Tempering Your Speech

When words are 'heated' they lose their sweetness! - Anon

When they brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus, he thought long and hard before he spoke. Hmm!

Coffee! Cocoa! Chili! Some things are good served piping hot. It adds to their overall presentation and enjoyment. We couldn't imagine receiving it any other way. But when it comes to conversation our words are not one of them. The bible tells us 'practice self-control', 'be slow to speak, slow to get angry', and 'in your anger do not sin'! Why, because in our anger not only do our tempers rise (think temperature) but our desire to inflict hurt, harm, and pain on others also increases. It's a mixture of self-presentation combined with pride, and everyone knows that's not a recipe to help build community. It's true, there are times we need to 'say what we need to say', but it should always be thought through and said constructively and in love. Sometimes silence sends an even greater message.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6

Avoiding Anger's Consequences

If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape 100 days of sorrow. – Chinese Proverb

Though James and John were angry with the Samaritans and wanted to destroy them because of their opposition, Jesus made them hold their peace. John was later invited to pray with them. WOW!

ANGER! A word one letter short of ‘danger’. It’s an emotion that often gets out of hand when it’s “not about us.” The key to remember is the enemy knows this and often toys with us. A person who is not able to control their emotions and urges is ripe for disaster, with results that tend to be burdensome and long-lasting. If we fix our hearts and minds with the desire to bring God glory in all situations today, our tomorrows will certainly be rewarded.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22

Responding In Righteousness

Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one. – Friedrich Nietzsche

Though Saul hated and tried to destroy him, David had nothing but love for God’s anointed man. WOW!

It happens time and time again. We come across obstinate, arrogant, defiant, evil intentioned people in our lives; in our jobs, in our homes, sometimes even in our church. It’s an almost constant battle where our righteousness is severely put to the test. A good tactician knows the easiest way to defeat an enemy is to get them out of their normal routine or comfort zone, and strike quickly; which is what our enemy constantly tries with us. And if we’re not careful we soon cross the line into no man’s land. But God calls on us to practice self-control, to respond in righteousness, and not repay evil for evil. Just as we hate to see our child or star pupil act out of character, so does our Heavenly Father. He’s counting on us to show the world what a saint really looks like.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified from the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:27

Temper Temper

Temper is what gets most of us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there. – Richard Murray

Cain was so upset with how God perceived his offering; he went out and killed his brother Abel. WOW!

There’s no denying that we are emotional beings, God made us that way. But he also made us with the ability to overcome our emotions with sound, rational, thinking and spiritual wisdom. It’s when we refuse to engage in the latter that we find ourselves in more trouble than we often bargained for. It’s not a sin to get angry or upset, but it should never result in sinful behavior. The problem is it is so easy to cross the line, then feel compelled that we must prevail for the sake of ‘principle.’ We must remember our calling is not so much for the sake of principle as it is for righteousness and holy living.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

Little Irritants

If a small thing has the power to make you angry, does that not indicate something about your size? – S. Harris

King Saul got plenty angry when his people sung of his servant David’s exploits. He prospered through David's exploits and they were still all his subjects. Hmm!

Long lines! Rush-hour traffic! Telemarketers! People with bad attitudes! We’ve all experienced these things and other small incidents like them and will probably continue to experience them. They’re part of life and our maturing process. God expects us not to sweat the small stuff, nor let it sweat us. As we venture through today’s circumstances remember it’s a growing process.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22

Don't Send An Invite

Once you open the floodgates, you cannot tell the water where to run. – T. Sowell

Yes, Job's friends were miserable comforters indeed, but he did invite them over. Hmm!

When the levees gave way some years ago in New Orleans, the only thing left to do was assess the damage afterwards. It was much more damage than expected or estimated. So it is when we decide to engage our enemy - Satan. So often, when Satan comes our way with his calling card many of us will hold a debate with him. This is wrong and plays right into his hands, just ask Eve. The implications of one sinful encounter are enormous and impact far more people than you will ever imagine. Satan will always take us further than we want to go, stay longer than our invitation, and cost us more than we ever anticipated. As the day unfolds may we be wise and practice much self-control.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” – I Thessalonians 5:21-22

Lessons in Honest Work

Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need. – Voltaire

The bible tells us God worked 6 days creating the heavens and the earth. I think we can take a hint from this!

Though we may not be thrilled with what we do, and though we may not like the hour we have to arise, or the time we spend commuting back and forth, honest work is in itself a blessing from God. Not only from the standpoint that there are many who cannot do it, but from the point of view that it teaches us temperance, self-control, diligence and a hundred other virtues the idle will never know, besides allowing us to provide for our families and the needy. The secret is to find something you like doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain.” – I Corinthians 15:58

More Than Talent

True the 'cream' always rises to the top, but it spoils just the same if not cared for. - Anon

Saul was an 'impressive young man without equal' among all his peers, but when he became king he 'soured' over David. Hmm!

Natural talent is one of life's greatest gifts, but the advantage it gives only lasts a short time. Talent stands out, it will get you noticed, and give you a head start on others, but talent alone is never enough. The world is full of talented people, many of them we know personally; sitting on the sidelines, because they tried to get by on talent alone. Success requires drive, determination, desire, and devotion in much greater quantities than natural talent alone. Just as the apostles did not rest after Pentecost gained 3000+ souls, God does not expect us to rest on what we did yesterday, last week, or years ago. And though we may not be bringing 3,000 into the kingdom today, the strength God gives today is to empower the gift/talent He's instilled in us to be a success for the kingdom.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...for this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness...., knowledge....self-control....perseverance....godliness......brotherly kindness......love." - II Peter 1:5-7

Seeking Revenge will get you Burned

People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. – Anon

Pharaoh mocked every miracle of God until it cost him his own son. OUCH!

Revenge – oh how sweet it sounds. We often want it and often take it to our own later regret. True, our emotions are hard to control, but they can be controlled. God in His word tells us we must practice self-control, and we can master it; as it is one of the many ‘fruits’ of The Spirit. We tend to view life and all its circumstances through the eyes of justice and fairness, but everyone is not of the same mind. But God has said He will settle accounts in His time and in His way, our role is to live before HIM in a faithful, obedient manner no matter what man may do to us. God gave us His Son as our ultimate example, who even upon being executed (a lot worse than anything we will encounter) prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:30-31

Time for a little maturation

If a small thing has the power to make you angry, does that not indicate something about your size? – S. Harris

King Saul got plenty angry when his people sung of his servant David’s exploits. He prospered by David's exploits and they were still all his subjects. Hmm!

Long lines! Rush-hour traffic! Telemarketers! People with bad attitudes! We’ve all experienced these things and other small incidents like them and will probably continue to experience them. They’re part of life and our maturing process. God expects us not to sweat the small stuff, nor let it sweat us. As we venture through today’s circumstances remember it’s a growing process.

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22

Bear Witness of God's Holiness

We need to get a sense of worth of our own selves and understand that no one is more deserving of our best behavior than we are. – R. Pennington

Though Saul sought to slay him, David couldn't even formulate in his mind a thought to harm God's anointed. Hmm!

If a tree falls in the middle of the forest and no one is around to see it, does it make a sound? A somewhat silly question, and one we often answer with “who cares." But the logic of the question is pure. And if we were to apply it to our daily living it sounds a powerful truth. Regardless of where we are or who we're with, how good or bad the situation, the greatest benefactor of our righteous, holy living is US, not God. Why, because we can't make God any holier than He already is, we can only bear witness of His holiness by the way we live. I pray you may appreciate yourself today!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:26-27

Anger Danger

Temper is what gets most of us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there. – Richard Murray

Cain was so upset with how God perceived his offering, he went out and killed his brother Abel. WOW!

There’s no denying that we are emotional beings, God made us that way. But he also made us with the ability to overcome our emotions with sound, rational, thinking and spiritual wisdom. It’s when we refuse to engage in the latter that we find ourselves in more trouble than we often bargained for. It’s not a sin to get angry or upset, but it should never result in sinful behavior. The problem is it is so easy to cross the line, then feel compelled that we must prevail for the sake of ‘principle.’ We must remember our calling is not so much for the sake of principle as it is for righteousness and holy living.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

Moderation and Wisdom

To many, total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation, but neither gets practiced! - Augustine

Many of the godly kings of Judah destroyed the temples of Baal and Ashtoreth, but neglected the high places. Hmm!

As those made in the highest order of creation, we are by far the more intelligent beings, able to ‘subdue and control’ the earth. But in all our conquering the hardest thing for us to learn is to temper our appetites, control our desires, or restrain our impulses. After all, nobody but nobody knows what’s better for us than we ourselves is our way of thinking. But God really does know better, He created us, knows what we can withstand, knows how He wants to bless us, and knows how He wants to use us in His service. Moderation is difficult, of course; but the rewards are numerous and long-lasting. To improve our finances, health, or general well-being; then wisdom and moderation must be close traveling companions. God will leave the decision up to us, but then so are the consequences.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…Better a patient man that a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city..” – Proverbs 16:32

God Speaks

If the heavens declare God’s glory, imagine what the world you live in shouts about Him! – Anon

The burning bush really got Moses’ attention, and a withered fig tree caught Peter’s eye. They were made to wonder. Hmm!

Admittedly, sleeping through the sermon is nothing new; it has been going on through the ages. And though most of us will proudly proclaim we never would do such a thing, ALL of us often sleep through some of God’s most compelling sermons; for they are not always from the pulpit or the preacher. God is a phenomenal and wise communicator if we would just take the time to look, listen and meditate on what we encounter. A newborn baby, a thunderstorm, blooming flowers, or even a pain in our body. God sends out messages, lessons, or sermon after sermon to see if our reception is any good. “He who has ears let him hear…..” Yes, preaching has its place in the church and we should eagerly look forward to hearing from God this way, but He also loves for us to observe His many messages that come from nature, experiences, and life, for they give greater impact and application to what we hear on any Sunday. So, now that you know…..

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“so then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled….” – I Thessalonians 5:6

Don't Even Start

Once you open the floodgates, you cannot tell the water where to run. – T. Sowell

Yes, Job's friends were miserable comforters indeed, but he did invite them over. Hmm!

When the levees gave way some years ago in New Orleans, the only thing left to do was assess the damage afterwards. It was much more damage than expected or estimated. So it is when we decide to engage our enemy - Satan. So often, when Satan comes our way with his calling card many of us will hold a debate with him. This is wrong and plays right into his hands, just ask Eve. The implications of one sinful encounter are enormous and impact far more people than you will ever imagine. Satan will always take us further than we want to go, stay longer than our invitation, and cost us more than we ever anticipated. As the day unfolds may we be wise and practice much self-control.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts   “Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” – I Thessalonians 5:21-22

Fly into a Rage, Crash and Burn!

People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing. – Sparks

Rehoboam’s harsh, angry reply to the Israelites request didn’t cost him much. Only half his kingdom and many wars! Hmm!

There is a saying that “anger is one letter short of danger,” which is true. Anger however, is not sinful in and of itself, it is when and how we act upon it that takes us into the realm of danger and sin. As children of God we are expected to learn and exercise self-control at all times, just as God exercises great restraint in showing mercy to us. If life’s little trials send you “flying off the handle,” maybe it’s time to make sure God is the pilot of your life and all the landings will be uneventful.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Keep Your Cool

When you are in the right you can afford to keep your temper; and when you are in the wrong, you cannot afford to lose it.   – Gandhi

The temptation in the wilderness, the false trials, the scourging. Jesus suffered all this and never ‘lost it.’ What a great example!

Patience, long-suffering, self-control. It’s truly astonishing the number of times the Word of God tells us we should perfect these traits in our lives. Not only does it make life a bit more peaceful but it also makes it much healthier and less costly. It’s okay to be angry, we’re emotional beings, but we do not act on emotion or feelings. Just as God exercises great restraint in dealing with us, and Jesus was our perfect example of self-restraint, we too are expected to master such times of adversity. Life will sorely test us  today from every vantage point – job, family, strangers, finances, etc. – because God is out to perfect us. I pray we all pass with flying colors.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship…discharge all the duties of your ministry.” – II Timothy 4:5

Revenge to Ashes

People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. – Anon

Pharaoh mocked every miracle of God until it cost him his own son. OUCH!

Revenge – oh how sweet it sounds. We often want it and often take it to our own later regret. True, our emotions are hard to control, but they can be controlled. God in His word tells us we must practice self-control, and we can master it; as it is one of the many ‘fruits’ of The Spirit. We tend to view life and all its circumstances through the eyes of justice and fairness, but everyone is not of the same mind. But God has said He will settle accounts in His time and in His way, our role is to live before HIM in a faithful, obedient manner no matter what man may do to us. God gave us His Son as our ultimate example, who even upon being executed (a lot worse than anything we will encounter) prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:30-31

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School devotional this Sunday @ 9AM.

Patience over Anger

If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape 100 days of sorrow. – Chinese Proverb

Though James and John were angry with the Samaritans and wanted to destroy them because of their opposition, Jesus made them hold their peace. John was later invited to pray with them. WOW!

ANGER! An emotion that often gets out of hand when it’s “not about us.” The key to remember is the enemy knows this and often toys with us. A person who is not able to control their emotions and urges is ripe for disaster, with results that tend to be burdensome and long-lasting. If we fix our hearts and minds with the desire to bring God glory in all situations today, our tomorrows will certainly be rewarded.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional time this Sunday at 9AM. Get answers to the 'questions' you always wanted to know.

Worth through Integrity

We need to get a sense of worth of our own selves and understand that no one is more deserving of our best behavior than we are. – R. Pennington

Though Saul sought to slay him, David couldn't even formulate in his mind a thought to harm God's anointed. Hmm!

If a tree falls in the middle of the forest and no one is around to see it, does it make a sound? A somewhat silly question, and one we often answer with “who cares." But the logic of the question is pure. And if we were to apply it to our daily living it sounds a powerful truth. Regardless of where we are or who we're with, how good or bad the situation, the greatest benefactor of our righteous, holy living is US, not God. Why, because we can't make God any holier than He already is, we can only bear witness of His holiness by the way we live. I pray you may appreciate yourself today!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:26-27