Church Hop Much?

To eat bread without hope is still slowly to starve to death. - Pearl S. Buck

The crowd followed Jesus because he once physically fed them. He hoped they would make the spiritual connection. Hmm!

It's interesting that many of us who claim Christ as our daily bread are still starving, always chasing after the latest religious fad, the burgeoning exciting church, the most provocative speaker/singer, hanging on their every verse or premise. There's nothing wrong with wanting more, but when we chase after these to 'fill us up' thus supplanting Christ, we actually grow more malnourished. We wind up having a faith that's a mile wide yet only an inch deep, and it shows rather quickly when any adversity or trouble arises in our lives. If Christ truly is the bread that fills and saves (and He really is) maybe we need to eat a little slower and digest a bit more. After all, doctors will tell you eating this way is a healthy process.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." - Isaiah 55:2

See the unseen

Vision is the art of seeing things invisible. - Jonathan Swift

God gave Elisha’s servant ‘spiritual’ eyes to show He was already on the move against the enemy. ..... Hmm!

God is often much closer than we think. The answers to our many questions and healing for our hurts are not as far away as we sometimes think. Our difficulty comes when we look in the wrong place, or we are too fretful or anxiety ridden to see what is right there; and still other times when we just plain fail to see Him working because we cannot possibly believe God would be kind enough to care about us in such a small minute issue. We only need to open our eyes. Seeing eyes are eyes of faith, where we can see beyond the problem, see beyond our own unworthiness, and have confidence that He is the God of all grace and mercy. Knowing and trusting God is ever near means our seeds of hope are already present, we just need to water them through faithful obedience and perseverance. He will make the end results known.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” – Psalm 119:18

God On Call

He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and joyful life. - W. Law

David sought the Lord and actually received deliverance from his troubles. Really. Wow!

Lawyers on retainer! Agents on commission! Doctors on call! Men or women who will do whatever we ask them to do - ON DEMAND (for a price) - to appease or satisfy our wants or needs. For many of us these are only pipe dreams, we don't fit in the category of wealth to have such luxuries at our fingertips on speed dial. But there is another type of 'on call' relationship we can have where money/wealth is not involved at all. In fact, it is only available to those who consider themselves 'poor and needy.' It is God's promise to never fail in hearing and responding to His children's cries, prayers, petitions, and requests. The thing we have to remember is God is not 'on demand' to do as we ask but He is 'on call' to hear us and provide the deliverance we need according to His grace. So why don't we just give Him a call today, Really!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly." - Luke 18:7-8

Your Rep

Not only do actions speak louder than words, they actually cause conversation! - Anon

The crucifixion happened over 2,000 years ago. Yet people still talk about it non-stop and wonder. Hmm!

Though we have a given name we are often known by our actions, or reputation as some call it. Those we know see us and the things we do and compare these to the values, morals, and truths we say we hold dear - and voila, reputation is born. Having a reputation is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if our lives are authentic; meaning our actions line up with our beliefs, no matter the time, place, or situation. And it's not a one-time occurrence, it's who we are at all times. There's a lot to be said for authenticity, and the hope and prayer is that it is true of us!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....Simply let your 'YES', be 'Yes,' and your 'NO,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:37

Watch Your Step

Temptation is an irresistible force at work on a moveable body. - H.L. Mencken

The prodigal son's journey into a 'far country' began with his first step. - Anon  

Growing up we used to think of the world as this big, big place with far away distant lands that seemed unreachable, almost unimaginable to us. Today with planes, trains, and autos, the world has become a much smaller place. But that doesn't mean we can't wander into a 'far distant' place away from God. It is not so much the place travelled as it is the decisions we make. In truth, a 'far country' is any decision or move we make that takes us away from God. It may seem like a small step or two, but every journey begins with the first step. And once that journey begins it could take months or years to return. So as we are putting on our shoes today let's be careful and watch where we step.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"...I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word." - Psalm 119:101  

Thanksgiving Reflections

When gratitude is your seed, grace is your harvest! - Anon

November 23, 2017. Today, as you gather with family and friends from far and near, I pray that the meal itself won't be the only thing you're thankful for, and I pray you'll take a minute to lift up those less fortunate than you. With the year pretty much behind us, I think if we all take a minute to reflect, we'll see His face. Happy Thanksgiving!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...." - Psalm 103:2

Holy Spirit Smooth

God does not hear us because of the length of our prayers, but because of the sincerity of them. - C.H. Spurgeon

The tax collector's 7-word prayer "God, have mercy on me, a sinner," was answered not because of simplicity but his humility. Hmm!

Clutch, shift, gas....go! When done properly it is a smooth, rarely noticeable activity. The car just rolls along with traffic. When not done smoothly you get a lot of herky-jerky movement and maybe even stalling out. Sometimes we may feel like this in our prayer life, we're stalling out in our attempts, sputtering in our words, hit and miss, not connecting, and becoming frustrated. It might be we're just not trusting and relying on the Holy Spirit. He is our go between, and He becomes ever more effective when we stutter or grope for what we truly need or want to say to God. He takes those moments and interprets them to make a smooth transition for us, as He knows the thoughts and intentions of our heart. So friend, don't fret and please don't stop praying. Just trust the Holy Spirit will get the message through.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"...before a word is on my tongue you, Lord know it completely...." - Psalm 139:4

Accounting for the Idle Silence

As we must account for every ‘idle word’, so must we account for every ‘idle silence.’ – Benjamin Franklin

On the day of ‘reckoning’ the bible says we will have to give an account to God. Every second, minute and hour. Hmm!

The Great Commission commands us to go into the world and spread the good news. And with the technological advances we’ve made, instant communication seems to be of paramount importance. And we’re saying a lot. But with God the issue is not so much what we say with our words, but moreso what we say with our actions and the heart behind them. In a world that needs more love, more compassion, more goodness – will we be faithful to supply it no matter the person or cost to us,  or will we sit idly by and watch despair grow. True enough, there will often be nothing tangible in it for us, but as we wonder ‘what would Jesus do,’ the simple answer is whatever it takes to bring God glory. If we’re to ‘love our neighbor as ourself,’ we cannot sit idly by and allow them to suffer without offering whatever means of support we can. God still loves the world which is why He’s sending forth you and me today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

May the Lord Watch

God is the true Prodigal Father, His house is always open to hope. - Anon

The Prodigal son's journey just made the light in his father's heart burn brighter. Hmm!

We see them and kind of chuckle. At one time we were just like them. The over-protective parent, hovering over their child's every move, eyes darting every which way to make sure everything and everyone in the surrounding area is safe. We know how tiring that is and feel for them. Do we ever think of God in light of this? We should. In truth He is just like that parent with us, ever present, ever checking on us, making preparations up ahead for us. Always trying to keep us safe, saved, and secure, even in our stubbornness. The great thing is He will never grow weary, tired, or frustrated watching over us. Not only is that good to know, it's also worthy of praise and thanksgiving.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"....indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep......the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121:4,8

The Precious Gift of Time

Time is a versatile performer. It flies, marches on, heals all wounds, runs out, AND will tell! - F.P. Jones

Jesus never hurried a day in his life, yet he could still proclaim "It is finished." Wow!

Time! It's the one thing we can't get more of. It is God's gift to us to be enjoyed, and used wisely. But we often find ourselves abusing it by putting off for tomorrow those things we should do today, which then puts us in a frenzied state. So often one person's constant hurry becomes another's stress. There is great spiritual value to living in the present moment. Being able to 'stop and smell the roses,' or 'give someone your full undivided attention,' or even 'play games freely and unhurriedly with your children or family.' The present moment is special for God dwells there. When we live, work, and play by a frenzied pace, we develop a 'just get it done' mentality, and it quickly  makes the situation more important than the relationship. We then miss opportunities to connect that bring closeness, intimacy, joy, peace, and contentment. So no matter the situation before us today we need to make God's gift of time holy by being aware of those with whom we are sharing it with.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

".....teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom...." - Psalm 90:12

Course Corrections

You cannot repent too soon, because you do not know how soon it may become too late. - T. Fuller

Elijah ran for 40 days and nights only to hear God tell him "go back the way you came." OUCH!

Anyone who drives has probably had the experience of missing their off ramp on the freeway or passing their designated turnoff on the boulevard. Such a pain or inconvenience to have to turn around and go back. But back we go. Oh, if our daily living were true to this form. Often, we think we can overcome a mistake/sin without God's help, but then find ourselves moving further away from God. We mean well in our attempts but still fall short. Unless God is with us to help navigate the correction, we'll continue off course. If the saying is true: 'The road to Hell is paved with good intentions...' then it is equally true: 'The road to Heaven is paved with repentance...' I guess the question we should ask is what destination are we really trying to reach?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord...." Acts 3:19

Walking out from Fear

Fear is the darkroom where 'negatives' are developed. - Anon

One man - Goliath - struck fear in a whole army, that is until David came along. WOW!

Kryptonite! It was Superman's weakness. It completely immobilized him and his superpowers. What about us, what might ours be - FEAR! Not the 'scared of the dark' kind of fear, but the fear of inadequacy, fear of not measuring up. We fear our past cropping up to embarrass us. We fear our future will be too difficult. We fear letting others down, letting ourselves down. Our fears keep us from reaching out, and often reaching UP to God. The enemy's greatest ploy is to fill us with fear. That's why God's Word directs us and commands us time and again not to be afraid. Just as He told Joshua to be 'strong and courageous' going into a foreign land, as we commune with God each morning we should leave that encounter 'strong and courageous' as we enter into the new territory of TODAY. As long as we are walking faithfully we really have no need to fear for God has our back, front, sides, etc., for He is all encompassing around us. So, we have nothing to fear but.......actually nothing!

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,.......Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid...." - John 14:27

Look to see what He says

Behind every work of God you will always find some patient, kneeling form. - D.L. Moody

It took God 4 tries before the boy Samuel finally learned to say "speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Hmm!

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who only talks about him/her self? Being polite and friendly you strike up a conversation by asking a question and off they go, endlessly talking about themselves, their situation, their life history, worldview, on and on as if they have a quota to fill. And NEVER once asking anything about you. Been there, huh! Imagine then at times, what it must be like for our Heavenly Father to listen to our prayers and petitions. We greet Him in His authority and off we go with our wish lists of wants and needs, rarely asking Him the desires of His heart, rarely inviting Him to speak to us intimately, to show us His more perfect way(s). Prayer is a gift, but it is also a work, getting ourselves out of the way that God's will may become central and that His will may be done in us and through us. Now that's worth TALKING about!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me......." - Habakkuk 2:1

Smile Through

If you can't do anything else to help along, just smile. - E. Kirk

God's Word makes it abundantly clear that a 'cheerful heart' causes stress in the face which is called a smile. Hmm!

Smile! It's what we say to the person we're taking a picture of. Why, because no one really likes to see a picture of sadness or frowns. A cheerful face somehow seems to make others perk up. A smile indicates pleasure or a joy deep within. As Christ followers, knowing what God has already done for us and blessed us with should bring joy to our hearts and a smile on our face. AND knowing what lies ahead for us on the other side of this life should always spark that joy within and bring a smile. Yes, life might be tough right now; meager or no supplies, aching/diseased body, strained relationships with family or friends, but none of this is new, God delivered before, and has promised never to leave or forsake us. So all that is left is for us to just trust in Him, look up and SMILE!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....A happy heart makes the face cheerful...." - Proverbs 15:13

No Ugly Ducklings

Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. – R. Murray

Through a ‘harsh’ vision God let Peter know that Gentiles were just as acceptable as the Jews were in His sight. Hmm!

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!” How true, but how misapplied. We give the right to determine what is beautiful to imperfect individuals like ourselves. It was God actually, who created everything and called it “good,” (beautiful) the highest honor that could be bestowed upon the creation. And everyone created in His image is still beautiful to Him. He sees us very differently than we do ourselves. And though He loves us just as we are right now, His perfect love will not allow us to remain this way forever, for He sees a far more glorious person in us than we could ever imagine, and He will work to bring it about. Our lot is just to admire His handiwork in ourselves and others around us. So in truth there really are no ugly ducklings.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“…He has made everything beautiful in its time…” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Don't Sleep

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one. - Anon

You have to think God parting the Red Sea made someone say WOW!

It makes children giggle, the elders take umbrage - someone sleeping in church. But in truth it's nothing new, even Eutychus fell asleep while the apostle Paul preached in Troas. But before we cast an evil eye at these folks we may need to check ourselves. All of us sleep through some of God's most compelling sermons or lessons. If the heavens truly declare His glory imagine what  the world you live in shouts about Him. See the truth is not all sermons of God happen in church settings. A flower blooming (God's renewal/provision), a cricket chirps (God making music/not being silent), a gentle breeze (God's spirit among us). God loves for us to grasp His countless ways of communicating His love, care, concern, and presence amongst us. So let's WAKE UP!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....he who has ears, let him hear....." - Matthew 11:15

Understanding Prayer

Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God. - E. Keith

Jesus often prayed aloud to the Father before the working of a miracle. Hmm!

The bible teaches us that God covets the prayers of His people, and that He promised to answer us when we call. His answer may be YES, NO, or wait. Though NO is an answer, generally it is the one we don't want to hear. Why, because often when we solicit God's help we think the thing we're asking His assistance in is somewhat hindering or limiting our effectiveness for Him. Like Paul, we consider it a 'thorn in our flesh,' and want it moved. But God's "NO" answer to Paul's desire was actually a "YES" answer to Paul's faith. God saying "MY Grace is sufficient for you, for MY Power is made perfect...." means don't worry about the handicap, know that I AM with you and I AM working through it for MY glory. What we often view as limitations God turns into a heavenly advantage. So if you're praying and waiting for deliverance, know that His Grace is sufficient, and that maybe He is just waiting on you to transform your 'limitation' into a heavenly advantage.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

Ready to Heal

Health is a trust from God. - Anon

James letter declares that 'the prayers of faith will make a sick person well.' Hmm!

Look at any burned out forest are closely after a few weeks and you can spot them. Tiny little buds and sprigs of green. New growth occurring. Healing taking place. It's a slow but ongoing process. Our lives follow suit. When devastating, tragic events occur and seem to cover us in darkness, and deaden our senses, spirits, or emotions, God gets busy with new growth. He does so to give us hope and strength to hold on. All we need do is just look closely to see the evidence. An unexpected call from a friend offering reassurance and prayer, a long forgotten memory recalled to lift our spirit, or even a new connection with someone we never thought we had anything in common with. These are all signs of God quietly asking us "Do you want to get well?"  Well, do you? Look closely, healing is in abundance for God is at work.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Proverbs 16:24  

Killin it with Thanks

Thanks is still one of the world's best pain-killers! - Dudley Rutherford

When the 1 leper came back to say thanks, Jesus took notice. Hmm!

It takes a real person to be a Christian. To live in this world with bad, ungrateful, self-centered people. To reach out and serve them time and again and never hear the word 'thanks', or 'thank you!' But like Jesus it is what we are called to do. It is said we get back in kind what we give, so let us first learn the true art of thankfulness, starting with God. Then, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, learn to be 'thankful' in all situations ourselves, whether we are aiding someone or receiving aid ourselves. This attitude puts the pain-relieving action in motion. And God who sees and hears us will be glorified, and isn't that the end result we all want anyway?

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...... give thanks with a grateful heart......"

Your Earned Name

Though we are called ‘Christian’, the name we earn as a disciple is what counts. – Anon

Barnabas’ given name meant ‘son of encouragement’, a name he fully lived up to. Wow!

Throughout life we will wear many names. There’s our birth name, possibly a nick-name taken somewhere along the line; even affinity or team names for those associations we may partner with. But the one name we should cherish the most is the one our life becomes because of who we are and how we relate to others. That name should be a source of encouragement, inspiration, hope, and good news to others, a source of refreshment. We encourage others when we speak kind words or offer uplifting insight to them; or when we’re generous with our blessings and possessions with them; or when we take the time to pray with them and remind ourselves that regardless of their position, status, or rank in life, they are a creation of God worthy of respect. When we treat others in such a manner we will in essence be changing the world one person and one moment at a time. Yes, living like Jesus will earn you a name God will not soon forget.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional time this week at 9AM. See you there!

Disciplined Choices

Those who would play with kittens must expect to be scratched. – Cervantes

The Israelites gave their daughters in marriage and took other nations daughters in marriage in direct violation of God’s word. Though marriage was honorable in this case it was wrong. They later felt God’s wrath. Hmm!

Often in life, the easiest choices carry heavy consequences that can mar and scar our lives deeply. Our choice of friends, entertainment, and recreation will impact the way we think and act. Our choice of intellectual stimulation, lack of continued disciplined spiritual development will impact our morals, values, and contribution to life. In essence, what we take in will most definitely make an indelible mark on our conscience. Satan often presents sin as something rather glamorous, adoring, and necessary. It is only after we’re entangled that we realize it’s not for us. The good news is that God is willing and able to forgive us of such transgressions, but he expects us to knowingly avoid such temptations. Actions and decisions have results, and life is full of both, but our ultimate aim should be to please God in all we do.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23

Alllll of a Sudden

A ready person never needs to get ready. - Oswald Chambers

Thomas with his doubts and the other disciples were in the house when Jesus just 'showed up.' WOW!

We rarely worry about people who predict they know when Jesus will return to the earth. So many have tried and failed, besides the bible says 'no one knows the day or the hour.' But there is a phrase we use to describe a completely unexpected event or action that occurs. We say "all of a sudden,,,." But here's a twist, Jesus said His return will be 'all of a sudden', and yet most of us aren't prepared. The certainty of His coming is sure, the exact time though is uncertain, but it will be 'all of a sudden.' Here it is today and 'all of a sudden' we're a day older, but are we any closer to the Lord? In closing out the book of Revelation Jesus proclaimed "Yes, I am coming soon", and John added "Amen, come Lord Jesus!" Are we ready to make that statement as well. For it could happen 'all of a sudden!'

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." - Matthew 24:27