Offerings From the Heart

A picture is worth a 1,000 words! Anon

It wasn't the poor widow's money (2 coins) that astonished Jesus, it was her heart when she gave it. WOW!

They cover refrigerators all over the world. Drawings of 'stick figure families', not quite perfectly shaped hearts, crooked houses with stumpy trees, etc. Drawings by children, and though they are not a museum masterpiece, they are a heartwarming offering of love to a parent. In the same way, God loves our imperfect offerings and delights in them when they are offered from our hearts like those childhood drawings, for it's not so much the finished product that He sees, but the heart, devotion, and intent (love) we put into it. So, what rendering will you present to Him this day?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - I Peter 4:8

Hope to see you tonight at 6:30pm for our Good Friday service.

Other Plans...

Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless. - Thomas Edison

It didn't seem right to have Gideon's men lap water like dogs, but God knew why. Hmm!

Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers closer did not come to the Major Leagues as a pitcher. He was originally a catcher with a great powerful arm, but he really couldn't hit. That's a problem for the catcher's position. The coaches noting his powerful arm talked to him about pitching. Just wanting to play the game at the Major League level anyway he possibly could, he was 'transformed' into one of the fiercest and best closers in the game today. There's a lesson here for all of us. As talented and skilled as we think we are God still knows what ways to use us best. And if we're going to ask Him to guide and lead us, then we had better be prepared to do whatever He calls us to do, and with whole-hearted devotion with a willing spirit. It may not seem right to us but we should trust in the truth that the Creator of all things has a purpose for us.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21

P.S. - We will not be having Bible Study tonight.

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.

Learning Curve

If you live to learn, then you will really learn to live. - J. Zabloski

Saul thought he knew it all and had it all until he met Christ on that Damascus road. He counted it all a loss after that. Wow!

Success, growth, wonder, and most of all - the awe of God- are all descendants of one life characteristic; the ability and desire to be taught. 'Teachability' is an attitude that says, "no matter how much I know (or think I know), I can learn from my situation." God is always at His work, and He presents new and exciting things (miracles) every day that we may know and praise Him more. The problem for most of us is that we operate from a teacher's attitude (we've seen, done, and know it all); and we want to tell others about it.. No matter how seasoned we may grow to be we must remember that before the Master a student's quest is always the right approach.

Until Monday........

Pastor Botts

"...call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know....." - Jeremiah 33:3

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall. Hope to see you there!