Seeing Clearly Now

A lot of things broke my heart but fixed my vision. - Anon

Caleb was as hurt as Moses when the spies gave the false report on the Promised Land. He still received his inheritance a little later. AMEN!

Losing the 'big' game! Betrayed by a friend! Not getting the lead part/promotion! Having to play 2nd fiddle! Yeah, life has its disappointing moments sure enough, but if we take time to look back over them, we can see the growth that came about in our lives because of these incidences. They teach us that life has a much larger focus, that we are a part of life but not the center of all life. To live our lives focused solely on our own small world and its wants, is to miss the beauty and grandeur of God's creation and our purpose. Though we don't like it, a broken heart is often necessary to help us learn to adjust our focus to God's greater plan for us and mankind. And if there is one thing God can do, it is mend a broken heart. The doctor is always in!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - II Corinthians 4:18

Broad Shoulders to Carry Closet Prayers

The closet of prayer is where burdens change shoulders. – Anon

Jesus was constantly in prayer with His Father. The results were clearly evident to all.

Though we are “God’s Children” when facing everyday life, for most of us it seems sometimes we are always overwhelmed, under-prepared, and under a great deal of pressure or stress. It’s true we sometimes get perplexed, persecuted and troubled, etc., but not all the time. We serve a God who is stronger than any situation or circumstance this world can conjure up, and He’s always waiting to hear from us. Whatever we face today we should let the one with broader shoulders (GOD) take care of it for us. He’s waiting in the closet!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6

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?

Blooming Where You Are

Brighten the corner where YOU are! - Song refrain

His brother Peter got more print and notice, but Andrew had great impact as well. AMEN!

We live in a culture/society where it's all about ME! I take "center stage." Shine the spotlight on MY deeds of greatness, follow MY life on social media, or hear about MY vast amount of need and right to exist. But what if it really isn't about YOU! The poet Thomas Gray wrote "full many a flower is born to blush unseen and waste its sweetness in the desert air." It means some flowers are never seen - they never make it into the floral bouquet, table centerpiece, hospital room, secretary's desk, or wives hands. They grow in some distant, dark place, but yet they grow and bloom and give beauty to that place. You may not ever write a book, preach a sermon, sing a solo, or stand in front of a crowd, but you can still bloom for God just by SERVING where you are with what you have. Shine On!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....see how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not eve Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these...." - Matthew 6:27-28

Prayer And Fasting

Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and tangible. – A. Murray

Jesus fasted 40 days and also withdrew to lonely places to pray. You can’t beat His results. Hmm!

It doesn’t happen often but sometimes in life we are faced with the delight of choosing between the better of two very appealing options (steak or lobster, cake or pie, exercise or rest, etc.). In our relationship with God it’s no different. He always welcomes us in prayer, enjoying the time we spend in conversation with Him. But also, He is elated with our times of sacrifice in order that we may draw closer to Him as well. Either way we can’t lose.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“…When you fast put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father….” – Matthew 6:17-18

P.S. – Don’t forget our Sunday School Devotion time this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall. We may be answering YOUR question.