Look What I Can Do

One act of obedience is better than a hundred sermons preached. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though the apostle Paul wrote many letters to the churches he instructed them to look at his life as an example. Hmm!

When we were kids we always wanted our parents, siblings, and anyone else around to watch us when we did something we thought was extra special. Now that we are grown and knowing that we are possibly the only ‘bible’ some folks will ever read we need to ask ourselves do we still have that “watch me” mentality. Example is contagious behavior and often the only way to reach someone. And a sermon isn’t really preached until it is put into action. We need to be mindful that as instruments of God, somebody is receiving a message loud and clear, so we should pray our walk is in line with our talk.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “ – Matthew 7:20

Your Fruit Will Always Tell On You

How we play the game shows something of our character; how we act after a loss shows all of it. – Richard Murray

Saul was happy David had slain the giant Goliath. But when the people praised David ‘more’ than him, all bets were off. Hmm!

Chair throwing, running into the stands after a fan, obscene gestures, etc. We’ve all seen or heard of this behavior in sports and rightly detest it. We make statements like “he should know better,” or “come on, get a grip,” or “it’s not that serious!” But often in our daily living we’re not much better. Minor incidents – we curse or swear like a sailor. Delays or setbacks – we blow our top. Unrequited respect – we burn a hole in them with our glare. As people of the Word, we are not called to always be nice but we are called to be holy and righteous in all we do. The good thing about it is God is a God of second and third chances, so today is another gift.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:20

Recognize That Signature?

The question is not what you look at, but what you see! – Henry David Thoreau

Paul often spoke of how the faithful actions of others caused him to give thanks to his God. Hmm!

During my earlier service as the financial secretary for the church for a number of years, I learned to recognize the handwriting of almost everyone. No matter the flair, style, or brevity, when names are missing or information was incomplete I knew who to seek out. And every time it was a joyful, thoughtful moment shared. It makes me think how often do we recognize the ‘handwriting’ of God each day? If “the heavens continually declare His glory, day after day after day” do we often fail to recognize His signature on a new day? With flowers budding, trees wafting in the breeze, the sun radiating light and warmth, a reasonable health and life purpose, do we take these for granted, as our just due, or do we truly recognize these as signature gifts of God’s great love for us? If asking someone to clarify their intentions on an envelope or slip of paper brought a moment of joy and thoughtful reflection, just imagine what it might bring if that moment were shared with God. It couldn’t hurt!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

PS. - Hope you can make our Prayer Meeting tonight at 5:30PM. We'd love to see you!

For our campus study tonight we'll be looking at Joshua, chapter 6!

Ambassadors On Duty

We misrepresent God when we wear His name but not His character. - Anon

Jesus' main antagonists actually wore the clothes of holy men. Go Figure!

In sports it's "you play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back!" In law enforcement and the military, it's "you respect the uniform!" The bottom line is you are a representative of the organization, its values, morals, and goals. You promise to uphold and promote them whenever and wherever. It's actually a biblical concept. We are Christ's 'ambassadors' in the world. Our aim is to uphold and promote the values, morals, and building of His kingdom whenever, and wherever we are. Living for God is not a some of the time life, nor a 'when it appeals to me life. It is a completely 'surrendered' life, where others should see/hear the Christ in us at all times. Why not start today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Make the tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." - Matthew 12:33

Life Reflects Belief

You learn a lot about someone by what they choose to do when no one is watching. - S. Parrish

Though all that time (3+ years) Judas walked with Jesus his heart really wasn't in it. Hmm!

"Who do you say I am?" It was a pointed question Jesus asked his disciples outside of Caesarea Philippi. We all know the answer Peter gave "You are the Christ (Messiah)!" Jesus wasn't really looking for a description or defining term of his life, but more-so an answer to 'Who was he personally to them?' Is He their Christ, their Savior! He asks the same of us every day as well. Does the example of the way He lived have any impact on our daily living? Does the life He 'sacrificed' for us on the cross cause us to sacrifice for Him? It's easy to say "Yes, He's My Lord!" but the proof of this is borne out of how we actually live. Jesus' disciples were known for 'having been with Him' based on their words and deeds. The world really, really, needs to see that today. So, who do YOU say He is, or better yet what does the way you live and talk say He is?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Thus....by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:20

The Character in a Loss

How we play the game shows something of our character; how we act after a loss shows all of it. – Richard Murray

Saul was happy David had slain the giant Goliath. But when the people praised David ‘more’ than him, all bets were off. Hmm!

Chair throwing, running into the stands after a fan, obscene gestures, etc. We’ve all seen or heard of this behavior in sports and rightly detest it. We make statements like “he should know better,” or “come on, get a grip,” or “it’s not that serious!” But often in our daily living we’re not much better. Minor incidents – we curse or swear like a sailor. Delays or setbacks – we blow our top. Unrequited respect – we burn a hole in them with our glare. As people of the Word, we are not called to always be nice but we are called to be holy and righteous in all we do. The good thing about it is God is a God of second and third chances, so today is another gift.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:20

What Do You See?

The question is not what you look at, but what you see! – Henry David Thoreau

Paul often spoke of how the faithful actions of others caused him to give thanks to his God. Hmm!

Having served as the financial secretary for the church for a number of years, I’ve learned to recognize the handwriting of almost everyone. No matter the flair, style, or brevity, when names are missing or information is incomplete I know who to seek out. And every time it’s a joyful, thoughtful moment shared. It makes me think how often do we recognize the ‘handwriting’ of God each day? If “the heavens continually declare His glory, day after day after day” do we often fail to recognize His signature on a new day? With flowers budding, trees wafting in the breeze, the sun radiating light and warmth, a reasonable health and life purpose, do we take these for granted, as our just due, or do we truly recognize these as signature gifts of God’s great love for us? If asking someone to clarify their intentions on an envelope or slip of paper brings a moment of joy and thoughtful reflection, just imagine what it might bring if that moment were shared with God. It couldn’t hurt!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“…since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

We Did This

Our acts make us or mar us – we are the children of our OWN deeds. – Victor Hugo

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day hypocrites because that’s what they were. They did not practice what they preached! Hmm!

Our parents tried to shape us and mold us, to instill in us a sense of value and morality – it was their role. But the responsibility of taking that input and putting it to use in a meaningful and positive manner rests solely with each one of us. And though we may want to blame others for our shortcomings or errors, we know deep within they are ours alone. But the great thing about life is we are each free to change what we don’t like. We are free to make our life a blessing to God and His work. We must remember our actions are motivated by what’s in our heart. It’s no question we were made in the image of God (the bible says so). The BIG question is can that image be seen.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

– Matthew 7:17,20

P.S. - Hope to see you tomorrow at Prayer Breakfast (9am) and remember service this Sunday starts at 9:30 AM in Parmes Hall.

Betta Recognize

People see God all the time, they just don’t recognize Him. – P. Bailey

Mary thought He was a gardener at the empty tomb. The 2 on the road to Emmaus thought He was a stranger in town. How about you? Hmm!

Often it is hard for us to recognize God, not because He plays hide and seek with us, but because we so refuse to believe in our heart He would show Himself to us in such an open manner, and then time and time again. But God wants to be in our company - just ask Enoch. He knows the path we should take and wants to walk it with us. Today, expect to see Him in new ways.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2

Watch Me

One act of obedience is better than a hundred sermons preached. – Dietrich  Bonhoeffer

Though the apostle Paul wrote many letters to the churches he instructed them to look at his life as an example. Hmm!

When we were kids we always wanted our parents, siblings, and anyone else around to watch us when we did something we thought was extra special. Now that we are grown and knowing that we are possibly the only ‘bible’ some folks will ever read we need to ask ourselves do we still have that “watch me” mentality. Example is contagious behavior and often the only way to reach someone. And a sermon isn’t really preached until it is put into action. We need to be mindful that as instruments of God, somebody is receiving a message loud and clear, so we should pray our walk is in line with our talk.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “ – Matthew 7:20

New Man New Life

God is not just interested in the creating of 'new' man, but also in the creating of new conditions through man. - D. Bonhoeffer

To the woman 'taken in adultery,' after Jesus forgave her He also told her to 'leave' that life of sin. Hmm!

You have to admit, accepting Christ was the greatest decision we could have ever made in our lives. Being forgiven, accepted by God, and heaven bound is truly mind-boggling. But for many that's where our 'Christianity' begins AND ends - with our 'new life' in Christ. But God expects so much more from us. There are more who need to know about Him, there are inhumane conditions that need to be addressed, wrongs that need to be righted, love that needs to be extended. In short, a better world; a godly world to be worked out. And that's where each of us come in. The Great Commission is to 'go and make disciples', but even if we never make a disciple we need to make sure that at least we make a difference.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:19-20

Character: What's in you?

How we play the game shows something of our character; how we lose shows all of it. – R. Murray

Saul was happy David had slain the giant Goliath. But when the people praised David ‘more’ than him, all bets were off. Hmm!

Chair throwing, running into the stands after a fan, obscene gestures, etc. We’ve all seen or heard of this behavior in sports and rightly detest it. We make statements like “he should know better,” or “come on, get a grip,” or “it’s not that serious!” But often in our daily living we’re not much better. Minor incidents – we curse or swear like a sailor. Delays or setbacks – we blow our top. Unrequited respect – we burn a hole in them with our glare. As people of the Word, we are not called to always be nice but we are called to be holy and righteous in all we do. The good thing about it is God is a God of second and third chances, so today is another gift.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:20