Love Lifted Me

Nothing is too much trouble for love. – Desmond Tutu

Even after he wasted all his money and 'soiled' himself with unrighteous living, the Prodigal Son's father quickly lifted his spirits. Wow!

Often we may feel overwhelmed and alone, like all the problems of the world have come resting right down on our shoulders. When we do feel like this it is only because we have taken the wrong view. When our fate hung in the balance and rested at God's discretion, he showed us the way by exercising love (John 3:16). You may feel your family's plight is unbearable, or your life situation too heavy, but remember when love is added in; even the heaviest of weight is lifted. Ask God for a little more capacity to love and see what a difference it will make in your life.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

"....God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." - I John 4:16

A Look At The Brighter Side

“I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:25

Paul said that whether he had plenty or none, as long as he had God he was content. AMEN!

As an avid coffee drinker I’ve hit a many donut shops in my time. Some good, some not so good. But I can recall a poem I once saw some years back that resonates with life:

As you travel through life friend,

Whatever be your goal,

Keep your eyes on the donut,

And not upon the hole.

It’s a somewhat simple message that’s meant to remind us that we should spend more time looking at and being thankful for what we have and not worrying about what we don’t have. God has gifted us with exactly everything He needs us to have at this moment. In fact, we’ve got more blessings than we can truly count, and maybe that’s what we should do, start counting and start thanking Him for every one of them. In the end it’s a lot more meaningful and a lot less costly, and we can all stand to save a little more anyway.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…..My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life…..” – Psalm 23:5

We Will Win!

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. – Douglas MacArthur

David often sought God’s will before

he sought his enemy. Hmm!

Reveille! Alarm clock! Sunrise! Whatever the means, we’re all awake for Today. It’s here and coming on strong whether we like it or not. As you embark upon your day, remember you are at war. Not only with the current pandemic but with all the changes it has brought along to our normal way of life, our physical gatherings, proximity, and fellowship. The enemy will be targeting your heart and mind, firing away to make you doubt your faith and lose your focus. Make sure you dress properly for the battle otherwise you are sure to become a casualty of war.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can

take your stand against the devil’s schemes….” - Ephesians 6:11

P.S. - Praying all is well and that you can join us online this Sunday at 9:30am.

Being Fluid

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are. – J. Maxwell

Paul says he spent 3 years unlearning what he ‘thought’ was the right way before he met Jesus. Wow!

No doubt about it, most people; present company included, are resistant to change. Often, if we’re not careful we let complacency set the order of the day for us. We say we desire improvement but tend to firmly resist changing any of our routines. That’s a problem because we all know that old maxim ‘if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.’ The fact is life is all about change, but for us to grow in new ways we have to be more than just open to change, we have to actually and physically pursue change. It’s much more than wishful thinking, it takes dedicated, consistent application and review. We must remember, though God takes us as we are, He is not going to leave us that way. Perfection is His goal and sometimes He needs us to be a bit more ‘moldable.’

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven…” – Matthew 18:3

P.S. - Again, my apologies for last night's 'interruption' to our bible study. I pray no 'little' eyes or ears were hurt. We will be investigating a much more secure venue for future gatherings.

Wait for The Promise Keeper

He who has lost confidence can lose nothing more. – Boiste

In spite of all his physical suffering and his friends accusations of sin in his life, Job still wanted an audience with God. Hmm!

Life itself is our greatest blessing, but often we see it as only hardship, suffering, toil, and lack. Sure, we’ve been sick or down on our ‘luck’, but we only know these things in comparison to the many times we’ve been well and on top of our game – all blessings from God. Discouragement may come, but from what we know of God and have tasted of Him, it should never rob us of our confidence that God’s promise to care for us is true. So just as sure as God is on His throne, and He is; and just as sure as Christ is risen and alive, and He is; we hold fast to the promises of God – for we are the sheep of His pasture.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….Blessed are all who wait for Him!” – Isaiah 30:18

Don't Miss It!

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. – Epictetus

Paul spent 3 years in the desert unlearning Phariseeism, to learn the ways of God; only to realize learning the ways of God take the rest of one’s life. Hmm!

Many of us as Christians have been on the battlefield many years. We sometimes think we’ve seen it all and know all there is to know. But only God knows all His ways and where we are deficient. And often he has to break us in order to reach us. We say things like ‘God does not waste a hurt, heartache, pain, or opportunity;” and if that be true then maybe we should pay attention to what God is trying to teach us. These things come not to teach us what we already know, but to show us God is at work in our lives in a totally new manner. So as situations arise today and later on, remember God is at work, not to reinforce what we think we know, but to show us what we need to know. Stay alert!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” – John 5:39-40

Change IS the Reward

Our reward is what we become, not what we get. – Richard Murray

Abraham became a ‘friend’ of God, Moses became ‘God’s man’ and neither of them made it to the Promised Land God spoke of. Hmm!

All to often in our prayer lives we go to God asking Him to give, grant, supply, or meet our needs – which are mostly physical – and rarely do we thank Him for what He is making of us. All of us can look back and see the changes God has made in us and for this we should be profusely thankful. The idea of getting things is great, but just like a new toy when the novelty wears off, we’re back to asking for more. Life is not so much about getting as it is becoming, and that becoming or manifesting all of what God made us for. So if there is no getting today, just give thanks for what God is making of you.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” – John 15:1-2

Equal Access

No one has more access to God than you! – Anon

The friends of the paralytic man cut a hole in the roof, just to put him before Jesus. He was welcomed and healed. WOW!

It’s funny how we sometimes think others have an ‘in’ with God that we don’t, as if there were some secret to it. Upon Jesus’ death on the cross the ‘veil of the temple’ was torn asunder; giving ALL believers equal access to God. It is true others may be more devoted in their prayer and meditational times with God – but He patiently waits and longs for each one of us to come by and come often. Yes, it’s good, healthy, and scriptural to ask others to pray for you, but God will hear each one of us as if we were the most important person there is. Remember, He shows no partiality!

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God.” – John 1:12

Choice Criticism

Not every criticism is critical. - Anon

Though Moses' father-in-law was an outsider and told him what he was doing as leader wasn't right, Moses still listened AND prospered. Hmm!

If we're honest with ourselves, we know we don't know it all. We like others to think we do and often pretend we do, hoping no one calls our bluff. The key is admitting we don't know, for this opens the door to growth. That's true in our spiritual walk as well. Spiritual growth brings with it an openness to receive correction and in turn the discernment to give correction, correctly! The bible tells us God corrects those He loves, and He always does it the right way, and He often uses other people to do it. As we sharpen one another we must let God work through us to receive and/or give what is needed. Many of us miss out in growth opportunities because we avoid the process. When something/someone unpleasant happens upon us, or something doesn't go our way we get bent out of shape, ready to run away, quit the job, even leave the church. But often, so very often, it is in these instances and circumstances that God is asking us to either be sharpened or help sharpen. Remember, our trials come only to make us strong.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another...." - Proverbs 27:17

The Shape of Your Faith

Faith is not a thing which one "loses," we merely cease to shape our lives by it. – G. Bernanos

When the Prodigal Son moved away from his father and his God, it wasn’t long before he realized what shape he was really in. Hmm!

Growing up one of the things we were taught was to ‘color in between’ the lines. No matter what the diagram or picture was we were instructed to color ‘inside’ the shape. This was not really just an object lesson on creativity but also an important life lesson on structure and discipline, for without structure or discipline life becomes meaningless and unfulfilling. Could you imagine trying to play hop-scotch, or basketball, or even checkers without a meaningful diagram to aid you? So it is with our faith, when we cease to live by it we become adrift in world which does not care nor have our best interests at heart. And prolonged drifting begins to change or harden our hearts and ways towards God and others. The good news though is that we can revive our faith simply by coming back to God and allowing Him to reshape us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

P.S. - We will be holding Bible Study tonight for those who would like to come out. Your prayers are always appreciated!

A Simple Invitation To Prayer

The power of prayer rests on the ONE who hears it, and not on the one who says it. – A. Brown

Jonathan’s victory over the Philistine outpost was ‘perhaps’ because he trusted in God. Hmm!

Prayer! Why is it such a hard thing to do? Why do we fear others hearing us? So often we approach prayer like it’s an IRS form or a job application, and we have to fill in all the spaces correctly or there’ll be big trouble. Or we feel we have to say all the right words, or be somewhat long or overtly emotional in our plea. God is not standing over us in a white coat and clipboard when we pray. He knows our heart and our needs before we even ask Him. His invitation to prayer is really just a desire to commune together, meet and share concerns, hopes, dreams, and encouragement. There is no standardized format. The main thing in our prayer time is that we acknowledge God for who He is, and our complete dependence upon Him. And since there is nothing ‘too hard’ for Him, He eagerly awaits us to show His power.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know…” – Jeremiah 33:3

Mind Control

If you want peace of mind, start controlling what you allow into it. - Rick Warren

King Saul would often summon young David to play the harp before him to calm his troubled mind. Hmm!

Capital One wants to get into your wallet! At least they're upfront about it. But the enemy knows the battle of our will is waged in the mind. And he seeks to control our mind or way of thinking through all sorts of subversive, subliminal, and deceptive media, via every possible distribution outlet (TV, Radio, Internet, Social Media, etc.) available. Anxiety, stress, life disorders and so forth are often brought about by a worrisome mind, a heart with no peace. But there is a way to overcome the enemies assault on our mind. Choose carefully what we consume in our media diet. The benefits are tremendous. As has been said: No Jesus, No peace! Know Jesus, Know peace!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

".....we take captive every thought to

make it obedient to Christ." - II Corinthians 10:5

A Lesson From Pain

What is crucial in life is not how we get out of pain, but rather, what we get out of it. - A. Christing

After being beaten, flogged, and cast into prison, in the midst of their pain Paul and Silas began to praise God. Wow, what a relief!

Pain, be it physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, etc., no one likes it and the sooner we can get out/rid of it, the better. Truthfully though it serves a purpose, to let us know something is amiss, or out of order in our life. And to try and hurry to the cure or relief point without understanding the cause is like cutting down weeds without pulling up the root - they will grow back. The key is to know why it occurs, then put into practice habits and actions that will keep it from reoccurring. God won't allow more on us than we can bear, but often He has to leave the burden much longer than necessary because of our slowness to understand why and apply His remedies.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"...Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me..." - II Corinthians 12:9

PLEASE NOTE: We are monitoring the COVID-19 coronavirus situation.

At present there are no reported cases amongst our congregation.

We will be addressing our church cleaning protocols.

We will be adding hand sanitizer stations in each building shortly

ALL REGULARLY SCHEDULED SATURDAY/SUNDAY MORNING ACTIVITIES WILL GO ON AS PLANNED!

The Food & Clothing Ministry will be in operation.

We will have regular Sunday morning services.

We WILL NOT have Sunday evening VESPER services.

Also, I know we're keen on hugs/handshakes, but please exercise GRACE in greeting one another.

As additional information and/or changes become necessary we will keep you informed.

The Desire For Greatness

God has a history of using the insignificant to accomplish the impossible. – R. Exley

Moses, aged and tie-tongued. Gideon, frail and fearful. The apostles, ordinary and unschooled. Though “no threat” by worldly standards they did mighty things for God. Hmm!

As much as we may not want to admit it, truthfully inside of us is the desire for greatness. The desire to make the big play, score the winning points, be the ‘big kahuna’ if you will. The truth of the matter is God wants us to do just that, just not in the way we have in mind. To further the kingdom of God and His Righteousness in any way is to make the big play, score the winning points or be ‘the man.’ The major problem God has with us is getting us out of the way that He may work through us, that others may see His glory being revealed. Remember, it’s not about us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14

You Have the Right To Remain Silent

Let your speech be better than silence, or be silent – J. Gibbons

At the transfiguration, it seems Peter just had to have his say. God spoke and put him to SILENCE!

There is an old proverb that says, “it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” How true. But in this day and age of communication technology silence has gone the way of dinosaurs (extinct). Truth be known often we converse with others just to hear ourselves talk. We need be careful of what we say and how we say it, but moreso we need remember God is a friend of silence, for in the midst of it He often speaks. Are you listening?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted; and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37 

Happily Make the best of Things

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

The apostle Paul said ‘his chains actually helped him advance the gospel.’ Go figure!

Happiness! For most it’s a commodity they believe they deserve, or have somehow earned with all their hard work and toil. But in truth it is not a ‘commodity’ that can be purchased like food or clothing, it is rather an attitude. When we pursue it in our endeavors it becomes even more elusive, for it is really a by-product of right thinking and right behavior; or godliness. It is the by-product of a life that is lived in the will of God. And being in the will of God we know not everything will turn out the way we expect, but God will leave us with opportunity to rejoice. And that’s really not a bad thing.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12

Eternal Threads

What we weave on earth we will wear throughout eternity – W. C. Brumby

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man wove an intricate heart of selfishness, pride, and contempt. It fit him well in his eternal home. OUCH!

To a person, most people would say they dress the way they feel inside. This is very true, for it is “out of the heart the mouth speaks,” not only verbally but in our actions as well. We really can only do what is in our hearts to do. And though we are great at the “cover-up” or “mask” game with one another, God is still looking on the heart. This day many opportunities will pass our way to help shape our heart for God. He, the Master weaver; is at work on our tapestry for HIM. May our “speech/actions” add the proper hue and texture to the cloth.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“May the words of my mouth AND the MEDITATION of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14

P.S. - If you can help, we are in great need for MEN'S CLOTHING for our giveaway ministry.

Let's Get Uncomfortable

If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat. – J. Ortberg

James and John left their father Zebedee in the boat mending nets when Jesus called them. They learned to ‘fish’ for men. Hmm!

We have a natural tendency in life to find our “comfort zone” and then firmly position ourselves there in place, unwilling to move or change regardless of who we encounter. But it’s often in these situations where we miss out on God’s activity. If we are in a situation or lifestyle where we are perfectly capable of handling everything, then we’ve ceased growing in our understanding and dependence on God. God’s assignments generally disrupt our comfortable routines and take us into the realm of the unknown – where we learn to trust Him more – because He wants to be known in a new way to us. When the uncomfortable comes, maybe we should ask God what’s He up to!

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” – Matthew 19:29-30

Peace at the Intersection of Direction and Purpose

The road to abundant living here and heaven afterwards runs right through the giver of peace: Christ. - Anon

The reason the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert is because THEY were ‘lost.’ God wasn’t. Hmm!

Sun! Moon! Compass! GPS! Over the eons we’ve progressed through technology to help us navigate around this great big planet, for no one likes being lost. But here’s a question we rarely ask ourselves:  "Am I at peace with the direction of my life?" Days and years pass quickly, and many of us are okay with the ‘events’ of life (birth, childhood, school, marriage, career, etc.) but rarely do we seem to have found the purpose for which God created us. And because of this we seem to lack that ‘peace that surpasses all understanding’ that God promised. It’s good to know where you are, but it’s best to know where you’re headed and why, for this gives life great meaning. If we’re on the wrong path or don't like the direction we're travelling the great news of the day is that God allows U-turns.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”

– Isaiah 26:3

God Still Runs This

The bible tells us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go. – Galileo

The disciples pressed Jesus about the restoration of Israel. He told them “it’s not for them to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” Hmm!

Life is just truly perplexing sometimes. There are things that stop us dead in our tracks at times as we wonder what in the world God is up to, or why is He not doing this or that right now. God is doing exactly what He wills right now. The world may seem a troubled place, and it is; but God is still in control. Though the bible does give us insight as to what God will or will not do, it never gives us a timeline on when He will do anything, or how He will do it. The bible was given to us that we might come to know God and prepare ourselves to meet and live with Him in eternity- the business of running the universe is still God’s alone. If we’ve lost our perspective on things maybe we need to re-read what God told Job.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” – Deuteronomy 29:29

P.S. - Reminder all contributions for the newsletter are due in by tomorrow 3/5. Thanks!

Try It His Way

Nothing in all of humanity had ever “been done that way before” until someone tried it. – Anon

Though God made the seas during creation, no one tried sailing the waters until Noah’s time. Hmm!

Problems…problems…problems. It seems life is filled with them. But God is not so much interested in us solving problems as He is in us being available to Him that He may solve them through us. We’re the hands, feet, heart, eyes, etc. that He works through. And He is as diverse in His ways as the entire color spectrum.  Failure is never certain until we stop or give up trying. We’ve all been faced with challenges and obstacles to overcome that seemed insurmountable, but yet by the grace and provision of God here we are today. Why, because we tried doing something and it worked out. The key here is to try, never to give in, but to seek God’s way to see you through. If we’re wrestling with God over something maybe He’s trying to show us a ‘new way’ of doing His will.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” – Isaiah 43:18-19

Outside the Ordinary

If God is asking you to do something, he already knows about the risks involved. – Anon

Ananais questioned the Lord when he was directed to go lay hands on a new convert. But he went, and a great church persecutor was defeated, and a great missionary evangelist was born, Paul. WOW!

Anxiety. Fear. Worry. For some reason even though we are believers; these words seem to creep into our life whenever God asks us to do something out of the realm of ‘ordinary.’ We’re good at ordinary, it’s safe and familiar, and often comfortable, but God is looking for us to stretch out in faith by getting out of or expanding our comfort zone, and trust him in unfamiliar surroundings. Great things are waiting to happen. I pray He may count on us all today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12