Weathering Storms

Sometimes God puts a storm in our lives to blow our sails in the right direction. - Anon

God was ready to 'blow a ship apart' because Jonah wouldn't listen. It only got worse for him. Hmm!

Even though giant cruise ships can sail through almost any kind of weather, they never knowingly sail into bad storms. But oftentimes the storm finds them at sea. It can be a harrowing experience. The same is true of us in life. We would rarely venture into a storm (we hate the first sign of rain) but quite often God has something in mind for us when He allows the storms of life we face. His goal is often a course correction for us to a different conclusion than the one we had in mind. The key is to hang on, not abandon ship, and remember to praise when the smooth sailing returns. He alone knows the plans, places, and events that lie ahead for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" " Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting... Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" Acts 9:3-6

Shine Together

You don’t have to blow out the other fellow’s light to let your own shine. – B. Baruch

The disciples wanted to stop a man from driving out demons in Jesus name because he wasn’t in their company. Jesus said he’s on our side. AMEN!

Society loves awards and recognition. Everyone wants to be noticed for their special ‘talent’ or ‘gift.’ Unfortunately we tend to do it at the other person’s expense. Even in our casual conversation we tend to try to outdo one another in our everyday lives. Whereas one may have suffered with the flu, someone else was hospitalized with it, or someone got a great deal, someone else got an even greater deal. God would expect us to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” – not outdo them. We’re not called to focus the light on ourselves but on Him, for the glory goes to Him and not us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19

Catch the Breeze

The winds of God are always blowing, but you must set the sails. – Anon

Though Abraham did not know with certainty where he was going, he knew he was being led there by God. AMEN!

Basic science has taught us that the earth makes one complete rotation on its axis every 24 hours. We readily accept that fact, but if you ever stopped to ponder the math, it means we’re moving at a very rapid pace although we feel nothing. It’s the same way with God. Though His nature is unchanging, He is ever present, ever moving, ever desiring to draw us closer to Him. When we can’t feel His presence or nearness, or when it seems we’re heading into the wind, maybe we need to adjust the set of our sails. I pray you feel His breeze today.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The wind blows where it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8

Edify not Outdo

You don’t have to blow out the other fellow’s light to let your own shine. – B. Baruch

The disciples wanted to stop a man from driving out demons in Jesus name because he wasn’t in their company. Jesus said he’s on our side. AMEN!

Society loves awards and recognition. Everyone wants to be noticed for their special ‘talent’ or ‘gift.’ Unfortunately we tend to do it at the other person’s expense. Even in our casual conversation we tend to try to outdo one another in our everyday lives. Whereas one may have suffered with the flu, someone else was hospitalized with it, or someone got a great deal, someone else got an even greater deal. God would expect us to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” – not outdo them. We’re not called to focus the light on ourselves but on Him, for the glory goes to Him and not us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19