Stand Up Not Just Out

Being different isn’t the same as making a difference. – Sparks

The Christians at Corinth were arguing over which group was better because of who brought them to the faith (Apollos, Cephas, Paul, etc.) Paul reminded them it was Jesus who made the difference. Hmm!

We live in a society that embraces individuality. It teaches people to make a name and identity for themselves. And we often do strange things to make ourselves distinct and different from others that we may display our individuality, but we’re actually called on not to attract attention FROM society but to make a difference IN society. Our faith pronouncement is not to just stand out but to STAND UP! We’re called to stand up for righteousness and truth, to get involved when they are threatened, and promote ways to better this world. Yes, it’s a major task but that’s why God picked us, there were none better available to do it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” – John 4:39

Just Different

There is no such thing as bad weather; it’s just a different sort. – J. Ruskin

God spoke with Abraham man to man. He spoke to the Israelites from the mountain. He spoke to us through His Son. Different ways – same God! Hmm!

The great thing about life is no 2 days are ever alike. But often in our lives when our circumstances seem to tax us to the 'Nth' degree we say things like “I’m having a streak of bad luck” or “my life is going from bad to worse.” In reality the only thing that has really changed is our outlook on the situation. When we see things as “bad” it means we’ve taken our eyes off of our sustainer – GOD. God is "good all the time." Life may be hard at times, but it is not bad, it’s just different given the situation. But as sure as day follows night God can and often will change our outlook if we just look up.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” – II Samuel 22:29-30

Equipped for What's Ahead

Use what talents you possess: The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those who sang best. – H. VanDyke

God sent Moses on his way to liberate His people from Pharaoh with just a ‘staff’ in his hand. It actually worked! WOW!

Training, preparation, honing one's skills. All things we do in life to help us get better and move forward - sort of. Often we don't, we get used to the preparation, and sometimes we let the preparation become our goal, rather than what it should be preparing us for. We begin to overanalyze the situation and tell ourselves we're not quite ready, we need a little more training. So we often shrink back from the work or call of God, figuring we’re not prepared, qualified, or rightly situated to do it. It's called 'paralysis by analysis.' But in reality God has equipped each of us with exactly what we need for each new encounter. Remember, God never gives the test until He has equipped us, or reminded us we need to call on Him. May we all ‘sing’ for Him today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us...” – Romans 12:6

P.S. - As we end 'Black History' month please feel free to wear your Ethnic Attire this Sunday.

Make the Difference

Being different isn’t the same as making a difference. – Sparks

The Christians at Corinth were arguing over which group was better because of who brought them to the faith (Apollos, Cephas, Paul, etc.) Paul reminded them it was Jesus who made the difference. Hmm!

We live in a society that embraces individuality. It teaches people to make a name and identity for themselves. And we often do strange things to make ourselves distinct and different from others that we may display our individuality, but we’re actually called on not to attract attention FROM society but to make a difference IN society. Our faith pronouncement is not to just stand out but to STAND UP! We’re called to stand up for righteousness and truth, to get involved when they are threatened, and promote ways to better this world. Yes, it’s a major task but that’s why God picked us, there were none better available to do it.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” – John 4:39

Just Different

There is no such thing as bad weather; it’s just a different sort. – J. Ruskin

God spoke with Abraham man to man. He spoke to the Israelites from the mountain. He spoke to us through His Son. Different ways – same God! Hmm!

The great thing about life is no 2 days are ever alike. But often in our lives when our circumstances seem to tax us to the 'Nth' degree we say things like “I’m having a streak of bad luck” or “my life is going from bad to worse.” In reality the only thing that has really changed is our outlook on the situation. When we see things as “bad” it means we’ve taken our eyes off of our sustainer – GOD. God is "good all the time." Life may be hard at times, but it is not bad, it’s just different given the situation. But as sure as day follows night God can and often will change our outlook if we just look up.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” – II Samuel 22:29-30

Make a difference!

Being different isn’t the same as making a difference. – Sparks

The Christians at Corinth were arguing over which group was better because of who brought them to the faith (Apollos, Cephas, Paul, etc.) Paul reminded them it was Jesus who made the difference. Hmm!

We live in a society that embraces individuality. It teaches people to make a name and identity for themselves. And we often do strange things to make ourselves distinct and different from others that we may display our individuality, but we’re actually called on not to attract attention FROM society but to make a difference IN society. Our faith pronouncement is not to just stand out but to STAND UP! We’re called to stand up for righteousness and truth, to get involved when they are threatened, and promote ways to better this world. Yes, it’s a major task but that’s why God picked us, there were none better available to do it.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” – John 4:39