How to Survive in Hard Knock U

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. – Thomas Edison

Paul refused to lose; he said he “became all things to all men” just so he could win them. Hmm!

Life – it’s often called the ‘School of Hard Knocks.’ And guess what, we’re all enrolled, free of charge. And the lessons just keep on coming. And it matters not how young or old we may be, how experienced or new, there’s always a chance we will possibly slip up. But, when we take time to learn from them, new doors and opportunities are opened up to us. And the good thing about attending the University of Hard Knocks is God has surrounded us with classmates who’ve potentially tried a few things we’re thinking about. Why not swap some stories and seek some advice from them. After all, life is an open book test (bible) and God put others in our lives for good reason.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:32

Fool Me Once...

There are 2 ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true, the other is to refuse to believe what is true. - Anon

Though the priests and people were expecting to actually see the Messiah in their lifetime, they had all kinds of trouble seeing JESUS. Hmm!

Though in life "everybody plays the fool" sometimes, you would think no one actually goes about looking to be fooled. Anyone old enough knows not everything you read or hear is true. Anyone old enough knows not everything you see others do is right. And to 'know' these things you would think there would be a personal pursuit to see out 'what is true'. But the fact of the matter is many of us, too many of us; are being fooled both ways, just as our ancestors were. Just look at our current situations (presidential race, wars abroad, etc.) and we can see folks all seem to have a different version of 'what is true'. It's true, the issue isn't new, but it is also true that in this day and age where Jesus is seen less and less new versions of 'what is true' are cropping up. Maybe as Christians we need to present a smaller version of ourselves and more of Jesus to those we encounter. Let Him be the difference. It couldn't hurt.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus....replied 'Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true.'" - John 7:28

HOW Did We Get Here?

When you find yourself in a hole of your own making, it is a good time to examine the quality of the workmanship. – J. Remmerde

After Saul met Christ on the Damascus Road, he had three days in ‘darkness’ to review his life’s journey. Hmm!

It’s a given that life has its ups and downs. But God is not always testing us with trials, nor is Satan always responsible for our ills. Sometimes it’s just our own ingenuity that lands us in a place or situation we’d rather not be. Now the good thing is we serve a God who can bring good out of any situation or circumstance, however; often before He responds He expects us to reflect on where WE went wrong, why WE went wrong, and how WE can prevent it from occurring again. Holding fast to and practicing His Word will keep us from many holes, ditches, and pits that are completely unnecessary in life. So, unless we just like digging maybe it’s time we took a look in the mirror.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:40

Haste Makes...Trouble

Look ‘both ways’ is more than just good advice for crossing the street. - Anon

Jesus said a wise man would ‘count the costs’ before embarking on a major project, lest he doesn’t have enough to finish and ends up looking foolish. Hmm!

All of us know life can change in a moment's time or in the blink of an eye. But for most of us that thought only applies to everyone else. For often in our haste, pride, anger, and self-centeredness we fail to look at both sides of an issue and the potential consequences to our own detriment. And usually, the consequences are heavy and costly. God’s word often says we should be ‘slow’ to respond, meaning we should look both ways before crossing. The enemy tries to get us to act in haste, making rash decisions without prayer or forethought knowing the consequences will be brutal. Today is a gift to us, but the circumstances that come with it are not always cut and dry.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Proverbs 14:29

Do You See The Answer?

A great deal of what we see depends solely on what we are looking for. - Anon

The Pharisees, religious leaders, scribes, and Jews of the day missed seeing Jesus because they were looking for the 'Messiah.' He stood right before them. OUCH!

Honestly speaking, most of us in our mind have already played out various sequences in our life on the way things are supposed to happen (education, profession, marriage, children, etc.), because we've 'prayed over it.' And when the signs don't appear the way we picture them happening, we feel God has not answered. But God does answer, not in ways we always expect, but in ways we need. Even today, He will be handling our requests hoping we see His answers. Know this, it will be picture perfect.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths: guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." - Psalm 25:4-5

The REAL Reason

A man always has two reasons for what he does – a good one, and the real one. – J.P. Morgan

Ananais and Sapphira. Great intentions but wrong motives. We know the rest of the story. Hmm!

We’re very quick to question the motives of others, yet slow to question our own. When others hurt or harm us, we always assume they had the worst of intentions, but when we are the guilty party we often try to excuse ourselves making light of the offended; concluding they are ‘too sensitive,’ or taking things 'out of context.' Regardless of how we try to make ourselves appear ‘right’ God weighs our actions on His scales of righteousness – and we cannot deceive Him. Many things cause us to do what we do, and YES it is possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason. No matter our reasons God will always look upon our heart. If we’re not motivated by love, no matter how sweet our actions; we’ve missed the point.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” – Proverbs 16:2