Pass it on

I’ve learned that you can’t give what you’ve never received. – Max Lucado

Paul had many trials and persecutions in his life that we will never face. But of all of them he said to follow his example, for he followed Christ. Hmm!

The one constant about life is that it goes on no matter what. Circumstances, problems, and troubles seem to always be in great supply. And they always seem to include other people. The key to winning at life is how we respond to the people in these situations with us. The true mark or identity of the Christian is that they are totally willing and looking for opportunity to pass on the best gifts of God (love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, etc.) that others may know Him as we do. It’s how God often manifests Himself to others – through us. If we find it difficult or impossible to extend these great gifts maybe we need to review our relationship with the God we serve.

I'll be taking some time off until the New Year. See you shortly....

Pastor Botts

“Freely you have received, freely give….” 

– Matthew 10:8

A Heart for Others

The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day. Has anybody felt yours? - Anon

Jesus said ‘the poor we would have with us always!’ Was that an offer or just a statement? Hmm!

Generally, at the sound of the alarm clock most of us are off and running. Focused, determined, energetic, we get prepared to meet the plans and needs of OUR day. We think “Yes, it’s a day that God has made, and ‘Yes’ I’ll rejoice in it,” but I must take care of the things at hand. But God asks us will we take time for someone else. Will we use a portion of our daily quota of heartbeats and make them count for someone else. We should have and show care and concern for our fellow man whether they be saint or sinner, and our hearts should truly beat harder for those that are not yet a part of the kingdom of God. Oftentimes, interruptions in life don’t just occur, they are God engineered opportunities for sharing. Do we have the

 time?

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40

We Did This

Our acts make us or mar us – we are the children of our OWN deeds. – Victor Hugo

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day hypocrites because that’s what they were. They did not practice what they preached! Hmm!

Our parents tried to shape us and mold us, to instill in us a sense of value and morality – it was their role. But the responsibility of taking that input and putting it to use in a meaningful and positive manner rests solely with each one of us. And though we may want to blame others for our shortcomings or errors, we know deep within they are ours alone. But the great thing about life is we are each free to change what we don’t like. We are free to make our life a blessing to God and His work. We must remember our actions are motivated by what’s in our heart. It’s no question we were made in the image of God (the bible says so). The BIG question is can that image be seen.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

– Matthew 7:17,20

P.S. - Hope to see you tomorrow at Prayer Breakfast (9am) and remember service this Sunday starts at 9:30 AM in Parmes Hall.

Making the Best of Things

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.

– Art Linkletter

Paul said he learned to be content in any situation. Hmm!

It is said life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond. There is great biblical truth to this. God often uses “circumstances” in our life to test or prove us. The life accounts of Joseph, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego, and Daniel to name a few; show how they decided to make the best of bad situations by continually trusting in God . Perhaps your life is not where you want it to be today. Perhaps your past isn't stellar by any stretch of the imagination. It doesn't matter to God. He can help you turn it all around for good and bring you contentment in every situation. Why not start today by letting God help you get the best out of everything.

Until tomorrow……. 

Pastor Botts

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13 

The Skin You're In

The most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself. - Anon

After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, it took Paul three days to figure out who he really was. Hmm!

If we're not truly comfortable with who we are we can never be comfortable with other people. Our self-image, and self-esteem permeate every facet of our lives and relationships. From what we eat, to what we wear, to who we associate with, and on and on; our self-image and esteem are guiding us. That's why God wants us healthy in these areas of life, and He continuously shows us how much He loves and cares for us (warts and all), that we can learn to love ourselves. He knows we have to be our own best friend first, where we are open and honest with ourselves, before we can be open and honest and friendly with others, especially Him. And when we are comfortable in knowing who we are the kingdom lights burn a little brighter.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....when he came

to his senses, he said....." - Luke 15:17

What Will You Choose?

Choices are the hinges of destiny. – Edwin Markham

The rich young ruler chose his earthly treasures, which he identified with; over Jesus and everlasting life. He also went away sad. OUCH!

“I wish I had done .....” “I should have gone to .......” “I shouldn’t have ......” These are all statements we often make when reflecting on our life. We are right now a summation of all the choices we made in the yesterdays of life. To look back over our life and lament over those choices is useless, we are where we are right now. To look back over them and learn from them and to chart the hand of God “working” throughout for our good regardless is breathtaking. Even better is the fact that God has gifted us TODAY, with every opportunity to make good choices that will determine our tomorrows and our eternity. Are you up to the challenge?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“No one 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. You cannot serve both God and mammon.” – Matthew 6:24

The Trust Factor

It is impossible to go through life without trust. It leads to being imprisoned in the worst jail cell of all, ‘oneself.’ – G. Greene

God ‘trusted’ in man. Jesus ‘trusted’ in the apostles. There seems to be a pattern here. Hmm!

Were we to look back over our lives, each of us could see progress made in several areas, maybe not as much as we would have liked, but progress nonetheless. And if we look a little deeper we can see we did not do it alone, we had help. Help from God and help from others. But to receive help we had to trust the one giving the help. Trust is one of the foundational pillars of faith and love. If we had no faith we could not trust anyone in even the simplest things (doctors, cooks, drivers, spouses, etc.) for we could never be sure their intent was not to harm us. And if we have not faith in someone it would be impossible to love them. It’s a very refreshing thought to know that God loves us and has faith in us.

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

Not Going It Alone

The entire population of the world, with one minor exception, is composed of others. – J. Maxwell

In the midst of all his persecutions and troubles Paul never lost his love or concern for “all the churches.” WOW!

It goes without saying that we often need to be reminded that it’s not just us nor is it actually about us. It is about God living and working through us. We tend to get narrow minded in our focus and outlook often looking at life only as to how it can benefit us individually – ‘What’s in it for me?’ But God asks us to look at life as to how we can benefit others. Just as He lets the rain or sun fall on the just and unjust, He expects and asks us to extend such common courtesy to all who come our way. As we go through each day we must remember others are dealing with problems as well.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain

conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” – Philippians 2:3-4

Do You WANT the Truth?

The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it. – Ayn Rand

Pilate could not recognize Christ as the truth because he already had his own version. Hmm!

We sit next to them and wonder. They sit next to us and do the same. We grew up with them and wonder. They grew up with us and do the same. What is it? It’s wondering where were they when this simple truth, whatever it may be, that seemingly everybody should know; was given out or taught. We got it, how come they didn’t, they were there we know – at least physically. In this mixed up world we live in we often forget a few things about the people we live and associate with. First, not everyone is in search of the truth, their own version yes – but the actual truth, no. They will go along with a program until it conflicts with their inner desires. And second, the enemy has blinded some to the truth, they can’t accept it in any form. Their desire is to overturn or discredit any opposition to them. Our quest is to make sure we continually seek the whole truth, not just for understanding but for application into our daily lives for a life that pleases God. It’s a proven maxim that if you repeat anything often enough it will start to become you. So as the day progresses our challenge is to see if anyone would mistake us for Jesus.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free….: - John 8:32

Live On and Live Well

Death leaves a heartache only God can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. - Anon

The prophetess Anna lost her husband after only 7 years of marriage, but had God for a lifetime thereafter. WOW!

It happens all around us everyday - DEATH! But when it hits in our personal space and our loved ones, it's especially hard and painful at times to go on. But go on we must for God is at His work still, filling the void and reshaping our life, taking away the bitter sting and making the warm memories more vivid. So as we grieve, it's not overwhelming or as if we have no hope, we trust in the promise of the One who conquered it for us. So though today is 1 more day in life without them, we rejoice because it is also 1 day closer to that great re-union with Jesus and our loved ones. So live on and live well.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate." - Psalm 111:4

Mornings with God

There are two kinds of people. Those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, its morning!" – Anon

Jesus sneaked away early one morning to pray. Peter found him to remind him there was ‘work’ to do. Hmm!

You would think by now in our many years of life we would have learned to adjust or adapt. Our alarm clock goes off the same time every morning, and often it upsets us to no end. We awake and often greet the day with an attitude geared toward what we know is scheduled (Monday mornings, meetings, doctor’s visit, school test, work, etc) rather than with an attitude toward who created the day and woke us to see and be a part of it. The first order of business on any day, rain or shine, is to spend time with the One who created it, seek His will, direction, protection, and provision. Nothing ever takes God by surprise and if we let Him do the leading in our daily lives rarely will it happen to us. This is a day He has made, we should just rejoice!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For by him all things were created, things

in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16

Envy Shoots Back

Envy shoots at others and wounds herself. - Anon

Haman’s ire and dislike for Mordecai was the beginning of his own downfall and eventual hanging. OUCH!

We don’t say it out loud, but often if we’re not careful we can be caught being envious or jealous of someone else. Many of our statements about others belie our true feelings. Their position in life, their possessions, their looks or even their personality, how we wish we were like them, even if it were just for a little while. But this type of thinking only stymies or stunts our own individual development and growth, and that in itself causes pain and sorrow, for if we are not growing we are dead. We must soon realize that we are who God needs us to be right now, and that He’s shaping us for who He will need us to be later. If we see the world and others through the eyes of God, then love; and not envy is the end result.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

Endless Possibilities

You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be. – W. Dyer

Joseph went from prisoner to Prime Minister because he kept his eyes on God, not his surroundings. Hmm!

“It’s just my lot in life.” “That’s just the way it’s going to be.” "It is what it is!" How often have we heard or even used such language. Hope is one of our greatest assets in our faith walk, but oftentimes it seems buried under the issues or cares of life. We often tend to think presently that “this is all life has to offer”, or “this is who we will always be,” so we give up on trying to move forward (educationally, spiritually, financially, physically, etc.) and begin to give less than our best effort. But each day God grants us is a new opportunity to get better, move forward, draw closer to Him. If we’ve resigned ourselves to the fact that we’re stuck with who we are and where we’re at, it’s only because we’ve allowed the enemy to change our focus and steal our desire. Refocus on God, I guarantee you’ll like the vision much better.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

No Avoiding It. God Wins

Man may have his will, but God will have His way! – Anon

Jonah did all he could to get out of preaching to the folks at Nineveh. The moment they heard him they repented. Hmm!

The struggle for supremacy and direction in life is one of the battles we face consistently each and every day. Do we give in to the desires of the flesh, base thoughts of the mind, or follow the will of God. Often we get into our ‘stubborn’ streaks or ‘selfish’ ways and try to go against the will of God, and satisfy what we think are our own needs. But in the end it is God who wins out, and we’re sometimes bruised and battered for our troubles. God gave us the Bible that we might come to know Him and draw close to Him, and if we read it thoroughly we find out in the end in all things, He wins!  God may allow us to go against the grain for a short time, but in the end His way will prevail, and we can save ourselves much trouble by getting with His program.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Who are you, Lord? Saul asked. I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.” – Acts 9:4-6

Enduring the Bitter for the Sweetness Ahead

That which is bitter to endure now may be the sweetest to remember later. - T. Fuller

Paul suffered many hardships for Christ (beatings, imprisonments, etc.) and called them all momentary for Christ's glory. AMEN!

Humble Pie! Nobody likes to eat it. But oftentimes we must. Those times we bit off more than we could chew, extended ourselves beyond our means, or let our guards down and got taken advantage of. In the midst of these experiences we find life harsh, unpleasant, and even painful, crying out to God to help us end it. But by the grace of God those times are in our past and serve as great testimonies of His goodness, mercy, and favor to us. So if life is offering a bitter pill right now just know God's got some sweetness on the way!

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......and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

-Hebews12:2 

Better than Yesterday

You can always become better! – Anon

Paul said he ‘pressed forward’ everyday to endear himself more and more to His Lord. Hmm!

¡New and Improved! It seems like every product eventually goes this route. But so often we get to certain ages or stages in life and want to say that’s it, “I am who I am. I may not be the best, but I’m certainly not the worst.” But discipline and commitment are relentless, for God continuously works in us and on us, and He will not leave us as He found us. He desires to give us His best and for us to give Him our best, and since ‘perfection’ is our goal, we should never think we can’t do any better. If Moses didn’t reach his prime until age 80 and Caleb at age 85, it seems the sky’s the limit. So today is another opportunity to become better than we were yesterday.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Be very careful, then, how you live……making the most of every opportunity….” – Ephesians 5:15

The Prepared Heart

The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. – Anon

Goliath knew the victory was in the bag because of his size and history, however little ruddy David had been preparing his “heart” with God. God WON!

We see it in sports all the time. The great big high ranking university takes it for granted they can beat the puny little unranked, unknown college and BAM – major upset. This scenario plays out in our life all too many times as well. Sin gets the best of us and we often settle by saying “I guess it was just a lesson I needed to learn anyway.” But that’s not necessarily true. Often it’s just because we were not willing to properly “discipline” ourselves to be alert, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led people of God. To be a conqueror takes more than just talent, it takes a “prepared heart.” God wants us to master the challenge.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“As it is written: ‘for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him [Jesus] who loved us.” – Romans 8:36-37