Perceiving the Potential

Where we see a block of cement a sculptor sees a work of beauty to unveil. - Anon

The disciples saw nothing good or worthwhile in Paul until Barnabas put him under the light of Christ. Hmm!

There is one profound truth we must all accept: the truth that God loves us more than we love ourselves. Being made in His image, He always sees the 'true' person we can become. He works in our lives through trials to strengthen our faith and trust in Him, struggles to help us fix our focus and dependence on Him, and oppositions to help us realize no one is greater than Him. He allows sickness and pain to remind us He is a healer and comforter, and even allows us to face sorrow/grief to remind us He is greater than death. The reason for all this is He sees in us the same 'character' traits that were in His Son Jesus, and He wants to perfect them in us. Why? That we may be like Jesus and help 'turn' others to Him to be saved. In this New Year, let's not waste any opportunities, let's remember that no matter what is happening in and around us God is at His work, because He knows us and loves us more than we love ourselves.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst." - I Timothy 1:15

The Dirt

Every flower must grow through dirt. – Anon

The genealogy of Jesus includes a woman who tricked her father-in-law into sleeping with her (Tamar) and a prostitute (Rahab). Amen!

In truth, all of us have some “dirt” in our lives that God can and will use for His glory. We grow best through pain and adversity for they serve to strengthen our resolve and focus when we fully understand God’s purposes. Since sin entered the world, God has been in the process of ‘purifying’ us. He knows where we’ve been, what we’ve been up to, and what we need to become His, and He openly confesses His love for us. May we not be ashamed to confess HIM today.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy…” I Timothy 1:12-13

That Undeserved Love

Those who deserve love the least, need it the most. – Anon

Matthew and Zacchaeus. Tax collectors hated and despised by their own people. Yet Jesus counted them among his ‘friends.’ Hmm!

At any given moment most of us could possibly think of someone who we would deem as unworthy of any grace or love (murderers/killers, terrorists, enemies, vagrants, etc.). But in reality, we too are never really deserving of God’s love, but yet he extends it freely to all. And his love knows no bounds or limits and covers a multitude of sins – OURS. Acceptance of the gift doesn’t make us better than the next person, it just makes us aware of our own needs. God wants everyone to know of his love and has given us the honor and privilege of sharing it. As you face the day remember his love knows no color or circumstances it cannot touch.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful……the grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – I Timothy 1:12,14