Build Up Or Shut Up

To belittle is to be little. – Anon

The Pharisee “snubbed” the tax collector in his prayers to God, but he himself was soon humbled by God. OUCH!

When you get right down to it we were all created the same in God’s image, and we are all saved by accepting God’s wonderful, matchless grace. Our life circumstances to this point may not have been identical, and won’t be in the future, but we are still upheld by God’s gracious hand, not anything of our own doing. True, everyone wants to look good and righteous, but putting others down to achieve it is not God’s way, and He’s the righteous judge. As we venture through today’s activities and “divine moments” may edification or silence be our friend.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

Moving At the Pace of Together

The journey with others is sometimes slower, but God is never in a hurry. – Anon

Moses spent an additional 40 years in the wilderness with the rebellious Hebrew children, but he got to know God much better. AMEN!

As you travel along any road, street, or highway you’ll notice them. Signs with posted ‘safe’ speed limits. Limits determined to keep us safe and under control. We tend to want to speed through life, set our pace, hit our stride,; and not have anyone interfere with it. It’s as if we have a set time to arrive at a set destination. But God is not confined to our schedules, our pace, nor our end desires. It is we ‘who live and move and have our being in Him,’ and not the other way around. The best way for us to perfect our character is in relationship (with God and man) so God often engineers situations and circumstances for us to work or serve with those in whom we see no benefit, but He does. Ours is to enjoy the journey.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2

Don't Like What You're Getting? Think About What You've Been Giving

Each day we make deposits into the memory banks of others. – Charles Swindoll

Though deceased, Jonathan’s past friendship with young David earned his son Mephibosheth a place at the King’s table. Hmm!

Banks deal in one commodity – MONEY. They take it in (deposits) and pay it out (withdrawals). But it’s all they deal in. You can’t go there and buy groceries, gas, etc., only monetary transactions. And just as you can’t get blood from a turnip, generally speaking people only pay back in currency what they received from the individual making the withdrawal. If we’ve been mean, hostile, selfish, and abusive to them we get it in return. Therefore, if we don’t like what others are giving back to us then we should begin to think about the words, deeds, and pictures we’ve deposited into them. If we know we’ll need a healthy withdrawal later now is the time to begin making the deposits, and like any good investment portfolio it’s always good to spread your wealth around.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8

It's What You Choose

Others may stop you temporarily – only you can do it permanently. – Zig Ziglar

Satan tempted both Peter and Judas to betray Jesus that fateful night. One went on to become a great apostle, the other died in infamy. The choice was theirs!

Live long enough and one thing you’re sure to run into is opposition. Worthy causes are always met with the most opposition. In this life we will encounter setbacks, lack of support, lack of resources, loss of friends, and even full-frontal assaults. But if the desire is truly there within the heart our pursuits will continue, “for greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world.” If we truly have a zeal for God, retreat or surrender is not an option.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14

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

Eyes Forward

To hold fast to one’s goals means to dismiss many others. – Richard Murray

No matter the number of miracles he performed, Jesus constantly reminded his disciples his goal was the cross. WOW!

It is so easy to become distracted in the Christian life! The moment we seem to grasp what God wants or calls us to do, it seems as though everything and everyone around us requires our time and attention. It takes a strong resolve not to lose focus or get sidetracked by the issues or cares of life, and the enemy is crafty at bringing such things in our periphery. Discipline or dedication is a very, very hard thing. Like Jesus, our resolve to go where God is calling us ought to be clearly evident to those around us. We should never let temptation or ‘opportunity’ keep us from obedience to God’s calling.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” – Proverbs 4:25-27

True Test of Legacy

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. – Pericles

Solomon realized all his building and creating were nothing but works of vanity. He said “knowing God is what counted most.” Hmm!

Drive by any cemetery and you will see them. Magnificent headstones, supposed monuments giving testimony to the one who is buried beneath. But the true test of a legacy is what is left behind in the lives of those we touch. The idea for this life God gifts to us is to make the present moment better for those around us and for those coming behind us. We’re not to take out of life but add joy and peace to it. And we need not a wide circle to influence, for just as a pebble creates an ever expanding ripple on a pond, a little influence can indeed go a long way in someone’s life. All we need do is just think where we would be without God.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did….when God spoke well of his offering. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” – Hebrews 11:4

Bringing God Glory

May God use you without consulting you? – W. C. Brumby

The man born blind, Lazarus being raised from the dead, the man at the pool of Bethesda. All healed for one reason only – to bring God GLORY. Hmm!

Most of us grew up under the authority of our parents and we marched to the commands they laid down without question or hesitation. Well, God has a great agenda for this day. He plans to reach out to those in need, lift the spirits of those who are down, help those who seem to need no help, forgive all who need it, comfort those who are mourning, be patient with those who don’t even know Him, have mercy on those who curse Him, and love those who don’t deserve it. The thing about His agenda is there are no specific timeframes, nor any set roles; but He is expecting full cooperation from us. As the day comes upon us may we remember we are His!

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 to the interest of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4

Growth Through Persecution

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at them. – D. Brinkley

Even as he hung there dying on the cross the people continued to insult Jesus. He never said a word but yet built the firmest foundation a man can have – SALVATION!

If there is one thing we know as a certainty, it’s that we will be persecuted. It matters not whether it be family, co-workers, church members, or even our friends; persecution seems to come in abundance at times. But the desire of God in all of this is that we take these opportunities to grow our character in a way that lets the light of Christ shine forth in our lives. The greatest success is not to get back at our opponents but to “shake off” the dirt they throw upon us and “step up.” Done enough we’ll rise as more and more dirt falls to the ground to build upon. True, it’s hard work; for nothing worth having ever comes easy, but the rewards are much sweeter.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings – what kinds of things happened to me…the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” – II Timothy 3:10-11

Human Beings Human Doings Humans Helping

Greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody. - Anon

Esther's story is recorded in the bible not because she was the king's wife, but because she wanted to help her people. Hmm!

It's a message we hear very early in life: "I want you to grow up and be somebody." It's the motto of the US Army: 'Be All That You Can Be.' It seems pretty clear cut we're here on this earth to make something of ourselves, and if not we're failing our potential. So we spend a lifetime trying to achieve status, respect, fame, or a name for ourselves; that 'one thing' that will make us stand out from amongst everyone else. But in truth the greatest name we can achieve on this earth is saint (belonging to God), and that name carries with it a requirement of servanthood. Jesus said to be great one has to be a servant. We may not have to 'wash feet,' but we should always be looking for the opportunity to help.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.....taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:4,5,7

Using Discernment

To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. – Anon

When the other leaders and officials conspired against Daniel, he continued his prayers ‘openly.’ God eventually brought him vindication. OUCH!

We all know what we want and expect out of life and as such we set goals, objectives, and parameters, etc., on ourselves to help maintain focus and purpose. But when it comes to relating to others, though our desires may be noble, we cannot force those same goals, objectives, and parameters on them. One thing God’s patience with us screams very loudly is that the ‘grace card’ can NEVER be overplayed. As He extends mercy, forgiveness, compassion, love, grace, and provision to us each and every day in abundance, so should we in dealing with our fellow man. This does not mean we are completely accepting of others sinful ways - as God is not with us and expects repentance – but that we are not condemning them in their sin, leaving the door of repentance and change open to them. The situations and people God brings before us today will be worked out not so much by what God gives us, but by what we use.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong….” I Kings 3:9

Will or Won't. What will you do?

Most people have will power. It’s won’t power that they lack. -  J. Shedd

 

Paul said if eating meat (which he liked) would cause his brother to stumble, he’d no longer eat it. Hmm!

 

Lay’s Potato Chips original slogan was ‘betcha can’t eat just one!’ It was actually more a test of one’s intelligence moreso than will power (you don’t buy a bag for just 1 chip). Sin operates in much the same way if we’re not careful. Once you get a taste of it, it continually works on your will and better judgment to wear you down. He that knows what he should do and doesn’t do it – sins. The desires of the flesh are strong, and the enemy crafty and wise. You can be sure you will be sorely tested today somehow and someway. Will you or won’t you?

 

Until Monday….

 

Pastor Botts

 

“Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” – I Corinthians 10:23-24

It's Not About 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

THEY Can't Stop You

Others may stop you temporarily – only you can do it permanently. – Zig Ziglar

Satan tempted both Peter and Judas to betray Jesus that fateful night. One went on to become a great apostle, the other died in infamy. The choice was theirs!

Live long enough and one thing you’re sure to run into is opposition. Worthy causes are always met with the most opposition. In this life we will encounter setbacks, lack of support, lack of resources, loss of friends, and even full frontal assaults. But if the desire is truly there within the heart our pursuits will continue, “for greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world.” If we truly have a zeal for God, retreat or surrender is not an option.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 6

Today's scripture question: In verses 16-19 what do you think makes those things 'detestable' to God?

A Heart for Others

The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day. Has anybody felt yours? - Anon

Jesus said ‘the poor we would have with us always!’ Was that an offer or just a statement? Hmm!

Generally, at the sound of the alarm clock most of us are off and running. Focused, determined, energetic, we get prepared to meet the plans and needs of OUR day. We think “Yes, it’s a day that God has made, and ‘Yes’ I’ll rejoice in it,” but I must take care of the things at hand. But God asks us will we take time for someone else. Will we use a portion of our daily quota of heartbeats and make them count for someone else. We should have and show care and concern for our fellow man whether they be saint or sinner, and our hearts should truly beat harder for those that are not yet a part of the kingdom of God. Oftentimes, interruptions in life don’t just occur, they are God engineered opportunities for sharing. Do we have the

 time?

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40

Not Going It Alone

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 Monday…..

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

Envy Shoots Back

Envy shoots at others and wounds herself. - Anon

Haman’s ire and dislike for Mordecai was the beginning of his own downfall and eventual hanging. OUCH!

We don’t say it out loud, but often if we’re not careful we can be caught being envious or jealous of someone else. Many of our statements about others belie our true feelings. Their position in life, their possessions, their looks or even their personality, how we wish we were like them, even if it were just for a little while. But this type of thinking only stymies or stunts our own individual development and growth, and that in itself causes pain and sorrow, for if we are not growing we are dead. We must soon realize that we are who God needs us to be right now, and that He’s shaping us for who He will need us to be later. If we see the world and others through the eyes of God, then love; and not envy is the end result.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

Perfecting with Others

The journey with others is sometimes slower, but God is never in a hurry. – Anon

Moses spent an additional 40 years in the wilderness with the rebellious Hebrew children, but he got to know God much better. AMEN!

As you travel along any road, street, or highway you’ll notice them. Signs with posted ‘safe’ speed limits. Limits determined to keep us safe and under control. We tend to want to speed through life, set our pace, hit our stride, and not have anyone interfere with it. It’s as if we have a set time to arrive at a set destination. But God is not confined to our schedules, our pace, nor our end desires. It is we ‘who live and move and have our being in Him,’ and not the other way around. The best way for us to perfect our character is in relationship (with God and man) so God often engineers situations and circumstances for us to work or serve with those in whom we see no benefit, but He does. Ours is to enjoy the journey.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2

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

Undeterred

To hold fast to one’s goals means to dismiss many others. – Richard Murray

No matter the number of miracles he performed, Jesus constantly reminded his disciples his goal was the cross. WOW!

It is so easy to become distracted in the Christian life! The moment we seem to grasp what God wants or calls us to do, it seems as though everything and everyone around us requires our time and attention. It takes a strong resolve not to lose focus or get sidetracked by the issues or cares of life, and the enemy is crafty at bringing such things in our periphery. Discipline or dedication is a very, very hard thing. Like Jesus, our resolve to go where God is calling us ought to be clearly evident to those around us. We should never let temptation or ‘opportunity’ keep us from obedience to God’s calling.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” – Proverbs 4:25-27