Praises in the Raises

It's not our perfection but our submission that pleases God. - Anon

Noah, the 1st recorded sailor and drunkard. But yet, still a man God used mightily. Amen!

We often think of them as superhuman beings. Those great biblical characters, like Abram, Moses, David, Peter, Paul, & Mary, etc. Though they did great things the truth is they were ordinary people who had a past (sin included) that God used to bring about His will. Even in serving God they sometimes fell short, yet God still used them. There's a lesson here. We need to stop cursing ourselves for the many times we've fallen, and start praising God for the number of times He's raised us up. What's in our past is past, over and done with. God is at work reshaping and remolding all our life experiences into a mosaic or quilt that will continue to tell the story of Jesus. His redeeming, reclaiming, and rebranding of lives that brings glory to God the Father. Each one our lives has meaning to God and impacts those around us. God is not out to make us super; He just wants to work through us, and let others call what He does extraordinary.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again..." - Proverbs 24:16

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

No Immunity but it can be Mastered

The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues. – R. Descartes

Though David was ‘a man after God’s own heart’ he had great trouble controlling the desires of ‘his own flesh.’ Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to discipline themselves knows that saying and doing are 2 different things. Whether it be saving, praying, dieting, etc. it’s hard to be disciplined and gain success. Such is true with our faith walk as well. No matter what age we attain or how long we have been with Christ and His church, we are all susceptible to sin or vice. There is never a time in our lives when we become immune to it, get away from it, or become too good for it. But we can master it, and we should; just as God told Cain. Giving in to sin and asking forgiveness later is really a cop out, for we serve a God who has already promised us He would “help us out” of any situation IF we ask. What we must do is decide in our hearts and mind to be people of noble character in all situations, and even then still PRAY.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – I Corinthians 10:12

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

Little Lifesavers

In case of emergency........ - Anon

Jesus had a group of twelve, a circle of three, and an ever present One. Rarely did you see Him sweat. Hmm!

It happens on every flight. Before the plane gets off the ground the attendants go through the emergency protocols (seat belt, oxygen, flotation devices, lighting, etc.) the whole nine yards to make sure you're aware of and can operate efficiently in case of an emergency. The intent is to help save lives. What a concept! It's something we should incorporate into our spiritual lives. Lifesavers to help us navigate life's emergencies. A prayer partner or group to keep us lifted up, personal scripture passages or prayers to keep us meditating and hopeful, and of course a prayer closet we visit often - to keep us tethered to our guiding light and strength - God. And remember, emergencies don't announce their arrival so it's best we get prepared.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts   "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up." - Ecclesiastes 4:10

Worry, No Good. Prayer, All Good!

Anything worth worrying about is worth praying about. – Anon

In the midst of hostility and deceit, Nehemiah worked and prayed, prayed and worked. God answered. WOW!

Stressed out, worried sick, anxiety-laden, or just plain fearful. These are emotional states to avoid for we know no good thing can arise from them. But yet we often find ourselves going through these emotions over some of the smallest matters (an unreturned phone call, a non-existent rumor, a friend’s strange stare or non-stare, etc.). It is a testament to what we believe about our God in terms of what we will take before Him in prayer, and how soon we’ll take it there. Worry does nothing good for us and it keeps us from fully trusting in God. There will always be uncertainties in life and things we just can’t know at the time, but God doesn’t want them to interfere with us fully enjoying what He has given us right here, right now, so pray if you must.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” – Psalm 55:22

Select Capable Officials

We don’t always have to ‘let the chips fall where they may,’ its okay to give them a little direction from time to time. – Anon

When the disciples needed someone to take Judas’ place, they prayed and then cast lots (voted) for Matthias. Hmm!

It has been said that America is a land where a man will cross the ocean to fight for democracy and won’t even cross the street to vote. OUCH! It is our civic duty as Americans, and more so than that; it is our spiritual duty as children of God to be involved in the governmental processes. True, God ‘sets kings up and deposes them,’ but generally God works through people – US – to effect change in the world. If we are to be subject to ‘higher powers’ then we should ensure those in power are men and women of righteous character. VOTE!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But select capable men from all the people – men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens…..” – Exodus 18:21