Praise for All That's Good

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

Living Humbly

Characters live to be noticed. People of character notice how they live. – N. Moser

Jesus said we should do our ‘acts of righteousness’ not to be seen of men but God; that is if we expect to receive a reward. Hmm!

They usher themselves before us every day via the news, internet, magazines, radio, etc. News releases of some celebrity and their bid for a bit more recognition for their contribution to society. And admittedly, a lot of us live for such news, and also admittedly, a lot of us live so to bring about such news about ourselves. Accomplishments should be lauded and celebrated as the blessings they are, not who they make us to be. Granted our lives are not to be lived in seclusion or inconspicuously, but we are called to be known by the ‘fruit we bear’ not by the horn we toot or flag we wave, after all God has said, “not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His notice.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11

Look Forward. Press On!

You cannot change the past, so change the future. – H.G. Wells

Rahab chose the life of a prostitute and suffered the shame of her family. Yet in the end it was she who saved them from destruction. Wow!

Too often, many of us spend vast amounts of time trying to “pretty up” our past so others might think more highly of us. But that’s an impossibility, no one can go back; and to relive the past is to relinquish or give up the future. Besides, failures and mistakes are part of what we experience to increase our reliance on God. We should remember time was never created with the power to hold us back. Like Rahab, we should take opportunity to look forward to making a better life NOW! Press on!

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 3:14

The New Thing Challenge

The greatest challenge of any day is how to bring about a revolution in the heart for God. - Anon

In OT times the enemy that threatened God's people most was not the other nations but the 'dictatorship' of the customary. Israel had become accustomed to ROUTINE. Hmm!

Truthfully sometimes, most of us operate by routine or rote. Each morning we arise and go pretty much through the same motions. We've come to the place where everything can be predicted and we really don't expect anything new or unusual from God, even though He wants to 'do a new thing' in our lives. May you look up to the heavens with 'fresh' eyes and an open heart today. God has a surprise waiting.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

Stretch Out In Faith

If God is asking you to do something, he already knows about the risks involved. – Anon

Ananais questioned the Lord when he was directed to go lay hands on a new convert. But he went, and a great church persecutor was defeated, and a great missionary evangelist was born, Paul. WOW!

Anxiety. Fear. Worry. For some reason even though we are believers; these words seem to creep into our life whenever God asks us to do something out of the realm of ‘ordinary.’ We’re good at ordinary, it’s safe and familiar, and often comfortable, but God is looking for us to stretch out in faith by getting out of or expanding our comfort zone and trust him in unfamiliar surroundings. Great things are waiting to happen. I pray He may count on us all today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12

Check Your Life Compass

If we lose God, it is not God who is lost. - Anon

The book of Judges shows the folly of God's people trying to live without Him in their midst. Time and again they came looking for God to save them. Ouch!

It is said "those who forget history are doomed to repeat it." Could that be us at times. Having the history of our ancestors recorded for our posterity, you would think we should know of a certainty which way to go - God's way. Though He won't forsake us, it is possible we can forsake Him. If you are continually being defeated by everything you face, it's possible you have lost God's favor and your heart has departed from Him; for He has assured victory for His children. Maybe now is a good time to check our life compass.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity...." - Jeremiah 29:13-14

Please join us tomorrow morning at 9:30am for our monthly Prayer Breakfast meeting in Parmes Hall.

Cleansing Laughter

It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God, that is afraid to laugh in His presence. – G. MacDonald

When God promised her a son Sarah referred to Him as ‘the God who brought me laughter.’ AMEN!

No matter how we try to stifle it, hide it, suppress it – laughter will sneak out at what seems like the most inappropriate times, yes even in church. It’s just a natural reaction friend. God Himself gave us the ability to laugh, and not only that, He made it so that it is therapeutic to our well being. What soap does for our body laughter does for the soul. Laughter helps take the edge off of life’s sometimes unexplainable circumstances and events. It brings the blood pressure and stress levels down, and alleviates anger, and allows us to see our imperfections – Praise God. Yes life is to be taken seriously if we’re to fulfill our purpose, but the God who had serious intent when He made us also expects us to enjoy the journey on the way.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

…..”a time to weep, and a time to laugh….” – Ecclesiastes 3:4

Slow Down and Have A Look

Sure the tortoise is slow, but he is surefooted in his progress. - Anon

Noah took 100+ years to build the ark because that’s what God gave him. Hmm!

It’s no secret that most automobile accidents are caused by someone driving to fast. Likewise, it’s also no secret that most lives are destroyed by fast-living. Life is not meant to be fast. It is meant to be lived, experienced, and savored. Haste truly does make waste. When we take the time to actually live life and savor our experiences, then we can begin to determine what is really important and necessary and what is not. If we were to analyze it we would find that most of our life is just busy work – just look at all of our gadgets. If we read through the scriptures we find there is never a time that God or His Son Jesus was in a hurry. No matter how much we want to speed things up so that we can multi-task and experience it all, we can’t change the laws of nature, that’s God’s business. When we continually move too fast we miss opportunities to stop, gaze, and savor the world through God’s eyes. Care to take a look?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fall…” – II Peter 1:10

Keep the Faith

To the wrongs that need resistance, to the right that needs assistance, to the future in the distance: give yourselves. - C. L. Chapman-Catt

No matter what he suffered or endured Paul refused to give up or quit on his Jesus. Hmm!

Though it's early in the baseball season, many teams find themselves almost out of the race already. But you know what they're going through this week, practice, practice, and practice some more. The thought of quitting after putting in so much work for so little results has never crossed their mind. One good game can turn a season around. Sometimes in our faith walk we go through such dry spells, a small losing streak if you will, where it seems like God doesn't hear our prayers nor seem to be walking with us. This is not the time to lose faith or consider giving up, it's time to double-up. True faith in God requires consistent, continual practice and commitment. It's not a Sunday only or weekend warrior event, but a daily way of life. By the way, have you made it to practice yet today?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"[Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what had been promised...." - Romans 4:20-21

Realize Your Potential

You lose with potential. You win with performance! - Bill Parcells

When Peter was miraculously set free from prison, it wasn't because they had a great big church that knew about prayer, it was because the church prayed. WOW!

It should not surprise anyone that all of us have great potential. And we should know this, for we serve an omnipotent God. But untapped and unused it does us no good. Problems and circumstances seem to often overwhelm us because we never realize or utilize the potential within to overcome them. It's good to know God, but until we truly begin to trust Him and live by the faith we profess, we'll never overcome and be victorious. God wants us all to shine today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' His master replied 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' Come and share your master's happiness." - Matthew 25:20-21

Keep An Eye On Those Little Things

To be blind is bad, but worse it is to have eyes and not to see. - Hellen Keller

Job offered sacrifices for his children just in case they sinned. He didn't want to give the enemy any type of foothold. Hmm!

Poppy seeds. Such a tiny, almost unnoticeable specimen on its own. I often use them in baking muffins, they add a crunchy, nutty texture. Small indeed, but get one caught between your gum and teeth and "my oh my" what a big pain it can cause. And if not treated quickly enough, maybe even a trip to the dentist. And believe it or not, it is the same process with sin. It may start small - just a look, a taste, a hit. Just a no to prayer, reading, meditation - but it doesn't stay small. All it needs is a little space to grow, and unchecked, grow it will. Just as Jesus noted how a tiny mustard seed could grow to provide sanctuary for many, a tiny unchecked sin can grow to destroy relationships, families, and lives. And hence the truth of the matter. Tiny seeds are being sown into our lives every day, in almost every situation. And if we're not quick enough to root them out, they begin to produce a crop that we the host are truly unaware of - cynicism, gossip, bitterness, discord, etc., - simply because we grow accustomed to that being our normal self. Our hearts have always been fertile soil, so hopefully we're careful what we're planting.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ." -II Corinthians 10:5

What a Friend We CAN Have In Jesus

Friendship consists in forgetting what one gives and remembering what one receives. - Alexandre Dumas

Can you imagine all the things Mary - the mother of Jesus - treasured in her heart? Hmm!

Grandma's hands! Grandpa's jokes! Mom/dad's voice! Coach barking out instructions! Amazingly, we can still 'feel' or 'hear' those voices loud and clear in our moments of reflection, and what joy and inspiration they bring. How much more so then, should we enjoy hearing from Our Lord. He said "my sheep hear my voice and a stranger they will not follow." Is the Word of God and voice of the Holy Spirit inviting and pleasing to us, or do we view them as an intrusion and killjoy to all we would want to do? Though God is God and our ultimate judge, He would rather walk and talk with us daily in relationship as a friend. And maybe, out of all the friends we have, we might consider moving Him up on the list. Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend..." - Exodus 33:11

Trust Flows

To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved. - G. MacDonald

It took a lot of trust for Moses to stretch forth that rod to part the sea. Hmm!

Some years ago while in Hawaii, my wife and I took a parasailing ride. After being strapped into the harness with the chute attached behind us we were instructed to 'rest' or trust in the harness. In other words to enjoy a smooth, safe, and thrilling ride don't fight against its pull. The operators made sure we sailed high, came down to the water and then back up to the sky again a few times. It was as they say, breathtaking! In a sense this is what Jesus wants from us in trusting Him. Not to pull or tug at the commands or precepts of the Word, but to completely trust in them for a life journey full of sights, scents, scenes, sounds, and memories that when viewed with Him will take our breath away, and fill us with joy to last a lifetime.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30

Created for Fellowship

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. – Anon

In creation there was the Trinity (Father, Spirit, Son). When Jesus came to earth He chose 12 to be with Him. I think I see a pattern. Hmm!

Truth be known, we are often our own worst enemies. We feed our fears, deny our abilities and gifts, doubt God’s grace and forgiveness, and often undermine our own confidence. God knew this about us, which is why He is big on fellowship and relationship. We need others to encourage us, challenge us, even confront us at times to spur us on. And as Christians we need other Christians around us who can speak God’s Word and wisdom into our lives. Yes we were created to be unique and special, but never isolated or alone. God has created us all for a purpose and that purpose includes having others in our lives, and helping those who are not. Friendship is required for heaven.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24

P.S. - We'll be gathering for prayer today at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. Why not join us!

Do YOU Care?

No one else has to care, so long as you do! – Anon

God had an adjective for the Samaritan who helped his prejudiced neighbor in need. I think it was “GOOD.”

Let’s face it. If we’re not careful we often do look around to see what everyone else is doing, and if anyone cares about the things we care for. But God has made each one of us and called us each individually, to do what WE KNOW to be right in His sight. The cross we are to bear daily is for His glory alone. As life comes at you today remember He cares for you and hopes you care for Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"The eyes of the Lord look continually for those who have a heart like him.” – II Chronicles 16:9

Strange Math

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. – E. Hoffer

David had the kingdom and wanted more (Bathsheba). The widow gave her all (mites) and was satisfied. Strange math. Hmmn!

Often, because we don’t have unlimited resources or palatial residences, we feel we’re on the short end of life. We tend to look only at what we can physically put our hands on – materialism – as blessings from God, but this is such a narrow view. Life itself is the greatest blessings one can have, whether healthy or with a few ailments. Family and friends who care about us is another great blessing. The country we live in, the freedoms we have, the opportunities before us – all great blessings that take not a cent to purchase or enjoy. Our ancestors were led to the Promised Land ‘flowing with milk and honey’ and we’ve inherited far greater. We need only open our eyes to see what God has wrought.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers…a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant – then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord who brought you out of Egypt out of the land of slavery.” – Deuteronomy 6:10-12

National Day of Prayer 2022

The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. - Anon

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Please pray for our nation and its leaders.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

Colossians 2:6-7 6. Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7. having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. (NASB)

Your Focus Determines Your Reality -Qui Gon Jinn

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal. – H. More

Peter was able to walk on water until he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the wind. The good thing is JESUS SAVED!

Today, there will be new challenges to reaching your goals. Life will do the same thing it does everyday through the circumstances and situations that arise on the job, in school, in your home life, and relationships. The question is how will you respond. The enemy (sometimes it's us) is very subtle at trying to take our focus off of all that is good and right or godly, to discourage. Will you see it as an opportunity to stretch out in faith or an obstacle and shrink back? It will all depend on what you really want, and God is willing to leave the choice up to you.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

The Potential for Great

The greatest fire is often lit by the faintest spark! – Anon

On the Day of Pentecost, 12 common, unlearned men empowered by the Spirit turned their world upside down for Jesus. WOW!

No matter how great the person, no matter how great the work they have done, it had its origin in a tiny burst of an idea. Desire was added, along with perseverance and we see the finished work. The key in this is common to all of us. We all have the same potential to do great things, and God expects great things of us. Anyone who has ever said one person can’t do much has never spent the night with a mosquito.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name…” John 14:12-13

Flip Your Frames

Your heart is able to see things that your eyes aren't able to. - K. Yasser

The 10 plagues. The Red Sea crossing. Manna from the sky. Even after all these miracles some Israelites were still hard-pressed that God was God. Hmm!

When you visit the eye doctor for an exam the standard is 20/20 vision. Anything other than this normally requires glasses/contacts. However, even with 20/20 vision we can often miss or misinterpret what's right before our eyes. Jesus walked/talked among the people daily and yet the religious rulers and teachers didn't recognize Him as the Messiah they all sought. They had made up in their minds what the Messiah should look like and how he should act and Jesus didn't fit the bill. Like them, God often places the truth right before us and we fail to see it or accept it. Many a life has been shipwrecked because that individual thought they were the exception to the rule. I guess the question we must all ask ourselves is "am I not really seeing the truth?" or "am I like them of old and denying the truth I see?" Neither position is tenable, for the freedom and peace we seek is only in the truth set right before our eyes - JESUS!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light." - Matthew 6:22