Conquering Self

Before doing the impossible you have to start with the necessary. - Anon

Before being cured of his leprosy, Naaman had to be cured of his pride. Ouch!

Many of us set out to conquer the world first, then our friends, spouses, and neighbors, changing it to suit our ideology, often ignoring the fact that it is not them but we who need to change. A good leader realizes the only conquests that leave no regrets are the victories over himself. World change is totally possible and all it really takes is a small change in our own personal worldview. Starting there means a lot less stress and heavy lifting.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

".....do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

P.S. - Hope you can join us for Prayer this evening at 5:30pm.

World Change One Mind At A Time

Before doing the impossible you have to start with the necessary. - Anon

Before being cured of his leprosy, Naaman had to be cured of his pride. Ouch!

Many of us set out to conquer the world first, then our friends, spouses, and neighbors, changing it to suit our ideology, often ignoring the fact that it is not them but we who need to change. A good leader realizes the only conquests that leave no regrets are the victories over himself. World change is totally possible and all it really takes is a small change in our own personal worldview. Starting there means a lot less stress and heavy lifting.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

".....do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2 

Advertisment Not Neccessary

It is not necessary to advertise food to hungry people, fuel to cold people, or houses to the homeless. -- J. K. Galbraith

Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy food during the famine, not because their brother Joseph was there, but because that’s where the food was. Hmm!

Fishermen go out to lakes, rivers, or the ocean to fish because they have a love for fishing and that’s where the fish are. Along the same line of thinking, it’s amazing but it seems that before we come to God we often expect Him to advertise for our service, worship, and praise. It’s as if we expect Him to perform miracle after miracle in our lives constantly, for us to readily seek Him and give Him praise. But the thing is He does advertise Himself everyday. With each new dawning, daily provision, deliverance, and opportunity; God is advertising how much he loves and cares for us. The question must be begged: Do we care for Him? We would do well to remember that our actions speak much louder than anything we say.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge." - Psalm 19:1-2

Set an Example

Preach the gospel, and if necessary use words. - St. Francis of Assisi

God spoke very highly of Job not because of his words and sacrifices, but because  of his heart and deeds. AMEN!

If it is true that 'a picture is worth a thousand words', (and I believe it is) then the message we preach by what we do comes through loud and clear to all those around us. Though most of us would rather speak of our 'Christianity' most people prefer to see it in action, and God most of all. The deeds we do today may be the only sermon some people will hear this week. The setting God has placed us in today is just perfect for the occasion.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God.....Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." - I Corinthians 10:32

Love all the way

Christian love goes the second mile, and the third, and the fourth if necessary. – Anon

Jesus, our perfect example; showed us how far his love went – all the way to the cross. WOW!

Peter was asked of Jesus 3 times “Do you love me,” each time more probing than before. Jesus wanted Peter to know his love could not have any bounds. It’s a question we must all answer as Christians. How far does our love go? Does it go far enough to help the one who is down and out, far enough to bear the indignity of our co-worker, far enough to bear the sleight of our friend, far enough to forgive the hurt caused by our family member, far enough to disrupt our schedule for someone in need, or far enough to continue to fight in spite of surmounting odds against us. And if the answer is YES, then we must ask ourselves would we do it again and again. God did, and continues to do it for us. His desire in this is that we “go and do likewise.”

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“...and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God..." - Ehpesians 3:19

Need to Know Basis

Faith sometimes has to travel under sealed orders. – Oswald Sanders

Abram left his country, his people, and his father’s house without a clue as to where God was sending him. He TRUSTED that God knew. Amen!

In certain hierarchical situations information is only given when completely necessary. The lack of vital information however does not in any way relieve any of the subordinates of their duty, they are to trust that the commanding officers know what is best. God is the same with us at times asking us to trust Him and go forth without fully understanding it all, but trusting He knows best. If we are to be contagious we must first be courageous. If we need to see and understand everything before we do anything for God, that’s not faith, it’s certainty. The question we must answer is: are we willing to go, not knowing where or why?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2