Got Troubles?

A man without problems in his life should get down on his knees and ask God, “don’t you trust me anymore?”- J. Bainbridge  

Paul, in his rebuke of the Corinthians told of his many sufferings for Christ. He gladly accepted every one of them. WOW!  

"Why me? Why now? This can’t be happening! And so on….."   I’m sure all these refrains sound familiar to us, for we’re often the guilty party. Problems and situations are a part of life for us. God is preparing us for something far greater than what we face here on earth, so this is his proving ground. We grow through adversity, gaining discipline, wisdom, discernment, and faith that God will see us through it all. So no matter how large the mountain may be in front of you now (be it family matters, financial matters, relationship, etc.) be thankful in this situation that God cares enough to test you.  

Until tomorrow…….  

Pastor Botts  

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Safety IN the Storm

Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is the perfect security in storms. – K. Troccoli  

When the storms raged against the ship, the disciples were amazed at what Jesus did to calm it down. Hmm!  

Rainstorms, snowstorms, blizzards, hurricanes, etc. All the work of nature, and all beyond our control. The best we can do is prepare for them for we know they will come, so we buy special clothing and other gear to help us muster through them. But often in matters of faith, many of us treat or think of our faith as some sort of magic shield that will keep trouble or the storms of life away from us, or that we won’t have heartache, pain, or problems because we’re protected by Jesus. We forget that ‘Jesus was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin.’ This tells us he suffered in “human flesh” just as we do, yet He did not give in to the sinful nature, which should give us strength and encouragement when the storms of life assail us. So as life unfolds, and it will, just remember to put on Jesus to weather the storm.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Handling Adversities

God does not offer us a way out of the adversities of life. He offers us a way through, and that makes all the difference. -W.T. Purkiser  

God ‘parted’ the sea for the Israelites to walk through, he didn’t magically make it disappear, nor did He make them superhuman. Hmm!  

Some years ago the Temptations recorded a song ‘Ball of Confusion – That’s What the World is Today.’ For many it still is. For we who belong to God, it can be when we begin to try and see it though our own eyes and conquer it in our own strength. One thing is certain whether we trust God or not - we will certainly see and experience adversity firsthand, and if we are not prepared it can often be quite confusing and stymieing to our efforts. The instinct of a Christian is that we know adversity is a part of life, but we also know and trust that God will see us through it. So our prayers are not so much “Lord, get me out of this mess,” but moreso “Lord, I trust you will provide all I need to persevere, and I pray I will gain insight from this to give greater glory to you.” Knowing this makes any day bearable.  

Until Monday….  

Pastor Botts  

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33  

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotion this Sunday morning at 9AM. The teachers and classes have been working on something special you don't want to miss. If you've not made a Sunday School Devotion yet, you don't want to miss this one.

Discerning Decisions

In order to be right or wrong you must first make a decision! – F. Giampietro

Abraham’s decision to ‘offer’ his son Isaac wasn’t easy at all, but the Spirit within told him to trust God. You know the rest of the story. AMEN!

In the investment arena there is no such thing as certainty or guaranteed results. In life there is – Jesus. Yet, for those of us who follow Christ, often certainty and our faith do not always merge together, and we sometimes find it hard to determine if it’s God’s voice or our own telling us what to do. These times call for us to admit that we are vulnerable and powerless, and to submit to the Holy Spirit within. The discernment He gives will always be to make the choice that glorifies God no matter the cost. The payoff, though we may not see it at times; will always far exceed the investment, for God rewards faithful service.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts                                          

“….But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak of his own; he will speak only what he hears, and tell you what is yet to come….” – John 16:13

P.S. – Don’t forget the Scholarship Program this Sunday after morning service. (2PM)