Worthy Conduct

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, our response is ours. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit..." - Philippians 1:27

The Color of Life

Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush – it can color any situation – any color you want it. – Anon

Even after Isaiah pronounced God’s judgment on him, Hezekiah held fast his trust in God. God granted him 15 more years. WOW!

Life, as we know it is a series of responses to Today’s offerings. No matter what the sky above looks like, the truth of the matter is the day presents back to us exactly the color or attitude we give to it. If we are gray and gloomy it will be long and slow. If we’re hopeful and optimistic it will be fast paced and full of opportunity. The choice is ours and ours alone to make. Circumstances may enter, like loss of sleep, little financial resources, strained relationships – but how we respond is clearly our own choice of color. The fact that God has granted us life today begs the question – do we have any reason to be upset or negative?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“[Jonah] said, ‘O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ But the Lord replied, ‘Have you any right to be angry.’” – Jonah 4:3-4

A Response That Honors God

Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional. – Max Lucado

Upon re-uniting with his brother Esau, Jacob expected a battle that never came. God was in the meeting. Hmm!

It’s a given in life that we will encounter conflict, for everyone is not on our side. Jesus told us we would have troubles, and we see from His life He had continual conflict with the religious rulers of the day. They had made a mockery of His Father’s commands and teachings, and He had come to set things back in order. And of course they resisted. I think we are all familiar with such circumstances whether it be with our spouse, children, siblings, co-workers, or friends. And yes, our anger or ire may rise, but it is in these moments that our faith should direct our response in such a way that it still honors God. God has promised to fight our battles and He is true to His word. There is not a promise God has made that He has not fulfilled, our response is to give it over to Him. Before the words or fists or feathers start to fly, we need to invite God into the battle.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…..do not be afraid or discouraged because of this great vast army. For the battle in not yours, but God’s.” – II Chronicles 20:15

Choice of Color

Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush – it can color any situation – any color you want it. – Anon

Even after Isaiah pronounced God’s judgment on him, Hezekiah held fast his trust in God. God granted him 15 more years. WOW!

Life, as we know it is a series of responses to Today’s offerings. No matter what the sky above looks like, the truth of the matter is the day presents back to us exactly the color or attitude we give to it. If we are gray and gloomy it will be long and slow. If we’re hopeful and optimistic it will be fast paced and full of opportunity. The choice is ours and ours alone to make. Circumstances may enter, like loss of sleep, little financial resources, strained relationships – but how we respond is clearly our own choice of color. The fact that God has granted us life today begs the question – do we have any reason to be upset or negative?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“[Jonah] said, ‘O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ But the Lord replied, ‘Have you any right to be angry.’” – Jonah 4:3-4

Faith: The Response to Everyday Circumstances

What life does to us depends on what life finds in us. – Richard Murray

In all that Joseph went through, he never lost his composure or his God. Hmm!

Insurance – most people that buy it hope they never have to use it, but are glad they have it when they need it. Our faith on the other hand is a definite must have and use daily requirement. Faith is what allows us to overcome the most difficult setbacks, hurdles, and heartaches. You or I cannot always change or control the world around us but we can always control what happens within us. If we truly want to gauge how strong our relationship with Christ is all we need do is look at our responses to the everyday circumstances of life. The question is does life make us bitter or better, we know with Jesus it was the latter.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

New Attitude of Mind

Some people complain that rose bushes have thorns while yet others rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. – Anon

Cain thought being his “brother’s keeper” was too great a burden, while Joseph thought keeping his entire family was what he was made for. Hmm!

It's an ability we are all blessed with, and no one has a greater amount or opportunity than the next person. What is it? The ability to choose our: attitude on a daily basis, our response to any situation, and our expectations from other individuals. Life is geared to bring all sorts of external stimuli to our doorsteps, but it is still up to us to choose our reaction. To borrow a line from the old TV show 'The Outer Limits,' we control the "horizontal and vertical" elements of our mood, outlook, and activity. How we respond is what makes it what it is. The attitude we choose is solely up to us. Whether God gifts us rain or sunshine, warmth or coldness, He gifts us with each day; He didn’t have to but He did. How we greet it is left to our own devices. If our day is going bad, or our current situation seems sour, we alone have the power to change it, and can do so without seeking anyone else’s permission. So if things are looking down you can always look up.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self….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

God Unlimited

Most people asking for advice are usually looking for an accomplice. – M. LaGrange

The rich young ruler didn’t really want Jesus’ thoughts on eternal life, just his blessing on the way he wanted to obtain it. Hmm!

All of us have family or friends we shy away from in giving advice for we know their intent is to incorporate us into their affairs somehow. This is a noble task on our part, but how often do we turn around and do the same thing to God.  Often in our prayers we really are not seeking God’s will, but trying to get God to bless what we’ve already proposed or launched into. This is tantamount to putting God in a box. God will hear and answer the prayers of His people, but He will not be limited in any way to our anticipated responses, nor cover for our overzealous desires and wants. God sees prayer as a time of communion where our hearts conform to His, then the blessings will flow, and since He is holy, He can’t be an accomplice to anyone.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“’Be careful,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

Wait for it...

We lie to God in prayer if we don’t rely on God after prayer. – Sparks

After she had talked to Jesus at the wedding feast in Cana, his mother told the servants “do whatever he tells you.” Her request was honored. AMEN!

We readily jump to action when those we truly love ask for our assistance, help, guidance, or direction in life; often at times extending ourselves far beyond their requests because we want to show them we’re reliable and trustworthy. And we do all we can to honor our promises. However, it seems we rarely extend that type of courtesy to God. We often tell him about our troubles, situations, sins, and the desires of our heart, but we often don’t want to wait for His response or intervention. God has fulfilled every promise He made in His Word and deserves our patience, faith, and trust. He may not answer in the way we expect or come in the timeframe we have in mind, but He will respond. He promised!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14