When Difficult Is the Right Choice

With my whole heart for my whole life - Anon

Though the bible is filled with some great names and life accounts, it is filled with even more whose names never even got an honorable mention. They were just as important and just as SAVED as well. Hmm!

Perseverance! We generally hear about or read of it in reference to those exceptional individuals who overcame a lot of adversity to excel in life (athletes, stars, famous folks, physically disadvantaged, etc.). They speak of the monumental challenges of life they had to overcome (economics, ethnicity, education, physical barriers, etc.) to get to this level. We applaud them and rightly so, but what about the greater number who go about unnoticed. The parents of a special needs child who devote their lives to caring and loving them, or the wife who bravely rears her young children after her husband's untimely death. Or what about the person who continuously works 3 part-time jobs to make ends meet, even after sending out resume #400. I think these are the examples James had in mind in writing James 1:3. The idea of someone 'opting' to remain under hard circumstances rather than run from them, even when there is no promise or hope of a happy ending in this life. Those who consistently choose what's right over what's easy. That's a life of faith - not looking toward 'when will it be over' but looking at what can I do to just 'win the day' for God. Ready to start?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance MUST FINISH its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:3-4

Time to Come Clean

It's not so difficult confessing sins................as long as they're someone else’s. - A. Christing

The Pharisees and teachers of the law were glad to bring the adulterous woman before Jesus...........until he asked them to think about their own behavior. Hmm!

It's a conundrum! A mind boggler! A strange but true fact! As Christians we have admitted we were sinners saved by grace in need of a Savior. As Christians we know we now have a mediator between us and God to forgive us our sins - Christ Jesus who will never turn us away. But yet, for some reason we don't avail ourselves of this grace gift. Rather than confess our sins, oftentimes we try to hide them or legitimize them as 'not really that bad'. But any and all sin separates us from God, which is why He gave us this great gift of forgiveness. Holding on to our sin hinders our relationship with God in every way (blessings, praise, spiritual growth, etc.). It is when we readily and willingly admit our weaknesses and brokenness that we are ready for breakthroughs. And here's the kicker in all of this, we think the hardest person to tell our sins to is Jesus, it's not - He already knows. No, the hardest person to convince is ourselves. Hopefully, we're all ready to come clean today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - I John 1:8-9

P.S. - Hope you can join us tonight for prayer at 5:30pm.

Before You Speak...

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. – Richard Murray

At a heightened moment of temptation, Jesus let it pass and carefully uttered “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” WOW!

One of the old clichéd truisms of life is “please think before you speak.” The adoption of this principle as a doctrine of life could save us from many stressful situations and later apologies. All of us from our childhood have been taught how to talk and enunciate our words, but not so much when and how to choose our words or responses carefully. We should always be ready to speak the truth, but even then, it should be spoken in love, not in hostility or with other unnecessary commentary. And yes, there are times when we should just remain silent and refrain from ‘adding’ in our two-cents on matters that are not constructive about others. Temptation will indeed be great to go off course today, but remember God will provide a way of escape.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it….” – James 4:11

Taking His Advice

The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for. – A. Schweitzer

The Israelites prayed for over 400 years before God sent Moses to lead them to the Promised Land – and they fought him tooth and nail the whole trip. WOW!

Many of us can sometimes look back and see situations that could have turned out better if we had just taken our own advice. That being the case, how much better could our lives be if we would adhere to the advice and guidance we seek from God, and then see it through. Our problem often is not that we don’t hear God or know what He’s said, it’s just that He doesn’t always say what we want Him to, and our selfish interests take over. Even though God gives guidance to His people, He will never force us to obey Him. He looks for a willing, trusting heart and often ‘self’ occupies this throne. The only way around this is to trust that God knows more than us, and that His purposes are for our benefit and His glory.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” – salm 119:129-130

Brotherly Words

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. – Richard Murray

At a heightened moment of temptation, Jesus let it pass and carefully uttered “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” WOW!

One of the old clichéd truisms of life is “please think before you speak.” The adoption of this principle as a doctrine of life could save us from many stressful situations and later apologies. All of us from our childhood have been taught how to talk and enunciate our words, but rarely when and how to choose our words or responses carefully. We should always be ready to speak the truth, but even it should be spoken in LOVE, not hostility or with ‘superlative’ laced commentary; and refrain from ‘adding’ our two-cents in on matters that are not constructive about others. Temptation will indeed be great to go off course today, but remember God will provide a way of escape.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it….” – James 4:11

Come Clean About Sin

It's not so difficult confessing sins................as long as they're someone else's.- A. Christing

The Pharisees and teachers of the law were glad to bring the adulterous woman before Jesus...........until he asked them to think about their own behavior. Hmm!

It's a conundrum! A mind boggler! A strange but true fact! As Christians we have admitted we were sinners saved by grace in need of a Savior. As Christians we know we now have a mediator between us and God to forgive us our sins - Christ Jesus who will never turn us away. But yet, for some reason we don't avail ourselves of this grace gift. Rather than confess our sins oftentimes we try to hide them or legitimize them as 'not really that bad'. But any and all sin separates us from God, which is why He gave us this great gift of forgiveness. Holding on to our sin hinders our relationship with God in every way (blessings, praise, spiritual growth, etc.). It is when we readily and willingly admit our weaknesses and brokenness that we are ready for breakthroughs. And here's the kicker in all of this, We think the hardest person to tell our sins to is Jesus, it's not - He already knows. No, the hardest person to convince is ourselves. Hopefully, we're all ready to come clean today.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - I John 1:8-9

Refresh Jesus

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness; it is usually returned. – C. Flint

Jonathan’s kindness to David gained great benefit for his son Mephibosheth later. Amen!

Jesus said to the woman “Give me a drink.” Sure it was a conversation starter or invitation, and boy what results it brought. But the idea of Jesus asking us for something, something to refresh Him; it often gets overlooked. We are constantly reminded to lean on Him, trust in Him, depend on Him (all wonderful acts of faith) but rarely do we hear the idea of refreshing or satisfying His needs. We are often refreshed by good news, a respite from daily activities, or a kindness done to us, and we enjoy such thoughtfulness. Maybe today, we can take some time to think of what we might do to refresh Jesus. You never know what the invitation may bring about.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent……they are a fragrant offering, an acceptable gift…...” – Philippians 4:18

The Words Can Get in the Way

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. – R. Murray

At a heightened moment of temptation, Jesus let it pass and carefully uttered “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” WOW!

One of the old clichéd truisms of life is “please think before you speak.” The adoption of this principle as a doctrine of life could save us from many stressful situations and later apologies. All of us from our childhood have been taught how to talk and enunciate our words, but rarely when and how to choose our words or responses carefully. We should always be ready to speak the truth, but even it should be spoken in LOVE, not hostility or with ‘superlative’ laced commentary; and refrain from ‘adding’ our two-cents in on matters that are not constructive about others. Temptation will indeed be great to go off course today, but remember God will provide a way of escape.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it….” – James 4:11

I was about to Say...

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. – R. Murray

At a heightened moment of temptation, Jesus let it pass and carefully uttered “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” WOW!

One of the old clichéd truisms of life is “please think before you speak.” The adoption of this principle as a doctrine of life could save us from many stressful situations and later apologies. All of us from our childhood have been taught how to talk and enunciate our words, but rarely when and how to choose our words or responses carefully. We should always be ready to speak the truth, but even it should be spoken in love, not in hostility or with other unneccessary commentary; and yes there are times when we should just remain siltent and refrain from ‘adding’ in our two-cents on matters that are not constructive about others. Temptation will indeed be great to go off course today, but remember God will provide a way of escape.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it….” – James 4:11

Come Clean

It's not so difficult confessing sins................as long as they're someone else's.- A. Christing

The Pharisees and teachers of the law were glad to bring the adulterous woman before Jesus...........until he asked them to think about their own behavior. Hmm!

It's a conundrum! A mind boggler! A strange but true fact! As Christians we have admitted we were sinners saved by grace in need of a Savior. As Christians we know we now have a mediator between us and God to forgive us our sins - Christ Jesus who will never turn us away. But yet, for some reason we don't avail ourselves of this grace gift. Rather than confess our sins oftentimes we try to hide them or legitimize them as 'not really that bad'. But any and all sin separates us from God, which is why He gave us this great gift of forgiveness. Holding on to our sin hinders our relationship with God in every way (blessings, praise, spiritual growth, etc.). It is when we readily and willingly admit our weaknesses and brokenness that we are ready for breakthroughs. And here's the kicker in all of this, We think the hardest person to tell our sins to is Jesus, it's not - He already knows. No, the hardest person to convince is ourselves. Hopefully, we're all ready to come clean today.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - I John 1:8-9