Learning Life's Lessons

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever-evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

Education and Common Sense

Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense; sadly, no one thinks he need more of it than he already has. – R. Descartes

Solomon was the wisest man we know but he also surrounded himself with those who kept him grounded and humble. Hmm!

Getting a good education is important – no doubt. It will aid us all in life for the many days that lie ahead. And the more education, the better equipped one will be to be productive in society. The problem we encounter though is when we let book learning replace good ol’ common sense. God gives it to each of us equally, but like most things in life it seems the more obvious or common something is the more it is neglected or ignored. Common sense can save us from a lot of accidents and mishaps, and ‘drama’ in life, if we would not be so prideful and use it. Education may make us employable, but common sense makes us practical and easier to live with.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all your getting get an understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7

Use the Information

Some people will pay their tuition, and then defy you to give them an education. – R.A. Cook

Naaman traveled long and hard to get ‘cured’ of his leprosy, and then decided he didn’t like the remedy given. Hmm!

We live in the information age. It comes at us from all directions – TV, radio, internet, billboards, magazines, newspapers, and of course the phone at our fingertips – all the time. Most of the time we willingly go after it, but in the end its just news to us, it requires nothing of us, no changes, no challenges. Often, we use the same application process when it comes to our reading and studying of God’s Word. We love the information content, and though it does challenge us to change or charge us to be obedient, our old attitude wins out and we do nothing. Though the world’s news may not require anything of us God has said “we will all one day have to give an account.” If we’re going to acquire the understanding of His Word, it’s only practical to put it to use. That’s what life is for.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Unlocking the Power of God

When we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon skill, we get what skill can do; when we rely upon technology, we get what technology can do; but when we rely upon prayer, we get what God will do. – R. Leroe

When Peter and John were charged not to preach Jesus anymore the early church didn’t start a letter writing campaign nor go on strike – they prayed. GOD MOVED!

Without a doubt most of us are highly qualified for the work we do. We’ve spent years in disciplined training and vast hours in education. We’ve honed our skills to near perfection and enhanced our life with the latest technological innovations. But often we find in life, when it comes to dealing with people no matter how much education, skill, or technology you have, they are of little help. That’s why it pays to be a praying person. Prayer can do things all these other advantages can’t. Prayer interjects Our God who can change the hardest of hearts – even ours.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1

The Sense to use Common Sense

Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense; sadly, no one thinks he need more of it than he already has. – R. Descartes

Solomon was the wisest man we know but he also surrounded himself with those who kept him grounded and humble. Hmm!

Getting a good education is important – no doubt. It will aid us all in life for the many days that lie ahead. And the more education, the better equipped one will be to be productive in society. The problem we encounter though is when we let book learning replace good ol’ common sense. God gives it to each of us equally, but like most things in life it seems the more obvious or common something is the more it is neglected or ignored. Common sense can save us from a lot of accidents and mishaps, and ‘drama’ in life, if we would not be so prideful and use it.  Education may make us employable, but common sense makes us practical and easier to live with.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all your getting get an understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7

Transformative Information

Some people will pay their tuition, and then defy you to give them an education. – R.A. Cook

Naaman traveled long and hard to get ‘cured’ of his leprosy, and then decided he didn’t like the remedy given. Hmm!

We live in the information age. It comes at us from all directions – TV, radio, internet, bill boards, magazines, newspapers, etc. – all the time. Most of the time we willingly go after it, but in the end its just news to us, it requires nothing of us, no changes, no challenges. Often we use the same application process when it comes to our reading and studying of God’s Word. We love the information content, and though it does challenge us to change or charge us to be obedient, our old attitude wins out and we do nothing. Though the world’s news may not require anything of us God has said “we will all one day have to give an account.”  If we’re going to acquire the understanding of His Word, it’s only practical to put it to use. That’s what life is for.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Prayer. What God Can Do

When we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon skill, we get what skill can do; when we rely upon technology, we get what technology can do; but when we rely upon prayer, we get what God will do. – Robert Leroe

When Peter and John were charged not to preach Jesus anymore the early church didn’t start a letter writing campaign nor go on strike – they prayed. GOD MOVED!

Without a doubt most of us are highly qualified for the work we do. We’ve spent years in disciplined training and vast hours in education. We’ve honed our skills to near perfection and enhanced our life with the latest technological innovations. But often we find in life, when it comes to dealing with people no matter how much education, skill, or technology you have, they are of little help. That’s why it pays to be a praying person. Prayer can do things all these other advantages can’t. Prayer interjects Our God who can change the hardest of hearts – even ours.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1

Still Learning

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed, but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

Knowing is only half the battle

Some people will pay their tuition, and then defy you to give them an education. – R.A. Cook

Naaman traveled long and hard to get ‘cured’ of his leprosy, and then decided he didn’t like the remedy given. Hmm!

We live in the information age. It comes at us from all directions – TV, radio, internet, bill boards, magazines, newspapers, etc. – all the time. Most of the time we willingly go after it, but in the end its just news to us, it requires nothing of us, no changes, no challenges. Often we use the same application process when it comes to our reading and studying of God’s Word. We love the information content, and though it does challenge us to change or charge us to be obedient, our old attitude wins out and we do nothing. Though the world’s news may not require anything of us God has said “we will all one day have to give an account.”  If we’re going to acquire the understanding of His Word, it’s only practical to put it to use. That’s what life is for.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2