What's got you all riled up?

Two things a man should never be angry at: what he can help; and what he cannot help. – T. Fuller

God scolded Jonah for his misdirected anger at “those sinful” people of Nineveh, people God himself was willing to save. Hmm!

It is often said anger is one letter short of danger, and in many instances it is. It is an emotion that if left unchecked can cause serious harm. We may live in a society of the haves and the have-nots, but we are not called by God to judge them; only to love them. The best way to insure we keep ourselves “under subjection” is to physically help those we can in a loving manner, and pray for those we cannot help, again in love.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” – Proverbs 29:22

Hope you can make the Sunday School Devotional time this week at 9AM in Parmes Hall.

Inspired by the Work

To be inspired one has to actually be busy. – B. Pile

After the early church prayed and prayed, the power of God came upon them and they were filled with the Spirit and 'acted' with boldness. Hmm!

Often in our lives many of us are like the search lights we see flashing across the night skies, searching for something that is not there. We wait, we procrastinate, we put things off, believing something will happen to inspire us to take action. But inspiration is an additive, not a starter. It aids, lends strength, gives momentum, like the Spirit of God. God is ready to inspire us today, all He needs is our step of faith.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” -  I Thessalonians 1:2-3

Time to Listen

Hearing is one of the body’s five senses, but listening is an art. – Anon

The boy Samuel heard God’s call several times before he knew what it took to just listen. Hmm!

We live in a world of constantly increasing communication. Just witness the explosion of ‘smart/social’ media technology (iPads, iPhones, Facebook, FaceTime, Twitter, etc.). But in a world full of communication mediums we have a lot of misdirected, misunderstood people. The art of talk-speak has increased and we have confused hearing with listening. To truly listen is to understand the other persons heart, passion, and desires when they speak. Listening takes time, which we often don’t seem to have; and it takes one’s full attention. This is why we often miss out on God’s responses to our prayers and directions for our lives – we don’t take the time nor give our full attention to Him. God will be speaking today as always, I pray we all listen up.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then Jesus’ disciples said, ‘Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things’…. “You believe at last!” Jesus answered.” – John 16:29-31

A little help along the way

He who limps is still walking. – S. Lee

Jacob wrestled with God and received a ‘limp’ along with his blessing. Hmm!

Canes. Crutches. Walkers, or other medical devices. We’ve all seen them in one manner or another. All inventions to keep us mobile, moving, and/or active and in the main of life despite physical setbacks and weaknesses. There’s a great lesson in them. Perhaps you’ve suffered great losses in your life. Perhaps you’re suffering grief or sorrow or hurt that still brings pain or discomfort to your daily life. Don’t stop there or give up, for that’s what the enemy wants. The key is to keep moving closer to God and His purposes. He’s strong enough for us to lean on and He doesn’t mind us doing so.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“To keep me from becoming conceited….there was given me a thorn in my flesh….to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – II Corinthians 12:7-9

YOU-nique

In the world to come, you will not be asked, "Why were you not Moses, Samuel, David, or Paul? But you will be asked, "why were you not YOU?" – Rabbi Zusya

Paul gave up on being a ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ and a super-apostle just to be a servant. The church is forever grateful. AMEN!

Truth be known, many of us as we read the scriptures often yearn to be like the great ones; to have the strength of Samson, the faith of Paul, or even the prayer life of Jabez. These were all good people of God whose story and life are there to help impact ours, but not to take the place of ours. God has purpose for each one of us and though we are thousands of years removed from these biblical ancestors, God is still in the process of building up His kingdom. And though some like Samuel, David, Paul, and even Moses were mentioned, think of the millions who were not mentioned; but yet lived out their purpose helping to push the kingdom along. In this day and age God needs each of us in our own UNIQUE ways to reach out and make an impact on the world as our ancestors did. That is being who God made us to be – anything else is a fraud.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…. “I cannot go in these” [David] said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off” – I Samuel 17:38-39

Don't Die a Counterfeit

Everyone is born an original, but sadly many will die as a copy. – Abraham Lincoln

Early in his reign king Asa trusted God and received favor. Later he trusted more in men, lost God’s favor and died diseased and lonely. Hmm!

The US Treasury spends millions each year to protect our currency from counterfeiters, for they know counterfeit currency de-values the original and is bad for our overall economy. It’s a noble and righteous pursuit. But interestingly enough, when it comes to us as people, most of us spend money profusely, use our bodies wildly, and educate ourselves illicitly to fit in with the culture and practices of everyone else – thus de-valuing the originality God gave us – becoming in essence a counterfeit or copy. This is a clever ruse of the enemy. God designed each one of us uniquely according to His good purpose and desire for us, and great craftsmanship needs no other work upon it, just care and nurturing. If we won’t be who God made us to be, who will?

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:14

Mad Growth

The more we grow up, the less we blow up. – Anon

Esau at one time wanted to kill his brother Jacob, but eventually he got over it. Hmm!

Tantrums – those times when one gets mad, irate, annoyed, divisive, etc.; when they realize they won’t get their way or that life actually doesn’t revolve around them. Guess what, they’re not just for children. As adults, they show our immaturity because of our inability to deal with real-life situations that may cause us to ‘go the extra mile’, ‘honor someone other than self’, step aside or give up a ‘perceived’ right. The more we realize we are made in the image of God and understand His ways, the less volatile we’ll become. God has a right to be angry with each of us every day (we sin) but yet He chooses to favor us with grace and blessings beyond measure. If everything and everyone still makes you agitated and hostile, maybe you need to grow a little more. There will be a test today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“…..crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation….” – I Peter 2:2

Preparing For Storms

Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is the perfect security in storms. – K. Troccoli

When the storms raged against the ship, the disciples were amazed at what Jesus did to calm it down. Hmm!

Rainstorms, snowstorms, blizzards, hurricanes, etc. All the work of nature, and all beyond our control. The best we can do is prepare for them for we know they will come, so we buy special clothing and other gear to help us muster through them. But often in matters of faith, many of us treat or think of our faith as some sort of magic shield that will keep trouble or the storms of life away from us, or that we won’t have heartache, pain, or problems because we’re protected by Jesus. We forget that ‘Jesus was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin.’ This tells us he suffered in “human flesh” just as we do, yet He did not give in to the sinful nature, which should give us strength and encouragement when the storms of life assail us. So as life unfolds, and it will, just remember to put on Jesus to weather the storm.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

What does your life say?

History is HIS story. – Rick Warren

The prophets, apostles, and even Jesus told the same message – God is working things out to His own glory. Hmm!

Most of us will probably never write a book, play, or song, or create a great piece of art that says this is who I am. We will not go down in history like Dr. King, Mother Teresa, Shakespeare or the likes of them. But that’s okay, we were not meant to be those individuals – just ourselves. And even in this God has something He wants to say to the world through our lives. God wants others to know of Him through the way we live – great or small – and the service we give. That’s the great thing about life for God, its service oriented; which gives us all an equal playing field to work with. The question we need to ask ourselves is: what is my life saying right now?

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5

More than one type

You cannot get out of prison if you don’t know you’re in one. – P. Drucker

It took him a while, but the Prodigal Son finally realized he had the only key to set himself aright again. Hmm!

Because we are generally sight oriented individuals many of us know a jail or prison when we see one, having seen many in books and on screen. But such environments really only limit an individuals movement. There are far greater prisons that even in freedom hinder our growth, happiness, and joy. Many of us live lives controlled by debt, remain in relationships that are unhealthy, or stay chained to habits that destroy or bankrupt us physically and/or morally, often going to great lengths to convince ourselves this is the way it should be. These are prisons. However, Jesus promised us an ‘abundant life’ this side of heaven. Not so much on prosperity, but a life to fully be all God meant us to be. The decision to change our circumstances has always resided with us. The question to answer truthfully is "do they need changing?”

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

P.S. - Reminder: Clean-up day tomorrow beginning at 7:30AM.

Also, due to work going on in the Sanctuary, Sunday services will be held in Parmes Hall.

The Less Glamorous of Success

Never ask what's in a hot dog while you're eating one. - Anon

Moses wanted his people set free, he just didn't really know what it would take. Amen!

Success -  a noble idea indeed and something we all seek. And if we're not careful we'll find ourselves often in envy of others successes and achievements, "oohing and aahing" their praises. But what we often fail to see is that which lies below the surface, the many failures and negative responses they endured before they became successful.  In truth, a lot of failure, a lot of pain, and a lot of life goes into success. And it's what we learn in these instances and how we build upon these experiences that will either propel us onto the success platform or the pit of despair. That's why it's good to know the God of grace we serve, who is generous in second chances, and asks us to prove nothing to Him but our love, and that is the greatest success one can have in life.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2

Choose Your Color

Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush – it can color any situation – any color you want it. – Anon

Even after Isaiah pronounced God’s judgment on him, Hezekiah held fast his trust in God. God granted him 15 more years. WOW!

Life, as we know it is a series of responses to Today’s offerings. No matter what the sky above looks like, the truth of the matter is the day presents back to us exactly the color or attitude we give to it. If we are gray and gloomy it will be long and slow. If we’re hopeful and optimistic it will be fast paced and full of opportunity. The choice is ours and ours alone to make. Circumstances may enter, like loss of sleep, little financial resources, strained relationships – but how we respond is clearly our own choice of color. The fact that God has granted us life today begs the question – do we have any reason to be upset or negative?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“[Jonah] said, ‘O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ But the Lord replied, ‘Have you any right to be angry.’” – Jonah 4:3-4  

The Way To...

I glory in conflict that I may hereafter exult in victory. - Frederick Douglass

Matthew the tax collector hated his job and was hated by his people. Along came Jesus. AMEN!

Life as we experience it can sometimes appear overwhelming, and it happens every day, like clockwork. It can often get on top of us and smother us, suck all the hope, joy, and pleasure out of us if we're not careful. That friend, is our enemies goal. To keep us so preoccupied, so self-absorbed with a defeatist attitude that we seem to stay in a gloomy, doomsday frame of mind. Hopeless despair. But life is a gift from God, not to be endured but lived to the fullest with great joy. The most critical step to overcoming the enemy's attack is to believe there is a WAY, and then to seek that WAY. Jesus assures us there is a way and HE is it. He is not just the WAY to the Father, He is the WAY to all of life. He is the 'bread' of life, 'living' water, the 'truth', the 'source' of joy and above all 'victorious' over all things. So all we really need to do is re-focus. Stop looking at life and look at Jesus.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith......" - Hebrews 12:2

Put on your Joy face!

Joy is the best makeup! - Anon

In all that he went through Joseph’s countenance never seemed to fall. He always trusted God in all things. Hmm!

In sports it’s called putting on your ‘game face.’ That expression that lets people know you are serious minded and physically ready to play. For those of us in the faith it is not a game face but a heart condition – JOY. A life truly filled with joy will always impact those around it. Why, because in all situations, circumstances, and events; hope is perpetually on exhibit. The trials, pains, and hardships of life don’t change the expression of the heart, and that expression is always evident. As Christians we are not exempt from the problems of the world, we don’t get a free pass; but we have complete confidence in the One who will ensure ‘it will work out for our good.’ Dress appropriately today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…” – II Corinthians 4:8-9

Take em to the House!

The best things you can give children, next to good habits, are good memories. - S. Harris

The bible says the "parents often brought their children to Jesus and he blessed them." REALLY!

I remember them well, the trips to grandma's house as a child. The moment you approached it your demeanor or attitude changed. Even though it was nestled among other houses on the street hers seemed to project an aura or glow of someone revered, worthy of great respect. As you entered you could sense the love, you spoke in hushed tones, and put on your best manners. If grandma and her house were worthy of such high regard, what about the God we serve? I'm not talking about going to church, we're good at that, but it means little. I'm talking about going to God's house. Preparing our hearts to go. Meeting with Him personally, praising Him passionately, worshiping Him penitently, receiving Him powerfully. And just as we always left grandma's with a full stomach or some other goody, when we worship God completely He will ensure we leave His presence victoriously. Anyone up for this? Sunday's comin'.

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

"...The memory of the righteous shall be a blessing....." - Proverbs 10:7

P.S. - We will be packing shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse this Sunday.

Release Them!

Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner! – Max Lucado

Though Daniel spent the night in the lion’s den, King Darius was the one held prisoner in his own heart. Then morning came and he was relieved. Hmm!

Prisons are ominous places. True they house some vile people, but they also house those who have to keep watch over them. It is a tough grueling job with little if any benefits. This is also a true picture of us when we can’t practice forgiveness. The thing is when we refuse to forgive someone, when we decide to harbor ill will or hatred toward them; it is really ourselves that we keep locked up. We have to make sure that person never gets free to have a pleasant life or ruin someone else’s life. We in essence become jail keepers in the dungeons of our own heart. That’s why God ‘commands’ us to forgive one another as He forgave us. Life is too short to be locked up of your own will. Forgiving is not necessarily forgetting what happened, but it is allowing yourself to live freely and fully for God, and it works wonders for your heart and spirit.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15

Re: 'Rooted' - please complete and return the postcard ASAP.

Praying God's Will

Keep praying, but be thankful God’s answers are always wiser than your requests. – W. Culbertson

God’s answer to Paul’s repeated prayers about his physical ‘thorn in the flesh’ was to open his eyes to great ‘spiritual’ blessings. WOW!

By nature we are a people who want what we want, when we want it, how we want it. By promise God has obligated Himself to ‘grant us our heart’s desire’ if we delight in Him. Thankfully, His answers aren’t exactly what we expect, for He is God; not a puppet on a string dancing to our type of music. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it and grants it by His divine providence, not our pre-fabricated model designs. The key to remember though is “He hath promised.”

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

"Jesus prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" - Matthew 26:39  

PLAY the game of Life

God has called us to play in the game of life, not to referee and keep score. – Richard Murray

Abraham, Joseph, David, Job; despite what hardships they encountered in life they persevered in faith. AMEN!

When it comes to playing games, if the truth be told; all of us like the rules when they favor us, and dislike them when they don’t. We often take the same attitude towards life as well. We want to stop it, make it fair, get the score (are we up or down), and even change the rules we don't like or agree with. But this is not our right nor our privilege. We were made to bring God glory in all things, period. I say it very deliberately – trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes even defeat, are the very foods that fuel the growth of our faith. We grow through such ‘game time encounters’ when we persevere without looking for the easy way out, and God has promised to pay what is right.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right’.” – Matthew 20:3

"Unless you help to make the laws they'll steal your rights with trumped up clause..." (W.E.B. DuBois) - Remember to VOTE today!

Don't let it destroy your contentment

Contentment is destroyed by comparison. – Anon

James identified himself as a 'servant' of Christ rather than his brother. Wise indeed!

“And they lived happily ever after!” Yes it’s a fairy tale ending, but in truth it is an ending we all tend to seek. We all seek after a peace that fills us, satisfies us, validates us; and that peace can only come from our being perfectly aligned with God and His will. There is no other source that can fulfill that inner longing – we were made for communion with God. The problem we have is we consistently compare our livelihood, our possessions or resources, or even our actions to that of our fellow man, and that robs us of our true identity and contentment we should have with God. God is not so much concerned with what we have as He is with ‘who we are’ and ‘how are we.’ When the answer to these two questions begin and end with Him, contentment is not far away. So we need not look around, we only need to look heavenward.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves they are not wise.” – II Corinthians 10:12

See and follow the signs

Conscience only tells you what is wrong, it doesn’t stop you from doing it. – Anon

Aaron's sons knew they were not supposed to offer 'strange fire' to God, yet they did it anyway. OUCH!

STOP….. , ONE-WAY...., 55 MPH…..., NO PARKING……, NO TURN ON RED……, YIELD…., NO LEFT TURN DURING THE HOURS OF....? You’ve probably guessed by now these are all traffic signs posted to keep traffic flowing at a smooth safe pace. I’m sure we’re all aware of what happens when someone doesn’t heed the message Life is very similar. When we wrestle with right and wrong our conscience is trying to point out the signs we should obey, while the flesh is demanding satisfaction. However, we are not to satisfy the desires of the flesh but live by the Spirit. Our daily prayer should be that we will have a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led day.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” – Romans 7:21

Learning Humility

Learn to humble yourself, after all; before God spoke you were nothing but dust of the earth. – T. Kempis

Simon the sorcerer thought he was a great man until he met the men of God, then he realized he was a sinner in need of grace. Hmm!

We see them all the time – stars, politicians, athletes, etc. – demanding special treatment or recognition because of who they are. It’s a battle we all fight at times – pride, ego, boastfulness. We want to be recognized and seen for all we have done or accomplished, we want others to know of our greatness, the sweat and toil we put in to ‘make ourselves into something.’ But truth be known, no matter how great or renown we become it is all by the grace of God, a gift of the Master for His glory. Public accolades and recognition are great but when we covet them, live for them, and begin to demand they be given we’re treading on dangerous ground. Ours is not to live for praise and adulation but for service.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

“Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10