Behind the Scenes Work

One day OR day one. You decide! - Anon

Paul went from Pharisee to apostle. But what a difference it was. Amen!

Before/After photos. Generally they show the beautiful change in the person, building, item, etc., that was worked on. What they don't show is the behind the scenes work that took place, nor the time it took to do it. To strip away what's not needed to get to the point when you can start over or refinishing is hard work and time consuming. That's how God is with us. He alone knows the perfect beauty that is within us, who He created us to be and how we should shine. He alone knows what to strip away. Oftentimes, He has to go deep to the initial bare-bones structure to start, but He ALWAYS brings forth a thing of beauty. If your 'before' photo hasn't changed much, maybe you need a little more of God and a little less of you in the processing. Remember, only He can make all things NEW!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." - Galatians 6:17

Live Courageously

Being an optimist after you’ve gotten everything you want doesn’t count. – F.M. Hubbard

When Jesus’ mother troubled him about the wine at the wedding feast, she knew something would be done, and it would be good. Wow!

Make no mistake friend, this world can present itself as a very formidable and powerful opponent; with its shocking human interest stories, depressing economic news, or downright evil activities of mankind seemingly going on all day, every day. But as those who trust in God, we must always know He is in control, nothing happening is catching Him off-guard, and He is always with us. So, in the midst of our surroundings, we can still live courageously, not shrinking back or retreating at all, but holding steady, listening for His call to move forward or move out of the way. Yes, this world will test us, but we only need remember the battle is the Lord’s and He has already assured us of the victory. So, whatever today brings, know that if we hold fast, we will overcome.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him….” – Romans 8:28

Commitment Beyond Feeling

A commitment is doing what you said you would do long after the feeling you said it in has passed. – R. Gilbert

When summoned by the king, Uriah the Hittite even refused to go home and be with his wife because of his commitment to protecting his king in battle. AMEN!

Just as a man and woman in Christian marriage are committed to one another ‘until death,’ our relationship with God is the same. And the reality is there can be no adjustment in our commitment or vow with God. Anything short of honoring what we vowed is sin. Its true God is forgiving, however we should not “put Him to the test.” The blessings that God puts into our lives such as family, work, hobbies, education, etc. are never given to supplant Him as having first place in our heart and lives, or change the commitments we made to Him and His church. Emotions come and go, but commitment is based on our own will. Just as God faithfully keeps His promises to us He expects the same from us. Today's a good day to start.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.” – Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

Wait for it...

We lie to God in prayer if we don’t rely on God after prayer. – Sparks

After she had talked to Jesus at the wedding feast in Cana, his mother told the servants “do whatever he tells you.” Her request was honored. AMEN!

We readily jump to action when those we truly love ask for our assistance, help, guidance, or direction in life; often at times extending ourselves far beyond their requests because we want to show them we’re reliable and trustworthy. And we do all we can to honor our promises. However, it seems we rarely extend that type of courtesy to God. We often tell him about our troubles, situations, sins, and the desires of our heart, but we often don’t want to wait for His response or intervention. God has fulfilled every promise He made in His Word and deserves our patience, faith, and trust. He may not answer in the way we expect or come in the timeframe we have in mind, but He will respond. He promised!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14