God Options

God always has options. – Anon

Both Abraham and Job had to be reminded that “nothing was too hard for God.” Not a thing! Amen.

McGuyver! The A-Team! Mission Impossible! The premise of these shows was always that the fate of the world rested in the hands of the individual(s), and they were always met with almost insurmountable odds and enemies; but yet they still won out. If they could do it, and in their own strength, how about the God we serve. He is the creator of Heaven and earth, so there is nothing he can’t handle, and He has promised us victory if we remain faithful. So no matter what we’re up against, or how dark the way may seem, or how hopeless life may appear; though we may not see a way out, just remember God has ways of delivering us that we haven’t even considered yet. And that is the essence of our hope.

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Now to Him who is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

The Desire for Bigger

The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little. – T. Merton  
God’s prophet Elisha was angered because Jehoash was willing to settle for minor victories over his enemies when God was ready to completely destroy them. WOW!  

When we actually sit down and look at all the facts, the only difference between us and the great ones of the faith that we admire, is desire. Not economics, education, geography, or race – just desire. The desire to ask ‘big’ things of God, things only God could do, and then to earnestly desire and entreat Him to do them. The disciples were 'unlearned' men according to scripture but yet they turned the world upside down for Jesus. We can too friend. True it may take a little more work on our part (prayer/fasting) but the rewards would be worth it for God has promised it. If the God we serve is truly great then He can do GREAT things.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. According to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

God (Love) is...Everyday

We may love God too little, but we can never love Him too much. – R. Murray  

How would you answer the question Jesus asked of Peter: “Do you love me?” Hmm!  

In truth at times everyone thinks they’re overdoing it for God. With the time at church, involvement in ministry, serving on committee, etc. While these are all well and good, it does not necessarily correlate to a love for God nor a love of God. It goes without saying that love is an action word. It is expressed in our deeds, actions, and way of life as directed by what’s in our heart, moreso than any verbal expression we can muster. Yes, we show it in our tenderness, our dedication, our discipline, our sharing, and our fellowship among other things. But the key is we want to express it in as many ways as we can and as often as we can. God is not limited to being loved only on Sunday, or at meal time, or just before we lay down at night. Just as His love for us is unrestrained and boundless and shows up in so many different ways, so should our love be for Him. And there should be no cause for us to worry for just as sure as we can’t beat God giving, we can’t out love Him either.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“….and I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge….” – Ephesians 3:17-19

Say Cheese!

True, God gave us faces, but we create our own expressions. –Sparks  

Jacob’s spirit was “revived” with news of Joseph. Hezekiah “wept sore” in prayer. Mary “pondered things in her heart” about Jesus. I imagine all of these pleased God.  
All of us go through various stages of emotion throughout the day and our life, and if we’re not careful we get jaded in our views and personal outlook. But the fact that God loves you no matter what the situation or circumstance should anchor your heart with JOY and express itself overwhelmingly in all you do. So as others see you and encounter your 'spirit' remember it speaks volumes as to who you are and to whom you belong. Say cheese….!  
Until tomorrow……  

Pastor Botts  

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19

How far does Your love go?

Christian love goes the second mile, and the third, and the fourth if necessary. – Anon  

Jesus, our perfect example; showed us how far his love went – all the way to the cross. WOW!  

Peter was asked of Jesus 3 times “Do you love me,” each time more probing than before. Jesus wanted Peter to know his love could not have any bounds. It’s a question we must all answer as Christians. How far does our love go? Does it go far enough to help the one who is down and out, far enough to bear the indignity of our co-worker, far enough to bear the sleight of our friend, far enough to forgive the hurt caused by our family member, far enough to disrupt our schedule for someone in need, or far enough to continue to fight in spite of surmounting odds against us. And if the answer is YES, then we must ask ourselves would we do it again and again. God did, and continues to do it for us. His desire in this is that we “go and do likewise.”  

Until tomorrow…….  

Pastor Botts  

“...and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God..." - Ehpesians 3:19