When Times Get Tough...

Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God no matter what. – Anon

Daniel knew it was dangerous for him to offer prayers to his God, but he knew without prayer he was without his God. Hmm!

When we were younger we played games like hide-and-seek, chain-tag, freeze-tag, etc. Games that had the advantage of a home base where we were safe. No matter how close the enemy came to us as long as we were at ‘home base’ we were safe and secure. Looking back on it now the idea seems strange – home base – but the concept is true. God offers us security. Not so much from the harsh realities of life – we need them to shape our character – but from the hopelessness and despair they can inflict on us if left alone. Without God we don’t stand a chance against life. And in the end He gives us eternal security. AMEN!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way…” – Psalm 46:1-2

The God Experience

You can’t live by expectations, life must be experienced! – Anon

In Jesus, the people expected a great earthly king. Those who knew Him experienced something far greater. Hmm!

“Chip off the old block!” “That’s my boy!” “You are your mother’s daughter!” We often use these terms of endearment for our children when they do things we approve of and/or expect them to do by virtue of their ‘bloodline.’ Admittedly, we can have reasonable expectations of them that they adopt the same principles, beliefs, and life goals that we have, but in truth we cannot expect anyone to live or experience life the way we want them to. No one can live up to our expectations because expectations are founded upon our own personal experiences and beliefs. Our children have not reached this plateau and won’t as their experiences will be quite different and filtered through their belief system. This is crucial in our understanding and walking with God. Though He has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us, His only ‘expectation’ is that we EXPERIENCE Him. That’s when life truly begins.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him…” – Psalm 34:8

The Impossible Belongs to God

It's going to be a GOD did what I couldn't do kind of day! - Anon

Moses led the people out of Egypt but God led them into the Promised Land. Amen!

McGyver! There was nothing he couldn't do. No situation he couldn't get himself out of, no threat he could not put down. You know the type - it's me and you. We all have that mentality. We're gonna see it through no matter what. But yet, here we are, still on the wrong side of the equation - tired, exhausted, and growing in our frustration. Well, if I can paraphrase God's word here: "When you've done all you can do, now might be a good time to remember that not everything was meant for you to handle." The 'impossible' always was and will belong to Him. So, whatever it is that may be getting the better of us is something we should give over to Him, and patiently wait and watch as He goes to work to rescue us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned." - Psalm 34:22

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

Eternal Security

Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God no matter what. – Anon

Daniel knew it was dangerous for him to offer prayers to his God, but he knew without prayer he was without his God. Hmm!

When we were younger we played games like hide-and-seek, chain-tag, freeze-tag, etc. Games that had the advantage of a home base where we were safe. No matter how close the enemy came to us as long as we were at ‘home base’ we were safe and secure. Looking back on it now the idea seems strange – home base – but the concept is true. God offers us security. Not so much from the harsh realities of life – we need them to shape our character – but from the hopelessness and despair they can inflict on us if left alone. Without God we don’t stand a chance against life. And in the end He gives us eternal security. AMEN!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way…” – Psalm 46:1-2

Connection Issues? Count Your Blessings!

When you’re unable to pray, count your blessings. – Anon

King Saul sought out a medium or spiritist in his turmoil. David continued faithful and waited on God for his answer. We know which one was God’s man! Hmm.

Prayer is our most important communication link with God. He covets it and there is never a time when He does not hear us. But there are times in life when it seems like our prayer link to God is broken, we just can’t seem to get through when we really need Him most no matter how often we call. In truth, there are times that God is silent not because of our sin or distance, but because He has already “graced” us with blessings that fulfill all we need. Just try counting, I’m sure you’ll find you won’t be disappointed.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; BLESSED is the man who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

With God We Can

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish HE wouldn’t trust me so much. – Mother Teresa

Moses didn’t think he could go and face Pharaoh to free the Israelites. God had to remind him “I’m going with you.” WOW!

In God’s eyes we are SOMEBODY! We’re HIS. But if we’re not careful we will find ourselves lamenting (complaining) over the things going on in our life, as if they will soon overwhelm us, and they will if we try and go it all alone. God has placed us in the particular situations we’re in because He believes we are the best available for the task He wants to work ‘through us.’ He’s trusting we will be available and willing, and He will equip us with the strength, wisdom, or other resources we need when we need it and not a moment sooner. He expects us to remain faithful in all circumstances. Remember what he said in his word, “to whom much is given, much will be required.” We must admit we are richly blessed!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because the take refuge in him.” – Psalm 37:39-40

Eternal Security

Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God no matter what. – Anon

Daniel knew it was dangerous for him to offer prayers to his God, but he knew without prayer he was without his God. Hmm!

When we were younger we played games like hide-and-seek, chain-tag, freeze-tag, etc. Games that had the advantage of a home base where we were safe. No matter how close the enemy came to us as long as we were at ‘home base’ we were safe and secure. Looking back on it now the idea seems strange – home base – but the concept is true. God offers us security. Not so much from the harsh realities of life – we need them to shape our character – but from the hopelessness and despair they can inflict on us if left alone. Without God we don’t stand a chance against life. And in the end He gives us eternal security. AMEN!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way…” – Psalm 46:1-2