Growing Resolution

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 Monday.....

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

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 31

Today's scripture reading question: Would you consider verses 10-31 an actual woman or a summation of wisdom?

P.S. - Hope to see you Sunday morning at 9am to further discuss these jewels.

Down Time's A Good Time

We are so busy doing everything that we have no time to be anything. – V. Havner

Jethro’s advice to his son-in-law Moses, was not only sound, it brought times of refreshing to him and the people. WOW!

From covered-wagon to SUV’s, steam-locomotives to bullet trains, trans-atlantic ships to around the world flights, one thing is for sure, we have progressed technologically. These are all great God-given ideas to make life easier, but I’m not so sure God meant for them to speed our lives up. We were created to have ‘complete’ cycles of down time as evidenced when He put Adam to sleep to create Eve. We were also created to have ‘complete’ cycles of time alone with Him as evidenced when He and Adam walked alone in the Garden. God offers us a peace that surpasses our understanding, but many of us are moving so fast it can’t catch up to us. We have our Smart-phones/PC’s, Smart-TV’s, Smart-cars, we virtually live on-line, and have Apps for every need all at our fingertips – just press and go. But life has a God given pace (it’s not always faster, quicker, right now) which when found is almost worry free. Enoch found it as he ‘walked’ with God, and Paul found it as he learned ‘contentment’ in Christ. Today, God has said “it’s your move.”

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘in repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it…” – Isaiah 30:15

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 30

Today's scripture reading question: Using verses 18-19 as a reference: What are 2 or 3 things about God or His creation that are too amazing for you fully understand?

Investing in Good Memories

When saving for old age be sure to put away a lot of good memories. – Richard Murray

As Jesus was growing and maturing his mother Mary ‘stored up’ a lot of his actions in her heart. It served her well at the cross. Hmm!

It’s no secret that life is fleeting. You finish school, work a little while and before you know it the ‘golden years’ are upon you. Those years where we spent time building and raising a family, acquiring material wealth, building a nestegg, and finding our true self just zipped by. If we’re fortunate we learn the secret of the ‘golden years’ early on. Life is in the living not the acquiring, for what is acquired or accumulated can vanish very quickly. But good memories can never be lost or stolen and are a true treasure and measure of one’s lifetime of achievements. All the money in the world can’t erase a sad, regret-filled life, and God wants us to enjoy the life He’s given so today we need to invest in good memories.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts 

“The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” – Proverbs 10:7

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 29

Today's scripture reading question: Using verse 18 as instruction: What plan or goal do you need to set before yourself?

God had a different idea

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

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 28

Today's scripture reading question: Regarding verse 9, which 'law' is he referring to, God's law, government laws, or both?

The Heart of Giving

The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own. – B. Disraeli

Paul took Timothy under his wing and unleashed a powerful minister for God. Not too shabby, huh!

WorldVision, March of Dimes, Salvation Army, Red Cross, neighborhood church, etc. For the most part the average person will give to support a good cause. But God is not really after your resources so much as He is after you and your HEART. The idea of giving is to transform one’s heart into a caring, compassionate, concerned motivator for God’s plan. Can he count on all of you?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches….And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” – II Corinthians 8:1,5

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 27

Today's scripture reading question: Regarding verse 11, who 'sharpened' you and who are you 'sharpening?'

Finish Strong

Though no one can go back and start over in life, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. – C. Bard

Manasseh was a horrible king, leading the people away from God. Later in life he confessed the error of his ways and tried to restore the nation. God was moved. Wow!

The greatest thing about today is that it is a gift ready to be opened and painted any way we see fit. It doesn’t have to carry any mention or thought of yesterday’s or yesteryear’s heartaches and disappointments; it stands completely on its own. If we’re not satisfied with the destination end of the road we are currently on, or the events of the life we’re currently living, God has gifted us with today to start anew. Life brings upon us many situations and circumstances that catch us off guard and we react to badly at the start, but with each passing day God gives us opportunity to finish well.  

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come." - II Corinthians 5:17

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 24

Today's scripture reading question: What does verse 16 tell us about our humanity?

P.S. - Hope you can make it to 'Family Fun Night tonight at 6:30pm, ANDdon't forget our Roundtable discussions this Sunday at 9am.

Faith or Certainty?

Faith sometimes has to travel under sealed orders. – Oswald Sanders

Abram left his country, his people, and his father’s house without a clue as to where God was sending him. He TRUSTED that God knew. Amen!

In certain hierarchical situations information is only given when completely necessary. The lack of vital information however does not in any way relieve any of the subordinates of their duty, they are to trust that the commanding officers know what is best. God is the same with us at times asking us to trust Him and go forth without fully understanding it all, but trusting He knows best. If we are to be contagious we must first be courageous. If we need to see and understand everything before we do anything for God, that’s not faith, it’s certainty. The question we must answer is: are we willing to go, not knowing where or why?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 23

Today's scripture reading question: reflecting on verse 23 How does one 'buy' the truth of God?

Allow God To Write

A blank page is God’s way of showing you how hard it is to be God. – Anon

Left to their own devices the best the Israelites could do was to make a ‘golden calf’ for their god. It only got them in trouble. Hmm!

Creativity – it’s a beautiful thing when done right, but it is oh so hard at times. I’m sure we can all think back to times we had in school when we had to write 6, 10, 12+ page essays and all we could do was just look at the blank pages. Or maybe you had to do a job performance review and tried 12 different ways to define ‘meets expectations’ in a positive creative way. It’s not easy. But yet we often quickly believe we can play God in most circumstances in ours and others lives. God wants us in His story, He doesn’t want a story by us. Each day He is writing a part for each of us to fulfill, and if we seek Him out, our lives won’t have so many erasure marks on the page.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” – Job 40:2

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 22

Today's scripture reading question: How would you apply verse 15 to adults, if at all?

Training Beyond

There are no victories at discount prices. – Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Though he was a skilled fighter and battle tactician, Joshua still needed Moses’ prayers to God to overcome the Amalekites. HMMM!

In training for any event, you train not only to survive; but to go beyond the actual event. This helps build strength and fortitude and equips you to hold out until victorious. The same is true in our Christian walk. However, very often we want to cut our prayers short, not give time to meditation and devotions, or spend time in study of God’s word. Even in our daily life we try to cut corners, hasten time along, or live with compromise. This only leads to defeat. God has always been and always will be exact in His Word and expectations. Though victory is assured He will not allow us to coast. Today is another training day.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize…..I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:24,27

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 21

Today's scripture reading question:  How is the truth of verse 21 working out in your life?

Built Character

Character is not made in a crisis, it is only exhibited. – Sparks

Moses spent 40 years toiling as a shepherd. God felt that was long enough to develop him into a leader for his people. Hmm!

We often look for character-building ideas and exercises to help us prepare for the major emergencies and turmoil in our life, on our jobs, and elsewhere. But true character is not learned in the classroom or high pressure situations, it can only be forged through the mundane activities of the day. It is a maturing process that comes over time, mainly time spent alone with God. The general truth is that what you do while you’re alone, you’ll do when the heat is on as well. If our character is suspect in the dark, it will be suspect in the light of the moment as well. Life’s situations will be calling upon us today, hopefully we'll be ready?

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that that you should follow in his steps…..When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” – I Peter 2:21, 23

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 20

Today's scripture reading question: Verse 11 speaks of reputation, what do you try to project for yours?

Lift Them Up

To belittle is to be little. – Anon

The Pharisee “snubbed” the tax collector in his prayers to God, but he himself was soon humbled by God. OUCH!

When you get right down to it we were all created the same in God’s image, and we are all saved by accepting God’s wonderful, matchless grace. Our life circumstances to this point may not have been identical, and won’t be in the future, but we are still upheld by God’s gracious hand, not anything of our own doing. True, everyone wants to look good and righteous, but putting others down to achieve it is not God’s way, and He’s the righteous judge. As we venture through today’s activities and “divine moments” may edification or silence be our friend.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 17

Today's scripture reading question: focusing on verse 22, what do you think are the 'benefits' of a cheerful heart?

P.S. - Don't forget Prayer Breakfast tomorrow at 9AM, Round Table discussions Sunday at 9AM, and Business meeting Sunday at 1PM, with dinner to follow!

It's in the Fine Print

What you don’t know can indeed hurt you. - Anon

The Israelites were content to carry around the ‘laws of God’ in the Ark of the Covenant, but not in their hearts and minds. It cost them dearly. OUCH!

We hate it in contracts, banking agreements, investment brochures, etc – but almost anywhere you go to spend or invest your money, it’s there; the ‘fine print.’ And buried within the fine print somewhere is the disclosure “past performance is no indication of future results.” That’s the out clause for the seller in case things go bad. But if we turn this idea on its head, God tells us that with Him past performance IS an indication of future results. He cannot or will not change. He will do what He promised to do. He will love, provide for, and save those who accept Him and His Son, and eventually bring us home to glory. But He will also cast into outer darkness (Hell) those who reject Him. So if we want the promises, blessings, and future home with God, just remember it’s in the fine print; His Word.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” – II Timothy 2:15

Today's scripture reading:  Proverbs 16

Today's scripture reading question: As you dwell on verses 1 & 9 how should you view the interruptions of today? 

Ready, Prep, Go!

Goals are dreams with deadlines! - Anon

The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for the return of Elijah. Jesus told his disciples Elijah (John the Baptist) had already come. They weren’t ready and ‘missed’ him. WOW!

Many of us look forward to certain dates (payday, birthday, anniversary, vacation, Christmas, etc.) often marking them on our calendars, making detailed plans and telling everyone we can about it. But in the case of our Savior’s return we do little or nothing in terms of planning and preparation. If the Word of God is true and He could return at any moment; shouldn’t our lives be in order, our relationships set right, and our actions motivated purely by love and not selfish gain? This is not to say that we don’t plan to enjoy life, but if Heaven is our goal and we fail to plan, then we plan to fail. Why not began preparing TODAY!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:39-40

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 14

Today's scripture question: Where might verse 12 apply in your life now?

Setting Your Face

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 tomorrow......

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

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 15

Today's scripture reading question: With verse 22 as a reference, who might you need to talk to at this point in your life? 

Serving Towards Greatness

Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness. – Publilius Syrus

In the Upper Room meeting the disciples all looked for a prominent place to sit, Jesus looked for a place to serve. Hmm!

The measure of greatness in God’s kingdom differs greatly from that of the world. Society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, the well-heeled, and those with large followings. The world will estimate your importance by the number of people serving you, but God is more concerned with the number of people you are serving. It takes a far more noble character to serve than to be served, but that’s the heart of God. Opportunities to serve will be great today.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” – Mark 10:42-44

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 13

Today's scripture reading question: Why do you think verse 14 is the only one without contrast?

God Knows Best

God only wants for us what we would want for ourselves if we were smart enough to want it. – Adrian Rogers

God set opportunity before the Israelites and even told them to choose ‘life.’ He’s been busy trying to give it to us all since. WOW!

More of this, less of that, more of those, none of those. If we had it to do ourselves this is precisely how we would set our life to run. It would be a life of all joy, excitement, unlimited resources, and unlimited time. Everything would go our way and no one would tell us NO! But that’s not how it goes and not how it should go. We would never know true joy if we never experienced sorrow or grief. We would never know what plenty meant if we never experienced lack. God knows what’s best for us which is why life isn’t as we want but it is as we need it, that we may be perfected in His righteousness. The key is to try and think like God or have a heart after God – this makes it much easier to bear and quite enjoyable.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us….” – Romans 8:26

Today's Scripture reading: Proverbs 10

Today's scripture question: Why do you think Solomon differentiates between father and mother in verse 1?

God Works It Out

If God is going to work things out for our good, it’s also got to be for His glory! – Anon

After being hated by his brothers, sold as a slave, and even being falsely imprisoned, Joseph became 2nd in command to Pharaoh and realized it was God’s plan. Hmm!

Life sometimes is like a rollercoaster – up at the top one moment and down at the bottom the next, again and again with alarming speed. We love when we’re on top but dislike when we’re at the low points. We wonder how can things take a turn for the worse so quick. Some of it is our own doing, but even though we may trust and follow God’s will, it does not mean everyone else does; as our enemy has allies in this world too. But no matter what comes upon us God will be able to work it out for our good if we are patient and remain faithful, and remember the ultimate end result is that He receive the glory. Whatever we’re faced with today, remember God is at His work.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another, or my praise to idols.”- Isaiah 42:8

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 9

Today's scripture question: Both Wisdom and Folly offer invitations to a meal, why do you think the menu's are so different?

Nothing From Nothing

Doing nothing gets exactly that: Nothing. – Anon

Ruth refused to just sit idly by and do nothing for herself and Naomi. God rewarded her greatly. Hmm!

Today is here. What do you expect from it? Are you expecting God to do some wonderful things, or are you living with doubt, apprehension, or anxiety. Well, the return of the day will depend on precisely how much faith, energy, and activity we put into the situations God brings our way. For us as believers every day should begin and end with God and His promises.  If we’ve greeted the day in God’s presence and asked Him to do great things, then we should be doing all we can to bring those things to fruition. This is not to say we can force God’s hand, because we can’t; but after our prayers we need to work like we believe God is going to answer. Remember, diligently exercised faith gets rewarded.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“….Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…” – Matthew 7:7

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 8

Today's scripture question: What primary distinctions from sin/folly does WISDOM make known about herself?

The Good with the Bad

Those whom heaven blesses, hell curses. – Anon

Paul had great successes in building and establishing churches but suffered massive persecution, afflictions, and even threats from within and without. Hmm!

In war, it cannot be overstated that one should always know their enemy and his tactics, or it could prove fatal. It’s a simple fact that we often overlook. We tend to forget in our Christian walk that we’re at war; fighting for or working out our salvation. And just as we start off with 'new mercies' everyday, the enemy plans new strategies and attacks to upset us. Yes we are ‘marked’ for easy identification by the enemy, but we only need be reminded we carry a powerful cross, not a bullseye. The question we have to answer is do we want the blessings?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 7

Today's question: What does this chapter tell us about the way(s) of sin/folly?

THEY Can't Stop You

Others may stop you temporarily – only you can do it permanently. – Zig Ziglar

Satan tempted both Peter and Judas to betray Jesus that fateful night. One went on to become a great apostle, the other died in infamy. The choice was theirs!

Live long enough and one thing you’re sure to run into is opposition. Worthy causes are always met with the most opposition. In this life we will encounter setbacks, lack of support, lack of resources, loss of friends, and even full frontal assaults. But if the desire is truly there within the heart our pursuits will continue, “for greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world.” If we truly have a zeal for God, retreat or surrender is not an option.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 6

Today's scripture question: In verses 16-19 what do you think makes those things 'detestable' to God?

What it SHOULD Be

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, however, if faced with courage it need not be lived again. – Maya Angelou

The Israelites remind us in the book of Judges that history does repeat itself, until you try a different way. They finally did. AMEN!

Often, we drift off in our minds to former times in our life wishing we knew then what we know now. Oh the changes we would have made, how much better off we would be, how life would be so much different. It’s good sometimes to be nostalgic, but life was meant for living forward, not looking backward. Living in cycles of despair, depression, or sadness is not God’s plan for us. The truth of the matter is God has graced us to know what we know now, that we may live a better today and tomorrow. Ours is not to wish what might’ve been, but to make life ‘what it should be,’ for God and His glory. The choice to break free is ours.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 3

Today's scripture question: What makes verses 5-6 stand out so much that they are so often 'quoted"?

Start to Break Free

Just where you are – that’s the place to start. – P. Chödrön

Naaman was ready to go back home a leper rather than just try a new bathing spot. Wow!

January 2nd of the New Year, and already we’re probably back into our old routines. Early rising checking our social media hits, or working out, or stopping for coffee at our favorite shop on the way to work. Though not inherently bad, these become RUTS.  A routine becomes a rut when we can’t imagine any other possible way of doing something. If we were to do an analysis of ourselves we would possibly see we are ‘creatures of habit’ in a lot of our daily lives, and potentially in ways that hinder God working in us and through us. As we venture into the New Year, maybe our prayer request should be asking God to break us free of old habits, friends, or recreations that keep us in the rut, and set us on a course to catch the ‘new vision’ He has for us. I’m sure He will make the journey one of great growth, with some interesting insights and a rather glorious experience.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….You have made you way around this hill country long enough, NOW turn north.” –

Deuteronomy 2:2

Today’s scripture reading – Proverbs 2

Today’s scripture question: 

What are the 2 main characteristics of wisdom noted in this chapter?

P.S. - still looking for sign-ups for our upcoming ROOTED campaign.

The New Hope

Our hope is not in the New Year, but in the One who makes all things new. – Anon

Paul’s contentment with everyday life came from his relationship with Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. Hmm!

2020! Whoa! Yeah, it’s a New Year for US, but not for God. He has no calendar to follow. And though He has ‘numbered’ our days, He measures our lives by our growing maturing faith. He seeks neither resolution nor affirmations from us, just obedience. Obedience shows faith and builds itself into trust, which in turn brings about more obedience in other things and greater faith and trust in God overall. It’s just that simple.  God is not after a resolution of our making but a revolution in our heart that turns it to Him in all things. On your mark……get set…..!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Today’s scripture reading – Proverbs 1

Today’s scripture reading question: Why was Proverbs written and

recorded here, and what would you say is the 1st proverb?