God Assisted Aspirations

If it doesn’t scare you a little, you are dreaming way too small! – Richard Murray

Moses said to God “who am I to go before Pharaoh?” God reminded him with “I’m going!” Amen!

They’re called big events! Life-changers. The ‘wedding’ day! The ‘home purchase’ day. The ‘baby comes’ day. Yes, these and others like them cause you to pause and wonder, with some trepidation about your readiness and ability to succeed. The challenge that lies ahead. Can you meet it alone? That’s the reality of dreams and aspirations for life. If they aren’t challenging enough for us to be dependent on someone greater than ourselves – GOD – then they really aren’t big enough. God walks with us every step of the way, but He will not do for us what He knows we can do for ourselves. But when it comes to the ‘impossible’ that’s His domain, and He remains at the ready if only we are willing to ask, for He wants to bring us good and glory to His name. If you have the dream you also have the means.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

It Takes Two to Make It Out of Sight

How may I assist you? - Salesperson

What made the battle between little scrawny David and Goliath legendary was that David went to the battle. Hmm!

Assist - to aid or help someone in need. A befitting definition. However, so often our prayers for God's help are actual pleas for Him to do it for us. We pray "Lord deliver me from......", or "Father, bring about a revolution......" and sit back watching and waiting for God to do it all. But that's not how it works. When we ask God for help we must be willing to do whatever we can, using whatever means He has already given us to assist Him in aiding us. God will not do what He knows we ourselves can do, but He will give us strength, provision, inspiration, and motivation to go beyond. His instructions to Gideon were "go in the strength you have.." God was essentially saying "I am your strength and I will work with you and through you" if you are willing. It was a classic test of God asking him will you trust me. Here today, God is asking us the same. So, will you?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...." - Ephesians 3:20

Prayer And More

We should never ask God to do things independent of prayer that He only promised to do through prayer. – Anon

Before Nehemiah approached the king with his request it took him a few days to get properly ‘dressed’. Hmm!

No one likes pain, particularly continual pain. The ongoing 'throbbing', continuous 'aching' that makes rest and peace almost an impossibility. For some we take medicine but still get no relief. Some we pray about but again, no relief. What to do? The disciples got a fresh look and lesson firsthand as Jesus drove out the demon they couldn't seem to budge from the child on their own. Later they asked Jesus why and He told them plainly "you need a little more prayer and fasting in your life!" The lesson here is very much in play for us today as well. Many of us are dealing with situations, circumstances, issues, and yes, we pray and pray and pray some more. Maybe we need to go all in as Jesus said and add fasting to our diet. It really, really couldn't hurt!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126:5-6

The Exact

To find the exact answer, one must first ask the exact question. - S. T. Webster

Jesus’ answer to the rich man to ‘sell all he had and come and follow me’ upset him. It wasn’t the answer he wanted. OUCH!

Far too often we strive to live in the ‘grey’ area of life. It’s the areas that we’ve reasoned in our minds that leave a little ‘wiggle room’ for our proclivities. We know God does have a ‘good and perfect will’ but we tend to think if we never ask the questions or do the reading we will not be held accountable. But the scriptures do emphatically state: "there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Though God is gracious His commands are always exact friend, and there is no wiggle room in Him or His word. We are commanded by the Word to ‘study and show ourselves approved’ so not reading it or never asking the questions will not get us off the hook. If our exact destination is heaven, then the Bible is the book to answer all of our questions EXACTLY!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“......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

We Have Not Because...

Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one bothered to ask. - Billy Graham

James told the saints of old “they have not because they ask not.” Makes good sense to me. AMEN!

“It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil,” is a phrase many of us remember growing up with; indicating that the one who cried out the most and/or the loudest seemingly got all the attention. That’s a good analogy to use when it comes to prayer. We can’t cry out too loud or too often to God. Oftentimes in our prayer lives we seemingly don’t bother God with various problems or issues thinking them too little or vain or even silly. But with God there is no small, vain, or silly prayer – as He just loves to hear from His children, and He has ‘wonderful things in store’ for those who ask. You might’ve noticed in some of His answers an abundance of blessing, could it be possibly because He hears from us so rarely He just pours it on? Hmm!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven…..” – II Chronicles 7:14

Passionate Pursuit of Spiritual Progression

Learning comes not from having books, writings, or even teachers; but the DESIRE within to know. – Anon

God chose many of His servants not based on what they knew, but WHO they pursued. AMEN!

Pre-school! High School! Colleges, universities, the ‘school of hard knocks.’ All avenues of education, life preparation, and social maturation. Each student has access to all they need to learn, but yet teachers still use grades such as A,B,C… to show their progress, which in truth is a measure of the student’s desire to actually know and understand. Similarly, in our Christian lives we have the same equal access to the bible, spiritual teachers/mentors, and fellowship with other Christians, to help us grow in the faith. And we see the same results, not all of us pursue spiritual growth with the same passion or desire. God is calling us into a relationship to ‘know Him’ not just know about Him. And as gracious as He is, He won’t be using a grading scale like our earthly teachers.

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

Anyway You Bless Me Lord

TODAY! What a gift. - Anon

Was the 'ram in the bush' God's gift to Abraham or Isaac? Hmm!

Birthday gifts! Christmas gifts! I'm sure we can all remember a time or two ripping the packaging of all of our presents looking for that 'one' gift we truly, truly wanted only to find it not there. Then we had to make sure our disappointment never showed. You ever wonder how often we do that with God? We ask for the blessings and gifts and expect them to be boxed and bow wrapped to our every expectation and timing. And because of our 'expectations' we often miss the gift or blessing He provides. His gifts are not a deliverance of what we want but what we need. Remember, every gift God gives is perfect, fitting the situation and purpose before us. So, whatever we may be praying, seeking, or asking of God right now don't expect it to come by conventional means. God has a variety of ways to bless and fill us. Just know that His answer will be perfect, and don't forget to praise Him for it.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:11

Ask Ahead

It’s good to believe in prayer, but what we believe about prayer is far greater. – Bill Pile

Daniel prayed 3 times a day. Jesus prayed before every decision, miracle, or move He made. Their results speak loudly! Hmm!

The average person will say they believe a healthy diet and exercise is good for the body, but rarely will they do it. They will say they know they need to save money before an emergency arises, but again, it’s rare if they do. We’re told to ‘pray without ceasing’ but….. Most of us as Christians do pray. However, if we were to look at our prayer life we would see we’re often praying ‘after the fact’ rather than before the storm; which shows our belief about prayer is somewhat lacking. If prayer is able to “change things” or “move God” should we not be asking ahead?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“[Uzziah] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” – II Chronicles 26:4-5

More For the Asking

The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little. – T. Merton

God’s prophet Elisha was angered because Jehoash was willing to settle for minor victories over his enemies when God was ready to completely destroy them. WOW!

When we actually sit down and look at all the facts, the only difference between us and the great ones of the faith that we admire, is desire. Not economics, education, geography, or race – just desire. The desire to ask ‘big’ things of God, things only God could do, and then to earnestly desire and entreat Him to do them. The disciples were 'unlearned' men according to scripture but yet they turned the world upside down for Jesus. We can too friend. True it may take a little more work on our part (prayer/fasting) but the rewards would be worth it for God has promised it. If the God we serve is truly great then He can do GREAT things.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. According to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

Questions That Lead To Understanding

"That, my son, is the right question..." - excerpt from 'I Robot'

I imagine Saul was quite surprised at the answer he received to his question: "Who, are you Lord?" Hmm!

Think of the number of times in conversation you hear "how do I say this?" or "let me get my thoughts right..." to ensure the hearer gets the right interpretation of what's being said. Do we ever think along those lines when it comes to reading and studying God's Word. Maybe we miss the meaning or intent because we read it out of context, or maybe we miss it because we're searching for the answer we want, not what the truth reveals. God's knowledge is not limited by anything or anyone, and He holds the answers to the universe and all there is in His hands, willing to share with anyone who asks. However, we still must ask the right questions to receive what we seek/need. The scripture plainly points out God gives wisdom to everyone that asks, but it also says we need to ask with purpose, belief, and in humility. Any questions?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all.......But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord: he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does " - James 1:5-8

Can You picture That

Logic will get you from point A to point B. Imagination will take you everywhere. - Albert Einstein

When Daniel opened his windows to pray where do you think his spirit went? Hmm!

As kids our imagination had no end. We could easily envision ourselves in character form. We were superheroes, star athletes, princesses, and of course 'world conquerors'. Nothing could stand in our way. But then we grew up and our imagination shrunk, or in a lot of cases completely went away. Why? We can say it's because we 'put away childish thinking' but is that really what God wants from us. If He truly is the God who can do "much more than we can think OR imagine" shouldn't our imaginations still have no end? Shouldn't we still be able to envision ourselves and His church doing great things? If God has given us the vision He will make provision. Can you imagine that?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20

Here To Help

How may I assist you? - Salesperson

What made the battle between little scrawny David and Goliath legendary was that David went to the battle. Hmm!

Assist - to aid or help someone in need. A befitting definition. However, so often our prayers for God's help are actual pleas for Him to do it for us. We pray "Lord deliver me from...", or "Father, bring about a revolution..." and sit back watching and waiting for God to do it all. But that's not how it works. When we ask God for help we must be willing to do whatever we can, using whatever means He has already given us to assist Him in aiding us. God will not do what He knows we ourselves can do, but He will give us strength, provision, inspiration, and motivation to go beyond. His instructions to Gideon were "go in the strength you have.." God was essentially saying "I am your strength and I will work with you and through you" if you are willing. It was a classic test of God asking him will you trust me. Here today, God is asking us the same. So, will you?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...." - Ephesians 3:20

Learning What We Need to Learn

There are years that ask questions, and years that answer; and sadly, often they are not the same. – Zora Neale Hurston

Esau never questioned why Jacob wanted his ‘birthright’ and lived to regret having that bowl of red stew. OUCH!

Upon reflecting upon life’s decisions, if we’re honest about it most of us have at one time or another “wished we knew then what we know now.” Oh, the heartache we could have avoided, the financial mistakes, the relationship miscues, and all the ‘drama’ we could have done without – if we knew then what we know now. But as much as we complain we must ask ourselves: what is life without such adventure. The real problem we have is not ‘knowing now what we wished we knew then’ but in not learning then what we should have learned then, not being patient and seeking out the wisdom needed. The lessons came to teach us, but often we didn’t get the right answer to the lesson and suffered many repeats and other consequences. The silver lining in all of this is we serve a God who desperately wants us to get all the right answers to His questions, and He allows us an open book test.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

Doing OUR Part In The Work

Ask God’s blessing on your work, but don’t ask Him to do it for you. – F. Robson

God told the Israelites victory was assured, but they still had to engage in and fight the battles themselves. Hmm!

We love to sing the song ‘Lord, Don’t Move My Mountain’ but often times our heart is just not in the song – we want God to do exactly that, move it; without any help from us. But the fact is that many of the problems, circumstances, and issues that arise in our lives are because of the prayers where we’ve either asked God to ‘prune’ us, or the testing God told us He would bring to ‘prove’ us. And in either situation it doesn’t matter how much we pray for God’s relief, God will require something of us in the answer to our prayers. God’s work is to perfect us, our work is to pursue righteousness in all things, even when it is painful. But no matter, we have the greatest comforter in God Himself.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work.” – John 9:4

He Loves To Make A Plan Come Together

God always has options. – Anon

 

Both Abraham and Job had to be reminded that “nothing was too hard for God.” Not a thing! Amen.

 

McGuyver! The A-Team! Mission Impossible! The premise of these old shows was always that the fate of the world rested in the hands of the individual(s), and they were always met with almost insurmountable odds and enemies; but yet they still won out. If they could do it, and in their own strength, how about the God we serve. He is the creator of Heaven and earth, so there is nothing he can’t handle, and He has promised us victory if we remain faithful. So no matter what we’re up against, or how dark the way may seem, or how hopeless life may appear; though we may not see a way out, just remember God has ways of delivering us that we haven’t even considered yet. And that is the essence of our hope.

 

Until Monday…

 

Pastor Botts

 

“Now to Him who is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

Nothing From Nothing

Doing nothing gets exactly that: Nothing. – Anon

Ruth refused to just sit idly by and do nothing for herself and Naomi. God rewarded her greatly. Hmm!

Today is here. What do you expect from it? Are you expecting God to do some wonderful things, or are you living with doubt, apprehension, or anxiety. Well, the return of the day will depend on precisely how much faith, energy, and activity we put into the situations God brings our way. For us as believers every day should begin and end with God and His promises.  If we’ve greeted the day in God’s presence and asked Him to do great things, then we should be doing all we can to bring those things to fruition. This is not to say we can force God’s hand, because we can’t; but after our prayers we need to work like we believe God is going to answer. Remember, diligently exercised faith gets rewarded.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“….Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…” – Matthew 7:7

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 8

Today's scripture question: What primary distinctions from sin/folly does WISDOM make known about herself?

Move In Harmony

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet. – Anon

John in his gospel tells us that many people, after they heard the hard words of what it means to follow Jesus went back and “walked with him no more.” A tragic decision. Hmm!

Often, we forget that ours is a Christian journey; being led by our Lord. We willingly signed up when we accepted His call to “follow me.” Though the path may not seem “wise” to us or even dangerous, we must remember, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death , thou art with me,” we are not alone. He alone knows the path to His Father’s house for “He came from the Father,” and “He goes back to the Father.” We often feel we know our way around down here better than anyone, and that may be true, but it is not “down here” we want to stay if we expect eternal glory one day. So as Jesus or the Word of God speaks to us, let us move in harmony with the request.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?...the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” – Luke 6:46,49  

Ready for the Answer?

It is dangerous to pray if you are not ready to accept the answer. – Richard Murray

Gideon was okay with God answering the prayers to come and help his people, he just wasn’t keen on the idea that God needed him to help out. Hmm!

We’ve all heard the phrase “be careful of what you ask for, because you just might get it.” Well in prayer that phrase is truly applicable. God is a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. Whenever God speaks to us, it will immediately require an adjustment in our life, and our reaction will reflect what we truly believe about Him. We will either be drawn closer to Him, or move further away – but we will not remain where we are. Essentially, each time we read our bible and/or pray to God we must be prepared to either obey or be disobedient, for God will speak into our life. But though He speaks, He will leave the choice, and its consequences solely up to us. So today may be bringing answers to yesterday’s prayers.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me; ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness….” – II Corinthians 12:8-9

Rich Beyond Measure

No one is poor who can by prayer open up the storehouse of God. – Anon

Solomon prayed asking God for guidance and wisdom to rule his people. He got that and every other blessing God could muster. Amen!

When it comes to living on this earth most of us are poor because we live on “fixed” incomes. Fixed by what WE see, what WE can do, and by what WE are. But we serve a God who is the Creator of all things and is able to “do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.” Yet we live as paupers. God is ready to open the storehouse of heaven for us if only we would ask. The key however, is not only praying in God’s will, but in making God’s will OUR will – then all of heaven is at our disposal. I’m not advocating the ‘prosperity gospel’ some preach but the truth that a Christian in any situation knows they are rich beyond measure.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” – James 4:2-3

The Less Glamorous of Success

Never ask what's in a hot dog while you're eating one. - 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