Today's Outlook Is Up to You

The remarkable thing about us is, we have a choice each day regarding the attitude we will embrace. – Charles Swindoll

Though in constant pain and suffering, Job continued to have a healthy attitude toward God his maker! His restoration soon came. AMEN!

Life comes in full doses each and every day, whether we are well and on top of our game or sick and lowly. God created us to live life to the fullest for him, and nothing plays a more important role than our attitude. Life, drama, circumstances, and accidents will happen but the intensity, longevity, and impact of the situation will be based on our response as dictated by our attitude. The key is that those who find Jesus early in the morning are way ahead of the game.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” – Philippians 2:5-7.

P.S. - Hope you can join us this evening at 5:30pm for our Prayer Gathering.

Perfection Takes Time

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of only standing still. – Richard Murray

Jesus was twelve when he stymied the teachers of his day, but didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 – he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change, too often we want it now, in the dramatic, miraculous fashion; and we grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn’t happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 6th day, not the first. Christ came as a ‘baby in a manger’ not a full-grown man. God is always at work, ‘He neither slumbers nor sleeps,’ so He is working on us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern or progression of betterment in our lives and with that - REJOICE!

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

Pull Into the Station

Often! Hmm! For you how 'often' is often? - Anon

When the apostle Paul headed into a new town, usually the first thing he sought out was the synagogue/temple. Hmm!

Mobil! Texaco! Shell! AM/PM! What do they have in common? They are all refueling stations. Stations for the most part we pull into at least once or twice a week to 'fill up' our tanks. After all, with the L.A. traffic and freeways you never really want to get too low on fuel. It begs the question; do we think like this when it comes to our spiritual well-being? How often do we 'assemble' with the congregation in person to be re-fueled? How often do we 'join' in the studies to be re-charged? How often do we 'serve' in the ministry opportunities to be re-energized? When the bible instructs us "not to forsake the assembly.." (Hebrews 10:25), its intent was meant for much more than just the weekly gathering. With that being true, then I think we could all use a few more stops at these stations to keep our spiritual tanks filled.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

Not Over. Not Finished.

Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, it’s not the end. – Richard Murray

God gave Joseph a ‘dream.’ He gave David a ‘promise.’ He said there was ‘none’ like Job on the earth. They all had major issues in life, but God made the end result worth it. AMEN!

We’re all familiar with the cliché “it’s not over till it’s over.” Though a tiresome phrase, the truth and veracity of it are ever true. And this is refreshing news. It gives us great hope that God is not finished with us yet. The dreams He gave us, promises in His Word, or blessings He's ascribed are still available to us. Life may have us in a headlock at the moment, our vision may be somewhat blurred right now, or a relationship may have soured today, but it’s not the end, God’s purposes will be worked out in life. It’s not for us to know the when and the how specifics, ours is just to wait and be faithful.

Until Monday…

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

Patience with Progression

Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of only standing still. - Richard Murray

Jesus was 12 when he stymied the teachers of his day but didn't start his ministry until he was 30 - he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change all too often we want it yesterday, in the dramatic miraculous fashion. And we grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn't happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature, He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 6th day, not the first. Christ came as a 'babe in a manger' not a full-grown redeemer. God is always at work for He never rests, therefore He is still at work in us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances and conditions in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern of progression or improvement in our lives and with that we can rejoice.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

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

Remembering...

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Though the Pharisee tried to snub him at prayer time, the publican held his peace. Only one of them went home blessed and it wasn’t the Pharisee. Hmm!

The slogan of the United Negro College Fund is “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Very powerful, and very true. It’s no secret that the enemy we face day in and day out is trying to sway our mind or way of thinking. Two of his major weapons are doubt and discouragement, for they create the illusion in our mind that we are not worthy or we can never measure up. But the completed work of God through Jesus Christ has made us ‘worthy’ in all things. So no matter our outward circumstances we “are more than conquerors” in any situation we face. As the day unfolds and the assaults come remember the God you serve.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free…..” – Romans 8:1-2

Seeing the Opportunities

A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill

Saul and his 600 men waited under the pomegranate tree trying to figure out their strategy against the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor-bearer just went with God. God WON!

There’s no greater truism than “life is what you make of it.” Circumstances, situations, and unexpected occurrences are daily events for all of us, and we can never be prepared for everything or every situation. How we ‘respond’ to the situation or circumstance will dictate its impact on our lives and our response is dictated by our attitude or outlook. If we truly believe nothing is too hard for God then we will see opportunity as we search for the lesson God has planned through the circumstance at hand. If all we see is difficulty and problems maybe we need to check who’s in charge in our lives. In spite of all the worldly issues and cynicism it’s still a great time to be alive!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5

This is the Day to Rejoice!

The best years in life are those between birth and death. – Anon

Through good times and a lot of suffering, Jesus made the most out of his life here on earth so at the last he could profoundly say “It is finished.” WOW!

Complain, complain, complain! Sometimes it seems it’s all we can do or it’s all we hear from others. It almost makes one think life is not worth the living no matter what age one reaches. But in truth, it really doesn’t matter how young or old one is the best time of life is right now. No matter the circumstances, good or bad, up or down, sickness or health, the joy or misery that comes out of them will be directly proportional to the effort and attitude we attack them with. True we may not like our station in life right now but God still expects us to ‘rejoice’ in it, meaning we can look for the lessons and inspiration He would have us learn from it. Today is a great gift just full of blessings and benefits if we know how to approach it. The choice is ours and ours alone.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Look Forward. Press On!

You cannot change the past, so change the future. – H.G. Wells

Rahab chose the life of a prostitute and suffered the shame of her family. Yet in the end it was she who saved them from destruction. Wow!

Too often, many of us spend vast amounts of time trying to “pretty up” our past so others might think more highly of us. But that’s an impossibility, no one can go back; and to relive the past is to relinquish or give up the future. Besides, failures and mistakes are part of what we experience to increase our reliance on God. We should remember time was never created with the power to hold us back. Like Rahab, we should take opportunity to look forward to making a better life NOW! Press on!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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 3:14

Human Beings Human Doings Humans Helping

Greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody. - Anon

Esther's story is recorded in the bible not because she was the king's wife, but because she wanted to help her people. Hmm!

It's a message we hear very early in life: "I want you to grow up and be somebody." It's the motto of the US Army: 'Be All That You Can Be.' It seems pretty clear cut we're here on this earth to make something of ourselves, and if not we're failing our potential. So we spend a lifetime trying to achieve status, respect, fame, or a name for ourselves; that 'one thing' that will make us stand out from amongst everyone else. But in truth the greatest name we can achieve on this earth is saint (belonging to God), and that name carries with it a requirement of servanthood. Jesus said to be great one has to be a servant. We may not have to 'wash feet,' but we should always be looking for the opportunity to help.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.....taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:4,5,7

The Eternal Kindness

Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They're underused. - T.L. Jones

Paul often wrote to the churches on how their kind gifts 'refreshed' him. I wonder how he really felt. Hmm!

This world throws so much at us. We're constantly in motion fending off disaster, trying to build foundation, family, and fellowship. Admittedly, it's hard at times so we often seek out a kind face or keep our ears open for a kind word to help us stay the course. It's nice to find those who offer these 'faith lifts' to us, but one thing we should never forget, one thing that should always be our spark: Jesus is the greatest gift of kindness we can ever receive. This should always jumpstart our faith and fill our hearts. Others kindnesses may temporarily lift our spirits, but Jesus was kind enough to offer his grace in exchange for our sins. Kindness indeed!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"And God raised us up with Christ.......in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:6-7

Steady Progress

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of only standing still. – Richard Murray

Jesus was twelve when he stymied the teachers of his day, but didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 – he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change too often we want it now, in the dramatic, miraculous fashion; and grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn’t happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 7^th day, not the first. Christ came as a ‘baby in a manger’ not a full grown man. God is always at work, ‘He neither slumbers nor sleeps,’ so He is working on us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern or progression of betterment in our lives and with that - REJOICE!

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

Attitude Adjustment

The remarkable thing about us is, we have a choice each day regarding the attitude we will embrace. – Charles Swindoll

Though in constant pain and suffering, Job continued to have a healthy attitude toward God his maker! His restoration soon came. AMEN!

Life comes in full doses each and every day, whether we are well and on top of our game or sick and lowly. God created us to live life to the fullest for him, and nothing plays a more important role than our attitude. Life, drama, circumstances, and accidents will happen but the intensity, longevity, and impact of the situation will be based on our response as dictated by our attitude. The key is that those who find Jesus early in the morning are way ahead of the game.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” – Philippians 2:5-7.

Letting Go

Some people think it’s holding on that makes one strong, sometimes it’s letting go. – S. Robinson

Paul said he was a Hebrew of Hebrews, and a Pharisee of Pharisees. But on that Damascus road he realized Jesus was all he needed. He counted everything else a loss. Hmm!

Learning how to walk! Learning how to ride a bike! Living on our own! All of these breakthroughs in our lives involve letting go of someone we’ve relied on and trusting in our own ability. Done successfully, we become stronger, and more confident. Our relationship with God is the same. We must learn to fully trust in an unseen, yet fully alive God; and let go of the ‘crutches’ we have in our lives. To move forward at times we must let go of the comfortable, the known, the sure thing, and move toward the unknown to which God is calling us for maturity, and just trust Him. Remember, we walk by faith, not sight or certainty.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” – Philippians 3:7-8

Master of Change

The greatest resolution one can make is to resolve to make each day a happy one for someone else. – S. Smith

Onesiphorus often went out of his way to “refresh” Paul, and he had to sometimes search hard just to find him. Dedication is a hard thing! Hmm!

With the New Year we often challenge ourselves by way of resolution or promise that we will do certain things to improve our lot in life. Sometimes we’re successful, but more often than not we let them fall by the wayside very quickly. But with all the improvement we do make upon ourselves the world just doesn’t seem to change at all. Perhaps we should take a look at the Master of change – JESUS – his way of changing the world was to reach out to others, help them along the way, make their life less burdensome. It brought his life more joy. Yes, life will go on in 2016 but the decision to make it enjoyable rests with us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. You attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:4-5  

Making the most of a second chance

The best time to plant a tree is 25 years ago. The 2nd best time is today. - Anon

Jesus gave Peter a second chance to be bold and Holy Pentecost! WOW!

It's true no matter who you talk to. Every person has something in their life they lament, something they maybe wished they started earlier upon, got more training in, etc. But none of that matters now. The truth of life is there's no time like the present to become an expert on something or at least improve on our position or lot in life. We may not be where we want to be or what we want to be. And thankfully, we serve a God who's not content to leave us where we are anyway. So the good news of today is "things are finally starting to look up!"

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

Discovering the Spirit

If God doesn’t belong in a box, maybe we don’t either. - Anon

‘Deacon’ Philip had no idea what to say to the Ethiopian eunuch, so he just preached Jesus. Hmm!

“Where did that come from?” It’s a question we often ask ourselves. While we may think that we know ourselves quite well, we sometimes surprise ourselves. Hidden within us there are levels of not-knowing or not understanding that can only be revealed to us in our moments of great crises. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit as we give it authority within us to bring new life - dormant gifts come alive, deeply suppressed interests emerge, new abilities begin to develop. Even in areas and abilities where we were once certain, that security begins to slip away as a new more meaningful reality is unveiled. The key is not to grieve over what we may have lost but to rejoice in what we are discovering in how God wants to use us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 6:11

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