Practicing Jesus

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way. The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

Outward Expressions of Inward Beliefs

Christianity is not turning over a new leaf, it’s turning over a new life. – Sparks

Paul, a man of means and status (Pharisee), considered his former life “rubbish” compared to a relationship with Jesus. HMMM!

Sweatshirts. Rainwear. Sweaters, etc. We often wear these outer garments when the weather dictates it. Often however, we wear our “Christianity” the same way, when situations dictate it. But in reality our relationship with Christ must be an inward change of the heart permeating every area of our life, every day of our life, and not areas we want to pick and choose. Remember, if you don’t live it, you really don’t believe it!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

Finding the Daily Joys

If you’re not enjoying the journey, you probably won’t like the destination. – J. Tye

The apostle Paul 'boasted' about what his life of suffering for Christ was achieving for him in glory. Hmm!

It goes without saying that we should be enjoying life each day just as it comes. Amidst all the “Monday Mornings” and the daily trials we should be able to find the abundant life Jesus promised, providing we see it through His nail pierced hands and feet. Though God has promised to care and provide for us He never said everyday would be a breeze nor all of life cozy and comfortable, just that He would be there with us. So, it's His company we should enjoy daily. Take time out to find the joy in your daily walk, it’s there if you look upward.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"...for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - II Corinthians 4:17

Love People

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way. The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

Take and Use the Advice

Some people like my advice so much they frame it up on the wall instead of using it. – G.R. Dickson

The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day were the keepers of the Mosaic Law. They didn’t obey it, they just kept it. Hmm!

Counselors, advisors and mentors are wonderful people to have in our lives. Because of their years and experiences they can offer so much insight to us that would help make our life decisions easier and more clear-cut. God knew we would not have enough time in life to make every mistake there is nor did He want us to, so He puts these people into our lives. And to top it off He gave us His written Word that we may have certainty in what is righteousness. But it does us no good if we do not put it into actual practice in our life circumstances. Slogans, sermons, wise sayings, and upbeat clichés are nice to know and repeat, but action is what gets results.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Hope to see you Sunday morning at 9AM for our Bible Scripture discussion

Though Times Don't Last

In times like these remember that we’ve always had times like these. – L. J. Harvey

The prophets of God (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Haggai, etc.) would often remind the people of God from whence they came, and WHO they belonged to. It was often reassuring. AMEN!

Rising gas prices! Rising food prices! Rising unemployment rates. Furloughs, etc! I could go on but I think you get the idea. When we stop to think about it, it seems there is a new obstacle or hardship popping up daily. Just as soon as we get one situation under control and in check another one rears its head. If we’re not careful we’re prone to becoming distressed and depressed. That’s why daily time with the Lord and His Word is so crucial. It reminds us of all the ‘tough times’ we’ve already come through by way of grace, and gives us hope that the current crisis is nothing to fear and will soon pass. Tough times never last - “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” - is what the scriptures tell us. So no matter wherever you are at this point, remember God won’t leave you there.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” – Psalm 37:25

Walk Like Jesus

“Do this in remembrance of me,” wasn’t only reserved for the communion table. – Anon

Barnabas extended himself to Paul long before any of the other “faithful” brothers. I think he knew something about Jesus. Hmm!

Often we are very good at keeping the “rituals” or “acts of faith” commanded by Jesus, but not so good at keeping the “heart” of Jesus. Jesus was never caught short or bent out of shape in dealing with people. One thing I’ve learned from life and God’s Word is you can never give what you’ve never received. If we find ourselves short on compassion, mercy, forgiveness, love, etc., maybe it’s time to belly up to the table of GRACE. Today’s circumstances and people still need Jesus.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

But if any man obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” – I John 2:5-6

P.S. - Hope to see you tonight at 6pm for our Good Friday Services.

The Joy in the Journey

If you’re not enjoying the journey, you probably won’t like the destination. – J. Tye

The apostle Paul 'boasted' about what his life of suffering for Christ was achieving for him in glory. Hmm!

It goes without saying that we should be enjoying life each day just as it comes. Amidst all the “Monday Mornings” and the daily trials we should be able to find the abundant life Jesus promised, providing we see it through His nail pierced hands and feet. Though God has promised to care and provide for us He never said everyday would be a breeze nor all of life cozy and comfortable,just that He would be there with us. So it's His company we should enjoy daily. Take time out to find the joy in your daily walk, it’s there if you look upward.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

"...for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - II Corinthians 4:17

Not all that, all the time

God does like a little humor; as evidenced by the fact that he made giraffes, chihuahuas, and us. – B. Sunday

God once ‘winked’ at man’s ignorance. Often he is amused at our excuses. Hmm!

College Degrees. Corporate Titles. Proper etiquette, being 'Politically correct,' etc. Not to say these are in and of themselves bad, for they are not. But when we define ourselves by them and try to live our lives by them, not only is it funny at times, but we miss the point of being God’s children. No matter how well-paid, refined, or educated we are some situation or circumstance today will call for us step out of our title or forget our degree to just simply be a person, and hopefully God’s ambassador.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” – Romans 12:3

Winning Ways

Winners have simply formed a habit of doing the things losers don’t like to do. – A. Gray

True David had a cadre of mighty warriors and fighting men trained and at the ready, but he always sought the Lord first regarding the battles. Wise indeed!

“Figure it out for yourself my lad, you’ve got all that the greatest have ever had….,” and so goes the prose that tells us we are all very equal. What separates us is how well and how often we use what God has gifted to us. Life takes DISCIPLINE, and discipline is borne out of HABIT. We are the sum total of all the hours we put into developing our habits. The great news is that if we don’t like them God has gifted us with the ability to change them and has promised to help us. If we don’t like our habits, today should be the day to change them. If we do like our habits (God-focused, of course) today is a day to even better refine them. God leaves the choice to us. But if “we are more than conquerors” God expects us to be winners!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

Practice Love

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way.  The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21