Sweet Fragrant Memories

We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun. -Winnie the Pooh

Paul often said the visits and gifts he received from others refreshed his spirit. Amen!

We all have them. Those fond memories of certain smells that take us back to warm happy places and times. Whether it was the candy store or the movie theater popcorn, or mom's holiday fare, or just the morning coffee brewing. It's just simply amazing how such an aroma can cause such a positive jolt to our attitude and well-being. Knowing this is a creative design feature of our loving God, shouldn't it be then no matter how hectic, stressful, or anxiety filled our days are with the cares and goings on in the world; that it be just somewhat of a small blip on the radar or our attitudes? Shouldn't just a quick whiff/sight/thought of God's goodness jolt us back to His presence. Throughout the day He gives us many different sights/sounds/touches to remind us He's near. AND if it's true we are a 'sweet smelling aroma' to others then surely we should be attracting some to ourselves as well for refreshment. If it seems your everyday lot is heavy to bear and dark with no light maybe it might be time to invest in some different "smelling' salts.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The memory of the righteous will be a blessing....." - Proverbs 10:7

The Heart of Character

A man’s reputation is the opinion people have of him, his character is what he really is. – J. Miner

Jesus chided the religious leaders calling them “whitewashed tombs” because their hypocrisy knew no bounds. OUCH!

It’s amazing the lengths we’ll go to at times to make sure we “look” just right to outsiders and other Christian brethren so that they may think highly of us. It is good to be well liked and appreciated, but it is best to be righteous, true, and holy in our character, for it’s all we’ll take with us when we leave here, and this is what God looks for. We should always remember it's easier to acquire a good reputation than to erase a bad one. God is the final judge on what is 'good' and He set those parameters way back in the Garden of Eden and they haven't changed since. He doesn't look at the person we see in the mirror each morning, He looks on the heart of that person we see in the mirror.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.’” – Matthew 7:22-23

P.S. - Have you signed up for the upcoming "You Are Not Alone" series? It starts February 6th!

He Knows All

A good sermon often leaves you wondering how the preacher knew so much about you. – Anon

Nathanael was amazed that Jesus knew so much about him before they met. Jesus said “the amazement” is just beginning. WOW!

Though we are absent from one another’s presence often we are never absent from God’s presence. There is no place we can go from his presence, for all of creation is before Him at all times. We may not acknowledge His presence or entreat him, but He is always there, and YES that includes when we willingly sin. A good moral conscience will not stop you from sinning, that’s an act of your will and self-control. God knows what He needs to say to you and He often uses people (preachers) to say it, because He cares. Have we thought about what He has ‘preached’ lately?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:14-15