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

Who you are

To always dream of the person you’d like to be is a waste of the person you are. – Anon  

The apostles had visions of being great leaders in a restored Jerusalem. Jesus wanted them to be servants in a coming kingdom. They finally got it!  

Growing up we all had dreams of what we’d be, firemen, doctors, lawyers, president, etc. But these noble ideas never kept us from being the rambunctious kids that we were. When we feel we must be perfect before we can be of benefit to God’s kingdom we waste valuable time and miss the point. The person we want to be can only come into existence through the guidance and direction of the hand of God and He is working perfection out in us through the daily routines of life’s circumstances. Be careful in today’s decisions, God is at work building your character.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16

In Pursuit of Righteousness

It’s better to have character, than be one. - Anon

Throughout all his impoverished life Daniel never forgot who he was before God. Amen!

As Christians, we want our actions, words, and deeds to line up with our heart, in essence to live righteous lives for Christ. But wanting to be righteous and actually living righteous are two different things. Both are noble ideas, but righteousness is not just an idea, it’s a way of life and thinking God requires of us. And the truth is we will never become righteous by accident or wishes, we must ‘hunger and thirst’ after it, and amidst all the distractions of life continually pursue it, and then clothe ourselves in it through humility. Pharisees didn’t please Jesus in biblical times, and I’m pretty sure they don’t please Him now. So ours must be a consistent example of godly behavior to all – family, friends, neighbors and community.  For just when we think nobody is looking or listening – God is.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…..flee from youthful passions, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” – II Timothy 2:22

Who You Are

You are exactly who you’ve chosen to be! – Anon

Joseph’s character was never in question, and he made sure it stayed that way. Just ask Potiphar’s wife. Hmm!

From the moment we wake up each day until the moment we nod off at night, our life’s tapestry is knitted together by the decisions/choices we make. What to do, what to say, what to meditate on, etc… You can choose to dwell on your health problems, financial issues, or other challenges in your life, or you can choose to remind yourself of the blessings God has brought to you and brought you through. The choice of being bitter or better is not ‘forced’ upon us by life’s situations, it’s a conscious choice or decision we make alone. The one thing that should always remain in our consciousness is that ‘if God is God?’ our every decision should be made in light of His wisdom…… and man o’ man, does God have some answers. 

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….but the wisdom that comes from heaven, if first of all pure; then peace-loving” – James 3:17

Again, Character Counts

Genius is admired; wealth is envied; power is feared; but character is trusted. – W. C. Brumby 

Job was wealthy, well-known, and the “greatest man among the people in the East.” But God loved him because of his character. AMEN! 

Growing up in life we were often told we could be anything we wanted to be – President, Doctor, Lawyer, Fireman, etc. Whatever it was you were told you could be, if we were to take time to think about it the professions or callings were all noble or trustworthy. Anyone can make a living, strike it rich, or even rise to the top, we see it time and again. And we see them fall time and again. Character is most important to God because it is the only thing we will take with us into eternity, that's why He's trying to perfect us here. God needs to know he can trust us in ALL things. As the day unfolds remember he loves pop quizzes and surprise exams. 

Until Monday….. 

Pastor Botts 

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” – Deuteronomy 8:2

P.S. - Mrs. Botts surgery time is 11AM. Please keep her in your prayers.  Thanks!

Good Habits. Hard, but Necessary!

Good habits are as easy to form as bad ones. – T. McCarver The writer of Hebrews admonished the saints for neglecting the ‘habit’ of meeting together. He said something about it being a sinful practice. Hmm! Most of us know it isn't hard to be good from time to time. What's tough is being good every day. And the only way to achieve such a lifestyle is to develop good habits. We must take the time and effort to deliberately force ourselves into acts of obedience and righteousness. This is how both habits and skills are developed, by doing it over and over again. The only difference is with skills we’re intentional about it, habits we’re not; which is often why we develop bad habits before we know it. If we don’t continuously practice good habits, bad habits are the natural result. The question we must all answer is: If all we take into eternity with us is our character – what type of character would please God? I think we already know… Until tomorrow….. Pastor Botts “Finally, brothers, whatever is true....noble...right...pure...lovely... admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice." - Philippians 4:8-9