Immortal Acts of Sevice

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. – A. Pike

The folks in Hebrews 11 are mentioned not so much for themselves, but for what they did, why they did it, and WHO they believed in. AMEN!

Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Dr. King, Cesar Chavez – just a few names of ordinary people of our day who did extraordinary things that are not forgotten, because they did it to benefit mankind and others, not themselves. Their acts of sacrifice have opened many doors and paved many avenues for a host of others to benefit from, simply because they believed in the greater good of mankind. This world can be so demanding and cruel that we lose sight of our calling to help others, for it is in the helping of others that we help ourselves most. God designed us all the same way he designed those who have gone before us, so the potential lies within us. Today is a gift He has given that we may prove Him right.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did….he was commended as a righteous man…And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” – Hebrews 11:4

True Faith Acts

Just as mirrors only reflect what they see, our lives only produce what we believe. – Anon

God often brought unpleasant circumstances before His people just to see what was in their heart. Hmm!

No doubt about it, we all would like the world to be a better place. That’s a great sentiment, and a noble desire. But the question we need answer is: ’What can we do to make it a better place?’ We all know the ‘Golden Rule’ – treat others in the same way you want to be treated – but do we really believe and practice it as Jesus commanded? To go the extra mile. To be kind in spite of others. To love expecting nothing in return. To go beyond our comfort zone. True faith never asks whether good works are to be done or even considered. Faith just acts on impulse for the works are its lifeblood, faith without works is dead. Everyone wants to change the world but no one wants to start with himself. So we often leave it to others ‘greater’ than ourselves. God will not ask us why we weren’t more like Paul, Esther, David, etc., He’s just going to ask were we faithful and true. Hopefully our answer is already being written in the affirmative, and we’re doing all we can to confirm it each day.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12

Acts of Kindness

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force. - Publilius

Tabitha's kindness brought a community together in prayer and solicitation. It also moved God. AMEN!

We call them small acts of kindness! But in truth there is no such thing. As 'kindness' is one of the fruits of the Spirit, it has God written all over it, so it really isn't small, it's God reaching out. Though we may think little of our actions, to the one on the receiving end it may just be the hinge that swings open the door allowing them to move from despair, grief, anxiety, etc., to praise and a new hope. And that friend is not insignificant - it's monumental.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done." - Proverbs 19:17

People of Action

Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander. – Anon

Zacchaeus and Levi as tax collectors were both victims of their own people, and perpetrators of Roman oppression. But when Jesus called, they didn’t stand aloof, they came running. AMEN!

It is often said with candor and veracity, “many Christians need to get out of the book of ‘Numbers’ and into the book of ‘Acts’.” God calls us to champion righteousness, justice, and absolute truth at all costs – that’s a disciple’s role, for it is what Jesus did; and he is our perfect example. It is this type of character building that God is attempting in our lives. The daily situations, circumstances, and events that occur all have rhyme and reason, which is to build character. If we fail to take up our cross each day, we will either become a victim of oppression, or a perpetrator of unrighteousness – there is no middle ground. God is counting on you today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Which of these three men do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” – Luke 10:36-37

Walk This Way

“Do this in remembrance of me,” wasn’t only reserved for the communion table. – Anon

Barnabas extended himself to Paul long before any of the other “faithful” brothers. I think he knew something about Jesus. Hmm!

Often, we are very good at keeping the “rituals” or “acts of faith” commanded by Jesus, but not so good at keeping the “heart” of Jesus. Jesus was never caught short or bent out of shape in dealing with people. One thing I’ve learned from life and God’s Word is you can never give what you’ve never received. If we find ourselves short on compassion, mercy, forgiveness, love, etc., maybe it’s time to belly up to the table of GRACE. It has a lot to offer in terms of our ability to live/love like Jesus. I can almost guarantee we will all need to show a little to someone today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

But if any man obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” – I John 2:5-6

We Did This

Our acts make us or mar us – we are the children of our OWN deeds. – Victor Hugo

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day hypocrites because that’s what they were. They did not practice what they preached! Hmm!

Our parents tried to shape us and mold us, to instill in us a sense of value and morality – it was their role. But the responsibility of taking that input and putting it to use in a meaningful and positive manner rests solely with each one of us. And though we may want to blame others for our shortcomings or errors, we know deep within they are ours alone. But the great thing about life is we are each free to change what we don’t like. We are free to make our life a blessing to God and His work. We must remember our actions are motivated by what’s in our heart. It’s no question we were made in the image of God (the bible says so). The BIG question is can that image be seen.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

– Matthew 7:17,20

P.S. - Hope to see you tomorrow at Prayer Breakfast (9am) and remember service this Sunday starts at 9:30 AM in Parmes Hall.

Lessons on Humility

Characters live to be noticed. People of character notice how they live. – N. Moser

Jesus said we should do our ‘acts of righteousness’ not to be seen of men but God; that is if we expect to receive a reward. Hmm!

They usher themselves before us everyday via the news, social media/internet, magazines, radio, etc. News releases of some celebrity and their bid for a bit more recognition for their 'contribution' to society. And admittedly, a lot of us live for such news, and also admittedly, a lot of us live so to bring about such news a

bout ourselves. Accomplishments should be lauded and celebrated as the blessings they are, not who they make us to be. Granted our lives are not to be lived in seclusion or inconspicuously, but we are called to be known by the ‘fruit we bear’ not by the horn we toot or flag we wave, after all God has said, “not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His notice.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11

The Humble Servant

The man who sings his own praises is always off key. – Sparks

In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican we know who went home justified! Hmm!

Admittedly, it’s hard for us not to crave the limelight and glory for what we’ve accomplished or done, for no one can truly do it like we can. But consider Jesus for a moment friend. A true servant is just that, a servant. What he offers is from his heart and though thanks or an acknowledgement may be indicated, servants don’t wait around for it or get bent out of shape if it doesn’t come. He knows he works for God and his reward is in a job well done. Today is waiting.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.” – Matthew 6:1-2

REMINDER: there will not be a MMA VISION CARE program tomorrow at the church.