Elated Labor

Motivation is high when you have a stake in the outcome. - J. Clear

Though Joseph was sold as a slave, then thrown in prison, it's clear to see he enjoyed his work. Hmm!

Monday morning! WORK - ugh! Can't wait until Friday! Hmm! If you hate your work (job/career) maybe you're looking to it for all the wrong reasons. It's a means to an end, not an end to all means. It was not given to define us, classify us, or grant boasting rights. It was given to us as a meaningful way to be productive and happy as we support God's kingdom work and the family he blesses us with. When these two ideas are understood and become our focus, work then becomes a joy because we 'get to' assist in the greater good, and not have to feel like 'indentured servants' for someone else. This is what we were made for.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil -this is the gift of God." - Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Today's Miracle

Life is lived in the present. Yesterday, with all its memories is gone, tomorrow with all its hope is yet to be. Today is the miracle. – Anon

When Simeon held the baby Jesus in his arms at the temple, he realized it was no ordinary day. It was rather miraculous. AMEN!

Though we may relish in the spiritual highs of yesterday or wish for a sunny tomorrow, we still must deal with the present God has given us right now, for it is all we have. As we count our own years, or those of our children, or growing nieces and nephews, we soon realize one more day (Today) is indeed a miracle. And no matter how we feel physically or mentally, spiritually we are blessed, and when God blesses us he has more than us in mind. We must then realize that whatever God is involved in can never be ordinary. So today it's up to us to let the extraordinary show. Though it's Friday no coasting is allowed.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1

Absolutely Not

You can't keep praying and sinning at the same time! - Anon

The priest Eli died an inglorious death because of his failure to heed God's commands regarding his sons in the priesthood. Hmm!

This life is full of absolutes like: "What goes up must come down!" or "Everyone may not grow up, but they do grow older..." Absolutes are those tried, tested, never failing rules that we are governed by. And in our attempt to live a godly life there is this absolute: 'You can't keep praying and sinning at the same time! You will soon give one of them up, but not both. As we look at our lives the question we have to answer is which one? And in truth, the answer will be totally obvious, not only to ourselves but to those around us. God is able to change our heart, attitude, tame our tongue, control our temper, and even our primal urges. So if we're not changing in any of these areas maybe it's because we've stopped going into our prayer closet. The good thing is God is still waiting.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him." - I John 3:6

Human Beings Human Doings Humans Helping

Greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody. - Anon

Esther's story is recorded in the bible not because she was the king's wife, but because she wanted to help her people. Hmm!

It's a message we hear very early in life: "I want you to grow up and be somebody." It's the motto of the US Army: 'Be All That You Can Be.' It seems pretty clear cut we're here on this earth to make something of ourselves, and if not we're failing our potential. So we spend a lifetime trying to achieve status, respect, fame, or a name for ourselves; that 'one thing' that will make us stand out from amongst everyone else. But in truth the greatest name we can achieve on this earth is saint (belonging to God), and that name carries with it a requirement of servanthood. Jesus said to be great one has to be a servant. We may not have to 'wash feet,' but we should always be looking for the opportunity to help.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.....taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:4,5,7

Because HE Says So

Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it. - Albert Einstein

When God told Abram to go, he went, no questions asked. And the rest is history. Hmm!

"Because I said so!" I can still hear that voice resonate in my ears and mind all these years later. Mom/dad speaking it with authority, and me being completely okay with it, even though I didn't fully understand why. Now, I look back and relish those moments. They knew then what I know now, and I'm much more the better for their care and insight. I realize it's the same with Father God. Our complete understanding of His ways before we act is not what He's after. But, He does require our steadfast faith, trust, and confidence in His love for us, no matter the circumstances we may be going through at the present. He is with us and will see us through because He is faithful and true and promised to bring 'good' to our lives. So when He says "because I say so!" may we respond like little children and just rest assured it'll be for the better of us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ..." - II Corinthians 9:13

What Does the Heart Say?

When it comes to righteousness, the heart of the problem is always the problem of the heart. - Anon

Paul admitted there was always a battle going on within his heart, but he was ‘thankful’ to Jesus for the victory. Hmm!

HEART. The word has many positive uses in our everyday language. When someone shows courage we say they are ‘lion-hearted.’ When someone shows kindness we say they have a ‘heart of gold.’ When we try to encourage others we say ‘take heart.’ Even in our studies when we learn something well we say we ‘know it by heart.’ There are many others you could attach, some even with negative connotations. But the rudimentary thought is this, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” So, it begs the question – how are WE? Do others place a positive or negative connotation with our name? If we’re ever to live like Christ and be the example of Him to the world today, we must give Him our heart.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30

Being Slow to Speak

When you have to have the last word, usually it’s an apology. – Sparks

Job so badly wanted to plead his cause to God he talked his friends ears off. After hearing God speak all he could say was OOPS, Sorry about that!

Because we have the ability or opportunity to say certain things doesn’t mean we should in all cases. Many of us often take the point of view that because I have something to say on the matter, I’m going to say it, and often our emphasis is in error. There’s a common saying that goes “Speak when you’re angry and you’ll make the greatest speech you’ll ever regret.” Sometimes swallowing our words now is much easier than eating them later.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.” - Proverbs 10:19-20

Still Rise

Don’t let life discourage you, everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was. – R. Evans

Joseph’s life had many stops, detours, and set-backs. But he arrived at God’s destination for him right on time! Hmm.

According to legend Sisyphus spent his life trying to roll a giant stone up a steep hill - he never made it. Sometimes we may feel like that’s our lot too, problem upon problem, deadline upon deadline with no rest or reward in sight. The greatest tool the enemy has in his arsenal is discouragement, and he’ll feed you just enough to get you to quit. But if God truly is our “strength” and He renews us each day, we are more than able to meet the challenges that come. As you journey on to your hopes and dreams remember to trust in God’s strength.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Your Best Effort

Passion is not just the activity that comes from our limbs, but also the spirit that comes from our heart. Anon

I’m not sure of his skills as a physician, but his travels with Paul made Dr. Luke an avid believer and chronicler of the gospel message. WOW!

In sports you live and die by statistics. In baseball a .300+ hitter is a big deal, but in reality all it really means is he gets a hit 3 out of 10 tries. In basketball a 48% shooter from the field is a big deal, but in reality it means he misses 52% of the time. It’s the same with us often in our faith walk. In truth, the attention we give to our spiritual life is often marginal at best. We are concerned with special religious activities, but not to where they impact our own recreations. We are concerned with worship, but not to where it influences our daily activities. We are concerned with receiving blessings, but not to where we honor God’s covenant to receive them. And we’re often concerned with prayer, but not to the point where it calls us personally to service. Small wonder we don’t grow as we should. The true spiritual life is transformative, challenging us in every facet of life to be Christ-like, to redirect our passions toward godly pursuits. God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does expect our best effort every time, and the opportunity to transform us into His likeness.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. - Colossians 3:23

Not Defined By Your Gift

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. – Carl Sagan

Paul stated emphatically that “all things were possible only in Christ.” Hmm!

Most of us can do some pretty amazing things, create some astounding inventions or designs, or even uncover deep-deep truths and wisdom. And it’s no secret most people pride themselves by such accomplishments and feats. While such skills and talents are wonderful, we must never forget they are ‘gifts’ from our Creator. Everything we work with was given by Him. And just as He reminded Job about where he stood in the creation, we must never define ourselves by these skills and talents, but remember to give thanks that they are ours to use for His glory.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” – I Timothy 6:7

Finding the Daily Joys

If you’re not enjoying the journey, you probably won’t like the destination. – J. Tye

The apostle Paul 'boasted' about what his life of suffering for Christ was achieving for him in glory. Hmm!

It goes without saying that we should be enjoying life each day just as it comes. Amidst all the “Monday Mornings” and the daily trials we should be able to find the abundant life Jesus promised, providing we see it through His nail pierced hands and feet. Though God has promised to care and provide for us He never said everyday would be a breeze nor all of life cozy and comfortable, just that He would be there with us. So, it's His company we should enjoy daily. Take time out to find the joy in your daily walk, it’s there if you look upward.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"...for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - II Corinthians 4:17

Imitating Christ

Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. – James Baldwin

Isaac, like his father Abraham, was willing to call his wife his sister when it was convenient. Oh, thank God for grace!

Were we all to take a moment and look back over our life, I’m sure we’d find a high percentage of truth in the above statement. In a lot of instances good, bad, or indifferent we have become ‘like parent, like child.’ The phrase “don’t do as I do, do as I say,” carried very little weight, if any at all. I think that is why the Word of God continually commands us to be "light," or "examples" of righteousness not only for our children but for the world, as many will not hear our testimony but they will see it if we live it. May we all imitate Christ today.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2

Live Courageously

Being an optimist after you’ve gotten everything you want doesn’t count. – F.M. Hubbard

When Jesus’ mother troubled him about the wine at the wedding feast, she knew something would be done, and it would be good. Wow!

Make no mistake friend, this world can present itself as a very formidable and powerful opponent; with its shocking human interest stories, depressing economic news, or downright evil activities of mankind seemingly going on all day, every day. But as those who trust in God, we must always know He is in control, nothing happening is catching Him off-guard, and He is always with us. So, in the midst of our surroundings, we can still live courageously, not shrinking back or retreating at all, but holding steady, listening for His call to move forward or move out of the way. Yes, this world will test us, but we only need remember the battle is the Lord’s and He has already assured us of the victory. So, whatever today brings, know that if we hold fast, we will overcome.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him….” – Romans 8:28

Give and Forgive

Some people give and forgive, others get and forget. - Richard Murray

God spared David's life from Saul and gave him the kingdom of Israel and Judah, but as soon as David laid eyes on Bathsheba, he forgot all about God. Hmm!

Here's a quick quiz. Look at your surroundings - are you "great-full" or grateful? The God we serve has said repeatedly He is willing to give us all good things "no good thing will He withhold from His children.' It's ironic that we, being made in the image of God; wherein we possess His character traits, seem to have more a desire to get than to give. God is not against the 'abundant' life, but the abundance He speaks of is in joyful relationships, not things. Relationship with Him and with those He places in our lives - those we would be willing to share our lives with. It's virtually impossible to love someone and not be willing to forgive them a trespass. The good thing is that in spite of what David did, God still forgave him. Our challenge today is to be more like our Heavenly Father.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.'" - Acts 20:35

The Faith Way of Life

What a friend we have in Jesus….’ – song refrain

Enoch and God were such good walking buddies God just took him home one day and kept him. Hmm!

To many Christians, ‘faith’ is a verbal profession or confession, but not really a way of life. Jesus is looking for the latter rather than the former. He knows those who ‘profess’ him with their lips but their heart is far from him. The question we must continually ask ourselves is, whether our acquaintance with the Master is a passing fad (something to do like everyone else), or rather the very touchstone of our lives. Jesus doesn’t want us to be run-of-the-mill, follow the crowd kind of people. We’re to be “new creations” each and every day. Just as we know that it’s hard to be friends and hang out with someone you don’t have a lot in common with, Jesus knows it too. Are you willing to walk with him wherever He chooses to lead, or will you only allow Him to lead you in the direction you’ve already decided to go? He’s waiting!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

P.S. - God saw fit to take my mom home yesterday. Your prayers are truly appreciated.

Smooth Transitions

God does not hear us because of the length of our prayers, but because of the sincerity of them. - Charles Spurgeon

The tax collector's 7-word prayer "God, have mercy on me, a sinner," was answered not because of simplicity but his humility. Hmm!

Clutch, shift, gas....go! When done properly it is a smooth, rarely noticeable activity. The car just rolls along with traffic. When not done smoothly you get a lot of herky-jerky movement and maybe even stalling out. Sometimes we may feel like this in our prayer life, we're stalling out in our attempts, sputtering in our words, hit and miss, not connecting, and becoming frustrated. It might be we're just not trusting and relying on the Holy Spirit. He is our go between, and He becomes ever more effective when we stutter or grope for what we truly need or want to say to God. He takes those moments and interprets them to make a smooth transition for us, as He knows the thoughts and intentions of our heart. So friend, don't fret and please don't stop praying. Just trust the Holy Spirit will get the message through.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...before a word is on my tongue you, Lord know it completely...." - Psalm 139:4

Broad Shoulders to Carry Closet Prayers

The closet of prayer is where burdens change shoulders. – Anon

Jesus was constantly in prayer with His Father. The results were clearly evident to all.

Though we are “God’s Children” when facing everyday life, for most of us it seems sometimes we are always overwhelmed, under-prepared, and under a great deal of pressure or stress. It’s true we sometimes get perplexed, persecuted and troubled, etc., but not all the time. We serve a God who is stronger than any situation or circumstance this world can conjure up, and He’s always waiting to hear from us. Whatever we face today we should let the one with broader shoulders (GOD) take care of it for us. He’s waiting in the closet!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6

Forgiveness, Pass It On!

Forgiveness is man's deepest need and highest achievement. - H. Bushnell

Joseph, Esau. Just two men able to forgive great wrongs put upon them by their kin. Amen!

"They make me so mad!" "I can't stand him/her!" We've all heard statements like these... and probably made them ourselves. Why can't we forgive someone? It's only because we feel God hasn't forgiven us! Yes, make no mistake about it, forgiving is hard work, but God's abounding grace makes it totally possible. But it only works to the extent of our belief in God forgiving us. So, the question becomes: how much forgiveness have we received? God freely gives it, but doesn't force it on us, so it's up to us to believe and receive it. True we don't really deserve it, but God gives it freely upon our repentances. And it's only when we truly receive it that we can pass it on to others. So why can't we forgive this/that person? If our heart is clogged with bitterness, anger, resentment, or past hurts, grace abounds to reopen it. Oh, and once again - it's FREE!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If anyone says 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." - I John 4:20

All Aboard!

If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Abraham left his homeland and his people looking for a new home. God finally showed it to him. Hmm!

If you could go anywhere, where would you like to go? Not in terms of vacation or sightseeing, but in terms of your life. See, the truth of the matter is we are actually on that journey right now whether we realize it or not. We are all traveling inevitably toward the ends of our lives. The journey started from the day we were born and continues day by day. Life is a lot of ‘doing’ but the question confronting us is have we figured it out yet, selected a destination, and began steering our course; or are we still allowing ourselves to be pushed along with the tide or crowd, letting others determine where we’ll end up. The choice is entirely up to us, but we must know the end always comes much, much sooner than we expect.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 2:11

A Faith That Carries On

Sometimes carrying on, just carrying on, is the superhuman achievement. – A Camus

Zarephath had little to offer the poor widow, yet she stayed. Then Elijah showed up. AMEN!

You either admire them or call them crazy! Who – those who willingly live in places where seasonal weather (tornadoes, hurricanes) is prone to wreak havoc in your livelihood. They stay faithfully, trusting everything will be okay. And even when disaster strikes, they stay, rebuild, and reclaim their lives. A better analogy for true faith is hard to find. Everyone of us in our faith walk will have a crisis or two, a tempest or major storm such as a serious illness, marital difficulties, job loss, family discord or other setbacks that threaten our sense of well-being. This is where faith is tested, tried, and proven. Will we stay, rebuild, and reclaim our lives, trusting and knowing God is still with us, or walk away never to look back. I guess the question is: Do we really think God brought us this far to leave us?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed..” – I Peter 1:7

P.S. - The class for 'Contagious Faith' starts tonight at 6:30pm on campus. Hope you can join us!