Your Response To Change

The only permanent thing in life is change. – Anon

When Naaman finally changed his mind and obeyed, God changed his condition. Hmm!

All too often our lives and relationships are blown apart because we’re completely unprepared for the storms and stresses that change brings into them. But change happens; it’s a promise from God. Though it’s impossible to stop a storm in progress we can minimize the damage if we’ve prepared for it in advance. The winds of change will either give strength to your sails or stall you completely. In marriage the changes will either draw you closer together or destroy the relationship. Bodily sickness or injury will either make you stronger than before or destroy your spirit. In your career or finances, a missed opportunity can snuff out your dreams or inspire you to become more diligent. It all depends on your response. Therefore, change need not be frightening or threatening, if we look at it as an opportunity to express God’s gifts to us in new ways.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts 

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

P.S. - Hope you can make our Sunday Devotional Hour at 9am in Parmes Hall. If you haven't made one this year this would be a great one to attend!

Happy Thanksgiving 2019

Prayer is a privilege, but answered prayer is a blessing! – Anon

As we gather today, and consider our blessings and think about the many things that have come our way, let’s not forget we have a God who has graced us with mercies, grace, forgiveness, and favor in ways we will never fully deserve or understand. So let us make sure we take time today to stop for a moment and thank God for the prayers He has answered in your life, AND the prayers He has answered that others prayed for you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Bless the Lord O’ My soul, and forget not

all his benefits….” – Psalm 103:2

Time To Get It Right

History repeats itself – which is good, because most people don’t listen the first time. – Sparks 

The book of Judges had a recurring pattern for the Israelites: apostasy, oppression, distress, deliverance. They had 14 different Judges – but God came each time they called. Amen! 

Other than Jesus, there hasn’t been a person who did everything right the first time in their life ever. A scary but interesting thought. We are truly blessed when we realize God is a God of second, third, or multiple chances to get it right. This does not mean we continually live contrary to His will and purposes, but acknowledge He is gracious and longsuffering with us. And if God is that way with us we ought to extend the same courtesy to our fellow man. One way or another, today, or sometime this week “history” will be repeating itself in our lives maybe for us personally or those in our lives. Our aim should be to get it right this time. 

Until tomorrow…… 

Pastor Botts 

“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it right to refresh your memory…”

–II Peter 1:12-13

Masterful Faith

You will have mastered life when the “how to’s” are irrelevant. – R. Anthony

Abram left everything to go somewhere he knew not. As long as God was leading and providing he was okay with it. Hmm!

If we would be truthful about things, the hardest battle we face each and every day is not the battle with Satan, it’s our trusting in God. By nature we prefer tangible, hardcore, known evidence or resources rather than rely on what we can’t see. But God asks us to have complete faith in Him, and though God is not in the secret agent business, He does ask us to trust Him and leave the details up to Him. If we seriously look back over our life, I think we will find He’s earned that right.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” – Psalm 37:25

Don't Put It Off

One of the devils most successful wiles is “wait awhile.” – Anon

The foolish virgins waited until the bridegroom came to go out and get oil for their lamps. They missed out on everything. OUCH!

It’s often been said that if it weren’t for the last minute nothing would ever get done. There is a lot of truth in this. We by nature are people who push the ‘snooze button’ on life. Even though we know tomorrow is not promised to us we often assume it is by our inaction. True, we can’t get everything done in one day, but we could and should do those things we know God has required of us. When we put off what we know to be right it is essentially sin, and Satan wins. This is not just in our Christian duty, but in daily life situations as well. In doing good and righteous acts we don’t need to pray and wait, God has already commanded us to GO!

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. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:4-5

One On One Instruction

I have always felt that the true textbook for the pupil is his teacher. – Mahatma Gandhi

The Pharisees were satisfied with the ‘Law of Moses’ but missed out on connecting with the AUTHOR to Moses. Hmm!

At last count we have over 20 different versions of The Bible in print, in almost any language imaginable. This is phenomenal in itself, but it is also frustrating at times as well. Too often we as people rely on ‘the good book’ more than we rely on the author of it. The bible was given to us that we might come to know God personally, not just about Him and His word. Reading the book is great, but conversing with the author is far better, as you get insight not on the pages. God is waiting to express Himself in ways we can’t even imagine, now that’s exciting teaching!

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5

P.S. - don't forget church clean-up day tomorrow starting at 8am.

Called Out

The person who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back to the crowd. - Max Lucado

Ruth left her 'family' of people to find the God of family. - AMEN!

"Get in where you fit in!" It's a phrase we toss about mainly to portray there's a place for any and everyone who wants to be a part of what's going on. Just jump on the bandwagon, join the team. But that's not our calling when it comes to Christ and His church. We're actually called 'out from among them.' to be counter-cultural. And admittedly, that's a tough assignment to try and live out. But it's only because we like being attached to the crowd, a part of the big scene. Jesus'

call is to follow Him. It might bring a little suffering, hardship, or pain -but He promises joy, in this life and the life to come, and after all isn't that what we seek from the crowd.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But

small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

Renouncing Sin

The way you handle your sin is as important as the sin itself. – R. Blackaby

Job offered sacrifices for his children ‘in case’ they sinned. One can only wonder what he did for his own sins. God called him blameless. AMEN!

Life and all its decisions come upon us at times very fast. And as much as we try to live a blameless and perfect life we sometimes miss the mark and sin. It’s what we do next that really matters. Blameless does not mean perfect. It means that in EVERY situation we do the correct thing. If we sin against someone, we’re to repent, confess our sin and ask forgiveness. If we transgress God’s will, we’re to repent and immediately obey. When we attempt to conceal our sin, justify it, deny it, or even blame others for it, we make the original offense much worse. God expects us to live above reproach in all areas of our lives. It’s important for us to remember that in all things heaven is looking down on us!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13

Temple Maintenance

No one owns his or her own body – it either belongs to God or is enslaved by sin. – Anon

Daniel loved God so much he felt that even eating the kings food was not good for him. He was right. Hmm!

Street Walkers! Junkies! Alcoholics! We sort of stand at a distance and look at such individuals and wonder how in the world they could abuse their bodies in such a wasteful manner. But in truth, oftentimes the only difference between them and us is they go at it openly and hard. God gifted us with the physical body to be a dwelling place (temple) for His holy presence within. When we use it or adorn it in any way that does not glorify Him – no matter how sleight – we are equally like them. It’s true we should be judged by what’s in our hearts, but with many folks they may never get that close because of the ‘wrapping’ we’re in. 

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God….Therefore honor God with your body.” – I Corinthians 6:19-20

Perfecting with Others

The journey with others is sometimes slower, but God is never in a hurry. – Anon

Moses spent an additional 40 years in the wilderness with the rebellious Hebrew children, but he got to know God much better. AMEN!

As you travel along any road, street, or highway you’ll notice them. Signs with posted ‘safe’ speed limits. Limits determined to keep us safe and under control. We tend to want to speed through life, set our pace, hit our stride, and not have anyone interfere with it. It’s as if we have a set time to arrive at a set destination. But God is not confined to our schedules, our pace, nor our end desires. It is we ‘who live and move and have our being in Him,’ and not the other way around. The best way for us to perfect our character is in relationship (with God and man) so God often engineers situations and circumstances for us to work or serve with those in whom we see no benefit, but He does. Ours is to enjoy the journey.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2

Why Worry?!

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. – G. Muellar 

   

The moment Peter took his eyes off Jesus he started sinking in the water. Hmm! 

   

Well, its here – Morning! Today is that tomorrow you worried about so incessantly yesterday. It came anyway. If you don’t have an action plan yet, I would suggest you give it over to God right now! We shouldn’t live life so worried about future events that we can’t enjoy the present, that’s why God wants us to ‘cast our cares on Him.’ The more we lean on Him and learn to trust in Him, the less we’ll have to worry or fret about. True, in this game of life we’ll win some and lose some, but when we look back over our life we can see in all things God has been completely trustworthy, and stuck with us through it all, making the best of every situation. And He’ll do the same with our current worries or fears if we give them over to Him. As the day unfolds, I hope we don’t take to long to make up our minds. 

   

Until Monday…. 

   

Pastor Botts 

   

“….do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34

P.S. - We will be meeting for Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9am.

Church Clean-up Day is pushed back a week to 11/23 at 8am.

Oh, Don't Tell

To make a long story short, don’t tell it. – Anon

Jesus could’ve preached at them when they brought him the woman caught in adultery, instead he just ‘wrote.’ Hmm!

Secrets – do they really exist? Is it really better to leave some things unsaid? Take a look around you and listen up, and you’d be hard pressed to think so. The truth is conversation is good, it does help us to relate to one another and build relationships; but it should be meaningful, insightful, practical, respectful, and truthful to the person to whom we’re speaking. We all love good stories and humor, but we should never have to ‘enhance’ them, and we must still speak in such a way to please God. Remember, when words are many sin is not absent, and besides, it doesn’t really matter how ‘big’ the fish was that got away, if it got away.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

 “….a time to be silent and a time to speak…” – Ecclesiastes 3:7

His Fingerprints All Over Us

Values are like fingerprints – you leave them all over everything you touch. – Anon

Jacob was such a man of integrity that even foreigners mourned his passing. Wow!

Children are noteworthy when they learn to walk in the values and virtues of their parents. Father’s are broad-chested when their sons emulate them, mother’s are elated when their daughters become little ladies. If we feel this way with our children have we ever stopped to think how we make our Heavenly Father feel as his children? He wants so much for us to emulate Him, to hold dear what He holds dear, to love what He loves, to value what He values. Perhaps the only reason we fall short is not that He hasn’t tried to teach us, but just maybe we’ve been a bit out of His touch.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 7:21

Is it Over Yet?

Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, it’s not the end. – Richard Murray

God gave Joseph a ‘dream.’ He gave David a ‘promise.’ He said there was ‘none’ like Job on the earth. They all had major issues in life, but God made the end result worth it. AMEN!

We’re all familiar with the cliché “it’s not over till it’s over.” Though a tiresome phrase, the truth and veracity of it are ever true. And this is refreshing news. It gives us great hope that God is not finished with us yet. The dreams He gave us, promises in His Word, or blessings He's ascribed are still available to us. Life may have us in a headlock at the moment, our vision may be somewhat blurred right now, or a relationship may have soured today, but it’s not the end, God’s purposes will be worked out in life. It’s not for us to know the when and the how, ours is just to wait and be faithful.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“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 1:6

In the Meantime, Praise!

Until God opens the next door - praise Him in the hallway! - Anon

Even while in exile hoping to return home Daniel still sought God at least 3 times a day. WOW!

Waiting, Ugh! No one likes it. We all seem to have better things to do with our time. People to see, places to go, money to make.... REALLY? Waiting is a reality of life, it teaches us patience, endurance, and dependency -we can't do it alone. And the trick to make it not seem unbearable is to find something enjoyable to do to pass the time. Truthfully, there is nothing more enjoyable and rewarding than praising God. No matter that it may appear our life is standing still and God seems not to be in a hurry, praise Him. Just like 'whistling while you work' seems to make the job easier and the time fly, praise seems to bring God closer and answers quicker. So if you're waiting on God what have you got to lose by giving a little praise? It couldn't hurt!

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts 

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him." - Isaiah 30:18

Worth Working For

You may not get all that you work for in this world, but you must certainly work for all you get. – Frederick Douglass

Even in the ‘Parable of the Sower’ Jesus tells us he didn’t reap everywhere he sowed, but he did sow. Hmm!

We live in a world that is changing rapidly. People no longer extend their hands to shake in friendship but with palms up to ask in expectation. There is almost a sense in some that the world ‘owes’ them something. How often we forget that all of us come by our resources the same way - WORK. Work is in itself a virtue God has allotted to us to provide for our needs, His church, and the poor we have amongst us. We all believe that anything worth having is worth working for, so there should be no griping or complaining on our part, but a gracious sense of joy that we can fulfill our purpose in the work God has given us this day, and rejoice in what we receive from it.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Seeds Planted

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you

reap, but by the seeds you plant. – R.L. Stevenson

Each day of his life was troubling and taxing or Jesus, yet he continued to sow seeds of faith. Hmm!

Let’s face it, there are some days when nothing goes right; where it seems that everything that comes our way is bad news or impossible circumstances – the whole world is against us. And it’s easy at these junctures to just get mad at the world, find someone to commiserate with and quit. But again, we must remember it’s not about us; it’s about God and His plans. The events of the day may not be to our liking but within each if we take the time to see or listen to what God is trying to accomplish there is ample opportunity still. After all, the farmer knows the best way to reap a good harvest is to plant and cultivate himself.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” – II Timothy 2:6

Closet Time

A holy life is not lived in the closet, but it cannot survive without one. - Anon

Paul's letters mention how he 'often' prayed for those who came to faith. I'm sure that's not all he prayed for. Hmm!

We wash them in 'Woolite'! We get them professionally dry-cleaned! We hang them properly, sometimes in plastic bags in the closet. What are they, our clothes or garments. Those pieces we always want to look good in, in public. Whether it be clothes, cars, jewelry, etc., we all have things we give much more attention and protection to, ensuring their presentation always draws attention. That should ever be the case with our faith walk with God. It deserves the utmost of care in terms of preparation (study, prayer, fasting) and presentation (avoiding the appearance of sin). It's true that life has a frenetic pace, but it's equally true that we don't have to participate in everything that makes it that way. If our lives are starting to get frayed around the ends, maybe some closet time with Jesus is just what we need.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"......But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen....." - Matthew 6:6

Dreams with Deadlines

You’ll never achieve the goals you don’t set.  – M. Batterson

Moses always wanted to help his people, he just had to wait 40 years to learn to do it God’s way. Amen!

“How did this happen to me?” It’s a question we sometimes ask ourselves in life when things look bleak or failure occurs. The hard truth of the matter is though most of us don’t plan to fail, we often fail to plan. Hence our finances are askew, our homes or autos are in disrepair, our education is incomplete, and our lives are nowhere near where we dreamed or envisioned them to be at this stage. The God we serve is a Master Planner. He had our redemption worked out the moment sin entered in the Garden. And as we are made so wondrously in His ‘creative’ image we should be able to, with His help draw out and achieve goals for our good and His glory. Instead of letting things happen, goals help us make them happen. Instead of living by default (whatever happens), plans help us live by design. Plans or goals are  ‘dreams’ with deadlines, and they give us traction, direction, and inspiration in our prayers; and who knows, with God you can’t never always sometimes tell. Here’s hoping today we’re all one step closer to our goal(s).

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts“

…..Where there is no vision, the people perish…..” – Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Everyday is an Opportunity

July is the toughest month of the year. Others are December February, June, September, October, January, March, November, April, August, and May. – Mark Twain

James said “the patient farmer waits for the autumn and spring rains.” Two different seasons held together by the word ‘patient.’ Hmm!

We’ve all heard stories like “the hot months bring an increase in violence,” or “the winter months decrease spending,“ etc. But in reality all months, just as all days; have an equal opportunity to present joy or difficulty. It’s all in the way we perceive and receive what comes our way. Trouble is not anymore opportunistic in summer months as opposed to winter, neither are blessings from God. If God’s mercies and compassions are ‘new

every morning’ then it matters not what month or date is on the calendar – but the amount of faith is in our hearts. Yes, we will have some difficulties in life as we suffer like Jesus, but our good days will far outweigh our bad days. So wherever we are, we can always look back and see where we’ve come from, and realize it’s really not so tough right now.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Overcome the Impossible

It is only the impossible that is possible for God. – S. Weil

When the Israelites needed an escape path (Red Sea), food (manna), water (rock); God was there. He still is today. AMEN!

Looking at it from afar, life seems unfair and impossible to overcome. The challenges it presents seem overwhelming, and our resources meager. And that is our major problem in life, we look at it from afar, and we begin attempting to do what only God CAN do. Life is designed to mature us, and adversity is designed to strengthen us. But this is only possible if we view it through God’s eyes and go at it through God’s strength. If we’re honest we can all count the number of times we’ve tried to ‘move mountains’ and failed on our own only to have God show us how easy it is once we fully gave it over to Him. To overcome the impossible we must trust the INVISIBLE. The choice is ours!

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’” – Luke 18:27