Mind Games

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Though the Pharisee tried to snub him at prayer time, the publican held his peace. Only one of them went home blessed and it wasn’t the Pharisee. Hmm!

The slogan of the United Negro College Fund is “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”  Very powerful, and very true.  It’s no secret that the enemy we face day in and day out is trying to sway our mind or way of thinking. Two of his major weapons are doubt and discouragement, for they create the illusion in our mind that we are not worthy or we can never measure up. But the completed work of God through Jesus Christ has made us ‘worthy’ in all things. So no matter our outward circumstances we “are more than conquerors” in any situation we face. As the day unfolds and the assaults come remember the God you serve.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free…..” – Romans 8:1-2

Prayers of the People

Praying people are the deputies of God. They seek law, order, peace AND unity! - Anon

The walls and gates of Jerusalem were rebuilt on the prayers of Nehemiah and the people. AMEN!

It should not be a secret that God is moved by prayer, and earnest conversation with his people more than anything else. And as we search the scriptures we realize it doesn't have to be a long drawn out diatribe, nor a 'fill in the form' correctly submission. Just a

reverent, honest confession of the heart. In the midst of a rebellious nation God was often 'moved' by the remnant that remained faithful and showed mercy. He seeks the prayers and solicitations of His people and is overjoyed when we invite Him into our lives, activities, and relationships. So if we truly need action in our life, mountains moved, or any other favor of God, His ear is open.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry." - Psalm 34:16

Today's Work

How does a project get to be a year behind schedule? One day at a time. – F. Brooks

In the creation account God did everything He needed to do on each individual day. Period! And He’s our example. Hmm!

Today is here, and for most it means we’re one day further removed from what we promised God or ourselves we were going to do. When it comes to serving God, doing right, bettering oneself, or helping others, procrastination is the weapon of choice for our enemy. Seemingly little innocent interruptions that go a long way in keeping us behind and in frustration. The truth is God has put only so much in front of each of us to do today because He knows what He will provide for us to get through the day. So if we just take it one day at a time (that’s all God gives us anyway) and not ‘give place to the devil’ we’ll be sure to keep in step with God. Also, whatever your promise to God may have been – TODAY is the day to honor it.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4

An Attractive Christ Walk

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching? – Anon

John the Baptist and 2 of his disciples were intrigued by Jesus and asked “where are you staying?” Jesus said, “come and see!” They spent that whole day with him. Hmm!

It is often said “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” In other words you must be able to attract them. The same idea is true in our faith walk each and every day. What attracts or draws us to those we associate with? The best way to attract people to Christ (who draws all men to himself) is not so much to ‘act’ like a Christian, but just live as we truly believe. A Christian has hope in all situations and circumstances so life is never bleak and we shouldn’t wear long faces. Our life should eventually impact those we walk with. If we’re not attracting anyone maybe it’s time to get re-focused on who we’re following.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit…..” – I Corinthians 16:17-18

Live Your Moment

The 2 most important days

in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why? - Mark Twain

Contrary to popular thinking, Esther

wasn't the only one born for 'such a time as this!' AMEN!

Though we all say "I just want

to do God's will," truth be told we wouldn't mind if it also got us some

recognition by others, a little respect, or even a handclap of admiration -

we're human after all. We all want our moment to be on a grand scale, with much

fanfare. But in the big picture of God, Esther's moment was only known by her

people. It wasn't a world televised event, nor did it make the newspapers, we

have it recorded for our posterity. It was however a grand moment in God's

story, the redemption of mankind. And if we abide in Him the same can and will

be said of us as we live out whatever our 'moment' may be in His great story.

Can't you kind of hear it now. "Good and faithful servant, you've been

faithful........."

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"For we are God's workmanship, created

in Christ Jesus to do good works....." - Ephesians 2:10

Let's Get Physical

Exercise does not take time

out of your life. It puts life in your time. – L. Maxwell

David's young warriors

would often play a round of 'spirited' games to keep their skills and bodies

ready. Hmm!

Though we are steadily

progressing via technology, automation, robotics, etc., we still live in busy

times and there will never enough hours in the day. Be that as it may, God has

so designed the human body to require some sort of physical exercise for

maintenance. Physical exercise helps the body spur on certain chemical processes

that aid in health, healing, stress reduction, and longevity, not to mention it

serves as an aid in spiritual and emotional development. And I think those are

all positives in this business of life and godly living. So we should all take

time to maintain “the temple’s” appearance. 

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For physical training is of some value, but

godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present

life and the life to come.” - I Timothy 4:8

All In, No Quit!

Don't let a setback become an upset! - Anon

Moses' 1st conversation with Pharaoh

led to increased labor for the people. By games end it was.....Freedom. AMEN!

'Overnight Sensation!' 'Instant Success!'

We're taken to these ideologies when we hear them applied to individuals who

have 'arrived' or 'made it' seemingly out of nowhere. But a little research

often turns up the hardships and obstacles they overcame and fought through to

achieve their success. The little unknown truth about success or winning is

that it only happens to those who are willing to go all in, not giving up at

the first sign of trouble or heartache, not giving up because resources may be

limited, not giving in because people may be against you, but persevering in

spite of all this because you know God is for you, and with Him on your side

victory is assured!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"You, dear children, are from God and

have overcome them, because the

one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." - I John 4:4

Pray for Your Enemies

Worrying about your enemies is wasted time. Praying for them is a sound investment. – Anon

In the Psalms it seems

David was sometimes almost hostile toward his enemies in his prayer time with

God. But, God heard him. Hmm!

It’s a fact of life that

anyone who tries to live a righteous, holy life will have enemies. We have an

adversary who is wise and knows how to manipulate the hearts and minds of those

we interact with – so we will have enemies. But giving them all our attention

by continual worrying is not wise. Just as the bible tells us that not one of

us can make ourselves grow another inch or add another hour to the day by

worry, the same is true of our enemies. We cannot make them do anything by

worrying about them, but we can put our heart at ease by praying for them. It’s

an amazing truth but you really can’t grow to love someone until you begin to

pray for them, asking God’s blessing in their lives. Be prepared to pray and

pray often today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless

those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” – Matthew 5:44

Spiritual Discipline

Gaze at God, glance at life. - C. Whitaker

After all his great feats, accomplishments, and life projects, Solomon set his eyes back firmly on God and His commands. Hmm!

In school we make a plan, we plot our courses, electives, and time such that we  come out with our preferred degree objective BA, BS, MBA, Doctorate, etc. This is great for our earthly existence, but what about our spiritual growth? Do we ever make a plan, plot out prayer/study time, seek opportunities/classes to help us grow in our spiritual disciplines. It is a proven fact that the way to get better at anything is through study and application. The bible tells us the undisciplined life is the way of a fool. It's not that God is trying to force us into a structured way of ritual living, but more of  a communal way of walking with Him more closely like Enoch. And hey, that had a great ending!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts 

"[Abraham] was looking forward to the city without foundations, whose architect and builder is God." - Hebrews 11:10

Top Priority

Don't lose something important fighting for something that isn't! - Y. Chou

It wasn't until he lost every

material blessing he had, that the Prodigal Son realized what was most

important. Hmm!

"If I were to do it all over

again I......" How many times have we all uttered that expression in our

lifetime? It usually comes when we arrive at a point in life where the reality

of our situation or circumstance is not exactly what our expectations were. We

thought we'd be married by now....have a better job/car/home by now......be in

better shape by now, and on and on and on. We realize our actions have not

produced the 'dreamed about' results. This is a normal occurrence when God is

not our point of reference. The truth is no matter our giftedness, talent,

resources, or connections, be they small or great; we were made for God's

purposes to bring Him glory. And when all the dust settles anything short of

this is a wasted life. So who's top on your agenda today?

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

"But whatever was to my profit I now

consider loss for the sake of Christ." - Philippians 3:7

P.S. - Don't forget Prayer Breakfast tomorrow at 9am, Men's Bible Study Sunday at 9:15am AND Women's Day Sunday as well!

The Meter's Running

Just because you can’t see God doesn’t mean He isn’t near. – Anon

The angel of the Lord stood right in front of Balaam, yet only the donkey saw him. Hmm!

Gas, water, electric – meters. Every house or apartment has them, and they report how much we use. Now the regulators are not there, but the meter runs everyday or every time you use the services. The regulators don’t see you use it, they don’t see how you use it (good, bad, illegal, etc .), and they don’t see what you use it on. But at the appointed time they send you a bill. We may get angry when it comes and dispute the amount, but we pay it because we don’t like the consequences of being without. God too, has a meter – our heart or conscience – and there will come a time when the ‘bill’ is due. The question that must be answered is will it show we had a heart for and after Him or for other things. Here’s hoping we know for sure where we stand.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

“….And do this, understanding the present time….because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” – Romans 13:11

Good for What Ails Ya

God’s best for you today may not be your preference. – Anon

Though there were

cleaner pools of water near his home, Naaman had to dip in the ‘muddy’ Jordan

to be cleansed. HE DID!

Castor oil, hog hoof

tea, vapo-rub, cod liver oil, etc. – I’m sure we can remember these and

other home remedies from our early childhood. Though we would have preferred a

visit to the doctor, maybe a few days off from school and so forth; our parents

‘forced’ these remedies on us. And you know what; we are so much the better off

today because they did. In truth, their intentions were right in line with the

way God deals with us. Just as medicine is not always pleasant and easy to deal

with, it is what is best for us when we are ill. The situations or

circumstances God allows into our lives may seem harsh, unappealing, and

distasteful to us; but He is always working in our best interests. So though we

may not like the ‘state of things’ as they are right now, remember God knows

what is best and has a plan for how it will all turn out for good.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Give thanks in all circumstances

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:18

Master it!

Following the path of least resistance is what makes most rivers and men crooked. – Anon

Even after getting counsel directly from God, Cain went his own way. We all know where that path led him. Hmm!

There exists within all of us the desire to do wrong, and the need to ‘master sin’. Paul lamented about his inward struggles that were such that even when he wanted to do good evil was still right there with him. Discipline and dedication truly is a very hard thing, but it is something God requires of us on a consistent basis nonetheless, if we are to be obedient. The key is learning to let Christ live in us and through us. He’s the one who has defeated sin and will bring us to victory as well if we so desire. I pray He orders our steps today.

Until tomorrow..…..

Pastor Botts

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” – Genesis 4:7

Ready to be Used?

Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic. - Anon

Gideon and his rag-tag band of 300 untrained men put to flight a mighty horde of Midianite warriors. Hmm!

We often marvel at great works of art, items of complexity, or models of amazing stature, sometimes wishing we had the ‘know-how’ to do such things. But as grand as these things are, they are just that – things. Too often, when God is seeking action or activity from us directly we wait, trust, or depend on others. But truthfully, there is much more to us than meets the eye, more in us than we give ourselves credit for, if the Spirit of God is present and active in our lives. God never looks at our ability but our availability. He works through people. The thing we need to remember is that God can do anything, with anybody, who is willing to be used of Him. And often it will not be a grand display to be ‘fawned’ over, but a small act that will change a life forever and bring glory to God. Are you ready to be used?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

No Hype Communication

One reason the dog has so many friends, he wags his tail instead of his tongue. – Anon

David put to death the man who lied about killing Saul. Though Saul was David’s enemy, he was still God’s anointed. Hmm!

Years ago TV stations merely reported the news as it happened. Today in our media saturated culture they are out and about chasing and looking for it and then “marketing” the news, giving their own bias or slant to it. Often we fall prey to the same type of communication process. Out and about passing on our views on sights and sounds often without the “full understanding.” And when it backfires we’re often wondering why. Conversation is great, but conjecture on others lives is best left unsaid.  Just as the things we do say a lot about us, the things we say communicate even more. Sometimes silence is golden.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” – Proverbs 10:19

Time to be 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

Take A Side

There’s nothing in the middle of the road but yellow stripes….and roadkill. – J. Hightower

Not only is fence sitting painful, Jesus said it was impractical. Hmm!

Though we as people are often highly opinionated on almost every issue, many of us often try to live our lives in the middle of the road. We don’t really want to hurt or harm anyone. But the truth of the matter is in the arena of principle, morality, and all things righteous no one can remain neutral, nor should we want to; for neutral men are the devil’s allies. God calls for us to take a stand, leave the holy huddle and get in the game. When we try to placate both sides by remaining neutral we’re actually giving the enemy the upper hand, as the only necessity for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. And like cigarette smoke, evil does not know how to stay in its own section, it soon touches all facets of life. God is giving us TODAY with all of its ‘fullness’ to make a difference. Now its up to us.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

“No man can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Matthew 6:24

Inwardly Renewed Daily

Our bodies may age, but our spirits can be renewed each day. – Anon

At age 40 Caleb was promised Hebron. At age 85 he received it and was ready for battle, and his spirit and strength were still as it was earlier. WOW!

The moment we’re born we begin to age – it’s the way God designed things. All of us I’m sure, are not as agile, adept, or sharp as we used to be. That’s the aging process, to remind us of the body’s physical limitations and mortality. But in spite of this, our spiritual nature and character, which are eternal; are being shaped by what we do each day. The enemy will try to drain the spirit life out of us, but God has promised renewal each day if we so desire it. The key is to make sure we feed our spirit proper nourishment and keep it in a proper environment, then age truly will only be a matter of mind. God can and will work in and through any who make themselves available.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:37

It's STILL the Truth

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. – Anon

Judas, Herod, Pilate. They didn’t know it at the time but their actions toward Jesus were all in God’s plan. Hmm!

Truth! Wisdom! Enlightenment! We all seek after such things for in the righteousness of God they make life a lot simpler and even more bearable. But sometimes God puts the wisdom or instruction we need in people we think have nothing to contribute to society or our lives. Salvation came through a “child in a manger” while the Jews were looking for a majestic war general. We tend to get caught up sometimes thinking that unless someone is pedigreed, well-educated, or hugely successful in life, they can’t speak into our lives at all. Sometimes the best way to avoid failure is to listen to someone who has been down that road. As we ask God to speak into our lives we should not be so quick to rule out whom He may use.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?....For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom…” – I Corinthians 1:20,25

In a Hurry? Relax.

Patience! The windmill never strays in search of the wind! - A. Sklivis

Throughout the whole bible there was never a time God or His Son was in a hurry. Hmm!

Haste makes more than waste, it makes folks tired. There is almost an inverse relationship when you really think about it. The more patient we are, the more accepting we will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as we would like it to be. Without patience, life is extremely frustrating. We become easily annoyed, bothered, and irritated. Patience adds a degree of ease and acceptance to life, and it’s essential for inner peace. One key to having this patience is learning to look for and see the innocence in the situations that arise that test us. People interrupt us or situations arise not out of conspiracy but because life happens. Our loved ones show up unexpectedly, street lights slow us up, long lines crop up, not because of a vendetta against us; but because life was never supposed to be catered to us but lived by us. To try and hurry it along only brings stress, and I imagine it makes God laugh a bit too!

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"....But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience...." - Galatians 5:22

Hope you can make it out for our Sunday School Devotional this week at 9am!

Simple to Follow

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. – Albert Einstein

Listening to man and then thinking about God’s creation; it becomes clear why God made us last. OUCH!

“Why is the sky blue?” “Why is water wet?” “Where does the rain come from?” etc. etc. We’ve heard these questions countless times, probably even asked them ourselves a time or two earlier in our lives. And they are great questions. God in His infinite wisdom designed things just so ‘simple’ that we might seek after Him for He wants to be known. All of creation was designed with a single simple purpose - that we might seek after the Creator. And all it takes is simple seeking on our part. We tend to love the complex and the deeply theoretical, thinking the keys to life could never really be so easy, but we must remember we did not design it, God did. Why, because He wants to be known, but He will never force Himself on any of us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each of us…” – Acts 17:27

Burn Bright

Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles around to watch you burn. – John Wesley

The ‘change’ in the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well was so stark, it excited the whole town to come see this Jesus. Wow!

We’ll drive great lengths, we’ll wait in long lines, even sit in not-so-great seats just to have a chance to see ‘our’ team, to cheer them on, scream and yell with exuberance our support, proudly wear the ‘uniform, and talk them up. But when it comes to matters of faith it’s sad that so many of us have a ‘form of Christianity’ that just seems to drain us, tire us out, take our joy, and leave us flat and unappealing to others. Jesus actually said “I come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” That sounds like exuberance and enthusiasm. To be enthusiastic for Christ is not just reciting bible verses to people, handing out gospel tracts, or just telling the lost Jesus loves them. To be enthusiastic is to be active in showing others the love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, grace, humility, and help Jesus would show them if He were present (actually He is in us) in such a way that they could not mistake it for anything else but the favor of God reaching out to them.  May we all have fun for Christ today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…..” – Matthew 5:14

Fix Your Face

True, God gave us faces, but we create our own expressions. –Sparks

Jacob’s spirit was “revived” with news of Joseph. Hezekiah “wept sore” in prayer. Mary “pondered things in her heart” about Jesus. I imagine all of these pleased God. Amen!

All of us go through various stages of emotion throughout the day and our life, and if we’re not careful we get jaded in our views and personal outlook. But the fact that God loves you no matter what the situation or circumstance should anchor your heart with JOY and express itself overwhelmingly in all you do. So as others see you and encounter your 'spirit' remember it speaks volumes as to who you are and to whom you belong. Say cheese….!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19