The Right Guide

Stop asking people who have never been where you're going for directions. - Anon

Abram left home trusting God. He eventually 'found' a city not made by hands. Wow!

Traveling? We're quick to get a map and plot our course. Somewhere exotic? We're quick to get a tour guide or someone who knows the terrain, customs, etc. The reasoning: we want to ensure we enjoy the journey and well as the locale when we get there. But strangely enough many Christians don't apply the same logic to their faith walk. Bibles are rarely read, and often even with the reading it's for quantity (just to check off their 'To Do' list) rather than quality (time to spend with God and meditate/pray over it). Or they tend to follow charismatic leaders/speakers never giving any thought to how their character never seems to measure up to God's Word. If we truly seek heaven as our goal, then maybe more time with God Himself should be where we start on a daily basis. It couldn't hurt.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have take an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws." - Psalm 119:105-106

The New and Improved You

My goal is not to be better than somebody else, but to be better than I used to be. - Anon

Paul never tried to be a 'super-apostle', he just tried to be better than 'Saul'. Amen!

Drive! Inspiration! Desire! We often hear these words from famous folks (actors/actresses, athletes, artists, etc.) describing what propelled them to the level they achieved or led them to create. The foundational principle was that they were not satisfied with where they were and felt or believed they could do/be better. We all have that ability within. However, what keeps it pure is when we keep it 'out of competition' and solely within ourselves. All too often we do things to compete with others and best them, but in the church we're all one family working together for Christ's glory and not our own. And with the Holy Spirit working/living in us there will be growth and improvement. So get ready for a 'new and improved' YOU!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." - I Corinthians 1:31

Staying Proficient

To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often. - Winston Churchill

Paul told Timothy to bring the 'old scrolls' along with him on his visit for he wanted to sharpen his faith. Hmm!

Anyone who works is required to be proficient. And with the ever-changing laws, new innovations, inventions, and materials, etc., it requires they do continuing education, testing, reading, certifications, etc. We willingly do this for our job or career, but seldom if ever do we seem to do it for our faith. God figure. If life is changing all around us shouldn't we do all we can to ensure our faith is 'up to date' to carry us through. So many of us in the faith have stopped altogether. Yes, it's true the words of the Bible haven't changed, but the meaning now has even greater application for us today to practice and apply. Jesus mentioned something about 'not pouring new wine into old wineskins or sewing a new patch on an old garment'. Maybe we should seek to learn how to apply the ageless truths of the Bible to these new-fangled situations in life that God may shine a little brighter. As I've said before, no one has ever regretted spending more time with God.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." - Psalm 25:9

Tough Love

Sometimes you have to give up on people. Not because you don't care, but because they don't. - Anon

Jesus didn't stay long or do many miracles in his hometown because they didn't think they needed a Savior. Hmm!

Though any one of us would say the last thing we would ever do is become an 'enabler', often we are guilty of just that. Why, because we fail to practice 'tough love'! Admittedly, it's hard because it really involves turning it over to God. But sometimes we can only help a person by removing ourselves from their circle, to stop being 'taken for granted' and let them find their own way. And using the Bible as our measuring rod, it seems 'more often than naught' when the people didn't care for God and He left them to their own devices they eventually came back to Him confessing and repenting of their wrongs. It's true at times - love does hurt, but it shouldn't be a continual pain.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I [God] will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction." - Joshua 7:12

Walk This Way

“Do this in remembrance of me,” wasn’t only reserved for the communion table. – Anon

Barnabas extended himself to Paul long before any of the other “faithful” brothers. I think he knew something about Jesus. Hmm!

Often, we are very good at keeping the “rituals” or “acts of faith” commanded by Jesus, but not so good at keeping the “heart” of Jesus. Jesus was never caught short or bent out of shape in dealing with people. One thing I’ve learned from life and God’s Word is you can never give what you’ve never received. If we find ourselves short on compassion, mercy, forgiveness, love, etc., maybe it’s time to belly up to the table of GRACE. It has a lot to offer in terms of our ability to live/love like Jesus. I can almost guarantee we will all need to show a little to someone today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

But if any man obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” – I John 2:5-6

Choosing True Happiness

Even God Himself can't give a man happiness; it's a choice you must make yourself! - Anon

Zacchaeus was rich, but yet unhappy. Hmm!

Happiness! It's quite possibly the #1 goal on everyone's wish list, but yet it's the least visible trait you see displayed. You see anger, aggression, fear, depression, insecurity, and on and on, but rarely do you genuinely see happiness on full display. Could it be because the enemy has deceived us into believing happiness can only be achieved or enjoyed by 'things' and 'possessions' and 'activities?' Yes, life has a lot to offer, but with these offerings come ups and downs, health and illness, gains and losses - happiness isn't one of them. True happiness is right before each of us, it's ours to choose each and every day no matter our circumstances or position. And when we believe this and choose to live it out, life is so much easier to bear.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." - Psalm 68:3

Time to Recharge

Jets run on jet fuel, rockets run on rocket fuel, diesels run on diesel fuel. Most Christians run on….….empty! - Anon

Jesus called the Pharisees and teachers of the law (the religious leaders of his day) hypocrites – inside they were empty, full of dead men’s bones. OUCH!

It’s no secret that everything has a power source. Whether it be liquid, solid, electrical, heat, light, or even physical; everything has a power source. What’s amazing is how we can go great distances or spans of time without any connection to the Heavenly Father or His Son. Just as our physical body requires daily nourishment for development, strength, and endurance; our spiritual nature requires it so much more. If we are truly fighting a ‘spiritual battle’ it only makes sense we nourish our spirit with the things it needs to properly develop that we may fight a good fight. Sunday’s are great, but not quite enough to last a whole week. If God is doing new things everyday it only makes sense to check in with Him each day. No man has ever been defeated or humiliated for spending too much time with Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for the received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” – Acts 17:11

Blessed Are Those That Don't Give Up

You can win a lot in life just by being the last one to give up! - J. Clear

Because Jacob refused to give up while 'wrestling' with God he got a new name - Israel. And the rest is history. Amen!

Could it be we've missed the point. Life is a gift of God, a most precious gift. When received and used responsibly 'gifts' enhance our being, not make it harder or more repressive. It's in the attitude in which we receive it and purpose it; that the ups/downs, hardships, or stresses begin to take their toll and shift our attitude from seeing it as a blessing to a chore to be done. Jesus lived each day of His life with purpose saying "I must be about My Father's business". Life will have its difficulties, but those are growing opportunities for us where we lean harder on God and trust He will give us what we need to sustain our momentum and eventually move forward with joy.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up....." - Luke 18:1

Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9:30am. Hope you can make it!

Emergency Help

In case of emergency........ - Anon

Jesus had a group of twelve, a circle of three, and an ever present One. Rarely did you see Him sweat. Hmm!

It happens on every flight. Before the plane gets off the ground the attendants go through the emergency protocols (seat belt, oxygen, flotation devices, lighting, etc.) the whole nine yards to make sure you're aware of and can operate efficiently in case of an emergency. The intent is to help save lives. What a concept! It's something we should incorporate into our spiritual lives. Lifesavers to help us navigate life's emergencies. A prayer partner or group to keep us lifted up, personal scripture passages or prayers to keep us meditating and hopeful, and of course a prayer closet we visit often - to keep us tethered to our guiding light and strength - God. And remember, emergencies don't announce their arrival so it's best we get prepared.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up." - Ecclesiastes 4:10

Capture Those Thoughts

Beware of your thoughts. They can become words at any moment. – W. C. Brumby

The moment the rooster crowed; Peter wanted to eat his words. OUCH!

Alarm clocks, car alarms, cell-phone pings/dings, emergency sirens, screams, etc. These are all unexpected noises beyond our control that invade our mind and our inner peace. How much more so injurious are words from our mouths spoken rashly and harshly that hurt, maim, and tear down others. If it is true we speak from our hearts, we should be very careful what we feed it and we should “capture every thought” and make it subject it to Jesus before we act on it. There is an old saying that speaks to our act of conversation: "Please engage your brain before putting your mouth in gear!" Circumstances and situations will arise today that may upset our peace or plans, for that is our enemy's goal. Ours is to live, love, and speak for Christ.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:5-6

If A Tree Falls in the Forest...

We need to get a sense of worth of our own selves and understand that no one is more deserving of our best behavior than we are. – R. Pennington

Though Saul sought to slay him, David couldn't even formulate in his mind a thought to harm God's anointed. Hmm!

If a tree falls in the middle of the forest and no one is around to see it, does it make a sound? A somewhat silly question, and one we often answer with “who cares." But the logic of the question is pure. And if we were to apply it to our daily living it sounds a powerful truth. Regardless of where we are or who we're with, how good or bad the situation, the greatest benefactor of our righteous, holy living is US, not God. Why, because we can't make God any holier than He already is, we can only bear witness of His holiness by the way we live. I pray you may appreciate yourself today!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:26-27

Standing During Challenges

It’s better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life. – E. Kenny

Little scrawny Gideon was hiding in a winepress threshing wheat when God called him to battle. After finding his courage the rest was easy!

The world today preaches a ‘tainted’ tolerance. We’re to tolerate everyone and their views and desires except when it comes to promoting Christ and his kingdom. This only works to the advantage of the enemy. We took prayer out of schools – look at schools today. We’ve spared the rod on our children – look at children today. This was not the example Jesus gave. Everyday he was challenged by the ‘religious right’ and everyday he stood his ground and told them what his Father said. Jesus had a backbone then and he should have one still today. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “It’s not so much the noise of the bad; it’s the silence of the good.” God is expecting us to be witnesses not observationists.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…..” Ephesians 6:13-14

Loved with an Everlasting Love

Always remember you already have the greatest gifts ever, someone to love and someone who loves you: GOD – J. Sinor

The 'Ugly Duckling’ is a fairy tale of a graceful swan born in a duck’s nest and considered an ugly outcast. Shunned, he spends his life traveling from place to place in search of the most meaningful gift – LOVE. Hmm!

Many of us are like this. We chase after false ideals, dreams, and even people thinking they will fulfill this need; forgetting or neglecting the only ONE who can truly fill it. The enemy's aim each day is to make us forget or take our eyes off of the one constant truth - 'God is.' We only need to remember this each day, and that no matter what happens to us or who happens upon us, God still loves us as if we were the only one who matters.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt….’” – Jeremiah 31:3, 33

P.S. - Our Annual Business Meeting will be this Sunday after services. Hope you can make it!

True Gifts

The person who is truly blessed is somewhat blind to ‘dollar’ signs! – Anon

Paul said even when he ‘lacked everything’ he was still greatly blessed. AMEN!

“I want this, I need that!” Familiar refrains that we all seem to utter endlessly, often not conscious of just how chock full of God’s blessings we already are. Consider, the gentle touch of a friend. A wonderful meal. Stimulating conversation. A breathtaking sunset. A moment of solitude. Refreshing hilarity with friends. A rewarding word of ‘thanks.’ Here and there are the marks of love, the signs of goodness, and the indications of grace. True gifts of compassion, hope, and blessings undeserved that God puts in our lives time and again to show His great unfailing love to us. Gifts that should amaze us, cause us to really take time and realize how awesome the ‘GIVER’ is. When we truly realize the many gifts we receive from God we should always live with a sense of amazement that so much has been placed into such undeserving hands.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights….” – James 1:17

Content In Him

Contentment is destroyed by comparison. – Anon

James identified himself as a 'servant' of Christ rather than his brother. Wise indeed!

“And they lived happily ever after!” Yes it’s a fairy tale ending, but in truth it is an ending we all tend to seek. We all seek after a peace that fills us, satisfies us, validates us; and that peace can only come from our being perfectly aligned with God and His will. There is no other source that can fulfill that inner longing – we were made for communion with God. The problem we have is we consistently compare our livelihood, our possessions or resources, or even our actions to that of our fellow man, and that robs us of our true identity and contentment we should have with God. God is not so much concerned with what we have as He is with ‘who we are’ and ‘how are we.’ When the answer to these two questions begin and end with Him, contentment is not far away. So we need not look around, we only need to look heavenward.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves they are not wise.” – II Corinthians 10:12

Doing Your Part

Opportunities today are the results of actions taken yesterday. - Anon

Andrew spending that 1st day with Jesus ultimately led to 3,000 souls being saved on Pentecost. Wow!

Being involved in Christ’s mission to save mankind can be overwhelming if we forget our place. It is easy to get burnt out when we think it is all on us. But God is not asking you or me to individually solve the injustices of the world, He’s asking us to reach out and help the individuals He places in our path. True, there will be many, and it may seem like our contribution is small and won’t change anything, but the success of our actions is not what gets measured, nor whether they accept Christ or not. What God looks upon is the measure of faith by which we shared the love of Christ inside us, that’s what’s important; for we never know how far reaching it will be. We need only remember that Jesus’ actions already saved the world, we’re just to remind them about it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants through whom you came to believe – as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” – I Corinthians 3:5-6

Weep in the Time of Weeping

The bible was written in tears, and to tears it yields its best treasures. – A.W. Tozer

If Lamentations points out anything to us, it’s that Jeremiah’s tears allowed him to see and appreciate God much more clearly. WOW!

Though we may cry at a wedding, funeral, or birth of a child; we generally view shedding tears as a sign of weakness. Even recently a TV commercial stated “when you see a man with tears in his eyes that’s just a bit of his ‘awesome’ leaking out.” But just as rain drops fall from the sky to help in the natural process of new growth, tears are often a necessary action to help the Word and will of God go deeper into our hearts. That we may grow deeper and stronger roots, not only to stand taller and more robust, but to have a more fragrant aroma to attract others and ‘fruit’ to offer those in our sphere of influence. And though sometimes our eyes may be dry, when the heart truly aches, weeps, and anguishes for God, the Spirit within knows how to present those requests to God with the tears needed. Weep on friend, weep on!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” – Psalm 18:6

Remember the Thanks

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues. – Cicero

The Psalms tell us indirectly there are 2 words the Lord never tires of – “thank you.” Maybe we should try it, Hmm!

So often, we allow ourselves to become so preoccupied with the demands of daily living that we forget to say ‘thank you’ to the Giver of all good gifts. Worship and praise should be a part of everything we do for it is who we are at our core – a work of praise and worship to God. Praise is effusive in thanksgiving and adoration, and it opens our hearts to walk even more closely with God. It is when we forget to praise Him that we are so easily overwhelmed by life’s issues and lose our perspective. Work may be hard and strenuous, but we should thank Him for the means to provide for ourselves. Heartache may visit us from time to time, but we should thank Him that we have learned what love is all about. No matter the situation we may currently be facing, we should praise Him. Not only does it pay to praise God, but it lifts the spirit of our hearts, and that friend, is a blessing in itself.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“….through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name….” – Hebrews 13:15

The Power to Transform

Scripture should more than inform us, it should transform us. – Anon

When King Hezekiah received the threatening letter from Sennacherib, he was moved to prayer. God was moved too! AMEN!

“We like it, we love it, we want some more of it.” That seems to be the cry of most of us as “Christians” today, “I need to know more bible, or more about the bible.” But scripture should be much more than information to us, it is food to nourish our soul and spirit, to power the life we live. The Word of God is “alive and powerful”, and able to change or transform us when given license through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we all face the circumstances and situations of life, we need to remember it’s not how much scripture we know, but will it show in our life.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

The Time and Opportunity Treasure

God's best gift to us is not things, but time and opportunity. - A.W. Rollins

The rich young ruler couldn't part with his wealth to follow the King of kings. Hmm!

There exists a strange paradox within all of us when you think it through. Of all the things we ask for in life, the most important to us is an opportunity to prove our mettle, show ourselves worthy. The paradox is we get hung up on the things of this world for validation. They become our trophies and testament to a life well lived, they are what we put upfront to show we matter. God's desire is that we see time and opportunity in terms of relationship with others, and particularly Him. For it is in the time we give to others and the opportunities we take to share with others that we truly receive and pass on God's gift. Hopefully in this New Year we can all become a treasure to someone new.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great." - Proverbs 18:16

The Truth Quest

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

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

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

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Along with the Blessings...

Those whom heaven blesses, hell curses. – Anon

Paul had great successes in building and establishing churches but suffered massive persecution, afflictions, and even threats from within and without. Hmm!

In war, it cannot be overstated that one should always know their enemy and his tactics, or it could prove fatal. It’s a simple fact that we often overlook. We tend to forget in our Christian walk that we’re at war, fighting for or working out our salvation. And just as we start off with 'new mercies' every day, the enemy plans new strategies and attacks to upset us. Yes we are ‘marked’ for easy identification by the enemy, but we only need be reminded we carry a powerful cross, not a bullseye. As we seek God's blessings in this New Year let us be mindful, we're always at war. The question we must answer is do we want the blessings?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10