Today's Outlook Is Up to You

The remarkable thing about us is, we have a choice each day regarding the attitude we will embrace. – Charles Swindoll

Though in constant pain and suffering, Job continued to have a healthy attitude toward God his maker! His restoration soon came. AMEN!

Life comes in full doses each and every day, whether we are well and on top of our game or sick and lowly. God created us to live life to the fullest for him, and nothing plays a more important role than our attitude. Life, drama, circumstances, and accidents will happen but the intensity, longevity, and impact of the situation will be based on our response as dictated by our attitude. The key is that those who find Jesus early in the morning are way ahead of the game.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” – Philippians 2:5-7.

P.S. - Hope you can join us this evening at 5:30pm for our Prayer Gathering.

The Future Happens Everyday

The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time. – Abraham Lincoln

Jesus went from manger to cross in just over 33 years, living day by day. It wasn’t supernatural, but He was. Hmm!

Today is the future of yesterday. Tomorrow, if granted will be the future of today. That’s how God has planned it since the beginning for us. We often think of the future as some time ahead - months, years, decades, etc. – and often we make our plans that way. But the future happens every day. True, life may go on hundreds of years after today before Christ returns, but we’re not guaranteed to be here beyond today. And because God knows how much we can bear, His mercies, compassion, kindnesses and other blessings are only given us for the day, so we are not overwhelmed. So if we’re planning on living happily ever after, today would be the day to start.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once….” – Deuteronomy 7:22

P.S. - Don't forget to bring in your Gift Cards for our CA Wildfire Relief contribution.

The Power of Change

The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress. - C. Kettering

The Israelites wanted freedom from bondage, yet when God was bringing it about through Moses they sure complained a whole lot. Hmm!

We look forward to it, but yet we abhor it at the same time. What is it - CHANGE! We embrace the idea of new adventures, relationships, opportunities per se, but we hate letting go of existing ties. Like a child going away to college, they know they'll eventually form new relationships and gain new friends, but also the friends and relationships they leave behind will change, or possibly die. But the fact of the matter is God brings change in our lives to grow/mature us and even shows us more of His majesty and purpose for us. In truth, the only constant in life is change. All of us come here as infants, but look at us now, my have we changed! And not just in shape or appearance, but in thoughts and attitudes. If God is truly leading us in our lives, then change should never be feared - even when we don't fully understand if. We should just trust in the One who's leading, that He knows the way ahead. After all, change is a good part of the life God has for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed." - I Samuel 10:6

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

Reviving Our Faith through the Diagram

Faith is not a thing which one "loses," we merely cease to shape our lives by it. – G. Bernanos

When the Prodigal Son moved away from his father and his God, it wasn’t long before he realized what shape he was really in. Hmm!

Growing up one of the things we were taught was to ‘color in between’ the lines. No matter what the diagram or picture was we were instructed to color ‘inside’ the shape. This was not really just an object lesson on creativity but also an important life lesson on structure and discipline, for without structure or discipline life becomes meaningless and unfulfilling. Could you imagine trying to play hop-scotch, or basketball, or even checkers without a meaningful diagram to aid you? So it is with our faith, when we cease to live by it we become adrift in a world which does not care nor have our best interests at heart. And prolonged drifting begins to change or harden our hearts and ways towards God and others. The good news though is that we can revive our faith simply by coming back to God and allowing Him to reshape us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

Life's On The Way

The greatest thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time. Anon

You know, when you think it through, it really is a good thing God neither wears a watch nor has a calendar. Hmm!

I said once before that photo albums are great nostalgia. Pictures in time we look back on with delight, sometimes disgust, and with a "what was I thinking at the time" ideology. It's a good thing life moves forward. God sees our whole picture, not just a single frame. He created us and knows all of our past failures and successes. And He knows the future He's planned for each of us. That is a daily encouragement when you think on it. For no matter how life is in this current frame, God still has a plan for me. And, it has to be something great and more than we can imagine because God does only the extraordinary. So maybe we should begin to think a little bigger, dream a little more, and walk with more pep in our step. Why, because we know our God is up to something that will be for our good and His glory, and that 'ain't' no way bad!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." - Habakkuk 2:3

The Miracle of Being Kept

The most important thing is to find out what is the most important thing. - S. Suzuki

Though the Israelites waited 40 years to enter the Promised Land the time was filled with the miraculous. Hmm!

We often hear people or friends say "I'm waiting for my miracle!" Whether it be one of healing, supplication, relationship, etc., they continue to hold fast and true to God waiting for the day of deliverance. Time and again you ask them and they reply "I'm still waiting!" It's both admirable and praiseworthy. In spite of their present and seemingly unchanging conditions they still seek God. But, maybe there's a secret or two along the way that was missed. God says He will always "uphold us with His righteous right hand." Maybe that in itself is just the miracle they're seeking. It should be pointed out that sometimes God just 'keeping us' is the miracle! Through it all, others may have fallen away or pulled back but God has never left our side. Maybe in the midst of what we're seeking, just knowing God is there is miracle enough!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

Revisit the Word

The worst thing about new books is that they often keep us from reading the old ones. - John Wooden

Though the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus' day had the 'Law of Moses', (God's Word) they felt the 'Traditions of Men' were much better reads. They were wrong. Hmm!

Kindle, E-books, on-line magazines, etc. You could spend virtually hours on end reading the latest authors, catching up on the latest news, or researching the latest trends. Of the list of books and topics there is no end. Reading is a great pastime and invaluable source for information and learning. Many new authors are great in their perspective and presentation, still; nothing compares to the Word of God. It is the only book that speaks to all areas of our lives, gives clear, truthful insight on how to live with our fellow man, gives us purpose, and tells us what life is all about. Should we fail to read God's Word we will eventually lose touch with Him. So, sometimes it's good to often revisit the old ways and means.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - II Timothy 4:3-4

Expecting A Terrific Tomorrow

The great thing about the future is it is written one day at a time. - Anon

The ‘Prodigal Son’ lost it all and was subsequently restored. God still works the same way? Hmm!

God has already told us His plans for our life – and they are GREAT! We also know that He does not and cannot lie, nor desire to withhold any good thing from us. The question is how bright and pleasing do we believe our future to be? In spite of what we see happening around us, dire economic predictions and forecasts, and even our own current limitations; how much faith and trust will we put in God. The way we think about our future will be a powerful driving determinant in how things turn out. Yes we pray like everything depends on God, but we also work like everything depends on us. God loves it when His people are willing to work as they pray, for it gives Him great latitude in the ways which He can work. So really, the only way we can’t be expecting a terrific tomorrow is if we’re not working and trusting in God. So our lives or ‘fortunes’ will unfold just as we help to determine it.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“….For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future….” – Jeremiah 29:11

Taking His Advice

The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for. – A. Schweitzer

The Israelites prayed for over 400 years before God sent Moses to lead them to the Promised Land – and they fought him tooth and nail the whole trip. WOW!

Many of us can sometimes look back and see situations that could have turned out better if we had just taken our own advice. That being the case, how much better could our lives be if we would adhere to the advice and guidance we seek from God, and then see it through. Our problem often is not that we don’t hear God or know what He’s said, it’s just that He doesn’t always say what we want Him to, and our selfish interests take over. Even though God gives guidance to His people, He will never force us to obey Him. He looks for a willing, trusting heart and often ‘self’ occupies this throne. The only way around this is to trust that God knows more than us, and that His purposes are for our benefit and His glory.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” – salm 119:129-130

Brotherly Words

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. – Richard Murray

At a heightened moment of temptation, Jesus let it pass and carefully uttered “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” WOW!

One of the old clichéd truisms of life is “please think before you speak.” The adoption of this principle as a doctrine of life could save us from many stressful situations and later apologies. All of us from our childhood have been taught how to talk and enunciate our words, but rarely when and how to choose our words or responses carefully. We should always be ready to speak the truth, but even it should be spoken in LOVE, not hostility or with ‘superlative’ laced commentary; and refrain from ‘adding’ our two-cents in on matters that are not constructive about others. Temptation will indeed be great to go off course today, but remember God will provide a way of escape.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it….” – James 4:11

The Shape of Your Faith

Faith is not a thing which one "loses," we merely cease to shape our lives by it. – G. Bernanos

When the Prodigal Son moved away from his father and his God, it wasn’t long before he realized what shape he was really in. Hmm!

Growing up one of the things we were taught was to ‘color in between’ the lines. No matter what the diagram or picture was we were instructed to color ‘inside’ the shape. This was not really just an object lesson on creativity but also an important life lesson on structure and discipline, for without structure or discipline life becomes meaningless and unfulfilling. Could you imagine trying to play hop-scotch, or basketball, or even checkers without a meaningful diagram to aid you? So it is with our faith, when we cease to live by it we become adrift in world which does not care nor have our best interests at heart. And prolonged drifting begins to change or harden our hearts and ways towards God and others. The good news though is that we can revive our faith simply by coming back to God and allowing Him to reshape us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

P.S. - We will be holding Bible Study tonight for those who would like to come out. Your prayers are always appreciated!

Your Response To Change

The only permanent thing in life is change. – Anon

When Naaman finally changed his mind and obeyed, God changed his condition. Hmm!

All too often our lives and relationships are blown apart because we’re completely unprepared for the storms and stresses that change brings into them. But change happens; it’s a promise from God. Though it’s impossible to stop a storm in progress we can minimize the damage if we’ve prepared for it in advance. The winds of change will either give strength to your sails or stall you completely. In marriage the changes will either draw you closer together or destroy the relationship. Bodily sickness or injury will either make you stronger than before or destroy your spirit. In your career or finances, a missed opportunity can snuff out your dreams or inspire you to become more diligent. It all depends on your response. Therefore, change need not be frightening or threatening, if we look at it as an opportunity to express God’s gifts to us in new ways.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts 

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

P.S. - Hope you can make our Sunday Devotional Hour at 9am in Parmes Hall. If you haven't made one this year this would be a great one to attend!

Beauty in Difficulty

A pearl is a beautiful thing produced by an injured, interrupted life. – S. Hoeller

Nathanael thought nothing good could ever come out of Nazareth. Boy was he ever wrong. Hmm!

Truth be known most of us want a simple care-free, stress-free, painless life. We want everything to go our way, on our schedule, and yield to our will. And we seek out ways and people to make this happen. Thankfully, God loves us too much to allow life to happen according to our whims and desires. He is working in us and through us to produce something far more beautiful than we could ever imagine on our own. The key for us is to not grow frustrated with His ‘interruptions’ or feel inferior because of the heartaches and setbacks. Just as the oyster coats the ‘injury’ with its tears to produce its gem, we too can always recover and produce a meaningful, inspiring offering to God. Why not start this weekend.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – II Corinthians 12:10

P.S. - Hope you can make it for our Sunday Devotional at 9AM. We'll discuss 'financial' health. 

Attitude Adjustment

The remarkable thing about us is, we have a choice each day regarding the attitude we will embrace. – Charles Swindoll

Though in constant pain and suffering, Job continued to have a healthy attitude toward God his maker! His restoration soon came. AMEN!

Life comes in full doses each and every day, whether we are well and on top of our game or sick and lowly. God created us to live life to the fullest for him, and nothing plays a more important role than our attitude. Life, drama, circumstances, and accidents will happen but the intensity, longevity, and impact of the situation will be based on our response as dictated by our attitude. The key is that those who find Jesus early in the morning are way ahead of the game.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” – Philippians 2:5-7.

A Good Example

Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it's the only thing. - A. Schweitzer

God often 'presented' himself in various ways (burning bush, pillar of fire, etc.) that others would know without a doubt it was Him. Hmm!

In our world today, good role models are hard to find, and sometimes Christians are even harder to find. In this world of increasing hostility, if we are going to win it for Christ we must be recognized as living for Him. Jesus prayed 'that the world might believe God sent Him' through us. This will be not so much by what we do on Sundays, but how we live every moment of every day. Somebody needs your example today.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Jesus said, 'I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master......" - John 13:15-16.

Refresh Jesus

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness; it is usually returned. – C. Flint

Jonathan’s kindness to David gained great benefit for his son Mephibosheth later. Amen!

Jesus said to the woman “Give me a drink.” Sure it was a conversation starter or invitation, and boy what results it brought. But the idea of Jesus asking us for something, something to refresh Him; it often gets overlooked. We are constantly reminded to lean on Him, trust in Him, depend on Him (all wonderful acts of faith) but rarely do we hear the idea of refreshing or satisfying His needs. We are often refreshed by good news, a respite from daily activities, or a kindness done to us, and we enjoy such thoughtfulness. Maybe today, we can take some time to think of what we might do to refresh Jesus. You never know what the invitation may bring about.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent……they are a fragrant offering, an acceptable gift…...” – Philippians 4:18

Answers greater than the Requests

Some of God’s best gifts are unanswered prayers. – Anon

Though God’s answer to Paul was a resounding ‘NO’ to his prayer for healing, Paul came to know the GRACE of God in a much deeper sense. Hmm!

If we are true to ourselves all of us could possibly think of times we were disappointed our prayers weren’t answered as we thought they should be, or that life would have been so much better if God would have just done exactly what we asked of Him. But in reality we need to take a step back and see actually what God did do in those situations – He worked it out for OUR good and HIS glory. That's His nature and His way. When God is slow to respond to our requests or says no, He has plans greater than we can fathom at the time. We should be eternally thankful that God’s answers are much wiser than our requests. If we were honest none of us would trade where He has us now for what might’ve been.

Until Monday……

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

Unfazed

Attitude: a very little thing that makes a world of difference. - Theodore Roosevelt

Jacob felt no pain or discomfort in the 7 years he had to work for Rachel's hand in marriage. WOW!

NFL/NBA Draft Day. Now if you're one of the top 5 draftees, you wake up that morning with a lot of nervous energy. The day has arrived, all your hard work, discipline, dedication to your craft will be rewarded. Oh you know there will still be more hard work ahead, but right now this is the moment, the day. Nothing much else will bother you today - no bad news. A fender-bender, pshaw. A little spill, forget about it. Nothing will overshadow what is about to take place for you. Well, likewise if we truly believe Christ would come at any moment shouldn't our countenance, attitude, and expectations be as great. TODAY! If Christ could return at any moment shouldn't we not let those small trivial irritations in life get us rattled, upset to the point of 'speaking out of anger' or 'brewing hatred' in our heart, vengeance in our spirit. If the victory is assured, let's act like we're on the winning side!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." - Philippians 4:4-5

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