Refreshing Rest

Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness. – G. MacDonald

The Israelites were not allowed to plow or plant their fields every 7th year. They were to trust that God would provide. He did!

Though money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul, we often work like it is. The work week stretches from 40 to 50 or 60+ hours a week. We often look for extra hours or weekends to pad the paycheck. This is not necessarily bad, but it often interferes with or cuts time we could spend replenishing body, mind and spirit, particularly the time God set aside for us to visit His house. It’s important to remember that when God made us He made us human, not machines.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from ALLHIS WORK.” – Genesis 2:2

P.S. - Hope you can make our Family/Friends Game Night tonight at 6:30pm.

Don't forget this Sunday's Devotional time at 9AM - we're looking at the book of Philemon.

Light Breaks Through Illusion

No matter how good you are, you cannot put a quart in a pint cup. – C.P. Gilman

After lying and taking treasure from Naaman, Gehazi tried to give Elisha the illusion all was okay. He didn’t get away with it. Hmm!

Most of us have seen magicians do amazing things. Through sleight of hand and eye they seem to do the impossible be it large or small. It’s the power and allure of illusion. But it is just that – illusion. That’s the whole foundation of the enemy – he takes a lie and wraps it in the skin of the truth to deceive us. And if we’re not careful we bite into the lie that we of all people can do it, and without any ill effects or negative ramifications. We may be able to present an illusion for a time, but the truth will be brought to light. The reality of the matter is we cannot change one ‘truth’ of God’s Word or Creation. It is what it is and always will be.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way….for such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.” – Romans 16:17-18  

An Ever Present God

In the game of ‘hide and seek’ God is undefeated! – Anon

Adam and Eve. Moses. Elijah. If they all tried to run and hide from God and failed, what makes us think we can get away with it? Hmm!

If there is truly no place we can go and hide from God as the psalmist writes, then even in our moments of frustration, doubt, discouragement, fear, etc., all we need do is look up; for God is not simply near, He is right there. Waiting, hoping, anticipating that we will seek Him, invite Him to help us navigate life’s circumstances. And though His companionship may not erase the situation right then and there, it will sure lighten the stress and strain on our shoulders, lifting our spirits and hopes. And that friend, is a very comforting thought.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” – Psalm 139:7

P.S. - For our upcoming Roundtable discussion this Sunday (March 1) at 9am please read the book of Philemon. It's a single chapter. Below are some questions to help guide the discussions:

1.  Why did Paul write to Philemon regarding Onesimus?

2.  Describe how you handle someone who "ran out on you"?

3.  Discuss why Christians should get involved in disputes between others.

4.  Why did Onesimus trust Paul to speak on his behalf?  Do you believe he even knew what Paul was doing?

5.  Explain Paul's request versus a command to Philemon.

6.  Onesimus' name means "useful". Discuss how he lived up to (or did not live up to) that name.  Look up the meaning or origin of your name and discuss if it describes how you are living up to it.

7.  Where is the message of hope in Paul's letter to Philemon?

8.  Research commentaries and see if you can find out what became of Philemon and Onesimus----Discuss.

Leave It All On the Table

We are not made rich by what is in our pockets or portfolios, but by what is in our hearts. – Sparks

The disciples were indignant that the woman ‘wasted’ her expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. He said it was a beautiful thing for her to do. Hmm!

Fine China. Fancy Silverware. Candles and Table linens. An expensive restaurant? NO! For most of us it’s our cabinets at home. They are stuffed with these things. We’re waiting for the special moments or occasions to break them out. Often, we live our lives for Jesus in the same way, waiting for those special moments to show our best. But he asks us to spend our costs daily “take up your cross;” not holding back anything. As you enter into the heart of today may you spend God’s grace and mercy profusely, you won’t run out!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Freely you have received, freely give.” 

– Matthew 10:8

Jake from Southside (Men's Day 2020)

How's Your Aim?

"Stay on target..." -Davish Krail (Gold Five)

God was exact in all His measurements. I wonder if we should take a lesson there. Hmm!

Bullseye! Everyone is familiar with the term. It's the center of the target - dead aim center; what we all shoot for. The mark of perfection. Now when it comes to our profession of Christ it brings up a question. Are we ourselves moving towards it in a way others can see and praise or are we moving away from it, tarnishing the glory of the God we serve. One of the harshest words Jesus used for the 'religious right' of His day was hypocrite, as they were actually making it

almost impossible for the people to see and witness God's presence. We will all struggle from time to time in our walk, that's not the issue, the issue is whether those around us who really know us would be able to say with certainty that we are still striving for the target or actually doing a disservice to the

Lord. Since the target has not moved or changed the answer lies within us.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"....Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind..." - Matthew 22:37 

God Rest

God worked then rested a whole day. Whatever happened to that example? – Anon

When king Darius threw Daniel into the lions den, he was the one who went without rest. Hmm!

Life has its rhythm of day and night, spring and summer, birth and death. There is also a time to be still and rest; all ordained by God. Our hearts wants outside of God’s desires for us have caused us to try and gradually increase the speed of life, amount of consumption, and rate of living; trying to have it all and have it right now. But life on this planet has never been about having it all, it’s about enjoying God along the journey we take (think Enoch) and letting Him set the pace. He said in His Word He would ‘give us rest.’ As you walk today and begin to feel the desire to increase the pace, make sure God is still beside you.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening.” – Psalm 104:21-23

YOUR Part

Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do. – John Wooden

Though the little boy knew his lunch could not feed the multitude he still offered it. I think Jesus stretched it to 5,000 plus. Wow!

Believe it or not, we all have shortcomings. No one person can do everything. Though we are all gifted and talented in certain areas, not one of us is a “Jack of all Trades”. God made us this way so that we would learn to depend on one another, and on him ultimately – that’s community. And it takes all of us doing our part, great or small, to help build up and strengthen God’s kingdom. Rest assured you will be called upon for your part today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“So in Christ we who are many form one body……we have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” – Romans 12:5-8

Honor is Preferred

Fame is something that must be won; honor is something that must never be lost. – A. Schopenhauer

The people of Lystra fawned over Paul and Barnabas and thought they were ‘gods’ in human form. Paul and Barnabas clearly stated they were only ‘men of God.’ WHEW!

Truth be told, everyone wants a bit of notoriety, praise, or credit for their special successes, and that's okay; for in and of itself fame is not bad. However we must never confuse it with honor or integrity. There is a vast difference between the two. Fame is prestige or reputation you receive for an achievement, primarily from people you don’t know or see (fans), honor is hard earned trust from those who know you best. One of the keys of life is never to trade the latter for the former. As we face the circumstances and situations of the day that God puts before us, it shouldn’t be too hard to guess which way He leans.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Mark 9:36-37

Don't Forget Yourself

Wherever you go in life you always, always take yourself. – J. Graham

Though he was in a foreign land, Daniel refused to defile himself even with the king’s food. AMEN!

People travel to far-away locales, attend extreme makeover camps, or even suffer through intensive ritualistic regimens thinking such activities will change them. A change of scenery may excite the senses, a makeover may make you look better, and a ritual may make you think you are doing better, but true change of who we are can only take place in the heart. It’s God’s domain, and unless we surrender it completely to Him, much of what we do will be lost at the first sign of distress. Joseph had many ‘distresses’ in his life but because of his heart he prospered through every one of them. His God is the same one we serve today.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“'How do you know me?' Nathanel asked. Jesus answered, 'I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.'" - John 1:48 

You CAN'T Do It All

Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing. – M. LeBoeuf

The Israelites tried serving the gods of their neighbors and Almighty God. Eventually they found themselves with neither. Hmm!

We live in a world that says you can have it all, and unfortunately many believe just that. Sacrifice is not a part of the vocabulary. Many of us are stretched thin, involved in every “in” thing, going to every “in” place. And like our fashionable attendance to these major events (arrive late, leave early) we do the same with our God walk. But God has indeed called us to humbly submit our whole heart to Him alone, and has promised us all other things will fall into place if we do. And if we give it some serious thought, doing less but with a more defined purpose is really not half-bad.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

Shine It Up Good

Elbow grease is the best polish. – English Proverb

Paul held the Macedonian church up as an example not so much for the money they gave, but because they gave themselves. Hmm!

A beautifully waxed car is a sight to behold. The polished chrome reflecting like a mirror and the paint gleaming like it’s almost wet. And just as important as the wax you select is the amount of effort you put into applying and ‘rubbing out’ the wax. If you want the shine you‘ve got to give the effort. The life we live for Christ is the same, for us to appear like Christ requires that we give the effort to become like Christ. God does not wave a magic wand over us and all of a sudden we’re completely changed. It takes effort to “put off the old man and his sinful desires” and walk in the newness of life. To “put on Christ” actually takes effort. To walk like him, talk like him, love like him takes great effort, but if we want to be a light and shine for him we’ve got to use a little ‘elbow grease.’ Are you game?

Until Monday………

Pastor Botts

“….continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:12-13

God Did This

You are not judged by the height to which you have risen, but from the depth from which you have climbed. – Frederick Douglass

King Nebuchadnezzar paraded and saluted himself over his vast kingdom and all “he” had accomplished wanting the world to see. Shortly thereafter God dealt with him most severely. OUCH!

Often we want others to see us, applaud us, and admire us for our great feats in life, our vast accumulation of things, or our new status, going out of our way to show it. Doing things to get recognized or noticed, saying things to get attention.  But as often happens in this we forget where we came from and who brought us along the way. No matter what your present station in life, may you take time to thank God for where He’s brought you from.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” – Daniel 2:20-21

Meaningful Conversations

Prayer must mean something to us if it is to mean anything to God! - Richard Murray

Daniel let nothing and no one interfere with his prayer time with God. Hmm!

Growing up in our home, we as kids all learned that the phone was not a toy. It was to be used to conduct business, stay in touch, and pass along information. So when you picked it up to dial someone you had a purpose for doing so. The idea of 'just talking loud and saying nothing,' where the conversation was meaningless, pointless, and without purpose or conviction was not tolerated. Truth is, nobody likes conversation like that. Not even God. And though He has inclined His ears to hear our every call, we should always prepare our hearts before we call on Him, and we should have something worthwhile to chat about when we call Him. Even if it's just to tell Him we love Him there should be some conviction in our tone, or if it's to praise Him there should be some passion in our voice. Remember, as we talk He's looking at our heart.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart......"

- Psalm 24:3-4

Make the Difference

Being different isn’t the same as making a difference. – Sparks

The Christians at Corinth were arguing over which group was better because of who brought them to the faith (Apollos, Cephas, Paul, etc.) Paul reminded them it was Jesus who made the difference. Hmm!

We live in a society that embraces individuality. It teaches people to make a name and identity for themselves. And we often do strange things to make ourselves distinct and different from others that we may display our individuality, but we’re actually called on not to attract attention FROM society but to make a difference IN society. Our faith pronouncement is not to just stand out but to STAND UP! We’re called to stand up for righteousness and truth, to get involved when they are threatened, and promote ways to better this world. Yes, it’s a major task but that’s why God picked us, there were none better available to do it.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” – John 4:39

The Proper Hook Up

If you want to have a horizontal reach, you need to have a vertical focus. - Robin H.

Paul had great success in his ministry because he 'counted everything loss for the sake of Christ,' which is all he preached. Hmm!

Some things in life are so simple that we often overlook the obvious. We attend programs, seminars, classes, buy the latest bestsellers, trying to learn the latest insight, methodology, or buzz words on how to be successful for Christ. This is all noble and good, but the obvious is overlooked. When we plant a seed the first thing it does is break through the dirt reaching upward to the sky. Then as it grows it begins to spread its branches and leaves outward. That's the key, we need to look up first, and make sure we're hooked up properly. The point is that anything we attempt to do for Christ and His church must begin with Him. Meaning we need to be connected to Him, filled with His spiritual presence, and submitting to His leading. The work of Christ has always been empowered by His Spirit and always will be. If we're struggling with success for Him maybe we need to make sure the connections are in proper order.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5  

A Beautiful Example or A Tragic Warning

If you can’t be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. – C. Aird

Noah, Moses, Job, David, Peter, the Babylonians, Assyrians, Canaanites. God used them all: some He saved, some He didn’t save. Hmm!

It is said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” meaning its left open to the interpretation of the individual. What one may consider beautiful, magnificent, or breath-taking; someone else may find hideous and gross. Though the statement holds a lot of truth, the bottom line is that most if not all folks would rather fall on the side of beauty – something to behold and appreciate; and we’re no different. And if we think it through this is exactly what our lives are about. We are either being molded into something of beauty for God that others can appreciate and model or we’re becoming an ‘icon of poison’ for others to see and avoid. And since there is really no such thing as an ‘unfulfilled life’ the question we need be asking ourselves is on which end of the spectrum are we treading?

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us….. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” – I Corinthians 10:11-12 

Not upset about the upset

True defeat occurs only when YOU totally give up and quit. - Anon

Peter’s great message on the Day of Pentecost was fueled somewhat by the memory of his earlier betrayal of Jesus. Hmm!

The occasional disappointments and heartaches of life are not in the least discriminatory, they befall all of us, no matter age or status. They are born out of our desire and willingness to take a risk at loving someone, or being willing to pursue a goal or dream. Even though we may suffer upsets, we’ve not really lost; we’ve gained a rich experience to draw upon that should help us further mold our faith. God gifted us with the ability to learn and discern no matter what the situation, if we are willing. And God Himself was there with us the whole time, and He is true to His promises to heal, restore, refresh, replenish, and love endlessly. And knowing this, should only serve as inspiration to spur us on to risk even more for God.

Until tomorrow…

 Pastor Botts

“…..I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you out with loving-kindness…” – Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord Watches Over You

People who matter are most aware that everyone else does too. - M. Forbes

Amidst a throng of people pushing and shoving, Jesus 'stopped' because someone touched Him. Wow!

It happens all the time. You pull up behind them at the stop light. It changes, they still don't move - asleep at the wheel. Not physically sleep, but caught up with their phone, distracted. How often has that been us, distracted? When our brother/sister needed us, asleep. When they were really trying to connect and communicate, we're asleep or distracted because we could not or would not turn away from the phone, PC, TV, etc., only half-hearing their desperate plea for connection and intimate conversation. It's really ironic when you think about it. Devices that should aid in information sharing and connection actually prohibit face to face sharing. Thankfully, God never sleeps. Nothing gets in the way of His watching over us, listening for our call/prayers. Maybe we should take a cue from Him and realize sometimes 'old school' works the best.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you..." - Psalm 121:4-5

The Roadmap of Faith

When the map and the terrain don't match, follow the terrain. Man made the map, God made the terrain. - General Boykin

As Pharaoh pursued the Israelites God told Moses to stretch his rod out towards the sea. What do you know, it worked! Hmm...

Life is full of decisions (single/marriage, work/self-employ, rent/own, etc.) that don't have a clearly defined roadmap for success. We know what we want and trust that through our obedience to God things will work out okay. But often, the path God chooses for us to follow will include some geography that doesn't make sense - that's where faith comes into play. Will we be willing to trust God to blaze the trail way for us, or will we insist on not moving until we can clearly see the roadway and choose the safest lane. Faith is not always having certainty or assurance in hand, it's trusting in the One who has NEVER given us any reason to doubt Him or His promises. If we ever take time to look back and see where we've come from or in reality seeing what God has brought us through, then we can continue in our task of just putting one foot in front of the other.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"And God said.....this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain..."

- Exodus 3:12

Win Lose or Worth?

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, but what about our response. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that  you stand firm in the one Spirit....." - Philippians 1:27