Being Zealous in God Things

Try not to become a person of great success, but rather try to become a person of virtue. – Albert Einstein

We read often of men like Abraham, Joseph, and David who had great success in their lifetimes. Not because they pursued it, but because they pursued God, and he granted it. Hmm!

It’s true we live in a world that measures you by your professional title, wallet, possessions, education, etc., however it’s important to remember we are not ‘of the world’ but called of God to make a difference in the world. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to do well in our social endeavors, but NOTHING should impede our ability and opportunity to serve Almighty God. I pray we will be zealous in all our endeavors for Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these….But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-29, 33

Get Better, Take Your Meds

When we worry…..it’s like putting God on hold. – Anon

After the crucifixion Peter suffered with anxiety. At that breakfast on the beach Jesus put it all to rest. AMEN!

Aspirin! Ibuprofen! Acetaminophen! All readily available over-the-counter medicines to help alleviate, reduce, and even eliminate our aches and pains. But for many of us, myself included, we just don’t like the idea of medicines if we can avoid it, so we do. We’ll deal with the pain as best we can. Often, we treat our God the same…..choosing to ‘worry’ rather than pray and seek His counsel, choosing to fret over the issue rather than invite Him into our suffering. Just like we put off the pain reliever we put off God…..putting Him on hold in our lives. The One who supplies all our needs and ‘gives strength to the weary’ is always at the ready to assist. So next time you pray…. don’t press the ‘hold’ button – just cast all your cares on Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” – Matthew 6:27

Return, Reclaim and Revive

It's a truism, you always find what you lost right where you lost it. - Anon

David said, "I was glad when they said let us go into the house of the Lord!" Seems like he couldn't wait. Amen!

In Luke 15 we read of Jesus' presentation of a lost coin, sheep, and a son. Each item was precious to its owner. We see the Prodigal Son realizes what he's lost, and though he doesn't think it can be fully recaptured, he at least tries to get as close to it as possible. How many of us are like this in life? We've lost what we think we'll never find again - innocence, hope, family, joy, purpose, etc., and seem aimless or listless in life? Jesus tells us these parables to let us know we can find it again. All we need do is follow the instructions He gave to the people of the church of Ephesus in the Book of Revelation: "You have forsaken your first love, go back to it!" Many folks have left a church, even Southside (moved, marriage, school, work-related) and are no longer attending church at all, wondering why their lives seem to be missing something. Perhaps God is saying "You've forsaken your first love - ME! Come back to ME." True, a church is unique because of the people, but that's not why we attend. God is always the focal point. Find Him first and everything else will fall in line. If you're missing God why not try His local address.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33

Trust & Hope with no Script

Hope does not depend on having a blueprint for the future. – R.M. Pippert

Joseph, Abram, Moses, the 12 disciples; none of them knew exactly what was their next move – for they realized they were not in charge – God was. Hmm!

Did you ever notice a weekly TV sitcom – all the problems are solved within each 30 minute episode and everyone goes home happy (Happy Days, Leave it To Beaver, The Cosby Show). Life would be simple if it came with directions, and followed a script, but it doesn’t. But the absence of a script does not mean it has to be hard and cumbersome. It’s really only made that way by our incessant demand to be in the know on when and how everything will happen. We serve a God who asks us to trust Him to make everything alright though we can’t see it. If we cannot trust God we really have no hope for only He knows the future. Though everyone would like to know their future, the only promise for the future we have is a GOD that will love us – and that should be sufficient!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” – Matthew 6:34