Vexing The Devil

We cannot vex the devil more than by teaching, preaching, singing and talking of Jesus. - Martin Luther

When Satan attacked him, Jesus just let God’s Word do the talking. How simple. Hmm!

Just as certain as us waking this morning, our enemy is already planning ways to pounce on our parade. And he has a distinct advantage because he’s been awake all night plotting against us. And since the Garden scene he’s used the same method all these years, deceit and deception. He’s the master of putting so much into our lives and deceiving us into thinking it’s necessary, that we can’t seem to find time to spend with Jesus; for he knows that’s our only way to defeat him. The bible tells us he has no defense against Jesus. So if the day gets burdensome and heavy laden maybe we need to do a bit more ‘vexing’ than complaining. It’s guaranteed to change the outlook.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:19

Doing God Work

To be god-like, we must do God-like things. - Anon

Jesus called the man a Samaritan, we were the ones who labeled him 'good.' Why? Hmm!

Most of us can probably remember as kids the times when our parents would ask us to assist them in something (cooking, cleaning, repair, building, etc.), and although we didn't do a whole lot we were present to see what needed to be done and how. Later in life we realized it was a teaching moment we needed for present day life. The bible shows us how Jesus went about building the kingdom of God and teaching His disciples to continue the work. God includes us (disciples) in His kingdom building work as well. Not because the job can't be done without our help, but because through our help we become more like Christ - who is still at work trying to save this world. Today may be a hard-hat day.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12

Not What It May Seem

If the grass seems greener on the other side of the fence, it only means yours needs fertilizer. – Anon

The “Prodigal Son” couldn’t wait to get away and experience life on his own. He soon found himself back on familiar turf – HOME!

Temptation! Self-indulgence! Evil begetting riches! We live in a world today that appears to reward those who do wrong. It seems as if they have a care-free life and all they need. We may sometimes wonder why our life is not like that, why we can’t have it all. But things are not always as they appear to be. We must remember our enemy “masquerades as an angel of light” (false hope, false security, etc.). Though it may seem appealing it is really only a façade, something designed to shift your focus from God, and his purposes for fulfillment in your life.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said] be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:11-12

That Vexing Tune

We cannot vex the devil more than by teaching, preaching, singing and talking of Jesus. - Martin Luther

When Satan attacked him, Jesus just let God’s Word do the talking. How simple. Hmm!

Just as certain as us waking this morning, our enemy is already planning ways to pounce on our parade. And he has a distinct advantage because he’s been awake all night plotting against us. And since the Garden scene he’s used the same method all these years, deceit and deception. He’s the master of putting so much into our lives and deceiving us into thinking it’s necessary, that we can’t seem to find time to spend with Jesus; for he know that’s our only way to defeat him. The bible tells us he has no defense against Jesus. So if the day gets burdensome and heavy laden maybe we need to do a bit more ‘vexing’ than complaining. It’s guaranteed to change the outlook.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:19

Flex not Compromise

People, like nails; lose their effectiveness when they begin to bend. – W. Landor

Gideon brought peace from war to Israel for forty years, and a snare to his family because of his “golden ephod.” Hmm!

True, it’s a fine line to walk between being flexible and compromising our faith, but it’s one we must walk nonetheless. The true test of the matter is will the action you’re considering allow you to maintain your integrity and connection with God. We so often want to please everyone, but that is an impossibility. If God is God, and His truth is absolute, our obedience is straightforward. The world is trying to push compromise as flexibility, but Jesus said “either you’re for me or against me.” May we all stand tall today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” – John 8:31-32

Vexing the Devil

We cannot vex the devil more than by teaching, preaching, singing and talking of Jesus. - Martin Luther

When Satan attacked him, Jesus just let God’s Word do the talking. How simple. Hmm!

Just as certain as us waking this morning, our enemy is already planning ways to pounce on our parade. And he has a distinct advantage because he’s been awake all night plotting against us. And since the Garden scene he’s used the same method all these years, deceit and deception. He’s the master of putting so much into our lives and deceiving us into thinking it’s necessary, that we can’t seem to find time to spend with Jesus; for he know that’s our only way to defeat him. The bible tells us he has no defense against Jesus. So if the day gets burdensome and heavy laden maybe we need to do a bit more ‘vexing’ than complaining. It’s guaranteed to change the outlook.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:19