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

Higher Authority

The toughest thing about raising kids is convincing them you have seniority. - Anon

When the Prodigal Son reached 'rock bottom' he realized his father was not only bright, but RIGHT. Hmm!

Many of us were blessed to grow up in a god-fearing, two-parent home. I know in today's society that is now a rarity. But whether it was single-parent or two in our upbringing one thing was abundantly clear - there was a parent. One who laid down the law. And if we accepted them as parent(s) then certain personal, behavioral, and moral consequences were demanded of us from them. We could not claim "you're my mother/father" and then not listen to them. It just didn't work that way. Well friend, what about Christ? The same is true about Him in our life. We can't claim Him as Lord and then cast aside all His commands, living only for ourselves. We can't just give lip service to His words and live however we want. It's an insult to His very being. So as this day unfolds and presents all its circumstances and issues, we need to ask ourselves "What shall I do with Jesus called the Christ?" Now that's a thought worth pondering.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" - Luke 6:46

"Sees" the Day

There is none so blind as they that will not see. – Jonathan Swift

God parted the Red Sea, rained down manna, and brought water from a rock to show Moses and the Israelites He was with them and for them. The people didn't get it. Hmm!

As believers we habitually seek to hear God’s voice through prayer, His Word, or His messengers. Yet, often we fail or miss hearing God speak through His activity. We are so set on ‘seizing' the day we often give very little thought to 'seeing' what it brings. Sensing God’s activity gives us a significant revelation about His heart and will, and our ability to discern what He is up to allows us to work faithfully with Him. The apostle Paul at one time sensed that “a great door” had been opened for him to preach the gospel. If we’re not hearing directly from God through His Word, or His people, maybe He’s speaking through the activity in our lives. Listen up!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Look among the nations and watch – be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” – Habakkuk 1:5

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

Influence the Culture

You might as well listen to a thief lecture on honesty as watch for Hollywood and the Media to teach values. – Anon

Until Paul met Christ on the Damascus Road, he actually thought he was doing God’s will. Scary huh?

What you thought before has led to every choice you have made, and this adds up to YOU at this moment. For most people, us included, these thoughts are pretty much exclusive to what we have seen from Hollywood and heard in the mainstream media. Therefore, we are not so much in our way of thinking, children of our parents but offspring of the culture. If we want to change who we are physically, mentally, and spiritually, we will have to change what we think. Godly people were never meant to be influenced by the culture, but to be influencers OF their culture, to promote ways of righteousness and light in a world that wants to hide in darkness. As we watch the ‘big screen’ remember others are watching us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:2

Check In and Listen

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. – B. Hybels

Jesus once asked his disciples ‘who do you say that I am?’ to make sure they were getting the message he was conveying. Peter knew the answer. AMEN!

Product surveys, town-hall meetings, suggestion boxes, etc. – what do they all have in common – they are ways people solicit feedback to see how they are doing and what they can do better. They go directly to the source – you. Jesus did it often with his Father as an example for us to follow. The best way to ensure we’re carrying out God’s plan and not our own is to check with Him often and take time to listen to what He says. He’s already assured us in His book of the victory.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20

Listening for the Master

The first duty of LOVE – is to LISTEN! – Tillich

To love Jesus is to know His Word. To know His Word is to listen. Hmm!

We start out as babies in the crib listening for the calming voices of our parents. Then we proceed to adolescence where we’re instructed by those we love to listen to the voice of authority to guide us correctly in life. Somehow it seems in adulthood we forget this process, or assume it’s unnecessary, or tune into the wrong frequency, thus making our life messy. If our goal truly is heaven, I think we need to learn this lesson over again and ‘listen’ for the Master, as He’s the only one with directions on how to get there.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ And the Lord said to Samuel: ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle’” – I Samuel 3:10-11

Pray On My Friend

Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are helpless can truly pray. - G. Hallesby

When Jonah hit rock bottom the only thing he could do was pray. Hmm!

The truly great thing about prayer is that it requires no special preparation, no precise vocabulary, no appropriate posture (other than a humble heart), and no special time. God is always available and listening. Yes, we're told to 'enter our closets' or 'steal away' for more meaningful time and intimacy, but that doesn't mean we can't pray right where we are now. How about it! If songs and prayers of praise come about when life is good and blessings are flowing, then serious cries, petitions, intercessions and other prayers for supplication and help begin in our times of trouble. And for most of us trouble is always the norm. So pray on friend, pray on, and trust that God's answer will always be wiser than your request.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." - Psalm 55:16-17

God's Rhythmic Dance

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain...... - song refrain

David was 'anointed' king long before he became king, but he steadily walked with God along the way. Amen!

To truly understand and feel the rhythm and cadence of the creation story is to know and appreciate God's love for us and His faithfulness to us. He took His time to build the galaxies and heavens, perfectly align our planetary system, build the needed infrastructures on the earth, all BEFORE He created all the living beings (animals, fish, fowl, Man) to inhabit them. Maybe, just maybe He needs to do the same in your life right now to move it forward. It may be taking a while for you to heal, advance, see progress, etc. (a day with the Lord is as a 1,000 years) but trust He IS at His work. If we take a moment to look back, we'll see just how faithful He has been. It's His nature. Just continue to dance to the rhythm and pace He sets and know that He will bring you through this as well to His glory and praise.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

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

No Better Time Than NOW To Get Started

The most important part of any work is – the beginning. – Plato

Noah had never heard of or seen rain when God commanded him to build the ark. Good thing he didn’t wait until he saw the first rain drop.

One of the more convenient tools of the enemy is procrastination. Particularly when it comes to doing the things that help build up and strengthen us and God’s kingdom. Why, because there can never be progress nor a completion of assignment without a beginning first. There can never be perfection attained without a beginning of practice. It sounds simple enough but often more things are put off than started not so much do to lack of desire, but due to an expectation that there is plenty of time. Today is all we’re promised. But Today as it is called is enough of an opportunity to begin again.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Connecting with Silence

"You have the right to remain silent"...... - Miranda Rights warning

During his illegal trials Jesus said little. The picture of the Cross however speaks LOUDLY. AMEN!

T-Mobile, Cricket, Verizon, Straight-Talk Wireless, Spectrum..... With the advancement to 5G technology (whatever that means) all of these carriers are chasing after us with phones and plans that come with UNLIMITED TALK, TEXT, and DATA! Whatever happened to the axiom 'silence is golden?' The chance to listen unhindered to one's own heartbeat, or the sounds of nature. The opportunity to sit uninterrupted and read, pray, meditate, contemplate, even day-dream (life's virtual reality escape)! Staying in touch is very important, for we are social beings in need of connectedness. But we must remember when it comes to hearing from God at times we need to 'be still (silent) and know that He is God...'

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him...." - Psalm 37:7

Listen Up

Remember, you can't learn if you're always talking. - Henry David Thoreau

Job had much to say on life's matters, but when God spoke he suddenly went....mum. Hmm!

Though we won't openly admit it, most of us love to talk. We love to talk about ourselves and in addition to this it seems we have an opinion on anything and everything. It's almost as if we've achieved a level of all-knowing (omniscience). Somewhere along the line we seemed to have forgotten that life is an everyday experience and education, and that the first step to learning and being taught is the ability to listen. To quiet ourselves, our hearts, open our mind and listen. Even in silence there are great lessons to be learned. God, the Master Teacher will be at work today, here's hoping we all attend class.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"He who has an ear, let him hear." - Matthew 11:15, 13:9

On Display

People will look at your example long before they listen to your advice. – Anon

When Moses tried to advise a Hebrew slave that it was wrong to hit his fellowman, he was reminded he ‘secretly’ killed an Egyptian. Hmm!

In his book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' Carnegie states "people are drawn by example". The thing to remember is people will see what we do long before they hear what we say. The things we do tell all the world who we really are, and there is not a moment when you are not being who you are. Though we may not be aware of it our every action is being watched and observed, whether by strangers, family, or those we’re dealing with at the moment. So whether we’re cursing or caressing, someone is watching our example. The question is are we giving them ‘godly’ advice.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – I Corinthians 11:1

Listen up Love

The first duty of LOVE – is to LISTEN! – Tillich

To love Jesus is to know His Word. To know His Word is to listen. Hmm!

We start out as babies in the crib listening for the calming voices of our parents. Then we proceed to adolescence where we’re instructed by those we love to listen to the voice of authority to guide us correctly in life. Somehow it seems in adulthood we forget this process, or assume it’s unnecessary, or tune into the wrong frequency, thus making our life messy. If our goal truly is heaven, I think we need to learn this lesson over again and ‘listen’ for the Master, as He’s the only one with directions on how to get there.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ And the Lord said to Samuel: ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle’” – I Samuel 3:10-11

Take and Use the Advice

Some people like my advice so much they frame it up on the wall instead of using it. – G.R. Dickson

The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day were the keepers of the Mosaic Law. They didn’t obey it, they just kept it. Hmm!

Counselors, advisors and mentors are wonderful people to have in our lives. Because of their years and experiences they can offer so much insight to us that would help make our life decisions easier and more clear-cut. God knew we would not have enough time in life to make every mistake there is nor did He want us to, so He puts these people into our lives. And to top it off He gave us His written Word that we may have certainty in what is righteousness. But it does us no good if we do not put it into actual practice in our life circumstances. Slogans, sermons, wise sayings, and upbeat clichés are nice to know and repeat, but action is what gets results.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Hope to see you Sunday morning at 9AM for our Bible Scripture discussion

How Am I Doing?

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. – B. Hybels

Jesus once asked his disciples ‘who do you say that I am?’ to make sure they were getting the message he was conveying. Peter knew the answer. AMEN!

Product surveys, town-hall meetings, suggestion boxes, etc. – what do they all have in common – they are ways people solicit feedback to see how they are doing and what they can do better. They go directly to the source – you. Jesus did it often with his Father as an example for us to follow. The best way to ensure we’re carrying out God’s plan and not our own is to check with Him often and take time to listen to what He says. He’s already assured us in His book of the victory.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20

The Stranger Within

A good conscience is rarely heard because most people do not take advice from strangers. – Anon

Though God was their guiding cloud by day and fire by night, and did many miracles among them, He was still a stranger to the Israelites. Hmm!

“I should have listened to my first mind.” It’s a refrain we’ve all heard and even said many times in our lives, generally when things are not going as they should or we’re in distressing situations behind our decisions. Often, it’s the same way in our faith walk. No matter the amount of time we invest in prayer, study, and meditation, we seem to make decisions as if we’ve never consulted God, even at times ignoring the obvious. True, life is a summary of our experiences, but nowhere in His Word did God say they all had to be ‘personal experiences.’ Life is often rough because we take matters into our own hands against sound judgment. We can and should learn from others experiences and God’s Word to enrich our lives. As the circumstances and situations of life arise today, remember God’s Spirit is friend, not foe.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27

Sitting on Truth

Unused truth becomes as useless as unused muscle. – A.W. Tozer

Paul wrote in Romans of those who knew God and his truth but did not want to live accordingly saying “God gave them up.” Another word would be WORTHLESS!

A popular cartoon show from years ago had a character named ‘Riff Raff.’ He was a villain being pursued by the hero. Riff Raff always carried with him a ‘just in case.’ You never knew what it was, he never used it, and it was burdensome to carry, but nevertheless he kept it with him just in case…. Oftentimes we are like this character when it comes to knowledge of the truth. Most of us know the truth, can often cite chapter and verse, but that is not the issue. The issue is will we live by the truth even when it convicts us or causes us pain or discomfort? In reality we grow in our faith and our love for God when we stand firm in the truth. Truth is not a matter of convenience, it is a discipline of life.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Let it Meditate

Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. – St Francis de Sales

That Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray, that his disciples went to the temple at the hour of prayer seems important.

Early morning, late afternoon, 5 minutes, 1 hour or more – these are all variables bantered about when it comes to prayer and meditation with God. The truth of the matter is there is no secret formula or one-size fits all. What is important is that we take time from our busy lives each day to spend with God, talking to and LISTENING to Him. The One who planned the day surely knows how it will pan out and the direction He has purposed for us. It is important to note that the more time we spend with God the more we hear and understand His heart and the less inclined we are to go off on our own path.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6

No Talk Around It

In life, words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises. But performance is reality. – H. Geneen

God said ‘His word would not return to Him void, it would accomplish the very purpose for which He spoke it.’ It still does! Hmm.

Years ago we used to live by the truism ‘a man’s word is his bond.’ This was so because one would only speak on or promise what he knew he alone could deliver without excuse. Today we have terms like ‘Spin Control’, or ‘Politically Correct.’ These are just terms of the day people now use to hide behind or keep themselves ‘safe’ from doing what is actually required of them. But there comes a time in all of our lives where we know it’s what we actually do that counts most, particularly when it comes to God and His kingdom purposes. No amount of words - no matter how well parsed or versed – will satisfy His call for our action. The question we must all face this day is ‘as God directs my path will I perform as needed, or try to talk my way around it?’ It will be our choice, but the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’ might bear looking into.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22