No More Blame Game

Before pointing a finger at someone else make sure your nails are clean. – Anon

In the Garden, Adam blamed Eve, she blamed the serpent, and here we are today. Hmm!

We live in a fallen world, that’s a given. We’re all imperfect beings who sometimes fall short of God’s expectations. What’s amazing though is that, though we know we live in a fallen world we seem to get so much joy pointing out others sins and imperfections rather than working on our own. Constructive criticism is great when it is offered in love and respect to the person, but not when it’s given to tear them down. The God we serve asks us to be loving and forgiving of our brothers and sisters, not condemning or speaking ill of them. Throughout today we can rest assured God’s going to give us ample chances to practice what he expects of us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“….If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her…..At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time…..” – John 8:7,9

Growth Through Persecution

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at them. – D. Brinkley

Even as he hung there dying on the cross the people continued to insult Jesus. He never said a word but yet built the firmest foundation a man can have – SALVATION!

If there is one thing we know as a certainty, it’s that we will be persecuted. It matters not whether it be family, co-workers, church members, or even our friends; persecution seems to come in abundance at times. But the desire of God in all of this is that we take these opportunities to grow our character in a way that lets the light of Christ shine forth in our lives. The greatest success is not to get back at our opponents but to “shake off” the dirt they throw upon us and “step up.” Done enough we’ll rise as more and more dirt falls to the ground to build upon. True, it’s hard work; for nothing worth having ever comes easy, but the rewards are much sweeter.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings – what kinds of things happened to me…the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” – II Timothy 3:10-11

Peace Through Forgiveness

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal to throw at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

Even knowing what Judas did, Jesus still washed his feet. WOW!

Just the sight of them makes our blood boil. Just the thought of them upsets our stomach or peace. Most of us have people like this in our lives. We know we shouldn’t, but hey we’re human. Thank God for the scripture that says “grow in grace!” Yeah, we need to grow that we may forgive and move on. The question arises though, how long should it take us to grow that much? I think if we’re honest we already know the answer. Colossians 3:13 tell us “forgive as the Lord forgave you.” If God forgives us and extends grace instantly when we repent and confess to Him, then our response to others should be equally the same. So, we must ask ourselves: how forgiven am I by God? Well, have you asked?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If it is possible, ….as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18

Bricks of Success

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at them. – D. Brinkley

Even as he hung there dying on the cross the people continued to insult Jesus. He never said a word but yet built the firmest foundation a man can have – SALVATION!

If there is one thing we know as a certainty it’s that we will be persecuted. It matters not whether it be family, co-workers, church members, or even our friends; persecution seems to come in abundance at times. But the desire of God in all of this is that we take these opportunities to grow our character in a way that lets the light of Christ shine forth in our lives. The greatest success is not to get back at our opponents but to “shake off” the dirt they throw upon us and “step up.” Done enough we’ll rise as more and more dirt falls to the ground to build upon. True, it’s hard work;  for nothing worth having ever comes easy, but the rewards are much sweeter.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings – what kinds of things happened to me…the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” – II Timothy 3:10-11