Power to Move

The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. – Anon

Abraham, he had to leave his homeland, his people, and his father’s house to go someplace God would eventually show him. By God's grace he MADE IT!

Mountains - it seems at times as if life is full of them and they are always in our path. Some of our own making, and others as tests of faith, and each one seems to present a different climate, terrain, and angle to conquer, at times calling on us to make some drastic changes in the way we live before God. Maybe there’s some sin God is continually redressing us on that we need to correct or change, or maybe He wants to develop even a deeper commitment to His kingdom work in us, or maybe He's even trying to move us away from those He knows who are not good for us. Life may seem like an impossibility right now, but we must remember we've made it this far by the power of God, and He's faithful to the end.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:19-21

God At Work

What we see depends truly on what we're actually looking for! - Anon

Many folks saw Noah working on the ark but none of them believed God was with him. Hmm!

Jesus said "my Father is always at His work!" So the question I guess is how often throughout the day do we actually see God working? It's all a matter of perspective and understanding. Many people look at a tree and just see a tree. A person of faith sees 'God at work' with all that the tree provides - homes for birds and other animals, shade/shelter, food - not to mention greenery for beauty and to aid in the production of oxygen for us. Many people see children at play and that's it, but a person of faith sees 'God at work' reminding us to choose joy and happiness in the midst of an imperfect world. Our perspective is shaped and informed by what we know. So the more we know of God and His Word the more we will see Him 'at His work' in and around our lives. Praying today may be eye opening and breathtaking to us all.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13

What Do You WANT To Eat?

Fine dining is really a matter of choice! - Anon

Manna from heaven for 40 years! Yet they never lacked anything vital to their healthy well-being. Hmm!

Candy! Popcorn! Chips! Hamburgers! Hot Dogs! Pizza! Pepsi or Coca-Cola. Oh, the foods we loved when we were younger. Many of us thought we could live on them forever, and some of us are still trying to. But as we aged and our bodies changed, we realized we needed a better diet, one that helps to aid our mind and bodies, rich in nutrients, vitamins, proteins, etc. It's a scriptural parallel, as the bible tells us in our faith walk we should eventually move on from 'milk' to solid food. Unfortunately, many of us still live on the 'milk'. We try and face life's problems and circumstances with our early on 'Sunday School' answers when a faith more meaningful and well-nourished in God's Word is required. It's a given we're going to grow physically through the biology God placed within us, but it takes a daily desire and discipline to grow faithfully, to become who God made us to be. Is a diet change in order?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:14

How to Survive in Hard Knock U

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. – Thomas Edison

Paul refused to lose; he said he “became all things to all men” just so he could win them. Hmm!

Life – it’s often called the ‘School of Hard Knocks.’ And guess what, we’re all enrolled, free of charge. And the lessons just keep on coming. And it matters not how young or old we may be, how experienced or new, there’s always a chance we will possibly slip up. But, when we take time to learn from them, new doors and opportunities are opened up to us. And the good thing about attending the University of Hard Knocks is God has surrounded us with classmates who’ve potentially tried a few things we’re thinking about. Why not swap some stories and seek some advice from them. After all, life is an open book test (bible) and God put others in our lives for good reason.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:32

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

Peace Be Still

It is always darkest before the dawn. - T. Fuller

The Israelites looked back and saw the Egyptians coming, Moses looked up to God and the Red Sea parted before them. Hmm!

Beloved football announcer Keith Jackson had some euphemisms when calling a game. From a 'barnburner' - meaning this will be exciting, to his famed "Whoa Nellie" - meaning lookout, beware, something big is loosed and headed our way with potential to do damage. With the happenings of today in our Nation's capital some of us might feel like saying "Whoa Nellie!" But I think even when confronted with such a scene in our time and lives the words of Jesus still have power and ring true if we remember them: "Peace, be still!" These words calmed a raging, surging sea, and Jesus promised such peace to us. So, no matter what comes upon us from the White House, the economy, world crises, even family disagreements, we can all say "Peace, be still" and trust God to work it out. Just have faith and trust Him and see what He will do. Trust that no matter what we're going through He's already working it out for our good and His glory.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." - Isaiah 46:9-10

Focusing on Following the Father of Our Future

Most people want a roadmap to their future rather than a relationship with the One who holds tomorrow. – H. Blackaby

The religious leaders and Gentile of Jesus’ day were always seeking signs to follow, while the Way, Truth, and Life stood right before them. Hmm!

Though we say we live by faith very often we are people of certainty. We want guarantees, warranties, and pre-arranged end results in our lives. So for us it often seems easier to follow a ‘plan’ than to cultivate or build a relationship based on trust. We become more concerned with what lies ahead in our future than walking intimately with God day by day. But the same future we’re looking to reach is still in the hands of the One who is with us right now. He holds tomorrow and the day after, so maybe we should focus on knowing Him. He’s promised the plans He has for us are good.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.” – Numbers 14:8

That "Can Do" Attitude

A true victor sees himself winning even before the race or battle begins. - Anon

Gideon was the scrawniest kid in his family line but God somehow made him a fierce warrior. Hmm!

The Little Engine That Could! A childhood favorite, tells the story of a little blue train engine that has to overcome a 'rough passage' to get a load of toys to its final destination. The moral is the engine has to go from an 'I think I can' attitude to an 'I know I can' mindset. Truth be known it has a biblical concept that many of us actually know but don't fully adopt. The scripture says "I can do all things through Christ...." It doesn't say attempt or try and give up. It says we can accomplish or overcome. That means anything in our lives that we know hinders our relationship with Christ and God the Father, there is power within the Holy Spirit given us to help us be victorious. To know we can change it. Our only need is to surrender ourselves - flesh and all - to that power within and watch God 'work it out' for our good and His glory.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For we live by faith, not by sight." - II Corinthians 5:7

Living With TRUE Faith

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want, it is the belief that God will do what is right, ALWAYS! - Max Lucado

It took Caleb 40+ years to get his blessing but he kept his faith through all the ups and downs. AMEN!

Most if not all of us have probably been disappointed one time or another in purchasing a product that did not deliver on its promises. We had hoped upon purchase it would do exactly what it said in the advertisement. We had instantaneous faith. Hebrews 11:4 tells us what true faith is: "The substance of things 'hoped for' the evidence of things not yet seen." But if we're being honest here, many of us don't live with that kind of faith. We have instantaneous faith. We want and task God to answer all of our prayers in our lifetimes, visibly, the way we want them answered and exactly when we need them answered. Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah and many generations believed He would come in their lifetime. But they died without seeing the promise come to pass yet their faith 'lived on' (Heb. 11:39). Our 'faith' should be in God's perfect plan of redemption - for that's why Jesus came - not so much in our personal pleasures and position. As the bible tells us if we "seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first...." that God will add to us in our lifetime unlimited blessing and favor. Now that's real faith.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Abraham believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6

Trust God to Work It Out

Faith does not wonder why, for God has not done anything that needs to be explained. – P. Rosewell

The bible says “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” no questions asked. God called him righteous! Hmm!

By nature we are inquisitive people. We like to know 'why' about almost everything. God knew this as well which is why He created everything we would need to survive and know Him before He created us in His image. The whole idea was that we would look at His creation and all its splendor and go “WOW,” not “Why did you do this….., or why didn’t you do this?" There may be things we don’t understand at times, or situations that seem impossible, or even times where God's Word just doesn't make sense; but that’s where faith comes in, believing God in His sovereignty knows better that we do. If God is in control in our world we must trust Him to work it all out.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” – Deuteronomy 29:29

Practice the Faith

Love is an act of faith, therefore whoever is of little faith is also of little love. – E. Fromm

Though she was looked upon with contempt and even called a dog, the Canaanite woman’s faith impressed Jesus. It was motivated by love for her daughter, not herself. Hmm!

It’s a true statement: What the world needs now is love! The scriptures bear it out loud and clear many, many times, “God is love” (I John 4:8), “for God so loved the world” (John 3:16). The point is He’s asked us to show it by our faith. We extend love to others not because we expect love in return, but because it is Christ within us reaching out to man. If we cannot love all men, we cannot truly love God. In our chance encounters and circumstances today we're expected to practice the faith.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Hear , O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’” – Mark 12:29-31

Looking Beyond Fear

Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you! - Anon

After being beaten and imprisoned for 'preaching' Jesus, Paul and Silas just sang out loud about Him. AMEN!

FEAR! It can cripple the best of us. Stop us dead in our tracks. Make us pull back. Why? The answer lies with us. So often we look at our own mortality, our own status/position, our own possessions, etc., things we'd rather not lose. Notice the emphasis on 'our own'. That's self-centered thinking. Courage requires us to look beyond ourselves and see the greater good. Perhaps that's why there at about 366 verses in the bible that tell us in various ways "not to fear." That's a verse for each day of the year, including leap years. God wants us to focus our faith on Him, put our trust in Him, and when He truly becomes the center of all that we are, He drives out fear and replaces it with peace. And that seems like a great trade-off to me.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." - I John 4:4

The Foundational Stake for Faith

The thing about faith is there is enough light for those who want to believe, and enough shadow to blind those who don’t. – B. Pascal

The Philippian Jailer and his family and King Agrippa heard the same message of the good news of the gospel firsthand from Paul. One was enlightened, one almost enlightened, but lost. Hmm!

When it comes to the word of God the average Christian will say they want to believe it, but they want to believe it in light of their own finite circumstances. This type of thinking will always cast a shadow on things. God is searching for those who will take Him solely at His word, sight unseen, because they truly love Him. Love is a foundational stake for faith, and faith is what brings the light. Shine on!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.” – Psalm 119:105-106

Step To The Plan

God will always order your steps.......but you still have to move your feet! - D. Washington

It didn't make much sense at the time, but Jericho's walls fell because of some orderly 'walking'. Hmm!

Hopscotch! How many of us remember this childhood game? Jumping, leaping squares to land in the appropriate box. The diagram was there right in front of you but as you progressed more effort was required, and if you weren't careful - you're out. Admittedly, it was fun even for some of us guys. The game bears some similarity to our faith walk. The way of the Christian is plainly laid out before us in the Word of God. This life we live is an open book test, and that book (bible) has great wisdom and direction to stay on target or even correct our course. Life only becomes fraught with obstacles to put us 'out' when we take or eyes off God. So why not add a little childhood flair to your steps as you walk with God today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." - Proverbs 10:9

New for Today

Our 'Age of Anxiety' is, in great part, the result of trying to live today’s circumstances with yesterday’s faith. – M. McLuhan

Though Rachel believed in her husband Jacob’s God, she still kept the gods of her father Laban. Hmm!

One of the great things about scientific discovery is that it is always open to new ideas and realities – oh that our faith were so. For most people their faith is clearly defined, limited and tangible, and if circumstances don’t fit within the parameters they determine and define they won’t move forward. But we serve a God who is ever unpredictable in His ways as He works things out in our lives. His expectation is that we trust Him in all things and truly believe that He will never place us in any situation where His grace is not sufficient, His provision is not more than enough, or His strength will not prevail. The whole idea is that God is trying to ‘grow’ our faith not our fears. Today will require more from us than yesterday.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” – II Corinthians 5:17

P.S. - Make sure you vote TODAY, and remember no matter what happens GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!

Ours for the Asking

Many things are lost for want of asking. – English Proverb

The Syro-Phoenician woman braved redress from the disciples, indifference, and even name-calling from Jesus to make her request. Her faith was rewarded. Amen!

Without a doubt most of us believe God is a prayer answering God, but yet we fail to pray. Often what we call praying is actually just us meditating, hashing the issue out in our mind, but not really asking or talking to God about it. And because of our feelings of inadequacy, we often feel ashamed to even ask. But God wants us to ask “in faith,” and sometimes He will often test our faith to see if we are sincere. Every blessing God prepared, He prepared to lavish on His people and that should include you. Why not ask him today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” – John 14:13

Use Em

Burying your talents does not make them grow. - Anon

The servant who buried his master's money had no growth to report, and it cost him big time. OUCH!

Agriculture teaches us that when seeds are properly planted and cared for, they grow and plants/flowers/trees are the natural results. You get a variety of flora that is both beautiful and useful. It is a reminder that God wastes nothing that He has made. The same is true of us. Each of us has been gifted with skills and talents by God. And He expects or wants us to use these to bring glory to Himself. For us to sit on them, deny them, or keep them bottled up inside is to deny the God we say we love and serve. To Him it doesn't matter if someone has the same or similar skill/talent you have, like the beautiful scene of nature He expects us to find a way to let ours shine for kingdom purposes. We don't want to be like the lazy servant, so it's time to get in gear and get in the game.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"If a man's gift is....... ........let him use it in proportion to his faith." - Romans 12:6

True Faith Acts

Just as mirrors only reflect what they see, our lives only produce what we believe. – Anon

God often brought unpleasant circumstances before His people just to see what was in their heart. Hmm!

No doubt about it, we all would like the world to be a better place. That’s a great sentiment, and a noble desire. But the question we need answer is: ’What can we do to make it a better place?’ We all know the ‘Golden Rule’ – treat others in the same way you want to be treated – but do we really believe and practice it as Jesus commanded? To go the extra mile. To be kind in spite of others. To love expecting nothing in return. To go beyond our comfort zone. True faith never asks whether good works are to be done or even considered. Faith just acts on impulse for the works are its lifeblood, faith without works is dead. Everyone wants to change the world but no one wants to start with himself. So we often leave it to others ‘greater’ than ourselves. God will not ask us why we weren’t more like Paul, Esther, David, etc., He’s just going to ask were we faithful and true. Hopefully our answer is already being written in the affirmative, and we’re doing all we can to confirm it each day.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12

Seeing Before It's Seen

Believing is seeing before visual presentation. - Anon

Abraham couldn't describe what he was after, but yet he found it - they city of God. WOW!

Inventors! Explorers! Sculptors! Think of a few great creations or discoveries of these folks! Planes, trains, cruise ships, autos - things that defy conventional wisdom. And how about the kinds of places "discovered". America, North/South Pole, the Amazon River, etc. - by folks who risked it all. What do these folks have in common? Faith! A belief in something that was yet unseen. A faith that allowed them to 'see' it before it actually came to be. It's the faith we're called on as children of God to exercise each day. To believe it before we see it. We walk in this life by faith, not sight. We've all benefitted from someone else's faith in this life. From the foods we eat, products we use, and services we subscribe to, because someone had the foresight to see the need and benefit of such, an attribute granted to them/us by the God who made us. We may not see victory right now, but we can trust and believe our God has granted it to those of us who remain faithful.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Without faith it is impossible to please God.......he rewards those who diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

Let It Begin with Me

Everyone prays for change in the world, but nobody wants to be the first volunteer! - Anon

When God asked 'who will go? "Isaiah immediately and without hesitation said "Here I am. Send me!" Hmm!

Think about it. We all have them, friends, associates, and even family members who could be a much better person if they just changed......... that about them. That one little thing that just 'irks' us. That one little thing about them that we so often point out to others about them. The truth we need to face is that our criticisms of others will never change them, but our prayers will. And the faith behind our prayers for others is actually that step we need to make to become a volunteer for change. Why, because God often has to do a work in us first that we may be able to see the changes He's making in others. So friend, let's keep praying!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests......always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." - Ephesians 6:18