Other Prisons

You cannot escape a prison if you don't know you're in one. – Vernon Howard

It took him a while, but the Prodigal Son finally realized he had the only key to set himself aright again. Hmm!

Because we are generally sight oriented individuals many of us know a jail or prison when we see one, having seen many in books and on screen. But such environments really only limit an individuals movement. There are far greater prisons that even in freedom hinder our growth, happiness, and joy. Many of us live lives controlled by debt, remain in relationships that are unhealthy, or stay chained to habits that destroy or bankrupt us physically and/or morally, often going to great lengths to convince ourselves this is the way it should be. These are prisons. However, Jesus promised us an ‘abundant life’ this side of heaven. Not so much on prosperity, but a life to fully be all God meant us to be. The decision to change our circumstances has always resided with us. The question to answer truthfully is "do they need changing?”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

A Lesson From Pain

What is crucial in life is not how we get out of pain, but rather, what we get out of it. - A. Christing

After being beaten, flogged, and cast into prison, in the midst of their pain Paul and Silas began to praise God. Wow, what a relief!

Pain, be it physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, etc., no one likes it and the sooner we can get out/rid of it, the better. Truthfully though it serves a purpose, to let us know something is amiss, or out of order in our life. And to try and hurry to the cure or relief point without understanding the cause is like cutting down weeds without pulling up the root - they will grow back. The key is to know why it occurs, then put into practice habits and actions that will keep it from reoccurring. God won't allow more on us than we can bear, but often He has to leave the burden much longer than necessary because of our slowness to understand why and apply His remedies.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"...Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me..." - II Corinthians 12:9

PLEASE NOTE: We are monitoring the COVID-19 coronavirus situation.

At present there are no reported cases amongst our congregation.

We will be addressing our church cleaning protocols.

We will be adding hand sanitizer stations in each building shortly

ALL REGULARLY SCHEDULED SATURDAY/SUNDAY MORNING ACTIVITIES WILL GO ON AS PLANNED!

The Food & Clothing Ministry will be in operation.

We will have regular Sunday morning services.

We WILL NOT have Sunday evening VESPER services.

Also, I know we're keen on hugs/handshakes, but please exercise GRACE in greeting one another.

As additional information and/or changes become necessary we will keep you informed.

Let's Get Uncomfortable

If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat. – J. Ortberg

James and John left their father Zebedee in the boat mending nets when Jesus called them. They learned to ‘fish’ for men. Hmm!

We have a natural tendency in life to find our “comfort zone” and then firmly position ourselves there in place, unwilling to move or change regardless of who we encounter. But it’s often in these situations where we miss out on God’s activity. If we are in a situation or lifestyle where we are perfectly capable of handling everything, then we’ve ceased growing in our understanding and dependence on God. God’s assignments generally disrupt our comfortable routines and take us into the realm of the unknown – where we learn to trust Him more – because He wants to be known in a new way to us. When the uncomfortable comes, maybe we should ask God what’s He up to!

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” – Matthew 19:29-30

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