Power to Move

The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. – Anon

Abraham, he had to leave his homeland, his people, and his father’s house to go someplace God would eventually show him. By God's grace he MADE IT!

Mountains - it seems at times as if life is full of them and they are always in our path. Some of our own making, and others as tests of faith, and each one seems to present a different climate, terrain, and angle to conquer, at times calling on us to make some drastic changes in the way we live before God. Maybe there’s some sin God is continually redressing us on that we need to correct or change, or maybe He wants to develop even a deeper commitment to His kingdom work in us, or maybe He's even trying to move us away from those He knows who are not good for us. Life may seem like an impossibility right now, but we must remember we've made it this far by the power of God, and He's faithful to the end.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:19-21

Worthy Conduct

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, our response is ours. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit..." - Philippians 1:27

Choice Criticism

Not every criticism is critical. - Anon

Though Moses' father-in-law was an outsider and told him what he was doing as leader wasn't right, Moses still listened AND prospered. Hmm!

If we're honest with ourselves, we know we don't know it all. We like others to think we do and often pretend we do, hoping no one calls our bluff. The key is admitting we don't know, for this opens the door to growth. That's true in our spiritual walk as well. Spiritual growth brings with it an openness to receive correction and in turn the discernment to give correction, correctly! The bible tells us God corrects those He loves, and He always does it the right way, and He often uses other people to do it. As we sharpen one another we must let God work through us to receive and/or give what is needed. Many of us miss out in growth opportunities because we avoid the process. When something/someone unpleasant happens upon us, or something doesn't go our way we get bent out of shape, ready to run away, quit the job, even leave the church. But often, so very often, it is in these instances and circumstances that God is asking us to either be sharpened or help sharpen. Remember, our trials come only to make us strong.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another...." - Proverbs 27:17

Loving Correction

To find direction from God you must take correction from God. – Anon

Before Isaiah uttered his familiar refrain to God, “Here am I, Send me,” God had to purge and cleanse him for the task. Hmm!

All too often we want God to just pour out His blessing on us without speaking a word into our lives. But God is a God of relationship and covenant, our Heavenly Father; and as such has the authority to “correct” us when we stray. Just as our parents spoke into our lives and provided for us as we were growing up, the pattern they followed was given by God. So if we want and expect His blessings we must seek His ways. If we heed not the correction His ways require we are not his children nor entitled to the blessings. I pray we may all find our way today.

Until romorrow...

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and he chastises everyone He ACCEPTS as a son.” – Hebrews 12:5-6