Life's Library

Life is like a full library owned by an author. In it are a few books which he wrote himself, but most of them were written for him. – H.E. Fosdick
 
Most of the kings in the bible kept records of their monarchy, but it was always God’s Word that prevailed over them. Hmm!  

The passing on of information and knowledge is a good thing, particularly those things that are helpful, insightful, and edifying. And books are a great resource for such a transaction. And yes, we should want to tell a story with our lives, but that story should be in context with the greater story of the God who made us. So we need to read and obey His book before we try and write ours. So often many of us are trying to write great screenplays, how-to books, or life guidance novels with our life story for those who come after us, when all we really need to do is as Solomon said “fear God.” That’s the story we should be writing with our lives for those who come after us. Life itself is the greatest gift we have, and if we live it right, tell it correctly, and write it succinctly for others, we will have all eternity to discuss it with them in glory. Today’s a good day to jot down a few notes.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“Of making many books there is no end and much study wearies the body….here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

Praying More

Work for God should always be done with God. – D. Bonhoeffer  

Though Saul was anointed ‘king’ by God he tried to rule God’s people by his own thinking. It cost him dearly. Hmm!  

Sometimes the things that we claim we do for God have nothing to do with Him at all. They are merely our own agendas, for often we have never even stopped long enough to whisper a prayer or listen for directions from God about what it is we're doing or considering. The Word of God tells us that it is impossible to do the work of God without the authorization or ‘power’ of God, and that any such activity is empty of promise. Running with our own agendas leaves no room for God’s grace, promise, or enabling power. Serving others is difficult enough with God’s direction and blessing, so we would be foolish to try it in our own strength. So before we act maybe we should pray.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’….He replied,. ‘…….But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” – Matthew 17:19, 21

Always Relevant

The bible is neither antique nor modern, it is eternal. – M. Luther  

Earth still being in existence is proof enough that God’s Word is still valid. Hmm!  

The wisdom, insight, truth, and foundational principles for life found in God’s Holy Word are as changeless and timeless as is He. It is a treasure that waits to be found, that increases in value the more we dig into it. Real truth never changes and cannot be made ‘less’ true, no matter the time or circumstance. God is God, always has been and always will be, in spite of what goes on in the world today. We may evolve in our cultural ‘norms’ and technologies, and even try to ignore God or say He’s outdated; but a quick look around tells us things are still going just as He purposed them. Trees still grow and blossom as He prescribed, seasons still follow one after another, night still follows day, and death still haunts us. And if we were to give careful consideration to what man has been up to the last few hundred years or so, I’m sure we’d all agree we’d rather have God over us than man.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“….Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.” – Psalm 119:152

Using that Good Word

To understand the bible requires openness; first you open it, then you open you. – Anon

When Jesus taught them from the ‘scriptures’ of old they wondered where did he get such wisdom. Hmm!

The bible is a priceless gift, a tool for Christians to live by. It’s a love letter from God. The reason we so often get ‘love’ all mixed up and confused is because we search for it in every other thing and every other place, not understanding that we can never fully know love until we understand it from God’s perspective, the giver of the gift. And because we often keep this great tool closed and/or out of sight we mutter through life unfulfilled. The world is filled with hungering folks who have exactly what they need at their fingertips. We cannot truly love God and live fully unless we know Him, and He wants to be known. God’s Holy Word is indeed, a priceless, one-of-a-kind treasure. Yes, it needs to be handled with care, but more importantly, we need to handle it every day. Today’s great day to start.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God…” – Matthew 4:4

Revisiting the Word

The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones. – John Wooden

Though the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ day had the ‘Law of Moses’, they felt it incomplete and added their own input.

Kindle, Kindle-fire, IPad-2, Droid tablets, etc. You could spend virtually hours on end reading the latest authors, catching up on the latest news, or researching the latest fads, all right there before you electronically with a few keystrokes. Of the list of books and topics there is no end. Reading is a great pastime and invaluable source for information and learning. Many new authors are great in their perspective and presentation, still; nothing compares to the Word of God. It is the only book that speaks to all areas of our lives, gives clear, truthful insight on how to live with our fellow man, gives us purpose, and tells us what life is all about. Should we fail to read God’s Word we will eventually lose touch with Him. Sometimes it’s good to often revisit the old ways and means.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” – II Timothy 4:3-4