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

Weathering Storms

Sometimes God puts a storm in our lives to blow our sails in the right direction. - Anon

God was ready to 'blow a ship apart' because Jonah wouldn't listen. It only got worse for him. Hmm!

Even though giant cruise ships can sail through almost any kind of weather, they never knowingly sail into bad storms. But oftentimes the storm finds them at sea. It can be a harrowing experience. The same is true of us in life. We would rarely venture into a storm (we hate the first sign of rain) but quite often God has something in mind for us when He allows the storms of life we face. His goal is often a course correction for us to a different conclusion than the one we had in mind. The key is to hang on, not abandon ship, and remember to praise when the smooth sailing returns. He alone knows the plans, places, and events that lie ahead for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" " Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting... Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'" Acts 9:3-6

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

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

Reaching Out With Hope

You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-lost record of the referee. – J. Holcomb

Andrew brought one to Jesus who helped feed thousands and one who helped save thousands. You never know what one act can do. Hmm!

Often in our Christian walk we tend to spend vast amounts of time making sure we keep our life encapsulated within the “parameters” of God’s word (thou shalt not’s) that we seldom reach out to others for fear it may cause us to come in contact with those not like us. But the fact of the matter is that is exactly what God wants from us, to reach out to others for the sake of His kingdom. Not others like us, but others unlike us. Our goal is not to impress our fellow Christian brother or sister with our piety, but to reach out to the one no one seems to care about to give them hope. May your light give direction.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:37-40

Recognizing the Situation

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you’ll know exactly what to do. – M. Ventor

Some of the greatest advice Moses ever received was during a short visit from his father-in-law. WOW!

Newborns, money, sunrise – what do they have in common – none of them come with instructions but they present a plethora of opportunity, good or bad. The same is true of people we meet in our lives. God brings other people into our lives via relationships to help us reach our full potential and purpose. These individuals will either give to us or require something of us in developing our spiritual maturity, for that is what God is developing in us. But even with our good intentions, problems can occur when we get the people and the expectations mixed up. That’s why it’s important we keep in touch with God asking for guidance, direction, and wisdom to know who’s who.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us.” – Luke 24:31-32

Prayer Then Action

Work for God should always be done with God. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though Saul was anointed ‘king’ by God he tried to rule God’s people by his own thinking. It cost him dearly. Hmm!

Sometimes the things that we claim we do for God have nothing to do with Him at all. They are merely our own agendas, for often we have never even stopped long enough to whisper a prayer or listen for directions from God about what it is we're doing or considering. The Word of God tells us that it is impossible to do the work of God without the authorization or ‘power’ of God, and that any such activity is empty of promise. Running with our own agendas leaves no room for God’s grace, promise, or enabling power. Serving others is difficult enough with God’s direction and blessing, so we would be foolish to try it in our own strength. So before we act maybe we should pray.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’….He replied,. ‘…….But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” – Matthew 17:19, 21

His Way Will Prevail

Man may have his will, but God will have His way! – Anon

Jonah did all he could to get out of preaching to the folks at Nineveh. The moment they heard him they repented. Hmm!

The struggle for supremacy and direction in life is one of the battles we face consistently each and every day. Do we give in to the desires of the flesh, base thoughts of the mind, or follow the will of God. Often we get into our ‘stubborn’ streaks or ‘selfish’ ways and try to go against the will of God, and satisfy what we think are our own needs. But in the end it is God who wins out, and we’re sometimes bruised and battered for our troubles. God gave us the Bible that we might come to know Him and draw close to Him, and if we read it thoroughly we find out in the end in all things, He wins! God may allow us to go against the grain for a short time, but in the end His way will prevail, and we can save ourselves much trouble by getting with His program.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Who are you, Lord? Saul asked. I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” – Acts 9:4-6

Going Along with God

The person who tries to lead himself has a fool for a follower. – Anon

The Prodigal son knew in his heart he was ready to take on and conquer the world. Thank God he came to his senses later. PHEW!

It’s a strange picture – a dog chasing his tail – but it paints a vivid picture of reality oftentimes. It’s a picture of lost purpose, no direction, wasted energy, and plain silliness. Yet, when we get right down to it, many people are just like that, maybe some of us. We give half-hearted attention to God’s ways or completely shun them, thinking we truly know what’s best and how to work things out. But this world and its ways were already a going concern when we were born and came of age, and likely will be a going concern long after we’re gone. The only constant is a loving God who is working things out to his perfect design. And it’s easier to go along with him than to kick against the pricks.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:20-21

Moving Forward

I'll go any direction as long as it's forward. - Anon

Even though the Israelites were 'armed for battle' when they left Egypt, God detoured them around the Philistines. He knew why. Amen!

Detour Ahead! Ugh. No one I know likes to see this sign on the open road. And usually it is a long, time-consuming way around your original mapped out plans. And even though it may be scenic, because it was forced upon us our spirit and minds-eye refuses to enjoy the views. It's the same way in life, it too has detours. Some of us are in one right now wondering when will it ever end. The point though is for us to adjust our spirit and pace to see/hear what God is trying to say to us. That 'intended' destination, relationship, job, etc., may not be good for us. He knows the plans He has for us -right! So, if it seems like you're traveling in circles now may be a good time to slow down and get in step with God. Lest we forget, at one time it took the Israelites 40 years of wandering before they could move forward.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Moving WITH God

You’re now free to move about the country. – Southwest Airlines tagline

God led the Israelites from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land. Whoa!

Travelling is a great enjoyment of life for most of us. And we live in a time where highways, railways, skyways, and cruise lines can take us anyplace we want to go. Moses told God “don’t send us anyplace without your presence going with us”…! It begs the question of us. Do we or have we ever made the same request of God for our lives? As we move about the hustle and bustle of life, changing jobs, moving from location to location, relationship to relationship; is this our continued request of God? Paul prayed that we might be ‘rooted and established in his love’ so that no matter where we settle, it will be at God’s direction. As we think about making changes this New Year, maybe we need to realize that though we are free to move about, we won’t move unless and until God’s presence goes before us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14

Heart Check!

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 tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

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

Peace at the Intersection of Direction and Purpose

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

Necessary Corrections

To find direction from God you must take correction from God. – Anon

Before Isaiah uttered his familiar refrain to God, “Here am I, Send me,” God had to purge and cleanse him for the task. Hmm!

All too often we want God to just pour out His blessing on us without speaking a word into our lives. But God is a God of relationship and covenant, our Heavenly Father; and as such has the authority to “correct” us when we stray. Just as our parents spoke into our lives and provided for us as we were growing up, the pattern they followed was given by God. So if we want and expect His blessings we must seek His ways. If we heed not the correction His ways require we are not his children nor entitled to the blessings. I pray we may all find our way today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and he chastises everyone He ACCEPTS as a son.” – Hebrews 12:5-6

P.S. - Never been to a VBS night, why not try tonight. You won't be disappointed! 6:30pm at Southside.

Staying On Course

It’s very hard to take the wrong turn when you’re looking in the right direction. – Anon

Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness on 3 different occasions, each time Jesus looked to His Father and His Word. Hmm!

No one likes to ‘crash and burn’ in life yet it happens very often, when we take our eyes off the goal. And the one thing that’s a certainty in life everyday is our enemies attempt to get us to take our focus off of God and His Word. Our enemy uses every avenue or medium, every subtlety or deception, and every emotional appeal to trip us up, and YES, he even knows our every weakness. That’s why it’s very critical for us to keep God and His Word in the center of our lives. It’s virtually impossible to get off course when we are led this way. We may not like some of the scenery along the way but we can take comfort in knowing God is with us and directing our paths.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“My eyes are always looking to the Lord for help, for he alone can rescue me from the traps of my enemies.” – Psalm 25:15 (NLT)

What Road Are You On?

If we keep heading in the same direction, we are likely to get where we are headed. – Rick Rusaw

The Israelites were in constant rebellion toward God’s leadings. If memory serves correctly, they were in constant bondage as well. Hmmm!

Maps are great tools to assist us in getting to our point of destination. Follow the map route and you’re assured of reaching your end point. God gave us a map – The Bible – that we might get to know Him and make it to heaven. It too, has very specific directions but with two destinations. God is EXACT in His directions, and there is no “wiggle room.” If sin is “heading” our lives, now is the time to very seriously stop and take a look at the path we are on and make any necessary course corrections. And though we may feel okay with our current relationship with God, remember He does not like “lukewarmness” either.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

The Journey of Life

If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Abraham left his homeland and his people looking for a new home. God finally showed it to him. Hmm!

If you could go anywhere, where would you like to go? Not in terms of vacation or sightseeing, but in terms of your life. See, the truth of the matter is we are actually on that journey right now whether we realize it or not. We are all traveling inevitably toward the ends of our lives. The journey started from the day we were born and continues day by day. Life is a lot of ‘doing’ but the question confronting us is have we figured it out yet and selected a destination, and began steering our course; or are we still allowing ourselves to be pushed along with the tide or crowd, letting others determine where we’ll end up. The choice is entirely up to us, but we must know the end always comes much, much sooner than we expect.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 2:11

Is your agenda authorized?

Work for God should always be done with God. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though Saul was anointed ‘king’ by God he tried to rule God’s people by his own thinking. It cost him dearly. Hmm!

Sometimes the things that we claim we do for God have nothing to do with Him at all. They are merely our own agendas, for often we have never even stopped long enough to whisper a prayer or listen for directions from God about what it is we're doing or considering. The Word of God tells us that it is impossible to do the work of God without the authorization or ‘power’ of God, and that any such activity is empty of promise. Running with our own agendas leaves no room for God’s grace, promise, or enabling power. Serving others is difficult enough with God’s direction and blessing, so we would be foolish to try it in our own strength. So before we act maybe we should pray.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’….He replied,. ‘…….But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” – Matthew 17:19, 21

Godly Direction

My great concern is not whether God is on my side; my great concern is to be on God’s side. – Abraham Lincoln

Even though David knew God was for him, he always sought God’s direction before his battles. Hmm!

History (which is God’s story) is written by God through the activity of those he chooses to work through. But oftentimes, we are so busy trying to bring God into our activity that we fail to recognize Him at work all around us. He seeks to redirect our attention so that we may join HIM – not the other way around – but we tend to be very self-centered, evaluating everything by how it affects or impacts only us. We must remember: the servant never sets the agenda – the MASTER does. If we are confused in life’s decisions maybe we need to revisit our role.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus answered: ‘I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself, he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.’” – John 5:19

Loving Correction

To find direction from God you must take correction from God. – Anon

Before Isaiah uttered his familiar refrain to God, “Here am I, Send me,” God had to purge and cleanse him for the task. Hmm!

All too often we want God to just pour out His blessing on us without speaking a word into our lives. But God is a God of relationship and covenant, our Heavenly Father; and as such has the authority to “correct” us when we stray. Just as our parents spoke into our lives and provided for us as we were growing up, the pattern they followed was given by God. So if we want and expect His blessings we must seek His ways. If we heed not the correction His ways require we are not his children nor entitled to the blessings. I pray we may all find our way today.

Until romorrow...

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and he chastises everyone He ACCEPTS as a son.” – Hebrews 12:5-6