Whose Lead Are We Following?

Though important to know where you are going, better still is to know who you are following. – Sparks

Paul/Saul knew he was a highly dedicated and well-trained man on a mission for God, until he met Jesus on the road. WOW!

Upon reflection, I’m sure most of us can remember a journey or two we took where we didn’t like the end results. And in most cases, it was more than likely because we did not know fully the details, we were ‘excited to be invited.’ However, without question, whether it be trend or person the majority of people today will still follow along without question. The common thinking is often that the “consensus can’t be wrong, the excitement can’t be false,” so this must be real. Though God has given us the church, pastors, teachers, leaders, friends, etc., His call for us is not to them, but to Him and His Word. People are fallible and may stray, but God’s Word will always lead us to Him. In circumstances that come upon us the question to ask is ‘whose lead are we following?’

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong…… do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.” – Exodus 23:2

Here's Where You Come In...

‘Some assembly required’ means the only missing piece is YOUR obedience. - ANON

God gave the Israelites a land that had all the blessings they needed at their ‘fingertips,’ and they still soon forgot He was God. Hmm!

We live in a world where everyone wants it easy, and, if possible, they want it done FOR them as well. Which is why it’s truly amazing that the majority of people reject Christianity – it’s the easiest religion in the world, if you will, because God does it all for us. God saves us, He purifies us, He provides for us, He heals us, He changes our hearts, He places us in fellowship, and loves us relentlessly. But in truth, Christianity is also the hardest religion there is as well, not because of God, but because of US, for we so refuse to give up being autonomous or independent, often thinking we know better than God. If you’re finding it hard to live the faith, maybe you need to ease up on the ‘control’ issue.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master……Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – John 13:16-17

Prayer in Concert With Faith

My obligation is to do the right thing. The rest is in God's hands. - Martin Luther King Jr.

James wrote to his listeners that his faith was actually shown by what he did, not so much what he said. Hmm!

"I've prayed about it!" It's often something we tell ourselves and others about situations or issues going on in our lives. But in truth, prayer is not a magical chant or spiel that puts an 'aura' or 'halo' over our head, nor build a fence around us to keep us from sin. It only works in concert with faith, which means we must do all we can to assist our requests of Almighty God. The Proverbs writer tells us that when we see the 'evil' before us to cross the street or go the other way, not just try and pray through it. (Proverbs 7:24-27). This means we must put action behind our requests to be victorious - a show of faith - that allows God to work in us a stronger resolve to remain true and faithful to Him. So, whether we're trying to break a habit, change society, remove ourselves from a bad relationship, or just grow in His grace, when the enemy attacks in all his subtlety, it will take a little more than just the words we offer, it will also require the Power of the Spirit we have within.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

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

The Secret of the Path

Trust starts with and ends with truth. - S. Kalwar

God sent Moses to bring the people out of bondage unto Himself on the mountain. AMEN!

When God led the Hebrew nation into the Promised Land He promised to give them all the land where their feet would tread, meaning no matter the condition of the soil He would make it 'firm' for them to be victorious and successful. Like our ancestors our paths in life are rarely straightforward and surefooted. We must learn, like them, the secret. On any pilgrimage or journey, it's not so much a trek to FIND God as it is a time to WALK WITH Him in the moment. None of us are ever sure how firm the path will be from day to day (soft, mushy, wet, hard, etc.) but we can trust God to lead the way. His sole purpose is to guide us home to Himself, and isn't that our desire?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life..." - John 14:6

Meet You In The Morning

The best things you can give children, next to good habits, are good memories. - Sydney Harris

The bible says the "parents often brought their children to Jesus and he blessed them." REALLY!

I remember them well, the trips to grandma's house as a child. The moment you approached it your demeanor or attitude changed. Even though it was nestled among other houses on the street hers seemed to project an aura or glow of someone revered, worthy of great respect. As you entered you could sense the love, you spoke in hushed tones, and put on your best manners. If grandma and her house were worthy of such high regard, what about the God we serve? I'm not talking about going to church, we're good at that, but it means little. I'm talking about going to God's house. Preparing our hearts to go. Meeting with Him personally, praising Him passionately, worshiping Him penitently, receiving Him powerfully. And just as we always left grandma's with a full stomach or some other goody, when we worship God completely He will ensure we leave His presence victoriously. Anyone up for this? Sunday's comin'.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...The memory of the righteous shall be a blessing..." - Proverbs 10:7

Blessings Available Right Now

The future depends on what you do today. - Mahatma Gandhi

Though Job was in misery and wanted an audience with God, he didn't try to rush things. Hmm!

We count them down. "Only 6 more weeks of school, only 5 more treatments, only 14 days to my birthday, vacation, etc." Yes, we cross the days off the calendar looking forward to our day of freedom, joy, relief, whatever. Mind you, it's not wrong to celebrate such achievements, but often when we get so focused with tunnel vision on 'that date' in the future we tend to miss the blessings God provides each day. Each day is a gift from God filled with His glory, grace, favor, and mercy. Add to that family, friends, daily provisions, purpose - it's overwhelming when you consider how much we have to enjoy right here today, right now - that we put so much expectation on something afar off. Wow, maybe praise is in order right now.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

The Mark of a True Servant

The man who sings his own praises is always off key. – Sparks

In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican we know who went home justified! Hmm!

Admittedly, it’s hard for us not to crave the limelight and glory for what we’ve accomplished or done, for no one can truly do it like we can. But consider Jesus for a moment friend. A true servant is just that, a servant. What he offers is from his heart and though thanks or an acknowledgement may be indicated, servants don’t wait around for it or get bent out of shape if it doesn’t come. He knows he works for God and his reward is in a job well done. Today is waiting.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.” – Matthew 6:1-2

Just Admit It

Many people could learn from their mistakes, if they weren’t so busy denying them. – H. Smith

Sapphira later continued with the same hoax her husband had launched and died from earlier. It cost her the same! Hmm.

We live in an imperfect world, and we are imperfect people. Yet, even though we know this to be true, we continually try and mask our shortcomings and failures amongst one another. Life would and could be so much simpler if we let go of the excess baggage we carry around trying to impress others, denying we have imperfections or are capable of miscalculations. Though Christ told us to “be ye perfect,” He realized it’s a lifelong journey that requires daily walking with Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” –Romans 3:23-24

Choose Happiness

It is not our position that makes us happy or unhappy, it’s our disposition. – Richard Murray

Rehoboam took over the great kingdom of his father Solomon, and immediately got mad at the people. Hmm!

It takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy mixed-up world, unfortunately many are – sad, unhappy, depressed, etc. – and the truth is they don’t have to be that way, it all depends on how you look at life. God has gifted us with that life, but how we live it and enjoy its ups and downs, starts and stops, and sometimes indecipherable events is solely up to us as individuals. Material blessings may make life a bit more comfortable or easygoing, but they can never make one happy; for happiness is an attitude and heart choice. And though God says we should “choose life and its blessings;” He will not force us to do so. So if we’re waiting or looking for happiness, just know it’s been there all along.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

Zest For Life

You don’t grow old by living, but by losing interest in living. – Richard Murray

After Joseph’s ‘perceived death’ Abraham lost a lot of his zest for life. God later ‘revived’ him. Wow!

Life comes one day at a time, and as we accumulate the days we grow older. That’s been the formula since the beginning of time. But though our bodies age our zest for life need not, for there is ever excitement and wonder afoot in God’s creation. The sad truth is though, most of us aren’t even living, we’re just existing. Going through the paces or routines of everyday life, in a rut. Not expecting anything different to happen, not expecting to make a difference because we’re so focused on ourself. God gave us life and He receives glory when we live it for Him, and the same is true for us. Our lives will be fuller and much more meaningful when we learn to live them with, and for others, in such a way that they see the goodness of God, and we live without thought of being compensated for all we do. Life is God’s gift to us and it should never feel like a sentence or prison. Each day should be seen as an opportunity to see just what God is up too. What will you do with today’s gift?
Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…as long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no man can work….” – John 9:4

P.S. - PRAYER BREAKFAST tomorrow at 9:30am. Hope you can make it!

Do You See The Answer?

A great deal of what we see depends solely on what we are looking for. - Anon

The Pharisees, religious leaders, scribes, and Jews of the day missed seeing Jesus because they were looking for the 'Messiah.' He stood right before them. OUCH!

Honestly speaking, most of us in our mind have already played out various sequences in our life on the way things are supposed to happen (education, profession, marriage, children, etc.), because we've 'prayed over it.' And when the signs don't appear the way we picture them happening, we feel God has not answered. But God does answer, not in ways we always expect, but in ways we need. Even today, He will be handling our requests hoping we see His answers. Know this, it will be picture perfect.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

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

Hard Pressed But Not Crushed

The heart, like the grape, is prone to delivering its harvest in the same moment it appears to be crushed. - R. Houseden

Stephen, when on trial for his faith, preached a great message on redemption to the Sanhedrin Council. A guy named Saul (Paul) heard him. Hmm!

One thing for certain in this life is we will all have times of suffering and persecution. But out of persecution and suffering come our greatest moments of growth, testimony, and increased trust in the Master. Though God puts us in the presses to "squeeze" us, He will keep His hand on the lever and His eye on our heart that we be not completely overwhelmed. If your current situation seems hopeless, take heart. God is working on you, and that's good news.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." - Psalm 34:18-19

Keys to Improvement

To many, total abstinence is better than perfect moderation, but neither gets practiced! - Augustine

Many of the godly kings of Judah destroyed the temples of Baal and Ashtoreth but neglected the high places. Hmm!

As those made in the highest order of creation, we are by far the more intelligent beings, able to ‘subdue and control’ the earth. But in all our conquering the hardest thing for us to learn is to temper our appetites, control our desires, or restrain our impulses. After all, nobody but nobody knows what’s better for us than we ourselves is our way of thinking. But God really does know better, He created us, knows what we can withstand, knows how He wants to bless us, and knows how He wants to use us in His service. Moderation is difficult, of course; but the rewards are numerous and long-lasting. To improve our finances, health, or general well-being; wisdom and moderation must be close traveling companions. God will leave the decision up to us, but then so are the consequences.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…Better a patient man that a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city...” – Proverbs 16:32

Before You Speak...

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. – Richard Murray

At a heightened moment of temptation, Jesus let it pass and carefully uttered “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” WOW!

One of the old clichéd truisms of life is “please think before you speak.” The adoption of this principle as a doctrine of life could save us from many stressful situations and later apologies. All of us from our childhood have been taught how to talk and enunciate our words, but not so much when and how to choose our words or responses carefully. We should always be ready to speak the truth, but even then, it should be spoken in love, not in hostility or with other unnecessary commentary. And yes, there are times when we should just remain silent and refrain from ‘adding’ in our two-cents on matters that are not constructive about others. Temptation will indeed be great to go off course today, but remember God will provide a way of escape.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it….” – James 4:11

All We Need

Being is always more important than having. – C. Ringma

Joseph, Daniel, Paul. With all their ups and downs they never lost sight of whose child they were. Hmm!

We all like the taste of success and all that it brings. The accolades, the praise, the rewards and notoriety. Truth be known, it is to this end we were created by God; “to do ‘good works’ which He created beforehand for us to do.” So we strive to be successful in all we do. But we must be careful not to let these successes define us, where we began to think what we do and what we’ve achieved from it is more important than who we are, or that the successes make us who we are. We need to remind ourselves that we are more than our work and possessions. We need to remember we are ‘vessels’ used by God for His glory, and whether we have a million dollars or none, a fancy title or none; we are still the most precious in His sight and have all we need in Him. I can personally guarantee that you will have all you NEED today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25

Don't Deny The Blessings

The true call of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. – D. Stanley

Though the disciples were first called ‘Christian’ at Antioch, they were still human. Hmm!

Though Jesus was God in the flesh, he never denied his human nature. He ate, drank, slept, and enjoyed fellowship with others, even sinners. That in itself, was the perfect model of discipleship. Discipleship does not mean that we live lives of deprivation or poverty but rather we live lives full of appreciation, thankfulness, and sharing. It is not the shrinking away from, or downplaying of the blessings God bestows on us that we may identify with those less fortunate, discipleship is drawing others in to share in those blessings that God gives in order that they may come to know him. True, the call to discipleship is to deny our self-centered nature, but never the blessings God brings our way to help further the kingdom.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Honor the Lord with thy substance…..” – Proverbs 3:9

The Right Success

Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that really doesn’t matter. – Anon

The “Rich Fool” in Luke 12, was a worldly success, but a spiritual failure. He received his just rewards. OUCH!

More often than we like to admit at times we’re like this man. We go all out and “spend our costs” to gain success or notoriety, make a name for ourselves, or achieve the spotlight. There are many great success stories in the word today, but the question we must ask is does it matter before God. Its true God wants us to be noble and known in society, but the success or glory belongs to Him and not us. The trappings of this world are just that ‘trappings.’ Let us remember this world is not our home.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is……..If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.” – I Corinthians 3:12-14

Empty Tombs

Maintaining a complicated life is a great way to avoid changing it - NOT! – Elaine St. James

The Pharisees were proud of their traditions, rituals, and aided-law ways that set them apart. Jesus called them EMPTY TOMBS! Hmm.

Back in the creation account God gave man dominion over all the earth and a helpmate too. They ruled over it all and had plenty of time to walk and talk with God in the Garden each day. Believe it or not, God is searching for the same type of relationship with us today. If He took care of sin through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection shouldn’t the scales tip heavily in His favor instead of towards all the gadgetry, entertainment, and busyness that consumes us? Let us not get so busy that we too become empty tombs! Remember, it was never left to us to HAVE it all or to DO it all.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord answered, [Martha] ‘you are worried and upset by many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” – Luke 10:41-42

P.S. - REMEMBER our Prayer Gathering is at 5:30pm TODAY in the Sanctuary.

Faithful InThe Little Things

Be not weary in doing little things for the love of God, for He regards not the greatness of the work; but the love with which it was performed. – Brother Laurence

Naaman was cured of his leprosy not because he was someone of great stature, or because he did a great deed; but because he listened to the words of a little servant girl who had faith in her God. Amen!

Nest-eggs grow with disciplined investing. Educational goals are conquered with disciplined study and planning, and so forth. It’s the little things that happen in our lives every day and how we respond to them that determines the success and greatness of our lives. God will never trust you or your character in the great things if you haven’t proven yourself faithful in the small things. No matter how mundane today’s trials may be, remember He is testing us for something greater up the road.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – I Corinthians 15:58

Is Your Prayer Life Suffering?

The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray. No man will be greater than his prayer life. – L. Ravenhill

The unjust judge was so self-centered he even refused to acknowledge God. But a little old widow made his prayerless life miserable. Hmm!

Most of us know prayer is a privilege. Most of us know prayer brings us into intimate communion with God. Most of us know almost all there is to know about prayer. But few of us pray or pray often, as life’s demands beckon. But in reality, we can’t face anything until we have prayed. God has been gracious to us in many things, imagine how much more so if we really took the time to pray. The aim of prayer is not necessarily to get the answer, but to get hold of God. If your prayer life is suffering, it’s time to look at “self.”

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

The Power to Move Mountains

The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. – Anon

Abraham, he had to leave his homeland, his people, and his father’s house to go someplace God would eventually show him. By God's grace he MADE IT!

Mountains - it seems at times as if life is full of them and they are always in our path. Some of our own making, and others as tests of faith, and each one seems to present a different climate, terrain, and angle to conquer, at times calling on us to make some drastic changes in the way we live before God. Maybe there’s some sin God is continually redressing us on that we need to correct or change, or maybe He wants to develop even a deeper commitment to His kingdom work in us, or maybe He's even trying to move us away from those He knows who are not good for us. Life may seem like an impossibility right now, but we must remember we've made it this far by the power of God, and He's faithful to the end.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:19-21

A Real God

God doesn’t believe in atheists. – Anon

Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Nature, even His own Son. God sent them for one reason only, not that we may know about Him, but that we may know Him!

None of us ever saw George Washington cross the Delaware, Harriet Tubman lead slaves to freedom, or General Custer make his famous last stand. But just because we did not see it personally doesn’t mean it did not occur. And though we may not have seen a physical manifestation of God that ‘suits our fancy’ doesn’t mean God isn’t real. He’s as real as you or me, and He fully expects us to live according to His Word to show others He is real. No, God doesn’t believe in atheists, nor does He believe in ‘Christians’ who act like atheists. Remember, if we don’t really live the faith, we don’t really believe it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, know the Lord, because they all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 31:33

Red Letter Days

The average day is average only because we don't make it something more. - J. Maxwell

God fed the Israelites 'fresh food' (manna) every day. They just ate without giving it a second thought. Hmm!

Most moments in our lives become 'special' only because we designate them so. Celebrations, major events or milestones, etc. But when we designate what is special, we leave God out. It was He who determined what is 'good' and the very first day He made and every one since then is 'good.' The very fact that we had nothing to do with the creation and coming of today makes it miraculous. God designed it, cropped it, filled it with His glory, and gifted it to us; all in a manner designed to help perfect our character. If we can get so excited at someone just baking us a cake for our birthday, should not our appreciation for what God shows us every day be 'off the charts!' Hopefully, we'll all take time to be amazed today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...the Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands....Day after day.....night after night...." - Psalm 19:1-2