Live the Faith, Obey!

‘Some assembly required’ means the only missing piece is YOUR obedience. - ANON

God gave the Israelites a land that had all the blessings they needed at their ‘fingertips,’ and they still soon forgot He was God. Hmm!

We live in a world where everyone wants it easy, and if possible they want it done for them as well. Which is why it’s truly amazing that the majority of people reject Christianity – it’s the easiest religion in the world, if you will; because God does it all for us. God saves us, He purifies us, He provides for us, He heals us, He changes our hearts, He places us in fellowship, and loves us relentlessly. But in truth, Christianity is also the hardest religion there is as well, not because of God, but because of us, for we so refuse to give up being autonomous or independent, often thinking we know better than God. If you’re finding it hard to live the faith maybe you need to ease up on the ‘control’ issue.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master……Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – John 13:16-17

Pursuit of Perfection

You can always become better! – Anon

Paul said he ‘pressed forward’ everyday to endear himself more and more to His Lord. Hmm!

¡New and Improved! It seems like every product eventually goes this route. But so often we get to certain ages or stages in life and want to say that’s it, “I am who I am. I may not be the best, but I’m certainly not the worst.” But discipline and commitment are relentless, for God continuously works in us and on us, and He will not leave us as He found us. He desires to give us His best and for us to give Him our best, and since ‘perfection’ is our goal, we should never think we can’t do any better. If Moses didn’t reach his prime until age 80 and Caleb at age 85, it seems the sky’s the limit. So today is another opportunity to become better than we were yesterday.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Be very careful, then, how you live……making the most of every opportunity….” – Ephesians 5:15

Walk This Way

Train up a child in the way he should go, and don’t forget to walk there yourself. - American Proverb

One of the major criticisms Jesus had with the religious leaders of the day was their hypocrisy, not practicing what they were preaching. Hmm!

It’s amazing sometimes how we think. It’s true we grow up and put away ‘childish ways and thinking,’ but what is TRUE and what is RIGHT doesn’t change from one stage of life to the next. If truth is absolute, and IT is; and if right is absolute, and IT is also; then our paths should always take us along the same routes we would prescribe for our children. We can try to shade both the truth and what we know to be right to our own situations to justify what we do but, “there is a way that seems right to a man but it leads to death.” A major part of ‘training our children’ is being a living example of righteousness right before their eyes, and the best way to do that is to always let God’s Word be “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” – James 3:1

Where Character is Built

Character is not made in a crisis, it is only exhibited. – Sparks

Moses spent 40 years toiling as a shepherd. God felt that was long enough to develop him into a leader for his people. Hmm!

We often look for character-building ideas and exercises to help us prepare for the major emergencies and turmoil in our life, on our jobs, and elsewhere. But true character is not learned in the classroom or high pressure situations, it can only be forged through the mundane activities of the day. It is a maturing process that comes over time, mainly time spent alone with God. The general truth is that what you do while you’re alone, you’ll do when the heat is on as well. If our character is suspect in the dark, it will be suspect in the light of the moment as well. Life’s situations will be calling upon us today, hopefully we'll be ready?

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that that you should follow in his steps…..When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” – I Peter 2:21, 23

Prayer Closet

The closet of prayer is where burdens change shoulders. – Anon

Jesus was constantly in prayer with His Father. The results were clearly evident to all.

Though we are “God’s Children” when facing everyday life, for most of us it seems sometimes we are always overwhelmed, under-prepared, and under a great deal of pressure or stress. It’s true we sometimes get perplexed, persecuted and troubled, etc., but not all the time. We serve a God who is stronger than any situation or circumstance this world can conjure up, and He’s always waiting to hear from us. Whatever we face today we should let the one with broader shoulders (GOD) take care of it for us. He’s waiting in the closet!

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6

Everything You Need

“I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:25

Paul said that whether he had plenty or none, as long as he had God he was content. AMEN!

As an avid coffee drinker I’ve hit a many donut shops in my time. Some good, some not so good. But I can recall a poem I once saw some years back that resonates with life:   As you travel through life friend, Whatever be your goal, Keep your eyes on the donut, And not upon the hole.   It’s a somewhat simple message that’s meant to remind us that we should spend more time looking at and being thankful for what we have and not worrying about what we don’t have. God has gifted us with exactly everything He needs us to have at this moment. In fact, we’ve got more blessings than we can truly count, and maybe that’s what we should do, start counting and start thanking Him for every one of them. In the end it’s a lot more meaningful and a lot less costly, and we can all stand to save a little more anyway.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…..My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life…..” – Psalm 23:5

Not Greater than The Message

Never let the desire to influence be replaced with the need to control. – Anon

The Sanhedrin Council was the 'religious' right of the time, but Jesus was the 'go to' guy and ANSWERman. HMMM!

The Great Commission was a command given to one and all believers and followers of Christ. We are called to tell the “good news.” But oftentimes the message of grace and love is missed because the messenger has overwhelmed the receiver or overshadowed the message. We must be careful in our zealousness to never try to be the central point (it’s not about us) or “commanding” in our sharing. We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – I Peter 3:15  

Everyday Future

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

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

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

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

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

Do Right Discipline

Following the path of least resistance is what makes most rivers and men crooked. – Anon

Even after getting counsel directly from God, Cain went his own way. We all know where that path led him. Hmm!

There exists within all of us the desire to do wrong, and the need to ‘master sin’. Paul lamented about his inward struggles that were such that even when he wanted to do good evil was still right there with him. Discipline and dedication truly is a very hard thing, but it is something God requires of us on a consistent basis nonetheless, if we are to be obedient. The key is learning to let Christ live in us and through us. He’s the one who has defeated sin and will bring us to victory as well if we so desire. I pray He orders our steps today.

Until Monday..…..

Pastor Botts

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” – Genesis 4:7

Sowing Tears

Tears are like rain. They loosen up the ‘soil’ of our hearts so we can grow towards God. – V. Casey

At the home of Simon the Pharisee, a sinful ‘teary eyed’ woman had a life changing event at the feet of Jesus. Hmm!

In the movie ‘A League of Their Own’ Tom Hanks as the coach screams “there’s no crying in baseball” at one of his players as she breaks out in tears on the field. There may be no crying in baseball, but there certainly is in life. Male or female, God made us all just the same, and shedding tears often admits our hurts, fears, and failures to ourselves and to God. And that’s a good thing friend.

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts

”Restore our fortunes, O Lord like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126:4-6

That Undeserved Love

Those who deserve love the least, need it the most. – Anon

Matthew and Zacchaeus. Tax collectors hated and despised by their own people. Yet Jesus counted them among his ‘friends.’ Hmm!

At any given moment most of us could possibly think of someone who we would deem as unworthy of any grace or love (murderers/killers, terrorists, enemies, vagrants, etc.). But in reality, we too are never really deserving of God’s love, but yet he extends it freely to all. And his love knows no bounds or limits and covers a multitude of sins – OURS. Acceptance of the gift doesn’t make us better than the next person, it just makes us aware of our own needs. God wants everyone to know of his love and has given us the honor and privilege of sharing it. As you face the day remember his love knows no color or circumstances it cannot touch.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful……the grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – I Timothy 1:12,14

Our Words

When you have to have the last word, usually it’s an apology. – Sparks

Job so badly wanted to plead his cause to God he talked his friends ears off. After hearing God speak all he could say was OOPS, Sorry about that!

Because we have the ability or opportunity to say certain things doesn’t mean we should in all cases. Many of us often take the point of view that because I have something to say on the matter, I’m going to say it, and often our emphasis is in error. There’s a common saying that goes “Speak when you’re angry and you’ll make the greatest speech you’ll ever regret.” Sometimes swallowing our words now is much easier than eating them later.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.”  - Proverbs 10:19-20

Don't Cheat Yourself

The first and worst of all frauds is to cheat oneself. – G. Bailey

When Ananais and his wife Sapphira tried to 'cheat' the Holy Spirit with their offering, they realized too late they were actually cheating themselves as well. Hmm!

In this day and age we ought to be truly THANKFUL that God does not deal with us today as He directly dealt with them then. But the truth of the matter is still the same. When we cheat or defraud ourselves we are in essence defrauding the Spirit God has placed within each of us, and limiting its potential to do great things in our lives. God deserves our best, and just because we may not 'feel' like giving our best or think it's too much at the time, we are not God nor do we sit in His place. May our best shine forth today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” –James 1:26-27

THAT Part. Our Part.

God’s part we cannot do. Our part God does not do. – R. Murray

God told Moses He would set His people free. All He needed was for Moses to go to Pharaoh, and the rest is HIStory.

The Creation Account tells us God created everything necessary for man’s existence in six days, then He created man. Man was not consulted in the creation account but he was given charge to manage it for God. Regardless of what has happened since then, the fact is we still have a responsibility to God. He has expectations that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is proper for a ‘manager.’ Adam’s sin does not let us off the hook, for God has already provided a redeemer, but He will not force us to accept Him, nor force us to live for Him. That is still our part. Today matters to God so it should matter to us.

Until Monday

Pastor Botts

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” – I Peter 3:10-11

Pray. It works!

A Christian should never let adversity get him down, except on his knees. – M. Nicholson

The kings edict that no one could pray to Almighty God under penalty of being cast into the lion’s den didn’t stop Daniel from praying openly 3 times a day. What about us?

One of the things we all face in this world is trouble or adversity. Jesus at one time told Peter, “Satan desires to sift you…but I have prayed for you”. Trials, troubles, tests, temptations, and hard times will come, however if we take anything from the words of Jesus here it’s that prayer works! It lifts the spirit, clears the outlook, and raises the expectations of the individual heart. No, it's not a magic chant or just the power of positive thinking, it's trusting in an all-knowing, ever-hearing, and ever compassionate God who longs to bring every 'good and perfect gift' to our lives. I pray you will try it often today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.’” – Luke 22:39-42

You've got a friend in Him!

I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not need to even consult his calendar. – R. Brault

One good thing about Job's friends is that they stayed with him throughout his ordeal. Hmm!

In this era of exponentially expanding social media outlets  and apps for this and that, seems we’re all trying to find time to do it all and have it all; and what we wind up with is very often shallow acquaintances and fellowship. The saddest part is we tend to be the same with the ONE who loves us most - God. As we embark upon the New Year trying to prioritize our life maybe it's time we took a closer look at HIS example of friendship where no boundaries exist, and HE sits just waiting for us to come. I pray we'll become HIS 'cherished' friend.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

".....You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord........." - Jeremiah 29:13

Loose Strings

Last time it was checked, omniscience belonged to God. It still does. - Anon

Jesus on earth was the ‘truth’ personified. But for many he left a lot of unanswered questions. Hmm!

One of the difficulties of life is that we cannot nicely clear everything up. Some things or circumstances just do not come to a happy resolution, no matter how hard we try. We can pray for resolution and peace, even confess or admit our part in the matter. The truth of the matter is that life does have some ‘loose’ strings that will remain and perplex us no matter what we do, because we live with and work among other imperfect beings like ourselves. We may never fully understand why, in such cases we can only commit these difficult, and maybe painful circumstances to our Heavenly Father who knows best and will give us the peace we seek to continue on. Today would be a great day to do so.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?” – Job 38:33

Master of Change

The greatest resolution one can make is to resolve to make each day a happy one for someone else. – S. Smith

Onesiphorus often went out of his way to “refresh” Paul, and he had to sometimes search hard just to find him. Dedication is a hard thing! Hmm!

With the New Year we often challenge ourselves by way of resolution or promise that we will do certain things to improve our lot in life. Sometimes we’re successful, but more often than not we let them fall by the wayside very quickly. But with all the improvement we do make upon ourselves the world just doesn’t seem to change at all. Perhaps we should take a look at the Master of change – JESUS – his way of changing the world was to reach out to others, help them along the way, make their life less burdensome. It brought his life more joy. Yes, life will go on in 2016 but the decision to make it enjoyable rests with us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. You attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:4-5