Don't downplay the blessings

The true call of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. – D. Stanley  

Though the disciples were first called ‘Christian’ at Antioch, they were still human. Hmm!  

Though Jesus was God in the flesh, he never denied his human nature. He ate, drank, slept, and enjoyed fellowship with others, even sinners. That in itself, was the perfect model of discipleship. Discipleship does not mean that we live lives of deprivation or poverty but rather we live lives full of appreciation, thankfulness, and sharing. It is not the shrinking away from, or downplaying of the blessings God bestows on us that we may identify with those less fortunate, discipleship is drawing others in to share in those blessings that God gives in order that they may come to know him. True, the call to discipleship is to deny our self-centered nature, but never the blessings God brings our way to help further the kingdom.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“Honor the Lord with thy substance…..” – Proverbs 3:9

The Cost

Salvation is free……but discipleship will cost you your life. - D. Bonhoeffer  

Peter said he was willing to die for Jesus, until that fateful night and the cock “crowed.” Hmm!  

The average person likes a bargain in any deal, where you get more for less; but if we’re not careful we begin to apply that type of mentality to God and His church. Salvation is free but God expects whole-hearted devotion. Whole-heartedness shows itself in perseverance, there may be a failure or two at first, but the earnest devotee thinks, “it is the Lord’s work, and it must be done; I signed up for it, My Lord has bidden ME to do it, and in His strength I will do it.” I pray there is no “crowing” in our inner chamber.  
Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head’….Still another said, ‘I will follow you Lord, but first let me go back and say good by to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:57-58, 61-62