The World Around You

Be a calm beholder of what is happening around you. - Bruce Lee

After fishing all night and not catching anything, Peter didn't want to put out to sea again, but hey, Jesus had never been wrong before. Hmm!

Proverbs! Profound, true sayings, gleaned from years of life's observances. Though Proverbs are not guaranteed promises, they hold great value and benefit to those who adhere to them. Why, because so many of them call for us to exercise our spiritual gift of self-control. In truth, life is so much more exciting, enjoyable, and relational when it's not all about you, and not all for you, but calls on you to properly consider others and how they may be benefitted as well. Putting others above yourself is hard but more often worth it, offering blessings to those around you and really lifting your own spirit. Today is an invitation to live profoundly.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself." - Galatians 5:14

Unwrapping Changing Transformation

Complete acceptance is the doorway to transformation. - Eckhart Tolle

It really wasn't until that early morning 'fish' breakfast AFTER the Resurrection that Peter really, really, realized how much Jesus loved him. Hmm!

Look around! you probably have one yourself. A gift someone gave you, still in its original packaging. Oh, you unwrapped it alright, but it just hasn't found its way out of the package and into your use. You'll get around to it someday! Unfortunately, that's the way a lot of folks, even some of us; receive Jesus and the new life He brings. We openly claim the gift of salvation Jesus offers but never really let the Holy Spirit out of the package (into our hearts), so we never experience the life changing transformation promised. Maybe instead of asking God for more of this/that in our prayers we should just let the Holy Spirit out of the package. I'm sure He will not only change our 'perceived' needs but also give us a much clearer view of what we already have in Christ.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."- Acts 17:11

Life Patches

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. - Confucius

Joseph's adventurous life was many times more colorful than the coat his father gave him. Amen!

Quilting is the art of taking 'patches' of fabric from various sources and blending them together for a finished product, usually a blanket, bedspread, or throw. Most quilters take patches of fabric from memorable/meaningful items (favorite old shirt/sweater, apron, couch/chair, etc.) and blend them together for a memorial that keeps them warm and brings comforting thoughts. Thinking along these lines if you were to view your life as a quilt, who/what might be some of the patches? Would any one patch be more meaningful than another? Would you be upset if someone had a few of the same patches? No matter - hopefully the patches that make us who we are allow us to joyfully give thanks to God for what He is doing in our lives.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He has made everything beautiful in its time....." - Ecclesiastes 3:11

Rhythms of Grace

"Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand...." - Stevie Wonder

Though he was in prison, Paul said the letter/visits he received often refreshed his spirit. Amen!

Make no mistake about it, the rhythms of grace cannot and will not be forced. Just as we have different tempo music for dancing (cha-cha, line, swing, slow dance, etc.) when God gives us a new song it has its own tempo. So often many of us try to force that 'new song' God is giving us to fit the life situation we're currently in. That's often problematic, for the new song is trying to call us out of it to move forward. As an example, I admit that when I do treadmill or elliptical workouts there are certain upbeat gospel songs I can keep pace with to maximize my workout, so I find myself 'clicking' past a song or two that doesn't fit. Depression, anxiety, stress, anger, and other ailments can be readily cured by us moving in step and tempo with the new song God gives. Yesterday, you may have had the 'blues' but behold today God is doing a new thing.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." - Psalm 42:5

Love Streams

Love does……. – Bob Goff

Apparently, there were plenty of examples of Dorcas’ love for the people to show Peter. Hmm!

2AM feedings! Constant diaper changes! Cooing and lullaby singing! All the things a mother does for her baby. Why, not because she has to, but because her love motivates her to. The love in her heart for her child won’t let her deny anything the child needs. The living water Jesus promises to flow through us is that same type of love that causes us to express kindness, care, and concern for others, be they family, friend, or mere acquaintance almost as a second nature. And these acts not only benefit those we serve, they satisfy a longing within us which is Jesus trying to live through us. How will He love someone through you today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” – John 7:38

Pressing Forward

If you don't let the past die then it won't let you live. - Anon

Paul's lifework really shows what it means to 'bury' the old man and put on the new. Amen!

Sold into slavery at a young age by his brothers. Falsely imprisoned because of a woman scorned. Seemingly forsaken by an imprisoned 'friend.' But yet here was Joseph. 2nd in command only to Pharaoh. Despite the sleights, setbacks, and harsh realities they brought into his life, he was well-respected by men and highly favored by God. Why, because he refused to let those incidents define who he was. He continued to look forward trusting God had a purpose and plan for his life, and eventually it came to pass. The same is true for us. Though we are the sum total of our past experiences, they do not get to dictate what tomorrow will bring. That is still in the hands of the God we serve, who loves to do 'new things' in the lives of those transformed by His presence.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....one thing I do. 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

Lasting Legacy

Today and tomorrow will soon be past, only what you do for Christ will last. - Song refrain

Enoch's legacy was simply that he 'walked' with God. Hmm!

12 pairs of feet. Men of all different stages of the faith and belief. Yet Jesus washed every pair, no one was neglected, and all was done in genuine love and humility. This one event gets as much or more conversation than Jesus' death on the cross, though his death on the cross was the 'finishing act.' It makes me wonder have you ever considered what might be your lasting legacy act that others will remember you for? No one wants to die in ignominy or without a trace. And though we don't live our lives to be put on a pedestal for viewing, we do live to let our light shine for all to see and glorify God. What do you think that might look like for you. Now is really a good time to consider it.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...I [Jesus] have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." - John 13:15

Pray Onnnnn, Pray On!

The best way to change your world is to change your words. - M. Legacè

All the publican said was "have mercy on me a sinner" and it was more than enough to get a direct answer. Wow!

"How may I direct your call?" Ugh! At times I'm sure it's a phrase we hate to hear. Why, for we know at that time we will enter a portal where we will have to explain ourselves and our situation over and over and over again as we get transferred 2 or 3 times, before we can get anyone who can actually help us. AND within calling hours. It should truly make us appreciate the privilege of prayer even more. No call waiting, call forwarding, or transfers. Talking with God is not limited to certain hours or time zones and there is no interacting with an operator trying to explain ourselves again and again. We immediately get hold of the One who can handle our issues and actually knows them much better than we do, because He knows the future. Pray on, my child, pray on.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up..." - Luke 18:1

Out of Our Hands

If it's out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too! - Anon

In exile, Daniel's desire to serve God was always stronger than his desire to return home. Amen!

WORRY! All too often it is the lubricant of our mind. We try to change what has happened, and try to project what will happen, playing the scenario over and over strategically like a game of chess. Many of us are mentally, spiritually, and emotionally fatigued and we often wonder why. Could it possibly be that though we've 'prayed' on it we have not really released it to God? There is nothing impossible or too hard for God, but He will NEVER do anything we think we can do ourselves. Worry keeps the issue on our realm. God made us and He alone knows how to bring relief to our soul, to revive our spirit, but it's only when we allow Him to work wholeheartedly on the matter. He's going to be up all night, why not trust Him with it.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." - Psalm 55:22

Use Me?

God uses broken people like you and me to rescue broken people like you and me. - Anon

Of all the people Jesus could have sent to preach in the Decapolis, he chose a man he had just healed of many demons. Wow!

You ever wonder about Mary, mother of Jesus; and her willing obedience when Gabriel spoke to her? Why? You have to know she was taught the scriptures from an early age. And remembering how God would often use ordinary people (Gideon, Jonah, Esther, etc....) to save His people, she knew and believed in her heart that could be her at any time. So, when Gabriel spoke, hence her reply "so be it as the Lord wills." What about us? Would we be so willing for God? Though we know the ways of God are often mysterious, would it be so unexpected and hard to fathom that He'd want to use you in a mighty way? God's redemption story is still unfolding today, and He still uses ordinary people to bring it about. Wherever you may be in your current livelihood (up, down, hurting, joyful...) just know that your life is part of His ongoing story. He's counting on us to make it interesting and inviting!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message...." - John 17:20

Under Construction

God is the ONLY One who has been in my tomorrow. So He's the ONLY One who is going to know what I need when I get there. Anon

Many folks couldn't believe Jesus the Messiah was actually the carpenter's son. Whoa!

Right behind our church, you see it. The skeletal structure arising that is to be the new home of L.A.'s other basketball team - The Clippers, in 2024. Artist's renditions show it as a beautiful, regal, attractive venue, but right now it's 'under construction.' And as with any construction project, delays, code changes, and corrections occur. They don't derail the project; they simply add value to it. The same is really true of our Christian walk. The scriptures say, "we don't know what we shall be, but when Christ appears we shall be like Him." We're currently 'under construction' and at times the ebbs and flows of life (sin, grief, illness, pain, etc.) that challenge us only add value to the 'new us' that we are becoming, because our builder - God - will work if out for our good and His glory. The key for us is not to get 'bent out of shape' as God works.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

Never Static, Always Challenging

You're not stuck where you started.....you're stuck where you STOP! - Anon

Job's life was turned upside down and inside out, but his faith remained on course and intact. Hmm!

Picture this: a motor boat jetting across the lake with a water skier attached having the time of his life. Or a saddled horse running wild dragging behind it's rider who somehow got caught up in the reins and fell off. Which would you rather be doing? In truth, when you think about it this is a picture of our faith life. Sometimes it's joyful and fun, other times it's painful and exacting. Faith is never static and it's always challenging. It is either growing stronger or slowly dying day by day. The issues or circumstances of life only serve as the tests that bring about the result. So, how're you doing?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.....and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." - Hebrews 10:23-24

P.S. - hopefully you can join us tomorrow morning at 9:30am for Prayer Breakfast.

The Lord Will Provide

Expect the unexpected! – Anon

Daily manna from heaven. The real DoorDash. Amen!

Here we are in late 2022. The grip of the pandemic seems to be loosening more and more. There are signs of recovery, but for many the pain of lost loved ones and the uncertainty of the ‘new normal’ still cause worry and anxiety. The truth we must all hold onto is even though our ‘view of the future’ is unclear, our God has already prepared the way for us. He will keep His promise to care for us. Only God Himself knows the end from the beginning. We must live out our lives trusting He will deliver. He’s never disappointed us yet and I’m sure it’s not in His future plans either.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” – Genesis 22:14

An Invitation to Love

You can't tell someone they love you! - Movie quote

Three times a year in addition to 'sabbath keeping' the people assembled before God. Hmm!

Though we are not commanded by 'the law' as the Israelites were to keep certain ordinances, feast days, etc., have you ever stopped to consider or wonder why God commanded them to observe it in the first place? What was He after? Certainly not forced religious activity or vain worship. No, the issue was obedience. Would the people willingly obey and 'openly' come to give thanks and praise to the Creator. It was an invitation to love God. And though it's not a command for us now, I don't think we've changed physiologically to where we don't need such opportunities to show our love to God just like our ancestors. Our growing faith and love for God should always be seeking more 'face time' in His presence, beyond the normal Sunday meeting. Hopefully you've got some plans for this.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." - Psalm 27:4

How You're Known

I’m not the only Christian, but I am Christian only! – Anon

In the entire land of Uz, there was only 1 Job. Hmm!

Three times that fateful night Peter tried to deny he was a part of Jesus’ tribe, even calling down curses, all to no avail. There was something about him that made him stand out like a sore thumb amongst all the others that were gathered. He was easily identifiable as belonging to Jesus. What about us. In a mixed crowd does our identity stand out? Even when those around us may not know our name does our ‘Jesus’ game show up? Not the proselytizing or condemning speeches of others mis-behaviors, but the grace, gentleness, and edifying words that could help make it a ‘divine moment’ they will later reflect upon. It’s true we don’t “cast our pearls among the swine” but it’s also equally true when we’re among them they know who we are.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit……” – Matthew 7:18

Moving Forward

I'll go any direction as long as it's forward. - Anon

Even though the Israelites were 'armed for battle' when they left Egypt, God detoured them around the Philistines. He knew why. Amen!

Detour Ahead! Ugh. No one I know likes to see this sign on the open road. And usually it is a long, time-consuming way around your original mapped out plans. And even though it may be scenic, because it was forced upon us our spirit and minds-eye refuses to enjoy the views. It's the same way in life, it too has detours. Some of us are in one right now wondering when will it ever end. The point though is for us to adjust our spirit and pace to see/hear what God is trying to say to us. That 'intended' destination, relationship, job, etc., may not be good for us. He knows the plans He has for us -right! So, if it seems like you're traveling in circles now may be a good time to slow down and get in step with God. Lest we forget, at one time it took the Israelites 40 years of wandering before they could move forward.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

A Moment to Stop

Sleep doesn't help if it's your soul that's tired! - Anon

Though Daniel was the one in the lion's den, it was the king who couldn't get any rest. Amen!

It's bright red! Octagonal in shape! The word 'STOP' is posted right in the middle of it. Yes, it's a STOP sign. Admittedly, as a California driver I've perfected the Cali-roll. It's not a complete stop, it's a slow down and then proceed. Now according to the 'law' a STOP sign means STOP completely, not slow down. Thinking along this line I'm reminded of God's law of a 'sabbath days rest'. When His people were commanded to STOP all other activity to honor Him. In honoring Him that way it was them who were blessed through their time of worship. It's a mystery how this works but it does. I always come away 'refreshed' from my time with God. It brings restoration to my mind, body, and entire being - something God knows we need. As we gather to worship He pours out blessing upon blessing. But in truth, many of us check in to church/worship to slow our roll, show our face, but never to really STOP and be still. And we often leave with the same stresses and pressures we came with. If that's you or your life is tiring because you are often stretched thin, maybe you should just STOP! Couldn't hurt.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10

Life Reverb

Life pays back in kind! - Anon

Haman's hatred of the Jews was rewarded by his hanging on his own devices. Hmm!

Echo! An exact reverberation of a sound or something said. It generally only happens in certain settings like a cave, tunnel, mountains, or cavernous building. But it also occurs in life - YES life. Like an echo life generally brings back to us what we put out. If we sow anger, discord, divisiveness, selfishness, etc., it's generally what life will bring back to our doorstep. A negative attitude refuses to see any good God produces. believing that anything that could go wrong will or wrong. But daily time with God and the Word are great attitude adjusters. The choice we have is do we want a day filled with HOPE or despair?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

".....A man reaps what he sows....." - Galatians 6:7

A Joyful Life

I do believe we say “He’s an on time God, yes He is….” – song refrain

Can you imagine the Israelites eyes when the Red Sea actually parted? Amen!

We’ve all been there, said that! When things in our life seem to start souring or it seems momentum has shifted against us we cry out “Why is this happening to me, why now?” It’s a tactic of the enemy. To take our focus and attention away from the end goal and focus on the here and now, to wallow in self-pity. But just like any contested sport, when you’re in the ‘middle’ it’s impossible to know how it’s going to turn out. Many games are actually won on the last play. Yes, you want to be victorious, but you must let God write the story and direct the action. He keeps His eyes on the end result – ALWAYS. The victory is great, but it's what we take in while we’re going through it that makes it all worthwhile. A joyful life is the sum total of all of life’s transactions, not just your current status, and when God finishes yours will be an ‘instant classic.’

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully; even as I am fully known.” – I Corinthians 13:12

You Can't Run Away

Your wound may not be your fault, but your healing is your responsibility. – Anon

Elijah tried to run away from it all, but God told him to go back and deal with life. Hmm!

The metaverse! Virtual reality games! Expensive trips to outer space…. all geared to give us time out of this present reality. Why, because whether we want to admit it or not life is an ‘interactive’ sport. Others around us – family, friends, acquaintances, etc. – do have a bearing on our well-being. And sometimes for better or worse their actions and our responses make impressions on our psyche that can have a negative, painful impact. That’s life, you can’t run from it. The question is what do we do after the fact? We can let them make us bitter, resentful, divisive, and angry OR we can seek the healing we need to help us grow. No matter the depth or ‘severity’ of the wound, God, The Great Physician; has a cure. As Jesus asked the man sitting by the pool some 38 years waiting to get in the water: do you want to get well? Well, do you? It’s not in running away from God’s design, it’s running to Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” – Psalm 139:7

He Sees You

“Every move you make, every breath you take….I’ll be watchin’ you!” – song refrain

Hagar tried to hide thinking no one cared until she realized God knew ‘exactly’ where she was and why she was. Hmm!

Just try it for 2-3 minutes. Sit still and watch a group of sparrows (chee-chee birds). The way they flit about, jump around, dart in and out of trees or bushes. You can’t tell them apart, but yet our Great God can. The bible tells us ‘not one of them will fall to the ground outside of God’s care!’ Now if God cares that much about them, imagine how much more He cares for us, His most valued creation. You may think your movements, actions, or current status are of no consequence to Him, but just as He looks in on those birds. He looks in with even greater attention to you. Sometimes it may not ‘feel’ like He’s there, but the One who loves you most knows exactly where you are and the status of things going on. The question is will you trust Him, surrender and allow Him to work it out for your good? Remember, you were made to bring Him glory – let it rise!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you…” – Psalm 121:4-5