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

Living the Faith Life

Good decision-making happens only at the intersection of faith and reason. - Anon

It's amazing how often things 'worked out' in the bible after prayer. Hmm!

You've seen the T-shirts, bumper stickers, etc., with the statement: "No one can judge me except God!" There's truth to it. We can't and shouldn't judge them. Our way of thinking is based on our wants, wishes, and whims. But Jesus declared "it is not me but God's Word that judges....." Therefore, if we live our life by God's Word and use it to make our decisions, it is not us but God directing us to judge whether to go right or left, to accept or decline, to like or dislike. His Word is the one true unchanging measure that applies to all humanity. Therefore, the one who lets God's Word live through them is not passing judgment on anyone but living life to the fullest, and that is what Jesus came to give us the ability to do. Read On!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Witnesses For God

God himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should we? – Sparks

Peter judged all Gentiles to be inferior and beneath him. God put him in a situation with Cornelius that changed his ‘vision.’ WOW!

Truth be told we are all often quick to play judge, jury, and executioner; and pass final judgment on those we see and meet as if we have the actual keys to heaven and hell. And we do it with little rhyme or reason (looks, impressions, etc.). But God calls us to be witnesses for him, not lawyers OR judges, but witnesses. And like our Supreme Creator we should hold out hope for all mankind to be redeemed. Regardless of where they stand, God wants to use us to make a difference in their lives today, for tomorrow their change just may come. We should remember that whatever ‘measure’ we use will be used on us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many….” – Hebrews 9:27-28

Navigating the Course of Life

Yes times does fly, but remember you’re the pilot. – M. Altshuler

At 17, Joseph was sold into slavery and later went to prison. At 30, he was second in command only to Pharaoh. Why – he flew according to God’s plan. Hmm!

Here we are in February 2021, and the pace is moving along pretty quickly. Time will continue to march forward as God Himself pre-ordained it. But the good thing about it is He has set the pace such that life can be lived to its fullest potential, enjoyed immensely, and shared with others; as long as He is kept first. It’s only when we allow life and its circumstances and events to ‘pilot’ us that we seem to lack the time necessary for godly virtues and values. A good pilot knows his destination and weather conditions before he even takes off, allowing him to navigate the course smoothly and timely. If things are moving too fast maybe you need to seek God about a course correction.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.” – Proverbs 15:21

Impaired Judgement

Impaired vision isn't only an eye problem. - Anon

Naomi wanted to be called 'Mara' or bitter. God showed her that name didn't really fit. Amen!

DUI/DWI. Acronyms that no one really wants associated with their name. It means being caught operating a motor vehicle while your judgment has been impaired by alcohol, drugs or medications. Though we do all we can to ensure this is not us, we often find ourselves equally guilty of impaired judgment when it comes to others. We see and assume the worst of people just by their appearance (heavily tattooed - must be a gang member, unkempt or dirty - must be homeless, etc.). The fact of the matter is Jesus tells us not to judge anyone, for we all have issues and shortcomings. The good news is God is not finished with us yet. So ours should not be a comparison game of who's better off, but a prayer moment of "Lord, help us both, that you might be glorified!" As we greet this new dawning called today, may this be our prayer throughout.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....do not judge, or you too will be judged...." - Matthew 7:1

Witness not Judge

God himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should we? – Sparks

Peter judged all Gentiles to be inferior and beneath him. God put him in a situation with Cornelius that changed his ‘vision.’ WOW!

Truth be told we are all often quick to play judge, jury, and executioner; and pass final judgment on those we see and meet as if we have the actual keys to heaven and hell. And we do it with little rhyme or reason (looks, impressions, etc.). But God calls us to be witnesses for him, not lawyers OR judges; but witnesses. And like our Supreme Creator we should hold out hope for all mankind to be redeemed. Regardless of where they stand, God wants to use us to make a difference in their lives today, for tomorrow their change just may come. We should remember that whatever ‘measure’ we use will be used on us.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many….” – Hebrews 9:27-28

P.S. - Hope to see you Sunday morning at 9AM.

Not all that, all the time

God does like a little humor; as evidenced by the fact that he made giraffes, chihuahuas, and us. – B. Sunday

God once ‘winked’ at man’s ignorance. Often he is amused at our excuses. Hmm!

College Degrees. Corporate Titles. Proper etiquette, being 'Politically correct,' etc. Not to say these are in and of themselves bad, for they are not. But when we define ourselves by them and try to live our lives by them, not only is it funny at times, but we miss the point of being God’s children. No matter how well-paid, refined, or educated we are some situation or circumstance today will call for us step out of our title or forget our degree to just simply be a person, and hopefully God’s ambassador.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” – Romans 12:3

Who's the Judge

God himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should we? – Sparks

Peter judged all Gentiles to be inferior and beneath him. God put him in a situation with Cornelius that increased his VISION. Wow!

Truth be told we are often quick to pass final judgment on those we know and meet as if we have the actual keys to heaven and hell. And we do it with little rhyme or reason. But God calls us to be witnesses for him, not lawyers OR judges; but witnesses. And like our Supreme Creator we should hold out hope for all mankind to be redeemed. Regardless of where they stand, God wants to use us to make a difference in their lives today, for tomorrow their change just may come. Let us all remember our role.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many….” – Hebrews 9:27-28