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

Life According to The Master's Plan

Our task is not to do the master planning, but the planning of the Master. – Richard Murray

God gave Noah exact measurements on the ark, it worked. Jesus gave two of the disciples exact instructions on preparing for the last supper, it was just as he said. Maybe we should just listen and obey. Hmm!

Midlife crises! Biological clocks ticking! Lifetime achievements. It’s truly amazing how many lives are impacted by such events, and the great strides we take and hurdles we leap to make such inroads to the life we dream about. Dreams and aspirations caused by our own man-made thinking and desires, often cause us to cast aside the purposes of God for our own. True, life as it is now may not have panned out the way we planned it, but it may be going just the way the Lord planned it. The great thing is our life is still going, so the sky is still the limit and untold blessings are still possible. When it comes to God’s plan maybe we need to try it His way, on His terms. History has proven Him right every time.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.” – Psalm 37:23

Do Good In Spite Of

It is not possible for us to be what we ought to be until we do what we ought to be doing. – Richard Murray

Jesus had to ask Peter three times “Do you love me?” before it finally dawned on Peter what Jesus was after. Hmm!

Growing up most of us did the things we were supposed to do (diet, exercise, education, etc.) to reach adulthood. The problem is a lot of us stopped here. God’s plan was for us to grow into mature, productive, kingdom building individuals. Many of us have an idea of who we really should be by now for we know the truth, and we know how to apply the truth to our lives, but yet we refuse because of what we perceive others to be doing. Jesus told Peter to take his eyes ‘off’ of John and focus on his own relationship with God. What others do in their life should not impact the righteous life we are called to live. And we can never be all that God wants of us unless we do all that He asks of us. True faith doesn’t depend on others actions, it’s active alone.

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

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

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

Days of Future Beauty

Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. – Richard Murray

Through a ‘harsh’ vision God let Peter know that Gentiles were just as acceptable as the Jews were in His sight. Hmm!

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!” How true, but how misapplied. We give the right to determine what is beautiful to imperfect individuals like ourselves. It was God actually, who created everything and called it “good,” (beautiful) the highest honor that could be bestowed upon the creation. And everyone created in His image is still beautiful to Him. He sees us very differently than we do ourselves. And though He loves us just as we are right now, His perfect love will not allow us to remain this way forever, for He sees a far more glorious person in us than we could ever imagine, and He will work to bring it about. Our lot is just to admire His handiwork in ourselves and others around us. So, in truth there really are no ugly ducklings.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…He has made everything beautiful in its time…” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Don't Miss the Heart

When we detach the Word of God from the heart of God, we miss the point of God. - Richard Murray

Jesus chastised the religious rulers of his day because they 'made the Word of God something it should never be - burdensome. AMEN!

Truth be told, a lot of folks - many of them 'Christians' - just see the Word of God as a lot of commands. Do's and don'ts to live by with little or no relational attachment to Almighty God himself. It's as if He just says "here you go, live by these rules and I'll check in on you every so often." But God is 'Spirit' and His Word is infused with that 'Spirit' which make it alive and very relatable to our current issues and circumstances in life. Unlike our Supreme Court who hasn't a clue what 'democracy' is all about and seems to be changing it decision by decision, God's Word does not change. It is given to us in love, containing His heart's desire for us. The faith God seeks of us was NEVER meant to be burdensome, but joyful, enlightening, and inviting. When we go about our lives living by rote commands or rituals to 'placate' God we're the losers, not Him. And to miss the very heart of God is to really miss everything else in life. Here's hoping you can fall in love with the author a little more.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

" People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." - II Timothy 3:2-5

Eyes Forward

To hold fast to one’s goals means to dismiss many others. – Richard Murray

No matter the number of miracles he performed, Jesus constantly reminded his disciples his goal was the cross. WOW!

It is so easy to become distracted in the Christian life! The moment we seem to grasp what God wants or calls us to do, it seems as though everything and everyone around us requires our time and attention. It takes a strong resolve not to lose focus or get sidetracked by the issues or cares of life, and the enemy is crafty at bringing such things in our periphery. Discipline or dedication is a very, very hard thing. Like Jesus, our resolve to go where God is calling us ought to be clearly evident to those around us. We should never let temptation or ‘opportunity’ keep us from obedience to God’s calling.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” – Proverbs 4:25-27

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 wanted 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

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

Enjoy Every Second

For every moment you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness. - Richard Murray

Cain lost his temper for a moment but regretted it for a lifetime. OUCH!

It's common knowledge. No one likes being around an angry person, it just seems to suck up all the energy or opportunity in the room. To have to 'walk on eggshells' all the time is no way to live, so we try to avoid it. But how do you do it when you are the 'elephant' in the room. Some of us refuse to let happiness into our lives, holding on to anger/rage from years and years ago. And when God tries to break through, we even refuse to acknowledge the greatness of His works (think Jonah). Life is short and can change in the blink of an eye. So now is the time to let go of that anger and forgive, for we never know if and when we may not have the opportunity again. We can't add any time to our lives, but we can make sure we enjoy every second of it. It's our choice!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.." - James 1:20

Today's A New Day

Don't let yesterday take up too much of today! - Richard Murray

When the Prodigal son came to his senses, he 'rushed' right home. Hmm!

"What's the use? Why should I try? It's never going to get any better!" Statements we've heard or maybe even uttered in our lifetime. What do they have in common? Too much emphasis on what has happened (yesterday) and not enough faith in what can happen (today). The remedy! Take the focus off of you, put it on God. Ask yourself, 'Why did God bless me with this day? Just to suffer more - NO.' He blessed me with today to trust Him more, to lean into Him a little harder, and to be a blessing to someone else. Remember, no matter your state or circumstances, the gift of today is for more than just you. When you learn to GIVE your blessing in part or whole to others, amazingly more blessings flow to you. Go figure, but that's how God works it. And maybe, just maybe, that ONE blessing that you need to show you 'What's the use?' is waiting to come to you to show you God heard you all along.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." - Psalm 51:12

Be A Difference Maker

The world is full of good people......if you can't find one, be one! - Anon

Paul praised Epaphras, saying he 'went out of his way' to find and comfort me. Amen!

I often think back to a weekly quote of my friend Pastor Murray. He would always end his services with a quote "I went outside to find a friend and couldn't find one there, I went outside to be a friend and friends were everywhere!" Whether we know it or not, we could very well be the lifeline someone needs today. That hand of help, word of encouragement, presence for inspiration, or just that smile that says 'you matter'. We never know how far or how deep our deeds of righteousness may go, but one thing is certain. If we don't extend ourselves they will never go anywhere. This world has enough anger and hate in it, why not be a difference maker today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

P.S. - Hope you can join us Sunday morning at 9:30am for Women's Day!

Always Pray

If you are too busy to pray, you are much busier than God wants you to be. – Richard Murray

Before he ‘rushed’ into battle, David often took a few minutes to consult with God. Hmm!

You have to marvel at them. Indy car drivers racing at speeds upwards of 200mph, contending with twists, turns, other cars, and of course keeping an eye on the dash to maintain optimum performance. Whew, that’s a lot going on! Oh, and don’t forget to add to the mix they have an open conversation going with their pit crew. Thank goodness, life moves at a much slower pace for us. But though we don’t move at such speeds, many of us still seem to lack time for a consistent and meaningful prayer life. We still don’t seem to note a need to be involved in the prayer life of the church. God is moved by prayer more than anything else. He actually ‘inclines’ His ear to listen for them. If we truly seek change in the world and in ourselves, God says He’s willing to listen. If there’s any one command of Jesus we should keep it’s to pray and never give up.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1

Heart Smiles

A smile is a curve that can set a lot of things straight. – Richard Murray

At the initial reunion, the Prodigal Father’s face told his son all he needed to know. AMEN!

True, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line; but the quickest way to set someone’s heart at ease is with a curve of the lips, or smile. It can change the tenor of a room, conversation, or even an individual. It’s amazing when you truly think about it, but God made us in such a way that when we smile truly from our heart, our whole body feels it. It costs nothing but gives so much; both to the one to whom it is given; and to the one who gives it, for you cannot give a smile without it warming your own heart. Life may have its ups and downs but never so much to where we can’t smile about it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

Temper Temper

Temper is what gets most of us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there. – Richard Murray

Cain was so upset with how God perceived his offering; he went out and killed his brother Abel. WOW!

There’s no denying that we are emotional beings, God made us that way. But he also made us with the ability to overcome our emotions with sound, rational, thinking and spiritual wisdom. It’s when we refuse to engage in the latter that we find ourselves in more trouble than we often bargained for. It’s not a sin to get angry or upset, but it should never result in sinful behavior. The problem is it is so easy to cross the line, then feel compelled that we must prevail for the sake of ‘principle.’ We must remember our calling is not so much for the sake of principle as it is for righteousness and holy living.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

Life Hurts, Stay Faithful

A broken heart is what makes life so wonderful – 5 years later. - Richard Murray

The birth of her grandson Obed renewed a long dormant spirit in Naomi’s heart. Hmm!

Live long enough and you’ll learn sooner or later that life hurts sometimes. The truth of the matter is life will break our hearts a few times. God does not always give us what we want or ask for. He in His divine wisdom knows what’s best for us – but He will always, always show us or tell us why He did not answer in the way we desired if we remain faithful and give Him time to show us His much greater plan or vision. We must remember life doesn’t all happen in the here and now moment, and that God is much more concerned with our eternal destiny than our immediate temporary comforts, but even still in this, He will not put more on us that we can bear. So, no matter where we are or what we’re going through right now, we just need to hang in there and hang on to God.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

P.S. - From this point forward we will be fasting from all social media use until Saturday morning 11am, including internet usage (unless needed for work). This will be the last TFT transmission until next week.

Growing IN the Game

God has called us to play in the game of life, not to referee and keep score. – Richard Murray

Abraham, Joseph, David, Job; despite what hardships they encountered in life they persevered in faith. AMEN!

When it comes to playing games, if the truth be told; all of us like the rules when they favor us, and dislike them when they don’t. We often take the same attitude towards life as well. We want to stop it, make it fair, get the score (are we up or down), and even change the rules we don't like or agree with. But this is not our right nor our privilege. We were made to bring God glory in all things, period. I say it very deliberately – trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes even defeat, are the very foods that fuel the growth of our faith. We grow through such ‘game time encounters’ when we persevere without looking for the easy way out, and God has promised to pay what is right.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right’.” – Matthew 20:3

Our Responsibility

God’s part we cannot do. Our part God does not do. – Richard Murray

God told Moses He would set His people free. All He needed was for Moses to go to Pharaoh, and the rest is HIStory.

The Creation Account tells us God created everything necessary for man’s existence in six days, then He created man. Man was not consulted in the creation account but he was given charge to manage it for God. Regardless of what has happened since then, the fact is we still have a responsibility to God. He has expectations that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is proper for a ‘manager.’ Adam’s sin does not let us off the hook, for God has already provided a redeemer, but He will not force us to accept Him, nor force us to live for Him. That is still our part. Today matters to God so it should matter to us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” – I Peter 3:10-11

Hope you can join us tomorrow morning at Prayer Breakfast 9:30am.