Ambassadors On Duty

We misrepresent God when we wear His name but not His character. - Anon

Jesus' main antagonists actually wore the clothes of holy men. Go Figure!

In sports it's "you play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back!" In law enforcement and the military, it's "you respect the uniform!" The bottom line is you are a representative of the organization, its values, morals, and goals. You promise to uphold and promote them whenever and wherever. It's actually a biblical concept. We are Christ's 'ambassadors' in the world. Our aim is to uphold and promote the values, morals, and building of His kingdom whenever, and wherever we are. Living for God is not a some of the time life, nor a 'when it appeals to me life. It is a completely 'surrendered' life, where others should see/hear the Christ in us at all times. Why not start today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Make the tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." - Matthew 12:33

Fool Me Once...

There are 2 ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true, the other is to refuse to believe what is true. - Anon

Though the priests and people were expecting to actually see the Messiah in their lifetime, they had all kinds of trouble seeing JESUS. Hmm!

Though in life "everybody plays the fool" sometimes, you would think no one actually goes about looking to be fooled. Anyone old enough knows not everything you read or hear is true. Anyone old enough knows not everything you see others do is right. And to 'know' these things you would think there would be a personal pursuit to see out 'what is true'. But the fact of the matter is many of us, too many of us; are being fooled both ways, just as our ancestors were. Just look at our current situations (presidential race, wars abroad, etc.) and we can see folks all seem to have a different version of 'what is true'. It's true, the issue isn't new, but it is also true that in this day and age where Jesus is seen less and less new versions of 'what is true' are cropping up. Maybe as Christians we need to present a smaller version of ourselves and more of Jesus to those we encounter. Let Him be the difference. It couldn't hurt.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus....replied 'Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true.'" - John 7:28

Slow Down There Partner

The point of walking with God is not to arrive, but to walk with God. – C. Barnes

The bible tells us Enoch walked so well with God that God took him home. I imagine they still walk today. WOW!

When we were babies we started out crawling, then wobbly walking, to striding, to a full blown run. And it seems that we’ve taken to the thought that all in life is at a running pace. But God is not in a hurry, His glory is much more awesome at the pace He sets. As we walk along, we discover that God is still making a way by providing water in OUR deserts. . .. food from the sky in OUR times of hunger…. companionship by fire in OUR times of loneliness….and direction by His Word in OUR times of confusion. Yes, He’s still the same God. If the wilderness (world) still appears to be a frightening place, then the stream, sky, Spirit, and Word along the way are the symbols of God’s grace that He continues to walk now as He did then. This gives a lot more weight to the saying “slow but steady.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

The Gift of Children

A child's shoulders were not built to bear the weight of poor adult choices. - Anon

Jephthah's rash decision (vow) cost him and his daughter dearly. OUCH!

It's often said "the children are our future." If that be true and it is, it places a great burden on us to make it the best, brightest, and hopeful future it can be. It also means we need to bear in mind the future consequences of our current decisions and actions. Today, we are living in a world with an ever increasing foster kid population, an ever increasing governmental debt burden, an ever increasing adult population where no one wants or takes responsibility for their actions. The time is now for us to realize our children need us more than ever to be the adults they can trust and depend on for a BETTER future. The gift of children overall was that we might build a family heritage and godly offspring. It's not too late to do our part.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Precious Lasting Memories

One day, you'll be just a memory for some people. Do your best now to make it a good one! - Anon

When the mysterious woman anointed Jesus by pouring perfume on his head, he said her act will be remembered forever. Hmm!

Walk into any home and you'll probably see them. Photos, framed and placed around the house of children, spouses, and others. And each one has a story behind it. The age or grade level, the event or gathering, and usually the joy or happiness of the day. Precious memories! In truth, no one wants to be forgotten, and that's not really a bad thing, it's human nature. The question is what are we doing now that is worthwhile to be remembered fondly? Life is fast and fleeting but if we do it right by God's standards our memory can be around long after we're gone. LIVE WELL!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope....." Lamentations 3:21

Charting Your Destiny

Choices are the hinges of destiny. – Edwin Markham

The rich young ruler chose his earthly treasures, which he identified with, over Jesus and everlasting life. He also went away sad. OUCH!

“I wish I had done .....” “I should have gone to .......” “I shouldn’t have ......” These are all statements we often make when reflecting on our life. We are right now a summation of all the choices we made in the yesterdays of life. To look back over our life and lament over those choices is useless, we are where we are right now. To look back over them and learn from them and to chart the hand of God “working” throughout for our good regardless is breathtaking. Even better is the fact that God has gifted us TODAY, with every opportunity to make good choices that will determine our tomorrows and our eternity. Are you up to the challenge?

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.” – Matthew 6:24

Though You May Fall Down...

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

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

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

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

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

What God Never Forgets

It's easier to get older than it is to get wiser. - Anon

Thank goodness David was a man 'after God's own heart' for he sure seemed to forget God's ways at times. Hmm!

It happens to all of us. We see a familiar face approach us, begin a conversation; and for the life of us we can't recall their name. We wreck our minds and come up empty. Or we walk from one room to the next and forget what we were going after. Or in our normal day to day busy living we forget and a special birthday, occasion, or appointment may slip by us. Some days we forget where we put the car keys, other days we forget where we parked the car. It's all part of being HUMAN! The bible is full of forgetful folks. The nation of Israel forgot God had delivered them and turned back to worshipping idols. Peter forgot Jesus' words and denied Him three times that very night. And often we are guilty of forgetting God's goodness in our lives and His promises to us. The good news though is that God NEVER forgets us nor forsakes us. And for that we should say Hallelujah!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne. Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...." Isaiah 49:15-16

Because YOU...

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary people, but no machine can do the work of one extraordinary person. – E. Hubbard

Jonah and the repenting Ninevites. Peter on the Day of Pentecost. One powerful, spirit-filled message changed many hard hearts. Hmm!

Automation. Assembly lines, Time-motion processes, etc. These are so yesterday. Now it's AI. It's taking over in every realm possible, generating all kinds of content and possibilities. Yes, it’s true in many areas the human element has been curtailed or improved upon to benefit mankind, some good, some not so good. However, no matter how technologically advanced we become; no mechanized or computational process can change the hearts of men and women. Only God working through us can accomplish this great feat, and this happens only in relationship. So, no matter what comes our way may we be extraordinary today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25:34-36

All Requests Subject to God's Plan

Faith will not always get us what we want, but it will get us what God wants us to have. – Sparks

Paul cried out in faith to God several times to have his ‘thorn in the flesh’ removed. God gave him humility instead. Amen!

True, the bible says with a little faith you could move mountains, and true the bible says if you ask, believing, you shall receive it. But often we overlook the fact that what we ask for is ALWAYS subject to God’s will and purpose for our lives. If God gave us everything we wanted, He would be a puppet on a string or heavenly vending machine. God grants to us what we need and often supplies our wants within reason for His glory. The sad part is often we just don’t see it because it doesn’t come the way we expect it. God will be granting us all something special today. Don’t miss it!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” – Isaiah 30:18

True Value Discrepancies

Price is not the same as value! - Anon

Don't ask Esau the value of a birthright. OUCH!

Price! So many different terms (wholesale, retail, discount, sales, MSRP, etc.) it's hard to truly determine worth. And worth itself is somewhat subjective depending on the individual. And what's worse is we've confused all of this with value. Example, we'll pay a star athlete or top-movie star millions a year to excite or entertain us for a few hours, but teachers and educators almost pennies on the dollar (comparatively) to educate us and help prepare us for life. Go figure! God referred to Esau as 'godless' for selling his birthright for a bowl of stew; meaning he did not know the true value of what he possessed. As a society often we're not far behind. God is not against fame or fortune, He just wants us to realize in the grand scheme of life they are not that important. What we add to life by way of the blessings He gives to us is the key. Don't miscalculate the value of your life or your contribution to God's work. We will all give an account one day.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

",,,.the Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight." - Proverbs 11:1

What We Take In

Those who would play with kittens must expect to be scratched. – Cervantes

The Israelites gave their daughters in marriage and took other nations daughters in marriage in direct violation of God’s word. Though marriage was honorable in this case it was wrong. They later felt God’s wrath. Hmm!

Often in life, the easiest choices carry heavy consequences that can mar and scar our lives deeply. Our choice of friends, entertainment, and recreation will impact the way we think and act. Our choice of intellectual stimulation, lack of continued disciplined spiritual development will impact our morals, values, and contribution to life. In essence, what we take in will most definitely make an indelible mark on our conscience. Satan often presents sin as something rather glamorous, adoring, and necessary. It is only after we’re entangled that we realize it’s not for us. The good news is that God is willing and able to forgive us of such transgressions, but he expects us to knowingly avoid such temptations. Actions and decisions have results, and life is full of both, but our ultimate aim should be to please God in all we do.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23

What's Your Source?

People who say God is dead and Elvis is alive can’t be too bright! – L. J. Harvey

Amaziah consulted with God, and then went out and conquered the Edomites and their gods which could not save them. Then he turned around and consulted with their gods. HMMM!

Advice. No matter how brilliant, wise, and aged we are, we all need it at times. True, most times it's unsolicited, but often when we do need it we rarely think of our Heavenly Father or His word. We turn to worldly books, talk-shows, unsaved friends and other soothsayers. But if we’re trying to live a holy, righteous life, maybe we should seek the advice of the one who is holy, righteous and all knowing - God! When changes and difficulties come our way, maybe we should seek His way.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“ When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” – Isaiah 8:18-19

Reaching Out With Hope

You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-lost record of the referee. – J. Holcomb

Andrew brought one to Jesus who helped feed thousands and one who helped save thousands. You never know what one act can do. Hmm!

Often in our Christian walk we tend to spend vast amounts of time making sure we keep our life encapsulated within the “parameters” of God’s word (thou shalt not’s) that we seldom reach out to others for fear it may cause us to come in contact with those not like us. But the fact of the matter is that is exactly what God wants from us, to reach out to others for the sake of His kingdom. Not others like us, but others unlike us. Our goal is not to impress our fellow Christian brother or sister with our piety, but to reach out to the one no one seems to care about to give them hope. May your light give direction.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:37-40

The Secret of Success

It's hard to make it to the Major Leagues, and it's even harder to stay. - Anon

Moses wanted his people set free, he just didn't really know what it would take. Amen!

Success - a noble idea indeed and something we all seek. And if we're not careful we'll find ourselves often in envy of others successes and achievements, "oohing and aahing" their praises. But what we often fail to see is that which lies below the surface, the many failures and negative responses they endured before they became successful. In truth, a lot of failure, a lot of pain, and a lot of life goes into success. And it's what we learn in these instances and how we build upon these experiences that will either propel us onto the success platform or the pit of despair. That's why it's good to know the God of grace we serve, who is generous in second chances, and asks us to prove nothing to Him but our love, and that is the greatest success one can have in life.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2

Living The Way

First say to yourself what you will be; then do what you have to do to be. – Epictetus

Joshua made his choice loud and clear to all who would listen “me and my house will be servants of the Lord” and backed it up. He was a blessed man. AMEN!

God has given us many assurances of who we are as his children (loved, accepted, redeemed, protected, chosen, lenders not borrowers, the head not the tail, etc.) and what we should be. The decision has always been up to us to live like it. Maybe, just maybe at this point in our life we need to give up on trying to find the ‘secret’ to life and accept THE WAY of life. It’s the only way we can then claim the heritage and promises God has already laid out for us. There is no magic to it, just an acceptance of who God is and what He’s already done. To be anywhere outside the will of God makes no sense at all, but the choice is all ours.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

True Supporting Cast Members

God evidently does not intend us all to be rich, or powerful, or great, but He does intend us all to be friends. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jonathan would not let the kingship nor his father, king Saul, take from him what he cherished most – FRIENDSHIP with David. Hmm!

In any society there are only so many that can be leaders, standouts, or greats if you will. But in reality, they cannot be such without the support of the people, so to be a standout or great is really nothing without friends to support you. One of the key elements God looks for in us down here is our ability to love one another in spite of our different stations, cultures, or preferences, and to prefer one another over ourselves – that’s a picture of true friendship. Remember, it’s easier to be a friend than to find one.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You are my friends if you do what I command.” – John 15:14

No Doubt He's Glorious

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

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

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

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Eternal Hearts Live On

In the ancient words of the Bible is the gift of ETERNAL LIFE. All that's needed to unlock them is the ever-present Holy Spirit. - Anon

Jesus said 'store up for yourselves treasures in heaven'...Hmm!

If we look around the house, we'll probably find it. An old worn out, cracked binding, dog-earned pages falling out, bible. Yes, it's lost its luster, but not its life. There's something there that won't simply let us part with it. The memories of dad/mom reading from it at night, carrying it to church on Sunday, quoting from it often as they lectured us when we needed it. Yeah, that physical book - Bible - may not have withstood the time, but the words contained within still resonate. Why, because it is the Living Word of the Living God, who is eternal and forever. And from these lessons we've learned that earthly treasures may fade over time (mom/dad, grandparents, etc.) but eternal hearts live on and shine forever. May we all be so empowered today!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." - John 6:68-69

The Spiritual Value of Living In The Present

Time is a versatile performer. It flies, marches on, heals all wounds, runs out, AND will tell! - F.P. Jones

Jesus never hurried a day in his life, yet he could still proclaim "It is finished." WOW!

Time! It's the one thing we can't get more of. It is God's gift to us to be enjoyed and used wisely. But we often find ourselves abusing it by putting off for tomorrow those things we should do today, which then puts us in a frenzied state. So often one person's constant hurry becomes another's stress. There is great spiritual value to living in the present moment. Being able to 'stop and smell the roses,' or 'give someone your full undivided attention,' or even 'play games freely and unhurriedly with your children or family.' What truly makes the present moment so special is God dwells there. When we live, work, and play by a frenzied pace, we develop a 'just get it done' mentality, and it quickly makes the situation more important than the relationship. We then miss opportunities to connect that bring closeness, intimacy, joy, peace, and contentment. So no matter the situation before us today we need to make God's gift of time 'holy' by being aware of those with whom we are sharing it with.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

".....teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom...." - Psalm 90:12

Closet Time With Jesus

A holy life is not lived in the closet, but it cannot survive without one. - Anon

Paul's letters mention how he 'often' prayed for those who came to faith. I'm sure that's not all he prayed for. Hmm!

We wash them in 'Woolite'! We get them professionally dry-cleaned! We hang them properly, sometimes in plastic bags in the closet. What are they, our clothes or garments. Those pieces we always want to look good in, in public. Whether it be clothes, cars, jewelry, etc., we all have things we give much more attention and protection to, ensuring their presentation always draws attention. That should ever be the case with our faith walk with God. It deserves the utmost of care in terms of preparation (study, prayer, fasting) and presentation (avoiding the appearance of sin). It's true that life has a frenetic pace, but it's equally true that we don't have to participate in everything that makes it that way. If our lives are starting to get frayed around the ends, maybe some closet time with Jesus is just what we need.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"......But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen....." - Matthew 6:6