Heaven Bound?

If our destination home is Heaven, then this life is only the trip to get there. - B. Snyder

When God told Abram to "leave his country and go to a place He would show him," Abram had no problem as long as God was leading. Hmm!

"Home is where you 'make it'!" It's an intriguing statement. Does it mean home is where you decide to settle, the plot, place, and address you acquire? Or does it mean home is where you grow and learn to live and make something out of your life? Or maybe it's both. The unfortunate truth though is most of us as Christians have accepted it this way. We've dug in our heels here on earth, planted our homestead, built our house and raise our family as if we'll be here permanently. It's like we spend every available resource on the house, our recreation, family moments or gatherings, and have little or nothing to give back to God. If we're truly just 'pilgrims passing through this land' should we not be trying to store up some heavenly treasures. Though God doesn't want us to live as paupers, He also wants us to remember our lives don't consist of the things we own, but exists in The One who owns us, and wants us to be with Him in glory one day. Let's make sure we're on the right path.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:21

Tune In!

A great deal of what you hear depends on what you’re listening for. – Anon

God called out to him 4 times before the boy Samuel finally realized WHO was calling. It was the beginning of a great relationship. AMEN!

A telephone ring. An emergency siren. A favorite song. There are certain sounds that are very familiar to us. It’s not that we hear them any more often than others but that we’ve tuned or trained ourselves to hear them, and hear them only from certain sources.  Like Samuel, God’s voice is often foreign to us, not because He doesn’t speak but because we’re not tuned in or listening for Him in the various ways He speaks. But He does speak, and in volumes. George Washington Carver said “nature is an unlimited broadcasting system through which God speaks to us every hour, if we would only tune in.”  Just look and listen and you’ll know you’re loved.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Why do you complain to him that he answers none of man’s words? For God does speak – now one way, now another – though a man may not perceive it.” – Job 33:14

P.S. - Don't forget our HarvestFest is tomorrow afternoon (1 - 5pm). As such there will not be any Vesper services Sunday evening.

A great assist

How may I assist you? - Salesperson

What made the battle between little scrawny David and Goliath legendary was that David went to the battle. Hmm!

Assist - to aid or help someone in need. A befitting definition. However, so often our prayers for God's help are actual pleas for Him to do it for us. We pray "Lord deliver me from......", or "Father, bring about a revolution......" and sit back watching and waiting for God to do it all. But that's not how it works. When we ask God for help we must be willing to do whatever we can, using whatever means He has already given us to assist Him in aiding us. God will not do what He knows we ourselves can do, but He will give us strength, provision, inspiration, and motivation to go beyond. His instructions to Gideon were "go in the strength you have.." God was essentially saying "I am your strength and I will work with you and through you" if you are willing. It was a classic test of God asking him will you trust me. Here today, God is asking us the same. So, will you?

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...." - Ephesians 3:20

No Promises

Be kind today because there may be no tomorrow. – R. Murray

If the Good Samaritan had not helped the man he found on the road…..well!

If we’re honest we often take it for granted that we will be around tomorrow, and the next day and the day after that, and so forth. We presume on God’s graciousness and favor only because it has been so prevalent in our lives. He is a mighty good God. But the truth in fact is tomorrow is not a guarantee for anyone of us. If we really take time to consider this truth, it should really help us put life in proper perspective; that we have so little time to do the will of The Master. Time spent being upset, irate, angry, vengeful, hostile, etc. is really wasted time we can never recoup. Today is the day to make a difference for the kingdom.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1

What We Worship

Worship changes people. We become like whatever it is we worship. - W. Harty

The people were cold-hearted toward God because the idols they worshiped had no heart. Hmm!

The refrigerator. What's in yours? It's a throne we worship at 3 - 4 times a day, yet we often don't know all that's in there nor it's condition. It is any good? Is it spoiled? It's easy to forget. How much easier then is it to forget Gods laws, commands, statutes, or promises if we don't assemble ourselves before God's Word and His presence at least daily, and then not with rapid reading but with time for contemplation, meditation, and prayer. He does not expect us to remember every passage and word, but He does expect us to at least take time to read it and talk with Him about it. He longs to be known and wants to 'refresh' our spirits at all times. And here's the good thing about spending this time with God, unlike looking in the refrigerator; He will never give us 'leftovers'!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws..." - Psalm 119:105-106

Good Great God

Curiosity in children is but an appetite for knowledge. - J. Locke

The heavens 'declaring God's glory' is a hard vision to imagine but it's no less true. WOW!

Awesome! Mighty! Magnificent! These words summon up some colossal thoughts and ideas in our minds, particularly when we try to apply them to our Great God and measure His vast nature. But in truth they are only our definitions to help us and our curious minds. God's nature and character go beyond any description we can come up with. He transcends all of life and its beauty because He Himself created it. And though we can have some vivid imaginations the scriptures tell us He is also able "to do more than we can imagine." If the highest heavens can't contain Him what makes us think we can truly define Him. We should just bask in the truth He is both Great and Good all the time. Now that's a thought worth pondering.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

".....no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him...." - I Corinthians 2:9

Moderation and Wisdom

To many, total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation, but neither gets practiced! - Augustine

Many of the godly kings of Judah destroyed the temples of Baal and Ashtoreth, but neglected the high places. Hmm!

As those made in the highest order of creation, we are by far the more intelligent beings, able to ‘subdue and control’ the earth. But in all our conquering the hardest thing for us to learn is to temper our appetites, control our desires, or restrain our impulses. After all, nobody but nobody knows what’s better for us than we ourselves is our way of thinking. But God really does know better, He created us, knows what we can withstand, knows how He wants to bless us, and knows how He wants to use us in His service. Moderation is difficult, of course; but the rewards are numerous and long-lasting. To improve our finances, health, or general well-being; then wisdom and moderation must be close traveling companions. God will leave the decision up to us, but then so are the consequences.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…Better a patient man that a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city..” – Proverbs 16:32

Miracles En Route

In order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles! - D. Ben-Gurion

At the wedding feast in Cana, Jesus' mother left it all up to him. Hmm!

It's very true. Every one of us has needs to be met. Those in addition to our daily bread and needs that God supplies without fail. And if we admit the truth we try and try to figure out ways to get God to meet them. We think "maybe God could do it this/that way if I do this....." or "maybe I could help God along with this...." The wrong in this is that we're then trying to manipulate God, and it just doesn't work that way. The source of God's supply, His miracle of deliverance for us never comes from where we think it will, it's always unexpected, it's the way God works. God is in the miracle working business, not us. Our role is to submit it to Him and trust in His ability and decision on the matter. He will work it out in a glorious fashion that allows us to praise Him even more. Whatever the miracle we await now is not the time to give up on it.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Matthew 21:22

God Talk

God's native tongue is LOVE! - Anon

Though God scattered their language at Babel, He didn't scatter their heart's desire. Hmm!

Talk about a 'Ball of Confusion!' We get so up in arms on the tongue-speaking vs. non tongue-speaking issue, allowing this gift to separate us and define us as Christians/churches, when it was NEVER God's desire. He was and is always after uniting us as a body of ONE, and the only language that can do that is LOVE. No matter the culture, heritage, creed, or tongue - it is impossible to mistake the language of love. It is impossible to mistake the expression of care, concern, and compassion for another. It is impossible to mistake the willful giving of oneself in service to another out of love for Christ. YEP, God's nature is holiness, and His language is unconditional love.  So, what's on your tongue?

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love......I am nothing" - I Corinthians 13:1

Virtue First

Try not to become a person of great success, but rather try to become a person of virtue. – Albert Einstein

We read often of men like Abraham, Joseph, and David who had great success in their lifetimes. Not because they pursued it, but because they pursued God, and he granted it. Hmm!

It’s true we live in a world that measures you by your professional title, wallet, possessions, education, etc., however it’s important to remember we are not ‘of the world’ but called of God to make a difference in the world. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to do well in our social endeavors, but NOTHING should impede our ability and opportunity to serve Almighty God. I pray we will be zealous in all our endeavors for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these….But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-29, 33

Meditation Feast

Meditation is the activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, and by the help of God. - J.I. Packer

As a psalmist David understood meditation. I think this is what endeared him as a man after God's own heart. Hmm!

The refrigerator! On average we visit it 4-6 times a day for life-sustaining nourishment (water, juice, fruit, veggies, meals, left-overs, etc.) and it often has exactly what we need. YUM! But what about God's Word, the life-sustaining nourishment we need for our soul. How often do we visit this resource each day? Once in a daily devotion is honestly not enough. That's why we need to 'hide it in our hearts' that we may feast on it throughout the day. This is where prayer and meditation come in. When we take time to pray the Word, time to memorize the Word, time to meditate on the Word (uncover it's deeper meaning/application) that we may have it with us at all times. If we eat often to keep our strength and vitality up imagine how much more spiritual will power we could have if we fed often enough from the Word. Hungry, anyone!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"....I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:11

Calculating Life

Price is not the same as value! - Anon

Don't ask Esau the value of a birthright. OUCH!

Price! So many different terms (wholesale, retail, discount, sales, etc.) it's hard to truly determine worth. And worth itself is somewhat objective depending on the individual. And what's worse is we've confused all of this with value. Example, we'll pay a star athlete or top-movie star millions a year to excite or entertain us for a few hours, but teachers and educators almost pennies on the dollar (comparatively) to educate us and help prepare us for life. Go figure! God referred to Esau as 'godless' for selling his birthright for a bowl of stew; meaning he did not know the true value of what he possessed. As a society often we're not far behind. God is not against fame or fortune, he just wants us to realize in the grand scheme of life they are not that important. What we add to life by way of the blessings He gives to us is the key. Don't miscalculate the value of your life or your contribution to God's work. We will all give an account one day.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

",,,.the Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight." - Proverbs 11:1

Not Of Our Own

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. – Carl Sagan

Paul stated emphatically that “all things were possible only in Christ.” Hmm!

Most of us can do some pretty amazing things, create some astounding inventions or designs, or even uncover deep-deep truths and wisdom. And it’s no secret most people pride themselves by such accomplishments and feats. While such skills and talents are wonderful, we must never forget they are ‘gifts’ from our Creator. Everything we work with was given by Him. And just as He reminded Job about where he stood in the creation, we must never define ourselves by these skills and talents, be remember to give thanks that they are ours to use for His glory.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” – I Timothy 6:7

Deja Vu

The toughest lesson to learn is probably the one you thought you already had. – Sparks

Peter thought he was ready to die for Jesus until it was showtime. True he failed, but Jesus gave him another opportunity. AMEN!

Déjà vu, coincidence! It seems life is like this quite often for most. Things we thought we were over and done with, habits we thought we had firmly broken away from or grown up from; seem to reappear on the horizon, tripping us up time and again. But often when we look at it properly we see they are not coincidental, they are the life lessons God is trying to work out in our lives. And until we pass the test convincingly with understanding, we will be sorely tried on every hand. God is effectively trying to cleanse and purge us from all sin (not big sin, little sin; but ALL sin) and He wants us to prove our love to Him not by words but by our actions and our heart. Life today will be filled with opportunity.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory.” – I Peter 1:12-13

Behold!

Even when you don't notice the stars they are still shining. - M Santoso

It's truly hard to imagine that the Wise Men or Magi were the only ones to see the 'Star' that year. Hmm!

"Oh, what a day!" It's a proclamation we've all made a time or two. Usually when the issues or problems of daily living seem to suck all the joy out of life. This happens when we fix our gaze upon ourselves and forget about God. Since the beginning of creation He has given us a beacon to remind us of His great love, care, concern, and presence - all we need do is look up. And if that's not enough just look outward. God always gives us something good to enjoy despite life's current situations. It may be our loving family, energetic grandkids, playful pets, or even a good warm memory to get us out of that 'funk' and remind us of His goodness, closeness, and ability to work it out for our good and His glory. Though we are a little lower than the angels He is still "ever mindful of us!"

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge." - Psalm 19:1-2

More than Me

"Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with YOUR power, and little things as though they were great, since I do them in YOUR name." - B. Pascal

When Paul boldly stated" "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength," he recognized it had nothing to do with himself. WHOA!

Adam in the Garden. Noah and the Ark. Elisha as the prophet. From beginning to end as we read the Word of God it is very clear that each one of us was put here to work, to aid God in His great story of the redemption of mankind. Though we are saved 'by grace' the bible does tell us to 'work out' our salvation, meaning we don't work to be saved, we work because we are saved. It is God's great plan and how He perfects us before calling us home to be with Him eternally. The thing we need remember is no matter the size of the task God assigns us, great or small, it is Him working through us that gets it accomplished. So we need not think ourselves as someone great because we command thousands or lift large loads, nor as someone too important to do the dirty work or small deeds for God, for without His presence we could do neither. So, what are YOU doing today?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"...so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - I Corinthians 10:31

Today and what will you do with it?

What I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it. – A.M. Wells, Jr.

Of the man who fell among robbers and the Priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan – I think only the Samaritan had a good day that afternoon. AMEN!

Every day comes with a great number of things that try to command our attention and energy, but the ultimate result of what we do is up to us. Each day has just as much opportunity for good as it does for evil. The key to what we do and how well we do it will depend on the attitude we bring into the work. If we have an eternal perspective we will “work at it with all our heart” for we know we are doing a work for the Master, who rewards us abundantly. A good way to look at each day we’re granted is from a retirement perspective. If we were to be called home by God today, would we have enough to retire on? I understand we can’t “work” our way into heaven, but He did tell us to “store up treasure in heaven.” If our heavenly portfolio isn’t where we’d like it to be, praise God for today’s opportunity to work on it.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“What can a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Mark 9:37

Unh Double Up on Faith

To the wrongs that need resistance, to the right that needs assistance, to the future in the distance: give yourselves. - C. L. Chapman-Catt

No matter what he suffered or endured Paul refused to give up or quit on his Jesus. Hmm!

The new L.A. Chargers are 0-4. So are several other NFL teams at this juncture. But you know what they're going through this week, practice, practice, and practice some more. The thought of quitting after putting in so much work for so little results has never crossed their mind. One good game can turn a season around. Sometimes in our faith walk we go through such dry spells, a small losing streak if you will, where it seems like God doesn't hear our prayers nor seem to be walking with us. This is not the time to lose faith or consider giving up, it time to double-up. True faith in God requires consistent, continual practice and commitment. It's not a Sunday only or weekend warrior event, but a daily way of life. By the way, have you made it to practice yet today?

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"[Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what had been promised...." - Romans 4:20-21

Having Compassion

Even if you can't prevent another's sorrow, caring will lessen it. - F. Clark

Though Ruth could not alleviate Naomi's pain, she refused to let her go it alone. Wow!

In court trials the opposing attorneys try to get the witness to paint a picture for the jury that will get them to see things 'their' way. It's an interesting technique and quite biblical, for the most critical part of our becoming a disciple of Jesus is not in learning the bible backwards and forwards, it's not in being in prayer 24/7, nor excluding ourselves from any type of fun activity. No, it's in our ability to begin seeing creation as He saw it -MY Father's children who need to be loved. There was nary an individual Jesus saw whom He did not love. Even in the midst of their sin, hatred, or denial of His Father, He still loved them. He looked beyond their faults to their need, for that is why He came - WE NEEDED HIM! Now He asks the same of us. Let's stop seeing the 'shortcomings' of others and praise God for their good qualities or virtues. Our prayer should be that God open our eyes to see how much He loves them and aches for all of us. Today our testimony is at hand.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd..." - Matthew 9:36

The Art of Waiting

Could you not watch with me one hour...... - Jesus

Saul grew impatient waiting on Samuel to arrive, and it cost him dearly. OUCH!

Technology, with its many instantaneous forms of communication has opened up the floodgates for conversation, idea exchanges, discussion, etc., which are all very good. Almost everyone with a cell phone, I-Pad, or PC can join in. The dark side of this communication phenomenon is that it has begun to make us very impatient. Just think of the times you've texted or e-mailed someone, then called to see if they received your message because their response wasn't quick enough for you. And sadly, we've let this impatient attitude creep into our relationship with God. We want our prayers answered in an instant. We want our faith built in a day, our character perfected through 1 or 2 bible study sessions at most. God cannot and will not be rushed. And if we become frustrated with His apparent delays to our needs we must remember He is not so much concerned with our comfort as He is our character. And character is developed by a faith forged through perseverance and patience.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:14  

The Dirt

Every flower must grow through dirt. – Anon

The genealogy of Jesus includes a woman who tricked her father-in-law into sleeping with her (Tamar) and a prostitute (Rahab). Amen!

In truth, all of us have some “dirt” in our lives that God can and will use for His glory. We grow best through pain and adversity for they serve to strengthen our resolve and focus when we fully understand God’s purposes. Since sin entered the world, God has been in the process of ‘purifying’ us. He knows where we’ve been, what we’ve been up to, and what we need to become His, and He openly confesses His love for us. May we not be ashamed to confess HIM today.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy…” I Timothy 1:12-13

Mirror Mastered

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Simon the sorcerer held himself out as someone to be seen and beheld. He wasn't. OUCH!

Mirrors! What would we do without them. Getting dressed, combing/styling our hair, taking stock of what we look like. And often we take 2, 3, or more good looks before we're satisfied. Then we head out for the day ready to meet and greet the world. But there's another mirror we need to be concerned with that has an even greater importance than our physical appearance. It's the Bible, God's Word. We need to seek it daily, and many times throughout the day to see if our ways, words, and our heart reflect the image of Christ. After all, if we did indeed 'die to self' then He should live in us and through us. It's okay to dress ourselves up, but let us not overshadow the Christ that needs to be seen and heard.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

",,,,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.....goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like...." - James 1:23

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional this week at 9AM in Parmes Hall. Hope you can make it!