Show Kindness

Kindness makes a fellow feel good whether it’s being shown to him or by him. – F. Clark

David, a man after God’s heart; searched his kingdom to find a relative of Saul’s house that he may show kindness. Both he and Mephibosheth rejoiced. Hmm!

A smile. Holding the door open for someone. A simple  "thank you." Though Jesus performed many miracles while here on earth, the one thing that truly set him apart from others was his kindness and compassion, His willingness to seemingly go the extra mile for someone who could offer little or nothing in return. And that’s the main thing He asked us to show to one another as His disciples. It’s amazing that it’s not ‘practiced’ more often. If ever there were a prescribed cure for “whatever ails you,” showing kindness to others would be it. To show kindness is not only Christlike, it’s therapeutic as well. And the reality of it is the more you show it to others the more it will return to you.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other AND to everyone else.” – I Thessalonians 5:14-15

The Story Imma Tell!

God created man because He loves storytelling. – E. Wiesel

Moses went to Egypt not only to free the Israelites, but to tell Pharaoh GOD’S STORY! Hmm.

It’s very true that God is for us, but the bigger picture is God is all about being God. He wants every one to know Him for who He is, what He has done, and what He can and will do in their lives, and He uses ordinary people like you and I to tell His story through. Granted our life may not be like Moses’, Esther’s, David’s or even Paul’s, but God has already told His story through them. He wants to now tell it through us. The daily circumstances and situations in our lives only serve to add color to the story. What is more important is that we make sure the mute is off and the sound is properly adjusted that others may hear.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said to them]…..’But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’.” – Acts 1:8

Can't Do It All

There are really only 2 things you “have to” do in life. You “have to” die, and you “have to” live until you die. You make up all the rest. – R. Anthony

Moses felt he needed to do everything for the Israelites and neglected himself. His father-in-law showed him a better way. AMEN!

Whether we will admit it or not, most of us are too busy. We’re trying to do it all and have it all, with little or no time for the MAKER of all. Satan, our enemy; will either make us bad (sinful) or busy (unholy), both are equally bad positions to be in. God has never said we must do it all by ourselves, nor must we do it all. He wants us to redeem the time and use it wisely, and the best way is to make sure all we do is for His Glory and not our own egos or pocketbooks!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1

No Talk Around It

In life, words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises. But performance is reality. – H. Geneen

God said ‘His word would not return to Him void, it would accomplish the very purpose for which He spoke it.’ It still does! Hmm.

Years ago we used to live by the truism ‘a man’s word is his bond.’ This was so because one would only speak on or promise what he knew he alone could deliver without excuse. Today we have terms like ‘Spin Control’, or ‘Politically Correct.’ These are just terms of the day people now use to hide behind or keep themselves ‘safe’ from doing what is actually required of them. But there comes a time in all of our lives where we know it’s what we actually do that counts most, particularly when it comes to God and His kingdom purposes. No amount of words - no matter how well parsed or versed – will satisfy His call for our action. The question we must all face this day is ‘as God directs my path will I perform as needed, or try to talk my way around it?’ It will be our choice, but the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’ might bear looking into.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

Extraordinary Transformations

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary people, but no machine can do the work of one extraordinary person. – E. Hubbard

Jonah and the repenting Ninevites. Peter on the Day of Pentecost. One powerful, spirit-filled message changed many hard hearts. Hmm!

Automation. Assembly lines, Time-motion processes, etc. Yes it’s true in many areas the human element has been curtailed or improved upon to benefit mankind, some good, some not so good. However, no matter how technologically advanced we become; no mechanized process can change the hearts of men and women. Only God working through us can accomplish this great feat, and this happens only in relationship. So, no matter what comes our way may we be extraordinary today.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25:34-36

Those little irritants...

If there are irritations in your life, remember the oyster; who uses them to make a pearl. – Anon

Joseph had brothers who sold him into slavery. But he later saved them and his people. Moses had the Israelites who continually vexed him. But he led them to become a great nation. Hmm!

If there is one thing true of this life it is we all have irritations, crises, stress, and bad-timed events happen to us that sometimes seem to “chafe” at our spirit. Surprise – Jesus said it would happen! And whether it’s the work of the enemy, or God trying to grow our faith, the key is to focus on the ‘positives’ these circumstances create and use this to still bring about a good work for God. If God can work ‘all things for our good’ shouldn’t we try the same. Here’s praying our ‘presentation’ be pleasing today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers; whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

Knowing Disobedience

Knowing and not doing are equal to not knowing at all. – Anon

Peter and John were arrested and charged not to “preach in the name of Jesus” anymore. It was the only NAME they knew. And boy did they preach!

It’s never a minor thing to know God’s will and not do it. The bible calls this sin. We can make excuses for our lack of obedience, “I’m just not ready yet,” or “I’ll do it later,” or “I can’t afford to,” etc. Other times we may even deceive ourselves into thinking that good intentions equal obedient actions. But good intentions without corresponding action is still disobedience. God has granted us TODAY with its host of opportunities to get it right, to make a difference. Go for it!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” – James 4:17  

A Thankless Job

Beware every time you notice yourself doing a good thing because you ruin it by the notice. – O. Chambers

Jesus said the actions of the 'righteous' Pharisee went for naught because of his attitude and bragging in doing them. OUCH!

There is a lot of truth to the cliché “a good deed is its own reward.” Sure we all appreciate a good pat on the back, a kind “thank you,” or acknowledgement of our actions, but when we come to expect such a response for what should be our Christian duty or we talk them up like we just saved the world, we come dangerously close to being like our Pharisaical friend. Good deeds should just naturally flow (holding open a door for someone, helping out when needed without being asked, etc.) without any expectation of thanks or repayment. In so doing we are becoming more like Christ.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” –Colossians 3:23

The heart of the matter

To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. – Anon

When the other leaders and officials conspired against Daniel, he continued his prayers ‘openly.’ God eventually brought him vindication. OUCH!

We all know what we want and expect out of life and as such we set goals, objectives, and parameters, etc., on ourselves to help maintain focus and purpose. But when it comes to relating to others, though our desires may be noble, we cannot force those same goals, objectives, and parameters on them. One thing God’s patience with us screams very loudly is that the ‘grace card’ can NEVER be overplayed. As He extends mercy, forgiveness, compassion, love, grace, and provision to us each and every day in abundance, so should we in dealing with our fellow man. This does not mean we are completely accepting of others sinful ways - as God is not with us and expects repentance – but that we are not condemning them in their sin, leaving the door of repentance and change open to them. The situations and people God brings before us today will be worked out not so much by what God gives us, but by what we use.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong….” I Kings 3:9

Get Out of the Zone

If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat. – J. Ortberg

James and John left their father Zebedee in the boat mending nets when Jesus called them. They learned to ‘fish’ for men. Hmm!

We have a natural tendency in life to find our “comfort zone” and then firmly position ourselves there in place, unwilling to move or change regardless of who we encounter. But it’s often in these situations where we miss out on God’s activity. If we are in a situation or lifestyle where we are perfectly capable of handling everything, then we’ve ceased growing in our understanding and dependence on God. God’s assignments generally disrupt our comfortable routines and take us into the realm of the unknown – where we learn to trust Him more – because He wants to be known in a new way to us. When the uncomfortable comes, maybe we should ask God what’s He up to!

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” – Matthew 19:29-30

P.S. - ISCC parents, we would love to have the children available for Sunday evening services.

Spreading Joy

You can never give another person the joy you’ve found, but you can make him homesick for what you have. – O. Chambers

After talking with Jesus at the well, the Samaritan woman excited the whole town with what she found there. AMEN!

If there’s one thing this present world could use it is joy. Economic news, world news, and even local news all seems to be negative; and in the home there is little or no peace. We are called to be a light, to be a joyful people – these traits attract others – that we might impact the world around us. We must remember our joy isn’t determined by what we have, but who we have. If our immediate sphere of influence is dark and dreary and without hope, we shouldn’t look outward, but inward; and then upward. If our Christian walk is not attracting or impacting others, then we’re really not living for Jesus we’re living for ourselves. May we all be ‘infectious’ today!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11

Select Capable Officials

We don’t always have to ‘let the chips fall where they may,’ its okay to give them a little direction from time to time. – Anon

When the disciples needed someone to take Judas’ place, they prayed and then cast lots (voted) for Matthias. Hmm!

It has been said that America is a land where a man will cross the ocean to fight for democracy and won’t even cross the street to vote. OUCH! It is our civic duty as Americans, and more so than that; it is our spiritual duty as children of God to be involved in the governmental processes. True, God ‘sets kings up and deposes them,’ but generally God works through people – US – to effect change in the world. If we are to be subject to ‘higher powers’ then we should ensure those in power are men and women of righteous character. VOTE!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But select capable men from all the people – men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens…..” – Exodus 18:21

Keeping Minor Frustrations Just That

Life is often unfair, that’s why there’s God. - Anon

Even on the worst day of his life, when he lost everything; Job still refused to give up or get mad with God. Hmm!

Sometimes the toast gets burnt, the kid spills the milk, the car breaks down, or maybe we get stuck in a traffic jam. These are minor frustrations of life, but we must catch ourselves, slow down, gain perspective and not let these minor frustrations become a major attitude issue. Every day God gives us is perfect, but yet it doesn’t mean everything that happens will be good and perfect. But His promise is to take it all and bring good from it in His good time if we remain faithful and true. The frustrations that happen to us rob God neither of His power or promises. So in spite of the frustrations we might face, an attitude of gratitude will win the day with God.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God…..For the Lord your God is a merciful God…..” – Deuteronomy 4:30-31

Praise and Trust. He's Faithful!

When we look back on the faithfulness of God, we praise Him. When we look forward to God’s faithfulness, we trust Him. – K. Watters

God knew the shortness of the human mind which is why He instituted ‘feast days’ and ‘memorials.’ It’s all about HIM! Amen.

Well it's Friday, the end of another week. For most of us we sit back and reflect on the weekly activities and interactions to determine if it was good or bad. Some of us even go so far as to let the workweek activities dictate how we will spend the weekend. But no matter which way you look, backwards or forward you must admit, God has been faithful. Praise or Trust. Praise and Trust. Either way you can’t lose.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” – Psalm 117

Hearts Set Free

Praise is the song of a soul set free. - Anon

Though David's wife Michal didn't like his dancing, God was pleased. Hmm!

It happens every so often. Just a few notes of a tune from our past and our hearts go aflutter - it's our 'JAM' - that song or melody that takes us back in memory to a time where our hearts were light and seemingly no troubles or trials existed. For a brief moment we're free of care. Wow, it seems like God knew we would need our hearts set free from time to time long before we did, and in a way that would be much more meaningful. How so? Well, when you think it through our 'jam' never did anything for us specifically, only offer a momentary respite; but God does everything for us and is a constant presence and source of peace. And I think we'd take that any day, anytime, and anyplace. Just think of Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail. If we can't praise, maybe we're not as free as we think.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise....." - Psalm 48:1

Time and Opportunity

God's best gift to us is not things, but time and opportunity. - A.W. Rollins

The rich young ruler couldn't part with his wealth to follow the King of kings. Hmm!

There exists a strange paradox within all of us when you think it through. Of all the things we ask for in life, the most important to us is an opportunity to prove our mettle, show ourselves worthy. The paradox is we get hung up on the things of this world for validation. They become our trophies and testament to a life well lived, they are what we put upfront to show we matter. God's desire is that we see time and opportunity in terms of relationship with others, and particularly Him. For it is in the time we give to others and the opportunities we take to share with others that we truly receive and pass on God's gift.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great." - Proverbs 18:16