Sermon Pop: The Right Order

Need to put some order in your life? Need a mid week spiritual lift?

Catch the premier of "Sermon Pop: The Right Order" Today at 10am on YouTube!

https://bit.ly/3XjQtrx

Just The Sermon 8/25/24 "Choose Your Priority"

Premiering today at 10am and available for re-watch later on YouTube, it's Just the Sermon portion of the 8/25/24 worship service LIVE in Da Buildin! "Choose Your Priority"

https://bit.ly/3T928XM

Number the Days Wisely

You may delay, but time will not. – Benjamin Franklin

Though God wears not a watch nor has a calendar, He knew exactly when to rescue Israel AND send us a Savior. Hmm!

The ‘inevitable.’ Whatever it is, it’s what everyone wants to put off until the last moment. But try as we may, time will not stop, slow down, nor be added to keep it from happening. God has given us each an allotted number of days in His book, and the desire of His heart is that we come to know Him personally and fulfill the purpose for which He created us. Today we are a bit closer to the end of our time than the beginning, so it should motivate us to set our relationships right, live at peace with each other, and most of all square things with God.

I will be leaving for a few days of vacation beginning today. So until I return this keyboard will be silent…

Pastor Botts

“….all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:16

Lighten Your Load Today

There will always be enough for today, without taking on yesterday or tomorrow. – Richard Murray

God rained down manna on a daily basis for the Israelites to eat. In their craftiness they tried to save some of it for the next day. It only created other problems. Hmm!

It has often been said that “worry is the interest paid on tomorrow’s trouble - today.” Yet even knowing this we still have a habit of carrying this excess weight with us, and it impacts our lives and testimony for God. The truth of the matter is when we agonize over yesterday’s decisions or fret over tomorrow’s possibilities, we show a lack of trust and faith in our Heavenly Father. He is so willing to forgive us our past mistakes, and He is so willing to help us with tomorrow when it comes. What He wants though, is for us to just live for Him in the current moment. As 'His mercies, grace, provisions, are new every morning' today is our turn to represent Him as light and life in a dark world.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” -Matthew 6:34

Purposeful Work

You may not get all that you work for in this world, but you must certainly work for all you get. – Frederick Douglass

Even in the ‘Parable of the Sower’ Jesus tells us he didn’t reap everywhere He sowed, but He did sow. Hmm!

We live in a world that is changing rapidly. People no longer extend their hands to shake in friendship but with palms up to ask in expectation. There is almost a sense in some that the world ‘owes’ them something. How often we forget that all of us come by our resources the same way - WORK. Work is in itself a virtue God has allotted to us to provide for our needs, His church, and the poor we have amongst us. We all believe that anything worth having is worth working for, so there should be no griping or complaining on our part, but a gracious sense of joy that we can fulfill our purpose in the work God has given us this day, and rejoice in what we receive from it.

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

Look Up

Even when you don't notice the stars they are still shining. - M Santoso

It's truly hard to imagine that the Wise Men or Magi were the only ones to see the 'Star' that year. Hmm!

"Oh, what a day!" It's a proclamation we've all made a time or two. Usually when the issues or problems of daily living seem to suck all the joy out of life. This happens when we fix our gaze upon ourselves and forget about God. Since the beginning of creation He has given us a beacon to remind us of His great love, care, concern, and presence - all we need do is look up. And if that's not enough just look outward. God always gives us something good to enjoy despite life's current situations. It may be our loving family, energetic grandkids, playful pets, or even a good warm memory to get us out of that 'funk' and remind us of His goodness, closeness, and ability to work it out for our good and His glory. Though we are a little lower than the angels He is still "ever mindful of us!"

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge." - Psalm 19:1-2

Say Cheese!

If you can't do anything else to help along, just smile. - E. Kirk

God's Word makes it abundantly clear that a 'cheerful heart' causes stress in the face which is called a smile. Hmm!

Smile! It's what we say to the person we're taking a picture of. Why, because no one really likes to see a picture of sadness or frowns. A cheerful face somehow seems to make others perk up. A smile indicates pleasure or a joy deep within. As Christ followers, knowing what God has already done for us and blessed us with should bring joy to our hearts and a smile on our face. AND knowing what lies ahead for us on the other side of this life should always spark that joy within and bring a smile. Yes, life might be tough right now; meager or no supplies, aching/diseased body, strained relationships with family or friends, but none of this is new, God delivered before, and has promised never to leave or forsake us. So all that is left is for us to just trust in Him, look up and SMILE!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....A happy heart makes the face cheerful...." - Proverbs 15:13

P.S. - Hope you can join us for Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9:30am. We'll take a look at Ephesians 6:18-20!

Higher Authority

The toughest thing about raising kids is convincing them you have seniority. - Anon

When the Prodigal Son reached 'rock bottom' he realized his father was not only bright, but RIGHT. Hmm!

Many of us were blessed to grow up in a god-fearing, two-parent home. I know in today's society that is now a rarity. But whether it was single-parent or two in our upbringing one thing was abundantly clear - there was a parent. One who laid down the law. And if we accepted them as parent(s) then certain personal, behavioral, and moral consequences were demanded of us from them. We could not claim "you're my mother/father" and then not listen to them. It just didn't work that way. Well friend, what about Christ? The same is true about Him in our life. We can't claim Him as Lord and then cast aside all His commands, living only for ourselves. We can't just give lip service to His words and live however we want. It's an insult to His very being. So as this day unfolds and presents all its circumstances and issues, we need to ask ourselves "What shall I do with Jesus called the Christ?" Now that's a thought worth pondering.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" - Luke 6:46

Where Are You Headed?

The road to abundant living here, and heaven afterwards, runs right through the giver of peace: Christ. - Anon

The reason the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert is because they were ‘lost.’ God wasn’t. Hmm!

Sun! Moon! Compass! GPS! Over the eons we’ve progressed through technology to help us navigate around this great big planet, for no one likes being lost. But here’s a question we rarely ask ourselves: "Am I at peace with the direction of my life?" Days and years pass quickly, and many of us are okay with the ‘events’ of life (birth, childhood, school, marriage, career, etc.) but rarely do we seem to have found the purpose for which God created us. And because of this we seem to lack that ‘peace that surpasses all understanding’ that God promised. It’s good to know where you are, but it’s best to know where you’re headed and why, for this gives life great meaning. If we’re on the wrong path or don't like the direction we're travelling the great news of the day is that God allows U-turns.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

More Than Talk

Action indeed is the sole medium for the expression of ethics or faith. – Jane Addams

Abraham, Jacob, Daniel, etc. Even in a foreign land these men held fast to their ‘open’ worship of God. Hmm!

We’ve all heard the expression “they talk a good game but they don’t back it up.” A good question is how does that apply to us? The bible tells us to be instant ‘in season and out of season.’ The ‘season’ does not refer to the time of year, but to the time right now, meaning whether we feel like it or not we should be a light for Christ. Many of us at times suffer from our tendency to be instant ‘out of season,’ or in other words only when certain others will see it. If we do only what we feel inclined or compelled to do, some of us would do nothing forever and ever. But the proof that we are rightly related to God and His kingdom is that we do our best for Him whether we feel supernaturally inspired or not. We cannot give ourselves to God only when we think it best or when we feel the ‘Spirit,’ He requires all of us at all times.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21

Know Your Worth

If you put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. – Anon

Even in captivity, Daniel never forgot who he was nor whom he belonged to. Hmm!

One of the great parodied events of our country's storied history is the “purchase” of Manhattan from the Indians for some ‘trinkets and beads,’ the obvious point being the Indians had no idea of the value of the land they possessed. Often in life, we are somewhat like these fabled Indians, forgetting that we are of the greatest value to our Heavenly Father and His Son. Our worth to God is of much more value that pure gold. We are the children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are royalty. Let no one sell you short today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – I Peter 2:9

The Lord Will Walk With You

“I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down.” - Abraham Lincoln

Paul considered everything he suffered a ‘momentary’ thing compared to what awaited him in glory. Hmm!

In the ‘Road Less Traveled’ (Scott Peck) the book opens with an ominous but very obvious truth: Life is difficult! And for many of us that is putting it mildly. We not only experience difficulties, we endure tragic accidents and illnesses. We endure family where addictions, habits, emotional and mental issues just seem to expand the dysfunctional nature. It seems our spirit is under attack on a daily basis. We try to live with authenticity, but we know within we’re not bullet-proof or immune to the effects. The one truth we should NEVER forget though is God is with us too! What no calamity can do is devour our faith. Test it – YES, devour it – NEVER! In Christ we are victors not victims. Our battle may not be won today, but it will be won. Life is full of buzzer-beating examples, why not be one of them!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.” – Psalm 118:7

Round and Round We Go

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten! - Anon

In the book of Judges the Israelites over and over and over “did evil in the sight of God,” and over and over and over He gave them “over to their enemies.” Hmm!

It’s been said insanity is doing the exact same thing over and over and each time expecting different results. Just because “we’ve always done it this way,” doesn’t necessarily make it right, nor mean it has to continue that way. God doesn’t want our rituals or legalism, but our hearts; for that is where transformation takes place. If we are still today spiritually where we were 2-3 years ago, maybe we need to consider a slight change in our habits. Look for God to be doing a ‘new thing’ in your life today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Blending Together

Life is like being a simple letter in the alphabet. It can be meaningless standing alone, or it can be part of a great spelling in fellowship with other letters. – Jewish Proverb

Apollos was a greatly educated orator. After spending time with Aquila and Priscilla he became an even greater preacher. Amen!

Supercalifragilistic expealidocious! Other than the song from ‘Mary Poppins’ I really don’t think the word exists or has meaning – but the letters together look and sound quite grand and added something to the song. The life God has called us to live out in his glory is along the same lines. The various sub and eco-systems of His creation work in perfect harmony to make this planet perfect for us to live on and His expectation is all of us working together in harmony to bring a song of victory or praise to Him. That’s why fellowship is so important – it helps us blend together to bring perfect pitch to the melody of life. Are you in or out?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.” – Psalm 35:18

Number One Priority

Bad habits are like comfortable beds, easy to fall into but hard to get out of. – Anon

Jesus jumped all over the Scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders of His day because of their love for ‘the traditions of men’ rather than GOD. OUCH!

Sometimes, if we’re not careful we can easily fall into self-fulfilling acts or rituals that take us away from God’s program and think ourselves righteous. A habit doesn’t have to be sinful to be bad, but if it takes our focus off of Almighty God and places it on our own desires, we need to re-evaluate our commitment. God will present situations to see who will be first in our life today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I am the Lord your God….you shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:2-3

Out of the Ordinary

Life is for one act only; improvisation is required! – Anon

Gideon and his 300 men defeated the Midianites without a sword among them. Just trumpets, empty jars, shouts, and of course – God. Hmm!

Complacency, conformity, and rigidity are too common in our lives. We love being where we are, who we are; and will fight anyone tooth and nail to keep things the way they are. We forget we serve a God who manifested Himself in many diverse ways. He’s the master of improvisation. He made even ‘devout’ folks like Elijah and Peter eat things they considered unclean, or go places they felt beneath them, just to bring glory to His name. So we, though confident in our faith; should never feel God won’t ‘stretch’ us in ways that require us to improvise. We need remember that though God loves us as we are, He’s making us into what He wants us to be, and that may require us being ‘bent out of shape’ by Him and for Him. Here’s hoping we’re all somewhat flexible.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

On Mission

"Stay on target..." -Gold Five (Star Wars)

God was exact in all His measurements. I wonder if we should take a lesson there. Hmm!

Bullseye! Everyone is familiar with the term. It's the center of the target - dead aim center; what we all shoot for. The mark of perfection. Now when it comes to our profession of Christ it brings up a question. Are we ourselves moving towards it in a way others can see and praise or are we moving away from it, tarnishing the glory of the God we serve. One of the harshest words Jesus used for the 'religious right' of His day was hypocrite, as they were actually making it almost impossible for the people to see and witness God's presence. We will all struggle from time to time in our walk, that's not the issue, the issue is whether those around us who really know us would be able to say with certainty that we are still striving for the target or actually doing a disservice to the Lord. Since the target has not moved or changed the answer lies within us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind..." - Matthew 22:37

Time to see The Cardiologist

The condition of our hearts determines the direction of our lives. - L. Woods

Paul's conversion allowed him to help rebuild the church he tried to destroy. WOW!

A tightness or pain in our chest. A numbness in our arm. Dizziness or an irregular heartbeat. When symptoms like these hit us we generally don't play around. It's off to the doctor or nearest emergency room depending on the intensity. We know there is a possible problem with our heart. But what about our 'spiritual heart?' What are the warning signs that would make us realize something is wrong? Truth be told most of us tend to think we're alright because we avoid the 'big sins' - whatever they are. But in the sight of God gossiping carries the same weight as sexual immorality - it's all SIN. Therefore, our backbiting, foul language, selfishness, bad attitude, lackadaisical worship, etc., should all be considered warning signs that we need a heart checkup. And the great thing is the 'Good Doctor' God is always available to see us. Why not make an appointment?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"My heart says of you, 'Seek His face!' Your face Lord will I seek." - Psalm 27:8

Are You Afraid of...?

Fear is the darkroom where 'negatives' are developed. - Anon

One man - Goliath - struck fear in a whole army, that is until David came along. WOW!

Kryptonite! It was Superman's weakness. It completely immobilized him and his superpowers. What about us, what might ours be - FEAR! Not the 'scared of the dark' kind of fear, but the fear of inadequacy, fear of not measuring up. We fear our past cropping up to embarrass us. We fear our future will be too difficult. We fear letting others down, letting ourselves down. Our fears keep us from reaching out, and often reaching UP to God. The enemy's greatest ploy is to fill us with fear. That's why God's Word directs us and commands us time and again not to be afraid. Just as He told Joshua to be 'strong and courageous' going into a foreign land, as we commune with God each morning we should leave that encounter 'strong and courageous' as we enter into the new territory of TODAY. As long as we are walking faithfully we really have no need to fear for God has our back, front, sides, etc., for He is all encompassing around us. So, we have nothing to fear but.......actually nothing!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid..." - John 14:27