Daily Lessons From Life

If the heavens declare God’s glory, imagine what the world you live in shouts about Him! – Anon

The burning bush really got Moses’ attention, and a withered fig tree caught Peter’s eye. They were made to wonder. Hmm!

Admittedly, sleeping through the sermon is nothing new; it has been going on through the ages. And though most of us will proudly proclaim we never would do such a thing, ALL of us often sleep through some of God’s most compelling sermons; for they are not always from the pulpit or the preacher. God is a phenomenal and wise communicator if we would just take the time to look, listen and meditate on what we encounter. A newborn baby, a thunderstorm, blooming flowers, or even a pain in our body. God sends out messages, lessons, or sermon after sermon to see if our reception is any good. “He who has ears let him hear…..” Yes, preaching has its place in the church and we should eagerly look forward to hearing from God this way, but He also loves for us to observe His many messages that come from nature, experiences, and life, for they give greater impact and application to what we hear on any Sunday. So, now that you know…..

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“so then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled….” – I Thessalonians 5:6

Effective Scare Tactics?

SATAN: the enemy of Christ who wants to scare the HEAVEN out of you! - Anon

Goliath relied on his size to taunt and frustrate the Israelites. But then a little scrawny kid 'rocked' him to sleep. OUCH!

Growing up there were certain 'invented' individuals that evoked fear in us as children (bogeyman, closet monsters, etc.) that we eventually outgrew. Then there were certain real creatures that evoked fear in us as well (spiders, snakes, hornets, etc.) that we learned to control or stay away from. What's amazing is that in our Christian walk we know we have an enemy who's after our souls and uses scare tactics that seem to intrigue and interest us so much we fail to see what he's up to and where he's leading us. We must realize that he really has no power over us unless we invite him by lowering our guards (no prayer/study/meditation/fellowship), or by lowering our standards (respectable sins?). Like David, we must see beyond what is immediately in front of us, to the God who is always with us and for us. Not only is the road to hell paved with good intentions, but the way to heaven requires sacrifices.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...." - I Peter 5:8-9

God Speaks

If the heavens declare God’s glory, imagine what the world you live in shouts about Him! – Anon

The burning bush really got Moses’ attention, and a withered fig tree caught Peter’s eye. They were made to wonder. Hmm!

Admittedly, sleeping through the sermon is nothing new; it has been going on through the ages. And though most of us will proudly proclaim we never would do such a thing, ALL of us often sleep through some of God’s most compelling sermons; for they are not always from the pulpit or the preacher. God is a phenomenal and wise communicator if we would just take the time to look, listen and meditate on what we encounter. A newborn baby, a thunderstorm, blooming flowers, or even a pain in our body. God sends out messages, lessons, or sermon after sermon to see if our reception is any good. “He who has ears let him hear…..” Yes, preaching has its place in the church and we should eagerly look forward to hearing from God this way, but He also loves for us to observe His many messages that come from nature, experiences, and life, for they give greater impact and application to what we hear on any Sunday. So, now that you know…..

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“so then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled….” – I Thessalonians 5:6

Prepared Discipline

The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. – Anon

Goliath knew the victory was in the bag because of his size and history, however little ruddy David had been preparing his “heart” with God. God WON!

We see it in sports all the time. The great big high ranking university takes it for granted they can beat the puny little unranked, unknown college and BAM – major upset. This scenario plays out in our life all too many times as well. Sin gets the best of us and we often settle by saying “I guess it was just a lesson I needed to learn anyway.” But that’s not necessarily true. Often it’s just because we were not willing to properly “discipline” ourselves to be alert, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led people of God. To be a conqueror takes more than just talent, it takes a “prepared heart.” God wants us to master the challenge.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“As it is written: ‘for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him [Jesus] who loved us.” – Romans 8:36-37