False Prophets in Disguise

Beware of self-styled experts. An ‘ex’ is a has-been, and a ‘spurt’ is a drip under pressure. – D. Wagoner

Simon the Sorcerer amazed the people posing himself to be the great “Divine Power of God”, until he ran into God’s man Philip. What a wonderful CHANGE! (Acts 8)

It's no secret that we all desire to be at our best, in the know, and on top of our game; even in our walk with God. But in this day and age of free-flowing information, books, tapes, etc. and our desire to stay positively focused on God’s desires; it is very easy to get caught up in ‘winds of doctrine’ that sound true but are not. Many bestsellers by well known individuals are fraught with erroneous theology, embellished truths, and positions of thought that are out of order and often contrary with the one true source, God’s word. Our prayer should be for a discerning heart.

Until ....…..

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – I John 4:1

I'll be taking a few weeks off for some R&R. So until I return this keyboard will be silent.

Listen up Love

The first duty of LOVE – is to LISTEN! – Tillich

To love Jesus is to know His Word. To know His Word is to listen. Hmm!

We start out as babies in the crib listening for the calming voices of our parents. Then we proceed to adolescence where we’re instructed by those we love to listen to the voice of authority to guide us correctly in life. Somehow it seems in adulthood we forget this process, or assume it’s unnecessary, or tune into the wrong frequency, thus making our life messy. If our goal truly is heaven, I think we need to learn this lesson over again and ‘listen’ for the Master, as He’s the only one with directions on how to get there.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ And the Lord said to Samuel: ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle’” – I Samuel 3:10-11

Pray About It

Don’t put people down – unless it’s on your prayer list. – S. Michalski

Jesus got even with those who crucified him by…….PRAYING! Hmmmm…..

Proud. Boastful. Arrogant. Loud. Obnoxious. Unkempt.….you kind of get the hint. We all have people of this sort in our circle or sphere of influence. Sometimes WE are them. So it makes sense then that we should never denigrate or try to humiliate them, but put them down for prayer. If it’s true that “the prayer of a righteous man avails much,” why not give it a try and see what develops.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” – I Timothy 2:1-3

God's Glory Revealed

A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him, than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on a wall. – C. S. Lewis

The religious leaders heaped all the darkest insults, derogatory remarks, shame and reproach they could muster upon Jesus while He was on the cross. But, His GLORY still leaked out. AMEN!

It has been scientifically proven that a single drop of liquid can contain thousands, if not millions of living organisms. Though we cannot see it with the naked eye, under a microscope it comes to life. The glory of God defies all logic, and is vividly seen in every detail of life to the person who has eyes of faith and a spirit of understanding. He’s there all the time, friend.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory, and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” – Hebrews 1:3

Life in Waves

Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford

Jonathan thought he could overcome a garrison of soldiers, he was right. David thought he could defeat Goliath, he was right. Cain didn’t think he could please God, so he went out and proved himself right. Hmm!

Life happens to all of us, and it doesn’t wait around to see if we’re up to speed or feeling well, or putting our best foot forward, it just comes in waves. But it’s not that life comes at us fast or hard that dictates the circumstances of our lives, but how we respond to it. Attitude and faith are of primary importance to us in our Christian walk, and they go hand in hand. The determinant in every situation that arises will be our attitude, and that is something only we can control. Nothing is impossible, but with self it’s highly improbable. The key is to remember it’s not you but who lives within you.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Be About It

Your theology is who you are when the talking stops and the action starts. – C. Morris

While facing a death sentence Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held fast to their God. In the fiery furnace their God held fast to them. Hmm!

There’s an old cliché that says: “when all is said and done, there’s a lot less done than said.” There’s a lot of truth to this in most lives. People are good at talking and making great and grand promises, claiming to have impeccable character or stout-hearted faith. But despite all we claim, our actual life actions will scream who we are so loud others really don’t have to listen to a word we say. The good thing is we serve a God who is patient and forgiving, however He will not always “hold His peace”. Remember, if you don’t live it you don’t believe it.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“The man who says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him.” – I John 2:4-5

Hope to see you Sunday at 9am for our Bible Reading recap.

Subtle Shakeups

We turn to God when our foundations are shaking only to learn it is God that is shaking them. – C. West

After his life was turned upside down king Saul sought the Lord, only to find it was God who was rejecting him as king. OUCH!

Stability, security, firm-footing, insurance. Admittedly, we all seek after such adjectives in our lives. Whether it be financial, educational, in relationships, or other areas; we like to know exactly how everything is going to turn out. We begin to pride ourselves on our titles, achievements, victories, and possessions. We often trust more in our own doings than in God’s provisions. And because He will not take second place to anyone or anything in our lives God often has to shake us to the very core of what we’ve begun to trust in when it is not of His making or plan for us. Yes God blesses us and expects us to plan for our future’s and so forth, but nothing we come across should usurp His role and authority in our lives, even blessings He brings to us. So if there’s a minor earthquake in your life right now you might want to look at your relationship to God.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

In face of the everyday

Any idiot can face a crisis; it’s this day-to-day living that wears you out. – A. Chekhov

Elijah threw up his hands and said to God “I’ve had enough! Take my life….” God said “let me show you something Elijah…” He was forever a changed man. Hmm!

Demands at work! Rush hour traffic! Family pressures! Daily stress! It’s enough to drive your blood pressure up, put your temper on edge, and take the joy out of life. We all face such things in life. Yet, notice how some cheerful souls seem to never be fazed, they just seem to roll with the punches and keep on smiling. They have an ability to put a positive spin on every situation or circumstance. They seem able to see the humor in life even when things go way wrong. It seems like life never gets a good hit on them to knock them down or steal their joy. Generally these are the folks who have put their faith and trust in God and don’t take themselves too seriously. They’ve learned that laughter is a great medicine, actually a gift from God; and that faith is the greatest preserver and encourager known to man. So depending on the situation they can face any fiasco, handle any hassle, find sunshine on a rainy day, and still enjoy the blessing of life. May we all be so blessed!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance….” – James 1:1

Blooming Where You Are

Brighten the corner where YOU are! - Song refrain

His brother Peter got more print and notice, but Andrew had great impact as well. AMEN!

We live in a culture/society where it's all about ME! I take "center stage." Shine the spotlight on MY deeds of greatness, follow MY life on social media, or hear about MY vast amount of need and right to exist. But what if it really isn't about YOU! The poet Thomas Gray wrote "full many a flower is born to blush unseen and waste its sweetness in the desert air." It means some flowers are never seen - they never make it into the floral bouquet, table centerpiece, hospital room, secretary's desk, or wives hands. They grow in some distant, dark place, but yet they grow and bloom and give beauty to that place. You may not ever write a book, preach a sermon, sing a solo, or stand in front of a crowd, but you can still bloom for God just by SERVING where you are with what you have. Shine On!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....see how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not eve Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these...." - Matthew 6:27-28

Keep it 100

Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do. – D. Galen

Though Judas knew Jesus was talking about him as the betrayer, he still asked, “Is it I?” Hmm!

The consensus is generally no one likes a liar or a person who does not keep their word. We tend to look for and associate with people who honor their words and commitments no matter life’s circumstances. But the greater question of the day is can we be counted on to do what we know we should do and promised to do when no one else is around or will we just say we did or promise to do it later? Faith is faith whether someone is watching or not, and integrity is not a suit of clothing but a heartfelt conviction.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

Take and Use the Advice

Some people like my advice so much they frame it up on the wall instead of using it. – G.R. Dickson

The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day were the keepers of the Mosaic Law. They didn’t obey it, they just kept it. Hmm!

Counselors, advisors and mentors are wonderful people to have in our lives. Because of their years and experiences they can offer so much insight to us that would help make our life decisions easier and more clear-cut. God knew we would not have enough time in life to make every mistake there is nor did He want us to, so He puts these people into our lives. And to top it off He gave us His written Word that we may have certainty in what is righteousness. But it does us no good if we do not put it into actual practice in our life circumstances. Slogans, sermons, wise sayings, and upbeat clichés are nice to know and repeat, but action is what gets results.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Hope to see you Sunday morning at 9AM for our Bible Scripture discussion

Church is a Funny Place

It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God, that is afraid to laugh in His presence. – G. MacDonald

When God promised her a son Sarah referred to Him as ‘the God who brought me laughter.’ AMEN!

No matter how we try to stifle it, hide it, suppress it – laughter will sneak out at what seems like the most inappropriate times, yes even in church. It’s just a natural reaction friend. God Himself gave us the ability to laugh, and not only that, He made it so that it is therapeutic to our well being. What soap does for our body laughter does for the soul. Laughter helps take the edge off of life’s sometimes unexplainable circumstances and events. It brings the blood pressure and stress levels down, and alleviates anger, and allows us to see our imperfections – Praise God. Yes life is to be taken seriously if we’re to fulfill our purpose, but the God who had serious intent when He made us also expects us to enjoy the journey on the way.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

…..”a time to weep, and a time to laugh….” – Ecclesiastes 3:4

Grow Through It

Everybody wants to be somebody, nobody wants to grow. - Goethe

Though we 'put on Christ' we have to grow in His stature. Hmm!

The mustard seed is indeed a small seed. Yet when planted it grows to produce a plant that provides shelter and rest for the birds of the air. Imagine that small seed planted in the earth, covered up in darkness, but yet it springs forth because within it is 'life.' Small things don't grow only when they don't have life. If Christ resides within our hearts then we have life, our faith may be 'little' but yet it is alive. At times we may feel that our life is being suffocated by the complete darkness around us, but the darkness only means you've been planted. If there is life within (spirit) you will eventually break through the ground (darkness) and burst forth into the freshness of what God is trying to do in your life. Just remember, the process of growth entails enduring through all circumstances.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." - Mark 4:5

There for You

It is so much easier to tell others how to handle their problems than to just simply stand with them in their pain. - Anon

Job’s ‘friends’ offered little comfort in their convicting him of sin. OUCH!

Though we won’t readily admit it we all at times tend to play ‘The Great Guru’ with answers to everyone’s problems or situations. We dispense advice, give counsel, play mentor, or spiritual advisor like the ‘professionals’ when given the opportunity. It’s a coping mechanism we use to keep our ‘space.’ But nothing can take the place of a friend who will just sit and listen, wait and walk, or just lend a shoulder to lean on. No suggestions of easy fixes, just a promise to help see you through, and intercessory prayer to back it up. Psychologists have their place, as well as talk shows and self-help books, but God has asked us to help bear one another’s burdens. Today someone may need us, if we just take time to listen as opposed to counsel.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:3  

Confidence in God

Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night. - L. Aikman

Though Paul expressed 'concern' for all the churches, he was a very 'content' man. Hmm!

WORRY, FRET, ANXIETY! Words no one really likes in their daily lives, and neither does God want them there. Why does God tell us not to worry? Well, if you think it through, worry is the opposite of faith. To worry is to practice 'negative' meditation (going over and over things in your mind/heart). Instead of thinking on the goodness, grace, favor, and mercies of God, when we worry we're saying "I can't trust the Creator of the Universe with this." In truth, this is an actual insult to God when we act as if He isn't big enough, strong enough, resourceful enough, or close enough to meet or overcome the challenges we face in life. If scripture reveals quite the opposite, maybe we ought to begin believing it. As life arises today will we be completely confident in the God we serve?

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert....." - Isaiah 50:2

First Things First

Prioritize or be prioritized. – D. Swanberg

Because the Israelites didn’t like to keep God’s covenant He introduced them to the Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, etc. OUCH!

No matter how you slice it, each day has only 24 hours in it, and if you’re anywhere near being a responsible person you know it’s not enough to get everything done on our to-do lists. Why, because well-meaning family, friends, and co-workers have a way of making unexpected demands on our time; not to mention, the unforeseen difficulties that crop up. It’s the same with life as well. That’s why it’s important we learn to do first things first. These are the most important ‘must do’ events in life and of the day, and they start with God. If we don’t prioritize our life others are ‘chomping at the bit’ to do so, and their means and motives often only go to serve their own interests. We need remember we were made to be victors and not victims.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind…..” – Romans 1:28

P.S. - Hope to see you Sunday morning at 9AM for our weekly Devotional reading summary.

Prayer > Worry

The greatest amount of worrying still cannot outdo the smallest prayer. – Anon

While Andrew worried about how they would feed 5,000 with just a few fish and loaves, Jesus just prayed. Everybody ate their fill. Wow!

There are many times in life when we are ‘anxious’ about our children, family, finances, friends, etc.  It sometimes seems that we even worry about worrying. Needless to say however, our anxious thoughts are seldom productive and often only serve to intensify our level of worry.  These are times we need to turn things over to God, but we must be careful that when we approach God we’re not just talking anxiously at Him as well. The burden(s) can only change shoulders if we’re really intent on trusting Him with our concerns and leaving them on the altar. God needs not our help in bringing blessing or deliverance, only our faith and trust in Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God….” – Philippians 4:6

Time to Grow

A man without problems in his life should get down on his knees and ask God, “don’t you trust me anymore?”- J. Bainbridge

Paul, in his rebuke of the Corinthians told of his many sufferings for Christ. He gladly accepted every one of them. WOW!

"Why me? Why now? This can’t be happening! And so on….."   I’m sure all these refrains sound familiar to us, for we’re often the guilty party. Problems and situations are a part of life for us. God is preparing us for something far greater than what we face here on earth, so this is His proving ground. We GROW through adversity, gaining discipline, wisdom, discernment, and faith that God will see us through it all. So no matter how large the mountain may be in front of you now (be it family matters, financial matters, relationship, etc.) be thankful in this situation that God cares enough to test you.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Disposable Faith?

Don’t throw away the old bucket until you know whether the new one holds water. – Anon

The Israelites asked for judges and then a king to rule over them, never realizing they had God all the time. OUCH!

We live in a disposable world, where if you don’t like what you have or who you are just start over. We do it with our stuff, our friends, our bodies, even our ‘faith.’ Nothing is off-limits it seems. We jump from one trend or friend to another, without so much a thought of what we’re leaving or where we’re going. And all too often we later find that what we had in the beginning was much better than what we are now stuck with. It’s okay to move on to better things in life, but we need to make sure they really are better. Our enemy is the master of deceit and subtlety, and he never tires.  God’s ways are tried and true and never change. The choice is ours.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” I Corinthians 11:14-15

Fear Cure

We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. – W. Gurnall

Saul’s fighting men greatly feared Goliath and allowed him to taunt them 40 days. But along came scrawny little David and his God. AMAZING!

Most of us remember a time when as children, though our parents weren’t around we were well behaved because we feared what would happen if they found out we misbehaved. God, as our Supreme Father commands the same respect. The TRUTH of the matter though often is ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Because we don’t often see a physical manifestation of God we have no fear of Him. But the REALITY of the matter is God is ever present, - ‘I will not leave you or forsake you;’ – we just refuse to see Him and submit in obedience to Him. The antidote to fear is love – ‘perfect love drives away fear’. God will not force His will upon us at any time, but then again neither will he force HEAVEN upon us later. The choice is always ours.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28