Walk Like Jesus

“Do this in remembrance of me,” wasn’t only reserved for the communion table. – Anon

Barnabas extended himself to Paul long before any of the other “faithful” brothers. I think he knew something about Jesus. Hmm!

Often we are very good at keeping the “rituals” or “acts of faith” commanded by Jesus, but not so good at keeping the “heart” of Jesus. Jesus was never caught short or bent out of shape in dealing with people. One thing I’ve learned from life and God’s Word is you can never give what you’ve never received. If we find ourselves short on compassion, mercy, forgiveness, love, etc., maybe it’s time to belly up to the table of GRACE. Today’s circumstances and people still need Jesus.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

But if any man obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” – I John 2:5-6

P.S. - Hope to see you tonight at 6pm for our Good Friday Services.

Not The Same Ol

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten! - Anon

In the book of Judges the Israelites over and over and over “did evil in the sight of God,” and over and over and over He gave them “over to their enemies.” Hmm!

It’s been said insanity is doing the exact same thing over and over and each time expecting different results. Just because “we’ve always done it this way,” doesn’t necessarily make it right, nor mean it has to continue that way. God doesn’t want our rituals or legalism, but our hearts; for that is where transformation takes place. If we are still today spiritually where we were 2-3 years ago, maybe we need to consider a slight change in our habits. Look for God to be doing a ‘new thing’ in your life today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

P.S. - Please lift up Virginia Fox in prayer. Her eldest daughter passed away last night.

Refresh Jesus

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness; it is usually returned. – C. Flint

Jonathan’s kindness to David gained great benefit for his son Mephibosheth later. Amen!

Jesus said to the woman “Give me a drink.” Sure it was a conversation starter or invitation, and boy what results it brought. But the idea of Jesus asking us for something, something to refresh Him; it often gets overlooked. We are constantly reminded to lean on Him, trust in Him, depend on Him (all wonderful acts of faith) but rarely do we hear the idea of refreshing or satisfying His needs. We are often refreshed by good news, a respite from daily activities, or a kindness done to us, and we enjoy such thoughtfulness. Maybe today, we can take some time to think of what we might do to refresh Jesus. You never know what the invitation may bring about.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent……they are a fragrant offering, an acceptable gift…...” – Philippians 4:18

A Good Lasting Mark

Life is for one generation only. A good name is forever. – Japanese Proverb

Noah, Abraham, Job, Ruth.  Mary, Lazarus, Peter. No matter the time period, each one only lived a short time, yet their names and life stories are never forgotten. HMM!

“What will it matter 100 years from now?” It’s a common refrain heard throughout our lives. It’s as if to say nothing we do has any eternal value or could possibly offer any one coming behind us anything of import. But the truth of the matter is everything we do has eternal significance. The circumstances and situations we deal with TODAY help determine our tomorrows and our eternal destiny, and will be remembered one way or another. Every action of ours has a rippling effect on our children, friends, acquaintances, and society. The question God leaves for us to answer is "how do we want to be remembered?"

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings." - Hebrews 11:4

Improbable Impossible Love

If you plant hope today in any hopeless heart, if someone's burden becomes lighter because you do your part, if you cause a laugh that chases a tear away, if tonight your name is mentioned when someone kneels to pray, then your day will be well spent. – Anon

The greatest thing Andrew did was go find his brother Peter and tell him about the Messiah. Hmm!

Most people would jump at the chance to do something for notoriety, fame, or fortune. Just look at the continuing onslaught of ‘reality based TV’ shows and the number of contestants just waiting to make it big, do the improbable or the impossible. But God’s improbable or impossible is just for us to be human and humane to one another. God never expects us to do the impossible, but to do just what is ‘natural’ in the course of being a compassionate individual; to help someone a little further on their way, for in doing so it helps us on our way. That’s loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

….This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment greater than these.’” – Mark 12:31

Answers greater than the Requests

Some of God’s best gifts are unanswered prayers. – Anon

Though God’s answer to Paul was a resounding ‘NO’ to his prayer for healing, Paul came to know the GRACE of God in a much deeper sense. Hmm!

If we are true to ourselves all of us could possibly think of times we were disappointed our prayers weren’t answered as we thought they should be, or that life would have been so much better if God would have just done exactly what we asked of Him. But in reality we need to take a step back and see actually what God did do in those situations – He worked it out for OUR good and HIS glory. That's His nature and His way. When God is slow to respond to our requests or says no, He has plans greater than we can fathom at the time. We should be eternally thankful that God’s answers are much wiser than our requests. If we were honest none of us would trade where He has us now for what might’ve been.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” – Psalm 84:11

Put in the Work

None of the secrets of success will work unless you do. – Anon

Naaman wanted to dip in clean waters to cleanse his leprosy. He remained a leper until he dipped in the muddy Jordan just as the prophet Elisha prescribed. Hmm!

Roger Federer! Bill Gates! All highly successful people not because of luck but because of applying themselves to their profession. The same application holds true for us as children of God if we expect to be successful. The secret to prayer is secret prayer. The secret to walking with God is walking with God. The secret to knowing His Word is reading and obeying His word. It works this way every time. There are no magic tricks or formulas; it just requires discipline and action. Good intentions count for nothing; results only come to those who willingly put forth the effort. God is counting on us today!

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

A Measure of Patience

One moment of patience may ward off great disaster; one moment of impatience may ruin a whole life. – Chinese Proverb

In all of his affliction, Job would not curse God. He waited patiently for an answer. He got more than he could hold. AMEN!

There’s an old cliché I’m sure we’re all familiar with ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ It intimates that it took a great deal of time to build that great city. We can take from this that noble lives also take time to perfect. Unfortunately it seems to be a lesson that is lost on most people. We are constantly on the go, in the mix, forging ahead, making it happen. We have no time for preparation, planning, discipline, or delayed gratification. 'Just do it' is the motto of the day. But if God is leading the way in our lives we should never run ahead of Him. And often He expects us to wait or be patient for His response. What He has planned is always greater than what we could ever achieve on our own. Life may happen fast but our response should be at our own pace.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” – Hebrews 6:12

Not just the gear

Equipment isn’t everything! – D. Swanberg

David couldn’t wear the battle clothes of king Saul to fight Goliath, he had to go in his own strength. Hmm!

We’ve seen them, maybe even been them. You know, those who think the equipment makes the man. It’s like the person who buys the off-road vehicle and equips it with every add-on you could imagine and never leaves the confines of the city. Or the person who thinks they must get a PhD in bible study before they can stand up for God. It’s a trick of the enemy to control our minds and hearts that way. This is not to say we shouldn’t prepare our best, but we should realize that no matter how much we prepare or equip ourselves, if God is not in the process and leading the way; we will look somewhat foolish. So sometimes we need to realize like David did, that less is really more.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” – Hebrews 13:5

Beauty Time

Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. – Richard 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 tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

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

Who ARE You?

What they call you is up to them, what you answer to is up to you. - Anon

Saul once called David a boy, but after Goliath he realized David was a warrior. WOW!

Winebibber, glutton, friend of sinners, Beelzebub! Those who despised him had many names for Jesus, most of them unflattering and downright mean. But he never forgot who he was nor his ultimate calling - SAVIOR. People of the world today are not much different than people then, this we know for many of us have had some unflattering names, gestures, and remarks hurled our way. It just goes with the territory. The question is how we respond, if we respond. Remember, you don't have to attend every argument/fight you're invited to. But if and when we do, may we like Jesus remember our ultimate goal - to reflect God in all we do in word and deed.

I will be away for a few days, so this keyboard will be silent.

Until then,

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11

Tomorrow: The Result

Whether your tomorrow holds fond memories or regrets, it will come from today’s decisions. – Anon

In Luke 16 the rich man and Lazarus the beggar both die. One opens his eyes in eternal torment, and one to eternal joy. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Hmm!

One of the greatest gifts God granted us was the ability to make our own decisions. However, each decision, no matter large or small carries consequences that come with it. And though we may try, you cannot DETACH the consequences from a decision. They may not come instantaneously, but they will come. But God has gifted us also with His Word, His Spirit, and His Presence, that we might make the right decisions and have many fond memories and few regrets. May we decide in wisdom.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.” – Galatians 5:16-18

Time: Eternal Love

Time is too slow for the impatient, too swift for the aged; too long for the grieving, too short for those rejoicing; but to those who love, time is eternity. – H. VanDyke

Everyone wanted to know when the end times would be but even Jesus said he didn’t know. He did hint at preparing for eternity. Hmm!

Most of us have heard the saying “only what you do for Christ will last.” There’s great truth there but unfortunately most of us spend a great part of our life and efforts focused on the wrong goal – money. Money is not bad per se, and it is something we need to live, but TIME is actually the currency of life. And God in His wisdom made sure it’s the one thing we each possess in equal measure each day regardless of our station or lot in life. Our goal for God and His kingdom is to invest it wisely that it may pay dividends (treasures in heaven); for though it is spelled TIME, when caringly given to someone else it comes out LOVE. And that is God’s command to us.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35

A Talent for Growth

Burying your talents does not make them grow. - Anon

The servant who buried his master's money had no growth to report, and it cost him big time. OUCH!

Agriculture teaches us that when seeds are properly planted and cared for, they grow and plants/flowers/trees are the natural results. You get a variety of flora that is both beautiful and useful. It is a reminder that God wastes nothing that He has made. The same is true of us. Each of us has been gifted with skills and talents by God. And He expects or wants us to use these to bring glory to Himself. For us to sit on them, deny them, or keep them bottled up inside is to deny the God we say we love and serve. To Him it doesn't matter if someone has the same or similar skill/talent you have, like the beautiful scene of nature He expects us to find a way to let ours shine for kingdom purposes. We don't want to be like the lazy servant, so it's time to get in gear and get in the game.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"If a man's gift is.......     ........let him use it in proportion to his faith." - Romans 12:6

Enjoy the Day!

There are two kinds of people. Those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, its morning!" – Anon

Jesus sneaked away early one morning to pray. Peter found him to remind him there was ‘work’ to do. Hmm!

You would think by now in our many years of life we would have learned to adjust or adapt. Our alarm clock goes off the same time every morning, and often it upsets us to no end. We awake and often greet the day with an attitude geared toward what we know is scheduled (Monday mornings, meetings, doctor’s visit, school test, work, etc) rather than with an attitude toward who created the day and woke us to see and be a part of it. The first order of business on any day, rain or shine, is to spend time with the one who created it, seek His will, direction, protection, and provision. Nothing ever takes God by surprise and if we let Him do the leading in our daily lives rarely will it happen to us. This is a day He has made, we should just rejoice!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For by him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16

Anger Danger

Temper is what gets most of us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there. – Richard Murray

Cain was so upset with how God perceived his offering, he went out and killed his brother Abel. WOW!

There’s no denying that we are emotional beings, God made us that way. But he also made us with the ability to overcome our emotions with sound, rational, thinking and spiritual wisdom. It’s when we refuse to engage in the latter that we find ourselves in more trouble than we often bargained for. It’s not a sin to get angry or upset, but it should never result in sinful behavior. The problem is it is so easy to cross the line, then feel compelled that we must prevail for the sake of ‘principle.’ We must remember our calling is not so much for the sake of principle as it is for righteousness and holy living.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

Gratitude the Great Attitude

Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to remember past mercies. – C. Jefferson

The publican in his prayer request. Paul in his letter to Timothy. They both understood “it” – Grace!

Did you ever stop to wonder why God gave us the ability to remember things? I think the main reason is so that we would never forget what He’s already done for us. It’s true, were we to actually stop for a minute and try remembering our past blessings, we would truly realize how gracious and merciful God has been to us; which in turn should make us the most gracious and merciful people on earth. The question of the day is are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful? Gratitude is a great attitude.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:1-5