Spirit of Giving

True charity sees the need, not the cause. – German Proverb  

When Jesus looked out over the crowds he saw them as sheep without a shepherd and had compassion. Then He went to help them. Hmm!  

We live in a world where it seems everyone has a hand out. We spread our paycheck out as much as we can and there are still needs to be met.  And all too often we want to determine why the need is there, what caused it; before we decide if we’re going to do anything about it. And in this day and age, though this is wise thinking; we should never lose our heart of compassion for the truly needy. Being burned in the past should not turn us off altogether, and if so we miss great opportunities to minister and reach out. It’s in many of these situations that seeds get planted. It’s not so much the actual gift but the giving of one’s self that makes it worthwhile.  

Until Monday....  

Pastor Botts  

“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want…” – Mark 14:7

I Just Wanna Thank You

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues. – Cicero

The psalms tell us indirectly there are 2 words the Lord never tires of – “thank you.” Maybe we should try it!

So often, we allow ourselves to become so preoccupied with the demands of daily living that we forget to say ‘thank you’ to the Giver of all good gifts. Worship and praise should be a part of everything we do for it is who we are at our core – a work of praise and worship to God. Praise is effusive in thanksgiving and adoration, and it opens our hearts to walk even more closely with God. It is when we forget to praise Him that we are so easily overwhelmed by life’s issues and lose our perspective. Work may be hard and strenuous, but we should thank Him for the means to provide for ourselves. Heartache may visit us from time to time, but we should thank Him that we have learned what love is all about. No matter the situation we may currently be facing, we should praise Him. Not only does it pay to praise God, but it lifts the spirit of our hearts, and that friend, is a blessing in itself.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name….” – Hebrews 13:15

Giving

The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own. – B. Disraeli  

Paul took Timothy under his wing and unleashed a powerful minister for God. Not too shabby, huh!  

WorldVision, March of Dimes, Salvation Army, Red Cross, neighborhood church, etc. For the most part the average person will give to support a good cause. But God is not really after your resources so much as he is after you and your HEART. The idea of giving is to transform one’s heart into a caring, compassionate, concerned motivator for God’s plan. Can he count on all of you.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches….And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” – II Corinthians 8:1,5

Enlarge your Future: Forgive Today!

Forgiveness does not change the past, it just enlarges the future. – P. Boese  

God is so forgiving to us because He wants to keep our future option open to Him. WOW!  

I’m sure if we all look around we’ll find some memento or picture from some time ago that has a fond place in our heart and mind. It is special, but we don’t try to relive it over and over again. The past is just that – past. Were you to ask the average person they would surely tell you living in the past is hard, unfulfilling, and plain silly – yet most people live there daily because they refuse to forgive those who may have hurt or wronged them. They would rather keep them ‘hostage’ in their heart and be a prison guard instead of freeing their heart to enjoy the many wonders of God. Forgiving others does not change what happened, it just frees you to continue to live to the fullest without a heavy weight on your heart. Any takers?  

I'll be leaving for a bit of rest and relaxation, so this keyboard will be silent for awhile.  

Until I return….  

Pastor Botts  

“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us….” – Luke 11:4  

P.S. - Don't forget the Sunday School Devotional this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall.

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

My Heart Will Sing No Other Name. Jesus! Jesus!

We cannot vex the devil more than by teaching, preaching, singing and talking of Jesus. - M. Luther  

When Satan attacked him, Jesus just let God’s Word do the talking. How simple. Hmm!  

Just as certain as us waking this morning, our enemy is already planning ways to pounce on our parade. And he has a distinct advantage because he’s been awake all night plotting against us. And since the Garden scene he’s used the same method all these years, deceit and deception. He’s the master of putting so much into our lives and deceiving us into thinking it’s necessary, that we can’t seem to find time to spend with Jesus; for he know that’s our only way to defeat him. The bible tells us he has no defense against Jesus. So if the day gets burdensome and heavy laden maybe we need to do a bit more ‘vexing’ than complaining. It’s guaranteed to change the outlook.  

Until tomorrow……  

Pastor Botts  

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:19

No Afterthought

Give not from the top of your purse, but from the bottom of your heart. – Anon  

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of the law often for their traditions of men which adhered to the 'letter' of the law but ignored the 'spiritual intent' of the law. He said they should do both. Hmm!  

Often, in terms of what we give to God; whether it be praise, worship, offering, service, etc.; is done without much thought and preparation, but out of a sense of duty or obligation. God wants neither. He is seeking our love for Him, and our respect of His will. Just as we would never really want to be an 'afterthought' in people's dealings, God should not be in ours. If He is truly KING of Kings and LORD of Lords then only our best, as we have prepared ourselves will do. Remember you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. As we embark upon today may our heart be our guide.  

Until tomorrow……  

Pastor Botts  

“The Lord says; These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13

Happiness: Attitude and Heart Choice

It is not our position that makes us happy or unhappy, it’s our disposition. – R. Murray 

Rehoboam took over the great kingdom of his father Solomon, and immediately got mad at the people. Hmm! 

It takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy mixed-up world, and unfortunately many are – sad, unhappy, depressed, etc. – and the truth is they don’t have to be that way, it all depends on how you look at life. God has gifted us with that life, but how we live it and enjoy its ups and downs, starts and stops, and sometimes indecipherable events is solely up to us as individuals. Material blessings may make life a bit more comfortable or easygoing, but they can never make one happy; for happiness is an attitude and heart choice. And though God says we should “choose life and its blessings;” He will not force us to do so. So if we’re waiting or looking for happiness, just know it’s been there all along. 

Until tomorrow…. 

Pastor Botts 

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

Being Thankful

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues. – Cicero

The psalms tell us indirectly there are 2 words the Lord never tires of – “thank you.” Maybe we should try it!

So often, we allow ourselves to become so preoccupied with the demands of daily living that we forget to say ‘thank you’ to the Giver of all good gifts. Worship and praise should be a part of everything we do for it is who we are at our core – a work of praise and worship to God. Praise is effusive in thanksgiving and adoration, and it opens our hearts to walk even more closely with God. It is when we forget to praise Him that we are so easily overwhelmed by life’s issues and lose our perspective. Work may be hard and strenuous, but we should thank Him for the means to provide for ourselves. Heartache may visit us from time to time, but we should thank Him that we have learned what love is all about. No matter the situation we may currently be facing, we should praise Him. Not only does it pay to praise God, but it lifts the spirit of our hearts, and that friend, is a blessing in itself.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name….” – Hebrews 13:15

Look to the Heart

To love a person means to see them as God intended them to be. – G. Dostoyevsky When Jesus first called Simon by the name of Peter, he had a vision of who Peter would become one day, and then he helped him get there. WOW! We all can look back and see where we’ve come from and how we’ve changed; and generally we like the changes that have occurred. We can see the habits we’ve broken or overcome by God’s grace. God did not condemn us in our sin, but loved us through them. God does not accept our sin but loves us in spite of it. As those made in His image we are called to display the same grace with others – to love them through their shortcomings, no matter what they may be; for in doing so we will aid them in achieving their godly purpose. As God directs people our way today, may our eyes look to the heart. Until tomorrow….. Pastor Botts “Do not consider his appearance or his height….The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – I Samuel 16:7