Rise Above It

Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something. – H. D.Thoreau  

Joseph had many trials “hoisted” upon him and his character. But he rose above each one. Wow!  

Most of us would probably say in all of God’s creation we could do without flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, etc., that they seem to serve no purpose at all. But they must for God Almighty himself made them and we’ve all experienced in one way or another their handiwork firsthand. The same is true of us; we were made for this day to do more than just exist. The world is to come to know Jeus through the love we show to one another and them. We were made to be God’s ambassadors to the world. As the day unfolds with its many requests, issues, and urgent needs, remember you are a part of His labor force. May the light shine within!  

Until tomorrow…….  

Pastor Botts  

“…..let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Pure Sight

Vision depends on character – only the pure in heart SEE God. – Anon  

When Philip joined the Ethiopian eunuch in his chariot he knew exactly where to start his message – JESUS! Amen.  

What we see in life, what we hear from others often depends on what we have in mind or heart. If we keep ourselves unsullied from the cares, concerns, and sins of the world, we will clearly see the things of God. Of course we’ll see those in need, those who are outcasts, those who despise us – the things Jesus saw – for these are the ones God is trying to reach. Things in life are tough for us all but God is still trying to reach out to a LOST generation, and He can only do it through those who have a heart like Him.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

Half Heartedly

Half-heartedness never won a battle. – W. McKinley  

Gideon started with 32,000 men and God whittled it down to 300 warriors. Hmm!  

The pre-game chat. The Sales Team meeting. The self-confidence pep talk. We’ve all seen, possibly heard and/or participated in something similar to these. That time where we are gathered, greeted, focused, and inflamed with a passion to put forth our all, to achieve victory, conquer the enemy, or finish the task. Life is challenging, but it is necessary to prove us and improve us. God is after those that have a heart after Him, a heart that is willing to give all to Him and for Him just as He did for us with Jesus. And just as we become suspicious when someone offers us a limp handshake or wry smile, imagine how God feels when we offer a half-hearted effort. Today is given to re-ignite your passion for God, here’s hoping it works.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” – Matthew 5:8

Out of the comfort zone

If God is asking you to do something, he already knows about the risks involved. – Anon  

Ananais questioned the Lord when he was directed to go lay hands on a new convert. But he went, and a great church persecuter was defeated, and a great missionary evangelist was born, Paul. WOW!  

Anxiety. Fear. Worry. For some reason even though we are believers; these words seem to creep into our life whenever God asks us to do something out of the realm of ‘ordinary.’ We’re good at ordinary, it’s safe and familiar, and often comfortable, but God is looking for us to stretch out in faith by getting out of or expanding our comfort zone, and trust him in unfamiliar surroundings. Great things are waiting to happen. I pray He may count on us all today.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12

The Bad with the Good

Those whom heaven blesses, hell curses. – Anon 

Paul had great successes in building and establishing churches but suffered massive persecution, afflictions, and even threats from within and without. Hmm! 

In war, it cannot be overstated that one should always know their enemy and his tactics, or it could prove fatal. It’s a simple fact that we often overlook. We tend to forget in our Christian walk that we’re at war; fighting for or working out our salvation. And just as we start off with 'new mercies' everyday, the enemy plans new strategies and attacks to upset us. Yes we are ‘marked’ for easy identification by the enemy, but we only need be reminded we carry a powerful cross, not a bullseye. The question we have to answer is do we want the blessings? 

Until tomorrow….. 

Pastor Botts 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10

The pursuit of greatness

It’s a sin to be good if God has called you to be great! – T. Ranier

The Apostle Paul bore on his body the “marks of Jesus.” Not because he was good, but because he was pursuing greatness. Amen! 

We’re all taught in our upbringing to be good, get along. And unfortunately we carry that same attitude over into our service for Christ. But Jesus was a radical, he often “bucked” the worldly trends of his day, and he serves as our example. God is not looking for us to be good, this world has seen good and not been impacted by it; He needs us to be great. Great in our attutude, great in our work ethics, great in our praise, and great in our speech bringing forth the good news. Have a GREAT day! 

Until tomorrow…… 

Pastor Botts 

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:46-48