Better Left Unsaid

Dignity is the capacity to hold back on the tongue what never should have been in the mind in the first place. – Anon

When Jesus was being scourged for our sins the bible says he “never said a mumbling word.” Such a loud, grand, and dignified response. Amen!

There is an old cliché which states: ‘Please engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear,’ meaning we need to stop and think before we speak. As children of God we need to seriously consider this truth. Often, we speak too quickly and sometimes harshly, when it would be best to remain silent and prayerful. God is not against us being instructional or critical in our speaking, as long as it's done in an encouraging and engaging manner. But we must also know that no matter the case 'as above with Christ' sometimes some things are often left better unsaid and unthought. I pray you much success today!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.” – Proverbs 22:11

The Gift of Children

A child's shoulders were not built to bear the weight of poor adult choices. - Anon

Jephthah's rash decision (vow) cost him and his daughter dearly. OUCH!

It's often said "the children are our future." If that be true and it is, it places a great burden on us to make it the best, brightest, and hopeful future it can be. It also means we need to bear in mind the future consequences of our current decisions and actions. Today, we are living in a world with an ever increasing foster kid population, an ever increasing governmental debt burden, an ever increasing adult population where no one wants or takes responsibility for their actions. The time is now for us to realize our children need us more than ever to be the adults they can trust and depend on for a BETTER future. The gift of children overall was that we might build a family heritage and godly offspring. It's not too late to do our part.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Learn the Language of God

Teach your child to PRAY! You won't be around all their life but God will. - Anon

Jesus loved to see the little children at the temple and often used them as examples. Hmm!

It's a human phenomenon. In every culture children don't come into the world knowing the language of their people. But by continually hearing it spoken by their parents and siblings they learn it's meaning and how to speak and converse with one another. And many go on to learn other languages becoming bi-lingual marvels. It gives rise to a question as to why I think many of us don't pray. We've never really been taught or learned the 'language' of God. Even Jesus' disciples pled with Him to teach them how to pray. And Jesus taught them it was not a formula, order form, or monologue, but a heartfelt conversation with the Father. And what better way to have such a conversation than to know something about how the other person thinks or feels. We need to learn the Word of God in order to better converse with Him in prayer. God's Word is written from His heart and fully wrapped up in His love for us. He's never said prayer has to have a minimum word count nor contain certain phraseology, just recognition of Who He is and who we are AND that we are welcome in His presence.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Earn A Good Name

Though we are called ‘Christian’, the name we earn as a disciple is what counts. – Anon

Barnabas’ given name meant ‘son of encouragement’, a name he fully lived up to. Wow!

Throughout life we will wear many names. There’s our birth name, possibly a nick-name taken somewhere along the line; even affinity or team names for those associations we may partner with. But the one name we should cherish the most is the one our life becomes because of who we are and how we relate to others. That name should be a source of encouragement, inspiration, hope, and good news to others, a source of refreshment. We encourage others when we speak kind words or offer uplifting insight to them; or when we’re generous with our blessings and possessions with them; or when we take the time to pray with them and remind ourselves that regardless of their position, status, or rank in life, they are a creation of God worthy of respect. When we treat others in such a manner we will in essence be changing the world one person and one moment at a time. Yes, living like Jesus will earn you a name God will not soon forget.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

Not a Mumbling Word

Dignity is the capacity to hold back on the tongue what never should have been in the mind in the first place. – Anon

When Jesus was being scourged for our sins the bible says he “never said a mumbling word.” Such a loud, grand, and dignified response. Amen!

There is an old cliché which states: ‘Please engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear,’ meaning we need to stop and think before we speak. As children of God we need to seriously consider this truth. Often we speak too quickly and sometimes harshly, when it would be best to remain silent and prayerful. God is not against us being instructional or critical in our speaking, as long as it's done in an encouraging and engaging manner. But we must also know that no matter the case 'as above with Christ' sometimes some things are often left better unsaid and unthought. I pray you much success today!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.” – Proverbs 22:11 

Keep it 100

Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do. – D. Galen

Though Judas knew Jesus was talking about him as the betrayer, he still asked, “Is it I?” Hmm!

The consensus is generally no one likes a liar or a person who does not keep their word. We tend to look for and associate with people who honor their words and commitments no matter life’s circumstances. But the greater question of the day is can we be counted on to do what we know we should do and promised to do when no one else is around or will we just say we did or promise to do it later? Faith is faith whether someone is watching or not, and integrity is not a suit of clothing but a heartfelt conviction.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

Your Earned Name

Though we are called ‘Christian’, the name we earn as a disciple is what counts. – Anon

Barnabas’ given name meant ‘son of encouragement’, a name he fully lived up to. Wow!

Throughout life we will wear many names. There’s our birth name, possibly a nick-name taken somewhere along the line; even affinity or team names for those associations we may partner with. But the one name we should cherish the most is the one our life becomes because of who we are and how we relate to others. That name should be a source of encouragement, inspiration, hope, and good news to others, a source of refreshment. We encourage others when we speak kind words or offer uplifting insight to them; or when we’re generous with our blessings and possessions with them; or when we take the time to pray with them and remind ourselves that regardless of their position, status, or rank in life, they are a creation of God worthy of respect. When we treat others in such a manner we will in essence be changing the world one person and one moment at a time. Yes, living like Jesus will earn you a name God will not soon forget.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional time this week at 9AM. See you there!

Hold your Tongue

Dignity is the capacity to hold back on the tongue what never should have been in the mind in the first place. – Anon

When Jesus was being scourged for our sins the bible says he “never said a mumbling word.” Such a loud, grand, and dignified response. Amen!

There is an old cliché which states: ‘Please engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear,’ meaning we need to stop and think before we speak. As children of God we need to seriously consider this truth. Often we speak too quickly and sometimes harshly, when it would be best to remain silent and prayerful. God is not against us being instructional or critical in our speaking, as long as it's done in an encouraging and engaging manner. But we must also know that no matter the case 'as above with Christ' sometimes some things are often left better unsaid. I pray you much success today!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.” – Proverbs 22:11

Whatcha gonna do?

Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do. – D. Galen

Though Judas knew Jesus was talking about him as the betrayer, he still asked, “Is it I?” Hmmm.

No matter what age, gender, or even culture one comes from; life comes full force everyday with its load of circumstances and decisions that must be made. The question of the day is can we be counted on to face it faithfully without wavering to the left or right, or will we just say we did or promise to do it later? God is depending on us for the former, not the latter.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

The Truth About Integrity

Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do. – D. Galen

Though Judas knew Jesus was talking about him as the betrayer, he still asked, “Is it I?” Hmm!

The consensus is generally no one likes a liar or a person who does not keep their word. We tend to look for and associate with people who honor their words and commitments no matter life’s circumstances. But the greater question of the day is can we be counted on to do what we know we should do and promised to do when no one else is around or will we just say we did or promise to do it later? Faith is faith whether someone is watching or not, and integrity is not a suit of clothing but a heartfelt conviction.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1