The Memory Trap

We cannot change our memories, but we can change their meaning and the power they have over us. – D. Seamans  

Joseph let God erase all the hatred from his heart against his brothers for what they had done. He even ‘cried’ when he saw them again. The reunion was all good. AMEN!  

The thing about life is it throws many events our way, some good; some bad. The things that have happened to us cannot be undone. We cannot go back and change it but we should not fear it either, nor let it hold us prisoner. One can only truly fear future events. And since our future is not set in stone, fear is just a head trip. Oftentimes we get stuck in a way of thinking, in a behavior, or in our expectations because we have been hurt before and we have not truly brought the situation to God. From God’s perspective events from our past (good and bad) are stepping stones to move forward in righteousness and faith, for He can bring good out of any situation. Pain is sometimes inevitable, but allowing a memory to keep us in suffering is a choice. God can adjust our attitudes if we allow him.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him….” – Romans 8:28

Something WILL happen

Being an optimist after you’ve gotten everything you want doesn’t count. – F.M. Hubbard

When Jesus’ mother troubled him about the wine at the wedding feast, she knew something would be done, and it would be good. Wow!

Make no mistake friend, this world can present itself as a very formidable and powerful opponent; with its shocking human interest stories, depressing economic news, or downright evil activities of mankind seemingly going on all day, every day. But as those who trust in God, we must always know He is in control, nothing happening is catching Him off-guard, and He is always with us. So in the midst of our surroundings we can still live courageously, not shrinking back or retreating at all, but holding steady, listening for His call to move forward or move out of the way. Yes, this world will test us but we only need remember the battle is the Lord’s and He has already assured us of the victory. So whatever today brings, know that if we hold fast we will overcome.  

Until tomorrow……  

Pastor Botts  

“…and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him….” – Romans 8:28

Did the devil REALLY make you do it?

No power can make us do wrong without our consent. – Anon 

Eve did not force the forbidden fruit upon Adam, he was a willing accomplice. It cost him and us dearly. OUCH! 

Flip Wilson popularized the line “the devil made me do it”. But in reality we know though Satan is real, he only has the power of suggestion, he needs our consent to carry out his schemes and ungodly behaviors. This is why the Word of God tells us to “resist the devil and he will flee” from us. The moment we try to debate or outwit him we lose, for he is the craftiest of them all. We must also realize that sometimes our silence or refusal to “flee” the presence of evil is indeed implied consent. As you journey todayremember who you are, to WHOM you belong, and the POWER you have. 

Until tomorrow…… 

Pastor Botts 

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger of sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:35-37

Navigating the Darkness

Even the darkest hour has only sixty minutes. – M. Mandel  

Joseph being sold by his brothers, Daniel’s night in the lion’s den – mere blips on the radar of life that they lived for the God they trusted. Hmm!  

When you take time to think it through it’s amazing how we can sit through a nail biter of a ballgame that lasts 3-4 hours (though they only play 60 minutes) enjoying every moment of every anxiety filled play and think nothing of it, even rehashing and relishing the replays, but yet when trials come upon us we want relief as fast as Rolaids (60 seconds). The key to perseverance in the midst of dark trials is not to focus on the trial itself but on the One who is there with us – God. If we truly believe in His promise ‘never to leave or forsake us,’ then though the trial be painful, it is bearable; with an ending that we know will be for our good and His glory. All we need do is hang on a minute longer.

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts

 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

Who You Wanna Be?

Someone will need to see Jesus today, are you available? - Anon 

Elisha thought it would be great to be just like Elijah, in life and spirit. Such a noble idea. Hmm! 

Growing up we all had someone in mind we wanted to be like (mom, dad, coach, etc.). We were impressed with the way they carried themselves and seemed to make a difference in life. In his life here on earth Jesus was witnessed in all sorts of situations – all pertaining to the spreading of God’s righteousness and love. Feeding/healing the people, both physically and spiritually, rubbing elbows with the common folk and socially outcast, and even challenging the ‘religious right’ of His day regarding His Father’s will. True it led to a lot of suffering and eventually death on a cross, but in truth that is why He came, to die in our place; and in retrospect: if we haven’t found a cause worth dying for, we’re really not fit to live ourselves. Though we rarely face death for our faith these days, a better question to ask ourselves is how often does Jesus live through me? 

Until tomorrow… 

Pastor Botts 

“…Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” – Romans 8:17

God Can!

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation, create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at creation, he did it at the cross, and he’ll be doing it today. – H. C. G. Moule 

The parting of the Red Sea, water from a rock, manna from heaven, feeding 5,000 - you get the idea here! 

Oftentimes when we’re up against life, and our circumstances or relationships are overbearing and taxing us, or our resources are thread-bare and stressing us, we forget about the God who has brought us thus far, or we feel like He can’t handle this one. But if earth has no problems heaven can’t solve we must keep trusting Him in all situations, and see things from His perspective and purpose, knowing that His purposes are always for our good. 

Until Monday..…. 

Pastor Botts 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 

P.S. - We will have the 'Wedding Blessing' for John and Carlisa this Sunday after services. I'm sure they would appreciate your support and prayers.