The Light That Shines Through

Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light. – Anon

Job questioned but never doubted God. We know his story ended well. Amen!

You look out on a bright sunny day and you see them. What are they – shadows. And they grow in size and shape as the light begins to shift or fade. Sometimes big and foreboding, other times just a sliver. But the reason behind them is the same, the presence of light. Shadows only occur with the presence of light. It’s a great analogy for our lives as well, as sometimes the issues of life (health, finances, grief, relationships, etc.) can overshadow us with a sense of foreboding doom. It would behoove us then to remember though there may be a shadow, the ‘light’ of God is still present. As the scripture tells us God is the light that shines in darkness. His grace, mercy, and favor can still shine on us if we but turn and look for Him. He’s always there and ready to shine to show us a way through. Just give Him a call.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

P.S. - For those who have not been able to attend this week's Purpose Driven Life study, we will be meeting this Sunday at 8am on campus in Room 304.

Purposely Good

Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something. – Henry David Thoreau

Joseph had many trials “hoisted” upon him and his character. But he rose above each one. WOW!

Most of us would probably say in all of God’s creation we could do without flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, etc., that they seem to serve no purpose at all. But they must for God Almighty himself made them and we’ve all experienced in one way or another their handiwork firsthand. The same is true of us; we were made for this day to do more than just exist. The world is to come to know Jesus through the love we show to one another and them. We were made to be God’s ambassadors to the world. As the day unfolds with its many requests, issues, and urgent needs, remember you are a part of His labor force. May the light shine within!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…..let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

What It Takes to Emulate

Someone once told me growth and comfort do not coexist. G. Rometty

The disciples, Paul, Timothy....they pretty much changed their whole way of living to follow Jesus. It worked. Hmm!

It is often said that the first thing dieters lose is their good mood or disposition! After all, who wants to miss out on all the goodies, especially when there are festive ‘traditional’ holiday meals to partake of? But in truth a diet doesn’t always have to involve the refrigerator. We can put our wallets and credit cards on a diet to “fit” into a budget. We can cut back on TV and get more sleep or rest. We can spend less time on Facebook, and more time with our face in God’s book. The bottom line is the only way to really change who we are is by changing our daily agenda – doing a little something different each day, eventually making it a good habit. The way to grow more like Jesus is to do the things He did. Today is as good as any to start.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." - Luke 6:40

Love's Foundation

We sin not because we do not love Christ at all, but because we don't love Christ above all. - Anon

The moment Eve ate and offered the fruit in the Garden to Adam, he had a major decision on his hands. OUCH!

Freewill - it's a gift from God. The ability to choose one thing over another, make this decision over another. And each new day God gives us is full of opportunity to exercise it. It is the very foundation of love. Yes, love. Most times we use the word love as a noun to 'qualify' something, but in truth it as a verb, a word of action. It is seen in the things we do, the actions we take and the attitude that we attach to them. Dare to love someone and challenges will arise, just as they did in the Garden. In our time here on earth God gives us opportunity to perfect our love for Him through the situations and circumstances of life. His desire is that we truly understand the 'Great Commandment' and our place within it. So whatever we're faced with today, may God be first!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second command is this: love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:30-31

Blessed Beyond Bucks

The person who is truly blessed is somewhat blind to ‘dollar’ signs! – Anon

Paul said even when he ‘lacked everything’ he was still greatly blessed. AMEN!

“I want this, I need that!” Familiar refrains that we all seem to utter endlessly, often not conscious of just how chock full of God’s blessings we already are. Consider, the gentle touch of a friend. A wonderful meal. Stimulating conversation. A breathtaking sunset. A moment of solitude. Refreshing hilarity with friends. A rewarding word of ‘thanks.’ Here and there are the marks of love, the signs of goodness, and the indications of grace. True gifts of compassion, hope, and blessings undeserved that God puts in our lives time and again to show His great unfailing love to us. Gifts that should amaze us, cause us to really take time and realize how awesome the ‘GIVER’ is. When we truly realize the many gifts we receive from God we should always live with a sense of amazement that so much has been placed into such undeserving hands.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights….” – James 1:17