Responses That Reflect Your Calling

What they call you is up to them, what you answer to is up to you. - Anon

Saul once called David a boy, but after the Goliath event he realized David was a warrior. WOW!

Winebibber, glutton, friend of sinners, Beelzebub! Those who despised him had many names for Jesus, most of them unflattering and downright mean. But he never forgot who he was nor his ultimate calling - SAVIOR. People of the world today are not much different than people then, this we know for many of us have had some unflattering names, gestures, and remarks hurled our way. It just goes with the territory. The question is how we respond, if we respond. Remember, you don't have to attend every argument/fight you're invited to. But if and when we do, may we like Jesus remember our ultimate goal - to reflect God in all we do in word and deed.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11

Just Plant. Results Will Follow

Happy people plan actions, they don’t plan results. – D. Wholey

The little lad packed a lunch for the day. He just didn’t know it was enough for 5000 plus. AMEN!

It’s a true saying that if you plant tomatoes you will get tomatoes – not carrots or peas, etc. But the fact of the planting is you won’t know how many tomatoes you’ll get or what size they will be, or if they will be flavorful. You just plant and let God do the rest. Too often we begin with the end result or expectation in mind and grow frustrated when it doesn’t work out the way we planned. All we can be responsible for is what we do. It’s the only arena of life we can control. Now we may expect results, but we can’t demand them. We must leave room for God to operate in our lives to bring about His purposes. After all, any results He brings are always for our good.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” – Acts 20:22.”

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

Something to Draw From

Don’t anticipate your ship coming in to port if you’ve never sent one out. – Anon

Joseph told Pharaoh he needed to prepare for the future for severe famine was on the way. With Joseph in charge the Egyptians never faced want. Wow!

It’s amazing how often people think things will magically work out. They often hold out for the day their ‘luck’ will change, or the day everything will fall into line when ‘their ship’ comes in. But just as we would never go to a bank to withdraw money when we’ve never deposited any or expect a paycheck for a job we’ve never worked, it’s just as foolish to expect our life to be changed by an event that cannot happen because we’ve done nothing to cause it to happen. It’s amazing how we often expect our lives to become more godly and Christ like when we don’t do the things to cause it to happen. To reap the rewards of an investment you must invest. Today is another opportunity God has given us to prepare.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

Blending Together

Life is like being a simple letter in the alphabet. It can be meaningless standing alone, or it can be part of a great spelling in fellowship with other letters. – Jewish Proverb

Apollos was a greatly educated orator. After spending time with Aquila and Priscilla he became an even greater preacher. Amen!

Supercalifragilistic expealidocious! Other than the song from ‘Mary Poppins’ I really don’t think the word exists or has meaning – but the letters together look and sound quite grand and added something to the song. The life God has called us to live out in his glory is along the same lines. The various sub and eco-systems of His creation work in perfect harmony to make this planet perfect for us to live on and His expectation is all of us working together in harmony to bring a song of victory or praise to Him. That’s why fellowship is so important – it helps us blend together to bring perfect pitch to the melody of life. Are you in or out?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.” – Psalm 35:18

Precious Lasting Memories

One day, you'll be just a memory for some people. Do your best now to make it a good one! - Anon

When the mysterious woman anointed Jesus by pouring perfume on his head, he said her act will be remembered forever. Hmm!

Walk into any home and you'll probably see them. Photos, framed and placed around the house of children, spouses, and others. And each one has a story behind it. The age or grade level, the event or gathering, and usually the joy or happiness of the day. Precious memories! In truth, no one wants to be forgotten, and that's not really a bad thing, it's human nature. The question is what are we doing now that is worthwhile to be remembered fondly? Life is fast and fleeting but if we do it right by God's standards our memory can be around long after we're gone. LIVE WELL!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope....." Lamentations 3:21

Because YOU...

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary people, but no machine can do the work of one extraordinary person. – E. Hubbard

Jonah and the repenting Ninevites. Peter on the Day of Pentecost. One powerful, spirit-filled message changed many hard hearts. Hmm!

Automation. Assembly lines, Time-motion processes, etc. These are so yesterday. Now it's AI. It's taking over in every realm possible, generating all kinds of content and possibilities. Yes, it’s true in many areas the human element has been curtailed or improved upon to benefit mankind, some good, some not so good. However, no matter how technologically advanced we become; no mechanized or computational process can change the hearts of men and women. Only God working through us can accomplish this great feat, and this happens only in relationship. So, no matter what comes our way may we be extraordinary today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25:34-36

What's Your Source?

People who say God is dead and Elvis is alive can’t be too bright! – L. J. Harvey

Amaziah consulted with God, and then went out and conquered the Edomites and their gods which could not save them. Then he turned around and consulted with their gods. HMMM!

Advice. No matter how brilliant, wise, and aged we are, we all need it at times. True, most times it's unsolicited, but often when we do need it we rarely think of our Heavenly Father or His word. We turn to worldly books, talk-shows, unsaved friends and other soothsayers. But if we’re trying to live a holy, righteous life, maybe we should seek the advice of the one who is holy, righteous and all knowing - God! When changes and difficulties come our way, maybe we should seek His way.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“ When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” – Isaiah 8:18-19

Anger Danger

People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing. – Sparks

Rehoboam’s harsh, angry reply to the Israelites request didn’t cost him much. Only half his kingdom and many wars! Hmm!

There is a saying that “anger is one letter short of danger,” which is true. Anger however, is not sinful in and of itself, it is when and how we act upon it that takes us into the realm of danger and sin. As children of God we are expected to learn and exercise self-control at all times, just as God exercises great restraint in showing mercy to us. If life’s little trials send you “flying off the handle,” maybe it’s time to make sure God is the pilot of your life and all the landings will be uneventful.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Distracted Living

People who matter are most aware that everyone else does too. - M. Forbes

Amidst a throng of people pushing and shoving, Jesus 'stopped' because someone touched Him. Wow!

It happens all the time. You pull up behind them at the stop light. It changes, they still don't move - asleep at the wheel. Not physically sleeping, but caught up with their phone, distracted. How often has that been us, distracted? When our brother/sister needed us, asleep. When they were really trying to connect and communicate, we're asleep or distracted because we could not or would not turn away from the phone, PC, TV, etc., only half-hearing their desperate plea for connection and intimate conversation. It's really ironic when you think about it. Devices that should aid in information sharing and connection actually prohibit face to face sharing. Thankfully, God never sleeps. Nothing gets in the way of His watching over us, listening for our call/prayers. Maybe we should take a cue from Him and realize sometimes 'old school' works the best.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you..." - Psalm 121:4-5

The Big Payback?

People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. – Anon

Pharaoh mocked every miracle of God until it cost him his own son. OUCH!

Revenge – oh how sweet it sounds. We often want it and often take it to our own later regret. True, our emotions are hard to control, but they can be controlled. God in His word tells us we must practice self-control, and we can master it; as it is one of the many ‘fruits’ of The Spirit. We tend to view life and all its circumstances through the eyes of justice and fairness, but everyone is not of the same mind. But God has said He will settle accounts in His time and in His way, our role is to live before HIM in a faithful, obedient manner no matter what man may do to us. God gave us His Son as our ultimate example, who even upon being executed (a lot worse than anything we will encounter) prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:30-31

Recognizing the Situation

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you’ll know exactly what to do. – M. Ventor

Some of the greatest advice Moses ever received was during a short visit from his father-in-law. WOW!

Newborns, money, sunrise – what do they have in common – none of them come with instructions but they present a plethora of opportunity, good or bad. The same is true of people we meet in our lives. God brings other people into our lives via relationships to help us reach our full potential and purpose. These individuals will either give to us or require something of us in developing our spiritual maturity, for that is what God is developing in us. But even with our good intentions, problems can occur when we get the people and the expectations mixed up. That’s why it’s important we keep in touch with God asking for guidance, direction, and wisdom to know who’s who.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us.” – Luke 24:31-32

The Power to Love

God’s right to rule is His desire to love his people. – C. Ringma

Joseph had a right to be angry with his brothers for what they did to him, but love showed up. WOW!

Imagine having not just the authority to do something, but the divine right to do it; and then willingly giving it up in hope that you will not be disappointed. That’s what God did with us. He could condemn us at any time and be justified, but yet He desires not to. His love does the opposite of what we would normally expect. It fills empty rather than full hands. It pursues the worst to make it the best. It makes the weak strong and rules with love rather than force or coercion. And God does so freely, risking rejection. We are so well loved that we ourselves ought to love others well. Time’s a wastin’ friend!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:35

The People of Today

If you have one eye on yesterday, and one eye on tomorrow, you’re going to miss today. – Anon

On the road to Emmaus the 2 disciples were so concerned with what had happened and what might’ve been, they almost missed HIM WHO IS!

Last minute shopping, making preparations for the holiday, looking back over the years events, making new calendars and agendas for next year. Does any of this sound familiar? Possibly so for most of us! This time of year we lament on how fast the year has gone by and begin to make plans on how we’ll attack the New Year. It’s enough to wear you out. God knows what’s best for us which is why He only promises one day at a time. We should give the bulk of our resources, the bulk of our attention, and the bulk of our time to those people who cross our path today. This is how we spread the Good News and build the kingdom. At the last day God is not going to ask us if we worried about the needs or cares of life, but if we met the needs of those He sent our way.

I'll be taking some time off so this keyboard will be silent for a few days.

Until then...

Pastor Botts

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among all nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – I Chronicles 16:23-24

Living Faith Takes Practice

'Ability' is commonly found in people who continually tried to do something a little better! – Anon

Joseph, Samuel, David, Paul. They all did great things simply because they put their mind and heart to it, and God honored them for it. AMEN!

We admire it in others. We wish it for ourselves. We wonder how someone could be so good or ‘gifted’ at it? And the answer is so simple – PRACTICE! You get good at what you practice, and the more you practice the better you get. Ability is honed or sharpened over time usually through disciplined practice. The problem is most people love to perform but hate to practice, even us as God’s children. We say we want to live holy, righteous lives but we rarely ‘practice’ the things that would bring it about. We keep our same routines, same friends, music, entertainment, recreational acts, and wonder why we can’t do what we admire in others. Living faith takes practice. We all have the ability within us to be whatever we want to be. The choice to do so is ours.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock,” – Matthew 7:24-25

Be A Difference Maker

The world is full of good people......if you can't find one, be one! - Anon

Paul praised Epaphras, saying he 'went out of his way' to find and comfort me. Amen!

I often think back to a weekly quote of my friend Pastor Murray. He would always end his services with a quote "I went outside to find a friend and couldn't find one there, I went outside to be a friend and friends were everywhere!" Whether we know it or not, we could very well be the lifeline someone needs today. That hand of help, word of encouragement, presence for inspiration, or just that smile that says 'you matter'. We never know how far or how deep our deeds of righteousness may go, but one thing is certain. If we don't extend ourselves they will never go anywhere. This world has enough anger and hate in it, why not be a difference maker today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

P.S. - Hope you can join us Sunday morning at 9:30am for Women's Day!

Then of Course the Choice is Yours

Some people complain that rose bushes have thorns while yet others rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. – Anon

Cain thought being his “brother’s keeper” was too great a burden, while Joseph thought keeping his entire family was what he was made for. Hmm!

It's an ability we are all blessed with, and no one has a greater amount or opportunity than the next person. What is it? The ability to choose our attitude on a daily basis, our response to any situation, our expectations from other individuals. Life is geared to bring all sorts of external stimuli to our doorsteps, but it is still up to us to choose our reaction. To borrow a line from the old TV show 'The Outer Limits,' we control the "horizontal and vertical" elements of our mood, outlook, and activity. How we respond is what makes it what it is. The attitude we choose is solely up to us. Whether God gifts us rain or sunshine, warmth or coldness, He gifts us with each day; He didn’t have to but He did. How we greet it is left to our own devices. If our day is going bad, or our current situation seems sour, we alone have the power to change it, and can do so without seeking anyone else’s permission. So, if things are looking down you can always look up.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self….to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

Become Even More "Undignified"

Everybody won't understand YOUR praise because they haven't walked in your shoes. - Anon

David's dancing may have displeased his wife, but it didn't bother God at all. Amen!

The Cha-cha! Electric Slide! Salsa! Waltz! Twist! Wobble.... And many, many more dance styles that have evolved over the years. And most folks have their preferences, usually predicated on a special time/moment/season in their life. The way we praise God is kind of developed along these same lines, again depending on the time/moment/season we're in. And like the dancing where we feel comfortable on the dance floor, we should be equally as comfortable in the Lord's house or wherever we might be, giving praise to Almighty God. He truly is worthy at all times. Our praise may make others uncomfortable at times, but then again, they aren't the audience. Let the glory of the Lord rise among us!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." - I Peter 2:9

God Is Here

It is not necessary to advertise food to hungry people, fuel to cold people, or houses to the homeless. -- J. K. Galbraith

Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy food during the famine, not because their brother Joseph was there, but because that’s where the food was. Hmm!

Fishermen go out to lakes, rivers, or the ocean to fish because they have a love for fishing and that’s where the fish are. Along the same line of thinking, it’s amazing but it seems that before we come to God we often expect Him to advertise for our service, worship, and praise. It’s as if we expect Him to perform miracle after miracle in our lives constantly, for us to readily seek Him and give Him praise. But the thing is He does advertise Himself everyday. With each new dawning, daily provision, deliverance, and opportunity; God is advertising how much he loves and cares for us. The question must be begged: Do we care for Him? We would do well to remember that our actions speak much louder than anything we say.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge." - Psalm 19:1-2

Going On Your Prayer List

Don’t put people down – unless it’s on your prayer list. – S. Michalski

Jesus got even with those who crucified him by…….PRAYING! Hmmmn…..

Proud. Boastful. Arrogant. Loud. Obnoxious. Unkempt.….you kind of get the hint. We all have people of this sort in our circle or sphere of influence. Sometimes WE are them. So it makes sense then that we should never denigrate or try to humiliate them, but put them down for prayer. If it’s true that “the prayer of a righteous man avails much,” why not give it a try and see what develops.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” – I Timothy 2:1-3