Freed from the "Norm"

Many of us live as prisoners of others expectations, rather than one set free by divine promises. – Henry Nouwen

The Samaritan woman at the well thought this was all life had to offer. Then she met Jesus and it all changed. Hmm!

It is a wonderful thing to live within an arena of family and friends who provide us with affection, encouragement, stimulus, and even challenge. These things are necessary to help us in our development. But there is a possible downside to this, when these inputs become binding, restrictive ties that do not allow us to grow into our ‘giftedness’ from God. Though our strong points/qualities may blaze through like the sun, they should not keep us in the proverbial ‘box,’ and not allow us to develop further as God orchestrates our lives. Others' expectations based on what they see or perceive they need from us should never overshadow what God is currently doing in and through us. God is always at His work, and you are His project.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“...It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery….” – Galatians 5:1

Set Us Free

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

David was imprisoned in his own heart until he confessed his sins to God. It was truly an uplifting event. 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 it secret and 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. Freedom is just a repentance and prayer away.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...The Spirit of the Lord is on me.......He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." - Isaiah 61:1

God's Project

Many of us live as prisoners of others' expectations, rather than one set free by divine promises. – Henry Nouwen

The Samaritan woman at the well thought this was all life had to offer. Then she met Jesus and it all changed. Hmm!

It is a wonderful thing to live within an arena of family and friends who provide us with affection, encouragement, stimulus, and even challenge. These things are necessary to help us in our development. But there is a possible downside to this, when these inputs become binding, restrictive ties that do not allow us to grow into our ‘giftedness’ from God. Though our strong points/qualities may blaze through like the sun, they should not keep us in the proverbial ‘box,’ and not allow us to develop further as God orchestrates our lives. Others expectations based on what they see or perceive they need from us should never overshadow what God is currently doing in and through us. God is always at His work, and you are His project.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery….” – Galatians 5:1

Going Beyond Expectation

Many of us live as prisoners of others expectations, rather than one set free by divine promises. – Henry Nouwen

The Samaritan woman at the well thought this was all life had to offer. Then she met Jesus and it all changed. Hmm!

It is a wonderful thing to live within an arena of family and friends who provide us with affection, encouragement, stimulus, and even challenge. These things are necessary to help us in our development. But there is a possible downside to this, when these inputs become binding, restrictive ties that do not allow us to grow into our ‘giftedness’ from God. Though our strong points/qualities may blaze through like the sun, they should not keep us in the proverbial ‘box,’ and not allow us to develop further as God orchestrates our lives. Others expectations based on what they see or perceive they need from us should never overshadow what God is currently doing in and through us. God is always at His work, and you are His project.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“…..It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery….” – Galatians 5:1

P.S. - We'll be dealing with EMOTIONAL HEALTH this Sunday during our Devotional time at 9AM. Really hope you can make it.