The Pursuit of Better

If you are good, be better. – Anon

Cornelius lived a righteous and devout life and loved giving alms to God. Peter told him how to live even better. AMEN!

A wise Elder of ours lived his life by the credo “education begins the day you’re born and ends the day you die.” Many of us often live our lives as if we’ve peaked, we’ve reached a certain age or status and so we’ve settled in there – “good enough” we say. Some of us have accomplished major goals and aspirations and we’ve settled there – “I made it” we say. But just as the products we buy are often ‘New and Improved’ God is always at His work in our lives, trying to better shape, purge, refine, and polish us that we may shine even brighter for Him. So no matter how far we’ve come and how miraculous our change for the better has been, He’s not finished so neither should we be.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” – Proverbs 21:21

It's Not Over

It’s always too early to quit. – Peale

At the first sign of rejection from Pharaoh, Moses was ready to give up. God was just getting started. Hmm!

Buzzer beaters, Last minute heroics, Miraculous saves! We often say with conviction that “God is always on time. Never early, never late, but always right on time.” If we truly believe this then whatever battle we’re fighting, whatever circumstances we’re facing, whatever challenge we’re up against, no matter where we are at this stage of life; it’s still early in the game. Deliverance will come, maybe not how we expect it, but it will come. Remember the ‘conqueror’ whom we have on our side.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” – Psalm 50:15

A Response That Honors God

Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional. – Max Lucado

Upon re-uniting with his brother Esau, Jacob expected a battle that never came. God was in the meeting. Hmm!

It’s a given in life that we will encounter conflict, for everyone is not on our side. Jesus told us we would have troubles, and we see from His life He had continual conflict with the religious rulers of the day. They had made a mockery of His Father’s commands and teachings, and He had come to set things back in order. And of course they resisted. I think we are all familiar with such circumstances whether it be with our spouse, children, siblings, co-workers, or friends. And yes, our anger or ire may rise, but it is in these moments that our faith should direct our response in such a way that it still honors God. God has promised to fight our battles and He is true to His word. There is not a promise God has made that He has not fulfilled, our response is to give it over to Him. Before the words or fists or feathers start to fly, we need to invite God into the battle.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…..do not be afraid or discouraged because of this great vast army. For the battle in not yours, but God’s.” – II Chronicles 20:15

Don't Deny The Blessings

The true call of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. – D. Stanley

Though the disciples were first called ‘Christian’ at Antioch, they were still human. Hmm!

Though Jesus was God in the flesh, he never denied his human nature. He ate, drank, slept, and enjoyed fellowship with others, even sinners. That in itself, was the perfect model of discipleship. Discipleship does not mean that we live lives of deprivation or poverty but rather we live lives full of appreciation, thankfulness, and sharing. It is not the shrinking away from, or downplaying of the blessings God bestows on us that we may identify with those less fortunate, discipleship is drawing others in to share in those blessings that God gives in order that they may come to know him. True, the call to discipleship is to deny our self-centered nature, but never the blessings God brings our way to help further the kingdom.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Honor the Lord with thy substance…..” – Proverbs 3:9

Whose Child Are You?

We honor God’s name when we call Him Father, and actually live like we’re his children. – Anon

Before he started his ministry Jesus was actually known as ‘the carpenter’s’ son. Hmm!

In every family there’s at least one, if not all; of the children, who, when outsiders see or hear them they immediately know this is so and so's child. Every parent loves to hear good things about their children, whether it be about their attitude, appearance, dependability or even their thoughtfulness. It makes their heart joyful. God as our Father is no different. He takes great pride in us when we reflect His character, His nature, and His spirit in such a way others might notice. As the day unfolds before us may we remember to whom we belong!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46

Honoring Your Vows

A commitment is doing what you said you would do long after the feeling you said it in has passed. – R. Gilbert

When summoned by the king, Uriah the Hittite even refused to go home and be with his wife because of his commitment to protecting his king in battle. AMEN!

Just as a man and woman in Christian marriage are committed to one another ‘until death,’ our relationship with God is the same. And the reality is there can be no adjustment in our commitment or vow with God. Anything short of honoring what we vowed is sin. Its true God is forgiving, however we should not “put Him to the test.” The blessings that God puts into our lives such as family, work, hobbies, education, etc. are never given to supplant Him as having first place in our heart and lives, or change the commitments we made to Him and His church. Emotions come and go, but commitment is based on our own will. Just as God faithfully keeps His promises to us He expects the same from us. Today's a good day to start.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.” – Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

P.S. - We will be packing gift boxes for Samaritan's Purse after services Sunday morning. If you would like to participate please email info@isschristian.org. THANKS!

Be Better

If you are good, be better. – Anon

Cornelius lived a righteous and devout life and loved giving alms to God. Peter told him how to live even better. AMEN!

A wise Elder of ours lived his life by the credo “education begins the day you’re born and ends the day you die.”  Many of us often live our lives as if we’ve peaked, we’ve reached a certain age or status and so we’ve settled in there – “good enough” we say. Some of us have accomplished major goals and aspirations and we’ve settled there – “I made it” we say. But just as the products we buy are often ‘New and Improved’ God is always at his work in our lives, trying to better shape, purge, refine, and polish us that we may shine even brighter for Him. So no matter how far we’ve come and how miraculous our change for the better has been, He’s not finished so neither should we be.

Until tomorrow………

Pastor Botts

“He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” – Proverbs 21:21

Honor is Preferred

Fame is something that must be won; honor is something that must never be lost. – A. Schopenhauer

The people of Lystra fawned over Paul and Barnabas and thought they were ‘gods’ in human form. Paul and Barnabas clearly stated they were only ‘men of God.’ WHEW!

Truth be told, everyone wants a bit of notoriety, praise, or credit for their special successes, and that's okay; for in and of itself fame is not bad. However we must never confuse it with honor or integrity. There is a vast difference between the two. Fame is prestige or reputation you receive for an achievement, primarily from people you don’t know or see (fans), honor is hard earned trust from those who know you best. One of the keys of life is never to trade the latter for the former. As we face the circumstances and situations of the day that God puts before us, it shouldn’t be too hard to guess which way He leans.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Mark 9:36-37

Temple Maintenance

No one owns his or her own body – it either belongs to God or is enslaved by sin. – Anon

Daniel loved God so much he felt that even eating the kings food was not good for him. He was right. Hmm!

Street Walkers! Junkies! Alcoholics! We sort of stand at a distance and look at such individuals and wonder how in the world they could abuse their bodies in such a wasteful manner. But in truth, oftentimes the only difference between them and us is they go at it openly and hard. God gifted us with the physical body to be a dwelling place (temple) for His holy presence within. When we use it or adorn it in any way that does not glorify Him – no matter how sleight – we are equally like them. It’s true we should be judged by what’s in our hearts, but with many folks they may never get that close because of the ‘wrapping’ we’re in. 

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God….Therefore honor God with your body.” – I Corinthians 6:19-20

Today's Work

How does a project get to be a year behind schedule? One day at a time. – F. Brooks

In the creation account God did everything He needed to do on each individual day. Period! And He’s our example. Hmm!

Today is here, and for most it means we’re one day further removed from what we promised God or ourselves we were going to do. When it comes to serving God, doing right, bettering oneself, or helping others, procrastination is the weapon of choice for our enemy. Seemingly little innocent interruptions that go a long way in keeping us behind and in frustration. The truth is God has put only so much in front of each of us to do today because He knows what He will provide for us to get through the day. So if we just take it one day at a time (that’s all God gives us anyway) and not ‘give place to the devil’ we’ll be sure to keep in step with God. Also, whatever your promise to God may have been – TODAY is the day to honor it.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4

The Most Important Title

A Note from God: “My kid saved your honor student.” – Anon

Paul stated he’d rather have Jesus than anything, counting all his other worldly goods as ‘rubbish.’ WOW!

Whether it be honor student, perfect attendance, club awards, etc., we sometimes do tend to get carried away with notoriety for our children, and oftentimes even with titles for ourselves. Awards and titles have their place in our lives, but we must keep the main thing the main thing. None of this would be possible if it had not been for what Jesus did for us, and secondly and of even more import; none of this means anything if Jesus is not our personal savior. Besides, when we get to heaven God is not going to check our credentials for awards or titles, he’s going to check our hearts and bodies for battle scars (the marks of Jesus).

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” – Jude 3

P.S. - No Bible Study tonight but there is VBS. Why don't you come on by?

Not an Afterthought

Give not from the top of your purse, but from the bottom of your heart. – Anon

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of the law often for their traditions of men which adhered to the 'letter' of the law but ignored the 'spiritual intent' of the law. He said they should do both. Hmm!

Often, in terms of what we give to God; whether it be praise, worship, offering, service, etc.; is done without much thought and preparation, but out of a sense of duty or obligation. God wants neither. He is seeking our love for Him, and our respect of His will. Just as we would never really want to be an 'afterthought' in people's dealings, God should not be in ours. If He is truly KING of Kings and LORD of Lords then only our best, as we have prepared ourselves will do. Remember you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. As we embark upon today may our heart be our guide.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord says; These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13

The Daily Heart of Worship

In worship, we would rather our heart be without words, than our words without heart. – L. Broschman

God’s prophet Jeremiah flat out called the priests of the day liars and arrogant men practicing before God – and the people seemed to love it. GOD FORBID!

For the average Christian, Sunday is the day of worship where we go to God’s house and sing, pray, and even say a few “hallelujah’s" or "Amen’s.” But God is not relegated to the church house and worship is not restricted to a once a week occurrence, it is a way of life that flows from the heart in all we do. God is looking for more than lip service, He wants life application. Our prayer should be that our worship during the work week will be as “charged and passion-filled” as it was in His house on Sunday.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13

Shadow Praise

Most of the shadows in this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Even after Solomon was anointed king by David, Adonijah still tried to gain the spotlight by asking for Abishag; David’s wife. It cost him dearly. HMM!

It's been said "the hardest instrument to play in the orchestra is 2nd fiddle." No one wants to be second string or back-up, we all for some reason want to be first; that we may gain the recognition and notoriety we aptly deserve. We want, we covet, we boast, we brag – it’s all about us – never once thinking maybe God has a different perspective and a different purpose in mind. This is often how many of our problems get the best of us, for we keep the focus on ourselves. Receiving praise is one thing, but living for it spells trouble; for our purpose is not to deflect light to ourselves but to our Heavenly Father.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’” – Numbers 20:12

Sunny Days

The most beautiful thing under the sun is being under the sun. -  Anon

It rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but God eventually called Noah and his family out of the ark. Noah was so happy he built God an altar. Hmm!

The psalmist says, “this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” How very true. It is a great day to be alive. God’s grace has given us another day. Life is a very precious gift, work and/or school is a blessing; and both are great worship opportunities. As our day unfolds, events may not happen to our liking or desires, but remember God has greater purposes. Detours may be necessary, but take time to enjoy the scenery and catch the message God is sending.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” – Psalm 84:11

Extraordinarily Ordinary Discipleship

The true call of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. – D. Stanley

Though the disciples were first called ‘Christian’ at Antioch, they were still human. Hmm!

Though Jesus was God in the flesh, he never denied his human nature. He ate, drank, slept, and enjoyed fellowship with others, even sinners. That in itself, was the perfect model of discipleship. Discipleship does not mean that we live lives of deprivation or poverty but rather we live lives full of appreciation, thankfulness, and sharing. It is not the shrinking away from, or downplaying of the blessings God bestows on us that we may identify with those less fortunate, discipleship is drawing others in to share in those blessings that God gives in order that they may come to know him. True, the call to discipleship is to deny our self-centered nature, but never the blessings God brings our way to help further the kingdom.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Honor the Lord with thy substance…..” – Proverbs 3:9

Prefer Honor

Fame is something that must be won; honor is something that must never be lost. – A. Schopenhauer

The people of Lystra fawned over Paul and Barnabas and thought they were ‘gods’ in human form. Paul and Barnabas clearly stated they were only ‘men of God.’ WHEW!

Truth be told, everyone wants a bit of notoriety, praise, or credit for their special successes, and that's okay; for in and of itself fame is not bad. However we must never confuse it with honor or integrity. There is a vast difference between the two. Fame is prestige or reputation you receive for an achievement, primarily from people you don’t know or see (fans), honor is hard earned trust from those who know you best. One of the keys of life is never to trade the latter for the former. As we face the circumstances and situations of the day that God puts before us, it shouldn’t be too hard to guess which way He leans.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Mark 9:36-37

Not just for Sunday

In worship, we would rather our heart be without words, than our words without heart. – L. Broschman

God’s prophet Jeremiah flat out called the priests of the day liars and arrogant men practicing before God – and the people seemed to  love it. GOD FORBID!

For the average Christian, Sunday is the day of worship where we go to God’s house and sing, pray, and even say a few “hallelujah’s" or "Amen’s.” But God is not relegated to the church house and worship is not restricted to a once a week occurrence, it is a way of life that flows from the heart in all we do. God is looking for more than lip service, He wants life application. Our prayer should be that our worship during the work week will be as “charged” as it was in His house on Sunday.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13