Purposely Good

Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something. – Henry David Thoreau

Joseph had many trials “hoisted” upon him and his character. But he rose above each one. WOW!

Most of us would probably say in all of God’s creation we could do without flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, etc., that they seem to serve no purpose at all. But they must for God Almighty himself made them and we’ve all experienced in one way or another their handiwork firsthand. The same is true of us; we were made for this day to do more than just exist. The world is to come to know Jesus through the love we show to one another and them. We were made to be God’s ambassadors to the world. As the day unfolds with its many requests, issues, and urgent needs, remember you are a part of His labor force. May the light shine within!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…..let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

You're Gonna Do What You Want

What you want to do, you do. The rest is just talk. – J. Clark

The bible tells us “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Why, because He WANTED to. Hmm!

No matter how we try to package it and dress it up or try to excuse it, our life is simply a culmination of the things we do. Evil or good, deeds are done simply because we “wanted” to do them. Paul stated, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” In truth we all have the same 24-hour day to work with, various pressures put upon us, limited resources to work with, and great expectations of others from us. The key to wholeness of life though is to make what “God wants for us” as what we want to do. We must remember “it’s not about us.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

We Did This

Our acts make us or mar us – we are the children of our OWN deeds. – Victor Hugo

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day hypocrites because that’s what they were. They did not practice what they preached! Hmm!

Our parents tried to shape us and mold us, to instill in us a sense of value and morality – it was their role. But the responsibility of taking that input and putting it to use in a meaningful and positive manner rests solely with each one of us. And though we may want to blame others for our shortcomings or errors, we know deep within they are ours alone. But the great thing about life is we are each free to change what we don’t like. We are free to make our life a blessing to God and His work. We must remember our actions are motivated by what’s in our heart. It’s no question we were made in the image of God (the bible says so). The BIG question is can that image be seen.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

– Matthew 7:17,20

P.S. - Hope to see you tomorrow at Prayer Breakfast (9am) and remember service this Sunday starts at 9:30 AM in Parmes Hall.

Marvel Again

You know you’re getting old when you’ve lost all your marvels! – M. Browne

When Jesus would teach the people they were all astonished, and “marveled” at his ability to make the word of God come alive. Amen!

Admittedly, we often take life as it happens; and even that we take for granted. Because we've been at it for so long we just assume one day is just as ordinary as any other day, day after day, year after year. We rarely think of each new dawning where we can open our eyes as the greatest blessing ever. We scarcely think of our ups and downs as potential 'God moments,' just assuming they are all a part of life. But if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and He is continually seeking to be found and known by His people, you would have to conclude that He’s still in the “marveling” business, and today will be no exception. May we greet today with excitement for meeting Him in new ways.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise….” – I Chronicles 16:23-25