Breakthrough Adversity

Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records. – W. Ward  

In the most adverse circumstance Samson still brought down ‘the house’ for God. Hmm!  

One thing in our life is certain, everyday will not be sunny, healthy, or easy; there will be storms and trouble. But we cannot abandon life because of it storms. The strongest trees are not found sheltered in the safety of the forest, rather they are often in open spaces – bent and twisted by the winds of all seasons. God knows that times of trouble can be useful. They can show us who we really are, and what kind of character and integrity we have, and help us grow stronger. When Jeremiah questioned God because of the trouble he faced, God asked him how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones tired him out. We should take time to understand the troubles we face today are training us for more difficult situations we’ll face in the future. Trust in God and you’ll stand firm.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life…” – James 1:12

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.

Overlooking and Offense

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook. – W. James  

Paul suffered a great many injustices and hardships in his missionary and evangelistic campaigns. But he knew these ‘momentary trials’ could never compare to what awaited him eternally. Hmm!  

We know for sure troubles come upon us, but we equally know they don't always last. It may seem like it but they do pass. And true, there are many things and people in our lives that will continue to upset us, frustrate us, and irritate us, but that’s life, and the world we live in. But God often uses those very experiences to help shape and mold us for His glory. The key is to remember God often has the same frustrations and irritations with us, yet He loves us just the same. If God is willing to overlook or forgive us an infraction, maybe we should do the same.  

Until tomorrow…….  

Pastor Botts  

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – II Corinthians 4:16-18