The You the World Needs

The first part of winning is just showing up. - Anon

David said he could not fight Goliath in Saul’s armor for it wasn’t his style. He later ‘rocked’ Goliath to sleep. Hmm!

On the job – come payday everyone likes to show up and get paid, and get paid for what THEY did, and that’s completely understandable. Well, God made you – YOU! He didn’t make any one else like you. He made you to be the YOU the world needs, not to hide behind an ‘identity’ or mask, nor to be a shape-shifter living to please everyone around. YOU are a unique creation of God, made for a specific  purpose in His story of love and redemption  for all of mankind, and our God knows all about YOU. He knows your comings and your goings, your lying down and rising up; yes, even your inner most thoughts. So if He’s okay with you, why not be the YOU He made you to be. The choice is yours!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” – John 12:27-28

Becoming

Everyday we live we are in the process of becoming – look now before it’s too late. – R. Coons

Even while dying on the cross as a convicted criminal the thief still refused to change his heart. It was a waste of life. Hmm!

Each morning as we look in the mirror someone is looking back at us. It is the person we are. We can’t hide from it, and though we may try to “make it up” or put on our mask, the real person remains. There is no escaping it; we are the person we have become. Hopefully that news is a good, joyful revelation, and not one of regret.  But if not, God is allowing us to start over TODAY to become who He wants us to be. The decision to change is up to each one of us individually. The bible says Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man, and became a “Perfect Lamb.” That’s God’s plan – what’s yours?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” – James 1:22-24

Personally Changing the World

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world. – R. Otto

When Andrew found Jesus he went and got his brother Peter. That meeting changed Peter’s world. Amen!

It’s an amazing fact that is often overlooked by most. We read the Acts 2:38-41 account and often come away feeling that's how the world will be won - with a major miracle event, such as the often seen Franklin Graham or Greg Laurie crusades, tent revivals, or feel-good conferences. These things are well and good and have their place, but it still took someone to personally invite the individuals who pack these events. See, in reality souls are won one by one, PERSONALLY. It takes a Christian to make another Christian or introduce them to Christ, and we know the enemy is not doing it. So, that leaves us. Maybe we should ask God to help us be the one to do so today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth, and someone would bring him back, remember this, whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” – James 5:19-20

Facing Criticism

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. – N. DeKalb

Though Job’s wife and friends were critical of him about his faith and position before God, he held fast. God later brought vindication!

It’s record breaking temperatures and we rant. It’s raining heavily and again we rant. It’s foggy, cloudy, cold, etc. and we vent. Isn’t it good to know that no matter what we say there’s always more weather tomorrow, that it doesn’t go away mad never to return. God in His word told us we would often face the same type of persecution; sometimes from those closest to us. But when we’re doing right we will be criticized, for that is the job of wrong – to criticize or eliminate what is right. Criticism may sting at times – not because it’s true – but because our ‘flesh’ wants to retaliate. But remember Jesus, He was hung on a cross and still forgave them.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:12-14

Dark Times Bright Future

Some of the sharpest pictures are developed in the darkest rooms. – W. Smith

While Jesus was dying on the cross there was darkness all over the land. But then came The Resurrection. Can you say - Hallelujah!

Photo albums. We all have them. And from time to time we revisit them and reflect on the character and nature of the photo and what we were doing at the time. But have you ever really thought about the fact the albums only have pictures of us in 'good times.' That there are no pictures of us when we were going 'through it,' the tough times, down times. The times that really shook us but yet shaped us the most. The fact of the matter is we’ve all had grief, suffering, heartache, and sorrow in our lives, sometimes more than we think we can bear or deserve. But in truth it is often out of the ‘crucible’ of our dark times we encounter the greatest growth, changed hearts, deeper convictions, or greater appreciation for who God really is, and we are made a little more like Christ. And that’s a good thing!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead……" -I Peter 1:3

Not Easy but that's okay

True, it’s easier to walk down a hill than up it, but the view is from the top! – Anon

The rich young ruler who came to Jesus wanted an easy way into God’s kingdom, but Jesus’ answer cost him a little too much. Hmm!

We live in a society that continuously looks for the easy way of doing things but still expecting grand results. They think microwave dinners should taste like 5-star restaurant cooking, or a few months or years on the job should put them in the top position, or even reading a chapter or two of God’s word should make them intimate friends. And often we get caught up in such thinking as well. But in reality we must be willing to give in to discipline and apply ourselves to the task for the long haul if we want to reap the rewards that are truly satisfying and life fulfilling. If God truly does have blessings that “eyes have not seen nor ear heard” maybe a little bit more patient toiling can’t be all bad.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life…” – James 1:12

What it Costs

Salvation is free……but discipleship will cost you your life. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Peter said he was willing to die for Jesus, until that fateful night and the cock “crowed.” Hmm!

The average person likes a bargain in any deal, where you get more for less; but if we’re not careful we begin to apply that type of mentality to God and His church. Salvation is free but God expects whole-hearted devotion. Whole-heartedness shows itself in perseverance, there may be a failure or two at first, but the earnest devotee thinks, “it is the Lord’s work, and it must be done; I signed up for it, My Lord has bidden ME to do it, and in His strength I will do it.” I pray there is no “crowing” in our inner chamber.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head’…. Luke 9:57-58

Vexing the Devil

We cannot vex the devil more than by teaching, preaching, singing and talking of Jesus. - Martin Luther

When Satan attacked him, Jesus just let God’s Word do the talking. How simple. Hmm!

Just as certain as us waking this morning, our enemy is already planning ways to pounce on our parade. And he has a distinct advantage because he’s been awake all night plotting against us. And since the Garden scene he’s used the same method all these years, deceit and deception. He’s the master of putting so much into our lives and deceiving us into thinking it’s necessary, that we can’t seem to find time to spend with Jesus; for he know that’s our only way to defeat him. The bible tells us he has no defense against Jesus. So if the day gets burdensome and heavy laden maybe we need to do a bit more ‘vexing’ than complaining. It’s guaranteed to change the outlook.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:19

Work Attitude

We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work required is the same. – Carlos Castaneda

Jesus tells us 2 men did the exact same thing, built homes. A storm however, made the outcome very different. OUCH!

Each day has 24 hours. Each week has 7 days. Each year has 52 weeks. You get the picture. We all have the same opportunity to build and live a life that is meaningful and worthwhile for God or a life that is self-centered, fragile, and empty. The decision should not be that hard, but even for us as Christians we often fool ourselves chasing after that which is fleeting and temporary. The attitude we bring to each day’s venture is strictly the result of no one but ourself. Today can have great meaning if we allow it.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” – I Corinthians 3:11-13

Primal Pursuit

Christianity doesn’t just lock us into Jesus, it sets us free to pursue God. – Erwin McManus

Jesus told his disciples they would do even greater things than he, because he was going to the Father. They later turned the world upside down. WOW!

It is said that between them, lions are more easily domesticated than tigers. The reason is that lions hunt only for the purpose of eating, so their motivation is hunger. Tigers on the other hand, hunt for the sheer thrill of the chase, which makes them always dangerous. When it comes to our faith, God is not looking for a “domesticated” version, but a more primal faith that is ever seeking to know him better and in different ways. If He is about to do a 'new thing' or open a 'new path' then our pursuit of Him should never grow routine or lifeless.  We need be ready, the day is upon us.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to you, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’” – Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)

How far will you go?

If you aren’t going to go all the way, why bother going at all. – Joe Namath

The moment Jesus left heaven He knew an agonizing cross would be his final act. He gladly bore it too. WOW!

“Are we there yet?” Most of us are familiar with this question that often occurs on long trips with impatient children. Though annoying when screamed several times at loud decibels, the question itself is just a reminder that we are on a journey that has an endpoint or destination. The same is true of our lives as well, there is an endpoint or destination, and sadly though many talk of ‘going to heaven’ they make very little progress in that direction, their lives just don’t line up with their ‘confession of faith.’  We must know that Heaven is not a place everyone suddenly winds up in, it’s a prepared place for a prepared people. And God has stipulated what our preparation is to be, no more and no less. The situations that arise today will ask us ‘how far are we willing to go?’

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62

The Same

Science and religion both agree there was ‘a beginning.’ But it’s only science who keeps changing the story. - Anon

When asked not to teach in the ‘name of Jesus’ anymore, Peter and John somewhat said “it’s the only truth we know.” Amen!

Our world is in a constant state of change – but God is not! Every day we encounter new laws, new morality, new economics, and a slew of other issues. And sometimes, even those we counted on to be strong pillars or unshakeable foundations change their position overnight. But we can take great comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the one rock that cannot be shaken. ‘He is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ He will always be faithful and true – ALWAYS! And for us that should be one of the most peaceful and comforting thoughts we can ever have. So if this world and its issues have you worrying about which way to look or turn, just fix your focus on Him who never changes. Life is much easier when you do.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…..I, the Lord, do not change…” – Malachi 3:6

P.S. - Don't forget our annual Business Meeting this Sunday following morning services.

Make it Happen

A wish changes nothing, a decision changes plans, but only actions get results. – Sparks

5, 2, and 1 were the number of talents the owner gave his servants. Two of the servants brought him a return. The other brought him grief. OUCH!

From a small child we are taught to dream big, shoot for the stars. And we go about it making all sorts of elaborate plans. But the only way to get the results we want is to work towards them. Investing time and patience (the greatest of warriors), discipline and prayer (our greatest resources), end results can be achieved. Rather than being one who ‘wondered what happened in life,’ God grants us each the opportunity to make life happen. And it’s often in helping others in life we achieve the dreams or goals we set for ourselves. So if we truly believe God is a “rewarder” of those who diligently seek him, then time is a’wastin.’

Until tomorrow..…

Pastor Botts

“About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’” – Matthew 20:6-7

Stretched Thin

Stretching may be good for exercise, but not so for life. – Anon

Elijah was ready to give up on life because he thought ‘he’ was the only priest of God left doing the work, but God told him otherwise. Hmm!

Life and all its gifts and opportunities given to us by God was never meant to leave us feeling overworked, over-committed, and completely overwhelmed. But in truth many of us are, we are simply stretched thin. God’s gifts of family, careers, and even pleasure were never meant to supplant Him, but to be enjoyed in a way that brings glory to Him, and being stretched thin does not allow us to give our best to Him. God’s plan has always been that we take time to slow down, enjoy His presence, company, and conversation. If we’re short on time today may be a good time to take a serious look at ‘our priorities.’

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus} said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest…” – Mark 6:31

Ready Begin!

The secret of getting ahead is getting………………..……..……..started! – S. Berger

The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt not because Nehemiah prayed about it, but because he also took action on it. – Amen!

Plans are great. Devising plans and strategies for life and success are great. We all know that ‘failure to plan is actually planning for failure’. But all the plans, strategies, how-to-books, CD’s, and DVD’s in our possession will never bring us success if we never take the first step, which is just getting started. Wishing you could save is not the same as actually putting something aside – with purpose. Planning on going to bible study, or church, is not the same as just actually blocking the time out and going. Just as we were as babies the first step is the hardest, but we kept at it and look at us now. Whatever your plans may be for God the question remains to be answered – what’s holding you back?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around, He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing around here all day long doing nothing…” – Matthew 20:6

Committed to the Cause

Better to act and not be successful than never to have responded at all. – C. Ringma

Though he was unsuccessful in his attempt, Abraham at least pleaded with God for Sodom’s safety. Hmm!

Truth be told, we do want to see changes take place in our world, and in particular changes to situations which perpetuate sin, evil, or injustice. But sadly we are often slow to act because we don’t often make ourselves aware of them or because we avoid seeing things for what they really are. We often wait until the evil or injustice becomes more magnified before we respond, and then we often claim it’s too late or our little effort won’t help any. But faithfulness can never be measured in terms of successes, but only in terms of commitment. It does not matter the odds or conditions we’re up against, God has called us to be committed to the cause of Christ at all times, not just when it’s convenient or feels good, and often the cause of Christ will justify us going out into the public arena to try and help right injustice or stand up against evil. The one truth you can always say of a fighter – “at least he fought.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor then honor.” – Romans 13:7

Rest Stop

God worked then rested a whole day. Whatever happened to that example? – Anon

When king Darius threw Daniel into the lions den, he was the one who went without rest. Hmm!

Life has its rhythm of day and night, spring and summer, birth and death. There is also a time to be still and rest; all ordained by God. Our hearts' wants outside of God’s desires for us have caused us to try and gradually increase the speed of life, amount of consumption, and rate of living; trying to have it all and have it right now. But life on this planet has never been about having it all, it’s about enjoying God along the journey we take (think Enoch) and letting Him set the pace. He said in His Word He would ‘give us rest.’ As you walk today and begin to feel the desire to increase the pace, make sure God is still beside you.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening.” – Psalm 104:21-23

P.S. - Don't forget all Ministry/Auxiliary reports for 2016 for the Annual Business Meeting package are due by this Friday. Also, hope you're preparing for our Panel Discussion this coming Sunday at 9AM.  

Because Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…… - Hebrews 11:1

It took Nathaniel a minute when he first met Jesus, but after that he ‘believed.’ WOW!

BECAUSE! What a word. Usually it is followed by a rational or logical reason as to why something occurred, “this happened because this or that…..” That’s how we as adults understand its use. But it wasn’t always that way. As children we took it purely by faith. We’d ask our parents or someone we trusted a question, and often the answer was the single word ‘because’ and we were completely satisfied. This is the kind of faith God is searching for in our hearts today: childlike, unpretentious, trusting faith. He doesn’t mind us asking or even testing Him at times, but eventually we should get to a point where “‘because’ God said it, it’s settled and I’ll trust Him in it. The when, where, how, etc., is His business, ours is just to trust and believe it will come to pass.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….[Jesus said]…I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3

The Best Time Is

The best years in life are those between birth and death. – Anon

Through good times and a lot of suffering, Jesus made the most out of his life here on earth so at the last he could profoundly say “It is finished.” WOW!

Complain, complain, complain! Sometimes it seems it’s all we can do or it’s all we hear from others. It almost makes one think life is not worth the living no matter what age one reaches. But in truth, it really doesn’t matter how young or old one is the best time of life is right now. No matter the circumstances, good or bad, up or down, sickness or health, the joy or misery that comes out of them will be directly proportional to the effort and attitude we attack them with. True we may not like our station in life right now but God still expects us to ‘rejoice’ in it, meaning we can look for the lessons and inspiration He would have us learn from it. Today is a great gift just full of blessings and benefits if we know how to approach it. The choice is ours and ours alone.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:16-18

P.S. - Don't forget all Ministry/Auxiliary reports for 2016 for the Annual Business Meeting package are due by this Friday.

Also, hope you're preparing for our Panel Discussion this coming Sunday at 9AM.

Petals of Love

I just called to say…..’I love you!’ – Stevie Wonder

Whenever He was in town, Jesus would stop by the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Hmm!

Roses, carnations, daisies, daffodils, tulips, poppies! Have you ever stopped to wonder why our wise God created flowers? It’s the same reason we send them to one another. Simply to say ‘I love you!’ He broadcasts this message every day. Just look around. Flowers bloom in backyards, front yards, in slum towns, in ritzy neighborhoods, in desert areas, in Communist countries, in free countries, all over the world. One does not have to be well-educated, or highly paid to have flowers grow in their yards – they just grow because of our Great God. Every color and shape, with a fragrant inviting aroma. The world around us can sometimes be a daunting, hurting, hateful place. I think God painted it with flowers just to remind us how much we are loved. So if you can’t get enough hugs today, just ‘consider the lilies of the field….

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys…..” – Song of Songs 2:1

The Master's Plan

Yes, God knows we have plans, but He planned for us, and He outranks us! - Anon

Jonah had made up in his mind that Nineveh was not his concern nor his work, but God had other plans. Hmm!

Admittedly, we are all the same in one regard – we seek answers to gain direction and insight in our career and life choices. Yes our natural abilities, gifts, and desires all play a role in our decision, but they also lead to questions like: ‘What am I really good at?’… ‘What is really worth doing?’….What about advancement, compensation, etc.?’ But the question ‘What does God want me to do?’…. rarely comes into play, or if it does, it’s near the end of all the other considerations. But if God made Esther for ‘such a time as this,’ or saw king David when he was a ‘ruddy kid,’ or ordained the ‘Pharisee of Pharisees – Paul,’ to preach to the lowly Gentiles; maybe He has purpose for each of us in spite of our self-qualifying success measures. When we’re asking God to ‘use me’ maybe, just maybe we should let Him. Welcome to 2017!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” – Isaiah 6:8