Doin Too Much

Never make an impression bigger than you are. Remember, shadow boxers never score a knockout! – Anon

When Naaman went to Elisha the priest to be cured of his leprosy, he left mad – and still diseased – because the man of God didn’t make a big fuss over him. Hmm!

Social media posts, blogs, podcasts, etc. We live in the era of 'grand celebration,' where folks announce with fanfare anything they do to the world be it great or small, looking for a stroke of the ego or special recognition. And admittedly at times if we're not careful, we too, like Naaman, often like the great and spectacular to accompany anything we do, for we love to appear larger that life itself. But God has called on us to do the small, holy and righteous tasks day in and day out; and victory is assured. Any aura we give off bigger than ourselves should only point others to the ONE whom we serve.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12

What you make of Life

A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill

Saul and his 600 men waited under the pomegranate tree trying to figure out their strategy against the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor-bearer just went with God. God WON!

There’s no greater truism than “life is what you make of it.” Circumstances, situations, and unexpected occurrences are daily events for all of us, and we can never be prepared for everything or every situation. How we ‘respond’ to the situation or circumstance will dictate its impact on our lives and our response is dictated by our attitude or outlook. If we truly believe nothing is too hard for God then we will see opportunity as we search for the lesson God has planned through the circumstance at hand. If all we see is difficulty and problems maybe we need to check who’s in charge in our lives. In spite of all the worldly issues and cynicism it’s still a great time to be alive!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5

The Great Opportunity

Great opportunities come to those who make the most of small ones. - Anon

Because a little boy came prepared and was willing to share his lunch, five-thousand plus were fed. WOW!

Those who we see somewhat successful in life and/or strong in the faith are really only those who made the most of an opportunity, blessing, or hardship that came into their lives. Situations do not make themselves known as the 'great opportunity' but only as a circumstance with consequences; which is when we should turn to God for guidance. His direction and guidance will bring the best out of every situation and open doors for even greater blessing and opportunity. Just as He led the Israelites, making way after way for them; He waits to do the same for us. It really is just a small thing to trust in a GREAT GOD!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"....and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work....." - II Corinthians 9:8

If Only...Nothing

The issue is not where you are, but how you live wherever you are. – Henry Nouwen

Though Paul spent a great deal of his life imprisoned, you’d hardly know it from his writings. Wow!

We frequently think to ourselves “if only my circumstances were different, then things would be better.” And so we begin the merry-go-round of wishful thinking: “if only I had a different job,” “if only I had a different spouse,” “if only I had stayed in school,” “if only, if only….” But such thinking is unproductive and actually blinds us to all that is good that God has placed in our lives and present situation. No matter where we are presently in life, it is good. The view we need to undertake is trying to seek out what God is trying to do through us in our present status or circumstances. What we’ll find often is that it’s not the circumstances that need change so much as it is our inner self and attitude. Remember, with God results count, excuses don’t.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“….I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…..” – Philippians 4:11

P.S. - Hope you can make it tonight at 6:30 for Family/Friends game night. Also hope you can make it Sunday at 9AM for our next Panel discussion!