Tragic Ends, Beautiful Beginnings

What a caterpillar calls the end of the world; God calls a beautiful butterfly. – Anon

Jesus went to the cross not so much to die, but more so that we might live. Hmm!

For most of us there are things that we say we just can’t do without, that life would not be worth it if we had to go without it (whatever ‘it’ may be). Often, we even rationalize with ourselves and question why God would want to keep us from such things. The reason is that He knows what tomorrow holds, plain and simple. Because God is always at His work, there may be some things He is trying to bring to an end in our lives that the new life may begin. Those habits, quirks, ‘needs,’ that we just can’t seem to live without, God is trying to show us the beauty life can bring without them. As the circumstances of life come upon us today and in the near future, maybe we need to pay attention to what God is addressing in us, for there is much more beauty in all of us to behold.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time…” Ecclesiastes 3:10-11

Lock In on the Guide

I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward. – Charlotte Bronte

God was a ‘cloud’ by day and a ‘pillar’ of fire by night leading the Israelites. He’s still looking for a few good folks to lead today. Hmm!

As anyone who has ever been on a guided tour knows, you always keep your eyes and ears on the Tour Guide. They know the way, what’s important along the way, how much time should be spent at a station and so on…to lose sight of them is to risk getting lost, getting in trouble, or missing out on the tour’s main offering. Life is very similar to this as we journey each day. To keep looking back is to live with the shame, regrets, pain, and heartache of the past, which drastically lessens our hope and encouragement that things will get better. To keep looking into the future is to run the danger of moving beyond God’s stride and direction, running ahead of His plans and purposes and ending up unfulfilled. That’s why it’s imperative that we keep our focus on God, walk at His pace, never letting go of His hand. He will allow us to take time and enjoy His creation, but also ensure we never get lost, never have need to fear, and never linger longer than necessary at any point.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith….” – Hebrews 12:2

Enhancing Other Lives One At A Time

You can stand tall without standing on someone, and you can be a victor without having victims. – H. Woods

Jesus said “there is none greater in heaven than John the Baptist,” and all he did was preach and baptize. Hmm!

One of the worldly perspectives we digest early on in life is that there is always a winner and a loser, that someone has to come out on top; and at all costs we’re to make sure that someone is us. And in truth we spend an inordinate amount of time trying to ‘scratch and claw’ our way up the ladder of success, for success requires the type of thinking and action where one must fight for all they get. In the search for significance, however; one seeks how they may best benefit society and those around them. Their way of thinking is not self-fulfillment but the enrichment of others, which is wholly in line with God’s desires, for we never stand taller than when we reach down to help someone else up.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself….” – Romans 15:2-3

The Many Speeds of Life

Life is like a 10-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use. – Charles M. Schultz

James and John wanted to ‘call down fire’ on the Samaritans because they didn’t welcome Jesus. Jesus got them to relax and later on faith won the day. HMMM!

Look on any freeway at any time and you’ll see them – Porsche’s, Maserati’s, Ferrari’s – built for excessive speed yet limited by the law, sheer pictures of frustration. Most of us live life that way as if we have only 1 speed. It is either a blistering race to the finish line (which we have no idea is where or when), or a scenic snails pace stopping at every turn (not making any progress). The life Jesus calls us to requires us to be very flexible – sometimes waiting and fasting, sometimes stealing away quickly, and sometimes taking long journeys – to experience the ‘abundance’ He promised. The idea is to take it 1 day at a time using all the gifts God has given us at the pace God sets, for He gives ‘grace sufficient for the day.’

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” – Romans 12:1

Use the Tools to Overcome

The only difference between a stumbling block and a stepping stone is in the way you use them. – Anon

In the parable of the talents, the first 2 stewards saw it as a great opportunity, the other steward saw it as a liability. Hmm!

Abraham Lincoln. Thomas Edison. Joseph. Paul. Just a few names from history that if you researched you would find overcame many obstacles to be a great benefit to God and contributor to society. We’ve been gifted with the same tools and insight, and God gave and continues to give to everyone generously. We’ll have similar challenges and situations as well. The difference we make will be in our determination and perseverance. Will we allow life’s trials or storms to trip us up, knock us down, or stall our efforts, or will we step up to a higher calling for God.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God..” – I Corinthians 1:22

Are You On the Right Road?

The Christian is not one who has gone all the way with Christ. None of us has. The Christian is the one who has found the right road. – C.L. Allen

Paul told the people of Philippi he had not yet obtained “the Prize” but he was definitely on the right road and nothing or no one was going to deter him. Amen!

Frustration. It’s something we all face, sometimes more often than we’d like. And like it or not when faced with it enough our human nature often wants to change directions, paths, or programs because we begin to think this one may not be the right one to connect us with our goal. But if our goal is Christ and His righteousness then frustration, opposition, despair, and many other roadblocks or offramps will appear on the horizon. That’s why we are called to live life through the Spirit, He knows the path or road God has laid out for us. He will keep the miscues, offramps, and wrong turns to a minimum, redirect us when we do get off course, and keep our temperament in check. If you’re traveling unfamiliar territory right now give the steering wheel over to Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:62

Blessings Often Overlooked

The more we thank God for what we have, the more we have to thank God for. – Anon

When Jesus gave thanks over a few loaves and fish it suddenly became enough to feed 5,000+, with leftovers. Hmm!

Count your blessings, name them one by one….so the song goes. The underlying theme is we could never really get to a final tally of just how much God has truly blessed us. We tend to be thankful for only those blessings we can quantify or tangibly note - like family, homes, jobs, etc. - but there is much more. Our freedom, our rights, our government just to name a few. Not to mention all that God through His divine providence put in place and keeps in place – sun, moon, stars, atmospheric conditions, ecosystems, food systems, etc., before we came on the scene. What he asked Job (Where we you when I created......?) still resonates today, and we would be just as foolish to think we can tally up all He’s done for us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life….” – Psalm 23:5-6

Build Up Or Shut Up

To belittle is to be little. – Anon

The Pharisee “snubbed” the tax collector in his prayers to God, but he himself was soon humbled by God. OUCH!

When you get right down to it we were all created the same in God’s image, and we are all saved by accepting God’s wonderful, matchless grace. Our life circumstances to this point may not have been identical, and won’t be in the future, but we are still upheld by God’s gracious hand, not anything of our own doing. True, everyone wants to look good and righteous, but putting others down to achieve it is not God’s way, and He’s the righteous judge. As we venture through today’s activities and “divine moments” may edification or silence be our friend.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

Guarding Against A Silent Killer

Hardening of the attitudes is the most dangerous disease on the face of the earth. – Zig Ziglar

Pharaoh’s heart was so hardened toward God and his people, that it cost him not only his pride, and his son, but his army in the Red Sea as well. OUCH!

High cholesterol is a silent attacker of the human body. It may take years but if left unchecked it begins to build blockages in the arteries (hardening) restricting life supplying blood flow. Hardening of the attitudes (heart) works in the same manner. If we’re not careful it will silently creep into our nature to where we are completely unaware that we have become hardened. We begin to snap at others, project hateful speech at certain groups, and find it plenty hard to practice grace. That’s why time in the word, meditation, and prayer are so important – not only are they good medicine – but they tend to make a happy heart.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” – Proverbs 4:23

It's What You Do With It

We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work required is the same. – Carlos Castaneda

Jesus tells us 2 men did the exact same thing, built homes. A storm however, made the outcome very different. OUCH!

Each day has 24 hours. Each week has 7 days. Each year has 52 weeks. You get the picture. We all have the same opportunity to build and live a life that is meaningful and worthwhile for God or a life that is self-centered, fragile, and empty. The decision should not be that hard, but even for us as Christians we often fool ourselves chasing after that which is fleeting and temporary. The attitude we bring to each day’s venture is strictly the result of no one but ourself. Today can have great meaning if we allow it.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” – I Corinthians 3:11-13

Applyling Your Heart

In worship, we would rather our heart be without words, than our words without heart. – L. Broschman

God’s prophet Jeremiah flat out called the priests of the day liars and arrogant men practicing before God – and the people seemed to love it. GOD FORBID!

For the average Christian, Sunday is the day of worship where we go to God’s house and sing, pray, and even say a few “hallelujah’s" or "Amen’s.” But God is not relegated to the church house and worship is not restricted to a once-a-week occurrence, it is a way of life that flows from the heart in all we do. God is looking for more than lip service, He wants life application. Our prayer should be that our worship during the work week will be as “charged and passion-filled” as it was in His house on Sunday.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13

Flavor of the Earth

As part of humanity, each of us is called to develop and share the unique gifts we are given. - M. Marti

Dorcas' small 'gifts of love' had a very profound impact on the community around her. Hmm!

Think about it, the only time you notice it is by its absence or its overbearing presence. What is it? - Salt! Almost every recipe calls for it, even sweets like cake and ice cream - go figure. Mixed in right proportions salt dissolves and brings out the best of the ingredients around it. It's what Jesus had in mind when He referred to us as 'salt of the earth.' We're to blend in at just the right proportion to bring out the best in others. Could you imagine if The Church held such sway over culture this way. That's our purpose, to transform the 'flavor' of life all over the world for Christ. Let's get cooking!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot." - Matthew 5:13

Gushing Hallelujahs

True praise is NEVER an obligation - it's always a delight! - C.S. Lewis

The psalmist said he could hardly wait to go into the house of the Lord. I wonder why? - Hmm!

Imagine yourself at a championship ballgame. Your team is doing well, everything is falling into place for them to win it all. Big plays are being made again and again right before your very eyes. Now, imagine you're not allowed to express any type of response. You have to remain calm and composed. You're not allowed to even 'ooh and aah', or say 'wow', or cheer, or clap. Wouldn't that be totally frustrating! But often we do it Sunday after Sunday at worship. The bible actually commands us to praise profusely (Psalm 150) giving our 'Hallelujahs' to God. One way to define hallelujah is 'breath of praise to God!' And in Revelation 19 that 'breath' of praise is a rather loud 'roar' gushing forth. So ask yourself, when was the last time you actually 'gushed' over God?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him." - Psalm 33:1

Deeper Conversation

A prayerless life for a Christian is a high crime against God. - Anon

When Jesus said "when you pray" he wasn't making a suggestion. Hmm!

As you look around it's hard to miss -phones. Yeah. People are talking/texting and what not in great numbers seemingly all the time. Everybody is having a conversation. God says He's 'listening' for one. He says His ears are open to the cries of His people. Wow, what an invitation. Prayer anyone! Admittedly, it is not the quantity of words in the prayer but the heart, but also admittedly, as our relationship grows with God our walk should draw us into deeper more meaningful 'conversations' with Him over time. Prayer should become a source of joy and inspiration to us (Jesus often withdrew to do so) and a necessary component to our daily survival. Prayer is the easiest and hardest of all things! Many people believe in it, but not many pray. How about you?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?' - Deuteronomy 4:7

REMINDER: All bible studies are suspended this week in lieu of Vacation Bible School. Come on out to the campus and join us each night at 6pm if you're available.

No Pressure for God's Love

The nearest to perfection most people ever come is when filling out an employment application. – K. Kraft

The Pharisee thought he was righteous until Jesus pointed out the publican. OUCH!

Perfectionists! We hate them, don’t we? Those individuals who seem to set unrealistically high goals and expectations for us. Oh, the pressure! But in truth, isn’t that us? We strive to follow all the rules, get all the right answers on the exam, fully achieve the goals we set for ourselves, finish first. Yeah, that’s us. And so often, this is the kind of pressure we put upon ourselves when it comes to our Christian walk. Not that it’s a bad or wrong attitude to have. But thinking and trying to live up to this standard every day we have a tendency to rely on our own strength and ability and often block God out. We forget that the scripture tells us God loved us ‘with’ our imperfections and calls us worthy despite our falling down at times. So if you’re still learning to ‘color within the lines’ or trying to ‘ace the test’ remember you are loved by God and nothing can change that!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Freedom Costs

Freedom isn’t free, and its cost is eternal vigilance. – Anon

As we celebrate this ‘Independence Day’ let us not forget the costs paid and the paths forged that make it possible. First and foremost is what God did for us through His Son Jesus Christ to free us from sin and make us His children. Second, for this nation and the ‘Founding Fathers’ who risked life and death to build a nation who believed in God and His Word. We must forever be vigilant in adhering to, promoting, and protecting these gifts that cost so much. The battles ahead won’t be so much with guns and bombs, and soldiers, etc. on foreign shores, but with pen and votes here in our own backyard. May we realize now that our freedoms are left to us to defend. Blessings!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“….You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…” – John 8:32

Constantly Committed to the Cause of Christ

Better to act and not be successful than never to have responded at all. – C. Ringma

Though he was unsuccessful in his attempt, Abraham at least pleaded with God for Sodom’s safety. Hmm!

Truth be told, we do want to see changes take place in our world, and in particular changes to situations which perpetuate sin, evil, or injustice. But sadly we are often slow to act because we don’t often make ourselves aware of them or because we avoid seeing things for what they really are. We often wait until the evil or injustice becomes more magnified before we respond, and then we often claim it’s too late or our little effort won’t help any. But faithfulness can never be measured in terms of successes, but only in terms of commitment. It does not matter the odds or conditions we’re up against. God has called us to be committed to the cause of Christ at all times, not just when it’s convenient or feels good, and often the cause of Christ will justify us going out into the public arena to try and help right injustice or stand up against evil. The one truth you can always say of a fighter – “at least he fought.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor then honor.” – Romans 13:7

Give Some Effort

Success comes neither through the mail or prayer, but through faithful effort. – Anon

Even though God promised victory to him in the prayer before the battle, David still had to fight the battle. Hmm!

If should come as no surprise that life is somewhat an action sport – meaning; that to get anything from it, we must live it out. The things we desire success in, Christian living, marriage, career path, education, etc., will only be achieved through concerted effort. Faith and prayer are the fuels we use to sustain us, but faith and prayer without work is just ‘whistlin in the wind.’ God fully expects us to use the skill sets, gifts, and mental acuity He has blessed us with, and we will have to give an accounting to Him one day about it. And last, we must remember no matter how great we may become, how good we may be at doing things, or the accolades others may heap upon us, God holds the only definition that really matters for success – salvation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things..…….Come and share your master’s happiness” – Matthew 25:21

Different Lessons Daily

You can learn many things from children – like how much patience you have, for instance. – Franklin P. Jones

Peter vowed to ‘fight to the death’ for Jesus. When the pressure was on he learned his words were hollow. OUCH!

Most people in life don’t mind learning, they just don’t like to be taught. And many of us look for our lessons and learning to come from standardized routine methods, but God works in many diverse ways to show himself to us and teach us his ways. Pressure, blessings, adversity, friends, are just a few of the tools He may use to teach. No day is ever routine no matter how often we do the same thing day in and day out. God will engineer different people in our lives, different circumstances to the job, or even different resources to work with on a daily basis; all in an effort to get us to focus on Him. He will be at work in our lives TODAY hoping we learn more of Him and His ways. The key is to look expectantly at every situation that arises as an invitation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” – James 1:2-3