Cleansing Laughter

It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God, that is afraid to laugh in His presence. – G. MacDonald

When God promised her a son Sarah referred to Him as ‘the God who brought me laughter.’ AMEN!

No matter how we try to stifle it, hide it, suppress it – laughter will sneak out at what seems like the most inappropriate times, yes even in church. It’s just a natural reaction friend. God Himself gave us the ability to laugh, and not only that, He made it so that it is therapeutic to our well being. What soap does for our body laughter does for the soul. Laughter helps take the edge off of life’s sometimes unexplainable circumstances and events. It brings the blood pressure and stress levels down, and alleviates anger, and allows us to see our imperfections – Praise God. Yes life is to be taken seriously if we’re to fulfill our purpose, but the God who had serious intent when He made us also expects us to enjoy the journey on the way.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

…..”a time to weep, and a time to laugh….” – Ecclesiastes 3:4

Trust Flows

To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved. - G. MacDonald

It took a lot of trust for Moses to stretch forth that rod to part the sea. Hmm!

Some years ago while in Hawaii, my wife and I took a parasailing ride. After being strapped into the harness with the chute attached behind us we were instructed to 'rest' or trust in the harness. In other words to enjoy a smooth, safe, and thrilling ride don't fight against its pull. The operators made sure we sailed high, came down to the water and then back up to the sky again a few times. It was as they say, breathtaking! In a sense this is what Jesus wants from us in trusting Him. Not to pull or tug at the commands or precepts of the Word, but to completely trust in them for a life journey full of sights, scents, scenes, sounds, and memories that when viewed with Him will take our breath away, and fill us with joy to last a lifetime.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30

Refreshing Rest

Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness. – G. MacDonald

The Israelites were not allowed to plow or plant their fields every 7th year. They were to trust that God would provide. He did!

Though money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul, we often work like it is. The work week stretches from 40 to 50 or 60+ hours a week. We often look for extra hours or weekends to pad the paycheck. This is not necessarily bad, but it often interferes with or cuts time we could spend replenishing body, mind and spirit, particularly the time God set aside for us to visit His house. It’s important to remember that when God made us He made us human, not machines.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from ALLHIS WORK.” – Genesis 2:2

P.S. - Hope you can make our Family/Friends Game Night tonight at 6:30pm.

Don't forget this Sunday's Devotional time at 9AM - we're looking at the book of Philemon.

Church is a Funny Place

It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God, that is afraid to laugh in His presence. – G. MacDonald

When God promised her a son Sarah referred to Him as ‘the God who brought me laughter.’ AMEN!

No matter how we try to stifle it, hide it, suppress it – laughter will sneak out at what seems like the most inappropriate times, yes even in church. It’s just a natural reaction friend. God Himself gave us the ability to laugh, and not only that, He made it so that it is therapeutic to our well being. What soap does for our body laughter does for the soul. Laughter helps take the edge off of life’s sometimes unexplainable circumstances and events. It brings the blood pressure and stress levels down, and alleviates anger, and allows us to see our imperfections – Praise God. Yes life is to be taken seriously if we’re to fulfill our purpose, but the God who had serious intent when He made us also expects us to enjoy the journey on the way.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

…..”a time to weep, and a time to laugh….” – Ecclesiastes 3:4

Take a Chill Pill

Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness. – G. MacDonald

The Israelites were not allowed to plow or plant their fields every 7th year. They were to trust that God would provide. He did!

Though money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul, we often work like it is. The work week stretches from 40 to 50 or 60+ hours a week. We often look for extra hours or weekends to pad the paycheck. This is not necessarily bad, but it often interferes with or cuts time we could spend replenishing body, mind and spirit, particularly the time God set aside for us to visit His house. It’s important to remember that when God made us he made us human, not machines.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from ALLHIS WORK.” – Genesis 2:2

Serious Laughter

It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God, that is afraid to laugh in His presence. – G. MacDonald

When God promised her a son Sarah referred to Him as ‘the God who brought me laughter.’ AMEN!

No matter how we try to stifle it, hide it, suppress it – laughter will sneak out at what seems like the most inappropriate times, yes even in church. It’s just a natural reaction friend. God Himself gave us the ability to laugh, and not only that, He made is so that it is therapeutic to our well being. What soap does for our body laughter does for the soul. Laughter helps take the edge off of life’s sometimes unexplainable circumstances and events. It brings the blood pressure and stress levels down, and alleviates anger, and allows us to see our imperfections – Praise God. Yes life is to be taken seriously if we’re to fulfill our purpose, but the God who had serious intent when He made us also expects us to enjoy the journey on the way.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

…..”a time to weep, and a time to laugh….” – Ecclesiastes 3:4

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall.