The Many Speeds of Life

Life is like a 10-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use. – Charles M. Schultz

James and John wanted to ‘call down fire’ on the Samaritans because they didn’t welcome Jesus. Jesus got them to relax and later on faith won the day. HMMM!

Look on any freeway at any time and you’ll see them – Porsche’s, Maserati’s, Ferrari’s – built for excessive speed yet limited by the law, sheer pictures of frustration. Most of us live life that way as if we have only 1 speed. It is either a blistering race to the finish line (which we have no idea is where or when), or a scenic snails pace stopping at every turn (not making any progress). The life Jesus calls us to requires us to be very flexible – sometimes waiting and fasting, sometimes stealing away quickly, and sometimes taking long journeys – to experience the ‘abundance’ He promised. The idea is to take it 1 day at a time using all the gifts God has given us at the pace God sets, for He gives ‘grace sufficient for the day.’

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” – Romans 12:1

Flex not Compromise

People, like nails; lose their effectiveness when they begin to bend. – W. Landor

Gideon brought peace from war to Israel for forty years, and a snare to his family because of his “golden ephod.” Hmm!

True, it’s a fine line to walk between being flexible and compromising our faith, but it’s one we must walk nonetheless. The true test of the matter is will the action you’re considering allow you to maintain your integrity and connection with God. We so often want to please everyone, but that is an impossibility. If God is God, and His truth is absolute, our obedience is straightforward. The world is trying to push compromise as flexibility, but Jesus said “either you’re for me or against me.” May we all stand tall today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” – John 8:31-32