Simply Prayer

The power of prayer rests on the ONE who hears it, and not on the one who says it. – A. Brown  

Jonathan’s victory over the Philistine outpost was ‘perhaps’ because he trusted in God. Hmm!  

Prayer! Why is it such a hard thing to do? Why do we fear others hearing us? So often we approach prayer like it’s an IRS form or a job application, and we have to fill in all the spaces correctly or there’ll be big trouble. Or we feel we have to say all the right words, or be somewhat long or overtly emotional in our plea. God is not standing over us in a white coat and clipboard when we pray. He knows our heart and our needs before we even ask Him. His invitation to prayer is really just a desire to commune together, meet and share concerns, hopes, dreams, and encouragement. There is no standardized format. The main thing in our prayer time is that we acknowledge God for who He is, and our complete dependence upon Him. And since there is nothing ‘too hard’ for Him, He eagerly awaits us to show His power.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know…” – Jeremiah 33:3

Send a little Encouragement

Living a good life is like eating with chopsticks, it looks easy until you try it. – Anon

In his mind Peter was ready to die for Jesus, that is, until his physical life was at stake. Good thing Jesus forgives. AMEN!

Lots of things in life look easy enough, that is as long as we stay on the sidelines. But get us in the game action and we find complexities and challenges we never imagined, and a skill set that seems all thumbs at times. It is something we should always bear in mind with others we see and encounter, possibly doing their best and giving it their all, just because it doesn’t measure up to what we expect. God only knows the struggles or hardships they are dealing with, so our response should be one of encouragement. Besides, the same holds true for us as well. In our ‘all thumbs’ episodes of life God never once criticizes, He only offers encouragement, help, and of course hope.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – I Thessalonians 5:11

Just DO the Right Thing

I found out a long time ago that “I must do something” allows much more freedom than “something must be done.” – L. Hallum  

The Good Samaritan didn’t wait until a truce was called, or a law was passed to help his ‘neighbor,’ he just did it! WOW.  

We’ve all heard the maxim “actions speak louder than words” – and it’s true, particularly for us as God-fearing people. When we act instead of waiting for others to act we are truly free to express our God-given talents, abilities, and resources in ways to benefit the kingdom and bring glory to God, than if we wait for “someone else” to do it. God often places us in such situations that we may share His love in some form with others. He doesn’t expect us to go beyond our means but will amply supply all that we require. As the day unfolds and situations arise we must each remember that we are the individual ‘ambassador’ God has chosen in this situation, because God only leaves the big jobs for someone important like us.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” – Matthew 14:16

That Fit Life

Words fitly spoken are powerful, but they are nothing compared to a life fitly lived. – Chuck Swindoll  

Near the end of his life, Samuel, the priest of God called the people together to ‘present’ his life. They had nothing bad to say. Hmm!  

It is true that God commissioned us to “GO” and spread the good news far and wide. And it is true that we are told to “study to show ourselves approved” in the word to anyone who asks us. But it is important for us to remember that we preach with our lives, in the way we live with and around others, more loudly and clearly than anything we can say verbally. God will be providing topics and circumstances today that He hopes we clearly preach to others.  

Until tomorrow...…

Pastor Botts   

“Preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” I Timothy 4:2