Have you ever thought of how much easier life would be if everything was predetermined and we had no choices to make? When God gave us the freedom to choose, He enabled humans with the ability to really mess things up. God took a big risk. But what He received was some people choosing to love and serve Him.
– Pastor Marlin Betts
The traditional marriage vow includes contrasts: better-worse, richer-poorer, sickness-health, and then adds “till death us do part.” The vow writer knew that tough times test our relationships. Is this also true in our relationship with God?
– Pastor Marlin Betts
“Familiarity breeds contempt.” That old saying meant that a person can become so used to a situation that he/she ignores the dangers others would watch out for. I think there is a spiritual danger of slowly slipping away from God while ignoring the serious consequences of doing so. We need to watch out for familiarity.
– Pastor Marlin Betts
The concept of a father has been changing in the last few years with many barely-involved or absentee dads. Yet there are many good men who still fill the traditional, Biblical role of a father. And this is important because they reflect the qualities of our heavenly Father—especially His care and concern for His children. Do you ever consider how God feels about you?
– Pastor Marlin Betts
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers this week said: “I don’t know how you can believe in a God who wants to condemn most of the planet to a fiery hell.” Many people are critics of Christianity because they are misinformed. John 3:16 tells the truth: God made His choice to save mankind, and so Jesus died for our salvation. So the responsibility for your eternal destiny is really your own.
– Pastor Marlin Betts
The world record for spinning the most basketballs at the same time is 28. Do you ever feel like you have too many tasks that you need to keep going all at the same time? When that happens, there can be a temptation to neglect your relationship with God. But if that God-priority stops spinning, all of the others will be affected.
– Pastor Marlin Betts
It is my understanding that when the missiles were fired at American targets in Iraq this week, there were advanced warnings so that those on the receiving end were prepared. As a result, no lives were killed. So I wonder, how are humans heeding the advance warnings of God, so that lives can be spared for eternity? Maybe we should think about that!
– Pastor Marlin Betts
Why is it easier to point out the character flaws of others, than it is to admit to our own? As we start 2020, why not follow the advice of Jesus and extract the log from our own eyes, before pointing out the splinter in theirs? Ouch! Owning up to our flaws can be a painful experience.
– Pastor Marlin Betts
Have you cleaned up the house from Christmas yet? After all the time and money spent, is life already back to normal? What are your goals for 2020? Somehow, reality keeps pulling us forward…to what? God has the answer!
– Pastor Marlin Betts