Devil Repellant

Small impressions can have a large and lasting impact. - Anon

There's a reason Jesus got up early in the morning to pray. Hmm!

Mosquitoes, fleas, ants, bees, etc,. Small creatures created by God, but they pack a punch when they bite into us. One small bite/sting is annoying enough, with its constant irritating itch or sting, agitating us as the day wears on, taking away our ability to fully enjoy the moment. Could you imagine 3, 4, or 5. NO - it's why we put on the repellants, long sleeves, socks, etc., to keep them at bay. Knowing this and also knowing we have an enemy that's ALWAYS on the prowl looking to attack our spiritual well-being, here's the greater question we need to ask ourselves each day: Have I put on any repellant/armor for his tricks and attacks? A word to the wise is sufficient!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

".....therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...." - Ephesians 6:13

Think Big, Start Small

The person who moves mountains, still begins by carrying away small stones. – Anon

On the day of Pentecost Peter preached a sermon that moved a mountain of people to accept Christ. He got his start sometime ago by just following Jesus. Hmm!

Many times we want to do the great and miraculous, the big event like Peter here that gets us noticed. But in truth the “big event” is actually an accumulation of the small things. Saving and scrimping to buy the car or house. Doing night or Saturday school to get the diploma or degree. The same is true in our walk with God. Bible study, prayer, meditation, fellowship – small things – done in faith turn mountainous problems or obstacles into molehills that are easily overcome. Start small and stay steady!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out.’ He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. {But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.} Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:21-22

Power to Move

The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. – Anon

Abraham, he had to leave his homeland, his people, and his father’s house to go someplace God would eventually show him. By God's grace he MADE IT!

Mountains - it seems at times as if life is full of them and they are always in our path. Some of our own making, and others as tests of faith, and each one seems to present a different climate, terrain, and angle to conquer, at times calling on us to make some drastic changes in the way we live before God. Maybe there’s some sin God is continually redressing us on that we need to correct or change, or maybe He wants to develop even a deeper commitment to His kingdom work in us, or maybe He's even trying to move us away from those He knows who are not good for us. Life may seem like an impossibility right now, but we must remember we've made it this far by the power of God, and He's faithful to the end.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:19-21

Know Your Worth

If you put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. – Anon

Even in captivity, Daniel never forgot who he was nor whom he belonged to. Hmm!

One of the great parodied events of our country's storied history is the “purchase” of Manhattan from the Indians for some ‘trinkets and beads,’ the obvious point being the Indians had no idea of the value of the land they possessed. Often in life, we are somewhat like these fabled Indians, forgetting that we are of the greatest value to our Heavenly Father and His Son. Our worth to God is of much more value that pure gold. We are the children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are royalty. Let no one sell you short today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – I Peter 2:9

We Matter

In a colony of tens of thousands, no ant feels insignificant or purposeless. - Anon

Though tiny in nature, Jesus showed the mustard seed yields an abundant supply. Amen!

It is said 'the world is a big place.' And that is true by measurements, distances, land vs. sea, etc. And because of this it can make anyone feel tiny and insignificant. But there are two things we should consider here. First, no matter how big the world is, every one of us matters to God. He knows us individually down to the hairs on our head. And second, though you may be one of many, you are not without purpose. God has planted you in His vineyard (the church) with the potential to sprout and grow in ways only He knows. And these ways are not self-serving, but just as the mustard seed flourished, through God's grace our growth may help provide hope, encouragement, and shelter for others. Who knows, to one person you just may be the world.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants and grows into a tree where birds can come and find shelter in its branches." - Matthew 13:31

Protection from the Elements

Small impressions can have a large and lasting impact. - Anon

There's a reason Jesus got up early in the morning to pray. Hmm!

Mosquitoes, fleas, ants, bees, etc,. Small creatures created by God, but they pack a punch when they bite into us. One small bite/sting is annoying enough, with its constant irritating itch or sting, agitating us as the day wears on, taking away our ability to fully enjoy the moment. Could you imagine 3, 4, or 5. NO - it's why we put on the repellants, long sleeves, socks, etc., to keep them at bay. Knowing this and also knowing we have an enemy that's ALWAYS on the prowl looking to attack our spiritual well-being, here's the greater question we need to ask ourselves each day: Have I put on any repellant/armor for his tricks and attacks? A word to the wise is sufficient!

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

".....therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...." - Ephesians 6:13

Small Moves, Big Results

The person who moves mountains, still begins by carrying away small stones. – Anon

On the day of Pentecost Peter preached a sermon that moved a mountain of people to accept Christ. He got his start sometime ago by just following Jesus. Hmm!

Many times we want to do the great and miraculous, the big event like Peter here that gets us noticed. But in truth the “big event” is actually an accumulation of the small things. Saving and scrimping to buy the car or house. Doing night or Saturday school to get the diploma or degree. The same is true in our walk with God. Bible study, prayer, meditation, fellowship – small things – done in faith turn mountainous problems or obstacles into molehills that are easily overcome. Start small and stay steady!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out.’ He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. {But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.} Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:21-22

Procrastination made it grow

Procrastination is the fertilizer that makes difficulties grow. – J. Maxwell

Because the Israelites didn’t think they were ready to take the Promised Land it cost them 40 years in the desert wilderness. OUCH!

Small projects that have become monumental tasks. Small issues that have become mega problems filled with drama. All because we did not attack them when they first surfaced. The truth is all problems grow if we don’t focus on them immediately and plan some course of action. The first step is always to remember who we are and who we belong to. And since there’s nothing too hard for our God, we should trust Him for the strength, wisdom, knowledge, and other resources we will need. Since tomorrow is not promised today is a good day to start.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

What Road Are You On?

If we keep heading in the same direction, we are likely to get where we are headed. – Rick Rusaw

The Israelites were in constant rebellion toward God’s leadings. If memory serves correctly, they were in constant bondage as well. Hmmm!

Maps are great tools to assist us in getting to our point of destination. Follow the map route and you’re assured of reaching your end point. God gave us a map – The Bible – that we might get to know Him and make it to heaven. It too, has very specific directions but with two destinations. God is EXACT in His directions, and there is no “wiggle room.” If sin is “heading” our lives, now is the time to very seriously stop and take a look at the path we are on and make any necessary course corrections. And though we may feel okay with our current relationship with God, remember He does not like “lukewarmness” either.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

Model Behavior

The nice part of living in a small town is that when I don’t know what I’m doing, someone else does. – Anon

When Lot was in trouble down in Sodom & Gomorrah, someone told Abram; and he came to his rescue. AMEN!

One of the truths we come to realize as we grow older is that the world isn’t as big as we once thought it to be. With the current technology and innovations anything can be brought to light almost instantly, and unfortunately it often is. We often think we can get away with or hide our ‘habits,’ ‘dirty deeds,’ or non-Christian behaviors, but in reality we can’t. Someone is always looking, and generally it is someone we know or who knows about us. True, sin is a part of all our lives, but habitual, behavioral sin is what Christ frees us from. In a day and age where a lie can go around the world before truth has an opportunity to tie its shoes, we need to be mindful of whom we belong to at all times.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” – Romans 16:19

Devil Repellant

Small impressions can have a large and lasting impact. - Anon

There's a reason Jesus got up early in the morning to pray. Hmm!

Mosquitoes, fleas, ants, bees, etc,. Small creatures created by God, but they pack a punch when they bite into us. One small bite/sting is annoying enough, with its constant irritating itch or sting, agitating us as the day wears on, taking away our ability to fully enjoy the moment. Could you imagine 3, 4, or 5. NO - it's why we put on the repellants, long sleeves, socks, etc., to keep them at bay. Knowing this and also knowing we have an enemy that's ALWAYS on the prowl looking to attack our spiritual well-being,  here's the greater question we need to ask ourselves each day: Have I put on any repellant/armor for his tricks and attacks? A word to the wise is sufficient!

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

".....therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...." - Ephesians 6:13

The Great Opportunity

Great opportunities come to those who make the most of small ones. - Anon

Because a little boy came prepared and was willing to share his lunch, five-thousand plus were fed. WOW!

Those who we see somewhat successful in life and/or strong in the faith are really only those who made the most of an opportunity, blessing, or hardship that came into their lives. Situations do not make themselves known as the 'great opportunity' but only as a circumstance with consequences; which is when we should turn to God for guidance. His direction and guidance will bring the best out of every situation and open doors for even greater blessing and opportunity. Just as He led the Israelites, making way after way for them; He waits to do the same for us. It really is just a small thing to trust in a GREAT GOD!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"....and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work....." - II Corinthians 9:8

Just a Little Bit

The person who moves mountains, still begins by carrying away small stones. – Anon

On the day of Pentecost Peter preached a sermon that moved a mountain of people to accept Christ. He got his start sometime ago by just following Jesus.   Many times we want to do the great and miraculous, the big event like Peter here that gets us noticed. But in truth the “big event” is actually an accumulation of the small things. Saving and scrimping to buy the car or house. Doing night or Saturday school to get the diploma or degree. The same is true in our walk with God. Bible study, prayer, meditation, fellowship – small things – done in faith and discipline turn mountainous problems or obstacles into molehills that are easily overcome. Start small and stay steady!

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out.’ He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. {But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.} Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:21-22

Integrity in the Small Things

To become reliable in the big things, you have to practice reliability in the small ones. – J. Budziszewski

David started out as a little ‘ruddy’ shepherd boy for his father. He was later known as Mighty Warrior, and Mighty King. Why, because he was faithful and obedient. Hmm!

As long as we live trials and temptations will come, no one is exempt. God will test us to build us up, and Satan will tempt us to try and tear us down. The key to overcoming both is the same; doing the right thing at all times, no matter when, where, or with whom; or no matter how big or small a detail it is.  It’s not the big trials or temptations that often topple us, it’s our failure to be obedient in and overcome the little dull, monotonous, repetitious ones that occur each day. If character is not forged here it is not forged at all. God is looking for faithfulness in all things.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much; and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10

Where Ya Headed?

If we keep heading in the same direction, we are likely to get where we are headed. – R. Rusaw

The Israelites were in constant rebellion toward God’s leadings. If memory serves correctly, they were in constant bondage as well. Hmmm!

Maps are great tools to assist us in getting to our point of destination. Follow the map route and you’re assured of reaching your end point. God gave us a map – The Bible – that we might get to know Him and make it to heaven. It too, has very specific directions but with two destinations. God is EXACT in His directions, and there is no “wiggle room.” If sin is “heading” our lives, now is the time to very seriously stop and take a look at the path we are on and make any necessary course corrections. And though we may feel okay with our current relationship with God, remember He does not like “lukewarmness” either.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

True Value

If you put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. – Anon

Even in captivity, Daniel never forgot who he was nor whom he belonged to. Hmm!

One of the great parodied events of our country's storied history is the “purchase” of Manhattan from the Indians for some ‘trinkets and beads,’ the obvious point being the Indians had no idea of the value of the land they possessed. Often in life, we are somewhat like these fabled Indians, forgetting that we are of the greatest value to our Heavenly Father and His Son. Our worth to God is of much more value that pure gold. We are the children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are royalty. Let no one sell you short today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,  that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – I Peter 2:9