What to focus on

 A person who is always finding fault seldom finds anything else. – Anon  

Nathanael thought nothing good could ever come from Nazareth. Jesus changed his heart and mind on that. Hmm!

Truth is we live in a fallen world. It’s easy to look around and see the wrongs of mankind. What’s more the media of today’s world tends to glorify the ills and failures of mankind all too frequently with little or no regard to successes. It’s enough to make one become a cynic. But we have 'freedom' of choice in terms of what we dwell on or how we perceive the information or events of life that impact us. The proper mindset can change your attitude and your outlook. Here's hoping you have a thoughtful day.  

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true,….noble,….right,….pure,….lovely,….admirable,….if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

Rethink your challenges

When we long for life without difficulties, we should remember diamonds are not made without undergoing great pressure. – P. Marshall  

After Paul fully understood God’s grace, he began to revel in his infirmities. – WOW!  

The challenges are what bring out the best in us, and without them we would seldom if ever seek to improve ourselves or our lot in life on our own. God does not allow challenges or difficulties into our life to defeat or frustrate us, but to grow our faith and trust in Him and move us along the path on our journey towards eternity with Him. And remarkably, God does not mind when we cry out to Him in the midst of our difficulties, He rather prefers it; as it shows we believe and trust He can do something about it or help us bear up under it. The key is to understand that as challenges come along, it’s actually God just loving on us.  

Until tomorrow……  

Pastor Botts  

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation….” – Philippians 4:12

Some heartbreak

A broken heart is what makes life so wonderful – 5 years later. - R. Murray

The birth of her grandson Obed renewed a long dormant spirit in Naomi’s heart. Hmm!

Live long enough and you’ll learn sooner or later that life hurts sometimes. The truth of the matter is life will break our hearts a few times. God does not always give us what we want or ask for. He in His divine wisdom knows what’s best for us – but He will always, always show us or tell us why He did not answer in the way we desired if we remain faithful and give Him time to show us His much greater plan or vision. We must remember life doesn’t all happen in the here and now moment, and that God is much more concerned with our eternal destiny than our immediate temporary comforts, but even still in this, He will not put more on us that we can bear. So, no matter where we are or what we’re going through right now, we just need to hang in there and hang on to God.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts
                                        
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

Let Go and Let God

For true peace of mind, you must resign as General Manager of the universe. – L. Eisenberg 

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law gave him some sound advice on trying to rule God’s people - 'trust it to God'! 

Whether we want to believe it or not God created the universe and all therein BEFORE he created us, therefore we neither have the know-how or wherewithal to run it, though we often try. God also created each individual unique to HIS specifications to serve His purposes, not ours. Everything may not go our way today, but as the day unfolds I pray we see His hand at work at be at peace with it. 

Until tomorrow….. 

Pastor Botts 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

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

If Only...For A time Such as This

The issue is not where you are, but how you live wherever you are. – H. Nouwen

Though Paul spent a great deal of his life imprisoned, you’d hardly know it from his writings. Wow!

We frequently think to ourselves “if only my circumstances were different, then things would be better.” And so we begin the merry-go-round of wishful thinking: “if only I had a different job,” “if only I had a different spouse,” “if only I had stayed in school,” “if only, if only….” But such thinking is unproductive and actually blinds us to all that is good that God has placed in our lives and present situation. No matter where we are presently in life, it is good. The view we need to undertake is trying to seek out what God is trying to do through us in our present status or circumstances. What we’ll find often is that it’s not the circumstances that need change so much as it is our inner self and attitude. Remember, with God results count, excuses don’t.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…..” – Philippians 4:11

Handle Your Biz

The best way to escape from your problem is to solve it. – R. Anthony

The Prodigal Son got remedy to his problem by admitting his error and going back home. Hmm!

When it comes to problems most of us have mastered the art of procrastination, sweeping them under the rug, or just wishing they would go away – they don’t. Life’s circumstances come upon us to sharpen and refine us in our character. The longer we try to hide from them, put them off, or try to get someone else to take them off our hands, the longer we live in torment and actually stymie our growth. God alone knows what each one of us can bear and He alone knows what circumstances to bring upon each one of us for the desired growth He has in mind. So as you face the issues of the day, whether in sickness or in health; remember the best way to escape is to go through it.

Until Monday………

Pastor Botts

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13