God to the Rescue

When you are down to nothing God is up to something. – Anon

The widow thought she was down to her last meal for her and her son, Elijah told her otherwise. Hmm!

One of the most powerful accounts of faith and trust is the story of Job. A man who was “blameless and upright,” and who feared God, was stripped of all his worldly possessions and family, and stricken with a terrible, terrible affliction. However, in spite of his 'new' situation and circumstances of life, he kept his faith and trust in Almighty God. Maybe, today where you are in your life you feel somewhat like Job. Abandoned by all, resources exhausted, and trouble on every hand. Take heart friend for like Job, you are being tested. God has not left you but is speedily on His way to your rescue. He’ll be there right on time. May you continue to “hold on.”

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3

We are what we digest

It is not what men eat, but what they digest that makes them strong. – F. Bacon

Though exhausted, hungry, and weak from fasting 40 days, Jesus put Satan to flight using of all things – the Word of God. Hmmm!

I’m sure we all remember the ‘Wonder Bread’ slogan: “helps build strong bodies in 12 different ways.” Wow! The bible or Word of God goes much deeper than that though, helping to build the complete perfect man. But, it’s not so much the reading of the Word (eating), as it is the understanding and life applications gained from the word (digesting). Most of us eat but are still malnourished and weak because we don’t retain the ‘meat of the word.’ The actions and responses we give to life’s circumstances are a direct result of what we have actually fed our hearts and minds. The good news is today God is ready to spread another feast before you.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11-12

Prayer Victories

Public victories are always won in private closets. – J. Graham

Jesus, our example; often went to lonely places and prayed. AMEN!

Any good soldier knows that though wars are fought in the trenches, victorious strategies are drawn up in areas away from the battlefield. The same is true for those of us who are in the Lord’s Army. We must come to a recognition that prayer is the work, the HARD WORK that begets the ear and activity of Almighty God. And it’s the realization in our prayers and requests that whatever we are asking is for the glory of God, the strengthening of the kingdom, and the extension of His blessings upon others; that moves God’s heart. If we would assure victory for God in our lives it just makes sense to plan strategy with him. Don’t think prayer, just pray!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Matthew 6:6 (NKJV)

Trust & Hope with no Script

Hope does not depend on having a blueprint for the future. – R.M. Pippert

Joseph, Abram, Moses, the 12 disciples; none of them knew exactly what was their next move – for they realized they were not in charge – God was. Hmm!

Did you ever notice a weekly TV sitcom – all the problems are solved within each 30 minute episode and everyone goes home happy (Happy Days, Leave it To Beaver, The Cosby Show). Life would be simple if it came with directions, and followed a script, but it doesn’t. But the absence of a script does not mean it has to be hard and cumbersome. It’s really only made that way by our incessant demand to be in the know on when and how everything will happen. We serve a God who asks us to trust Him to make everything alright though we can’t see it. If we cannot trust God we really have no hope for only He knows the future. Though everyone would like to know their future, the only promise for the future we have is a GOD that will love us – and that should be sufficient!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” – Matthew 6:34

Know Why

All men should strive to learn before they die, who or what they are running from, or to, and why. – J. Thurber

Paul told Timothy he ‘knew’ a crown of life was laid up for him which Jesus would then give him. WOW!

The atheist says there is no God, but yet he is caught up in this hectic, busy, non-stop world, growing older and striving each day – for what? The same could be said of the agnostic as well. Now for those of us who confess Christ the answer is obvious. But though we may know why and have a hope the others do not, we must make sure our ‘running’ is not in vain. God is exact in His laws and decrees on what He expects of His children. And though He is ‘plenteous’ in mercy, He will not change His word one iota to fit us in. If we’re running to Him we must remember the Cross is the starting point and the Bible is the standard. Anything else is useless and excuses won't be accepted.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.” – Proverbs 14:12

God O'Clock

Maintaining a complicated life is a great way to avoid changing it - NOT! – E. St. James

The Pharisees were proud of their traditions, rituals, and aided-law ways that set them apart. Jesus called them EMPTY TOMBS! Hmm.

Back in the creation account God gave man dominion over all the earth and a helpmate too. They ruled over it all and had plenty of time to walk and talk with God in the Garden each day. Believe it or not, God is searching for the same type of relationship with us today. If He took care of sin through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection shouldn’t the scales tip heavily in his favor instead of towards all the gadgetry, entertainment, and busyness that consumes us? Let us not get so busy that we too become empty tombs! Remember, it was never left to us to HAVE it all or to DO it all.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The Lord answered, [Martha] ‘you are worried and upset by many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” – Luke 10:41-42

Lion Like

It’s better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life. – E. Kenny

Little scrawny Gideon was hiding in a winepress threshing wheat when God called him to battle. After finding his courage the rest was easy!

The world today preaches a ‘tainted’ tolerance. We’re to tolerate everyone and their views and desires except when it comes to promoting Christ and his kingdom. This only works to the advantage of the enemy. We took prayer out of schools – look at schools today. We’ve spared the rod on our children – look at children today. This was not the example Jesus gave. Everyday he was challenged by the ‘religious right’ and everyday he stood his ground and told them what his Father said. Jesus had a backbone then and he should have one still today. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “It’s not so much the noise of the bad; it’s the silence of the good.” God is expecting us to be witnesses not observationists.

Until tomorrow………

Pastor Botts

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…..” Ephesians 6:13-14

Learning since day 1!

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. – Maya Angelou

Enoch was 365 years old, but yet he walked and talked with God daily. Eventually God just kept him to himself.

Retired. Graduate. President. Matured. All words that indicate we’ve reached the top, the pinnacle, and no longer need to listen to anyone or learn anything new. Au contraire friend! Life is an educational process from day one, and we serve a God that is endless in the ways he can and will manifest His glory and wondrous ways to us and among us. The process of learning is ever evolving that we may perfect the process of giving ourselves fully to the will of God. The fact that God is still bringing new experiences into our lives shows he cares, the question is – do we?

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” – Acts 17:11

Secrets of Praise and Prayer

A boggled mind needs a bended knee. – C. Swindoll

Not really knowing what to do after his crucifixion, the apostles thought prayer might help. Boy did it ever. AMEN!

No doubt about it, this world we live in has some awe inspiring, breathtaking wonders. Look at any scenic calendar, natural wildlife, even the birth of a new child and you know it. But it also has some conundrums and seemingly illogical aspects and life issues that utterly frustrate and confuse us. In either case it is mind boggling. But that is one of the great secrets of prayer and praise. Whether it be wonder and amazement at His vast creation, or puzzlement and confusion from the issues of life; God is always open to hear our response. We can never praise Him too much nor call on Him too often. He has so designed life that there really is no way we can ignore His existence, and when we think about it there really is no reason we should want to. May He hear from us all today!

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

Perfection in Subtraction

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. – A. de Saint-Exupery

Paul said he looked not for profit but considered ‘everything loss’ for the sake of Christ. Hmm!

In the fashion world perfection is a fully matching outfit with all the accessories (shoes, purse, gloves, belt, tie, etc.). And amazingly, we take that same criteria for perfection into our view of life. We seem to believe that with all the proper accoutrements or attachments we will be complete and whole, ready to take on the world. But God’s idea of perfection is quite the opposite and our road to spiritual maturity is not in the acquisition of attachments but the elimination of our carnal habits and sinful nature. Since God is perfection sin and carnality cannot dwell with him. He will not wrestle these desires from us, but he gently tries to ‘love’ us away from them. It’s our choice!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Then [Jesus] said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Not just for Sunday

In worship, we would rather our heart be without words, than our words without heart. – L. Broschman

God’s prophet Jeremiah flat out called the priests of the day liars and arrogant men practicing before God – and the people seemed to  love it. GOD FORBID!

For the average Christian, Sunday is the day of worship where we go to God’s house and sing, pray, and even say a few “hallelujah’s" or "Amen’s.” But God is not relegated to the church house and worship is not restricted to a once a week occurrence, it is a way of life that flows from the heart in all we do. God is looking for more than lip service, He wants life application. Our prayer should be that our worship during the work week will be as “charged” as it was in His house on Sunday.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13

Enjoying the "Game"

My favorite part of the game is the opportunity to play – Mike Singletary

When the disciples asked Jesus what he was doing, he said “come and see.” Later he said "Go and Do!" Amen.

Plain and simple, God is on a mission to make His story known to all mankind. Man may not believe in God, but God believes in man. And he is inviting each of us to join Him in this great mission. And each day God manifests Himself in some new and awesome manner to show us He cares. And regardless of what we may or may not have done, or the ability we may or may not have He’s inviting us each again today to join Him. And in spite of the economy, in spite of social conditions, and in spite of our own current situation, it’s great to be alive, and though life is not a game, it can and should be enjoyable for us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12

Double the Blessing

A blessing shared is not halved, but doubled. – Anon

A little boy shared his lunch with Jesus one day and they fed 5,000+ and they took up 12 baskets full of leftovers. Hmmm!

We by nature are greedy people. We are taught survival of the fittest and to look out for number one from a very young age. And we keep these teachings ingrained in our psyche for life. And then we come to God’s economy which is completely different, give to receive, die to live, etc. and we find it a hard transition. But that’s what faith is – totally abandoning your way of thinking, your desire for control – trusting completely in God. And when we do and learn to share this way we realize there is never a shortage in what He supplies no matter how much we give away. Therefore with every blessing we receive we should seek to pass it on to others, for we must always remember when God blesses us he has more than us in mind.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Freely you have received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8

Most likely to...

There is no saint without a past, and no sinner without a future. – Anon

Paul called himself the “chief of sinners,” yet he was one of the greatest evangelists and missionaries to ever live. Wow!

Most High School Yearbooks carry photos of those voted ‘Most Likely to…..?’ I’m sure if we compare then and now for the most part the pictures were way off base. The same can be said of us in our way of thinking. We often portray people we meet as ‘Most Likely to…? or ‘Most Unlikely to….?, particularly when it comes to being Christian. If we’ll own up to it there are just some people we thought would NEVER belong to God. And the sad truth is when we find out that they do, we often doggedly try to find areas, circumstances, and actions to discredit them. When you think about it, it’s amazing how often we want grace and forgiveness extended to us but we seldom want to extend it to others, but that’s the great thing about grace – it applies to everyone equally. God can take the worst sinner and make him/her a saint, not perfect but saintly, and we should just leave it at that.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?....Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” – Acts 9:21-22

Heed the Signs

Conscience only tells you what is wrong, it doesn’t stop you from doing it. – Anon

Aaron's sons knew they were not supposed to offer 'strange fire' to God, yet they did it anyway. OUCH!

STOP….. , ONE-WAY...., 55 MPH…..., NO PARKING……, NO TURN ON RED……, YIELD…., NO LEFT TURN DURING THE HOURS OF....? You’ve probably guessed by now these are all traffic signs posted to keep traffic flowing at a smooth safe pace. I’m sure we’re all aware of what happens when someone doesn’t heed the message. Life is very similar. When we wrestle with right and wrong our conscience is trying to point out the signs we should obey, while the flesh is demanding satisfaction. However, we are not to satisfy the desires of the flesh but live by the Spirit. Our daily prayer should be that we will have a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led day.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” – Romans 7:21

Tomorrow's Here!

TODAY is that tomorrow you’ve been putting things off for. - Anon

The 5 foolish virgins thought someone would alert them before the bridegroom came so they could get oil for their lamps. OOPS!

As much as we watch clock and calendar, there is never an ideal time to do anything, and if we waited for such a time we would never move forward. God grants us the day, we have to seize it and the opportunities it brings, making the best of the good times and the bad times. And at times we must go with reckless abandon, trusting God will sort it all out. Though God’s Word tells us we should ‘count the costs’ before acting, we cannot always tally our resources before ‘charging the hill of Philistines’ ala Jonathan; we must sometimes leave room for God to act. God is always at the ready, the question is: Are we prepared for Today?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  - Joshua 1:9

No acknowledgement No problem

Characters live to be noticed. People of character notice how they live. – N. Moser

Jesus said we should do our ‘acts of righteousness’ not to be seen of men but God; that is if we expect to receive a reward. Hmm!

They usher themselves before us everyday via the news, internet, magazines, radio, etc. News releases of some celebrity and their bid for a bit more recognition for their contribution to society. And admittedly, a lot of us live for such news, and also admittedly, a lot of us live so to bring about such news about ourselves. Accomplishments should be lauded and celebrated as the blessings they are, not who they make us to be. Granted our lives are not to be lived in seclusion or inconspicuously, but we are called to be known by the ‘fruit we bear’ not by the horn we toot or flag we wave, after all God has said, “not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His notice.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11

Growing through Suffering

Suffering, while common to us; is NEVER without its potential for growth. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though he was already an example of a righteous man as seen by God, Job still grew closer to God because of his suffering. Hmm!

A bountiful garden is a beautiful sight but hard work, even from the plants perspective. Every seed planted has to die to begin new life, and even then push its way up through the hardened soil before it can stretch forth and blossom. The sufferings we face and endure have the potential and end-goal to help us shine more for Christ. It’s how we progress through it that will tell whether we blossom and become better or wither and become bitter. And though we dislike the process, it is God’s way for us sometime; but if we look over our life we can see it really doesn’t occur that often, that our good days far outweigh our bad days – so why complain?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” – I Peter 4:19

Is it REALLY better?

Don’t throw away the old bucket until you know whether the new one holds water. – Anon

The Israelites asked for judges and then a king to rule over them, never realizing they had God all the time. OUCH!

We live in a disposable world, where if you don’t like what you have or who you are just start over. We do it with our stuff, our friends, our bodies, even our ‘faith.’ Nothing is off-limits it seems. We jump from one trend or friend to another, without so much a thought of what we’re leaving or where we’re going. And all too often we later find that what we had in the beginning was much better than what we are now stuck with. It’s okay to move on to better things in life, but we need to make sure they really are better. Our enemy is the master of deceit and subtlety, and he never tires.  God’s ways are tried and true and never change. The choice is ours.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” I Corinthians 11:14-15

Sweet Defeat

A defeat that leaves you humble is better than a victory that leaves you proud. – D. Martin

The Israelites were ‘cocky’ in going up against the little town of Ai, telling Joshua they didn’t even need all the men of battle. They got routed and sent home hurting.

We are taught early on that ‘nobody likes a loser,’ or that when in battle it’s ‘victory at any cost.’ But in truth sometimes defeat is necessary. First, if we never taste defeat we would never really be able to fully appreciate and enjoy the victories we have. Second, defeat also gives us opportunity to improve on what went wrong. Last, defeat keeps us humble and forces us to realize there is someone greater than ourselves that we need to make it through this life – God. There will come a time we will all taste defeat, but remember; a saint is just a sinner who fell down AND GOT UP!

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 26:75

P.S. - Don't forget our 'Good Friday' service tonight at 6:30PM in the sanctuary. Movie to follow. Also, don't forget Sunday morning at 9:15AM our own A2K has a special treat for us. Hope you can make it.

P.S.S.- Don't forget to enter/exit the campus through the 'center gate' when driving.

Someone to roll with

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. – Anon

In creation there was the Trinity (Father, Spirit, Son). When Jesus came to earth He chose 12 to be with Him. I think I see a pattern. Hmm!

Truth be known, we are often our own worst enemies. We feed our fears, deny our abilities and gifts, doubt God’s grace and forgiveness, and often undermine our own confidence. God knew this about us, which is why He is big on fellowship and relationship. We need others to encourage us, challenge us, even confront us at times to spur us on. And as Christians we need other Christians around us who can speak God’s Word and wisdom into our lives. Yes we were created to be unique and special, but never isolated or alone. God has created us all for a purpose and that purpose includes having others in our lives, and helping those who are not. Friendship is required for heaven.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“…And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24

The Book of Transformation

It is an awesome responsibility to own a Bible. - Anon

Jesus chided the Pharisees and religious rulers of the day for they were the keepers of God's Word and didn't even know what it said. OUCH!

As our late Elder Bro. Mack would often say, "the Bible is not just a book of information, but for transformation." It's a sound reminder that to truly know our God we need to truly understand His word, accept it as true, and live by it on a daily basis. Many times our lives lack the power and focus we need because we have not coveted the word of God as we should. May we all taste today and see that He is good.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"..the word of God is living and active..." (Hebrews 4:12).

Lies of the Culture

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

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

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

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

P.S. - Bro. Spears came through his surgery just fine. Please keep him in your prayers for rehabilitation work ahead.

P.S.S. - We're adding a 'Praise Report' section to our next newsletter. If you have anything you'd like to report (promotion, engagement, birth announcement, success story, etc.) please let us know.

Birds of a Feather...

When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends. – Japanese Proverb

Yes Jesus interacted with the sinners he came to save, but he chose as ‘friends’ men who would lay down their life for others as he did. WOW!

It is often said family has to accept us, but friends have a choice. And that choice tells a lot about us. Nobody gives a greater account of who we are and what we profess than the friends we spend our time with. No matter what we say, we normally fellowship and let our guard down around those we are most comfortable with, for in most instances they are like us, i.e. the same interests, beliefs, moral character, etc. In the circle of friends we have the question we must ask ourselves is: What does it say of our character and relationship to God? Oftentimes many of us think we’re the picture of perfect spiritual health to the world, but our ‘friends’ may say otherwise.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Defeating Doubt & Discouragement

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. – E. Roosevelt

Though the Pharisee tried to snub him at prayer time, the publican held his peace. Only one of them went home blessed and it wasn’t the Pharisee. Hmm!

The slogan of the United Negro College Fund is “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”  Very powerful, and very true.  It’s no secret that the enemy we face day in and day out is trying to sway our mind or way of thinking. Two of his major weapons are doubt and discouragement, for they create the illusion in our mind that we are not worthy or we can never measure up. But the completed work of God through Jesus Christ has made us ‘worthy’ in all things. So no matter our outward circumstances we “are more than conquerors” in any situation we face. As the day unfolds and the assaults come remember the God you serve.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free…..” – Romans 8:1-2