The Habits to Break

First we make our habits, and then our habits make us. – Anon

Daniel’s enemies knew exactly where he would be and what he would be doing at the hour of prayer. Wow!

When you get right down to it, most of what we do in our day to day life is out of habits we have developed over time. Just getting dressed we develop them (right leg first or left in putting on pants, right arm first or left in putting on a shirt or jacket), comfortable ‘motions’ that we rarely think about – habits. Some habits will inevitably bring us closer to God and others will lead us away from His path and blessings. And often many of those that lead us away are presented innocently through ‘friends’ and acquaintances and seem quite harmless. But any activity that hooks us and creates a conscious ‘tug’ in our hearts between serving God in righteousness and appeasing our own desires should be examined closely. God has never been against us enjoying life, but our enjoyment of life should never precede our enjoying and yielding to Him in all things. God is ready to help us change or break those habits that hinder our growth in Him, so, if at first you don’t succeed – try praying.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts“

….Do not be deceived: ‘evil company corrupts good habits…..” – I Corinthians 15:33

The Power to Submit

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. – Abraham Lincoln

Solomon was considered the wisest king ever and a man of good character, but his son Rehoboam let the power of being king go to his head. OUCH!

It is said that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. And though most of us would say we would never be drunk with power as we see in most tyrants, despots, and dictators. In reality we are that way in some areas of our lives. We have the power to submit to God’s will or not, and more often than not we choose not to submit. Circumstances, resources, timing, happen to us all; and we can try to excuse ourselves from submission or obedience because of them, but it doesn’t get us off the hook. The whole idea and understanding of power can be gleaned from our Heavenly Father. He is omnipotent but yet He is full of love, mercy, grace, compassion and forgiveness. And if God sets the example for us, who are we to try something different?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The most important one, answered Jesus, is this…..Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31