Weep in the Time of Weeping

The bible was written in tears, and to tears it yields its best treasures. – A.W. Tozer

If Lamentations points out anything to us, it’s that Jeremiah’s tears allowed him to see and appreciate God much more clearly. WOW!

Though we may cry at a wedding, funeral, or birth of a child; we generally view shedding tears as a sign of weakness. Even recently a TV commercial stated “when you see a man with tears in his eyes that’s just a bit of his ‘awesome’ leaking out.” But just as rain drops fall from the sky to help in the natural process of new growth, tears are often a necessary action to help the Word and will of God go deeper into our hearts. That we may grow deeper and stronger roots, not only to stand taller and more robust, but to have a more fragrant aroma to attract others and ‘fruit’ to offer those in our sphere of influence. And though sometimes our eyes may be dry, when the heart truly aches, weeps, and anguishes for God, the Spirit within knows how to present those requests to God with the tears needed. Weep on friend, weep on!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” – Psalm 18:6

Good Tears

The bible was written in tears, and to tears it yields its best treasures. – A.W. Tozer

If Lamentations points out anything to us, it’s that Jeremiah’s tears allowed him to see and appreciate God much more clearly. WOW!

Though we may cry at a wedding, funeral, or birth of a child; we generally view shedding tears as a sign of weakness. Even recently a TV commercial stated “when you see a man with tears in his eyes that’s just a bit of his ‘awesome’ leaking out.” But just as rain drops fall from the sky to help in the natural process of new growth, tears are often a necessary action to help the Word and will of God go deeper into our hearts. That we may grow deeper and stronger roots, not only to stand taller and more robust, but to have a more fragrant aroma to attract others and ‘fruit’ to offer those in our sphere of influence. And though sometimes our eyes may be dry, when the heart truly aches, weeps, and anguishes for God, the Spirit within knows how to present those requests to God with the tears needed. Weep on friend, weep on!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” – Psalm 18:6

Though Times Don't Last

In times like these remember that we’ve always had times like these. – L. J. Harvey

The prophets of God (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Haggai, etc.) would often remind the people of God from whence they came, and WHO they belonged to. It was often reassuring. AMEN!

Rising gas prices! Rising food prices! Rising unemployment rates. Furloughs, etc! I could go on but I think you get the idea. When we stop to think about it, it seems there is a new obstacle or hardship popping up daily. Just as soon as we get one situation under control and in check another one rears its head. If we’re not careful we’re prone to becoming distressed and depressed. That’s why daily time with the Lord and His Word is so crucial. It reminds us of all the ‘tough times’ we’ve already come through by way of grace, and gives us hope that the current crisis is nothing to fear and will soon pass. Tough times never last - “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” - is what the scriptures tell us. So no matter wherever you are at this point, remember God won’t leave you there.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” – Psalm 37:25

Keeping Minor Frustrations Just That

Life is often unfair, that’s why there’s God. - Anon

Even on the worst day of his life, when he lost everything; Job still refused to give up or get mad with God. Hmm!

Sometimes the toast gets burnt, the kid spills the milk, the car breaks down, or maybe we get stuck in a traffic jam. These are minor frustrations of life, but we must catch ourselves, slow down, gain perspective and not let these minor frustrations become a major attitude issue. Every day God gives us is perfect, but yet it doesn’t mean everything that happens will be good and perfect. But His promise is to take it all and bring good from it in His good time if we remain faithful and true. The frustrations that happen to us rob God neither of His power or promises. So in spite of the frustrations we might face, an attitude of gratitude will win the day with God.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God…..For the Lord your God is a merciful God…..” – Deuteronomy 4:30-31