Not Rocket Science or Powered

The power of prayer rests on the ONE who hears it, and not on the one who says it. – A. Brown

Jonathan’s victory over the Philistine outpost was ‘perhaps’ because he trusted in God. Hmm!

Prayer! Why is it such a hard thing to do? Why do we fear others hearing us pray out loud? So often we approach prayer like it’s an IRS form or a job application, and we have to fill in all the spaces correctly or there’ll be big trouble. Or we feel we have to say all the right words or be somewhat long or overtly emotional in our plea. God is not standing over us in a white coat and clipboard when we pray. He knows our heart and our needs before we even ask Him. His invitation to prayer is really just a desire to commune together, meet and share concerns, hopes, dreams, and encouragement. There is no standardized format. The main thing in our prayer time is that we acknowledge God for who He is, and our complete dependence upon Him. And since there is nothing ‘too hard’ for Him, He eagerly awaits us to show His power.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know…” – Jeremiah 33:3

Time for Some Action

Thinking will never overcome fear. But action will! - Anon

When Daniel heard about the king's new decree he just went home and prayed on it. Amen!

Make no mistake about it friend, it is good to plan, strategize, map out our intended progress. But there comes a time when we must take action. Good intentions are just that - intentions, until we begin to act on them. In every well-planned war, game, or contest, changes in your enemies strategy results in instant changes in yours. And when time is of the essence you must be willing to act in faith (trusting God) to overcome. Our trust and reliance on God in these moments is crucial for the battle is His alone. He will give the perspective, courage, insight, and strength we need to be victorious. All we need do is be ready and available. Eventually, we will be singing a new song of praise to Him. Welcome to the New Year!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." - I Samuel 14:6

DO Something

You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing there will be no results! - Anon

Though the Israelites were 'given' the Promised Land, it took some 'working battles' to settle in. Hmm!

Many of us are great visionaries. We can see it all now in our minds eye. Just how perfect our life will be in 5, 10, 15 years or retirement even. Or we can see just how great a ministry/outreach serving "fill in the blank" would add value to the church or community. The only flaw here is that unless we personally do something to begin to make this a reality it will never get off the ground It may all work out as we see it, or God may adjust it along the way to improve upon it, but rest assured it will only collect dust and be forgotten if we never act upon it. We're gifted with life one day at a time, and what we DO with it makes it meaningful and purposeful. LIVE ON!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, 'Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. PERHAPS the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." - I Samuel 14:6

Restraint in Freedom

The basic test of freedom is perhaps less in what we are free to do than in what we are free not to do. – E. Hoffer

Paul stated “in Christ he was free to do all things,” but that if “eating meat” caused offense to his brother, he would eat no meat. What a COST to pay!

When you really stop to think about it, the whole concept of freedom is wrapped up in GOD. He is free and able to do ALL THINGS, yet He restrains himself on our behalf. Our sins are punishable by death, yet God chose NOT to condemn us to hell, but save us by grace. And that my friend is a mighty awesome example of true freedom. Happy 4th of July, but better yet, Praise God for your SALVATION!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” – I Corinthians 9:19

Wardrobe Check

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater

than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but our intent of heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

Daring Moves

Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may also start a winning game. - Goethe

Andrew brought a small boy with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish to Jesus to feed 5,000. A sensible move – NO! A daring move - you bet!

In business, an 'entrepreneur' is one who has an idea or dream and is willing to risk everything they have to see it come to pass, realizing there is always a small possibility of failure. It's that type of spirit that should empower our faith and deeds. In truth, often for our faith to work or have value we have to step out on the “ledge of risk.” Not every program or every thing we do for God will work, but we will never know until we try, and the bottom line is that God will never be disappointed with our faithful efforts. PERHAPS.....

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…..For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body.” – II Corinthians 4:8-9,11

Simply Prayer

The power of prayer rests on the ONE who hears it, and not on the one who says it. – A. Brown  

Jonathan’s victory over the Philistine outpost was ‘perhaps’ because he trusted in God. Hmm!  

Prayer! Why is it such a hard thing to do? Why do we fear others hearing us? So often we approach prayer like it’s an IRS form or a job application, and we have to fill in all the spaces correctly or there’ll be big trouble. Or we feel we have to say all the right words, or be somewhat long or overtly emotional in our plea. God is not standing over us in a white coat and clipboard when we pray. He knows our heart and our needs before we even ask Him. His invitation to prayer is really just a desire to commune together, meet and share concerns, hopes, dreams, and encouragement. There is no standardized format. The main thing in our prayer time is that we acknowledge God for who He is, and our complete dependence upon Him. And since there is nothing ‘too hard’ for Him, He eagerly awaits us to show His power.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know…” – Jeremiah 33:3