The Heart of Character

A man’s reputation is the opinion people have of him, his character is what he really is. – J. Miner

Jesus chided the religious leaders calling them “whitewashed tombs” because their hypocrisy knew no bounds. OUCH!

It’s amazing the lengths we’ll go to at times to make sure we “look” just right to outsiders and other Christian brethren so that they may think highly of us. It is good to be well liked and appreciated, but it is best to be righteous, true, and holy in our character, for it’s all we’ll take with us when we leave here, and this is what God looks for. We should always remember it's easier to acquire a good reputation than to erase a bad one. God is the final judge on what is 'good' and He set those parameters way back in the Garden of Eden and they haven't changed since. He doesn't look at the person we see in the mirror each morning, He looks on the heart of that person we see in the mirror.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.’” – Matthew 7:22-23

P.S. - Have you signed up for the upcoming "You Are Not Alone" series? It starts February 6th!

Love Intended

To truly love a person means to see them as God intended them to be. – G. Dostoyevsky

When Jesus first called Simon by the name of Peter, he had a vision of who Peter would become one day, and then he helped him get there. WOW!

We all can look back and see where we’ve come from and how we’ve changed; and generally we like the changes that have occurred. We can see the habits we’ve broken or overcome by God’s grace. God did not condemn us in our sin, but loved us through them. God does not accept our sin but loves us in spite of it. As those made in His image we are called to display the same grace with others – to love them through their shortcomings, no matter what they may be; for in doing so we will aid them in achieving their godly purpose. As God directs people our way today, may our eyes look to the heart.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not consider his appearance or his height….The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – I Samuel 16:7

Faith Looks Up

Sorry looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up! – Anon

Paul had a laundry list of persecutions and afflictions he suffered personally, but he always looked up to Christ. AMEN!

Our outlook on life is based on our attitude within. The issues and circumstances of life happen upon us all for the purpose of perfecting our character here on earth. How we respond is based upon what we have within. We can blame the world and everyone else and feel sorry for ourselves, we can cry conspiracy and believe everyone and the system is out to get us, or we can believe God and trust that everything that comes upon us can and will be worked out for our good and His glory. The decision is purely ours.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2

Shine the Light!

You are the light of the world, but the switch must be turned on. - A.A. Lewis

When God blessed Solomon with the 'spirit of wisdom' people travelled far and wide just to hear him speak. WOW!

The bible tells us that when it came to looks and appearance Jesus had nothing that would really draw you in. But yet the people thronged to Him, went out of their way to get a glimpse of Him. What did He possess that made this so - RADIANCE! It is true that beauty is only skin deep, but radiance is a completely different matter. Physical beauty is observed with our eyes, but radiance is recognized with our spirit. Just think of how many people you know personally, who the moment you see them or even just hear their voice it lifts your spirits, renews your hope. That's what Jesus possessed. And the great thing is God wants that same radiance to come from us. He did not create us just to be seen from the outside. He created us to be a 'jar of clay' for His radiance to seep through, that people may see, hear, and experience Him and have their spirit lifted. So as you look around yourself today, how's that working out?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"For God......made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us." - II Corinthians 4:6-7

Easy as...huh?

Living a good life is like eating with chopsticks, it looks easy until you try it. – Anon

In his mind Peter was ready to die for Jesus, that is, until his physical life was at stake. Good thing Jesus forgives. AMEN!

Lots of things in life look easy enough, that is as long as we stay on the sidelines. But get us in the game action and we find complexities and challenges we never imagined, and a skill set that seems all thumbs at times. It is something we should always bear in mind with others we see and encounter, possibly doing their best and giving it their all, just because it doesn’t measure up to what we expect. God only knows the struggles or hardships they are dealing with, so our response should be one of encouragement. Besides, the same holds true for us as well. In our ‘all thumbs’ episodes of life God never once criticizes, He only offers encouragement, help, and of course hope.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – I Thessalonians 5:11