Not Your Average...

When you are "average" you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top. - Anon

God calls us to "stand out" not stand in. Hmm!

One of life's false assumptions is that everybody should fit in and follow the norm. That would be great if we based it all on God’s Word and His way for us, but we don’t. We base our laws and government not really on what is right and just, but on "what's best for the average person." And what’s even more saddening is that most of us at times don't even mind being an average Christian. But average is just that - average. God calls us to a better way of life, a purposeful life full of meaning, with edification (making things better not worse) being our goal. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. So, as you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:16

Hard Pressed But Not Crushed

The heart, like the grape, is prone to delivering its harvest in the same moment it appears to be crushed. - R. Houseden

Stephen, when on trial for his faith, preached a great message on redemption to the Sanhedrin Council. A guy named Saul (Paul) heard him. Hmm!

One thing for certain in this life is we will all have times of suffering and persecution. But out of persecution and suffering come our greatest moments of growth, testimony, and increased trust in the Master. Though God puts us in the presses to "squeeze" us, He will keep His hand on the lever and His eye on our heart that we be not completely overwhelmed. If your current situation seems hopeless, take heart. God is working on you, and that's good news.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." - Psalm 34:18-19

Closet Time

A holy life is not lived in the closet, but it cannot survive without one. - Anon

Paul's letters mention how he 'often' prayed for those who came to faith. I'm sure that's not all he prayed for. Hmm!

We wash them in 'Woolite'! We get them professionally dry-cleaned! We hang them properly, sometimes in plastic bags in the closet. What are they, our clothes or garments. Those pieces we always want to look good in, in public. Whether it be clothes, cars, jewelry, etc., we all have things we give much more attention and protection to, ensuring their presentation always draws attention. That should ever be the case with our faith walk with God. It deserves the utmost of care in terms of preparation (study, prayer, fasting) and presentation (avoiding the appearance of sin). It's true that life has a frenetic pace, but it's equally true that we don't have to participate in everything that makes it that way. If our lives are starting to get frayed around the ends, maybe some closet time with Jesus is just what we need.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"......But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen....." - Matthew 6:6

Endings As Beginnings

Life is filled with endings, but every ending is also a new beginning. – Anon

Adam & Eve were ushered out of God’s Garden after the fall ending their special relationship, but by then God had purposed to send Jesus. Marvelous!

It’s true if we really think about it, the one constant in life is change. Every day, whether good or bad comes to an end and there is precious little we can do about it. We can however, thank God that He brought us through it, and begin to look with eager anticipation and expectation upon the next new beginning. This also applies in our relationships, friendships, jobs, and other areas. When God closes one door of opportunity He opens another. May you find His leadings. Today is Friday, the week-end. But praise God – Sunday’s comin.’

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

Why Be Average!

When you are "average" you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top. - Anon

God calls us to "stand out" not stand in. Hmm!

One of life's false assumptions is that everybody should fit in and follow the norm. We base our laws and government on "what's best for the average person." Most of us at times don't even mind being an average Christian. But average is just that - average. God calls us to a better way of life. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. As you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:16

P.S. - I need all Ministry/Outreach reports by this Friday, January 11th.

Called to be more than average

When you are "average" you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top. - Anon

God calls us to "stand out" not stand in. Hmm!

One of life's false assumptions is that everybody should fit in and follow the norm. We base our laws and government on "what's best for the average person." Most of us at times don't even mind being an average Christian. But average is just that - average. God calls us to a better way of life. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. As you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." -Matthew 5:16