Did You Catch That?

True, there is nothing new under the sun, but everyday is new with God. – A. Bierce

When Jesus taught the people from the very scriptures they had known all their lives they were in a word – AMAZED!

Routine is as routine does. For most of us our life is a series of routines. Rote prayers, rote activities, and rote expectations. What is sad is that we have come to accept it this way and expect it, often getting bent out of shape when it doesn’t happen. Though God may be the same “yesterday, today and forever,” the way He reveals Himself to us each day is not. With Moses it was a burning bush, with Elijah a gentle whisper. Expect the unexpected today?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For God does speak – now one way, now another – though man may not perceive it.” – Job 32:14

Faith or Certainty?

Faith sometimes has to travel under sealed orders. – Oswald Sanders

Abram left his country, his people, and his father’s house without a clue as to where God was sending him. He TRUSTED that God knew. Amen!

In certain hierarchical situations information is only given when completely necessary. The lack of vital information however does not in any way relieve any of the subordinates of their duty, they are to trust that the commanding officers know what is best. God is the same with us at times asking us to trust Him and go forth without fully understanding it all, but trusting He knows best. If we are to be contagious we must first be courageous. If we need to see and understand everything before we do anything for God, that’s not faith, it’s certainty. The question we must answer is: are we willing to go, not knowing where or why?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 23

Today's scripture reading question: reflecting on verse 23 How does one 'buy' the truth of God?

False Prophets in Disguise

Beware of self-styled experts. An ‘ex’ is a has-been, and a ‘spurt’ is a drip under pressure. – D. Wagoner

Simon the Sorcerer amazed the people posing himself to be the great “Divine Power of God”, until he ran into God’s man Philip. What a wonderful CHANGE! (Acts 8)

It's no secret that we all desire to be at our best, in the know, and on top of our game; even in our walk with God. But in this day and age of free-flowing information, books, tapes, etc. and our desire to stay positively focused on God’s desires; it is very easy to get caught up in ‘winds of doctrine’ that sound true but are not. Many bestsellers by well known individuals are fraught with erroneous theology, embellished truths, and positions of thought that are out of order and often contrary with the one true source, God’s word. Our prayer should be for a discerning heart.

Until ....…..

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – I John 4:1

I'll be taking a few weeks off for some R&R. So until I return this keyboard will be silent.

Meditation Feast

Meditation is the activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, and by the help of God. - J.I. Packer

As a psalmist David understood meditation. I think this is what endeared him as a man after God's own heart. Hmm!

The refrigerator! On average we visit it 4-6 times a day for life-sustaining nourishment (water, juice, fruit, veggies, meals, left-overs, etc.) and it often has exactly what we need. YUM! But what about God's Word, the life-sustaining nourishment we need for our soul. How often do we visit this resource each day? Once in a daily devotion is honestly not enough. That's why we need to 'hide it in our hearts' that we may feast on it throughout the day. This is where prayer and meditation come in. When we take time to pray the Word, time to memorize the Word, time to meditate on the Word (uncover it's deeper meaning/application) that we may have it with us at all times. If we eat often to keep our strength and vitality up imagine how much more spiritual will power we could have if we fed often enough from the Word. Hungry, anyone!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"....I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:11

Sunny Days

The most beautiful thing under the sun is being under the sun. -  Anon

It rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but God eventually called Noah and his family out of the ark. Noah was so happy he built God an altar. Hmm!

The psalmist says, “this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” How very true. It is a great day to be alive. God’s grace has given us another day. Life is a very precious gift, work and/or school is a blessing; and both are great worship opportunities. As our day unfolds, events may not happen to our liking or desires, but remember God has greater purposes. Detours may be necessary, but take time to enjoy the scenery and catch the message God is sending.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” – Psalm 84:11

Going through it

The best way out is always through. - R. Frost

The only way into the Promised Land was through the nations of people God would help the Israelites conquer. They thought otherwise but finally trusted God's commands and were rewarded. AMEN!

No one likes pain or distress, and when they come we immediately try to circumvent them. But when God engineers situations for us He is shaping, pruning, and perfecting our character for His glory, and our perseverance is the order of the day. To quit, give up, or seek another avenue is to miss out on the blessings and growth He desires for us. True, it may be hard, unpleasant, distasteful, and seem lonely right now; but we must remember what He tells us in His Word "though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death....He is with us." Situations and circumstances in our life may not be the best, but that only means we've not quite made it through yet. We should just trust God and enjoy the journey.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

Need to Know Basis

Faith sometimes has to travel under sealed orders. – Oswald Sanders

Abram left his country, his people, and his father’s house without a clue as to where God was sending him. He TRUSTED that God knew. Amen!

In certain hierarchical situations information is only given when completely necessary. The lack of vital information however does not in any way relieve any of the subordinates of their duty, they are to trust that the commanding officers know what is best. God is the same with us at times asking us to trust Him and go forth without fully understanding it all, but trusting He knows best. If we are to be contagious we must first be courageous. If we need to see and understand everything before we do anything for God, that’s not faith, it’s certainty. The question we must answer is: are we willing to go, not knowing where or why?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2