Our Responsibility

God’s part we cannot do. Our part God does not do. – Richard Murray

God told Moses He would set His people free. All He needed was for Moses to go to Pharaoh, and the rest is HIStory.

The Creation Account tells us God created everything necessary for man’s existence in six days, then He created man. Man was not consulted in the creation account but he was given charge to manage it for God. Regardless of what has happened since then, the fact is we still have a responsibility to God. He has expectations that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is proper for a ‘manager.’ Adam’s sin does not let us off the hook, for God has already provided a redeemer, but He will not force us to accept Him, nor force us to live for Him. That is still our part. Today matters to God so it should matter to us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” – I Peter 3:10-11

Hope you can join us tomorrow morning at Prayer Breakfast 9:30am.

Deadly Beauty

What is beautiful is not always good, but what is good is always beautiful. – Anon

Samuel wanted to anoint Jesse’s son Eliab because of his stature and appearance, but God told him to anoint ‘little ruddy David’ because of his heart. Hmm!

If there is one lesson we learn from nature it’s that beautiful can be deadly. Many plants and animals are very colorful, vibrant, and inviting – but deadly. In fact it is often their beauty that aids them in self-survival. We have an enemy that often operates in the same manner, masquerading as that which is beautiful but with evil, harmful intentions. But everything God brings to us is for our good, everything He brings us through is for our good. It may not look appealing or inviting at the time of occurrence but its purpose is designed for our good – that in the end we may bring glory to Him - and that is a most beautiful picture.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” – Galatians 1:6-7

At Just the Right Time

Hell is truth seen too late. – T. Hobbes

God has always loved us and been for us and at "just the right time" sent His Son to prove it. Hmm!

TIMING – we all know it’s critical. A second too soon or too late could spell disaster. But when it comes to God we often don’t relate Him to the here and now. We often relate to Him in terms of what He’s done in the past for us, or how we’re asking Him to help us defeat this gigantic problem we’re up against. But He is the God of the here and now – time exists solely because of Him alone – and He’s ever present in every second. Often we spend time ‘waiting’ on God to move or act and fail to realize we can still enjoy Him in the process. One does not preclude the other. He’s an ever-present God. So as the song says ‘Don’t Wait Til’ Midnite’, CALL NOW! And I can guarantee the time will be that much better.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“He has made everything beautiful in its time….” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Words Count

"This call may be monitored for quality assurance purposes....." - Operator

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter was surprised when God let it be known He was listening in. Hmm!

Communicate! We love to do it, we live to do it. Talk, text, post, tweet, I/M, D/M, etc., we just can't seem to get enough of it. We are social beings. After all, communication is at the crux of all relationships, and we were made for relationships. But I guess the bigger question we need to consider is what are we saying or communicating when we go at it? And why? We must remember as God's people we don't get a free pass at this. He said we will "one day give an account of every word we've spoken." The intent there is not a verbatim review of what we said, but what was our 'motive' behind what was said. Was it necessary, helpful, informational, etc., and most of all did it glorify Him? We may not want 'big brother' listening in on our communications but we need remember our Heavenly Father always is.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Does He who implanted the ear not hear? Does He who formed the eye not see? - Psalm 94:9

This is the Day to Rejoice!

The best years in life are those between birth and death. – Anon

Through good times and a lot of suffering, Jesus made the most out of his life here on earth so at the last he could profoundly say “It is finished.” WOW!

Complain, complain, complain! Sometimes it seems it’s all we can do or it’s all we hear from others. It almost makes one think life is not worth the living no matter what age one reaches. But in truth, it really doesn’t matter how young or old one is the best time of life is right now. No matter the circumstances, good or bad, up or down, sickness or health, the joy or misery that comes out of them will be directly proportional to the effort and attitude we attack them with. True we may not like our station in life right now but God still expects us to ‘rejoice’ in it, meaning we can look for the lessons and inspiration He would have us learn from it. Today is a great gift just full of blessings and benefits if we know how to approach it. The choice is ours and ours alone.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prepare for Eternity

We often hear "life is short, better enjoy it!" How about "eternity is long, better prepare for it!" - Anon

Methuselah lived 969 years. We're now thousands of years beyond that. Hmm!

It's no secret God wants the best for us. He's blessed this earth and gave man authority over it. He wants us to live fully, enjoy bountifully, share openly, and love others unconditionally during our time here. Seemingly achievable goals for any one of us. But before we set our life goals on 'comfort' here, all of this must be taken in context with the understanding God made us eternal beings with a final destination beyond this earth. And though He wants us to spend that eternity with Him, He will not force us into His heavenly glory. Hopefully as we enjoy this life we've also given some thought to our afterlife. Today is a good day to start.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:2

Hope to see you tonight at 6:30pm for our Good Friday service.

Time Focus

There are no more hours in a bad day than in a good one. - Richard Murray

Though Daniel spent the night in the lion's den, it was but a short respite from the world. He and God were OKAY, WOW!

Time flies when you're having fun, but seems to slow to a crawl or snail's pace when things are bad or circumstances are grim. But maybe, just maybe it's in the way we look at it. Often when we take our eyes off of God and His purposes we tend to get narrow minded and a bit more impatient, which only tends to make bad situations appear to last longer. If we focus on God and His goodness, the day never really is long enough to give proper thanks.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be GLAD in it. " - Psalm 118:24

God to the Rescue!

It's going to be a GOD-Did-What-I-Couldn't-Do kind of day!

Rescued from the belly of a great fish, I'm sure Jonah said "go God!" Amen!

Life has its challenges. At times it may seem improbable, overwhelming, unrealistic, and downright impossible. And truly it is when we think that it is solely up to us. But each day is a 'gift' from God, who also promised to 'never leave or forsake us'. So no matter what may come He stands at the ready by our side to help us be victorious. Mountains climbed, problems resolved, victories achieved are only because we let God lead, only He can do such things.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head........All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” - I Samuel 17:45,47

Attractive Gospel

Would you follow yourself on social media? - Anon

The bible says Jesus often drew crowds wherever he went. Hmm!

Pheromones! It's what insects emit to attract mates. You can't really see them with the naked eye, but yet we know the process works. It made me think of how the Holy Spirit works within us. We're tasked with making the gospel of Christ 'attractive' and really the only way that can be accomplished is through the Holy Spirit living in and through us. He has the power to draw others to Himself. Who He draws may not look like us or even sound like us, but that is how God builds His house to include every nation, tribe, and tongue. The Holy Spirit is the unifying presence that makes us all work together as one in Christ. Hopefully, we all smell good enough to attract someone.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:3

Love Keeps No Records...

The surest way to win in a relationship: just don’t keep score! - Sparks

Though the disciples failed him many times and even fled, Jesus still entrusted the church to them. They later turned the world upside down for him. AMEN!

Record keeping is good for business matters, but bad for relationships. Relationships are built upon love, and God’s model is best. God is gracious, merciful, and forgiving. No matter the size of the infraction, He willingly forgives and shows mercy if we seek Him. This is not to say we continue in sin and error, it is just God’s way of letting us know He understands our imperfections and is willing to work with us to overcome them. Likewise He fully expects us to demonstrate the same traits in our daily lives (“freely you have received, freely give”) with those we interact with. The goal is not to win the war but to win the person.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – I Corinthians 13:4-7