Like Jesus or Waldo?

Christians are useless if they are fruitless. - H.C. Mears

Jesus told us to let our light "so shine" that others may see it, not have to go looking for it. Hmm!

The whole idea behind 'Where's Waldo' is that he is always deeply concealed within the masses. You have to look long and hard to find him. That was not the case with Jesus. He came to serve and not be served, and you didn't have to look hard to figure it out. You could easily find Him in some of the most menial jobs (foot washing, cooking breakfast, etc.) and there never was a question of who was really in charge, He stood out like a 'sore thumb.' Though he had no outer beauty of His own, He was truly one who made a lot of heads turn, attracted crowds, and made leaders contemplate their actions and words carefully. Here's the question of the day: when it comes to our daily living would we be considered more like Jesus or Waldo?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....[Jesus said] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master..." - John 13:13-14

Refreshment From the Source

When we cannot find contentment within ourselves, it’s useless to seek it elsewhere. – Francois de la Rochefoucauld

Saul didn’t hear from God so he consorted with the Witch of Endor. He still didn’t like what he heard. OUCH!

Often, if we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves taking on the characteristics of the world in our faith walk. For instance, when teams have a losing streak they call it a dry spell. Sometimes we say the same when we feel we’ve not heard from God or experienced Him working in our lives. But how can that be if the “fountain of living water” (Jesus) resides within? There should never be ‘dry spells’ in our Christian walk. When we hit those arid moments it should provoke us to look at what we’ve become focused on other than Jesus. Spiritual dryness occurs when we supplant our relationship with Christ with activities and busyness. Sometimes it just takes coming back to the ‘heart’ of worship.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” – Jeremiah 2:13

Other Plans...

Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless. - Thomas Edison

It didn't seem right to have Gideon's men lap water like dogs, but God knew why. Hmm!

Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers closer did not come to the Major Leagues as a pitcher. He was originally a catcher with a great powerful arm, but he really couldn't hit. That's a problem for the catcher's position. The coaches noting his powerful arm talked to him about pitching. Just wanting to play the game at the Major League level anyway he possibly could, he was 'transformed' into one of the fiercest and best closers in the game today. There's a lesson here for all of us. As talented and skilled as we think we are God still knows what ways to use us best. And if we're going to ask Him to guide and lead us, then we had better be prepared to do whatever He calls us to do, and with whole-hearted devotion with a willing spirit. It may not seem right to us but we should trust in the truth that the Creator of all things has a purpose for us.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21

P.S. - We will not be having Bible Study tonight.

Standout or Blend In

Christians are useless if they are fruitless. - H.C. Mears

Jesus told us to let our light "so shine" that others may see it, not have to go looking for it. Hmm!

The whole idea behind 'Where's Waldo' is that he is always deeply concealed within the masses. You have to look long and hard to find him. That was not the case with Jesus. He came to serve and not be served, and you didn't have to look hard to figure it out. You could easily find Him in some of the most menial jobs (foot washing, cooking breakfast, etc.) and there never was a question of  who was really in charge, He stood out like a 'sore thumb.' Though he had no outer beauty of His own, He was truly one who made a lot of heads turn, attracted crowds, and made leaders contemplate their actions and words carefully. Here's the question of  the day: when it comes to our daily living would we be considered more like Jesus or Waldo?
Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"....[Jesus said] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master..." - John 13:13-14

Sitting on Truth

Unused truth becomes as useless as unused muscle. – A.W. Tozer

Paul wrote in Romans of those who knew God and his truth but did not want to live accordingly saying “God gave them up.” Another word would be WORTHLESS!

A popular cartoon show from years ago had a character named ‘Riff Raff.’ He was a villain being pursued by the hero. Riff Raff always carried with him a ‘just in case.’ You never knew what it was, he never used it, and it was burdensome to carry, but nevertheless he kept it with him just in case…. Oftentimes we are like this character when it comes to knowledge of the truth. Most of us know the truth, can often cite chapter and verse, but that is not the issue. The issue is will we live by the truth even when it convicts us or causes us pain or discomfort? In reality we grow in our faith and our love for God when we stand firm in the truth. Truth is not a matter of convenience, it is a discipline of life.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Watering the Dry Spells

When we cannot find contentment within ourselves, it’s useless to seek it elsewhere. – F. de la Rochefucald

Saul didn’t hear from God so he consorted with the Witch of Endor. He still didn’t like what he heard. OUCH!

Often, if we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves taking on the characteristics of the world in our faith walk. For instance, when teams have a losing streak they call it a dry spell. Sometimes we say the same when we feel we’ve not heard from God or experienced Him working in our lives. But how can that be if the “fountain of living water” (Jesus) resides within? There should never be ‘dry spells’ in our Christian walk. When we hit those arid moments it should provoke us to look at what we’ve become focused on other than Jesus. Spiritual dryness occurs when we supplant our relationship with Christ with activities and busyness. Sometimes it just takes coming back to the ‘heart’ of worship.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” – Jeremiah 2:13