Living the Flexible Life

Life is like a 10-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use. – C. Schultz  

James and John wanted to ‘call down fire’ on the Samaritans because they didn’t welcome Jesus. Jesus got them to relax and later on faith won the day. HMMM!  

Look on any freeway at any time and you’ll see them – Porsche’s, Maserati’s, Ferrari’s – built for excessive speed yet limited by the law, sheer pictures of frustration. Most of us live life that way as if we have only 1 speed. It is either a blistering race to the finish line (which we have no idea is where or when), or a scenic snails pace stopping at every turn (not making any progress). The life Jesus calls us to requires us to be very flexible – sometimes waiting and fasting, sometimes stealing away quickly, and sometimes taking long journeys – to experience the ‘abundance’ He promised. The idea is to take it 1 day at a time using all the gifts God has given us at the pace God sets, for He gives ‘grace sufficient for the day.’  

Until Monday…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” – Romans 12:1

The Funnies

God does like a little humor; as evidenced by the fact that he made giraffes, chihuahuas, and us. – B. Sunday 

God once ‘winked’ at man’s ignorance. Often he is amused at our excuses. Hmm! 

College Degrees. Corporate Titles. Proper etiquette, being 'Politically correct,'etc. Not to say these are in and of themselves bad, for they are not. But when we define ourselves by them and try to live our lives by them, not only is it funny at times, but we miss the point of being God’s children. No matter how well-paid, refined, or educated we are some situation or circumstance today will call for us step out of our title or forget our degree to just simply be a person, and hopefully God’s ambassador. 

Until Monday….. 

Pastor Botts 

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” – Romans 12:3 

P.S. - Malestorm is this Saturday at 3PM. We'll be gathering at Mulligan's in Torrance. Those needing a ride should be at the church by 2:30. Hope you can make it. 

Also, please don't forget this will be the 1st Sunday of July. We will have our Sunday School Devotional and Birthday acknowledgements at 9AM in Parmes Fellowship Hall. Look forward to seeing you.  

It doesn't have to be like that

When things go wrong, don’t go with them. – Anon 

David's one act of adultery eventually led him to murder. OUCH! 

Try as we might to avoid it through prayer, meditation, scripture reading and study, sometimes Satan trips us up and we sin. However, we should immediately confess it and repent before Almighty God, and not try to conceal it with further lies and other sinful acts. This allows Satan to build his fortress in our hearts and surround it with walls of our silence and shame, bringing further calamity. God is ready and quick to forgive those who seek Him and ask it, and restore them to Himself, that you may continue to walk upright with Him. I pray we will be conquerors today. 

Until tomorrow……. 

Pastor Botts 

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody…….Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:17, 21

Insanity

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten! - Anon 

In the book of Judges the Israelites over and over and over “did evil in the sight of God,” and over and over and over He gave them “over to their enemies.” Hmm! 

It’s been said insanity is doing the exact same thing over and over and each time expecting different results. Just because “we’ve always done it this way,” doesn’t necessarily make it right, nor mean it has to continue that way. God doesn’t want our rituals or legalism, but our hearts; for that is where transformation takes place. Look for God to be doing a ‘new thing’ in your life today. 

Until tomorrow….. 

Pastor Botts 

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2