Faithful to BEing

Men climb great mountains but yet stumble over pebbles. – E. Cady

Peter preached a sermon that brought 3,000 new souls to Christ, yet he found it hard to get over his prejudice of Gentiles. Hmm!

Without a doubt, most of us would have no problem signing up to do something great or noteworthy; it’s what we live for. The big job, the special assignment, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – count us in. We love being able to deliver the goods for everyone’s praise. But God never asks us to climb great mountains, or seek fame and fortune or praise; He only asks us to be faithful to Him each day, and for some reason it seems to be the hardest thing to do. Maybe therein lies the problem – we want to DO, we’re good at doing - but God says BE. If we realize that being faithful is the greatest thing we can DO maybe we can somewhat cure our stumbling problems.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;…..Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.” – Proverbs 3:21,23

More Than Enough

How much is enough? "Just a little more!" - John D. Rockefeller (billionaire)

After David's 'sin' with Bathsheba God told him through Nathan the prophet, "if what I gave you wasn't enough, I would've given you more...." Hmm!

Admittedly, when it comes to work and particularly finances, many of us have worried about not having enough. Some of us are probably still suffering this anxiety. Worries about providing for our family, future, and comfort continue to push us harder and harder to grab more and more. And often it's to the point where we begin to forget God - our ultimate provider. He has promised to meet all our needs. He's promised us a 'hope and a future!' He's granted us 'all the riches that are in Christ Jesus!' And, I might add, He promised us 'our daily bread!' If we could take a moment to look back over our life we will see God has been faithful in every promise He made. And that should encourage us to trust Him even more. True, our resources may be 'tight' at the moment, but if it's what God has provided it is more than enough! Maybe we just need to let Him show us how.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33

The Truth Don't Change

Science and religion both agree there was ‘a beginning.’ But it’s only science who keeps changing the story. - Anon

When asked not to teach in the ‘name of Jesus’ anymore, Peter and John somewhat said “it’s the only truth we know.” Amen!

Our world is in a constant state of change – but God is not! Every day we encounter new laws, new morality, new economics, and a slew of other issues. And sometimes, even those we counted on to be strong pillars or unshakeable foundations change their position overnight. But we can take great comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the one rock that cannot be shaken. ‘He is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ He will always be faithful and true – ALWAYS! And for us that should be one of the most peaceful and comforting thoughts we can ever have. So if this world and its issues have you worrying about which way to look or turn, just fix your focus on Him who never changes. Life is much easier when you do.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…. I, the Lord, do not change…” – Malachi 3:6

The Gift of True Friendship

True friends are God's way of taking care of us. - Anon

Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the man whom God chose to replace King Saul. Mortal enemies right - NO, it was a friendship made by God. Hmm!

We often take them for granted, and seldom remember how they came into our lives - friends. But that's just it - they are in our lives - and we would be somewhat at a loss if they weren't. They step up when others step back, add to you instead of taking away from you. Remember what the bible says, 'every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father...' I pray we may all be a true friend and have a true friend.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." - Proverbs 27:6

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

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.

Remaining Faithful

Don't mistake the discipline of God as abandonment by God. - Anon

Though Job was severely tormented and questioned God, he never let go of his faith. Hmm!

Though the bible tells us God does things "decently and in order" we often think that means immediately, particularly when it comes to OUR prayer requests. But what makes us think our blessing or deliverance will come immediately after we pray or fast. God let a whole generation die off before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. I'm sure some of them were praying. Joseph's life saw nothing but trouble for years between his god-given dreams and the actual reveal. I'm sure he remained faithful. God's ways of discipline to develop our character are far more advanced than we can fathom, but He's always there with us even in those lean, tough times. My parents disciplined me often (I needed it) but never left me or stopped loving me, and eventually it helped shape me into who I am. God is at work doing the same with us today. Now is not the time to give up but to stay strong.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time.........Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." - Habakkuk 2:3

Trust and Remain Faithful

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish HE wouldn’t trust me so much. – Mother Teresa

Moses didn’t think he could go and face Pharaoh to free the Israelites. God had to remind him “I’m going with you.” WOW!

In God’s eyes we are SOMEBODY! We’re HIS. But if we’re not careful we will find ourselves lamenting (complaining) over the things going on in our life, as if they will soon overwhelm us, and they will if we try and go it all alone. God has placed us in the particular situations we’re in because He believes we are the best available for the task He wants to work ‘through us.’ He’s trusting we will be available and willing, and He will equip us with the strength, wisdom, or other resources we need when we need it and not a moment sooner. He expects us to remain faithful in all circumstances. Remember what he said in his word, “to whom much is given, much will be required.” We must admit we are richly blessed!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because the take refuge in him.” – Psalm 37:39-40

When We Lose We Win

There are victories of the soul and spirit. So sometimes, even if you lose, you win. – Elie Wiesel

Peter walked on water, then failed. Peter claimed he would die for Jesus, then denied him. But after each time he came back stronger. Hmm!

Playing ball as a kid against my dad I rarely won the game. But my father was helpful in showing me how to get better and the time we spent together was precious. God works along the same lines. There will be some times when we fail. There will be other times when we just don’t understand or get what God is trying to do ‘through’ us to get ‘to us.’ He has ways we do not fully understand and at times it takes us being beaten or ‘giving in’ before He can teach us what we need to now. So even in times of stern discipline or heartache we are the winners because He is working it out for our good. Don’t bemoan today’s lessons; just know He’s at His work in you.

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

Under Construction

God is the ONLY One who has been in my tomorrow. So He's the ONLY One who is going to know what I need when I get there. Anon

Many folks couldn't believe Jesus the Messiah was actually the carpenter's son. Whoa!

Right behind our church, you see it. The skeletal structure arising that is to be the new home of L.A.'s other basketball team - The Clippers, in 2024. Artist's renditions show it as a beautiful, regal, attractive venue, but right now it's 'under construction.' And as with any construction project, delays, code changes, and corrections occur. They don't derail the project; they simply add value to it. The same is really true of our Christian walk. The scriptures say, "we don't know what we shall be, but when Christ appears we shall be like Him." We're currently 'under construction' and at times the ebbs and flows of life (sin, grief, illness, pain, etc.) that challenge us only add value to the 'new us' that we are becoming, because our builder - God - will work if out for our good and His glory. The key for us is not to get 'bent out of shape' as God works.

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

Wonderfully You

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. – Annette Funicello

Paul said even in his weaknesses he would 'boast'. I think it had something to do with God’s all-surpassing grace!

Well, today is here. Probably not exactly like you wanted it, but it is here, waiting on you. The day will have some up moments and it will have some down moments. You’ll see things to make you laugh or smile, and you’ll see things that will make you upset or angry. You will have people come through for you, and you’ll have people let you down. And none of these things are relegated to just one person, everyone will have them. But all in all isn’t it just wonderful to be alive and know that God is still working on your character with events like these? Yes the Master Potter is busy at his work – YOU!

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

God STILL Delivers!

God can handle it even when we don’t see how! – Richard Murray

The Red Sea parting was a physical impossibility in the eyes of the Israelites and Egyptians – but God works outside physical limitations. Hmm!

If we take a minute to think about it, the sun rose this morning like clockwork and we had nothing to do with it. And it will eventually pass through the day and nightfall will come and we can’t prevent it. God has been doing this and many other miraculous things since the beginning of time. And not only is He involved in nature, but He wants to be involved in every detail of our lives as well. We often say “I know who holds tomorrow/future” referring to God, but the proof of our faith is in our ‘casting all of our cares on Him.” God has been in the ‘delivery’ business since He put man on the earth, so though we may not see how our situation can be worked out, it can; we need to just trust Him a bit longer.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23

Realize Your Potential

You lose with potential. You win with performance! - Bill Parcells

When Peter was miraculously set free from prison, it wasn't because they had a great big church that knew about prayer, it was because the church prayed. WOW!

It should not surprise anyone that all of us have great potential. And we should know this, for we serve an omnipotent God. But untapped and unused it does us no good. Problems and circumstances seem to often overwhelm us because we never realize or utilize the potential within to overcome them. It's good to know God, but until we truly begin to trust Him and live by the faith we profess, we'll never overcome and be victorious. God wants us all to shine today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' His master replied 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' Come and share your master's happiness." - Matthew 25:20-21

Using What God Gave Us

Success comes neither through the mail or prayer, but through faithful effort. – Anon

Even though God promised victory to him in the prayer before the battle, David still had to fight the battle. Hmm!

It should come as no surprise that life is somewhat an action sport – meaning; that to get anything from it , we must live it out. The things we desire success in, Christian living, marriage, career path, education, etc., will only be achieved through concerted effort. Faith and prayer are the fuels we use to sustain us, but faith and prayer without work is just ‘whistlin' in the wind.’ God fully expects us to use the skill sets, gifts, and mental acuity He has blessed us with, and we will have to give an accounting to Him one day about it. And last, we must remember no matter how great we may become, how good we may be at doing things, or the accolades others may heap upon us, God holds the only definition that really matters for success – salvation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things..…….Come and share your master’s happiness” – Matthew 25:21

The Truth Never Changes

Science and religion both agree there was ‘a beginning.’ But it’s only science who keeps changing the story. - Anon

When asked not to teach in the ‘name of Jesus’ anymore, Peter and John somewhat said “it’s the only truth we know.” Amen!

Our world is in a constant state of change – but God is not! Every day we encounter new laws, new morality, new economics, and a slew of other issues. And sometimes, even those we counted on to be strong pillars or unshakeable foundations change their position overnight. But we can take great comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the one rock that cannot be shaken. ‘He is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ He will always be faithful and true – ALWAYS! And for us that should be one of the most peaceful and comforting thoughts we can ever have. So if this world and its issues have you worrying about which way to look or turn, just fix your focus on Him who never changes. Life is much easier when you do.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..I, the Lord, do not change…” – Malachi 3:6

Keep At It!

You just can't beat the person who never gives up. - Babe Ruth

Through many conflicts, persecutions, and even imprisonment Paul never quit proclaiming Jesus. Amen!

The Grand Canyon. Without question it is one of nature's greatest miracles to behold. In trying to describe it, someone once said "the Colorado River has shown what can be done just by 'keeping at it.' It was the constant flow of that river that carved such a masterpiece." Are you 'keeping at it?' We must realize our lives are not a sprint, relay, nor a lap or two around the track, but a marathon to be run with perseverance. The greatest thing that can be said of any of us after we've gone on to glory, is not the achievements or awards we collected, nor the great discoveries we may have made, but the fact that we 'plodded on' or kept at it no matter what. None of us know where our race will take us, how many hills, valleys, deserts, or mountains we'll have to endure even in sickness or dire circumstances, but hopefully they will be able to say, he/she was a 'plodder', they never gave up, even when it seems they were beat, they kept at it. That's a life Jesus will one day call "good and faithful servant...."

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain." - I Corinthians 15:58

P.S. - I'm still looking for volunteers to facilitate our Wednesday Night Studies for September beginning with this week. Let me know ASAP.

Is it Over Yet?

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, ours is just to wait and be faithful.

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

Being Faithful Not To Stumble

Men climb great mountains but yet stumble over pebbles. – E. Cady

Peter preached a sermon that brought 3,000 new souls to Christ, yet he found it hard to get over his prejudice of Gentiles. Hmm!

Without a doubt, most of us would have no problem signing up to do something great or noteworthy; it’s what we live for. The big job, the special assignment, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – count us in. We love being able to deliver the goods for everyone’s praise. But God never asks us to climb great mountains, or seek fame and fortune or praise; He only asks us to be faithful to Him each day, and for some reason it seems to be the hardest thing to do. Maybe therein lies the problem – we want to DO, we’re good at DOING - but God says BE.  If we realize that being faithful is the greatest thing we can DO maybe we can somewhat cure our stumbling problems.

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;…..Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.” – Proverbs 3:21,23

Let's do this Together

If God loves best in community, who are we to set ourselves up as spiritual loners. – J.M. Pope

When Jesus walked the earth even He surrounded himself with 11 ‘faithful’ friends, and then He built for them the church. Hmm!

Nostalgia – we all seem to suffer from it in some form, particularly when it comes to the good-guy or hero, or savior. We buy into the solo act or Lone Ranger attitude. Just look around, we live in a society that teaches and even praises individual independence and freedoms, but that is not by God’s design. From the very beginning God said, “it is not good that man should be alone,” meaning we were created for relationship. Church attendance and fellowship with the brethren may not be important to some, but to God’s people it is a command. I pray you agree.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:23-25.

Faith in the Faithful One

God can handle it even when we don’t see how! – Richard Murray

The Red Sea parting was a physical impossibility in the eyes of the Israelites and Egyptians – but God works outside physical limitations. Hmm!

If we take a minute to think about it, the sun rose this morning like clockwork and we had nothing to do with it. And it will eventually pass through the day and nightfall will come and we can’t prevent it. God has been doing this and many other miraculous things since the beginning of time. And not only is He involved in nature, but He wants to be involved in every detail of our lives as well. We often say “I know who holds tomorrow/future” referring to God, but the proof of our faith is in our ‘casting all of our cares on Him.” God has been in the ‘delivery’ business since He put man on the earth, so though we may not see how our situation can be worked out, it can; we need to just trust Him a bit longer.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23