Practicing Jesus

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way. The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

Weathering Criticism

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. – N. DeKalb

Though Job’s wife and friends were critical of him about his faith and position before God, he held fast. God later brought vindication!

It’s record breaking temperatures and we rant. It’s raining heavily and again we rant. It’s foggy, cloudy, cold, etc. and we vent. Isn’t it good to know that no matter what we say there’s always more weather tomorrow, that it doesn’t go away mad never to return. God in His word told us we would often face the same type of persecution; sometimes from those closest to us. But when we’re doing right we will be criticized, for that is the job of wrong – to criticize or eliminate what is right. Criticism may sting at times – not because it’s true – but because our ‘flesh’ wants to retaliate. But remember Jesus, He was hung on a cross and still forgave them.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:12-14

Love People

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way. The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

Easier Watched Than Done

Living a good life is like eating with chopsticks, it looks easy until you try it. – Anon

In his mind Peter was ready to die for Jesus, that is, until his physical life was at stake. Good thing Jesus forgives. AMEN!
Lots of things in life look easy enough, that is as long as we stay on the sidelines. But get us in the game action and we find complexities and challenges we never imagined, and a skill set that seems all thumbs at times. It is something we should always bear in mind with others we see and encounter, possibly doing their best and giving it their all, just because it doesn’t measure up to what we expect. God only knows the struggles or hardships they are dealing with, so our response should be one of encouragement. Besides, the same holds true for us as well. In our ‘all thumbs’ episodes of life God never once criticizes, He only offers encouragement, help, and of course hope.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – I Thessalonians 5:11

Practice Love

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way.  The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21