The Work for His Glory

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing; others judge us by what we have done. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

God thought more of Abel's offering not for 'what' he gave but 'how' he gave it. AMEN!

From early on we're taught to manage our time wisely. We're taught to prioritize, arrange, rank, from the least to the greatest the opportunities we have and do those that bring the greatest return. And so we do, day in and day out. And then we measure ourselves for effectiveness. We may think our time spent teaching a class was better spent than the time we gave passing out pamphlets. Or the mission trip we took to a distant land is greater than the time we spent serving as an usher last week. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. In truth, we have no idea what really ranks as the most important part of our work, for it is not really the work itself but the attitude and heart with which we did it. A phone call to an ailing member could be just as important as the Sunday sermon the minister preaches because God is the ultimate judge of all we do and "His ways and thoughts" are not like ours, they are much higher. So the idea here is not to do the work for work's sake, but do the work for the Lord's glory. And just like in school when our final grade was the cumulative effect of all our efforts, the Lord will be grading our efforts and at the end of the day grades will be posted. May we all receive passing grades.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." - Colossians 3:23

No Immunity but it can be Mastered

The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues. – R. Descartes

Though David was ‘a man after God’s own heart’ he had great trouble controlling the desires of ‘his own flesh.’ Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to discipline themselves knows that saying and doing are 2 different things. Whether it be saving, praying, dieting, etc. it’s hard to be disciplined and gain success. Such is true with our faith walk as well. No matter what age we attain or how long we have been with Christ and His church, we are all susceptible to sin or vice. There is never a time in our lives when we become immune to it, get away from it, or become too good for it. But we can master it, and we should; just as God told Cain. Giving in to sin and asking forgiveness later is really a cop out, for we serve a God who has already promised us He would “help us out” of any situation IF we ask. What we must do is decide in our hearts and mind to be people of noble character in all situations, and even then still PRAY.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – I Corinthians 10:12

Do Doing Done... with Heart

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing; others judge us by what we have done. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

God thought more of Abel's offering not for 'what' he gave but 'how' he gave it. AMEN!

From early on we're taught to manage our time wisely. We're taught to prioritize, arrange, rank, from the least to the greatest the opportunities we have and do those that bring the greatest return. And so we do, day in and day out. And then we measure ourselves for effectiveness. We may think our time spent teaching a class was better spent than the time we gave passing out pamphlets. Or the mission trip we took to a distant land is greater than the time we spent serving as an usher last week. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. In truth, we have no idea what really ranks as the most important part of our work, for it is not really the work itself but the attitude and heart with which we did it. A phone call to an ailing member could be just as important as the Sunday sermon the minister preaches because God is the ultimate judge of all we do and "His ways and thoughts" are not like ours, they are much higher. So the idea here is not to do the work for work's sake, but do the work for the Lord's glory. And just like in school when our final grade was the cumulative effect of all our efforts, the Lord will be grading our efforts and at the end of the day grades will be posted. May we all receive passing grades.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." - Colossians 3:23

Select Capable Officials

We don’t always have to ‘let the chips fall where they may,’ its okay to give them a little direction from time to time. – Anon

When the disciples needed someone to take Judas’ place, they prayed and then cast lots (voted) for Matthias. Hmm!

It has been said that America is a land where a man will cross the ocean to fight for democracy and won’t even cross the street to vote. OUCH! It is our civic duty as Americans, and more so than that; it is our spiritual duty as children of God to be involved in the governmental processes. True, God ‘sets kings up and deposes them,’ but generally God works through people – US – to effect change in the world. If we are to be subject to ‘higher powers’ then we should ensure those in power are men and women of righteous character. VOTE!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But select capable men from all the people – men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens…..” – Exodus 18:21