The Joy in the Journey

If you’re not enjoying the journey, you probably won’t like the destination. – J. Tye

The apostle Paul 'boasted' about what his life of suffering for Christ was achieving for him in glory. Hmm!

It goes without saying that we should be enjoying life each day just as it comes. Amidst all the “Monday Mornings” and the daily trials we should be able to find the abundant life Jesus promised, providing we see it through His nail pierced hands and feet. Though God has promised to care and provide for us He never said everyday would be a breeze nor all of life cozy and comfortable,just that He would be there with us. So it's His company we should enjoy daily. Take time out to find the joy in your daily walk, it’s there if you look upward.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

"...for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - II Corinthians 4:17

Enjoyed but not Consumed by

One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important. – B. Russell

God’s prophet Elijah thought that he alone was the sole standout for God. God showed him HE had 7,000+ who had not bowed a knee to Baal. Hmm!

We see it all the time in sports, entertainment, politics, etc. Players and actors who feel the “show” can’t go on without them, that they are irreplaceable, no one can do what they do. In truth, the show does go on,maybe not exactly how we think it should, but go on it does; just as it did before we got there. While we should enjoy our work or whatever we do, for it is a form of worship to God; it should not consume us and keep us away from the very God who created us and the families He's placed us in. Here's hoping our work is a means to an end and not the other way around.

Until tomorow…..

Pastor Botts

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” – Mark 6:30-32

Personally Known

You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was. – Abraham Lincoln

David was the greatest king Israel ever knew, but his son Solomon was its wisest. Both knew GOD! Hmm!

Though we may admire them as we grow older we do not automatically turn into our parents. Though they instill us with wisdom, nurture us; give guidance and assistance it does not make us like them. Who we are or become takes shape when life’s trials and circumstances come upon us and what we have inside is put to the test. This is called growing. The same is true of our faith walk with God. No matter how often our parents took us to church, read us the bible, or made us participate in Easter & Christmas plays, our relationship with God has to be personal. We may know the same God our parents know, but we must know him apart from our parent’s knowledge of him. Remember, God has no grandchildren.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying ‘Know the Lord.’ Because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 31:34

The miracle or the Miracle Worker

Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to. - G. Seaton

Even in the midst of being tossed into a fiery furnace with the thought of God not sparing them, the 3 Hebrew boys couldn't denounce the God they served and loved. You know the ending!

Without doubt, God is still in the miracle working business, but His primary desire is for relationship with His people. There are times when we seem to prefer the miracle over the miracle worker. There are times we get so carried away with our deliverance, or the revelation we've received, we forget the very God who's responsible. Miracles are only manifested to bring God glory. If we need them to sustain our faith or to prove God real, then our faith is in vain. True faith rests in the God of miracles, not the miracles themselves. God truly wants to be known and loved for who HE IS to us, not so much what He does for us.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus told him, 'because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." - John 20:29

Meet Together Still

Though most people have never been home-schooled, they fully believe in being home-churched. – Anon

Though Abram was away from his homeland, he still sought out God’s high priest (Melchizedek) to worship. God called him friend. AMEN!

The early church (ekklesia = called out of God) met from house to house, or house to temple, but they always met together at the appointed times. God has always wanted his people to gather together to praise his name. Yes, we can worship by ourselves anywhere at anytime, but if Jesus truly came to establish the church we can be sure he had our attending it in mind. People today may think the church is archaic, old, out-dated, out of touch with reality, or run it's course. The question then becomes who gets to tell Jesus/God that. It's true God forgives us of our sins, but not our wanton disregard and excuses for not doing His will, and attending the church services is His will. As we progress through TODAY, let us begin to make preparations for Sunday.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Let us NOT give up meeting TOGETHER, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the DAY approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

Word of Life

A word to the wise is sufficient, and it's life. - Anon

The Centurion leader knew it would only take a word from Jesus to heal his servant at home. Jesus called it great faith. Hmm!

If we were to receive a note or autograph from a famous politician, athlete, movie star, etc. we would probably save it as a keepsake, and proudly show it to our friends. How much more precious is a message from Almighty God! We often want God to speak into our lives, but often neglect to give Him opportunity. It's an overwhelming thought at times, but God speaks directly to each of us through the bible -His Word. Whenever we open our bibles we should expect that God has something to say to us. And no matter whether His words are praising us or disciplining us, we ought to consider it joy to receive such life-changing words from the Master. If you need a word from God why not open His Book today!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by your name, O Lord God of hosts." - Jeremiah 15:16

Love all the way

Christian love goes the second mile, and the third, and the fourth if necessary. – Anon

Jesus, our perfect example; showed us how far his love went – all the way to the cross. WOW!

Peter was asked of Jesus 3 times “Do you love me,” each time more probing than before. Jesus wanted Peter to know his love could not have any bounds. It’s a question we must all answer as Christians. How far does our love go? Does it go far enough to help the one who is down and out, far enough to bear the indignity of our co-worker, far enough to bear the sleight of our friend, far enough to forgive the hurt caused by our family member, far enough to disrupt our schedule for someone in need, or far enough to continue to fight in spite of surmounting odds against us. And if the answer is YES, then we must ask ourselves would we do it again and again. God did, and continues to do it for us. His desire in this is that we “go and do likewise.”

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“...and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God..." - Ehpesians 3:19

We gotta Move It Move It

You can’t guide something that isn’t moving. - Ben Merold

Jesus’ reply to those who wanted to know him was simple – “follow me!” Hmm.

The steering wheel in an automobile is one of the most important pieces of equipment necessary, but only when the car is in motion, otherwise it’s pretty much useless. For many people the idea conveyed is true of their lives. We often fall into ruts, or complacency, and remain at a standstill wondering how to change things up. We can’t sit still and serve God. We can’t sit idle and fulfill our purpose. God is on the move, always has been and always will be. He’s seeking and searching for those who will go for Him. We often wonder why it seems we’re not getting anywhere in our lives, maybe it’s because we’ve sat down on God. If we want His guidance in our lives we must be willing to move. Remember, the Great Commission gave us permission to GO, not to stop.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the desert. He guided them safely, so they were unafraid….” – Psalm 78:52-53

Life in context of God's Book

Life is like a full library owned by an author. In it are a few books which he wrote himself, but most of them were written for him. – H.E. Fosdick

Most of the kings in the bible kept records of their monarchy, but it was always God’s Word that prevailed over them. Hmm!

The passing on of information and knowledge is a good thing, particularly those things that are helpful, insightful, and edifying. And books are a great resource for such a transaction. And yes, we should want to tell a story with our lives, but that story should be in context with the greater story of the God who made us. So we need to read and obey His book before we try and write ours. So often many of us are trying to write great screenplays, how-to books, or life guidance novels with our life story for those who come after us, when all we really need to do is as Solomon said “fear God.and keep His commands.” That’s the story we should be writing with our lives for those who come after us. Life itself is the greatest gift we have, and if we live it right, tell it correctly, and write it succinctly for others, we will have all eternity to discuss it with them in glory. Today’s a good day to jot down a few notes.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Of making many books there is no end and much study wearies the body….here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

Be A Giver

Some people give and forgive, others get and forget. - R. Murray

God spared David's life from Saul and gave him the kingdom of Israel and Judah, but as soon as David laid eyes on Bathsheba he forgot all about God. Hmm!

Here's a quick quiz. Look at your surroundings - are you greatful or grateful? The God we serve has said repeatedly He is willing to give us all good things "no good thing will He withhold from His children.' It's ironic that we, being made in the image of God; wherein we possess His character traits, seem to have more a desire to get than to give. God is not against the 'abundant' life, but the abundance He speaks of is in joyful relationships, not things. Relationship with Him and with those He places in our lives - those we would be willing to share our lives with. It's virtually impossible to love someone and not be willing to forgive them a trespass. The good thing is that in spite of what David did, God still forgave him. Our challenge today is to be more like our Heavenly Father.

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

"Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.'" - Acts 20:35

That Vexing Tune

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 tomorrow……

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

More Blessings More Thanks

The more we thank God for what we have, the more we have to thank God for. – Anon

When Jesus gave thanks over a few loaves and fish it suddenly became enough to feed 5,000+, with leftovers. Hmm!

Count your blessings, name them one by one….so the song goes. The underlying theme is we could never really get to a final tally of just how much God has truly blessed us. We tend to be thankful for only those blessings we can quantify or tangibly note - like family, homes, jobs, etc. - but there is much more. Our freedom, our rights, our government just to name a few. Not to mention all that God through His divine providence put in place and keeps in place – sun, moon, stars, atmospheric conditions, ecosystems, food systems, etc., before we came on the scene. What he asked Job (Where we you when I created......?) still resonates today, and we would be just as foolish to think we can tally up all he’s done for us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life….” – Psalm 23:5-6

Success or Significance

Greatness comes not because of position, but because of purpose. – R. Murray

David was a great king not because of his many valiant battles and victories, but because he had a heart after God. Hmm!

Ebenezer Scrooge, Howard Hughes. One fictional, one real – both successful and rich – but miserable. Most of us spend our lives chasing after the one job, promotion, person, or possession that we believe will get us the happiness, recognition, and completeness in life we believe we’re missing. But if our forefathers were any indication, success in any of these endeavors did not equate to a happy fulfilled life nor greatness with God. The world values success and its trappings, God values significance. God is not against us having success or material blessings, but He calls us to live a life that places significance of Him and His kingdom above all else. A life lived for success alone is selfish, a life lived for significance is giving. The choice is ours.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus called the twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” – Mark 9:35

A Garden of Potential

Suffering, while common to us; is NEVER without its potential for growth. – Dietrich  Bonhoeffer

Though he was already an example of a righteous man as seen by God, Job still grew closer to God because of his suffering. Hmm!

A bountiful garden is a beautiful sight but hard work, even from the plants perspective. Every seed planted has to die to begin new life, and even then push its way up through the hardened soil before it can stretch forth and blossom. The sufferings we face and endure have the potential and end-goal to help us shine more for Christ. It’s how we progress through it that will tell whether we blossom and become better or wither and become bitter. And though we dislike the process, it is God’s way for us sometime; but if we look over our life we can see it really doesn’t occur that often, that our good days far outweigh our bad days – so why complain?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” – I Peter 4:19

The Road To...

If you have no idea where you want to go, then any old road will take you there. - D. Swanberg

The bible is God's love letter to us on how to reach His house. Based on the way we're living apparently not many people want to go. Hmm!

It's a common saying but with a lot of truth: "Ready, aim, fire." The truth is we're more likely to hit the mark if we're looking at the target and aiming for it. It's the same in life, but it's called planning. If our lives seem out of control it's possibly because we have no plan to guide or direct us. Many of us flounder about in life because we have no stated or intended purpose or plan, we just exist. Before it is possible for us to achieve anything we must chart a course of action or plan of attack to help keep us in line and measure our progress, otherwise we'll never know how we're doing or where we're headed. The key in all of this though, is for us to make sure our mater plans line up with The Master's Plan.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3

Voicing Complaints

The complaint department is NOW OPEN! – God

Every time Moses cried out to God about these “stiff-necked, hard-hearted people” God had a ready and workable solution. WOW!

It’s a truth in life that we are not going to be happy with all that happens, that sometimes we might feel short-changed, or even get angry and upset with those we love, making us want to complain, complain, complain. But rather than complaining to friends who may form a ‘jaded’ opinion of us or even worse, spread our unhappiness to unwanted ears, why not just let our Heavenly Father know all about it. He’s big enough to bear the brunt of our charges, hear us out without making any judgments, and keep it just between us. Not only that, other than we ourself, He’s the only other party that can do anything about it. And judging from what He says in His Word, He’s just waiting for the chance. The next move is ours!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because He cares for you…” – I Peter 5:7

Divinely Directed

The stops of a good man, as well as his steps, are ordered by the Lord. – G. Mueller

God stopped Paul from preaching in Asia and Bithynia, but then along came Philippi. The results were awesome! WOW.

We ask the Lord to order our steps, direct our paths, guide us along the way; all very noble prayer requests and desires. But it's funny sometimes, for even though we know the “race is not to the swift,” many of us still can’t seem to slow ourselves down or pause to get into God's stride. And so in our “Christian walk” we often end up running into situations God tried to shield us from or divert us around. Maybe it’s time we took a real serious look at who’s doing the leading. If God is still your co-pilot, don’t change seats, get out of the cockpit altogether.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV)

Been around the world

A man travels all over the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. – G. Moore

When he 'came to himself' The Prodigal son knew exactly where he needed to go. Hmm!

One of our persistent difficulties is that we are always looking to find meaning, purpose, and satisfaction elsewhere than the place where we should be looking, reflecting just how restless we are. We come home and then need to go out. We come to the fountain of life (Jesus) and take small sips rather than drinking deeply, looking for other ways to be satiated. We even come to the truth (God’s Word) and then look for meanin

g elsewhere in the world. We “give” our lives to Christ and then live as if there is something important to be found outside of Him. The reason for this is somewhat geometrical. Yes we are God trusting people, but if He is not the center-point of focus in our lives, we will look elsewhere and be drawn away. The rest we seek, the peace we want, and the joy we desire all up to one person – Christ.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

Good Work

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. – Aristotle

Though it took him some time and he endured a bit of ridicule, not only was Noah’s ark designed well, it also actually floated. WOW!

It’s a sad truth that many folks don’t enjoy what they do for a living. The bible does teach us that if we are able we should do honorable work to support ourselves, and that it is God who gives us the ability and opportunity to create wealth. In truth, it’s not so much the work as it is the attitude we bring to it. Work is such an ennobling blessing. It is our opportunity to use our mind, body, and time to produce a commodity or service that is pleasing to God. And if what we are about during the day is to be useful and bring glory to the Master, it certainly requires our best efforts. Cheap work is never good, and good work is never cheap. Remember God’s work for us cost Him His Only Son.

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.” – Colossians 3:23-24

Ain't No Half Steppin

A half-truth is a whole lie. – Anon

When Jesus stated “these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me,” it wasn’t a one time occurrence. WOW!

We all know from our school and life lessons in logic that if any part of a statement is false, the whole statement is false. We should remember that deception in any form is a tool of the enemy. Half-truths are often told with the intent to deceive in some form or fashion. Unfortunately, many people seem to like living their lives this way. When we live by our own sense of morality, our own brand of truth, or our own standard of justice; and claim to belong to Christ also, we’re only half-right and in actuality only deceiving ourselves. Jesus said His way was the “ONLY” way. The Christian ‘life’ is in word and deed, not word only.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…‘The most important {truth},’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength….Love your neighbor as yourself…” – Mark 12:29-31

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional this week at 9AM.

On the plus side of doubt

Doubt is the main highway which when traveled leads to certainty. – C. Ringma

Thomas’ refusal to believe what the others told him opened a door for Jesus himself to enter. WOW!

It should come as no surprise that we as Christians don’t always live in a state of certainty regarding our faith. It’s not uncertainty about God or His existence, but our faith in Him to do as ‘He hath said.’ God knows all about us and just as He provided a way for Thomas to erase all doubts in his heart and mind, He will provide a path for us to make certain we are secure and strengthened in our faith as well, for it is by faith that we please Him. The only issue before us is when He places our feet on that path today are we going to be willing to walk into the faith He’s trying to perfect/increase in us or turn and go another way?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I write these things to you who believe in the mane of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” – I John 5:13

Incog-Christo

A celebrity is a person who works hard all their life to become well known, then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognized. – Fred Allen

On the fateful night Jesus was betrayed, Peter, his most outspoken disciple; did all he could to avoid being identified as his follower. Hmm!

Why do I go to church on Sunday, and forget everything I heard on Monday. Why do I sing “My Life to Him I Give,” and never in my daily walk for Him do I live….. True they are only words from a poem, but they have a degree of truth to them. When we look at the world around us there is often little, if any, difference between them and us. It’s honestly hard to tell if someone belongs to Christ. And no, God doesn’t expect us to go around wearing clothing emblazoned with ‘Jesus’ on it – it’s our actions and conversation that should speak loudly to others who we are, and to WHOM we belong. If people are truly searching for Jesus, they should be able to see him living in us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him, when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” – Mark 8:38