Always at Work on HIS Story

History is HIS story. – A. Veradie

When God called Moses to the work, He reminded him how He had already been at work through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. AMEN!

Often we tend to forget it’s not about us, that God has been working things out long before we arrived on the scene. We tend to think only of the present or how things pertain to us. We want immediate results, or we expect that anything God initiates through us will be completed while we’re around to see the results. Our action and expectations tend to try and make it our story. But God always speaks to us in the context of what He has already done in the lives of our forefathers and ancestors. We are called to be a part of something much bigger than us, we are called to play a role in the greatest story ever – God’s story, it’s still unfolding. He wants to involve us all in a way that benefits us and brings Him glory. It’s a WIN-WIN proposition.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.’” – John 5:17

Through the Eyes of Faith

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change! - Anon

Interestingly enough, Jacob never considered the 'limp' God gave him as a bad thing. Amen!

Pentecost! 12 men endowed with the Holy Spirit turned the world upside down. Wow! Though Jesus walked with these men daily and knew their flaws and shortcomings, Pentecost is all He actually saw! That's walking and living by faith. Faith is not exercised in the physical 'seeing' of things but in the 'Spiritual' believing that God can bring it to pass for His glory. Most of God's blessings in life AND solutions to our circumstances, problems, or issues can only be seen through the eyes of faith, because faith sees things that are 'out of sight!'

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....We live by faith, not by sight....." - II Corinthians 5:7

Religion or Faith

Religion is a heavy chore, faith is a life-giving belief. - Anon

Often when entering a new town/city, the first thing Paul looked for was the sanctuary or temple of worship. Hmm!

It's no secret! Since the COVID pandemic church attendance is down over 40%. Many churches closed permanently. The number of folks who believe the bible is completely infallible and true has plummeted exponentially over this period. And many folks who still consider themselves Christian have not returned to the church house, opting instead for the comforts of home-viewing. It begs the question, was it actually 'faith they held' or 'religion' they practiced? It's no secret we're quick to cast aside those things that are burdensome, and apparently these trends seem to tell us it's been 'religion' for most. Times like these bring the question to our own doorsteps. Which is it for us - religion OR faith? Only you can answer, but know that your actions really tell the story.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I rejoiced with those who said to ME, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord...'" - Psalm 122:1

DO Something

You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing there will be no results! - Anon

Though the Israelites were 'given' the Promised Land, it took some 'working battles' to settle in. Hmm!

Many of us are great visionaries. We can see it all now in our minds eye. Just how perfect our life will be in 5, 10, 15 years or retirement even. Or we can see just how great a ministry/outreach serving "fill in the blank" would add value to the church or community. The only flaw here is that unless we personally do something to begin to make this a reality it will never get off the ground It may all work out as we see it, or God may adjust it along the way to improve upon it, but rest assured it will only collect dust and be forgotten if we never act upon it. We're gifted with life one day at a time, and what we DO with it makes it meaningful and purposeful. LIVE ON!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, 'Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. PERHAPS the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." - I Samuel 14:6

Keep On Moving

He who limps is still walking. – S. Lee

The 'staffs' of many of the patriarchs were heavily 'leaned upon' by them. Amen!

Canes. Crutches. Walkers, or other medical devices. We’ve all seen them in one manner or another. All inventions to keep us mobile, moving, and/or active and in the main of life despite physical setbacks and weaknesses. There’s a great lesson in them. Perhaps you’ve suffered great losses in your life. Perhaps you’re suffering grief or sorrow or hurt that still brings pain or discomfort to your daily life. Don’t stop there or give up, for that’s what the enemy wants. The key is to keep moving closer to God and His purposes. He’s strong enough for us to lean on and He doesn’t mind us doing so.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“To keep me from becoming conceited….there was given me a thorn in my flesh….to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – II Corinthians 12:7-9

A Recipe for Rest

If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit! - Banksy

One could almost argue that Jethro's advice to his son-in-law Moses was 'lifesaving.' Amen!

We didn't often like them as kids, but oh my, how good does a nap feel now. The opportunity to rest from the days concerns - Yes! But in truth many of us have not really learned the true meaning of REST, which is why we're so worn out, frazzled, stressed, and stretched thin. Rest is so much more than lying down for a few minutes or several hours. Rest means learning how to say 'NO' in love and mean it to those who try to crowd in on your schedule. Rest means learning how to 'delegate' tasks to others, empowering them to act. Rest means learning how to 'prepare' in advance of pressing situations so they don't stress you out. And finally, Rest means learning how to lay your cares at the altar of God and trust He will work it out. Yes, we are to be busy with the Master's plan, but He never intended to overwork anyone.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." - Proverbs 19:23

Godly Therapy

At times, you need a therapist much more than you need a theologian. - LeCrae

In Old Testament times the kings had prophets, priests, and ADVISERS to serve them. Hmm!

Have you ever thought about your 'circle of influence?' Those who can speak into your life and those whose life you can speak into! There's a reason why God put certain people in our lives. Many times He speaks through them. Just as our parents were the voice of reason when we were kids growing up, though we may not be under their tutelage anymore; we still need reliable, God-fearing people in our lives to help us make sense of things at times. And at times that may include a licensed clinician/therapist. To be able to confide in someone trustworthy and non-judgmental, is a necessity for everyone of us, for life often throws things at us that don't neatly fit into the 'doctrinal' box. If we take a step back and look at the life of Jesus we can see that's pretty much who He was, an approachable friend. He was much more a 'Godly' therapist who 'touched' the lives of folks more so than a hard preaching theologian. It's why they were often amazed at His sayings. May you have/and or be a good 'therapist.' Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....Therefore confess your faults to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16