Seeking Revenge will get you Burned

People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. – Anon

Pharaoh mocked every miracle of God until it cost him his own son. OUCH!

Revenge – oh how sweet it sounds. We often want it and often take it to our own later regret. True, our emotions are hard to control, but they can be controlled. God in His word tells us we must practice self-control, and we can master it; as it is one of the many ‘fruits’ of The Spirit. We tend to view life and all its circumstances through the eyes of justice and fairness, but everyone is not of the same mind. But God has said He will settle accounts in His time and in His way, our role is to live before HIM in a faithful, obedient manner no matter what man may do to us. God gave us His Son as our ultimate example, who even upon being executed (a lot worse than anything we will encounter) prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:30-31

Constantly Remembering Immanuel

Satan does not attempt to fill us with hatred of God, but with forgetfulness of God. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Laban didn’t overtly try to keep Jacob from returning to his family, he just tried to keep him occupied tending his flocks. Hmm!

The greatest form of punishment that can be handed out to another human being is not an act of overt physical aggression, but to ignore them and subject them to the slow and painful effect of neglect. Solitary confinement can destroy a person’s sanity and worth, leaving them to feel less than human. In a like manner, Satan doesn’t really try to get us angry with God, he tries to get us to gradually ignore God more and more to the point where He is no longer considered relevant in the issues of our lives. Satan knows that if God is not first in our lives, God is not at all in our lives. As we are blessed with Today the question becomes will God be with us throughout it?

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church…..so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” – Colossians 1:17-18

No Immunity but it can be Mastered

The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues. – R. Descartes

Though David was ‘a man after God’s own heart’ he had great trouble controlling the desires of ‘his own flesh.’ Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to discipline themselves knows that saying and doing are 2 different things. Whether it be saving, praying, dieting, etc. it’s hard to be disciplined and gain success. Such is true with our faith walk as well. No matter what age we attain or how long we have been with Christ and His church, we are all susceptible to sin or vice. There is never a time in our lives when we become immune to it, get away from it, or become too good for it. But we can master it, and we should; just as God told Cain. Giving in to sin and asking forgiveness later is really a cop out, for we serve a God who has already promised us He would “help us out” of any situation IF we ask. What we must do is decide in our hearts and mind to be people of noble character in all situations, and even then still PRAY.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – I Corinthians 10:12

Expect it to work out good

An optimist is a fellow who believes a housefly is actually looking for a way to get out. – G. Nathan

Throughout all his afflictions Job looked for God’s response and insight. He was well rewarded. Amen!

Life pays back in kind, and much of what we will receive is based upon how we respond to the stimuli in life. The key is to trust that no matter what God brings into our lives today via work, family, friends, or even strangers; He is going to work it out “for good.” The truth is we have Christ, so we should always have hope and look for the best, whether it be with people or circumstances. And just as God sees us as we can be, not as we actually are; we too should also see others in the same way. The trick is not to get rankled, riled up, or fly off the handle, but believe.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20

The No Blame Game

In life, try to fix the mistakes – not the blame! – Anon

Back in the original Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve; and we know what the end result of that was. Hmm!

It’s a guarantee that in your life today a problem will arise or a mistake will occur. They will not necessarily be yours but they will impact you. It’s called circumstances. Issues never arise for finger-pointing exercise, but for active responses like healing, helping, loving, forgiving, etc. Like Jesus’ response to the woman taken in adultery, God is expecting us to NOT do the ordinary and selfish but the extraordinary and life-giving. The key to it all is to remember that we too fall short sometimes and need a little grace.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1-2

P.S. - Hope you can make it out to Family N' Friends Gamenight tonight at 6:30pm.

Disciplined for Greater

If you want something you’ve never had before, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done before. – D. Reed

The young man who ‘wanted’ his sight was ‘willing’ to let Jesus put spit and mud in his eyes. Hmm!

We’re very good at the ‘wanting’ of things. It’s in our nature or make-up for we are rarely satisfied with what we have. Where we lack is in the industriousness, discipline, motivation, and genuine desire to work or do the things necessary to have what we want. In matters of faith we often say we want a stronger prayer life or a closer walk with God, but we aren’t willing to be disciplined enough to study faithfully, attend services faithfully, and pray. In practical matters of life we say we want to be financially secure or physically healthy, but again we won’t discipline ourselves to save or bargain hunt; or work out and limit our diet. And in both cases we tend not to remove those obstacles that stand in our way of success. The things in this life that are really worthwhile require pretty much all of you, all the time.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Ready for the Answer?

It is dangerous to pray if you are not ready to accept the answer. – Richard Murray

Gideon was okay with God answering the prayers to come and help his people, he just wasn’t keen on the idea that God needed him to help out. Hmm!

We’ve all heard the phrase “be careful of what you ask for, because you just might get it.” Well in prayer that phrase is truly applicable. God is a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. Whenever God speaks to us, it will immediately require an adjustment in our life, and our reaction will reflect what we truly believe about Him. We will either be drawn closer to Him, or move further away – but we will not remain where we are. Essentially, each time we read our bible and/or pray to God we must be prepared to either obey or be disobedient, for God will speak into our life. But though He speaks, He will leave the choice, and its consequences solely up to us. So today may be bringing answers to yesterday’s prayers.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….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 12:8-9

A Little Help?

What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other. – G. Eliot

When Jesus’ mother asked him to make some wine for the wedding feast, he didn’t like the idea but He did it! Amen.

Sometimes, it seems we’re the only ones in the world that others call for assistance. We seem to wear a target or bear a mark that tells everyone we’re the GO TO person. Though it may be true in some cases more than others we must ask ourselves is that so bad? If left to our own selfishness and desires we would never extend ourselves beyond ourselves. But God created us for his purposes and He has been in the life-helping business since day one and He is not going to change. Here’s hoping we’ll be mindful of that with our acquaintances today!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” – I Peter 4:8-10

God: Still Meeting Needs

God has a solution ‘planned’ before we even know we have a problem. – Anon

The angel Gabriel told Daniel answers to his prayers were given as soon as he began to pray. God didn’t have to think things over. WOW!

In mass production companies one of the ways to keeping costs low is just-in-time inventory management. This means parts arrive at the plant at just the proper time to go into production. Money is not tied up in inventory lying around waiting to be used. The key is to have ample suppliers in case of problems with one supplier. God has been to tomorrow and knows what lies ahead for us. He’s perfectly prepared to meet all our needs and circumstances without surprise. But often what God has ‘planned’ for us is interrupted by us. Our stubbornness, disobedience, and lack of faith often get in the way of His plans. We don’t change them we just often delay them; for no plan of God’s can be thwarted. The key is to make sure we stay in touch with The Master – this will reduce problems and increase blessings.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

Faith: The Response to Everyday Circumstances

What life does to us depends on what life finds in us. – Richard Murray

In all that Joseph went through, he never lost his composure or his God. Hmm!

Insurance – most people that buy it hope they never have to use it, but are glad they have it when they need it. Our faith on the other hand is a definite must have and use daily requirement. Faith is what allows us to overcome the most difficult setbacks, hurdles, and heartaches. You or I cannot always change or control the world around us but we can always control what happens within us. If we truly want to gauge how strong our relationship with Christ is all we need do is look at our responses to the everyday circumstances of life. The question is does life make us bitter or better, we know with Jesus it was the latter.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

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

Play in God's Orchestra

No one can whistle a symphony. – H. Luccock

Though Jesus came to save the world, he employed 12 ordinary men to help him. They turned it upside down. WOW!

A symphony takes a full orchestra of musical talents each working together to produce a recognizable harmonic resonance. It is in essence a community of believers sold out for the cause – the music – not their individual desires. This illustration is what God desires for us in community, where we learn to love and trust in one another for the good of the kingdom, not ourselves. To try to do it alone is tiring, ineffective, and selfish. If life is a song, and love is the music, then our time here on earth is where we learn to play in God’s orchestra.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – I Corinthians 1:10

The way to true peace

The human race has improved everything, except the human race. – Richard Murray

Rehoboam saw God’s favor in his father Solomon’s reign. One can only wonder why he didn’t follow suit. His ways brought ruin on the people. Hmm!

We constantly live in a world of change. Everything around us and everything we use is always being made over new or improved upon. From what we eat, to what we drive, to what we watch, even to how we serve God. The only problem here is we continually look outward to make improvements and rarely look inward. This is why once the novelty has worn off the 'new' product the same old feelings and thoughts of despair arise. The only way to have true peace and inner joy is to make ourselves 'new' from within. God is in the reclamation and restoration business. He reclaims broken hearts and restores them to better than new when He’s done. If we want to be a better human, we have to defer to the MAKER, not His creation. Today’s a good day to start.

Until tomorrow.…..

Pastor Botts

“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.” – Romans 1:25

Clear to hit the Mark

Failure to hit the bulls-eye is never the fault of the target. - Anon

The Pharisees and religious rulers of the day 'missed' Jesus because they had their minds already made up. Hmm!

Generally when 'X' marks the spot, 'X' is not mobile or ambulatory. That's the one constant we need to hone in on to make sure we hit the bulls-eye. Interestingly enough, God and His Word never change, they are both the same 'yesterday, today, and forever' yet we continually seem to miss. Biblically speaking, sin is described as 'missing the mark.'  Missing at times is okay, for God is truly gracious, but when we continue to miss in the same area, it should be a strong indicator to us that we need to improve our aim. That may mean letting go of certain friends, habits, routines, or conveniences that hinder our ability to concentrate and focus on the bulls-eye. True God's patience is long, but we never want to be found 'trying it.'

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart...." - Jeremiah 29:13

The Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth

Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it. – Anon

Satan subtly tempted Eve by ‘adding’ ever so slightly to the Word of God. Mankind has suffered ever since. Hmm!

I’m sure we’ve all heard of or quite possibly even told fishermen like stories of “how large the one that got away was,” often exaggerating or embellishing the truth to pump ourselves up. But God has called us to be truthful in all our doings and manner of conversation, even if it brings harsh consequences or circumstances upon us. It may not seem like a big deal, but somehow God has given the 'truth' the power to sanctify, clarify, illuminate, and draw men to Him. So as we progress throughout the day, may truth in all things be our goal; and remember He sees and knows all.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” – Proverbs 30:5-6

Answers to what's puzzling you

A boggled mind needs a bended knee. – Charles Swindoll

Not really knowing what to do after his crucifixion, the apostles thought prayer might help. Boy did it ever. AMEN!

No doubt about it, this world we live in has some awe inspiring, breathtaking wonders. Look at any scenic calendar, natural wildlife, even the birth of a new child and you know it. But it also has some conundrums and seemingly illogical aspects and life issues that utterly frustrate and confuse us. In either case it is mind boggling. But that is one of the great secrets of prayer and praise. Whether it be wonder and amazement at His vast creation, or puzzlement and confusion from the issues of life; God is always open to hear our response. We can never praise Him too much nor call on Him too often. He has so designed life that there really is no way we can ignore His existence, and when we think about it there really is no reason we should want to. May He hear from us all today!

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

The Power to Submit

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. – Abraham Lincoln

Solomon was considered the wisest king ever and a man of good character, but his son Rehoboam let the power of being king go to his head. OUCH!

It is said that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. And though most of us would say we would never be drunk with power as we see in most tyrants, despots, and dictators. In reality we are that way in some areas of our lives. We have the power to submit to God’s will or not, and more often than not we choose not to submit. Circumstances, resources, timing, happen to us all; and we can try to excuse ourselves from submission or obedience because of them, but it doesn’t get us off the hook. The whole idea and understanding of power can be gleaned from our Heavenly Father. He is omnipotent but yet He is full of love, mercy, grace, compassion and forgiveness. And if God sets the example for us, who are we to try something different?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The most important one, answered Jesus, is this…..Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31

Reeducation

"You have heard that it was said....., but I tell you......" - Jesus

After meeting Jesus on the Damascus road, Paul spent close to 3 years learning what he thought he already knew as a 'holy' man. Hmm!

Just like a computer has an operating system to guide and direct it, our mind serves the same role with us. And whatever we allow in becomes part of our operational way of life and thinking. And just as a computer often needs an upgrade to its operational system, so do we. And if we study the teachings of Jesus we see that a great deal of His time was spent on the goal of 'unlearning' with His disciples. Half of spiritual growth is learning what we don't know about Christ, but the other half is 'unlearning' what we think we know. And it is often our failure to 'unlearn' those irrational fears, misconceptions, and ideologies about Him that keep us from becoming truly who God made us to be. And the truth of the matter is 'unlearning' is twice as hard as learning, for the hardest lesson to learn is the one we thought we already knew. It is so much harder to get old thoughts out of your mind than it is to get new thoughts in, which is why Jesus often led with the premise, "You have heard that it was said....., but I tell you......" We should all be alert as Jesus will be attempting to install some new programming today!

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

".....but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." Romans 12:2

P.S. - Hope you can make it for our monthly Sunday Devotional this Sunday at 9am.

Tax Free Prayer Rewards

Yes, the requirements of prayer tax the heart, but the answers and rewards are all tax free. – Anon

Hannah, Hezekiah, Jonah, Paul. Just a few prayer warriors who seemed to know how to move God in a mighty way. Hmm!

Anybody who has ever worked in the United States remembers the shock of their very first paycheck. The long, hard, arduous hours of work and then WHAM-O, after 'taxes' net pay far from what we thought. But God is truly awesome and amazing. No agency or person can stop us from seeking Him, nor Him answering in a mighty way to bring into our lives all He desires for us. And as he answers there is no middle-man or agency to ‘take a cut.’ His blessings are full and overflowing, and what’s more when we share them they double. The key is to learn in our quiet times what God’s heart is and ask for the world. He’s already promised to give it!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” – Psalm 34:6-7

God In Silence

To be alone with silence is to be alone with God. - S. Hageman

Even though Jesus was in the desert alone for 40 days, He knew His Father was nearby watching. WOW!

Pop-quizzes, mid-term exams, finals, UGH! We all remember these from our school years. And yet, we survived them. And in all of these settings there was one common denominator - silence. Even the teacher sat by quietly. We often wonder why it seems that God is silent, particularly in those "hard times" of life. Could it be He is testing us? Could it be He is expecting us to show our growth and maturity in the faith. After all, God never gives us a test without preparing us for it beforehand. So if it seems God is distant at this moment in our lives, maybe we should go back and study His Word a bit more to get the faith lift we need to ace our current test. It is an open book test, you know!

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." - Habakkuk 2:20

Practice Love

We can either judge others or we can love others – but we can’t do both. – Anon

When the crowd brought the woman taken in “the very act” of adultery to Jesus, they were shocked by His response – LOVE!

Decisions, decisions, decisions. One of the toughest things in the world for us as Christians is to practice consistent decision making. We often go from one extreme to the other always with ‘OUR OWN’ best interests at hand. But if the word of God tells us to “consider others better than ourselves,” I think God’s calling to us is to practice love, not law. This is not to say that we condone the actions of those who transgress God’s commands, but neither do we become judge, jury, and executioner. Ours is to keep ourselves pure and extend grace to others in hopes of their repentance.  I pray we will be like Him today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The second [command] is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these’.” – Mark 12:31