Squad Should Be The Goal

If God loves best in community, who are we to set ourselves up as spiritual loners. – J.M. Pope

When Jesus walked the earth even He surrounded himself with 11 ‘faithful’ friends, and then He built for them the church. Hmm!

Nostalgia – we all seem to suffer from it in some form, particularly when it comes to the good-guy or hero, or savior. We buy into the solo act or Lone Ranger attitude. Just look around, we live in a society that teaches and even praises individual independence and freedoms, but that is not by God’s design. From the very beginning God said, “it is not good that man should be alone,” meaning we were created for relationship. Church attendance and fellowship with the brethren may not be important to some, but to God’s people it is a command. I pray you agree.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:23-25.

Created for Fellowship

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. – Anon

In creation there was the Trinity (Father, Spirit, Son). When Jesus came to earth He chose 12 to be with Him. I think I see a pattern. Hmm!

Truth be known, we are often our own worst enemies. We feed our fears, deny our abilities and gifts, doubt God’s grace and forgiveness, and often undermine our own confidence. God knew this about us, which is why He is big on fellowship and relationship. We need others to encourage us, challenge us, even confront us at times to spur us on. And as Christians we need other Christians around us who can speak God’s Word and wisdom into our lives. Yes we were created to be unique and special, but never isolated or alone. God has created us all for a purpose and that purpose includes having others in our lives, and helping those who are not. Friendship is required for heaven.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24

P.S. - We'll be gathering for prayer today at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. Why not join us!

The Power of Cooperation

A river is powerful only because many drops of water have learned the secret of cooperation. – Richard Murray

In the early Christian church where they had “all things common,” they also had power to ‘shake the earth’ through prayer! Hmm.

It is true, each of us must come to Christ individually and have a personal relationship with Him directly, but it does not negate the fact that He built the church to have power here on earth. When the church (collective body) comes together in prayer, evangelism, outreach, and missions it is a force within a force (God’s Spirit) to be reckoned with. When we try to go it alone or do it outside the church’s purview, we’re going against God’s plan. Remember, there is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:42-44

Who You Rollin With?

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. – Anon

In creation there was the Trinity (Father, Spirit, Son). When Jesus came to earth He chose 12 to be with Him. I think I see a pattern. Hmm!

Truth be known, we are often our own worst enemies. We feed our fears, deny our abilities and gifts, doubt God’s grace and forgiveness, and often undermine our own confidence. God knew this about us, which is why He is big on fellowship and relationship. We need others to encourage us, challenge us, even confront us at times to spur us on. And as Christians we need other Christians around us who can speak God’s Word and wisdom into our lives. Yes we were created to be unique and special, but never isolated or alone. God has created us all for a purpose and that purpose includes having others in our lives, and helping those who are not. Friendship is required for heaven.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“…And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24

P.S. - Join us for our Devotional time at 9AM this Sunday and the Super Bowl festivities after morning service!

Coming Together

A river is powerful only because many drops of water have learned the secret of cooperation.  – R. Murray

In the early Christian church where they had “all things common,” they also had power to ‘shake the earth’ through prayer! Hmm.

It is true, each of us must come to Christ individually and have a personal relationship with him directly, but it does not negate the fact that he built the church to have power here on earth. When the church (collective body) comes together in prayer, evangelism, outreach, and missions it is a force within a force (God’s Spirit) to be reckoned with. When we try to go it alone or do it outside the church’s purview, we’re going against God’s plan. Remember, there is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:42-44

Take the Shot

To score the basket you actually have to shoot the ball. - Anon

When you think about it, there are more 'unnamed' saints than named saints in God's story. Hmm!

Though there are no 'secret agents' or 'Lone Rangers' in the army of the Lord, God does often call on us to be a force of one. We often like to work behind the scenes for Jesus, but in truth that's an impossibility. Jesus said 'If I be lifted up I'll draw all men to me.....' and that can happen only when they see, feel, experience, or hear him in us and through us, not somebody we wish they could talk to. God gives ample opportunity for this to happen through those divine intersections we  have throughout each day. The ball is in your hands....

Until Tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"...but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4

Someone to roll with

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. – Anon

In creation there was the Trinity (Father, Spirit, Son). When Jesus came to earth He chose 12 to be with Him. I think I see a pattern. Hmm!

Truth be known, we are often our own worst enemies. We feed our fears, deny our abilities and gifts, doubt God’s grace and forgiveness, and often undermine our own confidence. God knew this about us, which is why He is big on fellowship and relationship. We need others to encourage us, challenge us, even confront us at times to spur us on. And as Christians we need other Christians around us who can speak God’s Word and wisdom into our lives. Yes we were created to be unique and special, but never isolated or alone. God has created us all for a purpose and that purpose includes having others in our lives, and helping those who are not. Friendship is required for heaven.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“…And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24