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

Broken to Work

A horse must be “broken” before he’ll work. So must some people. – Anon  

God at one time made King Nebuchadnezzar ‘unfit’ for society until he acknowledged God’s greatness and sovereignty. Amen!  
In the midst of turmoil or struggles in our life we are prone to ask the "why me" question. And though trouble comes to all men equally, there are times when God speaks directly to our situation and relationship with Him. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we often chase our own success, satisfaction, and glory to the detriment of our relationship with God. Often we think we’re giving God His due, but it’s merely ritual platitudes and tokenism. And though it pains Him to do so, sometimes God has to completely ‘interrupt’ or ‘subdue’ us (financial crises, ill health, detached relationships, etc.) to get our attention, to show us the error of our ways. So our question should not so much be "why me," but what is God trying to tell me?  

Until Monday…….  

Pastor Botts  

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:16-17

Reevaluating Difficulty

What seems a hindrance often becomes a way of progress. – H. Nouwen

Paul said his ‘chains’ (prisoner status) actually aided him in furthering the gospel message. AMEN!

Admittedly, we seldom do well in difficulty. Hindrances and difficulties seem to frustrate us, make us angry with others, even God at times. And because we are self-centered more than we ought to be, hindrances and difficulties often make us feel victimized, “why me?” And our natural response is to try and sidestep them if at all possible. In truth, difficulties can and do tell us much about ourselves, and they are an important factor in change. God knows this and He creatively often uses hindrances and difficulty to get our attention or focus on what’s really important. The truth of the matter is when we take time to pray, be still, and face the hindrance or difficulty head on, we’ll discover that it was not what it first seemed – a hindrance – but in fact a way to a new experience with God. And in the end, isn’t that what we’re after?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance…” – James 1:2-3

He Cares For YOU

Not everything that happens is the will of God, yet in the last resort nothing happens outside of his will. – D. Bonhoeffer

God did not want sin in the world, yet when it entered in the Garden of Eden he had a plan to defeat it. Amen!

Often, we ask God ‘why?’ “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did this occur?” We are a people who always seek after concrete answers. And though it’s not a bad idea we must realize we cannot trace everything that happens directly back to God. One thing we must know is that many things happen as a result of our own willing and doing, and also because of the pervasive evil in our world. God cannot be the responsible cause of everything, for that would eliminate our freedom of choice and responsibility. But no matter, He IS concerned about everything that happens to us. And because He is Sovereign and His Providence is unchangeable, we can be assured that all things do finally work for the good for those who love Him. The question is: Will you trust Him in the midst of what you’re in right now?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” – Matthew 10:29