Safeguarding Your Selfhood

Our parents may have named us but our life truly speaks who we are. – Anon

In the Garden of Eden, God asked Adam "where are you?" not for his location but for his attitude. Sin had somewhat changed his identity. Hmm!

You've seen the commercials - LIFELOCK! NORD VPN! And others. Protect your identity. They talk about online identity theft and fraud, and your need to protect your financial/medical/life identity from cyber criminals on the web/internet. Sadly, this is very true. But yet, our identity is being stolen every day - openly. The government chips away at it with legislation and liberal laws, often where we don't even a have a voice in the decision. Society or culture chips away at it with its "all about me" attitude and demands. At times even our own children make us question our rights as their parents. “Who are you?” It is a lot to deal with. And if we're not careful we give in and even start to 'adapt' to these changes as God-ordained/approved. Here's the question we need to truly consider when it comes to identity, and that is: Does God know who you are? Is your identity unquestionable before Him? Is our walk and talk a great witness to Him and for Him? Or will He have a 'where's Waldo' moment trying to identify us? Today is a good day to make sure!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." II Peter 2:10-11

More Than Talent

True the 'cream' always rises to the top, but it spoils just the same if not cared for. - Anon

Saul was an 'impressive young man without equal' among all his peers, but when he became king he 'soured' over David. Hmm!

Natural talent is one of life's greatest gifts, but the advantage it gives only lasts a short time. Talent stands out, it will get you noticed, and give you a head start on others, but talent alone is never enough. The world is full of talented people, many of them we know personally; sitting on the sidelines, because they tried to get by on talent alone. Success requires drive, determination, desire, and devotion in much greater quantities than natural talent alone. Just as the apostles did not rest after Pentecost gained 3000+ souls, God does not expect us to rest on what we did yesterday, last week, or years ago. And though we may not be bringing 3,000 into the kingdom today, the strength God gives today is to empower the gift/talent He's instilled in us to be a success for the kingdom.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...for this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness...., knowledge....self-control....perseverance....godliness......brotherly kindness......love." - II Peter 1:5-7

Identity Thieves

Our parent's may have named us but our life truly speaks who we are. - Anon

In the Garden of Eden, God asked Adam "where are you?" not for his location but for his position -sin had changed his identity. Hmm!

You've seen the commercials - LIFELOCK! Protect your identity. They talk about online identity theft and fraud, and your need to protect your financial/medical/life identity from cyber criminals on the web/internet. Sadly, this is very true. But yet, our identity is being stolen every day - openly. The government chips away at it with legislation and liberal laws, often where we don't even a have a voice in the decision. Society or culture chips away at it with its "all about me" attitude and demands. At times even our own children make us question our rights as their parents. Who are you? It is a lot to deal with. And if we're not careful we give in and even start to 'adapt' to these changes as god-ordained/approved. Here's the question we need to truly consider when it comes to identity, and that is: Does God know who you are? Is your identity unquestionable before Him? Is our walk and talk a great witness to Him and for Him? Or, will He have a 'where's Waldo' moment trying to identify us? Today is a good day to make sure!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 2:10-11