Buried or Planted

Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think you've been buried, but in actuality you've been planted by God. - Anon

I'm sure it wasn't the life Joseph 'dreamed' of but it was the one God brought him through to reign. Hmm!

No doubt about it, to the faithful God is a prayer answering God. Sometimes it's YES, sometimes NO, and other times it's WAIT. And often, in those wait times we wonder and question why? We become perplexed and stressed by not getting an answer, God not doing what we've asked, not changing our life or situation. But if you take a step back and look things over, it's funny how often we're asking God to change our situation being completely unaware that He put us in the situation to change us. And God always aims to finish what He's started. Maybe our answer is staring us right in the face and we just need to see the 'light.'

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me." - Psalm 138:7

The Road to Greatness Lies in Servitude

Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness. – Publilius Syrus

In the Upper Room meeting the disciples all looked for a prominent place to sit, Jesus looked for a place to serve. Hmm!

The measure of greatness in God’s kingdom differs greatly from that of the world. Society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, the well-heeled, and those with large followings. The world will estimate your importance by the number of people serving you, but God is more concerned with the number of people you are serving. It takes a far more noble character to serve than to be served, but that’s the heart of God. Opportunities to serve will be great today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” – Mark 10:42-44

A Faithfulness to Remember

When we look back on the faithfulness of God, we praise Him. When we look forward to God’s faithfulness, we trust Him. – K. Watters

God knew the shortness of the human mind which is why He instituted ‘feast days’ and ‘memorials.’ It’s all about HIM. Amen!

Though we are not where we want to be as a nation, a people, or a person; let us never forget THE ONE, and others who fought and died valiantly, wrote and argued vociferously, or protested loudly, to bring us the freedoms we now enjoy. And let us continue to do all we can to push the issue forward for future generations, keeping it all anchored in Christ and His Church.

Happy Memorial Day!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love towards us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the :Lord." - Psalm 117

True Test of Legacy

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. – Pericles

Solomon realized all his building and creating were nothing but works of vanity. He said “knowing God is what counted most.” Hmm!

Drive by any cemetery and you will see them. Magnificent headstones, supposed monuments giving testimony to the one who is buried beneath. But the true test of a legacy is what is left behind in the lives of those we touch. The idea for this life God gifts to us is to make the present moment better for those around us and for those coming behind us. We’re not to take out of life but add joy and peace to it. And we need not a wide circle to influence, for just as a pebble creates an ever expanding ripple on a pond, a little influence can indeed go a long way in someone’s life. All we need do is just think where we would be without God.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did….when God spoke well of his offering. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” – Hebrews 11:4

Ready Servant One?

God took a forty year old conceited somebody, spent forty years showing him he was a nobody, and forty more years to demonstrate what He can do with anybody. – R. D. Foster

Caleb was 85 years old when he ‘took’ the town of Hebron for his own. Not bad for a young fella’!

One-armed ballplayers! Blind mountain climbers! Deaf composers! The world is full of examples of those who did not let a disability hinder their creativity or natural ability. We serve a God who is new every day, and no matter where we are in life He can and will use us if we’re willing. Who’s to say God has not actually kept us in check until such a time as this? We need to put our excuses aside. Our past life; good, bad, or indifferent, was necessary to bring us to this present moment. It’s not so much the age that concerns God, it’s the heart. God is ready to use us in His story, the question is: can He?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14

People of Action

Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander. – Anon

Zacchaeus and Levi as tax collectors were both victims of their own people, and perpetrators of Roman oppression. But when Jesus called, they didn’t stand aloof, they came running. AMEN!

It is often said with candor and veracity, “many Christians need to get out of the book of ‘Numbers’ and into the book of ‘Acts’.” God calls us to champion righteousness, justice, and absolute truth at all costs – that’s a disciple’s role, for it is what Jesus did; and he is our perfect example. It is this type of character building that God is attempting in our lives. The daily situations, circumstances, and events that occur all have rhyme and reason, which is to build character. If we fail to take up our cross each day, we will either become a victim of oppression, or a perpetrator of unrighteousness – there is no middle ground. God is counting on you today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Which of these three men do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” – Luke 10:36-37

Little Irritants

If a small thing has the power to make you angry, does that not indicate something about your size? – S. Harris

King Saul got plenty angry when his people sung of his servant David’s exploits. He prospered through David's exploits and they were still all his subjects. Hmm!

Long lines! Rush-hour traffic! Telemarketers! People with bad attitudes! We’ve all experienced these things and other small incidents like them and will probably continue to experience them. They’re part of life and our maturing process. God expects us not to sweat the small stuff, nor let it sweat us. As we venture through today’s circumstances remember it’s a growing process.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22

Don't Settle, Stir It Up!

Though the bible clarifies much of the 'mystery of God' it doesn't take away the 'MASTERY of God.' - Anon

At 85 Caleb took the territory promised him by Moses. Well actually he let God lead. Amen!

If you've ever bought flour, sugar, cereal, chips, or other like products and looked closely at the printed information you've probably seen it: 'some settling of contents may have occurred during shipping.' It's their way of letting us know the product doesn't fill up the container. Now truth be told this same phenomenon has happened to a lot of us 'Christians' in regard to the Holy Spirit and our faith! We've settled for "an ordinary, safe, unexciting, God NEVER moves in us life." In a sense we've conquered God and He lives safely and quietly in our heart. This is a lie the enemy has sold us. The truth is God is no less powerful today than He was in bible times, and the Holy Spirit is no less active either. And their passion to do great things in us and through us today is just as dynamic. The problem is we often think we're not in 'bible times.' We are still in bible times and always will be until Christ returns. So if we truly want the blessings and miracles of promise all we need do is 'stir up the gift!'

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....do not neglect your gift which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you...." - I Timothy 4:14

Pressing Forward

Don't stumble on something behind you! - church sign

Jesus brought a new way of life to the people and the religious leaders couldn't understand it. Hmm!

No doubt about it, every one of us has a past. And in that past more than likely are some things we're not too proud of. Some hurts, habits, hang-ups, and actions we took. It's human nature! The key to remember though is life is not defined by a few bad actions, nor is it over because of what we may consider a major incident. God uses flawed people. Consider Noah (heavy drinker), Moses & David (murderers), Rahab (prostitute), Matthew (tax collector), or Paul (Pharisee), all somehow flawed. But once they submitted themselves to God their past was just that - PAST. Though others may not have wanted to let it go, they themselves did. The same is true for you and me. We don't have to be victims of our past, nor do we have to be weighed down by them. Cast them on the Lord and He will bear us up at all times, and like Paul we can 'press forward forgetting what is behind.....' The way to keep from being tripped up is to look forward.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." - Hebrews 12:1-2

Forgiveness Required

To hold on to hate and resentment is to keep us standing still, while life marches on. – Anon

Joseph receiving his brothers, Job praying for his friends, great pictures of forgiveness in action. Hmm!

The blessings and favor of God beckon us. God himself, is calling us forward to redeem His promises and blessings in innumerable ways. But the truth is many of us will remain stuck, unable to go forward because of our refusal to let go of the past hurts, wrongs, and slights put upon us that we cannot seem to forgive and forget. In truth, this is an affront to Almighty God, for in His program forgiveness is not optional, it’s a requirement. True, sometimes the hurt may be deep and emotional, and we may find it hard to forgive certain people, but God is unequivocal and unwavering in this command that we must forgive those who have hurt or wronged us, just as He has forgiven us. The reason is it takes away any power they may have over us and allows us to move forward by God’s grace and strength. He works with us and through us in these matters. So we learn to forgive, and keep forgiving, so we ourselves are not weighed down and can move forward. Maybe we can get rid of some excess baggage today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….’Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times!’….” – Matthew 18:21-22

That Sweetness of Life

Life is a great bundle of little things. – O.W. Holmes

As Mary watched her ‘child’ grow the bible says she treasured many moments and hid them in her heart. Hmm!

Remember as a kid biting into a nice freshly picked peach or apple maybe. All natural, plump, juicy, sweet as can be with no additives, preservatives, or artificial coloring. Much different than what you get today from the market. There’s a difference too, between the natural ‘sweetness’ of life and the things we think should be added to it. A hectic pace that keeps our calendars crowded and far from the pace God wants us to walk that we may savor the day(s); or a vast number of online connections and conversations rather than a meaningful face to face encounter with a friend. God never said life has to be lived in the fast lane nor be crowded without margin. His idea is that we just enjoy the simple pleasures. Today would be a great time to start.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil…” – Proverbs 15:16

Getting to Know Each Other

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, not the presentation. - Anon

Barnabas told the disciples and the people that Paul really wasn’t so bad once you got to know him. Hmm!

We roll our eyes, or turn our nose up, or even get offended at the mere glance of a book or movie title. And though the title may give you a clue about the book or movie, the title alone doesn’t tell the whole story – that comes with the reading, getting into it. And so often with the people in our lives we do the same thing, a mere glance and a galvanized opinion is formed. So, we never take time to build a relationship with them, or if we do; we do so through our galvanized lenses, always looking for the facts and circumstances to support it, and often missing the gems and traits that make them unique and lovable by God. A good book always has discovery and intrigue for the reader, drawing them in with twists and plots that often surprise. People are essentially no different. The key to making any relationship successful and prosperous is to find out why the person is so loved by God, after all, they’re possibly doing the same with us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged...” – Matthew 7:1

Reviving Our Faith through the Diagram

Faith is not a thing which one "loses," we merely cease to shape our lives by it. – G. Bernanos

When the Prodigal Son moved away from his father and his God, it wasn’t long before he realized what shape he was really in. Hmm!

Growing up one of the things we were taught was to ‘color in between’ the lines. No matter what the diagram or picture was we were instructed to color ‘inside’ the shape. This was not really just an object lesson on creativity but also an important life lesson on structure and discipline, for without structure or discipline life becomes meaningless and unfulfilling. Could you imagine trying to play hop-scotch, or basketball, or even checkers without a meaningful diagram to aid you? So it is with our faith, when we cease to live by it we become adrift in a world which does not care nor have our best interests at heart. And prolonged drifting begins to change or harden our hearts and ways towards God and others. The good news though is that we can revive our faith simply by coming back to God and allowing Him to reshape us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

Growing IN the Game

God has called us to play in the game of life, not to referee and keep score. – Richard Murray

Abraham, Joseph, David, Job; despite what hardships they encountered in life they persevered in faith. AMEN!

When it comes to playing games, if the truth be told; all of us like the rules when they favor us, and dislike them when they don’t. We often take the same attitude towards life as well. We want to stop it, make it fair, get the score (are we up or down), and even change the rules we don't like or agree with. But this is not our right nor our privilege. We were made to bring God glory in all things, period. I say it very deliberately – trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes even defeat, are the very foods that fuel the growth of our faith. We grow through such ‘game time encounters’ when we persevere without looking for the easy way out, and God has promised to pay what is right.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right’.” – Matthew 20:3

What We Will Be

True, we were made in God’s image, but rest assured He’s not finished with us yet. – W. Wiersbe

God told Jeremiah that He formed him in his mother’s womb. But he still shaped him for his ministry. AMEN!

Let’s face it, not one of us is the person we used to be – Thank God! But going a little further, hopefully not one of us is the person we truly want to be either. If we were, it would mean God was indeed through with us, our purpose completed. But each new day is another opportunity for Him to work more perfection into our lives. It is easy to get enamored with oneself and our accomplishments, etc., thinking nothing else is necessary, but if we truly think about God’s glory and nature, we soon realize He has a long way to go on each of us. And, unless we’re afraid of hard work; that should really excite us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” – I John 3:2

Haste Makes...Trouble

Look ‘both ways’ is more than just good advice for crossing the street. - Anon

Jesus said a wise man would ‘count the costs’ before embarking on a major project, lest he doesn’t have enough to finish and ends up looking foolish. Hmm!

All of us know life can change in a moment's time or in the blink of an eye. But for most of us that thought only applies to everyone else. For often in our haste, pride, anger, and self-centeredness we fail to look at both sides of an issue and the potential consequences to our own detriment. And usually, the consequences are heavy and costly. God’s word often says we should be ‘slow’ to respond, meaning we should look both ways before crossing. The enemy tries to get us to act in haste, making rash decisions without prayer or forethought knowing the consequences will be brutal. Today is a gift to us, but the circumstances that come with it are not always cut and dry.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Proverbs 14:29

Faith Forged Through Patience

Could you not watch with me one hour...... - Jesus

Saul grew impatient waiting on Samuel to arrive, and it cost him dearly. OUCH!

Technology, with its many instantaneous forms of communication has opened up the floodgates for conversation, idea exchanges, discussion, etc., which are all very good. Almost everyone with a cell phone, I-Pad, or PC can join in. The dark side of this communication phenomenon is that it has begun to make us very impatient. Just think of the times you've texted or emailed someone, then called to see if they received your message because their response wasn't quick enough for you. And sadly, we've let this impatient attitude creep into our relationship with God. We want our prayers answered in an instant. We want our faith built in a day, our character perfected through 1 or 2 bible study sessions at most. God cannot and will not be rushed. And if we become frustrated with His apparent delays to our needs, we must remember He is not so much concerned with our comfort as He is our character. And character is developed by a faith forged through perseverance and patience.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:14

Trust. Don't Wait

Procrastination is the fertilizer that helps difficulties grow. – J. Maxwell

Because the Israelites didn’t think they were ready to take the Promised Land it cost them 40 years in the desert wilderness. OUCH!

Small projects that have become monumental tasks. Small issues that have become mega problems filled with drama. All because we did not attack them when they first surfaced. The truth is all problems grow if we don’t focus on them immediately and plan some course of action. The first step is always to remember who we are and who we belong to. And since there’s nothing too hard for our God, we should trust Him for the strength, wisdom, knowledge, and other resources we will need. Since tomorrow is not promised today is a good day to start.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Seeing Clearly Now

A lot of things broke my heart but fixed my vision. - Anon

Caleb was as hurt as Moses when the spies gave the false report on the Promised Land. He still received his inheritance a little later. AMEN!

Losing the 'big' game! Betrayed by a friend! Not getting the lead part/promotion! Having to play 2nd fiddle! Yeah, life has its disappointing moments sure enough, but if we take time to look back over them, we can see the growth that came about in our lives because of these incidences. They teach us that life has a much larger focus, that we are a part of life but not the center of all life. To live our lives focused solely on our own small world and its wants, is to miss the beauty and grandeur of God's creation and our purpose. Though we don't like it, a broken heart is often necessary to help us learn to adjust our focus to God's greater plan for us and mankind. And if there is one thing God can do, it is mend a broken heart. The doctor is always in!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - II Corinthians 4:18

Because He Said So

We must constantly remind ourselves that HE is God, and we are not. - Anon

Abram had no idea where he was going when he left his home in Haran, but he trusted God knew the directions. Amen!

"Because I said so!" It was an answer to our many questions that our parents gave to us as kids seemingly over and over again in our younger growing up years. And it was one we readily accepted without question or skepticism. Did it explain what we were asking - NO! Did it give us further insight into what we were seeking - NO! But it did satisfy our curiosity at that time because we fully trusted in the one giving us the answer. That's the faith God looks for in us today. Even when we ask and don't get an answer, or get an answer we don't understand, will we continue to trust in the ONE who is Sovereign over us? All that He has shown and given us in the past should be our foundation to trust Him in the present situation and with our future.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are those who have not seen but yet believe." - John 20:29

Remaining Faithful

Don't mistake the discipline of God as abandonment by God. - Anon

Though Job was severely tormented and questioned God, he never let go of his faith. Hmm!

Though the bible tells us God does things "decently and in order" we often think that means immediately, particularly when it comes to OUR prayer requests. But what makes us think our blessing or deliverance will come immediately after we pray or fast. God let a whole generation die off before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. I'm sure some of them were praying. Joseph's life saw nothing but trouble for years between his god-given dreams and the actual reveal. I'm sure he remained faithful. God's ways of discipline to develop our character are far more advanced than we can fathom, but He's always there with us even in those lean, tough times. My parents disciplined me often (I needed it) but never left me or stopped loving me, and eventually it helped shape me into who I am. God is at work doing the same with us today. Now is not the time to give up but to stay strong.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time.........Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." - Habakkuk 2:3

Witnesses For God

God himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should we? – Sparks

Peter judged all Gentiles to be inferior and beneath him. God put him in a situation with Cornelius that changed his ‘vision.’ WOW!

Truth be told we are all often quick to play judge, jury, and executioner; and pass final judgment on those we see and meet as if we have the actual keys to heaven and hell. And we do it with little rhyme or reason (looks, impressions, etc.). But God calls us to be witnesses for him, not lawyers OR judges, but witnesses. And like our Supreme Creator we should hold out hope for all mankind to be redeemed. Regardless of where they stand, God wants to use us to make a difference in their lives today, for tomorrow their change just may come. We should remember that whatever ‘measure’ we use will be used on us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many….” – Hebrews 9:27-28

True Test of Faith

When you get to the end of all light and reason that you know, and it's time to step into the realm of the unknown, faith is knowing that 1 of 2 things will happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly. – E. Telle

Abram had no concrete reason to leave his family, country, and kindred; but because God said so he did. It worked out better than he imagined. Hmm!

Columbus sailed to prove the world was round, he wasn’t completely sure but had faith it was. The Wright brothers risked life and limb because they had faith that man could one day fly across the sky. Men and women like them have often come before us and with nothing but faith in God and faith in themselves, have made great lives for themselves and others. The true test of faith is not having everything in hand or life completely ordered before stepping out, it’s stepping out fully trusting God will make a way, and with whatever He provides it will be sufficient for the task. God can still do the impossible, but we have to have the faith to attempt it first.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2