Refuge in the Storm

Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amidst it. - Anon

People thought for years Noah was crazy to build the ark. I'm sure it kept him sane before and after. Hmm!

In inclement weather times (hurricane, tornado, blizzard, etc.) for those who can't flee before the onslaught hits, they're told to "batten down the hatches" hold on and try to ride it out. Question: what happens when life throws such seemingly harsh events at us, and we're unable to flee? What do you do, where do you go? In this post pandemic world anxiety, depression, stress, racial bias, etc., is on the rise and seems to come at us stronger and stronger almost weekly. We can try and distract ourselves with busyness, comfort foods, or sticking our head in the sand and wishing it all away. But in truth, we need a much stronger source of assurance all will be alright. God is that refuge. Only He can keep us from feeling overwhelmed and alone. He is the perfect place for refuge, rest, restoration, and RESET to keep us on solid footing. If He cares for the sparrows of the field, surely He'll care for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge." - Psalm 16:1

Stretched Thin

Stretching may be good for exercise, but not so for life. – Anon

Elijah was ready to give up on life because he thought ‘he’ was the only priest of God left doing the work, but God told him otherwise. Hmm!

Life and all its gifts and opportunities given to us by God was never meant to leave us feeling overworked, over-committed, and completely overwhelmed. But in truth many of us are, we are simply stretched thin. God’s gifts of family, careers, and even pleasure were never meant to supplant Him, but to be enjoyed in a way that brings glory to Him, and being stretched thin does not allow us to give our best to Him. God’s plan has always been that we take time to slow down, enjoy His presence, company, and conversation. If we’re short on time today may be a good time to take a serious look at ‘our priorities.’

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus} said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest…” – Mark 6:31

Love makes it better

Nothing is too much trouble for love. – Desmond Tutu

Even after he wasted all his money and 'soiled' himself with unrighteous living, the Prodigal Son's father quickly lifted his spirits. Wow!

Often we may feel overwhelmed and alone, like all the problems of the world have come resting right down on our shoulders. When we do feel like this it is only because we have taken the wrong view. When our fate hung in the balance and rested at God's discretion, he showed us the way by exercising love (John 3:16). You may feel your family's plight is unbearable, or your life situation too heavy, but remember when love is added in; even the heaviest of weight is lifted. Ask God for a little more capacity to love and see what a difference it will make in your life.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

"....God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." - I John 4:16