Calmed

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; and sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child. – Anon

The Israelites calmly walking across the raging Red Sea on dry ground or Jesus calming the storm for his disciples. Either way, God was AWESOME!

If there is one thing we know it is we will face storms (battles, trials, troubles) in life. No one is immune from it. Jesus even promised it. God will “refine” us through various trials to perfect our character, that it may reveal his glory. But the great news is no matter where we are in the storm, God is right there with us. And depending on our needs and request, He will either calm the storm or calm us, but He will not leave us. The important thing is that we have enough faith to leave it up to Him to decide.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

If you don't have anything nice to say...

To belittle is to be little. – Anon

The Pharisee “snubbed” the tax collector in his prayers to God, but he himself was soon humbled by God. OUCH!

When you get right down to it we were all created the same in God’s image, and we are all saved by accepting God’s wonderful, matchless grace. Our life circumstances to this point may not have been identical, and won’t be in the future, but we are still upheld by God’s gracious hand, not anything of our own doing. True, everyone wants to look good and righteous, but putting others down to achieve it is not God’s way, and He’s the righteous judge. As we venture through today’s activities and “divine moments” may edification or silence be our friend.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

Catch the Fire

Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles around to watch you burn. – J. Wesley

The ‘change’ in the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well was so stark, it excited the whole town to come see this Jesus. Wow!

We’ll drive great lengths, we’ll wait in long lines, even sit in not-so-great seats just to have a chance to see ‘our’ team, to cheer them on, scream and yell with exuberance our support, proudly wear the ‘uniform, and talk them up. But when it comes to matters of faith it’s sad that so many of us have a ‘form of Christianity’ that just seems to drain us, tire us out, take our joy, and leave us flat and unappealing to others. Jesus actually said “I come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” That sounds like exuberance and enthusiasm. To be enthusiastic for Christ is not just reciting bible verses to people, handing out gospel tracts, or just telling the lost Jesus loves them. To be enthusiastic is to be active in showing others the love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, grace, humility, and help Jesus would show them if He were present (actually He is in us) in such a way that they could not mistake it for anything else but the favor of God reaching out to them.  May we all have fun for Christ today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…..” – Matthew 5:14

Heart Song

A true friend knows the song in your heart and sings it to you during hard times, or when memory fails. – Anon

During David’s waiting period to ascend to the throne, the king’s own son Jonathan was his closest friend and ally. Hmm!

The familiar refrain “when I am sad He makes me glad, He’s my friend,” that we sing about Jesus is a powerful reminder of what true friendship is. He reminds us of God's love for us and our purpose, and steadfastly tries to keep us on point. It is actually a value judgment we should use to measure those we allow into our sphere of friendship. God places those in our life that can help us keep our heart song true, pure, and uncluttered by other tunes or melodies (worldliness). When we want to go outside of the parameters God sets for friendship and fellowship (righteousness), we risk having our heart song broken, interrupted or even changed, falling away from our purpose and true character. Here's hoping your melody is still inspiring to you.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” – Genesis 2:18

Change the World

Be the change you want to see in the world. – M. Gandhi

Paul went from Christ-hater to Christ-promoter and church builder. He said we should follow his example as he follows Christ. Hmm!

Dirty politicians. Immoral athletes. Greedy televangelists. Uncaring neighbors. Ungodly co-workers. The list could go on and on and on. Each of us somehow affected by others, but with the know how to make things better. It’s true, we all know how to change the world for the better, but no one wants to start with himself. God never called us to change the world, but to live a changed life in the world. That in itself would be quite an accomplishment and have a deep impact on the world. Let the revolution begin today.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“You are the light f the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14

Fear Not

To fight fear - act; to increase fear - wait. – D. Schwartz

In the parable of the talents, the servant given one talent not only feared when his master was away, but cowered before him when he returned. OUCH!

Remember the things you feared as a child? Eventually as we grew older and wiser we overcame such silliness, hopefully. But fear is still a great tool of the enemy to keep us enslaved. We tend to fear those things we’re unsure of. But God has told us in His word we need not fear the enemy or any of his schemes if we put our faith and trust in HIM, for HE is the ‘great overcomer!’ There is nothing and no one greater than God. And, He’s still the same God today that He was yesteryear. Let Him put all your fears to rest.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – I John 4:18

Take the Shot

To score the basket you actually have to shoot the ball. - Anon

When you think about it, there are more 'unnamed' saints than named saints in God's story. Hmm!

Though there are no 'secret agents' or 'Lone Rangers' in the army of the Lord, God does often call on us to be a force of one. We often like to work behind the scenes for Jesus, but in truth that's an impossibility. Jesus said 'If I be lifted up I'll draw all men to me.....' and that can happen only when they see, feel, experience, or hear him in us and through us, not somebody we wish they could talk to. God gives ample opportunity for this to happen through those divine intersections we  have throughout each day. The ball is in your hands....

Until Tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"...but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4

Future Decisions

The nicest thing about the future is that it will be what we make it to be. - Anon

No matter what befell Joseph, he never let go of his 'dreams' or his God. Hmm!

It's true, no one really knows the future, but if we were to take a close look at the past - our past - we can see in all honesty how we helped shape the life we're in now. The decisions we made that propelled us, as well as those that gave us great learning experiences that we NEVER want to go through again. The bottom line is we see through the grace of God we had a hand in getting ourselves to the 'here and now.' And it is with that understanding that we can apply ourselves - again, through the grace of God - for the 'then and later.' And the great thing through all of this is that God works with us in such a way that we have no need to fear what lies ahead. On your mark, get set, go - with God!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...." - Exodus 14:13

Take time to work it out!

Exercise does not take time out of your life. It puts life in your time. – L. Maxwell

David's young warriors would often play a round of 'spirited' games to keep their skills and bodies ready. Hmm!

Though we are steadily progressing via technology, automation, robotics, etc., we still live in busy times and there will never enough hours in the day. Be that as it may, God has so designed the human body to require some sort of physical exercise for maintenance. Physical exercise helps the body spur on certain chemical processes that aid in health, healing, stress reduction, and longevity, not to mention it serves as an aid in spiritual and emotional development. And I think those are all positives in this business of life and godly living. So we should all take time to maintain “the temple’s” appearance.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” - I Timothy 4:8

Meaningful Prayer

Prayer must mean something to us if it is to mean anything to God! - R. Murray

Daniel let nothing and no one interfere with his prayer time with God. Hmm!

Growing up in our home, we as kids all learned that the phone was not a toy. It was to be used to conduct business, stay in touch, and pass along information. So when you picked it up to dial someone you had a purpose for doing so. The idea of 'just talking loud and saying nothing,' where the conversation was meaningless, pointless, and without purpose or conviction was not tolerated. Truth is, nobody likes conversation like that. Not even God. And though He has inclined His ears to hear our every call, we should always prepare our hearts before we call on Him, and we should have something worthwhile to chat about when we call Him. Even if it's just to tell Him we love Him there should be some conviction in our tone, or if it's to praise Him there should be some passion in our voice. Remember, as we  talk He's looking at our heart.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart......" - Psalm 24:3-4

Our good His glory

If God is going to work things out for our good, it’s also got to be for His glory! – Anon

After being hated by his brothers, sold as a slave, and even being falsely imprisoned, Joseph became 2nd in command to Pharaoh and realized it was God’s plan. Hmm!

Life sometimes is like a rollercoaster – up at the top one moment and down at the bottom the next, again and again with alarming speed. We love when we’re on top but dislike when we’re at the low points. We wonder how can things take a turn for the worse so quick. Some of it is our own doing, but even though we may trust and follow God’s will, it does not mean everyone else does; as our enemy has allies in this world too. But no matter what comes upon us God will be able to work it out for our good if we are patient and remain faithful, and remember the ultimate end result is that He receive the glory. Whatever we’re faced with today, remember God is at His work.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another, or my praise to idols.”- Isaiah 42:8

Using the information

Our acts make us or mar us – we are the children of our OWN deeds. – V. Hugo

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day hypocrites because that’s what they were. They did not practice what they preached! Hmm!

Our parents tried to shape us and mold us, to instill in us a sense of value and morality – it was their role. But the responsibility of taking that input and putting it to use in a meaningful and positive manner rests solely with each one of us. And though we may want to blame others for our shortcomings or errors, we know deep within they are ours alone. But the great thing about life is we are each free to change what we don’t like. We are free to make our life a blessing to God and His work. We must remember our actions are motivated by what’s in our heart. It’s no question we were made in the image of God (the bible says so). The BIG question is can that image be seen.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:17,20

Moving On

Forgiveness means giving up all hope of a better past. – L. Bolling

Jesus said the man ‘looking back’ is not fit for the kingdom of heaven. Hmm!

One of the hardest things for us to accept in life is the fact that we are who we are. We are the sum of all our past experiences, even the bad ones. But we do not have to let those past experiences hold us from future successes and joy. That’s what makes God’s forgiveness so wonderful. He knows our past wasn’t perfect but He loves and accepts us just as though it was. He wants to give us a ‘hope and a future’ that will help us fulfill our purpose and bring glory to Him. We can step out of our past and into TODAY anytime we’re ready. God is expecting us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I will be their God, and they will be my people…..declares the Lord….For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sin no more.” – Jeremiah 31:33,34

Prayer And Fasting

Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and tangible. – A. Murray

Jesus fasted 40 days and also withdrew to lonely places to pray. You can’t beat His results. Hmm!

It doesn’t happen often but sometimes in life we are faced with the delight of choosing between the better of two very appealing options (steak or lobster, cake or pie, exercise or rest, etc.). In our relationship with God it’s no different. He always welcomes us in prayer, enjoying the time we spend in conversation with Him. But also, He is elated with our times of sacrifice in order that we may draw closer to Him as well. Either way we can’t lose.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“…When you fast put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father….” – Matthew 6:17-18

P.S. – Don’t forget our Sunday School Devotion time this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall. We may be answering YOUR question.