Friday, December 19, 2014

Not the same twice

If you must make mistakes, it would be more to your credit if you’d make a new one each time. – Sparks

Though Peter denied the Lord on that fateful night, as imperfect as he was he never went down that road again. Hmm!

No matter how long we’ve been around “learn from your mistakes,” is a siren call we’ve heard almost all of our lives. And true to the task many of us have learned, albeit the wrong way. We still commit the offense (sin), but we’ve learned how to make it seem plausible, acceptable, even almost necessary; that we may live with the guilt. Our old excuses may work with one another, but God looks on our hearts and no matter how we want to perceive it, with God it is still wrong, and one for which we will have to give an answer. His will is that we learn to avoid the mistakes, not grow to accept them. He knew we were imperfect which is why He sent a redeemer and reconciler. But if we continue in our ways we cannot be His disciples.

Until ……

Pastor Botts

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” – Romans 6:1-2

P.S. - Don't forget Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9AM and our Christmas Presentation Sunday morning at 9AM. Blessings!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Keep Moving!

He who limps is still walking. – S. Lee

Jacob wrestled with God and received a ‘limp’ along with his blessing. Hmm!

Canes. Crutches. Walkers, or other medical devices. We’ve all seen them in one manner or another. All inventions to keep us mobile, moving, and/or active and in the main of life despite physical setbacks and weaknesses. There’s a great lesson in them. Perhaps you’ve suffered great losses in your life. Perhaps you’re suffering grief or sorrow or hurt that still brings pain or discomfort to your daily life. Don’t stop there or give up, for that’s what the enemy wants. The key is to keep moving closer to God and His purposes. He’s strong enough for us to lean on and He doesn’t mind us doing so.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“To keep me from becoming conceited….there was given me a thorn in my flesh….to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – II Corinthians 12:7-9

Monday, December 15, 2014

Need Answers? Look to God.

If we aren't seeing eye to eye with God, there is a good chance His eyes aren't the ones needing adjustment! - J. Wilson

It wasn't until Cleophas and his friend actually looked up they realized the 'Resurrection' was right before them. Wow!

When it comes to the Word of God and the issue of our own hearts, there are commands that we just don't seem to agree with, we don't see the reasoning or logic behind them (give, serve, love, forgive, etc....). But God told us in His Word there are some things He reserves or keeps to Himself, He is not obligated to share with us every detail. But also there are many commands that only bring blessing when obeyed in faith. and God has given us enough to still trust Him fully. He has always been God, His ways have always been and always will be perfect, and He loves us unconditionally and does everything for 'our good' and His glory. So though we may not see it at the time, if we just keep our focus on Him it will be alright. If we continue to look for the answers we miss God, but if we look for God we get both.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare." - Psalm 25:15

Thursday, December 11, 2014

How Are You Doing?

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. – B. Hybels

Jesus once asked his disciples ‘who do you say that I am?’ to make sure they were getting the message he was conveying. Peter knew the answer. AMEN!

Product surveys, town-hall meetings, suggestion boxes, etc. – what do they all have in common – they are ways people solicit feedback to see how they are doing and what they can do better. They go directly to the source – you. Jesus did it often with his Father as an example for us to follow. The best way to ensure we’re carrying out God’s plan and not our own is to check with Him often and take time to listen to what He says. He’s already assured us in His book of the victory.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20

Monday, December 8, 2014

More than Average

The average day is average only because we don't make it something more. - J. Maxwell

God fed the Israelites 'fresh food' (manna) everyday. They just ate without giving it a second thought. Hmm!

Most moments in our lives become 'special' only because we designate them so. Celebrations, major events or milestones, etc. But when we designate what is special we leave God out. It was He who determined what is 'good' and the very first day He made and every one since then is 'good.' The very fact that we had nothing to do with the creation and coming of today makes it miraculous. God designed it, cropped it, filled it with His glory, and gifted it to us; all in a manner designed to help perfect our character. If we can get so excited at someone just baking us a cake for our birthday, should not our appreciation for what God shows us every day be 'off the charts!' Hopefully, we'll all take time to be amazed today.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"...the Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands....Day after day.....night after night...." - Psalm 19:1-2

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Rejoicing in Today

Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren’t enjoying today’s sunshine. – W. Feather

Martha was so busy making preparations for Jesus’ visit to their home, she never really got an opportunity to visit with him when he came. OUCH!

Though the calendar on the wall or in our pocket may show a 7-day weekly period, or 30-day month, today is all we have. All the other days have either disappeared into oblivion or darkness, or not yet emerged from it. It is wise to plan for the future ahead of us but never at the expense of sucking all the joy out of right now. We cannot fully experience or praise God unless we take time out to enjoy Him and His creation right now. The ability to ‘earn our keep’ by the work we do is a grand opportunity to experience God working through us. Rainy days or hardships may come or may already be upon us, but nevertheless, today is still all we have. If we live by the Spirit we will find opportunity to enjoy what God is doing and give Him praise.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Failure: A step to Success

Been there, done that, got a T-Shirt! - Anon

Realizing one-size didn't fit everyone, Paul said he "became all things to all men to win just one." Hmm!

Plain and simple, life means risks. Getting uncomfortable, feeling a bit uneasy at times, waiting for the end result. But that's what makes life - life. The possibility of failure is always among us, and yes, we should be concerned about it but not paralyzed by it. When we look at things with the proper attitude failure plays a really productive role in success. It provides valuable insight and information, lets us know which roads we no longer have to travel, which mountains we don't have to climb again, and which oceans we no longer need to set sail on, which in turn narrows our focus and increases our chances for succeeding the next time. God gives us many, many opportunities to serve Him, so today is just one more chance to get it right.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up..." - Galatians 6:9

Monday, November 24, 2014

Changed by the Word

Scripture should more than inform us, it should transform us. – Anon

When King Hezekiah received the threatening letter from Sennacherib, he was moved to prayer. God was moved too! AMEN!

“We like it, we love it, we want some more of it.” That seems to be the cry of most of us as “Christians” today, “I need to know more bible, or more about the bible.” But scripture should be much more than information to us, it is food to nourish our soul and spirit, to power the life we live. The Word of God is “alive and powerful”, and able to change or transform us when given license through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we all face the circumstances and situations of life, we need to remember it’s not how much scripture we know, but will it show in our life.

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

Friday, November 21, 2014

Seeing good everyday

It’s just as easy to look for the good things in life as the bad. - Sparks

In all that Joseph went through (abandonment, prison, etc.) his attitude seems to say he never had a bad day. Hmm!

The alarm doesn’t go off and you wake up late. The sun is shining. You spill coffee on your clothes on the way to work. You have a job. The boss doesn’t like your report. You still have a job. You work through lunch to fix the report. You actually have food to eat. It can go on and on like this in work, life, relationships, you name it. The issue is we are so bent on seeing all the ‘wrongs’  or ‘bad things’ that occur to us that we seldom see or think about all the good that happens. We’re not hard-wired that way – for God wants us to see His beauty and splendor – but somewhere along the road of life we seem to have picked up blinders to all that is good and can only focus on what isn’t, and we gladly tell others about it. God never said life would be perfect, but that life would help perfect us, if we see it properly for what it is, a training ground for our character – which is the only thing we can take into eternity. So today, why not try to see all the good God brings your way and praise Him for it – for you need remember, you are a ‘piece of work’!

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be on my lips…..” – Psalm 34:1

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Sin. Always out of fashion.

Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies just because they become fashions. – G.K. Chesterton

The idolatry practiced by their neighbors looked like fun and good times to the Israelites, but God thought otherwise. Ouch!

Fads. New wave. Cutting edge. Avant Garde. Lifestyles, etc.  Call it what you will, but we now live in a society where it is fully acceptable to find new ways to lower morality and shun any personal responsibility, or acknowledge Almighty God. Everybody has turned to his own way. Even we as Christians if we’re not careful can get easily tangled up in the worldly offerings (media, leisure, clothing, idols, affirmations, etc.). But no matter what society calls it or how society sells it, before God it is still SIN, period! Don’t just do it, do it righteously.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” – I Thessalonians 5:19-22

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Truth Hurts... Sometimes

The truth doesn’t hurt unless it ought to. – B.C. Forbes

Peter was ‘hurt’ when Jesus questioned his love those 3 times after his denials. But he finally got point. OUCH!

Jesus referred to himself as ‘the Truth.’ God never gave us the truth to hurt us, but to set us free. The power of the truth is in its application – love. If we walk in the truth we feel the love and warmth of God. If we walk outside of the truth we feel its painful sharp edges trying to push us back into line. If pain lingers its only because of our refusal to acknowledge and accept God’s plan and purposes over our own. We can get mad and go away but the TRUTH (God’s Word) will never change, for it is His agent to change us. Lets strive for a pain-free day today!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.” – John 17:17

Friday, November 14, 2014

Doing the Impossible

Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. – D. Larson

Before Peter came to his “senses” and started to sink, his faith had allowed him to walk on water. Wow!

Breaking the sound barrier! Discovering Penicillin! Building the Golden Gate Bridge! All examples of the impossible being done by people not “book smart” enough to know it couldn’t be done, but with faith and determination to go at it until they did. Truthfully, if we all took a few moments to reflect back over our lives I’m sure we’ll see the impossible has been worked quite often there as well. Trials, tribulations, mountains, problems, situations that we thought were impossible to overcome have suddenly become vague items in the rear view mirror of life because of God’s blessing. Life’s situations may seem hard today, but remember, nothing’s impossible.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“’If you can’?  said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes.” – Mark 9:23

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Spiritual Maintenance

“You call what you’re doing a living sacrifice?” – God

Jacob had to leave his family, slept alone with a ‘rock’ for a pillow, and still got up and praised God. Hmm!

Often most of us just fall into the rut of life, just doing what we need to do to get by, make ends meet, keep the lights on, etc. And unfortunately the same attitude falls upon our ministry and worship efforts. But if God is a God of life, joy, vibrancy, and one who is ‘doing a new thing’ should not our lives somewhat parallel the one in whose image we were made? The spirit-filled individuals we read about in His word had problems as well, but it seems they went out of their way and normal routines to please God. If God is the same ‘yesterday, today, and forever,’ I think the same type of attitude and effort is still what pleases Him. Hopefully we’re all up for it today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“{God said} Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” – Job 1:8

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Reward of Change

Our reward is what we become, not what we get. – Anon

Paul considered becoming more ‘like Christ’ far greater than anything else he had done in his life. Hmm!

We live in a saturated society of more, more, more. We’re told to chase the ‘American Dream,' to follow 'the money.' We’re told newer is always better, older is passé. We learn to measure others by what they possess, where they live, what they do. It should be easy for us to see that our buy-in to such thinking does nothing but keep us on a treadmill trying to reach the next plateau. And until we realize that life is much more about significance (making an impact on other’s lives) than success (gathering trophies and trinkets), we will never be satisfied. God is about changing our character and heart in preparing us for heaven. The hardest part is ours in realizing we do need to be changed, and asking God for help. He’s the Master at making masterpieces, and He thinks we’re worth the change.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“[And Jesus said]: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 18:3

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The most important thing

A Note from God: “My kid saved your honor student.” – Anon

Paul stated he’d rather have Jesus than anything, counting all his other worldly goods as ‘rubbish.’ WOW!

Whether it be honor student, perfect attendance, club awards, etc., we sometimes do tend to get carried away with notoriety for our children, and oftentimes even with titles for ourselves. Awards and titles have their place in our lives, but we must keep the main thing the main thing. None of this would be possible if it had not been for what Jesus did for us, and secondly and of even more import; none of this means anything if Jesus is not our personal savior. Besides, when we get to heaven God is not going to check our credentials for awards or titles, he’s going to check our hearts and bodies for battle scars (the marks of Jesus).

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” – Jude 3

As we celebrate our Veteran's today let us not forget the ultimate sacrifice made for us!

Monday, November 10, 2014

No big heads here

Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. – G. K. Chesterton

Though Paul started many churches and had audiences with kings, he never forgot that he was just a servant of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Fame, titles, positions, possessions – if not careful; these things can tend to give one an attitude of superiority or pride. Success in and of itself is not bad or sinful, but when we allow it to dictate to others how we should be treated, or demand special considerations because of it, we’ve set ourselves up for a fall. Yes, life is a serious matter; but we like the people we deal with on a daily basis are imperfect creatures too. So no matter our success we must remember that it too has been by God’s grace, not so much our own making. Remember, God “sets up and knocks down kings” as He purposes.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For by the grace given to 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

Friday, November 7, 2014

Loving God's Will

God’s will is not an itinerary, but an attitude. – A. Dhuse

The Pharisee checked off his to-do-list in his prayer time to God. God was not impressed. OUCH!

True, the bible has a lot of do’s and don’ts in it. But it is not a book of regulations and lists to march by, and pound others with, it is a letter to learn to love God; and live by. Without it, we have no idea of who God is and how to love Him. With it we know not only how to love God, but others and ourselves as well. Love is the greatest attitude.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” – I John 4:11-12

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Belief vs Conviction

Beliefs are what you hold, convictions are what hold you. – H.G. Wells

Joseph could not bring himself to sin against his God with Potiphar’s wife. Samuel could not sin against his God by failing to pray for His people. Beliefs no, convictions YES!

There is a common saying we’re all familiar with “talk is cheap,” meaning we are proven by our actions rather than by our words. Many a person has gone down in flames because they got their beliefs confused with their convictions. The enemy will always attack our beliefs - he attacked Jesus in Matthew 4 - just to see our response. For one growing in the faith there comes a crossing over point where we truly realize, feel, and understand the great love God has lavished on us, and we are convicted in our hearts never to cross or sever that bond nor leave its confines. That’s a worldview worth having.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” – II Corinthians 5:13-15

Monday, November 3, 2014

Is it really a failure?

Huge failures are often divine redirections. – D. Harvey

Paul thought he was cut out to be a Pharisee, but 'Oh', what a fisherman he became. Hmm!

We sing a song entitled ‘God Never Fails,’ and firmly know that to be true. The scriptures even bear it out that God cannot fail. But we are often heart broken and ready to give up our faith when something we think we’re doing for God goes awry or flat out fails. While God does not fail, it was never promised that all we strive to do for Him would succeed. He himself knows the purpose for which He created each and every one of us, and He will bring it about in His time. So though we may fail at one thing and suffer a little heartache, it is not final. Life is not defined by one or two events, but the sum total of all we do. And God can and will bring it all together for us if we allow Him some ‘wiggle room.’ If things aren’t the way we want them, maybe we should look to God's design.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Friday, October 31, 2014

Don't Wait Hesitate or Debate

One of the devil's most successful wiles is “wait awhile.” – Anon

The foolish virgins waited until the bridegroom came to go out and get oil for their lamps. They missed out on everything. OUCH!

It’s often been said that if it weren’t for the last minute nothing would ever get done. There is a lot of truth in this. We by nature are people who push the ‘snooze button’ on life. Even though we know tomorrow is not promised to us we often assume it is by our inaction. True, we can’t get everything done in one day, but we could and should do those things we know God has required of us. When we put off what we know to be right it is essentially sin, and Satan wins. This is not just in our Christian duty, but in daily life situations as well. In doing good and righteous acts we don’t need to pray and wait, God has already commanded us to GO!

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:4-5

P.S. - Don't forget to set your clocks BACK one hour Saturday night as we end Daylight Savings Time. Also don't forget our Sunday School Devotional time. The instructors will be answering all the questions you submitted. It starts at 9AM Sunday morning.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Just Ask

Many things are lost for want of asking. – English Proverb

The Syro-Phoenician woman braved redress from the disciples, indifference, and even name-calling from Jesus to make her request. Her faith was rewarded. Amen!

Without a doubt most of us believe God is a prayer answering God, but yet we fail to pray. Often what we call praying is actually just us meditating, hashing the issue out in our mind, but not really asking or talking to God about it. And because of our feelings of inadequacy we often feel ashamed to even ask. But God wants us to ask “in faith,” and sometimes He will often test our faith to see if we are sincere. Every blessing God prepared He prepared to lavish on His people and that should include you. Why not ask him today!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” – John 14:13

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Never Give Up

I’ve read the last page of the bible. It’s all going to turn out all right. – B. Graham

Jesus sent 2 disciples to town to prepare for the Passover meal once. They found it just as He said it would be. Hmmm!

Why me Lord? Why now God? God, are you there? Questions like these and others often pass through our minds and faith, depending on what’s going on in our life at the time. I’m sure some of us are asking them of God right now. Trials and suffering are all a part of God’s plan for us. However, we cannot in the midst of the trial give up or give out – as this is the key time God expects us to TRUST His purposes – but just hold on. The key is for us to trust in the ending, not the current situation. Though we may not see it, remember God is always faithful and true.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Mistakes

In life, try to fix the mistakes – not the blame! – Anon

Back in the original Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve; and we know what the end result of that was. Hmm!

It’s a guarantee that in your life today a problem will arise or a mistake will occur. They will not necessarily be yours but they will impact you. It’s called circumstances. Issues never arise for finger-pointing exercise, but for active responses like healing, helping, loving, forgiving, etc. Like Jesus’ response to the woman taken in adultery, God is expecting us to NOT do the ordinary and selfish but the extraordinary and life-giving. The key to it all is to remember that we too fall short sometimes and need a little grace.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1-2

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Perfect Validation

When we live for the approval of God, we need not be disturbed by the opinion of others. – Anon

Most people rejected Jesus as ‘The Son of God,’ but He went ahead and died for them too. WOW!

Validation – it’s something in our humaness that drives us to seek after it. Day by day, job by job, relationship by relationship we seek it. The problem is not that we seek it, but where we seek it. We often tend to seek it from other imperfect beings like ourselves. If we are to ‘be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect’ then we ought to seek our approval from the one example He gave us – Himself in the flesh. The world may have its validation/approval rating systems, but living for the approval of God means we must be willing to give up ways and deeds that are not to His liking, regardless of what the world says. It’s really somewhat simple. To keep from being pulled in many different directions all we need do is listen for God’s voice.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As soon as Jesus was baptized…..a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:16-17

Praising in Truth

Anybody can observe the Sabbath, but keeping it Holy surely takes the rest of the week. – A. Walker

Jesus called many of those who followed Him ‘vain worshipers,’ possibly because they never practiced what He preached. Hmm!

It is true that in some things you can learn a lot by observation, but far more true is that you only get good at what you practice. And while there is no ‘one size fits all’ way to praise God, there is a requirement that we remember “He is Holy,” and our praise and worship offerings should reflect it. To praise God faithfully on Sunday in the sanctuary actually requires that we worship Him faithfully Monday through Saturday in our daily lives and activities. And our worship of Him is truly based upon the ‘worth’ we ascribe to Him in our daily living. If He’s not present in our work, recreation, home life, social interactions, etc., then more than likely we’re only observing and not keeping the Sabbath.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said] to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Choose Happy

There is no key to happiness, the door is always open. – Anon

Governor Festus thought all of Paul’s ‘learning’ made him a mad man. Paul was just happy to share the gospel, even while in chains. Hmm!

Blaring car horns, glaring facial scowls, grumpy greetings – it’s enough to make one think this world is full of mad, angry, unfulfilled people – and often its us, we’re the unhappy campers in the mix. Maybe that’s because we have the wrong idea or assumption. We often think happiness is tied to achieving certain stations in life or particular blessings. But in truth happiness is a state of mind or attitude we can willingly choose anytime, no matter what is going on around us or in our immediate lives. God’s word does actually tell us to ‘rejoice in all situations’ which is an indication of the attitude we should have at all times. Maybe life would be much more bearable and enjoyable if we tried it God’s way.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God…” Ecclesiastes 2:26

Friday, October 17, 2014

A New Way

Nothing in all of humanity had ever “been done that way before” until someone tried it. – Anon

Though God made the seas during creation, no one tried sailing the waters until Noah’s time. Hmm!

Problems…problems…problems. It seems life is filled with them. But God is not so much interested in us solving problems as He is in us being available to Him that He may solve them through us. We’re the hands, feet, heart, eyes, etc. that He works through. And He is as diverse in His ways as the entire color spectrum.  Failure is never certain until we stop or give up trying. We’ve all been faced with challenges and obstacles to overcome that seemed insurmountable, but yet by the grace and provision of God here we are today. Why, because we tried doing something and it worked out. The key here is to try, never to give in, but to seek God’s way to see you through. If we’re wrestling with God over something maybe He’s trying to show us a ‘new way’ of doing His will.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” – Isaiah 43:18-19

Knowing is only half the battle

Some people will pay their tuition, and then defy you to give them an education. – R.A. Cook

Naaman traveled long and hard to get ‘cured’ of his leprosy, and then decided he didn’t like the remedy given. Hmm!

We live in the information age. It comes at us from all directions – TV, radio, internet, bill boards, magazines, newspapers, etc. – all the time. Most of the time we willingly go after it, but in the end its just news to us, it requires nothing of us, no changes, no challenges. Often we use the same application process when it comes to our reading and studying of God’s Word. We love the information content, and though it does challenge us to change or charge us to be obedient, our old attitude wins out and we do nothing. Though the world’s news may not require anything of us God has said “we will all one day have to give an account.”  If we’re going to acquire the understanding of His Word, it’s only practical to put it to use. That’s what life is for.

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

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Think About It

Readers are plentiful, thinkers are rare. – H. Martineau

The greatest king in Israel’s history was David, the one who loved to ‘meditate’ on God’s word. Hmm!

Newspapers, magazines, the bible, novels, internet news articles, we read them all alike – we READ them. Just news and information to pass the time and give us information to share in passing conversations. We should never read the bible for quantity, but quality; looking to gain understanding, insight, wisdom, and application to our lives. The God who endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect did not intend for us to forgo their use, but very often when it comes to His Word and other life issues we do. We read the bible but we don’t think through or meditate on what we read. We see God’s awesome works but we don’t envision God in the process. From the tiniest insect to the largest beast in the field God is involved. From the minutest detail to the greatest issue in our lives God is involved. The question we must answer is how involved is He and what is He asking of me. Think on it friend.

Until tomorrow……….

Pastor Botts

“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.” – Psalm 119:97-97

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Opportunities Abound

We are all continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. – J. W. Gardner

Moses as leader of the Israelites, is the prime example of developing faith on the job. AMEN!

The internet. A great tool of invention that opens us up to a host of opportunities to communicate, research, do media, and even do commerce. However, it is also a tool fraught with pitfalls and danger. It requires a little work to “surf” the web successfully. Similarly every day and moment God grants us is an opportunity to bring glory to Him. Every individual we meet is an opportunity to share Christ’s love with them. Yes, opportunities abound, but like the internet they require a little effort or “work” to be beneficial. That’s how we grow.

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” – I Corinthians 16:8-9  

Monday, October 13, 2014

Celebrate Everyday

There is no such thing in anyone’s life as an unimportant day. – A. Woollcott

Though the Israelites were in bondage over 400 years God counted each day until he called Moses. The rest is history. AMEN!

Birthdays! Wedding Anniversaries! Holidays! We all love to celebrate such events and do so with much fanfare. But the truth of the matter is everyday is a day for celebration because it is not something we give ourselves, but a gift God GRANTS to us. And because God does nothing without purpose or intent Today cannot be unimportant. so even with its situations or circumstances that may come with it, ours is to find out what the importance of today is and make sure it meets with His expectations. Remember, in His eyes we are somebody, and God is purposeful in His giving.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2

Friday, October 10, 2014

Success vs Winning

Winning is a habit, unfortunately so is losing; but success is a lifestyle. – V. Lombardi

Joseph’s success in all he put his hands to do was not so much because God gave him victory as it was he obeyed God’s will. AMEN!

Sometimes our understanding and desires get blurred and worldly. Nowhere in His word does God promise victory in every task, situation, or hardship that comes upon us. We think it does, but it doesn’t. What God does promise is we will be successful whenever we follow His will, for He cannot fail. So we must not get so hung up on victory at any cost. God is after our success in life, for that brings glory to Him; and often He works in ways we don’t always like or understand to bring it about. Remember Jesus said, “my Father is always at his work.” If times are rough right now maybe we should take a look to see where God is trying to succeed in our life.

Until Monday……..

Pastor Botts

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful whenever you go.” – Joshua 1:7

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Opportunity to Win!

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein

When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, "He’s so big we can never kill him." When David looked at the same giant he thought, "He’s so big I can’t miss." Hmm!

Economic uncertainty. Election campaign rhetoric. Job stability/availability. There are a lot of difficult choices ahead for us, that will further impact our individual status. But no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what our circumstances; opportunities abound to make things better. And the first step is to change how we view what we’re up against. If our God truly is greater than any obstacle we can ever face, maybe we need to take it to him and view it through His lenses. He’s already promised to give us ‘a future and a hope,’ and as the author of ‘every good and perfect gift’ every situation can be beneficial to us. It’s all in how we see it.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Here it comes

It is dangerous to pray if you are not ready to accept the answer. – R. Murray

Gideon was okay with God answering the prayers to come and help his people, he just wasn’t keen on the idea that God needed him to help out. Hmm!

We’ve all heard the phrase “be careful of what you ask for, because you just might get it.” Well in prayer that phrase is truly applicable. God is a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. Whenever God speaks to us, it will immediately require an adjustment in our life, and our reaction will reflect what we truly believe about Him. We will either be drawn closer to Him, or move further away – but we will not remain where we are. Essentially, each time we read our bible and/or pray to God we must be prepared to either obey or be disobedient, for God will speak into our life. But though He speaks, He will leave the choice, and its consequences solely up to us. So today may be bringing answers to yesterday’s prayers.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me; ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness….” – II Corinthians 12:8-9

Monday, October 6, 2014

Know your enemy

When it’s time to fight a war, it’s best you know who the enemy is – and who it isn’t. – M. Nappa

During his kingship, Saul spent a great amount of time and energy pursuing David as his enemy. He should have just looked in the mirror. Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to do something worthwhile knows it often comes amid battle. Trying to live the righteous and Christian life is no different. However, the battles we fight are often of our own making and against our own ally (God) because of our hardness of heart and selfish desires. Like Paul we often ‘kick against the pricks’ when God is trying to work in corrections, or bring blessings in our lives. Life would be much easier if we could get ourselves out of the way!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” – Matthew 16:23

Friday, October 3, 2014

Learning Curve

If you live to learn, then you will really learn to live. - J. Zabloski

Saul thought he knew it all and had it all until he met Christ on that Damascus road. He counted it all a loss after that. Wow!

Success, growth, wonder, and most of all - the awe of God- are all descendants of one life characteristic; the ability and desire to be taught. 'Teachability' is an attitude that says, "no matter how much I know (or think I know), I can learn from my situation." God is always at His work, and He presents new and exciting things (miracles) every day that we may know and praise Him more. The problem for most of us is that we operate from a teacher's attitude (we've seen, done, and know it all); and we want to tell others about it.. No matter how seasoned we may grow to be we must remember that before the Master a student's quest is always the right approach.

Until Monday........

Pastor Botts

"...call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know....." - Jeremiah 33:3

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Follow the REAL Leader

The person who tries to lead himself has a fool for a follower. – Anon

The Prodigal son knew in his heart he was ready to take on and conquer the world. Thank God he came to his senses later. WHEW!

It’s a strange picture – a dog chasing his tail – but it paints a vivid picture of reality oftentimes. It’s a picture of lost purpose, no direction, wasted energy, and plain silliness. But yet, when we get right down to it, many people are just like that, maybe some of us. We give half-hearted attention to God’s ways or completely shun them, thinking we truly know what’s best and how to work things out. But this world and its ways were already a going concern when we were born and came of age, and likely will be a going concern long after we’re gone. The only constant is a loving God who is working things out to his perfect design. And it’s easier to go along with him than to kick against the pricks.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:20-21

Monday, September 29, 2014

Don't Waste It

However short it may be, life is made even shorter by wasting time. – Anon

When Jesus came to his house, Zacchaeus wasted no time in repenting and restoring those he had possibly defrauded. He was well rewarded! Hmm!

Today truly is the first day of the rest of our life. It is equally true we do not know how long our life will be. Though killing time is not murder, when it is wasted or used unwisely it is committing suicide; and though many people would never think of taking their own life, that’s exactly what they are doing. If we’ve not enjoyed life thus far it can only be because we do not know or truly serve God. He has purposed us for “good works” which he prepared in advance to bring us joy. All the promises we have made to him to one day get to his business are soon coming due. He’s given us TODAY to begin making preparations.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“And [Jesus] said to them, ‘How is it that ye sought me? Know ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” – Luke 2:49 (KJV)

Friday, September 26, 2014

Called to be more than average

When you are "average" you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top. - Anon

God calls us to "stand out" not stand in. Hmm!

One of life's false assumptions is that everybody should fit in and follow the norm. We base our laws and government on "what's best for the average person." Most of us at times don't even mind being an average Christian. But average is just that - average. God calls us to a better way of life. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. As you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." -Matthew 5:16

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Controlling the Self

To many, total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation, but neither gets practiced! - Augustine

Many of the godly kings of Judah destroyed the temples of Baal and Ashtoreth, but neglected the high places. Hmm!

As those made in the highest order of creation, we are by far the more intelligent beings, able to ‘subdue and control’ the earth. But in all our conquering the hardest thing for us to learn is to temper our appetites, control our desires, or restrain our impulses. After all, nobody but nobody knows what’s better for us than we ourselves is our way of thinking. But God really does know better, He created us, knows what we can withstand, knows how He wants to bless us, and knows how He wants to use us in His service. Moderation is difficult, of course; but the rewards are numerous and long-lasting. To improve our finances, health, or general well-being; then wisdom and moderation must be close traveling companions. God will leave the decision up to us, but then so are the consequences.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…Better a patient man that a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city..” – Proverbs 16:32

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Your Lane

Your true value depends entirely on who or what you are compared with. – B. Wells

Potiphar’s wife thought the slave boy Joseph would be easy prey. She didn’t know he served a high calling before God. Wow!

Keeping up with the Jones' has been a lifelong tradition. For many of us it was something almost inbred in us by our parents or peers, and we just can’t seem to identify ourselves any other way. It’s the way of the world and its expectations – you are what you drive, eat, wear, where you live, etc. When we allow these comparisons to shape us it brings undue stress and strain in our lives, impacting our emotional and spiritual well-being. God has told us we are worth everything to Him (He gave His Son for us) and it doesn’t matter what our lot in life is, He loves us just the same. When we look at the saints of old, we will see how even with their flaws God used them, shaped them, loved them, and saved them. Need we any other comparisons to see how much we are valued and loved.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” – II Corinthians 10:12

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Living Focused

A man who chases two rabbits catches neither. – D. Ashwell

King Saul wanted his own fame and that of David. He lost everything including his life. Hmm!

If you’re human chances are you’ve suffered a time or two from ‘opportunity-itis,’ the giving of yourself to too many enterprises and activities. As Christians we often feel compelled to chase a number of activity options for fellowship, ministry, and service. This in itself is not bad, but when we add family and friends and other social gatherings to the mix we become stretched thin and lose the ability to do anything meaningful. Jesus called on his followers to live ‘focused’ lives, lives that have a distinct purpose that will impact others. Just as a laser is more powerful and effective when narrowly focused, so should we be.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Monday, September 22, 2014

Starting Right

There are two kinds of people. Those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, its morning!" – Anon  

Jesus sneaked away early one morning to pray. Peter found him to remind him there was ‘work’ to do. Hmm!  

You would think by now in our many years of life we would have learned to adjust or adapt. Our alarm clock goes off the same time every morning, and often it upsets us to no end. We awake and often greet the day with an attitude geared toward what we know is scheduled (Monday mornings, meetings, doctor’s visit, school test, work, etc) rather than with an attitude toward who created the day and woke us to see and be a part of it. The first order of business on any day, rain or shine, is to spend time with the one who created it, seek His will, direction, protection, and provision. Nothing ever takes God by surprise and if we let Him do the leading in our daily lives rarely will it happen to us. This is a day He has made, we should just rejoice!  

Until tomorrow……  

Pastor Botts  

“For by him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16

Friday, August 29, 2014

Lies Lies & more Lies

Too many white lies can lead to color blindness. – Anon

Jesus not only called Satan a liar, but the father of lies. I wonder how He really felt about him. Hmm!

White lies - we call them little, we call them insignificant, we call them a fact of life – but in reality when we willingly tell them they are just lies. It’s easy to stretch the truth just a bit so that we don’t look so bad, or have to go the extra mile, or have to be imposed upon, or give someone false hope, but when we knowingly do so and leave others with a false understanding, we’ve lied. And when we begin to make concessions in one area of our life, it usually creeps into other areas as well. That’s just the way sin is. Just as smoke never stays in the ‘smoking section’ sin never stays little or hidden – it grows, and it branches out into all areas of our lives to blur the lines of distinction between right and wrong. In a world that desperately needs the truth spoken and lived out, God is expecting us to lead the way. We must not settle for easy over right.

I'll be on vacation a while so this keyboard will be silent……  

Pastor Botts

“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Focused Ambition

Mountains are not meant to envy. – J. Piper

John the Baptist never tried to overshadow the ministry to Jesus, he just prepared the way. Hmm!

The Grand Canyon – it’s a beautiful creation and gift of God that inspires awe. It was not intended to create a desire for one to dig a hole just like it. Truth be known many folks often wish they could sing, preach, pray, write, etc. like the Great ones; and they envy their skills and talents. But comparisons like this are really a doorway into selfish ambition, it leads us to a place of competition and confrontation rather than God’s design for harmony and unity. Ambition is a great thing, but we should seek to keep it focused on bettering ourselves through the gifts and opportunities God grants us individually, not trying to make ourselves a carbon copy of some other God-gifted saint.  For if we fail to be who God made us to be, who will fill in for us?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

Monday, August 25, 2014

Room for God to work

Happy people plan actions, they don’t plan results. – D. Wholey

The little lad packed a lunch for the day. He just didn’t know it was enough for 5000 plus. AMEN!

It’s a true saying that if you plant tomatoes you will get tomatoes – not carrots or peas, etc. But the fact of the planting is you won’t know how many tomatoes you’ll get or what size they will be, or if they will be flavorful. You just plant and let God do the rest. Too often we begin with the end result or expectation in mind and grow frustrated when it doesn’t work out the way we planned. All we can be responsible for is what we do. It’s the only arena of life we can control. Now we may expect results, but we can’t demand them. We must leave room for God to operate in our lives to bring about His purposes. After all, any results He brings are always for our good.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” – Acts 20:22.”

Friday, August 22, 2014

Remain in Him

If you want to have a horizontal reach, you need to have a vertical focus. - Robin H.

Paul had great success in his ministry because he 'counted everything loss for the sake of Christ,' which is all he preached. Hmm!

Some things in life are so simple that we often overlook the obvious. We attend programs, seminars, classes, buy the latest bestsellers, trying to learn the latest insight, methodology, or buzz words  on how to be successful for Christ. This is all noble and good, but the obvious is overlooked. When we plant a seed the first thing it does is break through the dirt reaching upward to the sky. Then as it grows it begins to spread its branches and leaves outward. That's the key, we need to look up first, and make sure we're hooked up properly. The point is that anything we attempt to do for Christ and His church must begin with Him. Meaning we need to be connected to Him, filled with His spiritual presence, and submitting to His leading. The work of Christ has always been empowered by His Spirit and always will be. If we're struggling with success for Him maybe we need to make sure the connections are in proper order.

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5  

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Patience Please

One moment of patience may ward off great disaster; one moment of impatience may ruin a whole life. – Chinese Proverb

In all of his affliction, Job would not curse God. He waited patiently for an answer. He got more than he could hold. AMEN!

There’s an old cliché I’m sure we’re all familiar with ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ It intimates that it took a great deal of time to build that great city. We can take from this that noble lives also take time to perfect. Unfortunately it seems to be a lesson that is lost on most people. We are constantly on the go, in the mix, forging ahead, making it happen. We have no time for preparation, planning, discipline, or delayed gratification. 'Just do it' is the motto of the day. But if God is leading the way in our lives we should never run ahead of Him. And often He expects us to wait or be patient for His response. What He has planned is always greater than what we could ever achieve on our own. Life may happen fast but our response should be at our own pace.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” – Hebrews 6:12

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

The Bright Side

An optimist is a fellow who believes a housefly is actually looking for a way to get out. – G. Nathan

Throughout all his afflictions Job looked for God’s response and insight. He was well rewarded. Amen!

Life pays back in kind, and much of what we will receive is based upon how we respond to the stimuli in life. The key is to trust that no matter what God brings into our lives today via work, family, friends, or even strangers; He is going to work it out “for good.” The truth is we have Christ, so we should always have hope and look for the best, whether it be with people or circumstances. And just as God sees us as we can be, not as we actually are; we too should also see others in the same way. The trick is not to get rankled, riled up, or fly off the handle, but believe.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Procrastination: Growing Trouble

Procrastination is the fertilizer that makes difficulties grow. – J. Maxwell

Because the Israelites didn’t think they were ready to take the Promised Land it cost them 40 years in the desert wilderness. OUCH!

Small projects that have become monumental tasks. Small issues that have become mega problems filled with drama. All because we did not attack them when they first surfaced. The truth is all problems grow if we don’t focus on them immediately and plan some course of action. The first step is always to remember who we are and who we belong to. And since there’s nothing too hard for our God, we should trust Him for the strength, wisdom, knowledge, and other resources we will need. Since tomorrow is not promised today is a good day to start.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Monday, August 18, 2014

Striving for Perfection

Change the changeable; accept the unchangeable; and remove yourself from the unacceptable. – Denis Waitley

The bible says Jesus couldn't 'do' any miracles in his hometown so he left. Hmm!

“Close enough for government work!” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard and possibly used. With so much bureaucracy we marvel at anything that actually gets done. But this way of thinking has not only crept into our vocabulary, but into our daily lives as well. We don’t’ really strive for perfection, just “close enough” to put us in line with all the other average Joes’s. But God calls us to a higher degree of perfection and maturity. I’m praying we will all be extended beyond ourselves a little bit today.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“And he gave some, apostles;  and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-13

Friday, August 15, 2014

YOUR Attitude

Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you. - Anon

Once she set her mind to it, the Canaanite woman was treated with indifference and insults in coming before Jesus. Nevertheless, her daughter was healed. AMEN!

Athletes call it 'putting on their game-face.' It's attitude. Our attitude impacts everything we do. It determines whether we give it our all or try to skate by with feebleness. Like the outer clothing we wear, our attitude cannot be hidden, it's in plain sight, molded by what we've let into our hearts and spiritual thinking. Attitude is what motivates and drives us. The question is where is it taking us right now? God has placed us right where we are right now to make a difference for his kingdom, whether that is interacting with others, or just being an example of righteousness. It's not too late to take charge of what is rightfully yours.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"...But even if [God] does not rescue us, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." - Daniel 3:18

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Trust Faith Love

It is impossible to go through life without trust. It leads to being imprisoned in the worst jail cell of all, ‘oneself.’ – G. Greene

God ‘trusted’ in man. Jesus ‘trusted’ in the apostles. There seems to be a pattern here. Hmm!

Were we to look back over our lives, each of us could see progress made in several areas, maybe not as much as we would have liked, but progress nonetheless. And if we look a little deeper we can see we did not do it alone, we had help. Help from God and help from others. But to receive help we had to trust the one giving the help. Trust is one of the foundational pillars of faith and love. If we had no faith we could not trust anyone in even the simplest things (doctors, cooks, drivers, spouses, etc.) for we could never be sure their intent was not to harm us. And if we have not faith in someone it would be impossible to love them. It’s a very refreshing thought to know that God loves us and has faith in us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Decisions and Consequences

Whether your tomorrow holds fond memories or regrets, it will come from today’s decisions. – Anon  

In Luke 16 the rich man and Lazarus the beggar both die. One opens his eyes in eternal torment, and one to eternal joy. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Hmm!

One of the greatest gifts God granted us was the ability to make our own decisions. However, each decision, no matter large or small carries consequences that come with it. And though we may try, you cannot DETACH the consequences from a decision. They may not come instantaneously, but they will come. But God has gifted us also with His Word, His Spirit, and His Presence, that we might make the right decisions and have many fond memories and few regrets. May we decide in wisdom.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.” – Galatians 5:16-18

Monday, August 11, 2014

God Opportunity

What we call adversity, God gives as opportunity. – Anon

Jesus once asked Philip if they had enough to ‘feed’ all the people. Philip begrudgingly calculated how much it would cost them. It wasn’t about money but faith.

Rise AND shine, hope AND pray, rejoice in ALL circumstances. Sometimes admittedly we seem to do okay on the front end, but not the other. We wonder why do we have to be cordial, why should I pray one more time or why should I be happy this is happening to me. It is then we need to take off our ‘glasses’ and put away our ‘thoughts’ and seek what God is trying to work out in our lives. He never wastes an opportunity for us to grow into maturity, for in so doing we give Him even greater glory. So today is the day, may we not miss the opportunities.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” – James 5:11

Friday, August 1, 2014

God's Glorious Glory

A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him, than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on a wall. – C. S. Lewis

The religious leaders heaped all the darkest insults, derogatory remarks, shame and reproach they could muster upon Jesus while He was on the cross. But, His GLORY still leaked out. AMEN!

It has been scientifically proven that a single drop of liquid can contain thousands, if not millions of living organisms. Though we cannot see it with the naked eye, under a microscope it comes to life. The glory of God defies all logic, and is vividly seen in every detail of life to the person who has eyes of faith and a spirit of understanding. He’s there all the time, friend.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory, and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” – Hebrews 1:3

P.S. Don't forget the Sunday School Devotional time this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Got Troubles? Trust God

Troubles are like babies, nurse them and they’ll grow. – W. C. Brumby

Saul’s insecurity led to jealousy. His jealousy led to attempted murder. Thank God David was a God-fearing man. AMEN!

Whether real or imagined all of us face troubles at times. It was a promise of our Lord. And though we often say we’re not affected by them, the time we spend worrying about them says otherwise, and only multiplies their size and impacts our actions and decisions. We serve a God who is bigger and stronger than anything we can come across, and he is expecting us to trust the matter to him. Depression, stress, anxiety, fear, and bondage all come upon us when we keep God out of our lives. Remember, don’t tell people how large your troubles are, tell your troubles how great your GOD is.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption….” – Psalm 55:22-23

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Practice for Greatness

None can be fit for the future life who has not practiced it now. – St. Augustine

Upon reflection, it is interesting to note that 2 of the greatest leaders of God’s people (Moses, David) were shepherds of animals before they became shepherds of men. Hmm!

Although we know not what the Lord is preparing us for in our future years, we must go at it with all our heart today. Trials, persecution, and heartaches may come; it is God’s way of giving us practice before the big game. So no matter what may be going on in our lives right now, whether we're right side up or upside down, just know God has even greater plans ahead for us. So we need not look at where we are today as the end result, we're still in training, and that is a reason for great hope.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“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 heaven.’” – Luke 9:61-62

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

A little comfort for the rough journey

God doesn’t always smooth the path, but sometimes He puts springs in the wagon. – M. Lucas

Joseph’s pathway to prominence as Pharaoh’s 2nd in command wasn’t the smoothest, but God’s hand of favor was always upon him. Amen!

Hardship is as much a part of life as the air we breathe. For if we had no hardship we really would not know the true experience of joy. Troubles may come and not seem to get better with much prayer and meditation, but God will not put more on us than we can bear, and where one area of our life may be particularly troubled, God is still blessing in other areas. That’s one of the great mysteries of ‘grace.’ If we count our blessings we’ll see it’s true.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“There was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘MY GRACE is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”’ – II Corinthians 12:7-9

Friday, July 25, 2014

Make it Through with Faith

Faith doesn’t get you around trouble, it gets you through it. – Stanley Smith

Hebrews 11 tells us of the many who made it through great sufferings and circumstances because of their faith. WOW!

Oftentimes when troubles interrupt or upset our lives we’re left questioning, “why me, I’ve prayed, read the Word, and meditated on it, so why is this happening to me. I thought I was faith-proofed for the day.” God never said we would live trouble free lives, but trouble and circumstances are there to grow us and test our faith. Remember what the psalmist David wrote in the 23rd psalm, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” – the key words being ‘walk through’ – not stay. When troubles come our way we must shine the light of faith upon them to get a clear path to follow.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold….may be proved genuine.” – I Peter 1:6-7

P.S. - Hope to see you at the picnic tomorrow.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Give what matters

I’ve learned that you can’t give what you’ve never received. – M. Lucado

Paul had many trials and persecutions in his life that we will never face. But of all of them he said to follow his example, for he followed Christ. Hmm!

The one constant about life is that it goes on no matter what. Circumstances, problems, and troubles seem to always be in great supply. And they always seem to include other people. The key to winning at life is how we respond to the people in these situations with us. The true mark or identity of the Christian is that they are totally willing and looking for opportunity to pass on the best gifts of God (love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, etc.) that others may know Him as we do. It’s how God often manifests Himself to others – through us. If we find it difficult or impossible to extend these great gifts maybe we need to review our relationship with the God we serve.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Freely you have received, freely give….” – Matthew 10:8

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Winds of Change

The only permanent thing in life is change. – Anon

When Naaman finally changed his mind and obeyed, God changed his condition. Hmm!

All too often our lives and relationships are blown apart because we’re completely unprepared for the storms and stresses that change brings into them. But change happens; it’s a promise from God. Though it’s impossible to stop a storm in progress we can minimize the damage if we’ve prepared for it in advance. The winds of change will either give strength to your sails or stall you completely. In marriage the changes will either draw you closer together or destroy the relationship. Bodily sickness or injury will either make you stronger than before or destroy your spirit. In your career or finances, a missed opportunity can snuff out your dreams or inspire you to become more diligent. It all depends on your response. Therefore, change need not be frightening or threatening, if we look at it as an opportunity to express God’s gifts to us in new ways.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Transformed Tragedies

A pearl is a beautiful thing produced by an injured, interrupted life. – S. Hoeller

Nathanael thought nothing good could ever come out of Nazareth. Boy was he ever wrong. Hmm!

Truth be known most of us want a simple care-free, stress-free, painless life. We want everything to go our way, on our schedule, and yield to our will. And we seek out ways and people to make this happen. Thankfully, God loves us too much to allow life to happen according to our whims and desires. He is working in us and through us to produce something far more beautiful than we could ever imagine on our own. The key for us is to not grow frustrated with His ‘interruptions’ or feel inferior because of the heartaches and setbacks. Just as the oyster coats the ‘injury’ with its tears to produce its gem, we too can always recover and produce a meaningful, inspiring offering to God. Why not start this weekend.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – II Corinthians 12:10

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Bitter or Better?

What life does to us depends on what life finds in us. – R. Murray

In all that Joseph went through, he never lost his composure or his God. Hmm!

Insurance – most people that buy it hope they never have to use it, but are glad they have it when they need it. Our faith on the other hand is a definite must have and use daily requirement. Faith is what allows us to overcome the most difficult setbacks, hurdles, and heartaches. You or I cannot always change or control the world around us but we can always control what happens within us. If we truly want to gauge how strong our relationship with Christ is all we need do is look at our responses to the everyday circumstances of life. The question is does life make us bitter or better, we know with Jesus it was the latter.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Sticking to th plan

The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for. – A. Schweitzer

The Israelites prayed for over 400 years before God sent Moses to lead them to the Promised Land – and they fought him tooth and nail the whole trip. WOW!

Many of us can sometimes look back and see situations that could have turned out better if we had just taken our own advice. That being the case, how much better could our lives be if we would adhere to the advice and guidance we seek from God, and then see it through. Our problem often is not that we don’t hear God or know what He’s said, it’s just that He doesn’t always say what we want Him to, and our selfish interests take over. Even though God gives guidance to His people, He will never force us to obey Him. He looks for a willing, trusting heart and often ‘self’ occupies this throne. The only way around this is to trust that God knows more than us, and that His purposes are for our benefit and His glory.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:129-130

Monday, July 14, 2014

Wisdom in listening

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk. – D. Larson

It’s interesting that God gave king Solomon a ‘wise and discerning heart’ rather than a booming, commanding voice. Hmm!

Silence – it seems like the word is dead and gone. We are now a nation of talkers, not communicators, just talkers. We talk back and forth, often only surface issues, nothing deep seated. And we have to offer our opinion, give our input or the latest update; we want to explain ourselves, tell our side of the story, or just shoot the breeze. The idea of sitting alone thinking things through (meditation) or asking God and actually waiting for Him to answer (secret prayer) have all but vanished and have been replaced with talk or other ‘noise’. We’ve been duped into thinking we must be in contact or in touch with someone at all times. God gave us two ears for more than just stereo sound, that we might listen twice as much as we speak. May we all be discerning and wiser today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth be silent before Him!” – Habakkuk 2:20

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Digging a deeper hole or filling it up?

If you’re already in a hole, it’s no use to continue digging. – R. Walters

While in the lion’s den Daniel didn’t antagonize the lions, he prayed. Hmm!

Live long enough and life’s activities or circumstances will deal you a setback upsetting your plans (finances, school, faith, etc.) putting you in a rut or hole. It happens – but the key is to not let it stop us dead in our tracks or make us tunnel further down. A hole only remains a hole if we do nothing to fill it, and gets deeper with worry. Putting off for tomorrow what we can do today, right now, is only digging a deeper hole. Hoping things will get better without doing anything about the situation is only digging a deeper hole. Hoping someone will rescue us is a start, but still we must cry out for the help. And when the help comes we must be willing to accept the instructions and not give directions. God is standing by right now.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” – Psalm 40:1-2

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Treasuring Shared Moments

There must be more to life than having everything! – M. Sendak

There was once a rich man who reaped even more and decided it was time for him to eat, drink, and be merry. Jesus called him FOOL! Ouch!

If you had everything in life you wanted would you be happy? No matter how we may try to fool ourselves into believing the answer is YES, the answer is obviously no. We know this by watching a small child with a new toy. All is right until someone with another toy comes along- the first is cast aside and immediately they want the other. Sound familiar! Things are inanimate objects that bring forth emotions we project ON them and they cannot reciprocate. Life is made up of the moments we share with others, God, and nature, the experiences and memories we gain from them. In essence, for life to actually be lived it has to be shared with others – not things.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then [Jesus] said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”
– Luke 12:15

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Anger & Pride

Temper is what gets most of us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there. – R. Murray

Cain was so upset with how God perceived his offering, he went out and killed his brother Abel. WOW!

There’s no denying that we are emotional beings, God made us that way. But he also made us with the ability to overcome our emotions with sound, rational, thinking and spiritual wisdom. It’s when we refuse to engage in the latter that we find ourselves in more trouble than we often bargained for. It’s not a sin to get angry or upset, but it should never result in sinful behavior. The problem is it is so easy to cross the line, then feel compelled that we must prevail for the sake of ‘principle.’ We must remember our calling is not so much for the sake of principle as it is for righteousness and holy living.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Headed the right way?

The Christian is not one who has gone all the way with Christ. None of us has. The Christian is the one who has found the right road. – C.L. Allen

Paul told the people of Philippi he had not yet obtained “the Prize” but he was definitely on the right road and nothing or no one was going to deter him. Amen!

Frustration. It’s something we all face, sometimes more often than we’d like. And like it or not when faced with it enough our human nature often wants to change directions, paths, or programs because we begin to think this one may not be the right one to connect us with our goal. But if our goal is Christ and His righteousness then frustration, opposition, despair, and many other roadblocks or offramps will appear on the horizon. That’s why we are called to live life through the Spirit, He knows the path or road God has laid out for us. He will keep the miscues, offramps,  and wrong-turns to a minimum, redirect us when we do get off course, and keep our temperament in check. If you’re traveling unfamiliar territory right now give the steering wheel over to Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:62

Monday, July 7, 2014

God Time

He who waits on God loses no time. – V. Havner

While the disciples were waiting for the ‘promise’ of Pentecost, they became avid prayer warriors. AMEN!

The art of waiting may have been lost by man but not by God; He has not changed. He moves not according to the watch we wear or the clock we look at, but according to His own schedule. We say “God is in control” but our actions often reflect otherwise as we try to push, prod, and pull Him into action when we deem it best. All of us have at one time or another been a personal recipient of God’s timeliness, which should serve as a constant reminder that we need to be patient. The world gives the illusion today that it moves faster than it did years ago but we must remember it’s the same world, and He’s the same God. Waiting on Him is one of the greatest acts of trust and obedience.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.” – Psalm 31:15

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Don't let it go to your head

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. – Abraham Lincoln

Solomon was considered the wisest king ever and a man of good character, but his son Rehoboam let the power of being king go to his head. OUCH!

It is said that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. And though most of us would say we would never be drunk with power as we see in most tyrants, in reality we are that way in some areas of our lives. We have the power to submit to God’s will or not, and more often than not we choose not to submit. Circumstances, resources, timing, happen to us all; and we can try to excuse ourselves from submission or obedience because of them, but it doesn’t get us off the hook. The whole idea and understanding of power can be gleaned from our Heavenly Father. He is omnipotent but yet He is full of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. And if God sets the example for us, who are we to try something different?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The most important one, answered Jesus, is this…..Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Consider Others

The entire population of the world, with one minor exception, is composed of others. – J. #Maxwell

In the midst of all his persecutions and troubles Paul never lost his love or concern for “all the churches.” WOW!

It goes without saying that we often need to be reminded that it’s not just us nor is it actually about us. It is about God living and working through us. We tend to get narrow minded in our focus and outlook often looking at life only as to how it can benefit us individually – ‘What’s in it for me?’ But God asks us to look at life as to how we can benefit others. Just as He lets the rain or sun fall on the just and unjust, He expects and asks us to extend such common courtesy to all who come our way. As we go through each day we must remember others are dealing with problems as well.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” – Philippians 2:3-4

Monday, June 30, 2014

Got the time?

The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day. Has anybody felt yours? - Anon

Jesus said ‘the poor we would have with us always!’ Was that an offer or just a statement? Hmm!

Generally, at the sound of the alarm clock most of us are off and running. Focused, determined, energetic, we get prepared to meet the plans and needs of OUR day. We think “Yes, it’s a day that God has made, and ‘Yes’ I’ll rejoice in it,” but I must take care of the things at hand. But God asks us will we take time for someone else. Will we use a portion of our daily quota of heartbeats and make them count for someone else. We should have and show care and concern for our fellow man whether they be saint or sinner, and our hearts should truly beat harder for those that are not yet a part of the kingdom of God. Oftentimes, interruptions in life don’t just occur, they are God engineered opportunities for sharing. Do we have the time?

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40

Friday, June 27, 2014

Stumble or Step Up

The only difference between a stumbling block and a stepping stone is in the way you use them. – Anon

In the parable of the talents, the first 2 stewards saw it as a great opportunity, the other steward saw it as a liability. Hmm!

Abraham Lincoln. Thomas Edison. Joseph. Paul. Just a few names from history that if you researched you would find overcame many obstacles to be a great benefit to God and contributor to society. We’ve been gifted with the same tools and insight, and God gave and continues to give to everyone generously. We’ll have similar challenges and situations as well. The difference we make will be in our determination and perseverance. Will we allow life’s trials or storms to trip us up, knock us down, or stall our efforts, or will we step up to a higher calling for God.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God..” – I Corinthians 1:22-24

Thursday, June 26, 2014

And forgive us our Doubts

Doubt is a part of religion. All the great believers before us were doubters. – I. B. Singer

Moses and the burning bush. Gideon and the fleece. Thomas and the disciples. All these doubted at first, but fully believed later. AMEN!

It can be strongly argued that the beginning of faith and wisdom is found in doubting; for by doubting we come to the question: “can it truly be so?”. And by seeking the answer we come upon the truth. But we must distinguish between doubt and unbelief. God will forgive us our doubts, for doubt is a condition of the mind, but he will not excuse our unbelief, for that is a condition of the heart. Though God need not prove himself to anyone; he ‘delights’ in those who seek after him and his ways, lovingly revealing more and more of his character to them. As we grow into maturity our doubting should began to cease and our marvels increase as we gain a firmer understanding of who God truly is and how he loves us. May we all learn to trust him a little more today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them, Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.” – Psalm 111:2-3

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Persistent Evil

If you truly want to know how far you’ve gotten away from the devil, just try praying. – Anon

Paul admitted in his daily life that no matter what time of day he tried doing good, or what type of good he tried doing – evil was ever with him. WOW!

Oftentimes, because of our wisdom, years of being faithful, or certain experiences we feel we’ve arrived at maturity; that we’ve reached a level where we are untouchable by the enemy and he’s no longer on our trail. The truth is – saint or sinner – the enemy is never going to leave us alone. His main goal is to keep us disconnected from our power source – God. Temptation is a fact of life for all of us, everyday of our life; and even more so right now because TODAY is all God promised us. So as the day unfolds – beware – just keep praying.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” - I Cornithians 10:12

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Hope looks Forward

Life should not be lived looking through a rearview mirror. The very best days are those yet to be. Hope is always stronger than memory. – A. Ahlgrim

When tough times came upon the Israelites on their journey they often wished they were back in Egypt in bondage. They somehow forgot God was leading them. Hmm!

It’s amazing how often people want to turn back the clock, to go to their former days when things were "better.” The question we fail to answer is: what was better back then – us or God? Well, God has not changed, so…..?  When we continuously long for what’s behind its saying we don’t fully trust God to bring better things into our life, and we have little hope of things changing for the better. We cannot change the past so we must not let it discourage us, we must look forward in eager expectation that we can make the present worthwhile all the while building a better tomorrow by fully trusting in God – that’s why he gave us TODAY!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:17-18