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

Let Them See Christ In Me

The proof of the pudding is ALWAYS in the eating. – Anon

They were called ‘Christians’ by outsiders, not so much by what they said, but how they lived. Hmm!

It’s one of the greatest ‘professions’ in the entire bible. And what makes it great is that is was backed up by action. Ruth stated to her mother-in-law Naomi “where you go, I will go, where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, your God my God…” And we see and read she was very true to her word. And God blessed her and Naomi. It really is food for thought for us today. Our word should be or bond, no “ifs’ ands, or buts.” Our ‘yes’ should be yes and our ‘no’ should be no. And Jesus should be Lord of our life. This calls for a new mindset, one where we don’t need people to hear us say “I’m Christian,” but need them to see Christ in me!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” – John 7:38

Love Streams

Love does……. – Bob Goff

Apparently, there were plenty of examples of Dorcas’ love for the people to show Peter. Hmm!

2AM feedings! Constant diaper changes! Cooing and lullaby singing! All the things a mother does for her baby. Why, not because she has to, but because her love motivates her to. The love in her heart for her child won’t let her deny anything the child needs. The living water Jesus promises to flow through us is that same type of love that causes us to express kindness, care, and concern for others, be they family, friend, or mere acquaintance almost as a second nature. And these acts not only benefit those we serve, they satisfy a longing within us which is Jesus trying to live through us. How will He love someone through you today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” – John 7:38