Helping to Build

You can stand tall without standing on someone, and you can be a victor without having victims. – H. Woods

Jesus said “there is none greater in heaven than John the Baptist,” and all he did was preach and baptize. Hmm!

One of the worldly perspectives we digest early on in life is that there is always a winner and a loser, that someone has to come out on top; and at all costs we’re to make sure that someone is us. And in truth we spend an inordinate amount of time trying to ‘scratch and claw’ our way up the ladder of success, for success requires the type of thinking and action where one must fight for all they get. In the search for significance, however; one seeks how they may best benefit society and those around them. Their way of thinking is not self-fulfillment but the enrichment of others, which is wholly in line with God’s desires, for we never stand taller than when we reach down to help someone else up.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself….” – Romans 15:2-3

Lift Them Up

To belittle is to be little. – Anon

The Pharisee “snubbed” the tax collector in his prayers to God, but he himself was soon humbled by God. OUCH!

When you get right down to it we were all created the same in God’s image, and we are all saved by accepting God’s wonderful, matchless grace. Our life circumstances to this point may not have been identical, and won’t be in the future, but we are still upheld by God’s gracious hand, not anything of our own doing. True, everyone wants to look good and righteous, but putting others down to achieve it is not God’s way, and He’s the righteous judge. As we venture through today’s activities and “divine moments” may edification or silence be our friend.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 17

Today's scripture reading question: focusing on verse 22, what do you think are the 'benefits' of a cheerful heart?

P.S. - Don't forget Prayer Breakfast tomorrow at 9AM, Round Table discussions Sunday at 9AM, and Business meeting Sunday at 1PM, with dinner to follow!

The Weight of Words

Words must be weighed, not counted. – Polish Proverb

‘Mene, mene, tekel, parsin.’ Just a few words but they carried a powerful message to Belshazzar. OUCH!

500 minutes. 1,000 minutes. 2,500 minutes. You probably recognize these numbers, they are normally attached to monthly cell-phone plans. Enough minutes to cover everything you need to say, and we’re saying it. But as a Christian it’s not so much what we say but how we say it. And just because we can say something doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be said. We’re called to watch our manner of speech, idle conversation, and promises made, ‘Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’. Our words have the power to edify and build up or tear down and destroy. The choice is ours and either way we will be rewarded.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted; and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37

If you don't have anything nice to say...

To belittle is to be little. – Anon

The Pharisee “snubbed” the tax collector in his prayers to God, but he himself was soon humbled by God. OUCH!

When you get right down to it we were all created the same in God’s image, and we are all saved by accepting God’s wonderful, matchless grace. Our life circumstances to this point may not have been identical, and won’t be in the future, but we are still upheld by God’s gracious hand, not anything of our own doing. True, everyone wants to look good and righteous, but putting others down to achieve it is not God’s way, and He’s the righteous judge. As we venture through today’s activities and “divine moments” may edification or silence be our friend.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29