Release the Prisoners

It's crazy how God forgives us DAILY, but yet we hold grudges FOREVER! - Anon

When Peter tried to quantify forgiveness, Jesus had him look inward and heavenward. Hmm!

Long before the 'Hatfields and the McCoys' there were the folks of Edom - Esau's descendants! Though Esau had been wronged by his brother Jacob, the two of them reconciled. But Esau's descendants would not let it go. They terrorized their relatives for many, many years until God called down judgment upon them. It seems silly, but many of us are just like them. Oh, we may not 'terrorize' our victims, but we hold them in prison in our hearts, wishing all kinds of 'ill will' towards them. We forget how much God loves us, and showers mercy, forgiveness, and grace upon us every day though we don't deserve it. If there is anything to learn here it's that forgiveness is a God thing, and maybe we should practice it even more. Who knows that God may not do to us what He did to the folks of Edom for their hardheartedness. If we're going to 'hold' these folks in our hearts, may it be in prayer.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." - Matthew 6:15

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

Take the Limits Off

Your limitations become your prison only when you treat them as such. – Anon

The Israelite army felt powerless against Goliath and the Philistines, letting him severely taunt them for 40 days. Then David and his GOD came along. VICTORY!

For most of us as Christians or children of God there are many things we draw the line at saying “I just can’t do it.” It’s not that we think the task unworthy, we just don’t think it’s in us or we possess the ability. But we serve a God who has always equipped His children in their ‘hour of need’ as they sought Him out. The scriptures are chock full with accounts of men and women who did ‘great’ things in God’s strength. In reality our limitations are God’s opportunities. We should just give ourselves over to God and watch the miracles unfold.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Ah. Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17

Mental Captivity

Liberty is one of the most precious gifts that heaven has bestowed on man. - Miguel de Cervantes

Though he was free and owed no man, the Prodigal son's brother was a prisoner in his own heart. Hmm!

Most bank vaults are built to be secure. Surrounded by several layers of concrete with reinforced steel, other materials, and alarm systems makes them virtually impenetrable. It would take a concerted, monumental effort to break in. When you think about it, this is the same building process or method Satan uses to hold us hostage in our own heart. He sows guilt, shame, fear, or some other sin in our heart and then begins to build around it. Day by day and layer by layer he coats it with all the 'reasons' we should keep this secret, locked away, holding us hostage. Our freedom however, is ever near. The power of confession to Christ breaks every bond and grip of the enemy and sets us free, to live our lives fully for the glory and honor of God. Which by the way is why He gave us TODAY. Freedom is just a repentance and prayer away.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord and you forgave the guilt of my sin..." - Psalm 32:5

More than one type

You cannot get out of prison if you don’t know you’re in one. – P. Drucker

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 Monday……

Pastor Botts

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

P.S. - Reminder: Clean-up day tomorrow beginning at 7:30AM.

Also, due to work going on in the Sanctuary, Sunday services will be held in Parmes Hall.

Our Limitations, God's Opportunities

Your limitations become your prison only when you treat them as such. – Anon

The Israelite army felt powerless against Goliath and the Philistines, letting him severely taunt them for 40 days. Then David and his GOD came along. VICTORY!

For most of us as Christians or children of God there are many things we draw the line at saying “I just can’t do it.” Not that we don’t think the task worthy, we just don’t think it’s in us or we possess the ability. But we serve a God who has always equipped his children in their ‘hour of need’ as they sought him out. In reality our limitations are God’s opportunities. We should just give them over to God and watch the miracles unfold.

I will be taking the next week off, so this keyboard will be silent until I return. So until then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pastor Botts

“Ah. Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17

P.S. - Don't forget we start at 9AM this Sunday.

Freeing Forgiveness

Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner! – Max Lucado

Though Daniel spent the night in the lion’s den, King Darius was the one held prisoner in his own heart. Then morning came and he was relieved. Hmm!

Prisons are ominous places. True they house some vile people, but they also house those who have to keep watch over them. It is a tough grueling job with little if any benefits. This is also a true picture of us when we can’t practice forgiveness. The thing is when we refuse to forgive someone, when we decide to harbor ill will or hatred toward them; it is really ourselves that we keep locked up. We have to make sure that person never gets free to have a pleasant life or ruin someone else’s life. We in essence become jail keepers in the dungeons of our own heart. That’s why God ‘commands’ us to forgive one another as He forgave us. Life is too short to be locked up of your own will. Forgiving is not necessarily forgetting what happened, but it is allowing yourself to live freely and fully for God, and it works wonders for your heart and spirit.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15