Complete Christmas

Christmas began in the heart of God a long, long time ago; but it’s not complete until it’s born in the heart of man. – Anon

God GAVE that we might RECEIVE. In the hustle and bustle of the season we must keep things in proper perspective. The sharing of gifts, family time, and making of memories are all honorable feats, but if they are not CHRIST CENTERED we miss the point. Merry Christmas to all! I will be away this week so this keyboard will be silent until the New Year.

Until then…..

Pastor Botts

“And the Word became flesh and DWELLED among us.” – John 1:14

Going Somewhere

You’ll never achieve the goals you don’t set.  – M. Batterson

Moses always wanted to help his people, he just had to wait 40 years to learn to do it God’s way. Amen!

“How did this happen to me?” It’s a question we sometimes ask ourselves in life when things look bleak or failure occurs. The hard truth of the matter is though most of us don’t plan to fail, we often fail to plan. Hence our finances are askew, our homes or autos are in disrepair, our education is incomplete, and our lives are nowhere near where we dreamed or envisioned them to be at this stage. The God we serve is a Master Planner, He had our redemption worked out the moment sin entered in the Garden; and as we are made so wondrously in His ‘creative’ image we should be able to with His help draw out and achieve goals our good and His glory. Instead of letting things happen, goals help us make them happen. Instead of living by default (whatever happens), plans help us live by design. Plans or goals are ‘dreams’ with deadlines, and they give us traction, direction, and inspiration in our prayers; and who knows, with God you can’t never always sometimes tell. Here’s hoping today we’re all one step closer to our goal(s).

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…..Where there is no vision, the people perish…..” – Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Living the best life you can

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. – M. W. Edelman

Every battle God sent his people into they won. Not because they were the best skilled warriors, but because they were obedient. Hmm!

“Win at all costs.” It’s a message that gets drummed into our psyche the moment we begin to understand the competitive nature of life. That drive to be the best, the first, the leader of the pack often adds undue stress and strain in our lives. And often we never slow down and take time to see the competitive forces are man made. God has never asked us to compete for his love, mercy, or blessings. He’s not even obligated us to win the victory – its already assured – but only to tell the story. And the best way to tell the story of Christ is by the way we live each and every day. Life is not a sport, its life, which is to be lived moment by moment and not as a contest. Today’s results are up to us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – I Thessalonians 4:11-12

Happily Sow Good Seeds

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant. – R.L. Stevenson

Each day of his life was troubling and taxing for Jesus, yet he continued to sow seeds of faith. Hmm!

Let’s face it, there are some days when nothing goes right; where it seems that everything that comes our way is bad news or impossible circumstances – the whole world is against us. And it’s easy at these junctures to just get mad at the world, find someone to commiserate with and quit. But again, we must remember it’s not about us; it’s about God and His plans. The events of the day may not be to our liking but within each if we take the time to see or listen to what God is trying to accomplish there is ample opportunity still. After all, the farmer knows the best way to reap a good harvest is to plant and cultivate himself.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” – II Timothy 2:6

Pray and Watch

Keep praying, but be thankful God’s answers are always wiser than your requests. – W. Culbertson

God’s answer to Paul’s repeated prayers about his physical ‘thorn in the flesh’ was to open his eyes to great ‘spiritual’ blessings. WOW!

By nature we are a people who want what we want, when we want it, how we want it. By promise God has obligated Himself to ‘grant us our heart’s desire’ if we delight in Him. Thankfully, His answers aren’t exactly what we expect, for He is God; not a puppet on a string dancing to our type of music. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it and grants it by His divine providence, not our pre-fabricated model designs. The key to remember though is “He hath promised.”

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, ‘Ask what I shall give thee.’” – II Chronicles 1:7

Fixing the Broken Chords

God has an amazing way of bringing good vibrations out of broken chords – Anon

Adam & Eve’s fall in the Garden. David and Bathsheba’s sin. Peter’s denial. All tragic events that could have destroyed the very lives of the individuals involved, yet God still used them all in a mighty way. Hmm!

Many of us have a somewhat jaded view of God. We believe He can do great things, but not for us; that our situation is beyond His reach and repair, or that we’re so far gone He wants nothing more to do with us. But nothing can be further from the truth, He continually seeks communion with us. Perhaps you have traveled down the road of sin and feel broken and separated from the Heavenly Father. He’s still in the reclamation business and has great desire to use you for His glory. He can do ‘abundantly more than we can imagine.’ All we need do is seek Him out, confess our sin, repent, and allow Him to work in our life again. Today can be a new beginning if we so desire.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:17

The Problem with Anger

Two things a man should never be angry at: what he can help; and what he cannot help. – T. Fuller

God scolded Jonah for his misdirected anger at “those sinful” people of Nineveh, people God himself was willing to save. Hmm!

It is often said anger is one letter short of danger, and in many instances it is. It is an emotion that if left unchecked can cause serious harm. We may live in a society of the haves and the have-nots, but we are not called by God to judge them; only to love them. The best way to insure we keep ourselves “under subjection” is to physically help those we can in a loving manner, and pray for those we cannot help, again in love.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” – Proverbs 29:22

Expressing yourself

True, God gave us faces, but we create our own expressions. –Sparks

Jacob’s spirit was “revived” with news of Joseph. Hezekiah “wept sore” in prayer. Mary “pondered things in her heart” about Jesus. I imagine all of these pleased God. Amen!

All of us go through various stages of emotion throughout the day and our life, and if we’re not careful we get jaded in our views and personal outlook. But the fact that God loves you no matter what the situation or circumstance should anchor your heart with JOY and express itself overwhelmingly in all you do. So as others see you and encounter your 'spirit' remember it speaks volumes as to who you are and to whom you belong. Say cheese….!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19

Understanding Obedience

The bible will always be full of things you cannot understand as long as you will not live according to the things you do understand. – Anon

King Saul couldn’t understand why God would not answer his prayer requests. Samuel had already told him God has taken the kingdom from him because of disobedience. Hmm!

Water pressure has amazing effects on the human body. The deeper under water you go the more ways it affects you: blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, sense of being, etc. The Word of God is the same way. The more we live by it the more it affects and impacts every area of our lives. But the reason we often don’t get the life changing effects and increased faith promised is because we don’t go deep enough nor truly obey what we do know. God’s Word is ‘powerful and effective’ and will work in ways we don’t fully understand, but only if we are obedient to what we do understand. It’s not the knowledge that brings the blessings but the commitment to DO what it says.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside….” – Psalm 14:2-3

Make a difference!

Being different isn’t the same as making a difference. – Sparks

The Christians at Corinth were arguing over which group was better because of who brought them to the faith (Apollos, Cephas, Paul, etc.) Paul reminded them it was Jesus who made the difference. Hmm!

We live in a society that embraces individuality. It teaches people to make a name and identity for themselves. And we often do strange things to make ourselves distinct and different from others that we may display our individuality, but we’re actually called on not to attract attention FROM society but to make a difference IN society. Our faith pronouncement is not to just stand out but to STAND UP! We’re called to stand up for righteousness and truth, to get involved when they are threatened, and promote ways to better this world. Yes, it’s a major task but that’s why God picked us, there were none better available to do it.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” – John 4:39

Not larger than life

Never make an impression bigger than you are. Remember, shadow boxers never score a knockout! – Anon

When Naaman went to Elisha the priest to be cured of his leprosy, he left mad – and still diseased –all because the man of God didn’t make a BIG FUSS over him.   We too, like Naaman, often like the great and spectacular to accompany anything we do, for we love to appear larger that life itself. But God has called on us to do the small, holy and righteous tasks day in and day out; and victory is assured. My prayer is that we will all be seen as HIS servants today.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12  

Where ya at?

The will of God has far more to do with our spiritual condition than with our geographical location. – P. Smith

Even exiled in a foreign land, Daniel still held fast to his ‘dietary’  regimen for God’s purposes. Hmm!

Were you to ask any real estate broker or agent the primary factor that helps move a house for sale, they’ll give you their professional credo: location, location, location! Often we tend to think the same way when it comes to serving God, we’ve got to be ‘at church’ or in some ‘sort of setting.’ But God is not so much interested in our location as He is with our hearts condition. Truth is, there is no place we can go where God is not. So wherever we may be today, may we do His will. All it takes is a willing heart.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts  

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” – Psalm 139:7

Not so hidden riches

No one is poor who can by prayer open up the storehouse of God. – Anon

Solomon prayed asking God for guidance and wisdom to rule his people. He got that and every other blessing God could muster. Amen!

When it comes to living on this earth most of us are poor because we live on “fixed” incomes. Fixed by what WE see, what WE can do, and by what WE are. But we serve a God who is the Creator of all things and is able to “do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.” Yet we live as paupers. God is ready to open the storehouse of heaven for us if only we would ask. The key however, is not only praying in God’s will, but in making God’s will OUR will – then all of heaven is at our disposal. I’m not advocating the ‘prosperity gospel’ some preach but the truth that a Christian in any situation knows they are rich beyond measure.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” – James 4:2-3

It's what you do with it

More important than the length of life is how we spend each day. – R. W. Murray

Jesus lived only 33 years but accomplished EVERYTHING His Father asked of him. How you ask, living day by day. Hmm!

We’ve all been to funerals and heard the story of “The Dash” indicating the number of years lived and what the individual did with those years. It is truly a great blessing to grow old and age gracefully; but still, to do so we must make each day count. And not for self but God’s purposes. God grants life one day at a time with no guarantee of tomorrow, but He does allow us to invest in tomorrow by how we spend today. It’s not so much the length of life, but the quality, and that is left solely up to us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:20-21

Lose some weight

The quickest surefire way to lose excess weight is to stop carrying a grudge. – B. Myers

David said when he 'confessed his sin' to the Lord a great weight had been lifted off of him. Whew!

Most if not all of us always want to look our best. We work out when we can, try to eat healthy when we can, and try to keep ourselves looking as fit as possible. It’s true the bible does say “bodily exercise” is of some value. But we often neglect our ‘inner man” or heart and force it to carry around a lot of unnecessary weight, and that in turn has a heavy toll on our physical well being. I think this is why Jesus gave Peter the great discourse on forgiveness, it was for his own health and eternal benefit. I pray all of our hearts will become a bit leaner and fit today.

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times.’” – Matthew 18:21-22

Not now or not at all

To decide not to decide, is to decide. – Anon

The rich man lived in luxury every day and never gave thought to Lazarus or any act of kindness. Hell later welcomed him. OUCH!

“I’ll think about it later.” “I’m too busy right now!” How often have we used these phrases and others like them to “put off” a decision? We may think subconsciously we have put it off, but in actuality we have made a firm decision not to do it right now, in the moment. If God’s word is truly alive we have no recourse in our lives but to obey it in the moment as it speaks to us. To do otherwise is to decide it doesn’t mean what it says. The decision is ours.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” – Matthew 7:26-27  

Attitude of Grattitude

Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to remember past mercies. – C. Jefferson

The publican in his prayer request. Paul in his letter to Timothy. They both understood “it” – Grace!

Did you ever stop to wonder why God gave us the ability to remember things? I think the main reason is so that we would never forget what He’s already done for us. It’s true, were we to actually stop for a minute and try remembering our past blessings, we would truly realize how gracious and merciful God has been to us; which in turn should make us the most gracious and merciful people on earth. The question of the day is are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful? Gratitude is a great attitude. Happy Thanksgiving!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:1-5

Why Worry?

If you can solve your problem, then what’s the need of worrying? If you can’t solve it, then what’s the use of worrying? – R. Murray

Even in the lion’s den Daniel never worried, and neither did God. And It all worked out wonderfully. Hmm!

We try to get by saying things like “I’m just thinking about something,” or “I’ve just got a little something on my mind,” or even “I’m just meditating.” But in reality it’s worry – the inability to trust God to work things out in His time and His way. Worry, like fear; causes us to shrink back from action, to limit what we believe God can do or will do in our case.  It’s a highly prized tool of our enemy because worry gets us to take our focus off of God, and place it on our finite resources or strength. But if God is God, He’s still in control and knows our every need, and will keep His promise to supply all that we need to serve Him. Worry only comes when God is not truly our choice. The only surefire way to worry about nothing is to pray about everything.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God…..will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Don't Go There

When things go wrong, don’t go with them. – Anon

David's one act of adultery eventually led him to murder. OUCH!

Try as we might to avoid it through prayer, meditation, scripture reading and study, sometimes Satan trips us up and we sin. However, we should immediately confess it and repent before Almighty God, and not try to conceal it with further lies and other sinful acts. This allows Satan to build his fortress in our hearts and surround it with walls of our silence and shame, bringing further calamity. God is ready and quick to forgive those who seek Him and ask it, and restore them to Himself, that you may continue to walk upright with Him. I pray we will be conquerors today.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody…….Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:17, 21

101 Percent Principle

The 101% Principle: Find the 1% we agree on and give it 100% of our effort. – T. Elmore

Though the Athenians had a god for everything, even for the ‘unknown’; Paul perceived they were indeed in search of God. He made the introduction. AMEN!

It goes without saying that we’re not going to agree with everyone on everything. But that does not mean we cannot relate to them or work with them. Relationships are built on common likes and ideas, so the key is to find the common link. We often hide behind our differences and use them to disassociate with others. But God asks us to seek the common ground and then build a bridge to fellowship that He may be glorified. Finding fault is easy, finding the good and pursuing it is godly. As we traverse the day God is looking for 101%.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some.” – I Corinthians 9:22

Keep Your Cool

When you are in the right you can afford to keep your temper; and when you are in the wrong, you cannot afford to lose it.   – Gandhi

The temptation in the wilderness, the false trials, the scourging. Jesus suffered all this and never ‘lost it.’ What a great example!

Patience, long-suffering, self-control. It’s truly astonishing the number of times the Word of God tells us we should perfect these traits in our lives. Not only does it make life a bit more peaceful but it also makes it much healthier and less costly. It’s okay to be angry, we’re emotional beings, but we do not act on emotion or feelings. Just as God exercises great restraint in dealing with us, and Jesus was our perfect example of self-restraint, we too are expected to master such times of adversity. Life will sorely test us  today from every vantage point – job, family, strangers, finances, etc. – because God is out to perfect us. I pray we all pass with flying colors.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship…discharge all the duties of your ministry.” – II Timothy 4:5

Don't understand? Trust God

I do not understand the ‘Theory of Relativity,’ but I do understand my husband. – Mrs. Einstein

Abram had no idea what God was after or where he was being sent, but he trusted God enough to leave home. Hmm!

We watch the news, scour the internet, listen to the radio, read the newspapers and magazines, etc., because we want to be in the know. We want to be up to date with all that’s going on, to understand it all and how it impacts our lives. And when we don’t understand it we kind of ‘pooh-pooh’ it thinking it has no bearing or place in our lives. And often, that’s the way we treat the Word of God. That which we don’t understand just can’t apply to us is our way of thinking and living. But if we truly know God, though we may not understand His Word fully, we know its given for our benefit, security, and salvation. His desire for us is not so much to know how the heavens go, but how to go to heaven. We may not understand all that He brings upon us today or tomorrow, but we can trust He’s at His work perfecting us, and that’s all that really matters.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“All scripture is God breathed and is useful………so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – II Timothy 3:16-17

Being Great

Some people are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. -Shakespeare

The great heroes of Hebrews 11 were noteworthy not for what they did per se, but for their faith in God. Hmm!

However you want to define it -GREATNESS – is expected of us. God made us not to be mediocre, but a true reflection of his glory IN ALL THINGS! Though we may often think and feel no one notices us, our Heavenly Father does. No matter what comes our way today, large or small, we must be up to the challenge of being GREAT. Our greatness will not be measured by humanistic thinking but only in the eyes of Him who wants to one day look at us and say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Until tomorrow…...

Pastor Botts

“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” – Psalm 18:35

Discover You

Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are. – B.J. Reagon

When Jesus asked the question, he knew Philip had neither money nor knowledge of where to buy food for the crowd. It was a test of his faith. WOW!

It’s not hard to notice we are in some very difficult economic times. Jobs are scarce or even in hiding it seems, and even those who are working are asked to sacrifice through wage reductions, reduced hours, furloughs, etc., and yet prices for goods or services just continue to rise. But the essence of our lives rests not on how much we spend, but in how much we give of ourselves. The God we serve asks us to trust He will meet all our needs, therefore we have no need to shrink or pull back from the work He has called us to do. Why not surprise yourself today and see how much you can get for a smile, a few kind words, or a helping hand. God would be pleased!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty….” – Philippians 4:12

Life on the Fly

Life is for one act only; improvisation is required! – Anon

Gideon and his 300 men defeated the Midianites without a sword among them. Just trumpets, empty jars, shouts, and of course – God. Hmm!

Complacency, conformity, and rigidity are too common in our lives. We love being where we are, who we are; and will fight anyone tooth and nail to keep things the way they are. We forget we serve a God who manifested Himself in many diverse ways. He’s the master of improvisation. He made even ‘devout’ folks like Elijah and Peter eat things they considered unclean, or go places they felt beneath them, just to bring glory to His name. So we, though confident in our faith; should never feel God won’t ‘stretch’ us in ways that require us to improvise. We need remember that though God loves us as we are, He’s making us into what He wants us to be, and that may require us being ‘bent out of shape’ by Him and for Him. Here’s hoping we’re all somewhat flexible.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….I can do everything through Him who gives me strength…” – Philippians 4:13

Greater than our past

Though the past is unchangeable, it does not have to be re-lived today. - Anon

For the woman brought to Jesus because of adultery, he didn’t change what she had done, he gave her freedom, and a command to leave it behind. AMEN!

There is a mathematic phrase that states ‘the whole is equal to the sum of its parts,’ meaning that the end result will never be greater than what the numbers add up to, no matter how you arrange them. For example, you can slice a pizza in quarters, eighths, sixteenths – but it is still one pizza. It can never be greater than one pizza. That may be true in math but not so in life.  We can be greater than our past. Though we can’t change it, we don’t have to let it limit us or hold us hostage, fearing we can never overcome any limitations it may try to place on us. One of the greatest examples of this is our salvation in Christ. We can never change our past sinful life, but God blots it out, forgets  it, wipes our slate clean and tells us to go forth and prosper in His name.  So we no longer have to be ‘weighed’ down by yesterday, or think we can’t start anew, that’s why He’s given us today – to start anew.  Well, what are you waiting for….

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“……No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God…” – Luke 9:62

Not Over Till It's Over

True defeat occurs only when YOU totally give up and quit. - Anon

Peter’s great message on the Day of Pentecost was fueled somewhat by the memory of his earlier betrayal of Jesus. Hmm!

The occasional disappointments and heartaches of life are not in the least discriminatory, they befall all of us, no matter age or status. They are born out of our desire and willingness to take a risk at loving someone, or being willing to pursue a goal or dream. Even though we may suffer upsets, we’ve not really lost; we’ve gained a rich experience to draw upon that should help us further mold our faith. God gifted us with the ability to learn and discern no matter what the situation, if we are willing. And God Himself was there with us the whole time, and He is true to His promises to heal, restore, refresh, replenish, and love endlessly. And knowing this, should only serve as inspiration to spur us on to risk even more for God.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“…..I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you out with loving-kindness…” – Jeremiah 31:3

Wear or Bear

Church members wear a cross. A Christian bears his. – Anon

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wore modified clothing with wide phylacteries and tassels to be seen. Jesus said they were hypocrites. OUCH!

Look all around you and possibly even on your person and you see it. Designer wear clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. It’s all the rave today, and most folks are not ashamed to let you see the label or tell you what it cost. It’s often that way in the religious world as well. People wearing a name and emblems that don’t fit the lifestyle. On this day some 2000+ years ago, our Lord bore the shame and agony of the true cross for us. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t the rave of the day, but it was expensive – it cost His life. Now’s the time for us to bear the cross for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Good to Great

It’s a sin to be good if God has called you to be great! – T. Ranier

The Apostle Paul bore on his body the “marks of Jesus.” Not because he was good, but because he was pursuing greatness. Amen!

We’re all taught in our upbringing to be good, get along. And unfortunately we carry that same attitude over into our service for Christ. But Jesus was a radical, he often “bucked” the worldly trends of his day, and he serves as our example. God is not looking for us to be good, this world has seen good and not been impacted by it; He needs us to be great. Great in our attutude, great in our work ethics, great in our praise, and great in our speech bringing forth the good news. Have a GREAT day!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:46-48

Work it!

It’s not the job you work, but how you work the job! – Anon

Paul’s vocation was a tentmaker. Whether he was making them for sale or building one for the Lord (a church) it was all the same to him. Hmm!

Dream Jobs! Everybody seems to have one in mind, which usually includes a tropical locale or no stress or strain; and would let them reach their fullest potential and make a great contribution to society and the world. But often, the dream job we have in mind is not the one God has in mind for us. He knows exactly what he made us for and where we need to be. Whatever the job we have, it is important if it is what God gave us to do. Sometimes it may be a short stint to maybe reach one or two people, other times it may be a long stay to teach us patience or trust. The key is to make any job a work of the heart, not just an exercise of ‘muscle.’

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

It's right there!

Never spend so much time looking for what isn’t there that you fail to see what is. – Anon

The religious leaders of the day were so deeply engrossed in their own version of the God they thought they were waiting for, that when God in the flesh actually walked amongst them they were blind. HOW SAD!

Often if we’re not careful we become like our predecessors here. Many of us often look long and deep at situations and circumstances in our life trying to make heads or tails out of them and make them more than they are. Some circumstances are just circumstances that happen, not because we didn’t send the chain letter or e-mail on, or we didn’t pray hard enough, etc. We can go stir crazy behind this, but the reassuring truth is that no matter what befalls us, God’s mercy, compassion, forgiveness, grace, and love is always ready and available. He’s standing right in front of us patiently waiting.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you return to the Lord your God and obey Him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers which He confirmed to them by oath.” – Deuteronomy 4:29-31

Finding Happiness

It is not our position that makes us happy or unhappy, it’s our disposition. – R. Murray

Rehoboam took over the great kingdom of his father Solomon, and immediately got mad at the people. Hmm!

It takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy mixed-up world, unfortunately many are – sad, unhappy, depressed, etc. – and the truth is they don’t have to be that way, it all depends on how you look at life. God has gifted us with that life, but how we live it and enjoy its ups and downs, starts and stops, and sometimes indecipherable events is solely up to us as individuals. Material blessings may make life a bit more comfortable or easygoing, but they can never make one happy; for happiness is an attitude and heart choice. And though God says we should “choose life and its blessings;” He will not force us to do so. So if we’re waiting or looking for happiness, just know it’s been there all along.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

Power to Move the Impossible

The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. – Anon

Abraham, he had to leave his homeland, his people, and his father’s house to go someplace God would eventually show him. By God's grace he MADE IT!

Mountains - it seems at times as if life is full of them and they are always in our path. Some of our own making, and others as tests of faith, and each one seems to present a different climate, terrain, and angle to conquer, at times calling on us to make some drastic changes in the way we live before God. Maybe there’s some sin God is continually redressing us on that we need to correct or change, or maybe He wants to develop even a deeper commitment to His kingdom work in us, or maybe He's even trying to move us away from those He knows who are not good for us. Life may seem like an impossibility right now, but we must remember we've made it this far by the power of God, and He's faithful to the end.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:19-21

If there is a problem, Yo! He solved it!

God has a solution ‘planned’ before we even know we have a problem. – Anon

The angel Gabriel told Daniel answers to his prayers were given as soon as he began to pray. God didn’t have to think things over. WOW!

In mass production companies one of the ways to keeping costs low is just-in-time inventory management. This means parts arrive at the plant at just the proper time to go into production. Money is not tied up in inventory lying around waiting to be used. The key is to have ample suppliers in case of problems with one supplier. God has been to tomorrow and knows what lies ahead for us. He’s perfectly prepared to meet all our needs and circumstances without surprise. But often what God has ‘planned’ for us is interrupted by us. Our stubbornness, disobedience, and lack of faith often get in the way of His plans. We don’t change them we just often delay them; for no plan of God’s can be thwarted. The key is to make sure we stay in touch with The Master – this will reduce problems and increase blessings.

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

Laugh a little

If you don’t have a sense of humor, you probably don’t have any sense at all. – Anon

When Abraham heard from God he was to have a son in his ‘ripe’ old age, he didn’t know what to do, so he just laughed. Hmm!

A smile! A light chuckle! A gut-busting laugh! Just a few ways we acknowledge some of the lighter things in life and how we cope. Life’s activities and circumstances are geared to elicit some sort of response from us, and it was God who gave us the ability to laugh, cry, be happy, or sad. To take everything so serious and never allow any humor in our lives is to invite much more stress and anxiety on us than necessary, and it will take its toll. In the toughest of circumstances, oftentimes, showing a sense of humor is showing our faith and trust in God, the One who knows everything. Today might require you to exercise this gift.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“There is a time for everything……a time to weep and a time to laugh….” – Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

Surrender to Love

Christianity is not the act of man finally submitting to the power of God, but rather man fully surrendering to the love of God. – W. Barclay

Peter thought he loved Jesus until that fateful night. After that he really learned what love meant. AMEN!

“Stubborn!, Obstinate!, Hard-headed!” All adjectives that have possibly been applied to us sometime in our life. Those situations where we were unwilling to bend or submit for another. It’s actually a carryover from our infancy when we were shaping our personality. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is often what keeps us separated from God. We think He wants us to ‘knuckle under’ His all encompassing power and we refuse to give ourselves up. Actually, all God wants to do is love us, but for that it takes surrender. God never forces himself on anyone, but anyone who has truly found Him often wonders what took them so long to surrender.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

Are ya Willing?

 If God uses the resistant and the reluctant, imagine what he could do with the ready and willing? – D. Walter

Jonah didn’t want to go, Gideon didn’t feel qualified to go, Paul “kicked” against Him. God used them all for His glory. Hmm!

Agenda’s, To-do lists, personal goals, etc. Truth be known most of us have one or more of these things that we sometimes allow to dictate into our lives – even if contrary in the face of God’s will. We often let His requests or desires take a back seat to our own ideas or wants, not willing to deny ourselves in any opportunity. And only after trying and failing at our own do we reluctantly obey God’s call. And amazingly blessings always seem to follow. Hmm! Maybe it’s best to just go along with God’s desires, after all; He knows what’s best.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me’” – Isaiah 6:8

Overcome the Impossible

It is only the impossible that is possible for God. – S. Weil

When the Israelites needed an escape path (Red Sea), food (manna), water (rock); God was there. He still is today. AMEN!

Looking at it from afar, life seems unfair and impossible to overcome. The challenges it presents seem overwhelming, and our resources meager. And that is our major problem in life, we look at it from afar, and we begin attempting to do what only God CAN do. Life is designed to mature us, and adversity is designed to strengthen us. But this is only possible if we view it through God’s eyes and go at it through God’s strength. If we’re honest we can all count the number of times we’ve tried to ‘move mountains’ and failed on our own only to have God show us how easy it is once we fully gave it over to Him. To overcome the impossible we must trust the INVISIBLE. The choice is ours!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’” – Luke 18:27

I was about to Say...

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. – R. 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 in hostility or with other unneccessary commentary; and yes there are times when we should just remain siltent and refrain from ‘adding’ in our two-cents 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

Solve It

The best way to escape from your problem is to solve it. – R. Anthony

The Prodigal Son got remedy to his problem by admitting his error and going back home. Hmm!

When it comes to problems most of us have mastered the art of procrastination, sweeping them under the rug, or just wishing they would go away – they don’t. Life’s circumstances come upon us to sharpen and refine us in our character. The longer we try to hide from them, put them off, or try to get someone else to take them off our hands, the longer we live in torment and actually stymie our growth. God alone knows what each one of us can bear and He alone knows what circumstances to bring upon each one of us for the desired growth He has in mind. So as you face the issues of the day, whether in sickness or in health; remember the best way to escape is to go through it.

Until tomorrow………

Pastor Botts

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Come Clean

It's not so difficult confessing sins................as long as they're someone else's.- A. Christing

The Pharisees and teachers of the law were glad to bring the adulterous woman before Jesus...........until he asked them to think about their own behavior. Hmm!

It's a conundrum! A mind boggler! A strange but true fact! As Christians we have admitted we were sinners saved by grace in need of a Savior. As Christians we know we now have a mediator between us and God to forgive us our sins - Christ Jesus who will never turn us away. But yet, for some reason we don't avail ourselves of this grace gift. Rather than confess our sins oftentimes we try to hide them or legitimize them as 'not really that bad'. But any and all sin separates us from God, which is why He gave us this great gift of forgiveness. Holding on to our sin hinders our relationship with God in every way (blessings, praise, spiritual growth, etc.). It is when we readily and willingly admit our weaknesses and brokenness that we are ready for breakthroughs. And here's the kicker in all of this, We think the hardest person to tell our sins to is Jesus, it's not - He already knows. No, the hardest person to convince is ourselves. Hopefully, we're all ready to come clean today.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - I John 1:8-9

Prepared Discipline

The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. – Anon

Goliath knew the victory was in the bag because of his size and history, however little ruddy David had been preparing his “heart” with God. God WON!

We see it in sports all the time. The great big high ranking university takes it for granted they can beat the puny little unranked, unknown college and BAM – major upset. This scenario plays out in our life all too many times as well. Sin gets the best of us and we often settle by saying “I guess it was just a lesson I needed to learn anyway.” But that’s not necessarily true. Often it’s just because we were not willing to properly “discipline” ourselves to be alert, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led people of God. To be a conqueror takes more than just talent, it takes a “prepared heart.” God wants us to master the challenge.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“As it is written: ‘for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him [Jesus] who loved us.” – Romans 8:36-37

Planning God Time

Time with God is never wasted, only invested; in YOU! - Anon

Even as a high-ranking official in the king’s court, Daniel still carved out time to meet with God at least 3 times a day. Hmm!

Go! Don’t stand still! Do Something! We are constantly driven and programmed to be outwardly focused. So many things demand our attention – work, children, house duties, friendships, recreation, and church to name a few. We are so busy doing things, and often even in the doing of these things we are thinking of other things that we need to get to. Small wonder we become restless when there’s nothing to do. And though God Himself gave us permission to ‘GO’ in the Great Commission, He never meant for us to go before consulting Him. We need time to look inward and be refreshed each day. God only gives us enough of Himself just for the day. Since tomorrow is not promised He has gifted us with all we need for today, with an earnest expectation that we will meet Him at the dawn of tomorrow, should we be so blessed; to be filled again. That’s why it is imperative that we spend time in inner renewal each day to gain new insights and direction for what lies ahead. Without such planning we’re pretty much lost for the day.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

"….for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24

Spark a Revolution

The greatest challenge of any day is how to bring about a revolution in the heart for God. – Anon

In OT times the enemy that threatened God’s people most was not other nations but the ‘dictatorship’ of the routine! Hmm.

Truthfully sometimes, most of us operate by routine or rote. Each morning we arise and go pretty much through the same motions. We’ve come to the place where everything in our lives can be almost predicted and we really don’t expect or want anything new or unusual from God. Maybe its time for us to look up to the heavens with “fresh” eyes and an open heart today. God is into new things!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not see perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19

Love makes it better

Nothing is too much trouble for love. – Desmond Tutu

Even after he wasted all his money and 'soiled' himself with unrighteous living, the Prodigal Son's father quickly lifted his spirits. Wow!

Often we may feel overwhelmed and alone, like all the problems of the world have come resting right down on our shoulders. When we do feel like this it is only because we have taken the wrong view. When our fate hung in the balance and rested at God's discretion, he showed us the way by exercising love (John 3:16). You may feel your family's plight is unbearable, or your life situation too heavy, but remember when love is added in; even the heaviest of weight is lifted. Ask God for a little more capacity to love and see what a difference it will make in your life.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

"....God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." - I John 4:16

Reach out and smile

No matter how empty your pockets, purse, mattress, or bank account; everyone can afford to give away a smile. – Anon

Jesus was referred to by many as a friend of man, not for what He could physically do for them through the power of miracles, but because He treated them all with the “respect” of being God’s creation. Hmm!

It’s true oftentimes we are battered, torn, bruised, and worn down by the trials and cares of life; barely able to lift our heads, let alone be joyful and glad. But even in those moments God expects us to let the light of His love shine forth – to show our faith is real in spite of our circumstances. The best way God can truly reach out to other people is through us. And the greatest tool invented for bridging that gap is a smile. Not only will it reach across the room, it will also reach into other folks heart as well our own, and that is where God resides.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38

Trusting the Proof

Tell a man that there are 500 billion stars in the universe and he’ll believe you. Tell him the fence has just been painted and he has to touch it to see if it is so. – H. Cohen

Gideon believed the Lord was the God of the Universe when he spoke, he just wanted some 'proof'. Sound familiar?

It’s very true that experience is a great teacher, but often the lessons come with painful, expensive, or long-lasting costs. God in his Divine Wisdom has given us of His Word to help us avoid many of these ‘lessons,’ knowing our frailties and what we can bear, but often we seem intent on getting that first hand knowledge. Rather than looking back with regrets maybe we should just learn to take God at His word. It’s never failed yet and when you think about it, isn’t that a great comfort! As life ‘happens’ all around you today why not just try trusting in God’s Word.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“….What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” – Isaiah 46:11

A Good Example?

If you can’t be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. – C. Aird

Noah, Moses, Job, David, Peter, the Babylonians, Assyrians, Canaanites. God used them all: some He saved, some He didn’t save. Hmm!

It is said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” meaning its left open to the interpretation of the individual. What one may consider beautiful, magnificent, or breath-taking; someone else may find hideous and gross. Though the statement holds a lot of truth, the bottom line is that most if not all folks would rather fall on the side of beauty – something to behold and appreciate; and we’re no different. And if we think it through this is exactly what our lives are about. We are either being molded into something of beauty for God that others can appreciate and model or we’re becoming an ‘icon of poison’ for others to see and avoid. And since there is really no such thing as an ‘unfulfilled life’ the question we need be asking ourselves is on which end of the spectrum are we treading?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…..So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” – I Corinthians 10:11-12

Who's Keeping Score?

People who do things that count never stop to count them. – Bulletin Digest

In Acts 9 we read of a lady named Tabitha. Her only claim to fame was “she was always doing good and helping the poor.” God through Peter “smiled” on her. Hmm!

We sing a song entitled ‘Count Your Blessings’ and from that we truly realize we could never count how much or how often we have been blessed. And God blesses us to be a blessing to others. Unfortunately many of us seem to sometime carry itemized lists of the times we’ve helped people and often remind them of it, and convince ourselves we’ve earned a rest or bye or certainly some type of grand recognition. If Jesus is our example maybe we need to re-think this.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners to that…..But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is king to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”- Luke 6:32-36