Sweet Forgetfulness

The ability to forget is a great gift of grace. – D. Bonhoeffer  

On the road that fateful day the Good Samaritan saw a person in need not an enemy. Hmm!  

MEMORY – we treasure it. And well we should for much of life springs forth from it. And we study it more and more to increase it. Science may continue to study the overall capacity and ability of the human brain, but without a doubt, no matter their findings; the ability to forget is one of the greatest gifts of grace God could have given us. In the span of life we have here on earth all of us have had or will have events and pains we’d rather not remember, for we know the negative impact they could have on our lives. The ability to forget keeps us forward focused and unlimited in our desire for hope and progress, which are key components in our daily living for God.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“…for I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Jeremiah 31:34

Traveling Light

A chip on the shoulder is too heavy a piece of baggage to carry through life. – J. Hancock 

Though he was a ‘prisoner in chains’ Paul never considered his situation an added weight in his ministry. God granted him much success! Amen. 

All of us I’m sure can think of some person, friend, firm or even family member that has done us wrong. It’s a fact of life that everyone is not going to do what we would want them to do. Jesus himself was crucified for ‘bearing’ the truth. But it does us no good and wastes emotional and spiritual energy to carry a bad attitude or even a grudge against others. Why be a silent prison guard, holding ‘fictitious’ people in jail in your heart or mind. Why not release whatever person or circumstances that are weighing you down. A change of attitude and heart can change your whole outlook on life. Travel light today! 

Until tomorrow…… 

Pastor Botts 

“Bear with one another, and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:13-14

Forgiving to leave the past behind

Forgiveness is giving up all possibility of a better past. – Anon
When Joseph forgave his brothers because he knew it was God’s plan, he also knew the past was PAST!
Live long enough and somebody you know and trust will forsake you or cross you, sometimes intentionally. Too often however, many of us carry these scars and burdens steeped in anger for years seeking restitution, thinking somehow it will magically restore us. But restoration is at hand, and it’s yours for the taking if you’re willing to just forgive. It won’t change the past but it makes the future a whole lot brighter.
Until tomorrow….
Pastor Botts
“Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” – Luke 23:34

Why not choose to Forgive?

An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind. – M. Gandhi

Jesus asked forgiveness for his suitors, not just retribution. Hmm!   

Live long enough and you will be wronged – accidentally, by oversight, and often intentionally. It’s the price we must pay for living with imperfect beings like ourself. But often, the problem is not in being wronged, it is in our expectation and desire to set things right. We often think the only antidote or solution to being wronged is revenge, to get even by a similar action on our part. God’s way of thinking is different, and often much easier – FORGIVE. Rather than scheme and plot and possibly suffer more retribution and harm, why not just forgive. It’s refreshing and saves a lot of wear and tear on the body and the heart.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15