It's Possible

Apparently, there is nothing that cannot happen today. – M. Twain

Joseph was thrown in jail on a ‘bum’ charge, Moses came across a burning bush, the Israelites saw food fall from the sky, Peter found money in a fish’s mouth, and Paul was beaten for preaching Jesus; not one of these folks started out the day with such a thought. Hmm!

On rainy days we take raingear, on sunny days we dress light; but rarely do we ever leave room for God. We live at times such ordered, routine lives that we don’t expect God to intervene nor do we leave Him much room to do it. But if God’s works are new and wondrous each and every day why should we be surprised when He intervenes in our lives in a new manner like never before. If we are a people of prayer and endless hope, then we should know the ‘sky’s the limit’ as to how He will answer prayer or sustain hope. The main thing for us to remember is whether it be a challenge or an unexpected blessing that comes upon us, God expects us to know how to respond, for He never gives a test without preparing us beforehand.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“See the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” – Isaiah 42:9  

Little By Little...

How does a project get to be a year behind schedule? One day at a time. – F. Brooks

In the creation account God did everything He needed to do on each individual day. Period! And He’s our example. Hmm!

Today is here, and for most it means we’re one day further removed from what we promised God or ourselves we were going to do. When it comes to serving God, doing right, bettering oneself, or helping others, procrastination is the weapon of choice for our enemy. Seemingly little innocent interruptions that go a long way in keeping us behind and in frustration. The truth is God has put only so much in front of each of us to do today because He knows what He will provide for us to get through the day. So if we just take it one day at a time (that’s all God gives us anyway) and not ‘give place to the devil’ we’ll be sure to keep in step with God. Also, whatever your promise to God may have been – TODAY is the day to honor it.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4

Complex Order

Life is much too complicated not to be orderly. – Anon

Daniel’s life was such that he needed to stop all he was doing to pray at least 3 times a day. It kept him focused!

It’s a debate that has been going on almost since the beginning of time: Did God actually create the heavens and the earth or did they just ‘spring’ forth from chaos (big bang). I think by now all of us are smart enough to know from personal experiences that chaos only creates more chaos, not order or peace. Man can explain how things may work in God’s creation, but he can’t explain why they work. And he knows if they don’t work properly we have chaos and disorder. The bottom line in all of this for us is that unless we put our life in proper order – God first in all things – we too will suffer chaos, disorder, and disappointment in greater proportion than normal.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” – I Corinthians 14:40

Through Loved Colored Glasses

"We come to know love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." – Anon

Gomer would not have been Hosea’s first choice for a wife, but with God’s help he loved her deeply. WOW!

When it comes to love most everyone is always looking for Mr./Mrs. RIGHT, which in our mixed up worldview equates to perfect. The person for us must be perfect in every way we deem necessary. Such standards are lofty and foolhardy, for each time we look in the mirror we never see perfection looking back at us. God gave us the greatest example of how we can come to know love, when He looked beyond all of our faults and saw we were still worth saving and loving. He sees us quite differently than we see ourselves. His example doesn’t mean we throw caution to the wind, but it does show us we may need to look inwardly a bit more before we launch our great search for friendship and love. Remember, every creature of God has some worthwhile value.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

To Do or Not To Do

Actions lie louder than words. – C. Wells

Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they did not 'practice' what they preached. Hmm!

If Jesus is to represent us in heaven before his Father, we must give him something to work with down here. Just as we can easily know what a person believes and thinks not by what they tell us, but by their actions, SO CAN God. And God is not impressed by our high and lofty thoughts, our intentions or speeches, or our wanting to do good, He desires our obedience to His will. None of His commandments are suggestions, food for thought, or take it or leave it theories. God requires our obedience out of our love for Him and who He is. His word is life, and He expects us to strive each day to live them out. Our actions will convict us, the only question is what will we be convicted of?

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46

Know and fulfill your Purpose

A Hun without purpose will never know when they have achieved it. – Attila the Hun

From the day he was born, Samuel knew he would serve before the Lord, and He was faithful til the end. Amen!

Games have end results – FUN! Contests have end results – A WINNER! Tests have end results – PASS or FAIL! Everything God created has a purpose and that includes us. To drift through life aimlessly without direction, goals, dreams, or meaningful purpose is to be separated from God. Life is not a game of survival, but a gift of opportunity to create and contribute to God’s story. The best place to look for purpose is not in our jobs, family, recreation, or social gatherings, but with Our Creator. He knows why we’re here.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.– Ecclesiastes 12:13

Through Opposition to Opportunity

The greater the opposition, the greater the opportunity. – Anon

Paul ventured into a city full of idol gods thinking he could actually make a difference for Christ. HE DID!

One thing is sure in life and that is opposition. We get it on every hand. From our friends, from our co-workers, and even from our own family members. Sometimes it seems like opposition just seeks us out specifically. Though we often would prefer to avoid it, it’s primarily the way opportunity comes dressed to us, in the form of opposition. The world opposed Jesus, yet he’s the greatest opportunity for the world. We’re sure to find great opposition in our life today and tomorrow, but God is expecting us, like his Son to make a positive difference.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” – Matthew 5:11-12

Beginning is the end to Procrastination

The most important part of any work is – the beginning.  – Plato

Noah had never heard of or seen rain when God commanded him to build the ark.  Good thing he didn’t wait until he saw the first rain drop.

One of the more convenient tools of the enemy is procrastination. Particularly when it comes to doing the things that help build up and strengthen us and God’s kingdom. Why, because there can never be progress nor a completion of assignment without a beginning first. There can never be perfection attained without a beginning of practice. It sounds simple enough but often more things are put off than started not so much do to lack of desire, but due to an expectation that there is plenty of time. Today is all we’re promised. But Today as it is called is enough of an opportunity to begin again.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Make sure they match

If you walk, just walk, if you sit, just sit. But whatever you do, don’t wobble. – Anon.

Not much is said about Enoch’s life, but we know his talk must have matched his walk as he walked with God daily. Then God TOOK HIM!

Here it is Monday. We’re away from the saints, the ‘hallelujahs and Amens,’ and God’s house; out and about on public display. What will we do/say, who will we be? Life in the church building or sanctuary is easy, life in everyday settings is not. Temptation abounds (gossip, lying, crude talk or language, self-promotion,  keeping bad company, etc., )so our prayers should be that the visible evidence we put forth today would be enough to convict us beyond a reasonable doubt that we truly belong to Christ.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No.’ anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:37

Just a Little Bit

The person who moves mountains, still begins by carrying away small stones. – Anon

On the day of Pentecost Peter preached a sermon that moved a mountain of people to accept Christ. He got his start sometime ago by just following Jesus.   Many times we want to do the great and miraculous, the big event like Peter here that gets us noticed. But in truth the “big event” is actually an accumulation of the small things. Saving and scrimping to buy the car or house. Doing night or Saturday school to get the diploma or degree. The same is true in our walk with God. Bible study, prayer, meditation, fellowship – small things – done in faith and discipline turn mountainous problems or obstacles into molehills that are easily overcome. Start small and stay steady!

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“The disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out.’ He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. 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. {But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.} Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:21-22

Eternal Security

Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God no matter what. – Anon

Daniel knew it was dangerous for him to offer prayers to his God, but he knew without prayer he was without his God. Hmm!

When we were younger we played games like hide-and-seek, chain-tag, freeze-tag, etc. Games that had the advantage of a home base where we were safe. No matter how close the enemy came to us as long as we were at ‘home base’ we were safe and secure. Looking back on it now the idea seems strange – home base – but the concept is true. God offers us security. Not so much from the harsh realities of life – we need them to shape our character – but from the hopelessness and despair they can inflict on us if left alone. Without God we don’t stand a chance against life. And in the end He gives us eternal security. AMEN!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way…” – Psalm 46:1-2

Laws of Attraction

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching? – Anon

John the Baptist and 2 of his disciples were intrigued by Jesus and asked “where are you staying?” Jesus said, “come and see!” They spent that whole day with him. Hmm!

It is often said “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” In other words you must be able to attract them. The same idea is true in our faith walk each and every day. What attracts or draws us to those we associate with? The best way to attract people to Christ (who draws all men to himself) is not so much to ‘act’ like a Christian, but just live as we truly believe. A Christian has hope in all situations and circumstances so life is never bleak and we shouldn’t wear long faces. Our life should eventually impact those we walk with. If we’re not attracting anyone maybe it’s time to get re-focused on who we’re following.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit…..” – I Corinthians 16:17-18

Meet the Author

I have always felt that the true textbook for the pupil is his teacher. – M. Gandhi

The Pharisees were satisfied with the ‘Law of Moses’ but missed out on connecting with the AUTHOR to Moses. Hmm!

At last count we have over 20 different versions of The Bible in print, in almost any language imaginable. This is phenomenal in itself, but it is also frustrating at times as well. Too often we as people rely on ‘the good book’ more than we rely on the author of it. The bible was given to us that we might come to know God personally, not just about Him and His word. Reading the book is great, but conversing with the author is far better, as you get insight not on the pages. God is waiting to express Himself in ways we can’t even imagine, now that’s exciting teaching!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5

Beautiful Music Together

No one can whistle a symphony. – H. Luccock

Though Jesus came to save the world, he employed 12 ordinary men to help him. They turned it upside down. WOW!

A symphony takes a full orchestra of musical talents each working together to produce a recognizable harmonic resonance. It is in essence a community of believers sold out for the cause – the music – not their individual desires. This illustration is what God desires for us in community, where we learn to love and trust in one another for the good of the kingdom, not ourselves. To try to do it alone is tiring, ineffective, and selfish. If life is a song, and love is the music, then our time here on earth is where we learn to play in God’s orchestra.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – I Corinthians 1:10

Our Part

Without God I can’t, but without me God won’t. – Augustine

God promised the Israelites a land ‘flowing with milk and honey.’ They still had to rely on Him and ‘take it’ by force. They DID!

Though we live in a day and time 2000+ years removed from when Jesus actually walked the earth, He is still present with ‘skin on’ today. When we do the good works God prepared for us to do are we not Jesus with skin on? Did not Jesus do all the things His Father asked of him? YES! We can look at the condition of society, the heartache and pains of others and cry out to God in prayer, demanding He 'do something,' and His answer will always be “I sent you!”  God is always at His work doing great things in little ways. He’s looking for hands, feet, voices, and hearts that will allow Jesus to fill them and continue the work. Are you in or out?

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

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

The Weight of Words

Words must be weighed, not counted. – Polish Proverb

‘Mene, mene, tekel, parsin.’ Just a few words but they carried a powerful message to Belshazzar. OUCH!

500 minutes. 1,000 minutes. 2,500 minutes. You probably recognize these numbers, they are normally attached to monthly cell-phone plans. Enough minutes to cover everything you need to say, and we’re saying it. But as a Christian it’s not so much what we say but how we say it. And just because we can say something doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be said. We’re called to watch our manner of speech, idle conversation, and promises made, ‘Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’. Our words have the power to edify and build up or tear down and destroy. The choice is ours and either way we will be rewarded.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted; and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37

Watering the Dry Spells

When we cannot find contentment within ourselves, it’s useless to seek it elsewhere. – F. de la Rochefucald

Saul didn’t hear from God so he consorted with the Witch of Endor. He still didn’t like what he heard. OUCH!

Often, if we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves taking on the characteristics of the world in our faith walk. For instance, when teams have a losing streak they call it a dry spell. Sometimes we say the same when we feel we’ve not heard from God or experienced Him working in our lives. But how can that be if the “fountain of living water” (Jesus) resides within? There should never be ‘dry spells’ in our Christian walk. When we hit those arid moments it should provoke us to look at what we’ve become focused on other than Jesus. Spiritual dryness occurs when we supplant our relationship with Christ with activities and busyness. Sometimes it just takes coming back to the ‘heart’ of worship.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” – Jeremiah 2:13

Blessed Intangibly

Strength, rest, grace, mercy, forgiveness, provision, guidance, help, unconditional love. What a God we serve! – E. Stenbock

Jesus said this wicked generation looks for a sign but none will be given. Our Heavenly Father gives many every day. Hmm!

It’s often said that the easiest thing to overlook is what’s right in front of you. How TRUE. We often take for granted the many blessings and mercies God extends to us each and every day. The worldview that blessings are only ‘tangible’ is a warped picture of who God really is. And if it is only tangible blessings we seek after we will never be satisfied, for our heart can only truly be satisfied by being ‘rightly related’ to God. The tangible blessings serve only as reminders of His great love for us and all the intangibles He has continued to provide. Were we never to receive another tangible blessing we can see He is still worthy of our praise.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I will cause my people and their homes around my holy hill to be a blessing. And I will send showers, showers of blessings, which will come just when they are needed” – Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)

Develop Good Habits

Habit is overcome by habit.  – T. Kempis

Daniel’s ‘prayer’ habit kept him close to God and got him out of a few close calls. Hmm!

It’s no secret that we get good at what we practice. The more times we repeat a process, the stronger and more refined it becomes in our psyche and way of life. This is okay if the action is virtuous and wholesome, but more often that naught because we often seek the easy, quick, and less burdensome application of ourselves we develop some bad habits. The good news is they can be overcome. And the way to overcome bad habits is the same as developing good habits – practice. We can’t wish them away, send them away, nor ignore them; we simply must put something more beneficial in their place and continue to practice it until it completely roots it out and replaces it. Prayer can help, but only to the extent we’re willing to do or practice what we’re praying about. Change can begin today if we’re just willing to develop the habit.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.” – Luke 4:16