All In

Becoming a Christian means you give your heart to Jesus. Becoming a disciple means you give Him your life too! - Anon

Joseph, Daniel. Just a couple of guys who let God in every area of their life, and He showed off. Hmm!!

To be a swimmer one must be willing to not only get in the water, but go under the water and go deep in the water; there is no other way. You can talk about swimming all you want, but eventually you have to be 'all in' to do it. The same is true of our life in Christ. Many of us are just happy wearing the name 'Christian', just splashing about in the water. But Jesus wants disciples who are willing to go all in, and all in for the long haul. There are many areas in our lives we tend to try and keep Jesus out of (relationships, finances, recreation, etc.) not to mention our manner of conversation, or way of thinking; but like swimming it's all or none. These areas must get wet or 'washed over' if we're to be made disciples. He'll leave the choice up to us, but He does stand before us proclaiming "come on in, the water's fine!"

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62

Unfinished Masterpiece

Imagination was given to us to compensate for what we are not; a sense of humor was given to us to console us for what we are. – M. McGinnis

Sarah’s laughter at God’s prophecy of a child showed her state of mind, God’s fulfillment showed his omnipotence! Amen.

Dreams, hopes, aspirations, imagination. These are all desires key to our existence. Life itself, is really not worth the living without them. The thing we need to remember about life is that it is not static, it can change at a moment’s notice. And since we know “God is not finished with us yet,” all options are still available to us. Therefore we should not take ourselves too seriously as if we are controlling it all, but just rest in God’s grace day to day, allowing him to work out the desires of our heart.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I thank my God every time I remember you…..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:3,6

Opportunity to Help

True charity sees the need, not the cause. – German Proverb

When Jesus looked out over the crowds he saw them as sheep without a shepherd and had compassion. Then He went to help them. Hmm!

We live in a world where it seems everyone has a hand out. We spread our paycheck out as much as we can and there are still needs to be met.  And all too often we want to determine why the need is there, what caused it; before we decide if we’re going to do anything about it. And in this day and age, though this is wise thinking; we should never lose our heart of compassion for the truly needy. Being burned in the past should not turn us off altogether, and if so we miss great opportunities to minister and reach out. It’s in many of these situations that seeds get planted. It’s not so much the actual gift but the giving of one’s self that makes it worthwhile.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want…” – Mark 14:7

They Come and Go

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you’ll know exactly what to do. – M. Ventor

Some of the greatest advice Moses ever received was during a short visit from his father-in-law. WOW!

Newborns, money, sunrise – what do they have in common – none of them come with instructions but they present a plethora of opportunity, good or bad. The same is true of people we meet in our lives. God brings other people into our lives via relationships to help us reach our full potential and purpose. These individuals will either give to us or require something of us in developing our spiritual maturity, for that is what God is developing in us. But even with our good intentions problems can occur when we get the people and the expectations mixed up. That’s why it’s important we keep in touch with God asking for guidance, direction, and wisdom to know who’s who.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us.” – Luke 24:31-32

The Straight Truth

The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not by argument or discussion, but by laying a straight stick alongside it. – D. L. Moody

When they were ready to stone the woman taken in the SIN of adultery, Jesus just laid out the truth about sin and everyone left. Hmm!

Often, a picture is worth a thousand words, and no more so than when it comes to foundational truths. In truth, the world knows that in every formal institution (marriage, government, church, education, health, finance, etc.) the Bible is where the foundation came from. They don’t like it and often want to change it, but its still truth. God expects us to remind them of this from day to day. He also expects us to live by it from day to day as well, and often this is where the problem arises and confusion enters when we refuse to walk by the ‘straight truth’ of His word. We often want and try to use the wisdom of this world to justify what’s true, what’s moral, and what’s just. What we need to do is just get the true measuring rod – The Bible – and let it speak to us and through us. God’s counting on each of us to be a measuring rod today.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35

Ready, Set, Pull

Next in importance to having a good aim is to know when to pull the trigger. – E. Leterman

In defeating the giant Goliath, David knew there was a time to shout victory for God, and a time to actually do something about it. It only took 1 stone. Amen!

Truthfully, most people have good intentions. They want to be honest, forthright, dedicated to the task and disciplined. They want to be. But wanting to be and actually being or doing are far apart. The only way to get from one to the other is to take action. Too often we miss opportunities to act for God because we tend to overanalyze situations, or try to outguess what God has in mind. The simple truth God has in mind is that we “love our neighbor as we love ourselves.” And He gave us hands, ears, eyes, feet, and a heart to do it with. It would be a sin to end the day with our “pouches” still fully loaded.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10

Slow, See, and Savor

Sure the tortoise is slow, but he is surefooted in his progress. - Anon

Noah took 100+ years to build the ark because that’s what God gave him. Hmm!

It’s no secret that most automobile accidents are caused by someone driving too fast. Likewise, it’s also no secret that most lives are destroyed by fast-living. Life is not meant to be fast. It is meant to be lived, experienced, and savored. Haste truly does make waste. When we take the time to actually live life and savor our experiences, then we can begin to determine what is really important and necessary and what is not. If we were to analyze it we would find that most of our life is just busy work – just look at all of our gadgets. If we read through the scriptures we find there is never a time that God or His Son Jesus was in a hurry. No matter how much we want to speed things up so that we can multi-task and experience it all, we can’t change the laws of nature, that’s God’s business. When we continually move too fast we miss opportunities to stop, gaze, and savor the world through God’s eyes. Care to take a look?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fall…” – II Peter 1:10

Digestion: What You Do With It

It is not what men eat, but what they digest that makes them strong. – Francis Bacon

Though exhausted, hungry, and weak from fasting 40 days, Jesus put Satan to flight using of all things – the Word of God. Hmmm!

I’m sure we all remember the ‘Wonder Bread’ slogan: “helps build strong bodies in 12 different ways.” Wow! The bible or Word of God goes much deeper than that though, helping to build the complete perfect man. But, it’s not so much the reading of the Word (eating), as it is the understanding and life applications gained from the word (digesting). Most of us eat but are still malnourished and weak because we don’t retain the ‘meat of the word.’ The actions and responses we give to life’s circumstances are a direct result of what we have actually fed our hearts and minds. The good news is today God is ready to spread another feast before you.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11-12

On Display

People will look at your example long before they listen to your advice. – Anon

When Moses tried to advise a Hebrew slave that it was wrong to hit his fellowman, he was reminded he ‘secretly’ killed an Egyptian. Hmm!

In his book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' Carnegie states "people are drawn by example". The thing to remember is people will see what we do long before they hear what we say. The things we do tell all the world who we really are, and there is not a moment when you are not being who you are. Though we may not be aware of it our every action is being watched and observed, whether by strangers, family, or those we’re dealing with at the moment. So whether we’re cursing or caressing, someone is watching our example. The question is are we giving them ‘godly’ advice.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – I Corinthians 11:1

Hold On

When you are down to nothing God is up to something. – Anon

The widow thought she was down to her last meal for her and her son, Elijah told her otherwise. Hmm!

One of the most powerful accounts of faith and trust is the story of Job. A man who was “blameless and upright,” and who feared God, was stripped of all his worldly possessions and family, and stricken with a terrible, terrible affliction. However, in spite of his 'new' situation and circumstances of life, he kept his faith and trust in Almighty God. Maybe, today where you are in your life you feel somewhat like Job. Abandoned by all, resources exhausted, and trouble on every hand. Take heart friend for like Job, you are being tested. God has not left you but is speedily on His way to your rescue. He’ll be there right on time. May you continue to “hold on.”

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3

Pure Vision

Vision depends on character – only the pure in heart SEE God. – Anon

When Philip joined the Ethiopian eunuch in his chariot he knew exactly where to start his message – JESUS!

Amen. What we see in life, what we hear from others often depends on what we have in mind or heart. If we keep ourselves unsullied from the cares, concerns, and sins of the world, we will clearly see the things of God. Of course we’ll see those in need, those who are outcasts, those who despise us – the things Jesus saw – for these are the ones God is trying to reach. Things in life are tough for us all but God is still trying to reach out to a LOST generation, and He can only do it through those who have a heart like Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

That Pure Spiritual Goodness

The further we go from the source, the more polluted the water. – B. W. Findeisen

The Prodigal son was so lost and in so much despair he was ready to eat anything including ‘slop.’ He came to his senses and came HOME!

Arrowhead, Sparkletts, Evian; just to name a few. Look around and almost everyone is drinking bottled water. And more brands are constantly being introduced. Water supposedly direct from the spring, full of needed minerals and quite refreshing. It’s amazing how we want our liquid refreshment from the source, but we go everywhere else but the source for our spiritual renewal. It’s great to listen to gospel or praise music, attend seminars, concerts, or conferences to keep us focused, but nothing replaces and replenishes like time alone with God and His Word. The key is to not let busyness keep us from drinking our ‘fill.’

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…..Whatever he does prospers” – Psalm 1:2-3  

Monumental Effect

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. – Pericles

Solomon realized all his building and creating were nothing but works of vanity. He said “knowing God is what counted most.” Hmm!

Drive by any cemetery and you will see them. Magnificent headstones, supposed monuments giving testimony to the one who is buried beneath. But the true test of a legacy is what is left behind in the lives of those we touch. The idea for this life God gifts to us is to make the present moment better for those around us and for those coming behind us. We’re not to take out of life but add joy and peace to it. And we need not a wide circle to influence, for just as a pebble creates an ever expanding ripple on a pond, a little influence can indeed go a long way in someone’s life. All we need do is just think where we would be without God.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did….when God spoke well of his offering. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” – Hebrews 11:4

Transformative Information

Some people will pay their tuition, and then defy you to give them an education. – R.A. Cook

Naaman traveled long and hard to get ‘cured’ of his leprosy, and then decided he didn’t like the remedy given. Hmm!

We live in the information age. It comes at us from all directions – TV, radio, internet, bill boards, magazines, newspapers, etc. – all the time. Most of the time we willingly go after it, but in the end its just news to us, it requires nothing of us, no changes, no challenges. Often we use the same application process when it comes to our reading and studying of God’s Word. We love the information content, and though it does challenge us to change or charge us to be obedient, our old attitude wins out and we do nothing. Though the world’s news may not require anything of us God has said “we will all one day have to give an account.”  If we’re going to acquire the understanding of His Word, it’s only practical to put it to use. That’s what life is for.

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

Not Done Yet!

Here’s a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: if you’re alive – it isn’t! – R. Bach

A few days after winning 3,000+ souls to Christ, Peter and the other apostles were at it again spreading the Word. AMEN!

One of the most occupied and coziest arenas of life is complacency. The place where we reason with ourselves we’ve done all we were supposed to do, we’ve earned our rest, our mission here has been accomplished. Let’s just sit back and take it easy. This is a dangerous condition of heart. The bible gives many examples of men who worked for the kingdom all their life, then in their later ‘hours’ of life their recreations and activities turned them away from God. God grants us life each day for the express purpose of bringing glory to Him in some manner. Yesterday is done and cannot be recaptured or re-lived. Today is our great opportunity.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you….” – Luke 12:19-20

Betta Recognize

People see God all the time, they just don’t recognize Him. – P. Bailey

Mary thought He was a gardener at the empty tomb. The 2 on the road to Emmaus thought He was a stranger in town. How about you? Hmm!

Often it is hard for us to recognize God, not because He plays hide and seek with us, but because we so refuse to believe in our heart He would show Himself to us in such an open manner, and then time and time again. But God wants to be in our company - just ask Enoch. He knows the path we should take and wants to walk it with us. Today, expect to see Him in new ways.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2

God: The Ultimate

Sometimes there is no safer place than in the eye of the storm with God - Anon

In spite of his wife, health, and friends; Job continued to trust God. God answered mightily. Hmm!

In a world filled with a host of temptations and dangers, God is our ultimate armor. In a world filled with misleading and mixed messages, God’s word is our ultimate truth. In a world filled with frustration after frustration, God’s Son offers the perfect peace. And in a world where death is the ultimate enemy; God’s promise of eternal life with Him in heaven is hopefully reassuring. As we can see from this and other things in life, it doesn’t matter what the world throws at us, God has the answer and He cannot fail. We only need to trust in Him and His promises. Things may not be to our liking right now, but the day is new, and God has promised……..

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“…the Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

P.S. Reminder that all Ministry/Outreach reports are due by Friday 1/11. Thanks!

Balancing Acts

Blessed are the balanced; they shall outlast everyone. – R. Warren

Though he was always extremely busy; Jesus was never stressed or ‘out of sorts.’ His secret: balanced living. AMEN!

One of the events of the Olympics is the decathlon. It is composed of ten events that will tax every physical ability of the athlete. The goal is to do well or succeed in every event, not just three or four. The good thing is however, the events are spread out over several days. Life itself at times seems like a decathlon with all the events happening at once. If we try to survive in this mode we will truly get stressed and burn out. We must learn to make the most efficient use of our time and resources to aid us in our daily trek. Sometimes the best resource available is to just get away (Jesus often withdrew to lonely places…). We can never underestimate the power of a good rest, after all, even God took a rest after the creation. It helps with the balancing of life. Maybe we should try it!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said to them] ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” – Mark 6:31-32

Why Be Average!

When you are "average" you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top. - Anon

God calls us to "stand out" not stand in. Hmm!

One of life's false assumptions is that everybody should fit in and follow the norm. We base our laws and government on "what's best for the average person." Most of us at times don't even mind being an average Christian. But average is just that - average. God calls us to a better way of life. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. As you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:16

P.S. - I need all Ministry/Outreach reports by this Friday, January 11th.