Number One Priority

Bad habits are like comfortable beds, easy to fall into but hard to get out of. – Anon

Jesus jumped all over the Scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders of His day because of their love for ‘the traditions of men’ rather than GOD. OUCH!

Sometimes, if we’re not careful we can easily fall into self-fulfilling acts or rituals that take us away from God’s program and think ourselves righteous. A habit doesn’t have to be sinful to be bad, but if it takes our focus off of Almighty God and places it on our own desires, we need to re-evaluate our commitment. God will present situations to see who will be first in our life today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I am the Lord your God….you shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:2-3

Tremble at His Awesomeness

"Perish the thought!" - Anon

When Job's wife told him to 'curse God and die..." he pretty much said "NO WAY!" - Hmm!

Does the name of God, the thought of God, or the mention of His name cause us to adjust our lives at all? Does it cause us any spiritual or emotional reaction at all, like the mention of other names might? Honestly, if you're like me you sometimes get a little too comfortable with God, forgetting He is not only the Creator of the Universe, but the Very One who gives life and breath to you, sustains you, and keeps you. Though we do want to be intimately connected to Him, we should never forget who He is and what He's done. Maybe we need to remind ourselves of the song we sang as children: "Were you there when they crucified My Lord, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble....." May we remember His presence always requires a certain decorum on our part. TREMBLE indeed!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." - Psalm 34:7

 

Become Even More "Undignified"

Everybody won't understand YOUR praise because they haven't walked in your shoes. - Anon

David's dancing may have displeased his wife, but it didn't bother God at all. Amen!

The Cha-cha! Electric Slide! Salsa! Waltz! Twist! Wobble.... And many, many more dance styles that have evolved over the years. And most folks have their preferences, usually predicated on a special time/moment/season in their life. The way we praise God is kind of developed along these same lines, again depending on the time/moment/season we're in. And like the dancing where we feel comfortable on the dance floor, we should be equally as comfortable in the Lord's house or wherever we might be, giving praise to Almighty God. He truly is worthy at all times. Our praise may make others uncomfortable at times, but then again, they aren't the audience. Let the glory of the Lord rise among us!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." - I Peter 2:9

Constant In the Trial and the Change

The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there. – Vince Lombardi

David was Israel’s greatest king, but he had many battles before AND after he took the throne. AMEN!

We like to think life should remain constant and our situations should never change, but change is really the one constant in life. We’re up today and down or under attack the next, and wonder why. God never promised us an easy or comfortable life, he promised us a life filled with His presence. If we stop and think about it; life would be pretty boring without any battles or friction to help smooth out our rough edges and remind us we can’t do it alone. If we truly expect success or significance in our life the only way is by dedicated effort and obedience to God’s will.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” – Daniel 2:20-21

The Skin You're In

The most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself. - Anon

After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, it took Paul three days to figure out who he really was. Hmm!

If we're not truly comfortable with who we are we can never be comfortable with other people. Our self-image, and self-esteem permeate every facet of our lives and relationships. From what we eat, to what we wear, to who we associate with, and on and on; our self-image and esteem are guiding us. That's why God wants us healthy in these areas of life, and He continuously shows us how much He loves and cares for us (warts and all), that we can learn to love ourselves. He knows we have to be our own best friend first, where we are open and honest with ourselves, before we can be open and honest and friendly with others, especially Him. And when we are comfortable in knowing who we are the kingdom lights burn a little brighter.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....when he came

to his senses, he said....." - Luke 15:17

At the Name

"Perish the thought!" - Anon

When Job's wife told him to 'curse God and die..." he pretty much said "NO WAY!" - Hmm!

Does the name of God, the thought of God, or the mention of His name cause us to adjust our lives at all? Does it cause us any spiritual or emotional reaction at all, like the mention of other names might? Honestly, if you're like me you sometimes get a little too comfortable with God, forgetting He is not only the Creator of the Universe, but the Very One who gives life and breath to you, sustains you, and keeps you. Though we do want to be intimately connected to Him, we should never forget who He is and what He's done. Maybe we need to remind ourselves of the song we sang as children: "we're you there when they crucified My Lord, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble....." May we remember His presence always requires a certain decorum on our part. TREMBLE indeed!

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." - Psalm 34:7

P.S. - Hope you can join us Sunday morning at 9AM for our weekly bible reading discussion time.

Also, we WILL NOT be having Vesper Services this Sunday, but why not pack a lunch and help us set up for VBS - it's here!

Getting out of the Habit

Bad habits are like comfortable beds, easy to fall into but hard to get out of. – Anon

Jesus jumped all over the Scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders of His day because of their love for ‘the traditions of men’ rather than GOD. OUCH!

Sometimes, if we’re not careful we can easily fall into self-fulfilling acts or rituals that take us away from God’s program and think ourselves righteous. A habit doesn’t have to be sinful to be bad, but if it takes our focus off of Almighty God and places it on our own desires we need to re-evaluate our commitment. God will present situations to see who will be first in our life today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I am the Lord your God….you shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:2-3