenery for beauty and to aid in the production of oxygen for us. Many people see children at play and that's it, but a person of faith sees 'God at work' reminding us to choose joy and happiness in the midst of an imperfect world. Our perspective is shaped and informed by what we know. So the more we know of God and His Word the more we will see Him 'at His work' in and around our lives. Praying today may be eye opening and breathtaking to us all.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13

All Things Are Possible, But Not Until You Pray

Work as if everything depends on you and pray as if everything depends on GOD. – D.L. Moody

In the battle against the Amalekites Joshua fought for the people, while Moses lifted up his hands in prayer for them. God gave them victory!

Truth be told most of us live by the thought “if it’s going to be, then it’s up to me,” and in a majority of situations we often have no problem trying to do everything ourselves. We often feel no one can do it like us anyway, and we really are Superman or Superwoman. God did call us to serve, but He never intended for us to serve alone or in our own strength. Things that are to be are not solely up to us, for God is in the very details of life. So yes we work, but we work with purpose; remembering we can do all things through prayer but we cannot do anything until we pray!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’” – Nehemiah 6:9

Blessings Available Right Now

The future depends on what you do today. - Mahatma Gandhi

Though Job was in misery and wanted an audience with God, he didn't try to rush things. Hmm!

We count them down. "Only 6 more weeks of school, only 5 more treatments, only 14 days to my birthday, vacation, etc." Yes, we cross the days off the calendar looking forward to our day of freedom, joy, relief, whatever. Mind you, it's not wrong to celebrate such achievements, but often when we get so focused with tunnel vision on 'that date' in the future we tend to miss the blessings God provides each day. Each day is a gift from God filled with His glory, grace, favor, and mercy. Add to that family, friends, daily provisions, purpose - it's overwhelming when you consider how much we have to enjoy right here today, right now - that we put so much expectation on something afar off. Wow, maybe praise is in order right now.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

Do You See The Answer?

A great deal of what we see depends solely on what we are looking for. - Anon

The Pharisees, religious leaders, scribes, and Jews of the day missed seeing Jesus because they were looking for the 'Messiah.' He stood right before them. OUCH!

Honestly speaking, most of us in our mind have already played out various sequences in our life on the way things are supposed to happen (education, profession, marriage, children, etc.), because we've 'prayed over it.' And when the signs don't appear the way we picture them happening, we feel God has not answered. But God does answer, not in ways we always expect, but in ways we need. Even today, He will be handling our requests hoping we see His answers. Know this, it will be picture perfect.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths: guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." - Psalm 25:4-5

Faith: The Response to Everyday Circumstances

What life does to us depends on what life finds in us. – Richard Murray

In all that Joseph went through, he never lost his composure or his God. Hmm!

Insurance – most people that buy it hope they never have to use it, but are glad they have it when they need it. Our faith on the other hand is a definite must have and use daily requirement. Faith is what allows us to overcome the most difficult setbacks, hurdles, and heartaches. You or I cannot always change or control the world around us but we can always control what happens within us. If we truly want to gauge how strong our relationship with Christ is all we need do is look at our responses to the everyday circumstances of life. The question is does life make us bitter or better, we know with Jesus it was the latter.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Pure Vision

Vision depends on character – only the pure in heart SEE God. – Anon

When Philip joined the Ethiopian eunuch in his chariot he knew exactly where to start his message – JESUS!

Amen. What we see in life, what we hear from others often depends on what we have in mind or heart. If we keep ourselves unsullied from the cares, concerns, and sins of the world, we will clearly see the things of God. Of course we’ll see those in need, those who are outcasts, those who despise us – the things Jesus saw – for these are the ones God is trying to reach. Things in life are tough for us all but God is still trying to reach out to a LOST generation, and He can only do it through those who have a heart like Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

Tune In!

A great deal of what you hear depends on what you’re listening for. – Anon

God called out to him 4 times before the boy Samuel finally realized WHO was calling. It was the beginning of a great relationship. AMEN!

A telephone ring. An emergency siren. A favorite song. There are certain sounds that are very familiar to us. It’s not that we hear them any more often than others but that we’ve tuned or trained ourselves to hear them, and hear them only from certain sources.  Like Samuel, God’s voice is often foreign to us, not because He doesn’t speak but because we’re not tuned in or listening for Him in the various ways He speaks. But He does speak, and in volumes. George Washington Carver said “nature is an unlimited broadcasting system through which God speaks to us every hour, if we would only tune in.”  Just look and listen and you’ll know you’re loved.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Why do you complain to him that he answers none of man’s words? For God does speak – now one way, now another – though a man may not perceive it.” – Job 33:14

P.S. - Don't forget our HarvestFest is tomorrow afternoon (1 - 5pm). As such there will not be any Vesper services Sunday evening.