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

The Good That Will Come

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation, create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at creation, he did it at the cross, and he’ll be doing it today. – Handley C. G. Moule

The parting of the Red Sea, water from a rock, manna from heaven, feeding 5,000 - you get the idea here. Amen!

Oftentimes when we’re up against life, and our circumstances or relationships are overbearing and taxing us, or our resources are thread-bare and stressing us, we forget about the God who has brought us thus far, or we feel like He can’t handle this one. But if earth has no problems heaven can’t solve, we must keep trusting Him in all situations, and see things from His perspective and purpose, knowing that His purposes are always for our good.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Pain's Purpose

What is crucial in life is not HOW we get out of pain, but rather, WHAT we get out of it. - A. Christing

After being beaten, flogged, and cast into prison, in the midst of their pain Paul and Silas began to praise God. Wow, what a relief!

Pain, be it physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, etc., no one likes it and the sooner we can get out/rid of it, the better. Truthfully though it serves a purpose, to let us know something is amiss, or out of order in our life. And to try and hurry to the cure or relief point without understanding the cause is like cutting down weeds without pulling up the root - they will grow back. The key is to know why it occurs, then put into practice habits and actions that will keep it from re-occurring. God knows pain and its effects on us, but often He has to leave the burden much longer than necessary because of our slowness to understand why and apply His remedies.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me..." - II Corinthians 12:9

All Together Now

They divided Christ's belongings, not his purpose! - Anon

No matter the culture/people he encountered, Paul's goal was always the same - win one for Christ. Amen!

Episcopalians! Methodists! Baptists! Catholic! Church of Christ! We can all relate to these titles for we've seen them on various church buildings in our travels, and even in our neighborhoods. Makes one wonder 'Is Christ Divided?' The answer obviously is NO. But upon deeper reflection, when Paul asked that question (I Corinthians 1:13), he was addressing those in an individual congregation. They all attended the same church but they were still divided in their 'misguided' devotions. They were devoted to people, programs, or even certain things - but not to Christ. In truth, it's also a question for us to ask ourselves when we come to God's house. Are we devoted to a particular person, seat, choir, portion of service, or Christ our redeemer? Can we praise no matter where we sit or who's singing or preaching? Can we serve no matter who is serving beside us, or who is being served by us? If our true purpose is Christ and His glory, then all our actions should tell that story. Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I appeal to you....in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." - I Corinthians 1:10

Number the Days Wisely

You may delay, but time will not. – Benjamin Franklin

Though God wears not a watch nor has a calendar, He knew exactly when to rescue Israel AND send us a Savior. Hmm!

The ‘inevitable.’ Whatever it is, it’s what everyone wants to put off until the last moment. But try as we may, time will not stop, slow down, nor be added to keep it from happening. God has given us each an allotted number of days in His book, and the desire of His heart is that we come to know Him personally and fulfill the purpose for which He created us. Today we are a bit closer to the end of our time than the beginning, so it should motivate us to set our relationships right, live at peace with each other, and most of all square things with God.

I will be leaving for a few days of vacation beginning today. So until I return this keyboard will be silent…

Pastor Botts

“….all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:16

Purposeful Work

You may not get all that you work for in this world, but you must certainly work for all you get. – Frederick Douglass

Even in the ‘Parable of the Sower’ Jesus tells us he didn’t reap everywhere He sowed, but He did sow. Hmm!

We live in a world that is changing rapidly. People no longer extend their hands to shake in friendship but with palms up to ask in expectation. There is almost a sense in some that the world ‘owes’ them something. How often we forget that all of us come by our resources the same way - WORK. Work is in itself a virtue God has allotted to us to provide for our needs, His church, and the poor we have amongst us. We all believe that anything worth having is worth working for, so there should be no griping or complaining on our part, but a gracious sense of joy that we can fulfill our purpose in the work God has given us this day, and rejoice in what we receive from it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Where Are You Headed?

The road to abundant living here, and heaven afterwards, runs right through the giver of peace: Christ. - Anon

The reason the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert is because they were ‘lost.’ God wasn’t. Hmm!

Sun! Moon! Compass! GPS! Over the eons we’ve progressed through technology to help us navigate around this great big planet, for no one likes being lost. But here’s a question we rarely ask ourselves: "Am I at peace with the direction of my life?" Days and years pass quickly, and many of us are okay with the ‘events’ of life (birth, childhood, school, marriage, career, etc.) but rarely do we seem to have found the purpose for which God created us. And because of this we seem to lack that ‘peace that surpasses all understanding’ that God promised. It’s good to know where you are, but it’s best to know where you’re headed and why, for this gives life great meaning. If we’re on the wrong path or don't like the direction we're travelling the great news of the day is that God allows U-turns.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

Be YOU-nique

In the world to come, you will not be asked, "Why were you not Moses, Samuel, David, or Paul? But you will be asked, "why were you not YOU?" – Rabbi Zusya

Paul gave up on being a ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ and a super-apostle just to be a servant. The church is forever grateful. AMEN!

Truth be known, many of us as we read the scriptures often yearn to be like the great ones; to have the strength of Samson, the faith of Paul, or even the prayer life of Jabez. These were all good people of God whose story and life are there to help impact ours, but not to take the place of ours. God has purpose for each one of us and though we are thousands of years removed from these biblical ancestors, God is still in the process of building up His kingdom. And though some like Samuel, David, Paul, and even Moses were mentioned, think of the millions who were not mentioned; but yet lived out their purpose of helping to push the kingdom along. In this day and age God needs each of us in our own UNIQUE ways to reach out and make an impact on the world as our ancestors did. That is being who God made us to be – anything else is a fraud.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…. “I cannot go in these” [David] said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off” – I Samuel 17:38-39

Misfortune or Opportunity?

Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting a hungry bear not to charge you because you're a vegetarian. - S. Barr

For all the good he did for Saul, David couldn't understand why Saul wanted him dead. The kingdom maybe. Hmm!

Live long enough and you will find that bad things do happen to good people - OFTEN! We seem surprised at times that the hardships or misfortunes of life come home to implode on us. We even sometimes become indignant about it, as if we have a free pass because we're good people, we do everything right, we play fair and by the rules. But the issues of life apply to all, no one is above hardship or exempt from misfortune. These are often learning and growth opportunities for our faith and maturity. If we trust "that in all things God works for the good..." in perfecting our faith, then we must have a few of these events in our lives for Him to work through. So as these situations arise in our lives we shouldn't look for an escape clause but for God's purpose and an opportunity to grow closer.

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

P.S. - Don't forget we will hold our Annual Business meeting promptly after services this week. Hope you can make it!

Being More Like Christ

Practice without improvement is meaningless. – C. Knox

David learned to sling stones long before he came upon Goliath. Amen!

Ask any athlete, coach, musician, or even doctor, and they’ll tell you the whole idea of practice is to get better, quicker, stronger, more adept, etc., at their craft. It’s not just spending time ‘on the field’ its practice with a purpose or intent. The same is true of us as Christians. The whole idea and principle of our faith is to bring us into a closer communion and fellowship walk with God and make us more like Christ. But often we’re content just to go through the motions of church activity to appease our conscience, and convince ourselves we’re godly, growing complacent; without any intent on improvement, overcoming sin, growing in faith, or letting go of our worldly ways. The one thing we must always remember every day of our lives when it comes to our faith is, it’s not ourselves we have to convince – it’s God.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words.” – Psalm 119:56-57

The Important Things

Don't lose something important fighting for something that isn't! - Y. Chou

It wasn't until he lost every material blessing he had, that the Prodigal Son realized what was most important. Hmm!

"If I were to do it all over again I......" How many times have we all uttered that expression in our lifetime? It usually comes when we arrive at a point in life where the reality of our situation or circumstance is not exactly what our expectations were. We thought we'd be married by now....have a better job/car/home by now......be in better shape by now, and on and on and on. We realize our actions have not produced the 'dreamed about' results. This is a normal occurrence when God is not our point of reference. The truth is no matter our giftedness, talent, resources, or connections, be they small or great; we were made for God's purposes to bring Him glory. And when all the dust settles anything short of this is a wasted life. So, who's top on your agenda today?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." - Philippians 3:7

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

Being YOU-nique

The first part of winning is just showing up. - Anon

A nation was saved because Esther was willing to risk standing outside the king's hall. Hmm!

On the job – come payday everyone likes to show up and get paid, and get paid for what THEY did, and that’s completely understandable. Well, God made you – YOU! He didn’t make anyone else like you. He made you to be the YOU the world needs, not to hide behind an ‘identity’ or mask, nor to be a shape-shifter living to please everyone around. YOU are a unique creation of God, made for a specific purpose in His story of love and redemption for all of mankind, and our God knows all about YOU. He knows your comings and your goings, your lying down and rising up; yes, even your inner most thoughts. So, if He’s okay with you, why not be the YOU He made you to be. The choice is yours!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” – John 12:27-28

Successful Servants

Greatness comes not because of position, but because of purpose. – Richard Murray

David was a great king not because of his many valiant battles and victories, but because he had a heart after God. Hmm!

Ebenezer Scrooge, Howard Hughes. One fictional, one real – both successful and rich – but miserable. Most of us spend our lives chasing after the one job, promotion, person, or possession that we believe will get us the happiness, recognition, and completeness in life we believe we’re missing. But if our forefathers were any indication, success in any of these endeavors did not equate to a happy fulfilled life nor greatness with God. The world values success and its trappings, God values significance. God is not against us having success or material blessings, but He calls us to live a life that places significance of Him and His kingdom above all else. A life lived for success alone is selfish, a life lived for significance is giving. The choice is ours.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus called the twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” – Mark 9:35

Blessed Are Those That Don't Give Up

You can win a lot in life just by being the last one to give up! - J. Clear

Because Jacob refused to give up while 'wrestling' with God he got a new name - Israel. And the rest is history. Amen!

Could it be we've missed the point. Life is a gift of God, a most precious gift. When received and used responsibly 'gifts' enhance our being, not make it harder or more repressive. It's in the attitude in which we receive it and purpose it; that the ups/downs, hardships, or stresses begin to take their toll and shift our attitude from seeing it as a blessing to a chore to be done. Jesus lived each day of His life with purpose saying "I must be about My Father's business". Life will have its difficulties, but those are growing opportunities for us where we lean harder on God and trust He will give us what we need to sustain our momentum and eventually move forward with joy.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up....." - Luke 18:1

Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9:30am. Hope you can make it!

Righteous Fitting

God never alters the robe of righteousness to fit the man, but man to fit the robe. – Anon

It was 40 years with Moses. It was the shepherding days with David. God eventually got them to where He could use them. Amen!

“You look mah-velous!” It was a humorous comedic saying for a period of time. But it is still nonetheless something we all strive for. So off we go to the seamstress and/or tailor. We all need them from time to time to make our clothes fit best. No one wants to look haggard or disheveled in their clothing or appearance. And God wants the same for us when we work for Him. The difference is He’s got a uniquely and perfectly measured robe and crown for each one of us, which need no tailoring. So He’s working on us – shaping, molding, pruning, and growing us – so that we’ll fit the robe, and not be too big-headed for the crown. So if difficulties arise, circumstances challenge, or discouragement shows up, remember; to be a leading role in God’s production you must fit the robe.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands." - Psalm 138:8

He'll Be There Right On Time

Time is relative! To what, is your choice. - Anon

No matter the number of years in exile God was always with His people. Hmm!

Flare guns! Often used to send up a signal to denote location or signal for help. Mary and Martha sent up a flare signal for Jesus when their brother Lazarus was ill. Yet, Jesus when he received it stayed put two more days, hence their statement when he finally came: ‘Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.” We are often like them, always praying and expecting immediate answers from God. And as the stress of unanswered prayer wears on we begin to question God’s love for us. We forget God doesn’t answer according to our will or timing, but according to His purposes. Though He may not respond immediately He is always mindful of our needs and will answer in time. After all, it’s His glory on display, not our comfort.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….the Lord you God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Opportunities to Give Glory

There is no good arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available for a chilling wind is to put on your overcoat. – J. R. Lowell

Abraham bargained with God over Sodom & Gomorrah, asking him to spare the city if he could find 10 righteous souls there. WE KNOW HOW IT ENDED!

Here it is Monday again, just like clockwork it always follows Sunday. There is nothing we can do to stop it for it is by God’s Divine design it happens this way. But we can prepare ourselves to meet and greet the day as an opportunity to further the kingdom of God, because that’s exactly what it is. We are alive and well for his purposes, so whatever comes our way today (whether positive or negative) can and should be used to give God the glory.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it flourish…..so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:10-11

Purpose in the Interruption

Maybe God is interrupting your plans to accomplish His purposes. - Anon

God often had to put people on a 'timeout' to show them He had plans for their lives. AMEN!

"I thought I'd be further along than this! I thought I'd have finished this project by now! I thought my life would be more settled by now!" For many of us these and other thoughts along the same line ruminate in our minds. We had such high hopes, great aspirations, and GOOD intentions for ourselves. And here we are at this age, and wondering what happened. How'd we get sidetracked? But, if we were made for 'such a time as this' and 'such a place as this' maybe we're not sidetracked at all, we're just looking at our life from the wrong point of view. God is working through us to fulfill His story and the things that bring us glory are not His major concern.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21

Finding Your Purpose

A Hun without purpose will never know when they have achieved it. – Attila the Hun

From the day he was born, Samuel knew he would serve before the Lord, and He was faithful til the end. Amen!

Games have end results – FUN! Contests have end results – A WINNER! Tests have end results – PASS or FAIL! Everything God created has a purpose and that includes us. To drift through life aimlessly without direction, goals, dreams, or meaningful purpose is to be separated from God. Life is not a game of survival, but a gift of opportunity to create and contribute to God’s story. The best place to look for purpose is not in our jobs, family, recreation, or social gatherings, but with Our Creator. He knows why we’re here.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.– Ecclesiastes 12:13