Restraint in Freedom

The basic test of freedom is perhaps less in what we are free to do than in what we are free not to do. – E. Hoffer

Paul stated “in Christ he was free to do all things,” but that if “eating meat” caused offense to his brother, he would eat no meat. What a COST to pay!

When you really stop to think about it, the whole concept of freedom is wrapped up in GOD. He is free and able to do ALL THINGS, yet He restrains himself on our behalf. Our sins are punishable by death, yet God chose NOT to condemn us to hell, but save us by grace. And that my friend is a mighty awesome example of true freedom. Happy 4th of July, but better yet, Praise God for your SALVATION!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” – I Corinthians 9:19

You Matter

The most basic craving of man is not food, sex, recreation, or money. It is knowledge that he matters to someone. – W. Sheldon

Moses did it. So did Elijah. Then Jesus came along and did it too. 40 days alone with the ONE who mattered most. What a great declaration of worth by God. Amen!

Often, if we’re not careful we get caught up doing “life” work for the sake of the necessary things (housing, sustenance, etc.) and forgetting we have a larger more important purpose: GOD. We matter to Him! Regardless of what others may demand of us or even think of us, we matter to Him. He knows all about us and He cares for us; and this should motivate us to seek a closer intimate relationship with Him. And since God is never in a hurry, maybe we should not be either when we draw near to Him.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place’.” – Mark 6:30-32

Away with The One we matter to

The most basic craving of man is not food, sex, recreation, or money. It is knowledge that he matters to someone. – W. Sheldon

Moses did it. So did Elijah. Then Jesus came along and did it too. 40 days alone with the ONE who mattered most. What a great declaration of worth by God. Amen!

Often, if we’re not careful we get caught up doing “life” work for the sake of the necessary things (housing, sustenance, etc.) and forgetting we have a larger more important purpose: GOD. We matter to Him! Regardless of what others may demand of us or even think of us, we matter to Him. He knows all about us and He cares for us; and this should motivate us to seek a closer intimate relationship with Him. And since God is never in a hurry, maybe we should not be either when we draw near to Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place’.” – Mark 6:30-32

Real Freedom

The basic test of freedom is perhaps less in what we are free to do than in what we are free not to do. – E. Hoffer

Paul stated “in Christ he was free to do all things,” but that if “eating meat” caused offense to his brother, he would eat no meat. What a COST to pay!

When you really stop to think about it, the whole concept of freedom is wrapped up in GOD. He is free and able to do ALL THINGS, yet He restrains himself on our behalf. Our sins are punishable by death, yet God chose NOT to condemn us to hell, but save us by grace. And that my friend is a mighty awesome example of true freedom. Happy 4th of July, but better yet, Praise God for your SALVATION!

Until MONDAY……

Pastor Botts

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” – I Corinthians 9:19

P.S. - for those going to the Dodger game tonight remember the bus leaves the church at 6pm.

P.S.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional time this Sunday at 9am in Parmes Hall. We've got some great questions that will be addressed.