Practicing Jesus

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way. The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

Read the Fine Print

The insurance policy may cover you falling off the roof, but you better check to see if it covers you hitting the ground. – Anon

Stoning, beaten with rods, shipwrecked, snake-bitten, and imprisoned; still Paul knew God was with him every step of the way. Wow!

If you’ve ever had a malfunctioning product and had to deal with the manufacturer regarding the warranty or guarantee, you probably know by now that generally the part that breaks is usually not covered. It’s always something in the ‘fine print.’ Manufacturers are in business to make money and go all out to avoid costly payouts and/or litigation, hence the very lengthy product disclosure and warranty document. But our Maker, stands by His promise, and is willing to fix/repair any part that breaks or becomes defective (forgiveness of sin). He knows we have weaknesses and shortcomings and won’t pass every trial the first or second time. And not only is He willing to ‘fix’ and forgive, He is completely willing and wants to fully redeem us at the appointed time to be with Him throughout all eternity. And how do we know His promises are true? It’s all in the fine print: “I Love You!”

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” – John 17:24

Use Me?

God uses broken people like you and me to rescue broken people like you and me. - Anon

Of all the people Jesus could have sent to preach in the Decapolis, he chose a man he had just healed of many demons. Wow!

You ever wonder about Mary, mother of Jesus; and her willing obedience when Gabriel spoke to her? Why? You have to know she was taught the scriptures from an early age. And remembering how God would often use ordinary people (Gideon, Jonah, Esther, etc....) to save His people, she knew and believed in her heart that could be her at any time. So, when Gabriel spoke, hence her reply "so be it as the Lord wills." What about us? Would we be so willing for God? Though we know the ways of God are often mysterious, would it be so unexpected and hard to fathom that He'd want to use you in a mighty way? God's redemption story is still unfolding today, and He still uses ordinary people to bring it about. Wherever you may be in your current livelihood (up, down, hurting, joyful...) just know that your life is part of His ongoing story. He's counting on us to make it interesting and inviting!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message...." - John 17:20

Love People

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way. The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

The Demand for Truth

As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand.  – J. Billings

Pilate ‘claimed’ he really wanted to know what truth was. Jesus was standing right in front of him. Hmm!

Ask anyone what they prefer, truth or fiction; and inevitably they all choose the truth. The sad thing is we only want that portion of truth that agrees with or coincides with the way we want to live our lives. However, truth is either absolute (applies equally to everyone) or it is no truth at all.  We all know 99% truth and 1% falsehood makes the entire statement false. And it’s not so much in the knowing of the truth as it is the showing of the truth in our daily living. Truth has no special time; its hour is now- ALWAYS! Remember, even if no one else is watching – God is.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” – John 17:17-18

It Hurts Because It's True

The truth doesn’t hurt unless it ought to. – B.C. Forbes

Peter was ‘hurt’ when Jesus questioned his love those 3 times after his denials. But he finally got point. OUCH!

Jesus referred to himself as ‘the Truth.’ God never gave us the truth to hurt us, but to set us free. The power of the truth is in its application – love. If we walk in the truth we feel the love and warmth of God. If we walk outside of the truth we feel its painful sharp edges trying to push us back into line. If pain lingers its only because of our refusal to acknowledge and accept God’s plan and purposes over our own. We can get mad and go away but the TRUTH (God’s Word) will never change, for it is His agent to change us. Lets strive for a pain-free day today!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.” – John 17:17

Complete Coverage

The insurance policy may cover you falling off the roof, but you better check to see if it covers you hitting the ground. – Anon

Stoning, beaten with rods, shipwrecked, snake-bitten, and imprisoned; still Paul knew God was with him every step of the way. Wow!

If you’ve ever had a malfunctioning product and had to deal with the manufacturer regarding the warranty or guarantee, you probably know by now that generally the part that breaks is usually not covered. It’s always something in the ‘fine print.’ Manufacturers are in business to make money and go all out to avoid costly payouts and/or litigation, hence the very lengthy product disclosure and warranty document. But our Maker, stands by His promise, and is willing to fix/repair any part that breaks or becomes defective (forgiveness of sin). He knows we have weaknesses and shortcomings and won’t pass every trial the first or second time. And not only is He willing to ‘fix’ and forgive, He is completely willing and wants to fully redeem us at the appointed time to be with Him throughout all eternity. And how do we know His promises are true? It’s all in the fine print: “I Love You!"

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” – John 17:24

Keeping Unity

When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers! – African Proverb

Paul pleaded with both Euodia and Syntyche to get along, otherwise the CHURCH loses. That’s sound advice. AMEN!

As brother’s and sisters in Christ our main goal should be to ‘endeavor to keep the unity of the body through the bonds of peace.’ When we spar and spat with each other on non-essentials to the Christian faith, many outsiders take their cue and turn away, and outreach is hampered. Jesus said where 2 or 3 gather in His name He is present. The key is to be united in spirit. Remember, we’re Christian only, but not the only Christians!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me.” – John 17:20-23

Practice Love

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way.  The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

Golden Truth

As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand.  – J. Billings

Pilate ‘claimed’ he really wanted to know what truth was. Jesus was standing right in front of him. Hmm!

Ask anyone what they prefer, truth or fiction; and inevitably they all choose the truth. The sad thing is we only want that portion of truth that coincides with our lives. However, truth is either absolute or it is no truth at all.  We all know 99% truth and 1% falsehood makes the entire statement false. And it’s not so much in the knowing of the truth as it is the showing of the truth in our daily living. Truth has no special time; its hour is now- ALWAYS! Remember, even if no one else is watching – God is.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” – John 17:17-18

The Truth Hurts... Sometimes

The truth doesn’t hurt unless it ought to. – B.C. Forbes

Peter was ‘hurt’ when Jesus questioned his love those 3 times after his denials. But he finally got point. OUCH!

Jesus referred to himself as ‘the Truth.’ God never gave us the truth to hurt us, but to set us free. The power of the truth is in its application – love. If we walk in the truth we feel the love and warmth of God. If we walk outside of the truth we feel its painful sharp edges trying to push us back into line. If pain lingers its only because of our refusal to acknowledge and accept God’s plan and purposes over our own. We can get mad and go away but the TRUTH (God’s Word) will never change, for it is His agent to change us. Lets strive for a pain-free day today!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.” – John 17:17

Forgiveness Insurance

The insurance policy may cover you falling off the roof, but you better check to see if it covers you hitting the ground. – Anon  

Stoned, beaten with rods, shipwrecked, snake-bitten, and imprisoned; still Paul knew God was with him every step of the way. Wow!  

If you’ve ever had a malfunctioning product and had to deal with the manufacturer regarding the warranty or guarantee, you probably know by now that generally the part that breaks is usually not covered. It’s always something in the ‘fine print.’ Manufacturers are in business to make money and go all out to avoid costly payouts and/or litigation, hence the very lengthy product disclosure and warranty document. But our Maker, stands by His promise, and is willing to fix/repair any part that breaks or becomes defective (forgiveness of sin). He knows we have weaknesses and shortcomings and won’t pass every trial the first or second time. And not only is He willing to ‘fix’ and forgive, He is completely willing and wants to fully redeem us at the appointed time to be with Him throughout all eternity. And how do we know His promises are true? It’s all in the fine print: “I Love You!”  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” – John 17:24

The Bigger Picture

When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers! – African Proverb  

Paul pleaded with both Euodia and Syntyche to get along, otherwise the CHURCH loses. That’s sound advice. AMEN!  

As brother’s and sisters in Christ our main goal should be to ‘endeavor to keep the unity of the body through the bonds of peace.’ When we spar and spat with each other on non-essentials to the Christian faith, many outsiders take their cue and turn away, and outreach is hampered. Jesus said where 2 or 3 gather in His name He is present. The key is to be united in spirit. Remember, we’re Christian only, but not the only Christians!

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me.” – John 17:20-23