Clothe Yourself With....

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but our intent of heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

The Accolades of Humanity

Not everything than can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. – Albert Einstein

Peter was the most widely known of the apostles saving 3,000 with one sermon, but it was his brother Andrew that brought him to the Lord. Hmm!

Degrees, awards, titles, plaques, notoriety, etc. – these are all things that help draw attention to us and show others our worth and value. And while nice to have they are still a far cry from the humanity others and God would have of us. The things that really matter in life don’t hang from walls or go on business cards but come from the heart. Things like trust, loyalty, discipline, benevolence, respect; just to name a few; are incalculable in a relationship. The lives we will touch for God will not be because we have great resources behind us but because we have divine resources within us. No one knows how far a touch from God will go.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:2

Disciples Duties

To the believer, the idea is not to render ourselves important but useful. – Anon

The apostle Paul ‘often’ worked side by side with those he was also ministering to. Hmm!

Admittedly, recognition is great. It can lead to opening many doors and avenues for success, but oftentimes the recognition is for personal benefit or ego-stroking. The heart God is trying to perfect in us is that of a servant. It is said that the heart of a servant is the sanctuary of God. Position, education, financial standing, and even age, are all irrelevant when it comes to our faith walk. As disciples we are called and commanded to go where Jesus went, and do as Jesus did – by pouring ourselves out unto others for His glory. God has given us today to make a choice as to whether we will be important or useful.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task.” – I Corinthians 3:5

Proper Attire

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us so much as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but the intent of our heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

Another Day of Thanks and Blessings

Before you enjoy the gift of ‘gobble’ why not practice your gift of gab with God. – Anon

Thanksgiving is defined as a public acknowledgement of gratefulness OR a celebration of God’s divine goodness. As you gather today, may you be able to amply do both. And as you come together with family, friends, and others remember God made each of us in a unique way, personality quirks and all. So let us be grateful and thankful for those in our lives and the God who has blessed us beyond measure.

Until later…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.” – Colossians 3:12-13

Humble Living

To be proud of virtue is to poison yourself with the antidote. – Benjamin Franklin

Pharaoh’s refusal to bow his heart to God’s will as spoken through Moses only cost him his son. OUCH!

Though we know God is not pleased with the ways of a drunkard, thief, liar, or even a murderer, the bible never says He resists them, but it does say ‘God resists the proud.’ Now that’s a wake-up call to humility. Our sins or shortcomings may not be as open as the others, but when we try to pretend we’re better than, or that we have no fault or sin in our lives; the god of pride and self-delusion has taken up residence in our heart. We’ve all sinned, and every day is a major battle to live solely unto God. The truth of the matter is every kind of sin can be cleansed and forgiven by God if we humble ourselves and confess it to Him right now, before pride takes us captive.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” – Proverbs 26:12

The Humble Life

There is nothing noble about being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self. – Hindu Proverb

Jesus, though Kings of Kings, was able to connect with the ‘common’ man because he made himself common to man. Hmm!

In sports we want to overpower them. On the job we want to show them up. Even in the church we want to show them we’re holier. From our early upbringing we’re taught competition settles most things, and no one likes a loser. So we pattern our lives this way. Competition is okay in sports. But life itself is neither a competition nor an audition; it is character preparation before God. The noble man knows regardless of his blessings, talent, and surroundings, he is no better than his fellow man and that his overall success is actually somewhat tied to that of his fellow man succeeding as well, which should keep us all honest. After all, I’ve never met anyone who liked eating ‘humble pie.’

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

P.S. - hope you can join us tomorrow morning for Prayer Breakfast at 9:30am.

Shine in Obedience

God does not expect instant spiritual perfection in you, just obedience. – Anon

God called scrawny little Gideon to lead His army over the Midianites. Gideon didn’t know how to pick an army nor really lead one, but the key is he obeyed, and God was victorious. AMEN!

Too often, many of us sit on the sidelines or in the pews of life and church very much aware of or in the “know” of what needs to be done. But yet we feel we can’t do it because we’ve not mastered it yet. God has never looked for the ‘spiritually perfect’ soul (He provided His own – Jesus), only the perfectly ‘willing’ heart; who is obedient to Him. As our opportunity to shine for God comes along this week may we all be obedient to Spirit’s promptings.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” Titus 3:1-2

Born Originals

Majestic mountains are not meant to envy. – John Piper

John the Baptist never tried to overshadow the ministry of Jesus, he just prepared the way. Hmm!

The Grand Canyon – it’s a beautiful creation and gift of God that inspires awe. But it was not intended to create a desire for us to dig a hole just like it. Truth be known many folks often wish they could sing, preach, pray, write, etc. like the Great ones; and they envy their skills and talents. But comparisons like this are really a doorway into selfish ambition, it leads us to a place of competition and confrontation rather than God’s design for harmony and unity. Ambition is a great thing, but we should seek to keep it focused on bettering ourselves through the gifts and opportunities God grants us individually, not trying to make ourselves a carbon copy of some other God-gifted saint. For if we fail to be who God made us to be, who will fill in for us?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

Wardrobe Check

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater

than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but our intent of heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

God Did This

You are not judged by the height to which you have risen, but from the depth from which you have climbed. – Frederick Douglass

King Nebuchadnezzar paraded and saluted himself over his vast kingdom and all “he” had accomplished wanting the world to see. Shortly thereafter God dealt with him most severely. OUCH!

Often we want others to see us, applaud us, and admire us for our great feats in life, our vast accumulation of things, or our new status, going out of our way to show it. Doing things to get recognized or noticed, saying things to get attention.  But as often happens in this we forget where we came from and who brought us along the way. No matter what your present station in life, may you take time to thank God for where He’s brought you from.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” – Daniel 2:20-21

What Really Matters

Not everything than can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. – Albert Einstein

Peter was the most widely known of the apostles saving 3,000 with one sermon, but it was his brother Andrew that brought him to the Lord. Hmm!

Degrees, awards, titles, plaques, notoriety, etc. – these are all things that help draw attention to us and show others our worth and value. And while nice to have they are still a far cry from the humanity others and God would have of us. The things that really matter in life don’t hang from walls or go on business cards but come from the heart. Things like trust, loyalty, discipline, benevolence, respect; just to name a few; are incalculable in a relationship. The lives we will touch for God will not be because we have great resources behind us but because we have divine resources within us. No one knows how far a touch from God will go.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:2

Superiority Complex

There is nothing noble about being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self. – Hindu Proverb

Jesus, though Kings of Kings, was able to connect with the ‘common’ man because he made himself common to man. Hmm!

In sports we want to overpower them. On the job we want to show them up. Even in the church we want to show them we’re holier. From our early upbringing we’re taught competition settles most things, and no one likes a loser. So we pattern our lives this way. Competition is okay in sports. But life itself is neither a competition nor an audition; it is character preparation before God. The noble man knows regardless of his blessings, talent, and surroundings, he is no better than his fellow man and that his overall success is actually somewhat tied to that of his fellow man succeeding as well, which should keep us all honest. After all, I’ve never met anyone who liked eating ‘humble pie.’

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

Appropriate Ambition

Majestic mountains are not meant to envy. – Jonh Piper

John the Baptist never tried to overshadow the ministry of Jesus, he just prepared the way. Hmm!

The Grand Canyon – it’s a beautiful creation and gift of God that inspires awe. But it was not intended to create a desire for us to dig a hole just like it. Truth be known many folks often wish they could sing, preach, pray, write, etc. like the Great ones; and they envy their skills and talents. But comparison’s like this are really a doorway into selfish ambition, it leads us to a place of competition and confrontation rather than God’s design for harmony and unity. Ambition is a great thing, but we should seek to keep it focused on bettering ourselves through the gifts and opportunities God grants us individually, not trying to make ourselves a carbon copy of some other God-gifted saint. For if we fail to be who God made us to be, who will fill in for us?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

We, Ourselves & Us

You cannot pray the Lord's Prayer and even once say "I." You cannot pray the Lord's Prayer and even once say "my." Others are included in each and every plea. From the beginning to the end of it, it does not once say "me." – Anon

The ‘rich fool’ in Luke 12 came down with the me, myself, and I disease. It only cost him everything. OUCH!

The motto of the common world is ‘Survival of the fittest.’ Where it’s take care of yourself first and if you have anything left over and any compassion you might consider the other guy. And we often, even as God’s chosen fall into this mentality; working long and hard to provide for our needs. The truth is we cannot provide for our needs – only God can. He provides us with the means and the strength. His desire is for us to be concerned about His kingdom and His people – that should be the crux of our living. When we fix our eyes on our own blessings or woes we miss the point – for it is not about us, we are a part of His story. As you enter today remember it’s a lot larger than you.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

Ready to wear: Humility & Grace

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but our intent of heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

The way up is down

Learn to humble yourself, after all; before God spoke you were nothing but dust of the earth. – T. Kempis

Simon the sorcerer thought he was a great man until he met the men of God, then he realized he was a sinner in need of grace. Hmm!

We see them all the time – stars, politicians, athletes, etc. – demanding special treatment or recognition because of who they are. It’s a battle we all fight at times – pride, ego, boastfulness. We want to be recognized and seen for all we have done or accomplished, we want others to know of our greatness, the sweat and toil we put in to ‘make ourselves into something.’ But truth be known, no matter how great or renown we become it is all by the grace of God, a gift of the Master for His glory. Public accolades and recognition are great but when we covet them, live for them, and begin to demand they be given we’re treading on dangerous ground. Ours is not to live for praise and adulation but for service.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

“Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10

Consider Others

The entire population of the world, with one minor exception, is composed of others. – J. #Maxwell

In the midst of all his persecutions and troubles Paul never lost his love or concern for “all the churches.” WOW!

It goes without saying that we often need to be reminded that it’s not just us nor is it actually about us. It is about God living and working through us. We tend to get narrow minded in our focus and outlook often looking at life only as to how it can benefit us individually – ‘What’s in it for me?’ But God asks us to look at life as to how we can benefit others. Just as He lets the rain or sun fall on the just and unjust, He expects and asks us to extend such common courtesy to all who come our way. As we go through each day we must remember others are dealing with problems as well.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” – Philippians 2:3-4