Room for Improvement

There's always room for improvement, you know - it's the biggest room in the house. - L.H. Leber

John the Baptist told his disciples if they wanted something better they should try Jesus. What a difference it made. WOW!

After winning many Grand Slam events and being on top of her game, Serena Williams changed her coach. Why, because she wanted to be even better. She had made it up in her mind she wanted to improve and she did something about it. It paid off, not only did she win many, many more Slams, she ranked #1 in the world for over 3 years. Within everyone of us, in our walk with God, is a longing for something greater, and the ability to get better. Better at prayer, worship, attendance, serving, giving, leadership,  memorizing scripture, controlling our tongue; I could go on and on. The key is not just to desire it, but to do something about it. Maybe we need to 'fire' ourselves as coach and hire someone else to make us accountable. God always wants us to change for the better or greater good, and not remain complacent and satisfied with yesterday's results.  By way of the Holy Spirit God will provide the means of our improvement if we will provide the initiative.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." - Galatians 5:17-18  

Making God Smile

Parents of bright children are always great believers in heredity. – P. Williams

God looked down on Jesus in his obedience and said, “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” WOW!

You see the stickers on the rear window or bumper: “My child made the Honor Roll at…..” A proud parent statement if ever there were one. Or others we might hear from time to time: “He’s a chip off the old block!” “She’s got her mother’s brains!” Statements that bring a smile a mile wide on the parents faces, and make them stick their chests out. But what about God, our Heavenly Father? We were created in His image, infused with His Spirit, given life by His command. And we are loved unconditionally by Him in spite of ourselves. So, just for today, could we live so God is right? So others can see and believe that we are in fact – related.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“…I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people….” – Jeremiah 31:33

Liberating Confession

Liberty is one of the most precious gifts that heaven has bestowed on man. - M. de Cervantes

Though he was free and owed no man, the Prodigal son's brother was a prisoner in his own heart. Hmm!

Most bank vaults are built to be secure. Surrounded by several layers of concrete with reinforced steel, other materials, and alarm systems makes them virtually impenetrable. It would take a concerted, monumental effort to break in. When you think about it, this is the same building process or method Satan uses to hold us hostage in our own heart. He sows guilt, shame, fear, or some other sin in our heart and then begins to build around it. Day by day and layer by layer he coats it with all the 'reasons' we should keep this secret, locked away, holding us hostage. Our freedom however, is ever near. The power of confession to Christ breaks every bond and grip of the enemy and sets us free, to live our lives fully for the glory and honor of God. Which by the way is why He gave us TODAY. Freedom is just a repentance and prayer away.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord and you forgave the guilt of my sin..." - Psalm 32:5

Bricks of Success

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at them. – D. Brinkley

Even as he hung there dying on the cross the people continued to insult Jesus. He never said a word but yet built the firmest foundation a man can have – SALVATION!

If there is one thing we know as a certainty it’s that we will be persecuted. It matters not whether it be family, co-workers, church members, or even our friends; persecution seems to come in abundance at times. But the desire of God in all of this is that we take these opportunities to grow our character in a way that lets the light of Christ shine forth in our lives. The greatest success is not to get back at our opponents but to “shake off” the dirt they throw upon us and “step up.” Done enough we’ll rise as more and more dirt falls to the ground to build upon. True, it’s hard work;  for nothing worth having ever comes easy, but the rewards are much sweeter.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings – what kinds of things happened to me…the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” – II Timothy 3:10-11

Can't Stop Won't Stop

Others may stop you temporarily – only you can do it permanently. – Z. Ziglar

Satan tempted both Peter and Judas to betray Jesus that fateful night. One went on to become a great apostle, the other died in infamy. The choice was theirs!

Live long enough and one thing you’re sure to run into is opposition. Worthy causes are always met with the most opposition. In this life we will encounter setbacks, lack of support, lack of resources, loss of friends, and even full frontal assaults. But if the desire is truly there within the heart our pursuits will continue, “for greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world.” If we truly have a zeal for God, retreat or surrender is not an option.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14

Learn From It

It’s hard to think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday. – A. Lincoln

When God said ‘He that has an ear let him hear,’ He actually expected them to do something afterward. Hmm!

Mistakes – we all make them, it’s just a fact of life. The key is to learn from them and not repeat the same ones over and over. And that includes the lessons we can learn from others that have been down a path we need not go. Debt burdens, poor health, stealing, etc. are all avenues to avoid, not get further entangled in. Yes, God did say He can turn any situation around to work it for His glory, but He also said the ‘consequences’ of the sin will follow. It’s true, people do read us more by our actions than our words, so let us preach today loud and clearly by the way we walk.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father…” – Proverbs 29:3

Steady Progress

A Christian is never in a state of completion, but always in the process of becoming. – M. Luther

Moses thought he was ready at age 40 to lead God’s people. God didn’t call until he reached the age of 80. Hmm!

Everybody is looking for the quick and easy way to make it. The truism that ‘slow and steady wins the race’ has been somewhat kicked to the curb. Just look around us, in sports its now steroids or PED’s for success, in finance its trading on insider information. In health its now fad diets, highly concentrated exercise plans, or even medical procedures. And this kind of thinking often filters its way into other areas of life. But with our spiritual development and growth there are no steroids, fast-track plans, insider tips, or invasive procedures to pump up our souls. As much as we try to force it, rearrange it, or change it, God still builds our faith, character, integrity, and trust the old fashioned way – through discipline and love. You can’t hurry either of these. So if we’re looking to grow, and we should; then we need to apply ourselves to a regimen of study, submission, AND application to what the Spirit of God reveals to us. Today will have a few exams, I hope we’re all prepared.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – I Corinthians 13:11  

The Peril of Pride

To be proud of virtue is to poison yourself with the antidote. – B. Franklin

Pharaoh’s refusal to bow his heart to God’s will as spoken through Moses only cost him his son. OUCH!

Though we know God is not pleased with the ways of a drunkard, thief, liar, or even a murderer, the bible never says He resists them, but it does say ‘God resists the proud.’ Now that’s a wake-up call to humility. Our sins or shortcomings may not be as open as the others, but when we try to pretend we’re better than, or that we have no fault or sin in our lives; the god of pride and self-delusion has taken up residence in our heart. We’ve all sinned, and every day is a major battle to live solely unto God. The truth of the matter is every kind of sin can be cleansed and forgiven by God if we humble ourselves and confess it to Him right now, before pride takes us captive.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” – Proverbs 26:12

Winning Ways

Winners have simply formed a habit of doing the things losers don’t like to do. – A. Gray

True David had a cadre of mighty warriors and fighting men trained and at the ready, but he always sought the Lord first regarding the battles. Wise indeed!

“Figure it out for yourself my lad, you’ve got all that the greatest have ever had….,” and so goes the prose that tells us we are all very equal. What separates us is how well and how often we use what God has gifted to us. Life takes DISCIPLINE, and discipline is borne out of HABIT. We are the sum total of all the hours we put into developing our habits. The great news is that if we don’t like them God has gifted us with the ability to change them and has promised to help us. If we don’t like our habits, today should be the day to change them. If we do like our habits (God-focused, of course) today is a day to even better refine them. God leaves the choice to us. But if “we are more than conquerors” God expects us to be winners!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

Half Heart Full Loss

Half-heartedness never won a battle. – W. McKinley

Gideon started with 32,000 men and God whittled it down to 300 warriors. Hmm!

The pre-game chat. The Sales Team meeting. The self-confidence pep talk. We’ve all seen, possibly heard and/or participated in something similar to these. That time where we are gathered, greeted, focused, and inflamed with a passion to put forth our all, to achieve victory, conquer the enemy, or finish the task. Life is challenging, but it is necessary to prove us and improve us. God is after those that have a heart after Him, a heart that is willing to give all to Him and for Him just as He did for us with Jesus. And just as we become suspicious when someone offers us a limp handshake or wry smile, imagine how God feels when we offer a half-hearted effort. Today is given to re-ignite your passion for God, here’s hoping it works.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” – Matthew 5:8

Dark Days Great Praise

The greater our present trials and troubles, the louder our future songs of praise will be. – C.H. Spurgeon

The Psalms, Mary's 'Magnificat'. When you remember the sufferings of people like Moses, David, and even Mary - it gives greater meaning to their songs of praise. AMEN!

Life is exact in its dealings with us. It plays no favorites. From time to time all of us must face discouragement and defeat. Winter, spring, summer or fall, the season nor our age gets us a pass. And sometimes, we experience life-changing personal losses that may leave us reeling. It is what we do in those moments that determine who we are and whose we are. The same God we praise is ready to be called upon when we are in trouble, waiting, standing at the ready to heal, restore, protect and comfort us according to His good pleasure and will. So if our world seems to be trembling or crumbling beneath our feet, we need to seek the protection of the one who can’t be moved. The God who made this universe and everything in it will keep us if we ask Him….so let’s ask Him. We’ve got nothing to lose and stand to gain everything, and if we actually think about it, what He’s already done, we should sing until we’re hoarse.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….this is what the Lord….says…I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you….” – II Kings 20:5

Stay on Target

"Stay on target..." -Gold Five Pilot -Star Wars

God was exact in all His measurements. I wonder if we should take a lesson there. Hmm!

Bullseye! Everyone is familiar with the term. It's the center of the target - dead aim center; what we all shoot for. The mark of perfection. Now when it comes to our profession of Christ it brings up a question. Are we ourselves moving towards it in a way others can see and praise or are we moving away from it, tarnishing the glory of the God we serve. One of the harshest words Jesus used for the 'religious right' of His day was hypocrite, as they were actually making it almost impossible for the people to see and witness God's presence. We will all struggle from time to time in our walk, that's not the issue, the issue is whether those around us who really know us would be able to say with certainty that we are still striving for the target or actually doing a disservice to the Lord. Since the target has not moved or changed the answer lies within us.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"....Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind..." - Matthew 22:37

The Faith Behind the Works

Our greatest need is not to do all things for good, but to believe all things work together for good. – O. Chambers

When Jesus came to town Martha worked herself into a tempest making sure everything was perfectly prepared and placed. Jesus said “good,” but not “great.” Hmm!

Ask any farmer and they'll tell you they don't expect to harvest every seed they sow, but they do fully believe they will harvest a good crop. And so they work to ensure not a perfect yield, but a maximum yield. It is the same with us in our work for Christ. Often, many of us get stuck in our efforts, or don't even try because we feel we can't do it perfectly. We must take care not to develop a “hardcore” Martha perspective. Yes we are saved to good works, but it is not so much the work, but the “faith” behind the works that really matters. It’s a false idea to think we can barter with God for results based on our activities. God looks within and without regarding our actions. The work He gives us today is important - yes - but not more important than the faith we do it with.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” – Acts 24:14-16

The Relentless Pursuit of Us

The bible is not only a bleeding book but also a pleading book. – HD. Rutherford

Much prayer and concern was offered up for Sodom and Gomorrah, but to no avail. All was lost to God’s wrath. OUCH!

We call them bloodhounds, hunting dogs. They are tracking dogs; give them a ‘scent’ and off they go, and go, tirelessly seeking their prey. In that sense, Our Christ operates the same way. He refuses to be ignored, He never gives up. We have tried for over 20 centuries to escape Him, elude Him, ignore Him, discredit Him, smear Him, and yet after all our endeavors, denials, and put-downs He still pursues us. He won’t turn back. We can try like Pilate to wash our hands of Him, or like so many others to deaden our souls cry for Him through the slumbering offerings of this world, but He still seeks us. The one who bled for us and pled for us still searches for us – with open arms! Why, only to love us and save us before the one day comes when He will have to judge us. Hopefully, we’ll tire of running before that day comes.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him…” – II Chronicles 16:9

Bring on the Love

God so loved the world..........what about you? - Anon

Even though his brother Jacob stole his birthright and blessing, Esau learned to forgive and forget. Wow!

Admittedly, we live in a fallen world full of corruption, greed, deceit, selfishness and all other kinds of ills one could imagine. And, we don't have to go very far to see it, for it's all around us,  often directly impacting our personal space. We can bemoan the situation, speak evil of it,  or even condemn to hell those practicing such things. But the sobering truth is God requires much more of us. Jesus was born into such a fallen world to save "all who would believe" and He loved many of those who practiced such sinful activities into the kingdom, including us. He was not tolerant of their sins, but He loved them 'more' than their sin, and His love won out. Now it's our turn. So before we speak evil or condescendingly of anyone, let's remember why we were actually saved and sent.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick......For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Matthew 9:12-13

All In for Discipleship

Becoming a Christian means you give your heart to Jesus. Becoming a disciple means you give Him your life too! - Anon

Joseph, Daniel. Just a couple of guys who let God in every area of their life, and He showed off. Hmm!

To be a swimmer one must be willing to not only get in the water, but go under the water and go deep in the water; there is no other way. You can talk about swimming all you want, but eventually you have to be 'all in' to do it. The same is true of our life in Christ. Many of us are just happy wearing the name 'Christian', just splashing about in the water. But Jesus wants disciples who are willing to go all in, and all in for the long haul. There are many areas in our lives we tend to try and keep Jesus out of (relationships, finances, recreation, etc.) not to mention our manner of conversation, or way of thinking; but like swimming it's all or none. These areas must get wet or 'washed over' if we're to be made disciples. He'll leave the choice up to us, but He does stand before us proclaiming "come on in, the water's fine!"

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62

Direct Connect

No one has more access to God than you! – Anon

The friends of the paralytic man cut a hole in the roof, just to put him before Jesus. He was welcomed and healed. WOW!

It’s funny how we sometimes think others have an ‘in’ with God that we don’t, as if there were some secret to it. Upon Jesus’ death on the cross the ‘veil of the temple’ was torn asunder; giving all believers equal access to God. It is true others may be more devoted in their prayer and meditational times with God – but He patiently waits and longs for each one of us to come by and come often. Yes, it’s good, healthy, and scriptural to ask others to pray for you, but God will hear each one of us as if we were the most important person there is. Remember, He shows no partiality!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God.” – John 1:12

Let it Meditate

Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. – St Francis de Sales

That Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray, that his disciples went to the temple at the hour of prayer seems important.

Early morning, late afternoon, 5 minutes, 1 hour or more – these are all variables bantered about when it comes to prayer and meditation with God. The truth of the matter is there is no secret formula or one-size fits all. What is important is that we take time from our busy lives each day to spend with God, talking to and LISTENING to Him. The One who planned the day surely knows how it will pan out and the direction He has purposed for us. It is important to note that the more time we spend with God the more we hear and understand His heart and the less inclined we are to go off on our own path.

Until tomorrow……

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