From Preparation Comes Effectiveness

Every time you are not practicing, someone else is. – Boris Becker

Satan never got the upper hand on Jesus because of his practice. He communed with his Father daily. Hmm!

It’s a strange phenomenon, but when we see professional athletes, businesspeople, or friends continuously “handed their lunch” by someone, we say they are weak or need more practice. But we often never apply that logic to ourselves in our Christian walk, suffering the same sins and breakdowns over and over. We know within ourselves that our enemy never takes a break or holiday, but we often never take time out to prepare for his onslaughts, which leave us frustrated. True, we walk by faith, but effectiveness comes from being prepared.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.” – Psalm 119:54-56

No Need to Broadcast

Beware every time you notice yourself doing a good thing because you ruin it by the notice. – Oswald Chambers

Jesus said the actions of the 'righteous' Pharisee went for naught because of his attitude and bragging in doing them. OUCH!

There is a lot of truth to the cliché “a good deed is its own reward.” Sure, we all appreciate a good pat on the back, a kind “thank you,” or acknowledgement of our actions, but when we come to expect such a response for what should be our Christian duty, or we talk them up like we just saved the world, we come dangerously close to being like our Pharisaical friend. Good deeds should just naturally flow (holding open a door for someone, helping out when needed without being asked, etc.) without any expectation of thanks or repayment. In so doing we are becoming more like Christ.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” –Colossians 3:23

Good Deeds

Beware every time you notice yourself doing a good thing because you ruin it by the notice. – Oswald Chambers

Jesus said the actions of the Pharisee went for naught because of his attitude and braggart in doing them. OUCH!

There is a lot of truth to the cliché “a good deed is its own reward.” Sure we all appreciate a good pat on the back, a kind “thank you,” or acknowledgement of our actions, but when we come to expect such a response for what should be our Christian duty we come dangerously close to being like our Pharisaical friend. Good deeds should just naturally flow (holding open a door for someone, helping out when needed without being asked, etc.) without any expectation of thanks or repayment. In so doing we are becoming more like Christ.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” –Colossians 3:23

Practice Practice Practice

Every time you are not practicing, someone else is. – Boris Becker

Satan never got the upper hand on Jesus because of his practice. He communed with his Father daily. Hmm!

It’s a strange phenomenon, but when we see professional athletes, businesspeople, or friends continuously “handed their lunch” by someone, we say they are weak or need more practice. But we often never apply that logic to ourselves in our Christian walk, suffering the same sins and breakdowns over and over. We know within ourselves that our enemy never takes a break or holiday, but we often never take time out to prepare for his onslaughts, which leave us frustrated. True, we walk by faith, but effectiveness comes from being prepared.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.” – Psalm 119:54-56