Prayer And More

We should never ask God to do things independent of prayer that He only promised to do through prayer. – Anon

Before Nehemiah approached the king with his request it took him a few days to get properly ‘dressed’. Hmm!

No one likes pain, particularly continual pain. The ongoing 'throbbing', continuous 'aching' that makes rest and peace almost an impossibility. For some we take medicine but still get no relief. Some we pray about but again, no relief. What to do? The disciples got a fresh look and lesson firsthand as Jesus drove out the demon they couldn't seem to budge from the child on their own. Later they asked Jesus why and He told them plainly "you need a little more prayer and fasting in your life!" The lesson here is very much in play for us today as well. Many of us are dealing with situations, circumstances, issues, and yes, we pray and pray and pray some more. Maybe we need to go all in as Jesus said and add fasting to our diet. It really, really couldn't hurt!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126:5-6

Get To the Root of It

Thousands hack at the branches of evil when it only takes one good strike at the root. - Henry David Thoreau

The Gadarene demoniac had often been chained and quartered by the people to no avail, but one moment with Jesus changed his life. Wow!

Anyone who has ever planted a garden or cared for a lawn knows you will get weeds. And the only way to get rid of them is not to cut them (they grow back) or spray them (they still grow back), but to uproot them completely (dig them out of the ground by their roots). The same is true of sin and unrighteousness in our hearts. We can identify and attack the activities in our lives where it is evident, but unless we destroy it in the heart it will manifest itself again in a whole new way. The only way to destroy it at the root is to repent and turn our heart over to God for renewal. If we’re really seeking to change, God can make it happen.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“However, this kind (sin) does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21

P.S. - Our 40-hour Prayer Fast begins this evening at 6:30pm and ends Saturday morning at 10:30am.

-No solid foods (broths, pureed soups, etc. are okay).
-Prayer points to consider:
    Being a better disciple(r)
    Breaking free from a sinful habit
    A greater burden for the lost
Join us at Prayer Breakfast this Saturday morning at 9:30 am to break the fast.

Prayer Then Action

Work for God should always be done with God. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though Saul was anointed ‘king’ by God he tried to rule God’s people by his own thinking. It cost him dearly. Hmm!

Sometimes the things that we claim we do for God have nothing to do with Him at all. They are merely our own agendas, for often we have never even stopped long enough to whisper a prayer or listen for directions from God about what it is we're doing or considering. The Word of God tells us that it is impossible to do the work of God without the authorization or ‘power’ of God, and that any such activity is empty of promise. Running with our own agendas leaves no room for God’s grace, promise, or enabling power. Serving others is difficult enough with God’s direction and blessing, so we would be foolish to try it in our own strength. So before we act maybe we should pray.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’….He replied,. ‘…….But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” – Matthew 17:19, 21

Great Conversation Great Sacrifice

Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and tangible. – A. Murray

Jesus fasted 40 days and also withdrew to lonely places to pray. You can’t beat His results. Hmm!

It doesn’t happen often but sometimes in life we are faced with the delight of choosing between the better of two very appealing options (steak or lobster, cake or pie, exercise or rest, etc.). In our relationship with God it’s no different. He always welcomes us in prayer, enjoying the time we spend in conversation with Him. But also, He is elated with our times of sacrifice in order that we may draw closer to Him as well. Hmm... what shall we choose? Either way we can’t lose.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts 

“…When you fast put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father….” – Matthew 6:17-18

P.S. - Thank You for helping us celebrate our 40th anniversary in such a special way. It refreshed our spirits to see so many of your faces in person as opposed to 'on screen'. Your thoughtfulness and generosity is greatly appreciated. You are a special people. 

With our love,

Bro. & Sis. Botts

The Root of It

Thousands hack at the branches of evil when it only takes one good strike at the root. - Henry David Thoreau

The Gadarene demoniac had often been chained and quartered by the people to no avail, but one moment with Jesus changed his life. Wow!

Anyone who has ever planted a garden or cared for a lawn knows you will get weeds. And the only way to get rid of them is not to cut them (they grow back) or spray them (they still grow back), but to uproot them completely (dig them out of the ground by their roots). The same is true of sin and unrighteousness in our hearts. We can identify and attack the activities in our lives where it is evident, but unless we destroy it in the heart it will manifest itself again in a whole new way. The only way to destroy it at the root is to repent and turn our heart over to God for renewal. If we’re really seeking to change, God can make it happen.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“However, this kind (sin) does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21

Is your agenda authorized?

Work for God should always be done with God. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though Saul was anointed ‘king’ by God he tried to rule God’s people by his own thinking. It cost him dearly. Hmm!

Sometimes the things that we claim we do for God have nothing to do with Him at all. They are merely our own agendas, for often we have never even stopped long enough to whisper a prayer or listen for directions from God about what it is we're doing or considering. The Word of God tells us that it is impossible to do the work of God without the authorization or ‘power’ of God, and that any such activity is empty of promise. Running with our own agendas leaves no room for God’s grace, promise, or enabling power. Serving others is difficult enough with God’s direction and blessing, so we would be foolish to try it in our own strength. So before we act maybe we should pray.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’….He replied,. ‘…….But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” – Matthew 17:19, 21

Prayer And Fasting

Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and tangible. – A. Murray

Jesus fasted 40 days and also withdrew to lonely places to pray. You can’t beat His results. Hmm!

It doesn’t happen often but sometimes in life we are faced with the delight of choosing between the better of two very appealing options (steak or lobster, cake or pie, exercise or rest, etc.). In our relationship with God it’s no different. He always welcomes us in prayer, enjoying the time we spend in conversation with Him. But also, He is elated with our times of sacrifice in order that we may draw closer to Him as well. Either way we can’t lose.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“…When you fast put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father….” – Matthew 6:17-18

P.S. – Don’t forget our Sunday School Devotion time this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall. We may be answering YOUR question.