Praying More

Work for God should always be done with God. – D. Bonhoeffer  

Though Saul was anointed ‘king’ by God he tried to rule God’s people by his own thinking. It cost him dearly. Hmm!  

Sometimes the things that we claim we do for God have nothing to do with Him at all. They are merely our own agendas, for often we have never even stopped long enough to whisper a prayer or listen for directions from God about what it is we're doing or considering. The Word of God tells us that it is impossible to do the work of God without the authorization or ‘power’ of God, and that any such activity is empty of promise. Running with our own agendas leaves no room for God’s grace, promise, or enabling power. Serving others is difficult enough with God’s direction and blessing, so we would be foolish to try it in our own strength. So before we act maybe we should pray.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’….He replied,. ‘…….But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” – Matthew 17:19, 21

Sweet Forgetfulness

The ability to forget is a great gift of grace. – D. Bonhoeffer  

On the road that fateful day the Good Samaritan saw a person in need not an enemy. Hmm!  

MEMORY – we treasure it. And well we should for much of life springs forth from it. And we study it more and more to increase it. Science may continue to study the overall capacity and ability of the human brain, but without a doubt, no matter their findings; the ability to forget is one of the greatest gifts of grace God could have given us. In the span of life we have here on earth all of us have had or will have events and pains we’d rather not remember, for we know the negative impact they could have on our lives. The ability to forget keeps us forward focused and unlimited in our desire for hope and progress, which are key components in our daily living for God.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“…for I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Jeremiah 31:34

The Cost

Salvation is free……but discipleship will cost you your life. - D. Bonhoeffer  

Peter said he was willing to die for Jesus, until that fateful night and the cock “crowed.” Hmm!  

The average person likes a bargain in any deal, where you get more for less; but if we’re not careful we begin to apply that type of mentality to God and His church. Salvation is free but God expects whole-hearted devotion. Whole-heartedness shows itself in perseverance, there may be a failure or two at first, but the earnest devotee thinks, “it is the Lord’s work, and it must be done; I signed up for it, My Lord has bidden ME to do it, and in His strength I will do it.” I pray there is no “crowing” in our inner chamber.  
Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head’….Still another said, ‘I will follow you Lord, but first let me go back and say good by to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:57-58, 61-62