Understanding God's Way

The time is always right to do what is right. – MLK, Jr.

Joseph wouldn’t betray his God to sleep with another man’s wife. Samuel wouldn’t betray his God in failing to pray for the people. Though no one else would know – GOD WOULD!

We live in a society that teaches us to “Just Do It.” Wrong, immoral or indecent, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, or everyone’s consenting, or it’s my prerogative, etc. I’ll do it. Even on the positive side we’re continuously asked to ‘cut corners,’ ‘give some slack,’ or “lighten up a bit.” But such thinking makes the concept of right and wrong subjective. It is not. God’s way is the only right way, regardless of how we feel about it or what we think about it. The better question to ask is: What does God think of me doing what I’m doing?”

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” – Hosea 14:9

Doing What You Can Do

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because we can only do a little. – S. Smith

Aaron helping Moses lift his arms in prayer during the battle was a small thing, but not to Joshua. Amen!

Every ant colony or beehive is so built, established, and run with efficiency because each one does their part. It is not so much that it is a small part to play, it’s the fact that it is a necessary role to be filled. Without it, the whole cannot be completed, so each ant or bee works diligently without complete knowledge of the others doing their part, but with conviction the task they themselves are doing is beneficial to the cause leading to greater benefits. God in His wisdom has never asked us to do it all, He only asks us to do what we know needs to be done. He can work around us, but He would rather Jesus live in us and work through us, than in spite of us. We just need remember ‘inch by inch it’s a cinch!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"…greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world….” - I John 4:4

Service Oriented Life

History is HIS story. – Rick Warren

The prophets, apostles, and even Jesus told the same message – God is working things out to HIS OWN glory. Hmm!

Most of us will probably never write a book, a play, or a song, nor create a great piece of art that says this is who I am. We will not go down in history like Dr. King, Mother Teresa, Shakespeare, or the likes of them. But that’s okay, we were not meant to be those individuals – just ourselves. And even in this, God has something He wants to say to the world through our lives. God wants others to know of Him through the way we live – great or small – and the service we give. That’s the great thing about life for God, its service oriented; which gives us all an equal playing field to work with. The question we need to ask ourselves is: What is my life saying right now?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5

Seeing the Opportunities Over the Obstacles

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein

When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, "He’s so big we can never kill him." When David looked at the same giant he thought, "He’s so big I can’t miss." Hmm!

Economic uncertainty. Political rhetoric. Cultural dissonance. Job stability/availability. There are a lot of difficult choices ahead for us, that will further impact our individual status. But no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what our circumstances; opportunities abound to make things better. And the first step is to change how we view what we’re up against. If our God truly is greater than any obstacle we can ever face, maybe we need to take it to him and view it through His lenses. He’s already promised to give us ‘a future and a hope,’ and as the author of ‘every good and perfect gift’ every situation can be beneficial to us. It’s all in how we see it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

The Power of a Good Rest

Blessed are the balanced; they shall outlast everyone. – Rick Warren

Though he was always extremely busy; Jesus was never stressed or ‘out of sorts.’ His secret: balanced living. AMEN!

One of the events of the Olympics is the decathlon. It is composed of ten events that will tax every physical ability of the athlete. The goal is to do well or succeed in every event, not just three or four. The good thing is however, the events are spread out over several days. Life itself at times seems like a decathlon with all the events happening at once. If we try to survive in this mode we will truly get stressed and burn out. We must learn to make the most efficient use of our time and resources to aid us in our daily trek. Sometimes the best resource available is to just get away (Jesus often withdrew to lonely places…). We can never underestimate the power of a good rest, after all, even God took a rest after the creation. It helps with the balancing of life. Maybe we should try it!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said to them] ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” – Mark 6:31-32

 

Do You Know Who You're Following?

Worship changes people. We become like whatever it is we worship. - W. Harty

The people were cold-hearted toward God because the idols they worshiped had no heart. Hmm!

The refrigerator. What's in yours? It's a throne we worship at 3 - 4 times a day, yet we often don't know all that's in there nor it's condition. It is any good? Is it spoiled? It's easy to forget. How much easier then is it to forget God's laws, commands, statutes, or promises if we don't assemble ourselves before God's Word and His presence at least daily, and then not with rapid reading but with time for contemplation, meditation, and prayer. He does not expect us to remember every passage and word, but He does expect us to at least take time to read it and talk with Him about it. He longs to be known and wants to 'refresh' our spirits at all times. And here's the good thing about spending this time with God, unlike looking in the refrigerator; He will never give us 'leftovers'!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

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

Opening Our Eyes

Vision is the art of seeing things invisible. - Jonathan Swift

God gave Elisha’s servant ‘spiritual’ eyes to show He was already on the move against the enemy. ..... Hmm!

God is often much closer than we think. The answers to our many questions and healing for our hurts are not as far away as we sometimes think. Our difficulty comes when we look in the wrong place, or we are too fretful or anxiety ridden to see what is right there; and still other times when we just plain fail to see Him working because we cannot possibly believe God would be kind enough to care about us in such a small minute issue. We only need to open our eyes. Seeing eyes are eyes of faith, where we can see beyond the problem, see beyond our own unworthiness, and have confidence that He is the God of all grace and mercy. Knowing and trusting God is ever near means our seeds of hope are already present, we just need to water them through faithful obedience and perseverance. He will make the end results known.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” – Psalm 119:18

Influence the Culture

You might as well listen to a thief lecture on honesty as watch for Hollywood and the Media to teach values. – Anon

Until Paul met Christ on the Damascus Road, he actually thought he was doing God’s will. Scary huh?

What you thought before has led to every choice you have made, and this adds up to YOU at this moment. For most people, us included, these thoughts are pretty much exclusive to what we have seen from Hollywood and heard in the mainstream media. Therefore, we are not so much in our way of thinking, children of our parents but offspring of the culture. If we want to change who we are physically, mentally, and spiritually, we will have to change what we think. Godly people were never meant to be influenced by the culture, but to be influencers OF their culture, to promote ways of righteousness and light in a world that wants to hide in darkness. As we watch the ‘big screen’ remember others are watching us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:2

Trust and Remain Faithful

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish HE wouldn’t trust me so much. – Mother Teresa

Moses didn’t think he could go and face Pharaoh to free the Israelites. God had to remind him “I’m going with you.” WOW!

In God’s eyes we are SOMEBODY! We’re HIS. But if we’re not careful we will find ourselves lamenting (complaining) over the things going on in our life, as if they will soon overwhelm us, and they will if we try and go it all alone. God has placed us in the particular situations we’re in because He believes we are the best available for the task He wants to work ‘through us.’ He’s trusting we will be available and willing, and He will equip us with the strength, wisdom, or other resources we need when we need it and not a moment sooner. He expects us to remain faithful in all circumstances. Remember what he said in his word, “to whom much is given, much will be required.” We must admit we are richly blessed!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because the take refuge in him.” – Psalm 37:39-40

God Will Take Care of You

The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. - Anon

When they finally entered the Promised Land the Israelites found it was even more bountiful than God had promised. Amen!

I remember very vividly the house I grew up in. It was spacious and had a nice big yard for us kids (7) to play in. It also had five fruit trees. I think this was one of the selling points to my parents. A way to cut down on the food budget and get us kids to eat fresh fruit. But as I think back over all those years we lived there and enjoyed the fruit, we rarely had to tend the trees. Yeah, we raked up leaves every now and then, but God kept those trees in great condition, producing not only fruit for us kids, neighbors, and friends; but shade, shelter, and resting places for the birds. His sustaining of the tree is just one of many of His simple acts of grace. Just like the Hebrew children God led into the Promised Land I'm sure if we all look over our lives, we too can say He has given us 'prosperity' we didn't really work for. And that is worthy of High Praise!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." - Malachi 3:10

P.S. - Don't forget our 24-hour fast begins at 10:30am and ends tomorrow after Prayer Breakfast. Remember to seek God's guidance during the fasting time. Hope you can participate.

The Absolute Truth Is Out There

Truth is eternal. Knowledge is changeable. It is disastrous to confuse them. – Anon

After fleeing Egypt the Hebrew people thought they knew enough to go on without God’s man Moses. Twenty-three thousand found out they were wrong! OUCH!

Many years ago the Temptations had a hit single ‘Ball of Confusion,’ lamenting the state of affairs in the world due to man’s thinking he no longer needed the truth, everyone can just do their own thing. Well we have and look where it’s gotten us - CONFUSED. Ask almost anyone and you’ll find that we seem to live in a world where truth is no longer absolute but relative; you make up your own; and what’s true today doesn’t have to be tomorrow. To deny the truth does not mean it doesn’t exist. Methods (ways of doing things) often change, but principles (why we do them) never change. The problem really is not that absolute truth doesn’t exist, but that most people just can’t handle it. Many ways may seem right but in the end lead to destruction.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.” – Romans 1:25

The Best Laid Plans...

Very few things happen at the right time, and the rest don’t happen at all. – Herodotus

The disabled man at the pool of Bethesda never could seem to make into the pool at the right time, yet he still got HEALED! Hmm!

Timing is everything – a cliché we’ve all heard, and often one we buy into wholeheartedly. We plan our lives by a timetable, our days by a pocket calendar or agenda, our relationships by our “body clocks” sometimes down to the exact hour and minute. However, much of what we plan rarely works out like we thought it would or in the time we planned it. It’s what God calls LIFE, and what He uses to shape us and mold us for His purposes and not ours. Rest assured LIFE will happen on top of our plans today. Hold on and trust God.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the in you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:20-21

Hopefully Looking Forward

Life should not be lived looking through a rearview mirror. The very best days are those yet to be. HOPE is always stronger than memory. – A. Ahlgrim

When tough times came upon the Israelites on their journey they often wished they were back in Egypt in bondage. They somehow forgot God was leading them. Hmm!

It’s amazing how often people want to turn back the clock, to go to their former days when “things were better.” The question we fail to answer is: what was better back then – us or God? Well, God has not changed, so…..? When we continuously long for what’s behind its saying we don’t fully trust God to bring better things into our life, and we have little hope of things changing for the better. We cannot change the past so we must not let it discourage us, we must look forward in eager expectation that we can make the present worthwhile all the while building a better tomorrow by fully trusting in God – that’s why he gave us TODAY!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:17-18

Bringing God Glory

May God use you without consulting you? – W. C. Brumby

The man born blind, Lazarus being raised from the dead, the man at the pool of Bethesda. All healed for one reason only – to bring God GLORY. Hmm!

Most of us grew up under the authority of our parents and we marched to the commands they laid down without question or hesitation. Well, God has a great agenda for this day. He plans to reach out to those in need, lift the spirits of those who are down, help those who seem to need no help, forgive all who need it, comfort those who are mourning, be patient with those who don’t even know Him, have mercy on those who curse Him, and love those who don’t deserve it. The thing about His agenda is there are no specific timeframes, nor any set roles; but He is expecting full cooperation from us. As the day comes upon us may we remember we are His!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but to the interest of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4

He Knows and STILL Loves

For this you can be thankful. Only you and God have all the facts about yourself. – Anon

When the tax collector prayed “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” he knew God already had the facts. Hmm!

Resumés are wonderful documents, listing all of our personal highlights, goals, accomplishments, and aspirations. They make us out to be the one everybody should want on their team or staff. They put us in the best light possible. And in truth, that’s the way God views us as well. Even though He knows all about us, imperfections and all; He can only see us through the blood of His Son which perfects us. God is a true friend who loves to forgive and forget; and He will when we readily confess our wrongs; that we might remain in communion with Him. Others may know us well, but God knows us best AND He still loves us. WOW!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” – Psalm 139:1-2

P.S. - Don't forget Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend. Set your clocks AHEAD 1-hour Saturday night before you go to bed!

Moving God

Praying people are the deputies of God. They seek law, order, peace AND unity! - Anon

The walls and gates of Jerusalem were rebuilt on the prayers of Nehemiah and the people. AMEN!

It should not be a secret that God is moved by prayer, and earnest conversation with His people more than anything else. And as we search the scriptures, we realize it doesn't have to be a long drawn-out diatribe, nor a 'fill in the form' correctly submission. Just a reverent, honest confession of the heart. In the midst of a rebellious nation God was often 'moved' by the remnant that remained faithful and showed mercy. He seeks the prayers and solicitations of His people and is overjoyed when we invite Him into our lives, activities, and relationships. So, if we truly need action in our life, mountains moved, or any other favor of God, His ear is open.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry." - Psalm 34:16

God's Project

Many of us live as prisoners of others' expectations, rather than one set free by divine promises. – Henry Nouwen

The Samaritan woman at the well thought this was all life had to offer. Then she met Jesus and it all changed. Hmm!

It is a wonderful thing to live within an arena of family and friends who provide us with affection, encouragement, stimulus, and even challenge. These things are necessary to help us in our development. But there is a possible downside to this, when these inputs become binding, restrictive ties that do not allow us to grow into our ‘giftedness’ from God. Though our strong points/qualities may blaze through like the sun, they should not keep us in the proverbial ‘box,’ and not allow us to develop further as God orchestrates our lives. Others expectations based on what they see or perceive they need from us should never overshadow what God is currently doing in and through us. God is always at His work, and you are His project.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery….” – Galatians 5:1

The Right Decision

It's really not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. - Roy Disney

David didn't volunteer for the army, nor the armor of Saul, only for the battle with Goliath. He really just wanted God to be praised. Hmm!

One glaring truth about life is that it is filled with decisions. Day in and day out we make them, else we stand still. However, the issue is what ‘basis’ do we use in our decision-making process. As much as we are tempted by the world to think issues are not ‘black and white’ but contain a shade of ‘grey,’ we must adhere to the tenets of the One we profess as Savior and Lord. There is no specific time for truth or righteousness, their time is always NOW, including those times when it would be an inconvenience to us to stand firm. Right will always be right, and truth will always be truth, the question is: Will we? Today will require your decision on this many times over.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” – II Thessalonians 3:13

Being YOU-nique

The first part of winning is just showing up. - Anon

A nation was saved because Esther was willing to risk standing outside the king's hall. Hmm!

On the job – come payday everyone likes to show up and get paid, and get paid for what THEY did, and that’s completely understandable. Well, God made you – YOU! He didn’t make anyone else like you. He made you to be the YOU the world needs, not to hide behind an ‘identity’ or mask, nor to be a shape-shifter living to please everyone around. YOU are a unique creation of God, made for a specific purpose in His story of love and redemption for all of mankind, and our God knows all about YOU. He knows your comings and your goings, your lying down and rising up; yes, even your inner most thoughts. So, if He’s okay with you, why not be the YOU He made you to be. The choice is yours!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” – John 12:27-28

Refreshing Kindness

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness; it is usually returned. – C. Flint

Jonathan’s kindness to David gained great benefit for his son Mephibosheth later. Amen!

Jesus said to the woman “Give me a drink.” Sure it was a conversation starter or invitation, and boy what results it brought. But the idea of Jesus asking us for something, something to refresh Him; it often gets overlooked. We are constantly reminded to lean on Him, trust in Him, depend on Him (all wonderful acts of faith) but rarely do we hear the idea of refreshing or satisfying His needs. We are often refreshed by good news, a respite from daily activities, or a kindness done to us, and we enjoy such thoughtfulness. Maybe today, we can take some time to think of what we might do to refresh Jesus. You never know what the invitation may bring about.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent……they are a fragrant offering, an acceptable gift…...” – Philippians 4:18

Do What Lasts

Greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody. – Anon

The greatest thing about Joseph was not in how he came up to be 2nd in command only to Pharaoh, but that he saved a nation and his people. Hmm!

It’s no secret; everybody loves to hear their own name called. It’s refreshing, exhilarating, and exciting to be hailed as someone who did something great and worthwhile. And in our sinful nature we’re taught early on to make something of ourselves. So we set out to make a name, seek status, and grab attention; put ourselves on the plateau that says “look at me!” Now the teaching itself is not bad, it’s just incomplete. We should be taught to make something of ourselves to better mankind, contribute to society, build up the kingdom; not to be seen and heard, but to bring praise to the one we serve –God. If “only what we do for Christ will last,” then that’s really all we should do.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26

Give it Away Now

Sharing is caring! - Anon

Just because we can't beat God giving doesn't mean we shouldn't at least try! - WOW!

"Mine, mine, mine! Go, go, go! Back, back, back! It's my treasure, my good fortune, my hard work paying off!" Yes, this often is our way of thinking and example in life. We hoard God's great blessings to us. Like the rich man in Jesus' parable (Luke 12) we build 'bigger' barns to hold our bounty, so we can live the 'good life.' The truth is we have it backwards, we don't really understand the ways of this great God we serve and receive our blessings from. The reason God loves to lavish His love on us is because of the tremendous joy that comes from generosity. God loves to bless us because it brings Him great joy; and we being made in His image this way can have such joy as well, if we learn how to share.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"......the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."" - Acts 20:35