Moving With Him

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet. – Anon

John in his gospel tells us that many people, after they heard the hard words of what it means to follow Jesus went back and “walked with him no more.” A tragic decision. Hmm!

Often, we forget that ours is a Christian journey; being led by our Lord. We willingly signed up when we accepted His call to “follow me.” Though the path may not seem “wise” to us or even dangerous, we must remember, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me,” we are not alone. He alone knows the path to His Father’s house for “He came from the Father,” and “He goes back to the Father.” We often feel we know our way around down here better than anyone, and that may be true, but it is not “down here” we want to stay if we expect eternal glory one day. So, as Jesus or the Word of God speaks to us, let us move in harmony with the request.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?...the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” – Luke 6:46,49

Spirit Led Improvement

There's always room for improvement, you know - it's the biggest room in the house. - L.H. Leber

John the Baptist told his disciples if they wanted something better they should try Jesus. What a difference it made. WOW!

After winning many Grand Slam events and being on top of her game, Serena Williams changed her coach. Why, because she wanted to be even better. She had made it up in her mind she wanted to improve and she did something about it. It paid off, not only did she win many, many more Slams, she ranked #1 in the world for over 3 years. Within everyone of us, in our walk with God, is a longing for something greater, and the ability to get better. Better at prayer, worship, attendance, serving, giving, leadership, memorizing scripture, controlling our tongue; I could go on and on. The key is not just to desire it, but to do something about it. Maybe we need to 'fire' ourselves as coach and hire someone else to make us accountable. God always wants us to change for the better or greater good, and not remain complacent and satisfied with yesterday's results. By way of the Holy Spirit God will provide the means of our improvement if we will provide the initiative.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." - Galatians 5:17-18

Playing with Fire

Most of us keep one eye on the temptation we pray not to be led into. – M. H. Waldrip

David ‘looked’ a little bit too long at Bathsheba on the rooftop, and you know the rest of the story. OUCH!

Fire. We all know its benefits. It purifies precious metals, forges steel and iron for building, as well as warming our homes and cooking our food. In scripture fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit at times – all good stuff. Ironically though, fire is also a destroyer, it destroys buildings and homes, possessions, and figuratively speaking, lives and relationships. And again scripturally speaking fire is the agent that makes hell hot. But the one truth about fire whether literally or figuratively speaking is ‘if you get too close you’ll get burned!’ It is not something to be taken lightly. To some extent, each one of us is probably tempted on a daily basis to play with fire knowing the results could be disastrous (flirting, cheating, lying, gossip, etc.), but yet we play; often not even feeling the heat. The enemy tempts us in many ways but the end result is always the same, fire. God asks us to be constantly vigilant in our daily activities for eternity hangs in the balance.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned? Can a man walk on burning coals without scorching his feet? – Proverbs 6:27-28

We gotta Move It Move It

You can’t guide something that isn’t moving. - Ben Merold

Jesus’ reply to those who wanted to know him was simple – “follow me!” Hmm.

The steering wheel in an automobile is one of the most important pieces of equipment necessary, but only when the car is in motion, otherwise it’s pretty much useless. For many people the idea conveyed is true of their lives. We often fall into ruts, or complacency, and remain at a standstill wondering how to change things up. We can’t sit still and serve God. We can’t sit idle and fulfill our purpose. God is on the move, always has been and always will be. He’s seeking and searching for those who will go for Him. We often wonder why it seems we’re not getting anywhere in our lives, maybe it’s because we’ve sat down on God. If we want His guidance in our lives we must be willing to move. Remember, the Great Commission gave us permission to GO, not to stop.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the desert. He guided them safely, so they were unafraid….” – Psalm 78:52-53