All in or All Lie

A half-truth is a whole lie. – Anon

When Jesus stated “these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me,” it wasn’t a one time occurrence. WOW!  
We all know from our school and life lessons in logic that if any part of a statement is false, the whole statement is false. We should remember that deception in any form is a tool of the enemy. Half-truths are often told with the intent to deceive in some form or fashion. Unfortunately, many people seem to like living their lives this way. When we live by our own sense of morality, our own brand of truth, or our own standard of justice; and claim to belong to Christ also, we’re only half-right and in actuality only deceiving ourselves. Jesus said His way was the “ONLY” way. The Christian ‘life’ is in word and deed, not word only.
 
Until tomorrow…..
 
Pastor Botts
 
“…‘The most important {truth},’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength….Love your neighbor as yourself…” – Mark 12:29-31

Stretchmarks

Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it. – Anon 

Satan subtly tempted Eve by ‘adding’ ever so slightly to the Word of God. Mankind has suffered ever since. Hmm! 

I’m sure we’ve all heard of or quite possibly even told fishermen like stories of “how large the one that got away was,” often exaggerating or embellishing the truth to pump ourselves up. But God has called us to be truthful in all our doings and manner of conversation, even if it brings harsh consequences or circumstances upon us. It may not seem like a big deal, but somehow God has given the 'truth' the power to sanctify, clarify, illuminate, and draw men to Him. So as we progress throughout the day, may truth in all things be our goal; and remember He sees and knows all. 

Until tomorrow…… 

Pastor Botts 

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” – Proverbs 30:5-6

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

Living a Lie

Actions lie louder than words. – C. Wells Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they did not 'practice' what they preached. Hmm! If Jesus is to represent us in heaven before his Father, we must give him something to work with down here. Just as we can easily know what a person believes and thinks not by what they tell us, but by their actions, so can God. And God is not impressed by our high and lofty thoughts, our intentions or speeches, or our wanting to do good, he desires our obedience to His will. None of His commandments are suggestions, food for thought, or take it or leave it theories. God requires our obedience out of our love for Him and who He is. His word is life, and He expects us to strive each day to live them out. Our actions will convict us, the only question is what will we be convicted of? Until Monday….. Pastor Botts “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46