Doing Right. Always.

The time is always right to do what is right. – MLK, Jr.

Joseph wouldn’t betray his God to sleep with another man’s wife. Samuel wouldn’t betray his God in failing to pray for the people. Though no one else would know – GOD WOULD!

We live in a society that teaches us to “Just Do It.” Wrong, immoral or indecent, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, or everyone’s consenting, or it’s my prerogative, etc. I’ll do it. Even on the positive side we’re continuously asked to ‘cut corners,’ ‘give some slack,’ or “lighten up a bit.” But such thinking makes the concept of right and wrong subjective. It is not. God’s way is the only right way, regardless of how we feel about it or what we think about it. The better question to ask is: What does God think of me doing what I’m doing?”

Until Monday……..

Pastor Botts

“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” – Hosea 14:9

P.S. - Hope you can make it this Sunday, it's Men's Day, "NEXT MAN UP!"

The heart of the matter

To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. – Anon

When the other leaders and officials conspired against Daniel, he continued his prayers ‘openly.’ God eventually brought him vindication. OUCH!

We all know what we want and expect out of life and as such we set goals, objectives, and parameters, etc., on ourselves to help maintain focus and purpose. But when it comes to relating to others, though our desires may be noble, we cannot force those same goals, objectives, and parameters on them. One thing God’s patience with us screams very loudly is that the ‘grace card’ can NEVER be overplayed. As He extends mercy, forgiveness, compassion, love, grace, and provision to us each and every day in abundance, so should we in dealing with our fellow man. This does not mean we are completely accepting of others sinful ways - as God is not with us and expects repentance – but that we are not condemning them in their sin, leaving the door of repentance and change open to them. The situations and people God brings before us today will be worked out not so much by what God gives us, but by what we use.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong….” I Kings 3:9

God in Action. Listen Up!

There is none so blind as they that will not see. – J. Swift

God parted the Red Sea, rained down manna, and brought water from a rock to show Moses and the Israelites He was with them and for them. The people didn't get it. Hmm!

As believers we habitually seek to hear God’s voice through prayer, His Word, or His messengers. Yet, often we fail or miss hearing God speak through His activity. We are so set on ‘seizing the day’ we often give very little thought to seeing what it brings. Sensing God’s activity gives us a significant revelation about His heart and will, and our ability to discern what He is up to allows us to work faithfully with Him. The apostle Paul at one time sensed that “a great door” had been opened for him to preach the gospel. If we’re not hearing directly from God through His Word, or His people, maybe He’s speaking through the activity in our lives. Listen up!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Look among the nations and watch – be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” – Habakkuk 1:5