Outward Expressions Of Inward...

True, God gave us faces, but we create our own expressions. –Sparks

Jacob’s spirit was “revived” with news of Joseph. Hezekiah “wept sore” in prayer. Mary “pondered things in her heart” about Jesus. I imagine all of these pleased God. Amen!

All of us go through various stages of emotion throughout the day and our life, and if we’re not careful we get jaded in our views and personal outlook. But the fact that God loves you no matter what the situation or circumstance should anchor your heart with JOY and express itself overwhelmingly in all you do. So as others see you and encounter your 'spirit' remember it speaks volumes as to who you are and to whom you belong. Say cheese….!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19

Elated Labor

Motivation is high when you have a stake in the outcome. - J. Clear

Though Joseph was sold as a slave, then thrown in prison, it's clear to see he enjoyed his work. Hmm!

Monday morning! WORK - ugh! Can't wait until Friday! Hmm! If you hate your work (job/career) maybe you're looking to it for all the wrong reasons. It's a means to an end, not an end to all means. It was not given to define us, classify us, or grant boasting rights. It was given to us as a meaningful way to be productive and happy as we support God's kingdom work and the family he blesses us with. When these two ideas are understood and become our focus, work then becomes a joy because we 'get to' assist in the greater good, and not have to feel like 'indentured servants' for someone else. This is what we were made for.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil -this is the gift of God." - Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Love Outside the Lines

Patience and fortitude conquer all things – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The book of Judges shows clearly how God just refused to give up on His people. Hmm!

If you watch any sport (soccer, football, basketball, baseball, tennis, etc.) you see them – boundary lines. They dictate the field of play. Fair play is limited to in between the lines. Cross the line and you’re out of bounds, play ends. Though these ‘lines’ are good for sports action and even when we set them in our personal lives for effective relationships; we should be grateful beyond measure that God’s love knows no boundary lines. His love is relentless in the pursuit of our heart, going all out trying to ‘woo’ us. It will go to the farthest or deepest point to reach us with His mercy, compassion, and patience to remind us we matter to Him and that He is for us. Now that is a love too great to pass up, don’t you think?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…” – Ephesians 3:17-19