Don't Hesitate to Reach Out

It's only in our 'reaching' for God that we see He has been reaching for us! - Anon

When Peter's faith faltered and he started to sink into the water, Jesus' hand was already extended. WOW!

Nobody I know, including myself, likes to eat humble pie. Just the mere thought of it (not the taste) idles our tongue in confession, stiffens our resolve in apologizing, and puts cement in our feet as we approach our confessor. The idea of admitting we of all people were wrong, or need to repent and come clean is seen as a great weakness, and we can't be weak! But here's the picture the bible paints for us. When the Prodigal Son returned to his father, I'm sure the last thing he expected was his father to come running/crying out to him. He had rehearsed his speech and was ready to take the heat afterwards. His father's actions had to be a complete surprise. But that's the way our Great God operates. We find it hard to reach out to Him in our time of need, but if we only open our eyes in faith the view is quite beautiful.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"[The Lord] lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." - Psalm 40:2

Set Us Free

Liberty is one of the most precious gifts that heaven has bestowed on man. - M. de Cervantes

David was imprisoned in his own heart until he confessed his sins to God. It was truly an uplifting event. Hmm!

Most bank vaults are built to be secure. Surrounded by several layers of concrete with reinforced steel, other materials, and alarm systems makes them virtually impenetrable. It would take a concerted, monumental effort to break in. When you think about it, this is the same building process or method Satan uses to hold us hostage in our own heart. He sows guilt, shame, fear, or some other sin in our heart and then begins to build around it. Day by day and layer by layer he coats it with all the 'reasons' we should keep it secret and locked away, holding us hostage. Our freedom however, is ever near. The power of confession to Christ breaks every bond and grip of the enemy and sets us free, to live our lives fully for the glory and honor of God. Freedom is just a repentance and prayer away.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...The Spirit of the Lord is on me.......He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." - Isaiah 61:1

Uncovering the Cover-up

When things go wrong, don't go with them. - Anon

King David and Bathsheba tried to cover up their sin and it just led to greater troubles. OUCH!

Try as we might to avoid the enemy through prayer, meditation, scripture reading/study, sometimes Satan gets the best of us and we sin. However, when this happens we should immediately confess it and repent before Almighty God, and not try to conceal it with further lies or other sinful acts, for it plays right into our enemies hands. We need remember Jesus said 'what is done in the dark will come to light.' Repentance and confession stops us and the enemy cold, and restores us back to God.

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody..... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
- Romans 12:17,21

P.S. - Don't forget Part II of our Sunday School Devotional this Sunday at 9AM. Hope you can make it!