Not On Our Own

The best of men are still men at best. – Anon

Peter’s sermon brought 3,000 plus into the church on Pentecost, but he still had a problem with Gentiles. Hmm!

We put a lot of stock and confidence in individuals for their accomplishments, deeds, and contributions to society, and well we should. But we should always remember that God was and is in the plans. The fact that He chooses to remain anonymous does not dismiss us from giving glory to Him. No person yet has accomplished anything by himself (except condemning himself to hell) and without the strength, wisdom, resources, and blessing of God he is no more than mortal and sin driven. Thanks be to God that He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Look up, for today it may just be your turn.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me……Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:21-25

A Gift Through Sacrifice

"What is man that you are mindful of him....?" - King David

Even after much prayer, it wasn't an easy decision for Hannah, but she kept her promise to God. Hmm!

Years ago there was great public debate about a couple who had another child specifically to take bone marrow from to aid in the health/recovery of their older child. It matters not which way you weighed in on the issue, for the truth is most of us would give ourselves or try and move heaven and earth to save our children. They are our creation and we believe in them and want what's best for them. But along those lines here's the question: would we be willing to sacrifice our children for anyone else, possibly someone we don't even know, or doesn't look like us? The answer is what gives God's gift of His Son such weight and magnitude. He willingly offered up His own Son's blood and life for someone the likes of you/me. Oh, the worst and vilest offenders of the earth - yeah, them too!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8

The Power of Cooperation

A river is powerful only because many drops of water have learned the secret of cooperation. – Richard Murray

In the early Christian church where they had “all things common,” they also had power to ‘shake the earth’ through prayer! Hmm.

It is true, each of us must come to Christ individually and have a personal relationship with Him directly, but it does not negate the fact that He built the church to have power here on earth. When the church (collective body) comes together in prayer, evangelism, outreach, and missions it is a force within a force (God’s Spirit) to be reckoned with. When we try to go it alone or do it outside the church’s purview, we’re going against God’s plan. Remember, there is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:42-44

The Times They Are A Changin

The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress. - C. Kettering

The Israelites wanted freedom from bondage, yet when God was bringing it about through Moses they sure complained a whole lot. Hmm!

We look forward to it, but yet we abhor it at the same time. What is it - CHANGE! We embrace the idea of new adventures, relationships, opportunities per se, but we hate letting go of existing ties. Like a child going away to college, they know they'll eventually form new relationships and gain new friends, but also the friends and relationships they leave behind will change, or possibly die. But the fact of the matter is God brings change in our lives to grow/mature us and even shows us more of His majesty and purpose for us. In truth, the only constant in life is change. All of us come here as infants, but look at us now, my have we changed! And not just in shape or appearance, but in thoughts and attitudes. If God is truly leading us in our lives, then change should never be feared - even when we don't fully understand it. We should just trust in the One who's leading, that He knows the way ahead. After all, change is a good part of the life God has for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed." - I Samuel 10:6

Questions That Lead To Understanding

"That, my son, is the right question..." - excerpt from 'I Robot'

I imagine Saul was quite surprised at the answer he received to his question: "Who, are you Lord?" Hmm!

Think of the number of times in conversation you hear "how do I say this?" or "let me get my thoughts right..." to ensure the hearer gets the right interpretation of what's being said. Do we ever think along those lines when it comes to reading and studying God's Word. Maybe we miss the meaning or intent because we read it out of context, or maybe we miss it because we're searching for the answer we want, not what the truth reveals. God's knowledge is not limited by anything or anyone, and He holds the answers to the universe and all there is in His hands, willing to share with anyone who asks. However, we still must ask the right questions to receive what we seek/need. The scripture plainly points out God gives wisdom to everyone that asks, but it also says we need to ask with purpose, belief, and in humility. Any questions?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all.......But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord: he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does " - James 1:5-8

Service Standards

"Only let us live up to what we have already attained." - Philippians 3:16

Paul was almost considered a 'madman' just for the sake of Christ. Hmm!

Think of Jesus. We were baptized into His name, and we have put on (attained) Christ. He said we would do even greater works than He did. He lived a simple life of service, sacrifice, and unconditional love. That's what we've attained in Christ as well, and what we should seek to live up to as our standard. We may not be able to feed 5,000 from a few fish and loaves, or raise the dead as He did. But consider, your 2-3 hours volunteering at a food bank may be the help needed to prepare meal kits for thousands of families. Your in-kind gift of $10, $20, $50 dollars may be grouped with other donors gifts to build a hospital, school, or water well to serve many in underprivileged countries or communities. In seeking and serving of lost souls the first key is to give them hope, and we have all attained that hope in Christ. So let us at least live up to that standard. The giving of ourselves is truly all we can do, but it's in that activity that God is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever imagine. So, again: what have you attained in Christ AND has Christ attained anything in you?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Freely you have received, freely give." - Matthew 10:8

The Story of Our Life

Life is like a full library owned by an author. In it are a few books which he wrote himself, but most of them were written for him. – H.E. Fosdick

Most of the kings in the bible kept records of their monarchy, but it was always God’s Word that prevailed over them. Hmm!

The passing on of information and knowledge is a good thing, particularly those things that are helpful, insightful, and edifying. And books are a great resource for such a transaction. And yes, we should want to tell a story with our lives, but that story should be in context with the greater story of the God who made us. So we need to read and obey His book before we try and write ours. So often many of us are trying to write great screenplays, how-to books, or life guidance novels with our life story for those who come after us, when all we really need to do is as Solomon said “fear God and keep His commands.” That’s the story we should be writing with our lives for those who come after us. Life itself is the greatest gift we have, and if we live it right, tell it correctly, and write it succinctly for others, we will have all eternity to discuss it with them in glory. Today’s a good day to jot down a few notes.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Of making many books there is no end and much study wearies the body….here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

Everyday, "Average" Perseverance

With my whole heart for my whole life - Anon

Though the bible is filled with some great names and stories, it is filled with even more whose names never even got an honorable mention. They were just as important and SAVED as well. Hmm!

Perseverance! We generally hear about or read of it in reference to those exceptional individuals who overcame a lot of adversity to excel in life (athletes, stars, famous folks, physically disadvantaged, etc.). They speak of the monumental challenges of life they had to overcome (economics, ethnicity, education, physical barriers, etc.) to get to this level. We applaud them and rightly so, but what about the greater number who go about unnoticed. The parents of a special needs child who devote their lives to caring and loving them, or the wife who bravely rears her young children after her husband's untimely death. Or what about the person who continuously works 3 part-time jobs to make ends meet, even after sending out resume #400. I think these are the examples James had in mind in writing James 1:3. The idea of someone 'opting' to remain under hard circumstances rather than run from them, even when there is no promise or hope of a happy ending in this life. Those who consistently choose what's right over what's easy. That's a life of faith - not looking toward 'when will it be over' but looking at what can I do to just 'win the day' for God. Ready to start?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance MUST FINISH its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:3-4

The 'No Thanks Needed' Kindness

Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower. - S. Simmons

Jesus said there would be a reward for just giving a cup of cold water to someone. Hmm!

You offer them your seat only to hear a brusque "no thanks!" You offer to help only to hear "nope, I've got it!" It's often true our attempts to do a good deed or bless someone gets rebuffed or angrily rejected. However, that should not deter us from the practice. Doing a good deed is its own reward. If there's a "thank you" attached or some other acknowledgement given, that's great. But even if not we should still commit ourselves to the practice for our Heavenly Father sees us. And that is where the greatest reward will be acknowledged. God will never be indebted to us, and He loves to lavish His blessings on us, especially when we live to pass them on or share them with others. Last I've checked, kindness is an outgrowth of being Spirit filled, RIGHT?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...and as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right." - II Thessalonians 3:13

P.S. -'I Am Restored' class on campus tonight at 6:30pm. Hope you can make it!

The Eternal Kindness

Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They're underused. - T.L. Jones

Paul often wrote to the churches on how their kind gifts 'refreshed' him. I wonder how he really felt. Hmm!

This world throws so much at us. We're constantly in motion fending off disaster, trying to build foundation, family, and fellowship. Admittedly, it's hard at times so we often seek out a kind face or keep our ears open for a kind word to help us stay the course. It's nice to find those who offer these 'faith lifts' to us, but one thing we should never forget, one thing that should always be our spark: Jesus is the greatest gift of kindness we can ever receive. This should always jumpstart our faith and fill our hearts. Others kindnesses may temporarily lift our spirits, but Jesus was kind enough to offer his grace in exchange for our sins. Kindness indeed!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"And God raised us up with Christ.......in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:6-7

You Can't Hurry God

If you will wait, God will work! - R. Foster

Saul's haste in not waiting for the man of God cost him dearly - a lasting kingdom. OUCH!

WAIT! It's a word we hate to hear. Sometimes even moreso than 'NO!' It just does something strange to our psyche, kind of puts us in limbo where we're not in control of the situation. But yet, so many times in God's Word we see and are told God wants us to wait on Him. So often our prayers revolve around us asking God to hurry up and bless what we want to do (marriage, children, job, car, home, etc.) rarely do we ask Him to guide us or even seek His will to see if its the right thing for us. Waiting on God is not time lost, it means patiently looking to Him for what we need. So our prayers should not seek to hurry up God, but to remind ourselves first of all that God is the giver of every perfect gift, and also remind us that our 'right now' moments are not His emergencies. Since He's never late His response will always be not 'right now' but right on time.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." - Psalm 5:3

P.S. - We'll be gathering tomorrow morning ON CAMPUS for our Prayer Breakfast time (9am) for a time of prayer and fellowship. Continental breakfast will be provided. Hope you can make it.

The Work for His Glory

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing; others judge us by what we have done. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

God thought more of Abel's offering not for 'what' he gave but 'how' he gave it. AMEN!

From early on we're taught to manage our time wisely. We're taught to prioritize, arrange, rank, from the least to the greatest the opportunities we have and do those that bring the greatest return. And so we do, day in and day out. And then we measure ourselves for effectiveness. We may think our time spent teaching a class was better spent than the time we gave passing out pamphlets. Or the mission trip we took to a distant land is greater than the time we spent serving as an usher last week. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. In truth, we have no idea what really ranks as the most important part of our work, for it is not really the work itself but the attitude and heart with which we did it. A phone call to an ailing member could be just as important as the Sunday sermon the minister preaches because God is the ultimate judge of all we do and "His ways and thoughts" are not like ours, they are much higher. So the idea here is not to do the work for work's sake, but do the work for the Lord's glory. And just like in school when our final grade was the cumulative effect of all our efforts, the Lord will be grading our efforts and at the end of the day grades will be posted. May we all receive passing grades.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

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

Using What God Gave Us

Success comes neither through the mail or prayer, but through faithful effort. – Anon

Even though God promised victory to him in the prayer before the battle, David still had to fight the battle. Hmm!

It should come as no surprise that life is somewhat an action sport – meaning; that to get anything from it , we must live it out. The things we desire success in, Christian living, marriage, career path, education, etc., will only be achieved through concerted effort. Faith and prayer are the fuels we use to sustain us, but faith and prayer without work is just ‘whistlin' in the wind.’ God fully expects us to use the skill sets, gifts, and mental acuity He has blessed us with, and we will have to give an accounting to Him one day about it. And last, we must remember no matter how great we may become, how good we may be at doing things, or the accolades others may heap upon us, God holds the only definition that really matters for success – salvation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things..…….Come and share your master’s happiness” – Matthew 25:21

No Reason To Doubt

Knowledge of what the Lord has done should give us great confidence in what the Lord will do! – M. DeHaan

With the help of God scrawny little David fought off bears and lions as a shepherd boy, so he knew Goliath stood no chance before him! Hmm!

There truly is nothing too hard for God. All it takes is just a moment or two of reflection; looking at His grand creation – earth and all that is therein. And though scientists and researchers are still trying to figure it all out, just knowing it works because God made it so is truly refreshing and comforting. And it has been so since time began. Science's great discoveries haven’t changed a thing. The sun still rises and sets, the rains come and go, winter and springtime happen on schedule, all of which should bolster our faith that it is as God has said it will always be because He makes it so. And with such a proven track record, there should be no reason for us to doubt Him today! So as we walk faithfully we can trust He will fulfill His promises. Game On!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice…” – Psalm 34:2

P.S. - We will be gathering tonight at 6:30 for prayer. You are welcome to come OR send in a request!

Unrestrained, Boundless and Eternal Love

We may love God too little, but we can never love Him too much. – Richard Murray

How would you answer the question Jesus asked of Peter: “Do you love me?” Hmm!

In truth at times everyone thinks they’re overdoing it for God. With the time at church, involvement in ministry, serving on committee, etc. While these are all well and good, it does not necessarily correlate to a love for God nor a love of God. It goes without saying that love is an action word. It is expressed in our deeds, actions, and way of life as directed by what’s in our heart, more-so than any verbal expression we can muster. Yes, we show it in our tenderness, our dedication, our discipline, our sharing, and our fellowship among other things. But the key is we want to express it in as many ways as we can and as often as we can. God is not limited to being loved only on Sunday, or at meal time, or just before we lay down at night. Just as His love for us is unrestrained and boundless and shows up in so many different ways, so should our love be for Him. And there should be no cause for us to worry for just as sure as we can’t beat God giving, we can’t out love Him either.

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….” – Ephesians 3:17-19

Future Praise

The greater our present trials and troubles, the louder our future songs of praise will be. – C.H. Spurgeon

The Psalms, Mary's 'Magnificat'. When you remember the sufferings of people like Moses, David, and even Mary - it gives greater meaning to their songs of praise. AMEN!

Life is exact in its dealings with us. It plays no favorites. From time to time all of us must face discouragement and defeat. Winter, spring, summer or fall, the season nor our age gets us a pass. And sometimes, we experience life-changing personal losses that may leave us reeling. It is what we do in those moments that determine who we are and whose we are. The same God we praise is ready to be called upon when we are in trouble, waiting, standing at the ready to heal, restore, protect and comfort us according to His good pleasure and will. So if our world seems to be trembling or crumbling beneath our feet, we need to seek the protection of the one who can’t be moved. The God who made this universe and everything in it will keep us if we ask Him….so let’s ask Him. We’ve got nothing to lose and stand to gain everything, and if we actually think about it, what He’s already done, we should sing until we’re hoarse.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“….this is what the Lord….says…I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you….” – II Kings 20:5

The Truth Never Changes

Science and religion both agree there was ‘a beginning.’ But it’s only science who keeps changing the story. - Anon

When asked not to teach in the ‘name of Jesus’ anymore, Peter and John somewhat said “it’s the only truth we know.” Amen!

Our world is in a constant state of change – but God is not! Every day we encounter new laws, new morality, new economics, and a slew of other issues. And sometimes, even those we counted on to be strong pillars or unshakeable foundations change their position overnight. But we can take great comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the one rock that cannot be shaken. ‘He is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ He will always be faithful and true – ALWAYS! And for us that should be one of the most peaceful and comforting thoughts we can ever have. So if this world and its issues have you worrying about which way to look or turn, just fix your focus on Him who never changes. Life is much easier when you do.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..I, the Lord, do not change…” – Malachi 3:6

SENSE-ory Overload

This age of information at our fingertips has cost us all common sense. – Anon

Even after hearing God on the mountain and seeing His blessing and provision, the Israelites still turned away. Wow!

The telephone was once used to call and talk to people, to convey useful information, or just check up on someone. Now it’s used for everything but that and we’re adding more apps each day. A computer used to be attached to a desk for work purposes. Now it’s a pad we carry around everywhere we go because there’s so much to see, read, listen to, etc. And it seems no matter the price – we have to have them. And no matter the situation we’re in (conversing, praying, meditating, eating, and driving) once that ‘ding’ goes off we have to respond. What happened to the slow pace of life where we could think things through and God could get a word in edge wise. It seems like instead of us being more informed we’re becoming less sensible. If God has never tried to do everything at once maybe we should take notice.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work...." Genesis 2:2

Not Forgotten. Never Forsaken

It's easier to get older than it is to get wiser. - Anon

Thank goodness David was a man 'after God's own heart' for he sure seemed to forget God's ways at times. Hmm!

It happens to all of us. We see a familiar face approach us, begin a conversation; and for the life of us we can't recall their name. We wreck our minds and come up empty. Or we walk from one room to the next and forget what we were going after. Or in our normal day to day busy living we forget and a special birthday, occasion, or appointment may slip by us. Some days we forget where we put the car keys, other days we forget where we parked the car. It's all part of being HUMAN! The bible is full of forgetful folks. The nation of Israel forgot God had delivered them and turned back to worshipping idols. Peter forgot Jesus' words and denied Him three times that very night. And often we are guilty of forgetting God's goodness in our lives and His promises to us. The good news though is that God NEVER forgets us nor forsakes us. And for that we should say Hallelujah!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne. Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...." Isaiah 49:15-16

Peace Through Forgiveness

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal to throw at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

Even knowing what Judas did, Jesus still washed his feet. WOW!

Just the sight of them makes our blood boil. Just the thought of them upsets our stomach or peace. Most of us have people like this in our lives. We know we shouldn’t, but hey we’re human. Thank God for the scripture that says “grow in grace!” Yeah, we need to grow that we may forgive and move on. The question arises though, how long should it take us to grow that much? I think if we’re honest we already know the answer. Colossians 3:13 tell us “forgive as the Lord forgave you.” If God forgives us and extends grace instantly when we repent and confess to Him, then our response to others should be equally the same. So, we must ask ourselves: how forgiven am I by God? Well, have you asked?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If it is possible, ….as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18

Living What You Believe

Your theology is who you are when the talking stops and the action starts. – C. Morris

While facing a death sentence Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held fast to their God. In the fiery furnace their God held fast to them. Hmm!

There’s an old cliché that says: “when all is said and done, there’s a lot less done than said.” There’s a lot of truth to this in most lives. People are good at talking and making great and grand promises, claiming to have impeccable character or stout-hearted faith. But despite all we claim, our actual life actions will scream who we are so loud others really don’t have to listen to a word we say. The good thing is we serve a God who is patient and forgiving, however He will not always “hold His peace”. Remember, if you don’t live it you don’t believe it.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“The man who says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him.” – I John 2:4-5