Other Plans...

Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless. - Thomas Edison

It didn't seem right to have Gideon's men lap water like dogs, but God knew why. Hmm!

Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers closer did not come to the Major Leagues as a pitcher. He was originally a catcher with a great powerful arm, but he really couldn't hit. That's a problem for the catcher's position. The coaches noting his powerful arm talked to him about pitching. Just wanting to play the game at the Major League level anyway he possibly could, he was 'transformed' into one of the fiercest and best closers in the game today. There's a lesson here for all of us. As talented and skilled as we think we are God still knows what ways to use us best. And if we're going to ask Him to guide and lead us, then we had better be prepared to do whatever He calls us to do, and with whole-hearted devotion with a willing spirit. It may not seem right to us but we should trust in the truth that the Creator of all things has a purpose for us.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21

P.S. - We will not be having Bible Study tonight.

The Secret Ingredient in Peace

Recipe for contentment: Remember the day’s blessings, quickly forget the day’s troubles. – Anon

The apostle Paul said he ‘knew’ the secret to being content in all things. It was his new attitude in Christ.

We spend a great deal of our time, resources, and efforts chasing after the seemingly elusive ‘zone of peace.’ The bible does tell us to seek peace and pursue it, but it never said it was in the things made by man. The only true peace comes from being rightly related to God and not straining or taking the relationship for granted. Since we alone choose what to allow our hearts and minds to dwell on, in Christ; contentment, peace, and happiness are just a mindset away. As the day unfolds what it cooks up will be up to us.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, ‘It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and my father’s household.’ The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.’” – Genesis 41:51-52

Trust the One Who knows

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. - Corrie Ten Boom

Though ABRAM left his homeland and knew not where he was going, he trusted God would get him there. Hmm!

Seated in an airplane I find I can rest easy, almost fall asleep before take-off. Seated in a car with someone else driving I have often felt the need to 'assist' the driver. Trying to keep their eyes focused on the road, giving directions/lane assignments, even mindlessly braking or accelerating where possible. At times I often find myself doing the same thing with God even as I ask Him to 'order my steps' or 'direct my path.' If you're honest you'll admit you're good at this too. We've tried to get Him to speed things up in certain areas, slow it down in others; and even turn around or stop altogether. If God truly is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and knows what really lies ahead, then maybe beginning today we should let Him have total control and rest in His care. After all, He does know the way to His own house.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5

P.S. - here are a few more sites to assist in your research for the upcoming elections:

Www.afaaction.net
Www.californiafamily.org
Www.CapitolResource.org

Victory in Defeat

Some defeats are only installments to victory. – Anon

The Israelites suffered a great deal in their migration from Egypt to the Promised Land, but they eventually made it. AMEN!

Setbacks, delays, losses. They happen to everyone. As far as human history can be studied no one has gone through life without them (remember, even Jesus laid down his life). We don’t like them and they seem to come at the most inopportune time, but come they do. Many times God allows defeat to come our way to get our attention and purposes refocused on his priorities. Because He cares so much for us He would rather have us taste defeat on this side of eternity and remain victorious in the end rather than lose it all. The key for us is not to get bent out of shape and upset with God for what He is trying to bring about. Remember, victory is assured!

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:5-6

P.S. - The Discipleship class will meet this Sunday at 9:15AM, and the Finance Committee will meet at 3:30pm. Hope you can make it to the HarvestFest tomorrow from 12 - 4 pm.

Also, there will be a Voter information discussion (non-partisan) for the upcoming election for all interested individuals this Sunday at 2pm in Room 301. Bring your voter guide and join in if interested. 

Wisdom in Silence

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk. – D. Larson

It’s interesting that God gave king Solomon a ‘wise and discerning heart’ rather than a booming, commanding voice. Hmm!

Silence – it seems like the word is dead and gone. We are now a nation of talkers, not communicators, just talkers. We talk back and forth, often only surface issues, nothing deep seated. And we have to offer our opinion, give our input or the latest update; we want to explain ourselves, tell our side of the story, or just shoot the breeze. The idea of sitting alone thinking things through (meditation) or asking God and actually waiting for Him to answer (secret prayer) have all but vanished and have been replaced with talk or other ‘noise’. We’ve been duped into thinking we must be in contact or in touch with someone at all times. God gave us two ears for more than just stereo sound, that we might listen twice as much as we speak. May we all be discerning and wiser today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth be silent before Him!” – Habakkuk 2:20

Make it Known

Silent gratitude isn’t of much use to anyone! – Gertrude Stein

The Pharisees wanted the crowd to stop praising Jesus at the triumphal entry. He replied “if the people were silenced the stones would cry out.” WOW!

The ‘Didache’ community has a saying of “whether receiving or giving, it involves the action of stretching forth one’s hands,” meaning there must be specific intent made. How much moreso then, with an expression of gratitude. If it is not uttered in a timely manner it is wasted and lost forever. We should not take today for granted or the events or people that bless our lives, nor should we assume they know how we feel. We should just tell them. We cannot thank God enough, but we can thank Him!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” – Psalm 34:1-2 (KJV)

Not God's Doing

Not everything that happens is the will of God, yet in the last resort nothing happens outside of his will. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God did not want sin in the world, yet when it entered in the Garden of Eden he had a plan to defeat it. Amen!

Often, we ask God ‘why?’ “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did this occur?” We are a people who always seek after concrete answers. And though it’s not a bad idea we must realize we cannot trace everything that happens directly back to God. One thing we must know is that many things happen as a result of our own willing and doing, and also because of the pervasive evil in our world. God cannot be the responsible cause of everything, for that would eliminate our freedom of choice and responsibility. But no matter, He IS concerned about everything that happens to us. And because He is Sovereign and His Providence is unchangeable, we can be assured that all things do finally work for the good for those who love Him. The question is: Will you trust Him in the midst of what you’re in right now?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” – Matthew 10:29

A Wonderful Change

The most unhappy people are those who fear-----change. - M. McLaughlin

God saved a whole nation through Jonah's efforts, yet Jonah remained unhappy. WOW!

If we truly believe anything is possible with God - and I do mean anything - then a new "me/you" is waiting to be born. So 'bad attitudes' and 'bad habits' beware. We're going to the school of change beginning today, and the teacher has promised He can make anyone over. He is true to His Word, for He cannot lie, and He has never lost a case because He is omnipotent. Yes, change is possible even for me. Those who feel they cannot change are really in essence saying they have no hope, for hope is the flowerbed from which change grows. With God's love and care you don't have to stay the way you are.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven..." - Matthew 18:3

DON'T Set It Off

The way to win an atomic war is to make sure it never starts. – O. Bradley

To save his life Jacob’s mother sent him away to relatives he’d never met. It was a wise move. Hmm!

If you think about it, war is actually a last resort. It is the result of failed attempts to resolve an issue, and atomic war is a desire to completely annihilate the enemy. Often, if we’re not careful we find ourselves not only in a war, but an atomic one, rueing the birth of our enemy. This should not be, for as people of God we’re called to live at peace with our neighbor. It’s not easy at times, but we must remember God will not accept excuses at the door of heaven. The way to win a fight - keep the peace, the way to win an argument – speak only in love; and the way to best Satan – stay in company with God. Peace I leave with you!

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…” – Romans 12:18-19

P.S. - REMINDER, we will NOT be having Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning.

Our Part in God's Great Agenda

May God use you without consulting you? – W. C. Brumby

The man born blind, Lazarus being raised from the dead, the man at the pool of Bethesda. All healed for one reason only – to bring God GLORY. Hmm!

Most of us grew up under the authority of our parents and we marched to the commands they laid down without question or hesitation.  Well, God has a great agenda for this day. He plans to reach out to those in need, lift the spirits of those who are down, help those who seem to need no help, forgive all who need it, comfort those who are mourning, be patient with those who don’t even know Him, have mercy on those who curse Him, and love those who don’t deserve it. The thing about His agenda is there are no specific timeframes, nor any set roles; but He is expecting full cooperation from us. As the day comes upon us may we remember we are His!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but to the interest of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4

I Got A New Way of Living

Christianity is not turning over a new leaf, it’s turning over a new life. – Sparks

Paul, a man of means and status (Pharisee), considered his former life “rubbish” compared to a relationship with Jesus. HMMM!

Sweatshirts. Rainwear. Sweaters, etc. We often wear these outer garments when the weather dictates it. Often however, we wear our “Christianity” the same way, when situations dictate it. But in reality our relationship with Christ must be an inward change of the heart permeating every area of our life, every day of our life, and not areas we want to pick and choose. Remember, if you don’t live it, you really don’t believe it!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

Looking Forward

Life should not be lived looking through a rearview mirror. The very best days are those yet to be. Hope is always stronger than memory. – A. Ahlgrim

When tough times came upon the Israelites on their journey they often wished they were back in Egypt in bondage. They somehow forgot God was leading them. Hmm!

It’s amazing how often people want to turn back the clock, to go to their former days when “things were better.” The question we fail to answer is: what was better back then – us or God? Well, God has not changed, so…..?  When we continuously long for what’s behind its saying we don’t fully trust God to bring better things into our life, and we have little hope of things changing for the better. We cannot change the past so we must not let it discourage us, we must look forward in eager expectation that we can make the present worthwhile all the while building a better tomorrow by fully trusting in God – that’s why he gave us TODAY!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:17-18

Choose Your Future

The best way to predict your future is to create it. – Anon

Through all of his setbacks and heartaches Joseph was successful not so much because God was with him, but more so because he stayed with God. Hmm!

The good thing about life is as God gives us each day we have opportunity to shape our future by what we do today. Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is by choice. Therefore, knowing the destiny we seek; it should help us in our decisions and actions today. No one is born a failure or destined a mediocre life, it’s all in the choices we make and the consequences they bring. God is not against us having a prosperous life, a comfortable lifestyle, or a sunny disposition; He’s only against us having a life without Him at the center of it. So if we’re not happy with where we are or where we’re headed, today is a great opportunity to begin making changes.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live..” – Deuteronomy 30:19

Godly Advice From A Godly Source

People who say God is dead and Elvis is alive can’t be too bright! – L. J. Harvey

Amaziah consulted with God, and then went out and conquered the Edomites and their gods which could not save them. Then he turned around and consulted with their gods. HMMM!

Advice. No matter how brilliant, wise, and aged we are, we all need it at times. True, most times its unsolicited, but often when we do need it we rarely think of our Heavenly Father or His word. We turn to worldly books, talk-shows, unsaved friends and other soothsayers. But if we’re trying to live a holy, righteous life, maybe we should seek the advice of the one who is holy, righteous and all knowing - God! When changes and difficulties come our way, maybe we should seek His way.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“ When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” – Isaiah 8:18-19

P.S. - I will be picking up tickets for Movie Night today. I hope you've placed your order, if not let me know quickly.

Trust the Guide

If faith can see every step of the way, it is not faith. – W. Barclay

At the wedding feast of Cana, Jesus’ mother told the servants to do whatever he asked of them. She didn’t know what he would do, but she knew he would do something. Hmm!

Pin the tail on the donkey – now that was a game we all relished. First they blindfold you, then spin you around and let you loose with a sharp object. And we trusted them to guide us with their shouts of “you’re getting warmer/colder” and generally it worked. As kids we never saw it as a game of faith, but that’s exactly what it was, trusting others to lead you. God asks the same of us as adults, to trust Him to lead and guide the way. But the difference is God is not asking us to go blindly into something, but to go trusting that He will get us there. He’s been there and knows the path. It may not always be safe, secure, and without apprehension, but just as we had no fear from those we played ‘pin the tail on’ with, we should have no fear God will not keep us by His grace. To walk with God is not to see where He’s leading us but to see Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see….” – Hebrews 11:1

On the Level

The only people to get even with are those who are a little lower than you. – Anon

The Good Samaritan didn’t help the wounded Jew to be noble, he helped because he actually needed help. What a concept!

Our world is geared such that we are taught from early on we must keep up with the Joneses, settle all scores, and never come out on the losing end. Now remember, that’s the world’s view. God has no interest in us “besting” someone, but he does expect us to help make someone better, not to "get over" on society but to better society. True, this world and people are sorely troubled, but that’s why God is sending us today.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” – Romans 12:16-17

Please Arrive on Time

Punctuality is the politeness of kings. – Louis XVIII

Even though Abraham was going to the mountaintop to sacrifice his son, he still rose early in the morning to get started. Hmm!

It’s both amazing and somewhat sadly amusing when you think about it, but the One who transcends time is the One always on time. God is never late. He may show up unannounced, that’s His nature; but He shows up on time; every time. And in truth, when we think about it, He deserves the same from us. Everything else in this world gets our early attention. We’ll tailgate before football games, show up early at the ballpark to watch batting practice, get to the movies early to watch the previews, stand in line overnight to get a bargain, and on and on. But when it comes to church, bible study, Sunday School, or some other ‘God function’ it seems tardiness is the norm. If it’s important to us that God be on time in our lives, maybe, just maybe it’s important to God that we be on time for His activities.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Flexibility

Life is for one act only; improvisation is required! – Anon

Gideon and his 300 men defeated the Midianites without a sword among them. Just trumpets, empty jars, shouts, and of course – God. Hmm!

Complacency, conformity, and rigidity are too common in our lives. We love being where we are, who we are; and will fight anyone tooth and nail to keep things the way they are. We forget we serve a God who manifested Himself in many diverse ways. He’s the master of improvisation. He made even ‘devout’ folks like Elijah and Peter eat things they considered unclean, or go places they felt beneath them, just to bring glory to His name. So we, though confident in our faith; should never feel God won’t ‘stretch’ us in ways that require us to improvise. We need remember that though God loves us as we are, He’s making us into what He wants us to be, and that may require us being ‘bent out of shape’ by Him and for Him. Here’s hoping we’re all somewhat flexible.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

A Little Work For A Great Opportunity

We are all continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. – J. W. Gardner

Moses as leader of the Israelites, is the prime example of developing faith on the job. AMEN!

The internet. A great tool of invention that opens us up to a host of opportunities to communicate, research, do media, and even do commerce. However, it is also a tool fraught with pitfalls and danger. It requires a little work to “surf” the web successfully. Similarly every day and moment God grants us is an opportunity to bring glory to Him. Every individual we meet is an opportunity to share Christ’s love with them. Yes, opportunities abound, but like the internet they require a little effort or “work” to be beneficial. That’s how we grow.

Until Monday……..

Pastor Botts

“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” – I Corinthians 16:8-9

P.S. - tickets for our upcoming 'Nite at the Movies' will be $10. Movie time will be approximately 7pm. Please indicate on your communication card this Sunday if you will be attending.

How One Sees It

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein

When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, "He’s so big we can never kill him." When David looked at the same giant he thought, "He’s so big I can’t miss." Hmm!

Economic uncertainty. Political rhetoric. Job stability/availability, housing needs, relationship issues. There are a lot of difficult choices ahead for us, that will further impact our individual status. But no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what our circumstances; opportunities abound to make things better. And the first step is to change how we view what we’re up against. If our God truly is greater than any obstacle we can ever face, maybe we need to take it to him and view it through His lenses. He’s already promised to give us ‘a future and a hope,’ and as the author of ‘every good and perfect gift’ every situation can be beneficial to us. It’s all in how we see it.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

No Bitter Fruit

The fruit of the Spirit does not include sour grapes. – S. Stone

When Martha complained about the ‘lack of support’ from Mary in preparing dinner, Jesus reminded her who chose what! Hmm!

One of the first things you learn in your faith walk is ‘it is not about you,’ it’s about God. With a good understanding of that we should get along just fine, knowing that things are not going to go the way we want them to all the time, they’ll go the way God wants them to. Now generally, when you know what’s coming, even if it’s not what you would have wanted; you don’t get upset or bent out of shape. But with us it’s sometimes amazing how we go on griping and complaining about the troubles in our life when the one we live for told us we would have them, "in this world you will have troubles". The idea is not to become bitter by our trials but better by them. To gripe and complain is like adding more fuel to an existing fire. Sour grapes will only ruin the rest of the fruit.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another…” – Ephesians 4:30-32

P.S. - tickets for our upcoming 'Nite at the Movies' will be $10. Movie time will be approximately 7pm. Please indicate on your communication card this Sunday if you will be attending.

Why Not?!

Its three strikes and you’re out whether you swing the bat or not, so SWING! – Babe Ruth

Jonathan and his armor-bearer took out a garrison of Philistine soldiers with one sword. The Lord 'helped' his swing. Amen!

Abraham Lincoln failed at many things before he became President of the U.S. Thomas Edison struck out over a thousand times before he discovered the light bulb. The common denominator is these men and other great people like them never let yesterday’s disappointment stop them in their tracks. They took advantage of every opportunity again and again to press on and succeed. One thing we know about life is that like baseball it doesn’t care if you swing or not, it will take you out if not lived properly. But God gives us opportunities everyday to make an eternal impact for his kingdom, which builds our own self-worth. These are the moments that sustain us, so we can’t afford to miss those pitches!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity….” – Ephesians 5:15-16

A True Friend Knows

A true friend knows the song in your heart and sings it to you during hard times, or when memory fails. – Anon

During David’s waiting period to ascend to the throne, the king’s own son Jonathan was his closest friend and ally. Hmm!

The familiar refrain “when I am sad He makes me glad, He’s my friend,” that we sing about Jesus is a powerful reminder of what true friendship is. He reminds us of God's love for us and our purpose, and steadfastly tries to keep us on point. It is actually a value judgment we should use to measure those we allow into our sphere of friendship. God places those in our life that can help us keep our heart song true, pure, and uncluttered by other tunes or melodies (worldliness). When we want to go outside of the parameters God sets for friendship and fellowship (righteousness), we risk having our heart song broken, interrupted or even changed, falling away from our purpose and true character. Here's hoping your melody is still inspiring to you.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” – Genesis 2:18