Don't take it for granted

This is the day that the Lord has made – PERIOD! - Anon  

Paul was quick to point out that all he possessed or became was because of Jesus alone. AMEN!  

I’m sure if we all give it some thought we can remember a time or two when we reached for something and got our hand smacked by mom or dad because we did not ask permission. We just assumed that because it was in reach, and it was good for us, it was ours for the taking; no thoughts about anything else. But the lesson learned from this experience ran deeper than just asking permission, it forced us to think about the who, the why, the where issues behind it and realize we should never take things for granted. Jesus taught his disciples through prayer to ‘ask’ of God all their needs, with phrases such as “Give us this day”….or “forgive us our trespasses”….or even “lead us not into temptation,” etc. Well, TODAY is a gift. If we’ve taken anything without asking God’s permission, it’s not too late to say THANKS!  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“….As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” – II Corinthians 6:1

How you see it

July is the toughest month of the year. Others are December February, June, September, October, January, March, November, April, August, and May. – M. Twain 

James said “the patient farmer waits for the autumn and spring rains.” Two different seasons held together by the word ‘patient.’ Hmm! 

We’ve all heard stories like “the hot month’s bring an increase in violence,” or “the winter month’s decrease spending,“ etc. But in reality all month’s, just as all days; have an equal opportunity to present joy or difficulty. It’s all in the way we perceive and receive what comes our way. Trouble is not anymore opportunistic in summer months as opposed to winter, neither are blessings from God. If God’s mercies and compassions are ‘new every morning’ then it matters not what month or date is on the calendar – but the amount of faith is in our hearts. Yes, we will have some difficulties in life as we suffer like Jesus, but our good days will far outweigh our bad days. So wherever we are, we can always look back and see where we’ve come from, and realize it’s really not so tough right now. 

Until tomorrow…… 

Pastor Botts 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24