Choice Criticism

Not every criticism is critical. - Anon

Though Moses' father-in-law was an outsider and told him what he was doing as leader wasn't right, Moses still listened AND prospered. Hmm!

If we're honest with ourselves, we know we don't know it all. We like others to think we do and often pretend we do, hoping no one calls our bluff. The key is admitting we don't know, for this opens the door to growth. That's true in our spiritual walk as well. Spiritual growth brings with it an openness to receive correction and in turn the discernment to give correction, correctly! The bible tells us God corrects those He loves, and He always does it the right way, and He often uses other people to do it. As we sharpen one another we must let God work through us to receive and/or give what is needed. Many of us miss out in growth opportunities because we avoid the process. When something/someone unpleasant happens upon us, or something doesn't go our way we get bent out of shape, ready to run away, quit the job, even leave the church. But often, so very often, it is in these instances and circumstances that God is asking us to either be sharpened or help sharpen. Remember, our trials come only to make us strong.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another...." - Proverbs 27:17

Unrecognized Growth Potential

Not every criticism is critical. - Anon

Though Moses' father-in-law was an outsider and told him what he was doing as leader wasn't right, Moses still listened AND prospered. Hmm!

If we're honest with ourselves, we know we don't know it all. We like others to think we do and often pretend we do, hoping no one calls our bluff. The key is admitting we don't know, for this opens the door to growth. That's true in our spiritual walk as well. Spiritual growth brings with it an openness to receive correction and in turn the discernment to give correction, correctly! The bible tells us God corrects those He loves, and He always does it the right way, and He often uses other people to do it. As we sharpen one another we must let God work through us to receive and/or give what is needed. Many of us miss out in growth opportunities because we avoid the process. When something/someone unpleasant happens upon us, or something doesn't go our way we get bent out of shape, ready to run away, quit the job, even leave the church. But often, so very often, it is in these instances and circumstances that God is asking us to either be sharpened or help sharpen. Remember, our trials come only to make us strong.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another...." - Proverbs 27:17

Birds of a Feather...

When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends. – Japanese Proverb

Yes Jesus interacted with the sinners he came to save, but he chose as ‘friends’ men who would lay down their life for others as he did. WOW!

It is often said family has to accept us, but friends have a choice. And that choice tells a lot about us. Nobody gives a greater account of who we are and what we profess than the friends we spend our time with. No matter what we say, we normally fellowship and let our guard down around those we are most comfortable with, for in most instances they are like us, i.e. the same interests, beliefs, moral character, etc. In the circle of friends we have the question we must ask ourselves is: What does it say of our character and relationship to God? Oftentimes many of us think we’re the picture of perfect spiritual health to the world, but our ‘friends’ may say otherwise.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17