Release the Prisoners

It's crazy how God forgives us DAILY, but yet we hold grudges FOREVER! - Anon

When Peter tried to quantify forgiveness, Jesus had him look inward and heavenward. Hmm!

Long before the 'Hatfields and the McCoys' there were the folks of Edom - Esau's descendants! Though Esau had been wronged by his brother Jacob, the two of them reconciled. But Esau's descendants would not let it go. They terrorized their relatives for many, many years until God called down judgment upon them. It seems silly, but many of us are just like them. Oh, we may not 'terrorize' our victims, but we hold them in prison in our hearts, wishing all kinds of 'ill will' towards them. We forget how much God loves us, and showers mercy, forgiveness, and grace upon us every day though we don't deserve it. If there is anything to learn here it's that forgiveness is a God thing, and maybe we should practice it even more. Who knows that God may not do to us what He did to the folks of Edom for their hardheartedness. If we're going to 'hold' these folks in our hearts, may it be in prayer.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." - Matthew 6:15

Seeing the Opportunities

A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill

Saul and his 600 men waited under the pomegranate tree trying to figure out their strategy against the Philistines, Jonathan and his armor-bearer just went with God. God WON!

There’s no greater truism than “life is what you make of it.” Circumstances, situations, and unexpected occurrences are daily events for all of us, and we can never be prepared for everything or every situation. How we ‘respond’ to the situation or circumstance will dictate its impact on our lives and our response is dictated by our attitude or outlook. If we truly believe nothing is too hard for God then we will see opportunity as we search for the lesson God has planned through the circumstance at hand. If all we see is difficulty and problems maybe we need to check who’s in charge in our lives. In spite of all the worldly issues and cynicism it’s still a great time to be alive!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5

Fear God

We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. – W. Gurnall

Saul’s fighting men greatly feared Goliath and allowed him to taunt them 40 days. But along came scrawny little David and his God. AMAZING!

Most of us remember a time when as children, though our parents weren’t around we were well behaved because we feared what would happen if they found out we misbehaved. God, as our Supreme Father commands the same respect. But often the TRUTH of the matter is ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Because we don’t often see a physical manifestation of God we have no fear of Him. But the REALITY of the matter is God is ever present, - ‘I will not leave you or forsake you;’ – we just refuse to see Him and submit in obedience to Him. The antidote to fear is love – ‘perfect love drives away fear’. God will not force His will upon us at any time, but then again neither will He force HEAVEN upon us later. The choice is always ours.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

Stay Courageous

He who loses wealth loses much, he who loses a friend loses more, but he who loses his courage loses all. – Miguel de Cervantes

Of all the things Judas lost on that fateful night, his courage to seek a forgiving Christ cost him most. Ouch!

Often we don’t want to face the trials God puts before us, meet the challenges His church requires of us, or step out on faith as His word tells us, but we must. For it is in going through the circumstances of life we grow our faith and our courage for the next battle. We need remember, Satan’s best and most used tool is “discouragement,” and he keeps it at the ready. And he doesn't use it in big 'doses' but little by little, in very subtle ways, so that it begins to wear us down and lead us to apathy. So we must pray that the Spirit will empower us for today, for the challenges, they are a'comin.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” – I Corinthians 16:13-14

No Part Time Positions Available

You can’t have a part-time faith and expect full-time benefits. – Anon

Even in exile Daniel continued his ‘daily’ prayers. God use him mightily. Amen!

“Put me in coach…..I’m ready to play…today…” It’s a line from a song about baseball players. It’s a reference to the other players, the non-starters. They wanted a chance to play and contribute as well. And you know what, no matter the sport the non-starters practice every day, and as hard as the starters. That’s what enables them to step in at a moments notice to help the team to victory. The same principle is true for us in our faith walk. You can’t be a part-time Christian, only when it’s favorable to you and always expect a happy ending. If we’re not putting in the work each day we’re falling short and playing into the enemies hand. Believe it or not he’s practicing every day, even putting in overtime trying to figure out how to keep us from the blessings and benefits that God’s victory brings. Are you really ready “to play?”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"One day the evil spirit answered them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you…” – Acts 19:15

Go Therefore

The Golden Rule is of no use to any of us unless we realize it is our move. – F. Crane

Of the Great Commission passage, it is said the most powerful word therein is not teach, disciple, or even baptize; but GO! For without “going” there would be none of the other things. Wow!

To a man, each of us would more than likely admit we’re glad someone shared ‘the faith’ with us. Even if we grew up in the family and learned it that way, we’re glad our parents took us to ‘church.’ The life we now have we could never imagine without God, and the promise of heaven too – WOW. It’s enough to make us want to shout, almost. But it should make us willing to share, seek out others to tell. And though those we encounter in our daily lives may make it tough and questionable for us to do so, we are still compelled and constrained by love for Christ to “prefer” them. Love is an action word and is known much more for doing than saying. I pray we may have a winning strategy today.

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 also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be that same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:3-5

Ready Or Not

For those playing hide-and-seek with Jesus, remember it's "ready or not here I come!" - Anon

The foolish virgins were banging on the door to get back into a fellowship they previously had. Hmm!

Discovery! We all like to find new things. We will often go out of our way to find and try something new and exciting. We plan outings and trips to discover. And often these adventures interfere with our worship, giving, serving, and attendance of the things of God and kingdom. If truth be told many of us play games like the 'hokey-pokey' or 'hide-and-seek' with our attention to Jesus and His commands. The parable of the 'foolish virgins' wasn't told just for entertainment, it's purpose was to instruct us to ALWAYS be ready for the Master's return for it could come at a moment's notice. And when Jesus does return to call us before Him, we want to be discovered in a READY position. Now is the time to do so.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"......However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" - Luke 18:8

Walking with God

If faith can see every step of the way, it is not faith. – W. Barclay

At the wedding feast of Cana, Jesus’ mother told the servants to do whatever he asked of them. She didn’t know what he would do, but she knew he would do something. Hmm!

Pin the tail on the donkey – now that was a game we all relished. First they blindfold you, then spin you around and let you loose with a sharp object. And we trusted them to guide us with their shouts of “you’re getting warmer/colder” and generally it worked. As kids we never saw it as a game of faith, but that’s exactly what it was, trusting others to lead you. God asks the same of us as adults, to trust Him to lead and guide the way. But the difference is God is not asking us to go blindly into something, but to go trusting that He will get us there. He’s been there and knows the path. It may not always be safe, secure, and without apprehension, but just as we had no fear from those whom we played the game with, we should have no fear God will not keep us by His grace. To walk with God is not to see where He’s leading us but to see Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see….” – Hebrews 11:1

Enough Prayer for the Journey

A day without prayer is a day without power. - Anon

You ever wonder why Jesus often got away early in the morning to pray? Hmm!

Ask anyone who has ever driven across the country and 1 thing they will tell you is before you embark on each day's drive make sure the gas tank is full. In this day and age of electric cars, the last thing you want to do is run out of power/fuel. How about us in our spiritual life? Do we check the fuel gauge or power up each morning? So often we just start the day with a cup of coffee (tea) with toast and off we go. No time for a conversation with God, no time to read His Word, no time to even really contemplate His gift of today. And yet we wonder why things so quickly get out of hand and stacked against us. The enemy is ALWAYS waiting to pounce, and when we fail to invite God into our day we are as defenseless as new born baby. God knows the path He's chosen for us today so maybe thing would go somewhat better if we took a few minutes and asked Him to 'order our steps'. It will never hurt to ask.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight..." - Psalm 119:35

Today's A New Day

Don't let yesterday take up too much of today! - Richard Murray

When the Prodigal son came to his senses, he 'rushed' right home. Hmm!

"What's the use? Why should I try? It's never going to get any better!" Statements we've heard or maybe even uttered in our lifetime. What do they have in common? Too much emphasis on what has happened (yesterday) and not enough faith in what can happen (today). The remedy! Take the focus off of you, put it on God. Ask yourself, 'Why did God bless me with this day? Just to suffer more - NO.' He blessed me with today to trust Him more, to lean into Him a little harder, and to be a blessing to someone else. Remember, no matter your state or circumstances, the gift of today is for more than just you. When you learn to GIVE your blessing in part or whole to others, amazingly more blessings flow to you. Go figure, but that's how God works it. And maybe, just maybe, that ONE blessing that you need to show you 'What's the use?' is waiting to come to you to show you God heard you all along.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." - Psalm 51:12

Praises in the Raises

It's not our perfection but our submission that pleases God. - Anon

Noah, the 1st recorded sailor and drunkard. But yet, still a man God used mightily. Amen!

We often think of them as superhuman beings. Those great biblical characters, like Abram, Moses, David, Peter, Paul, & Mary, etc. Though they did great things the truth is they were ordinary people who had a past (sin included) that God used to bring about His will. Even in serving God they sometimes fell short, yet God still used them. There's a lesson here. We need to stop cursing ourselves for the many times we've fallen, and start praising God for the number of times He's raised us up. What's in our past is past, over and done with. God is at work reshaping and remolding all our life experiences into a mosaic or quilt that will continue to tell the story of Jesus. His redeeming, reclaiming, and rebranding of lives that brings glory to God the Father. Each one our lives has meaning to God and impacts those around us. God is not out to make us super; He just wants to work through us, and let others call what He does extraordinary.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again..." - Proverbs 24:16

Be A Difference Maker

The world is full of good people......if you can't find one, be one! - Anon

Paul praised Epaphras, saying he 'went out of his way' to find and comfort me. Amen!

I often think back to a weekly quote of my friend Pastor Murray. He would always end his services with a quote "I went outside to find a friend and couldn't find one there, I went outside to be a friend and friends were everywhere!" Whether we know it or not, we could very well be the lifeline someone needs today. That hand of help, word of encouragement, presence for inspiration, or just that smile that says 'you matter'. We never know how far or how deep our deeds of righteousness may go, but one thing is certain. If we don't extend ourselves they will never go anywhere. This world has enough anger and hate in it, why not be a difference maker today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

P.S. - Hope you can join us Sunday morning at 9:30am for Women's Day!

God's Work. God's Time.

When it's not in God's time, you can't force it. When it is in His time, you can't stop it. - Craig Groeschel

Some thought nailing Jesus to the cross would end His mission on earth. I think they regret that decision. Hmm!

Regret! Joy! Two words on the opposite end of the spectrum we call life. We all have them, no one is immune. When we think on it we often realize the majority of our regrets came from decisions we made outside of God's counsel and timing, when we were in a hurry and He wasn't. Like Saul and Uzziah not waiting for priest. Not a pretty ending for either one. On the flip side we realize our joys as blessings that continue to give us hope and life. Hopefully, in this life we will have much more joy than regret, and even in that know that God can take away the sting of our hasty decisions. The lesson to learn is that God works for us at all times, but He will never be forced by us to speed up the process.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....I advise you....Leave these men alone! Let them go. For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men, you will only find yourselves fighting against God." - Acts 5:38-39

Always Pray

If you are too busy to pray, you are much busier than God wants you to be. – Richard Murray

Before he ‘rushed’ into battle, David often took a few minutes to consult with God. Hmm!

You have to marvel at them. Indy car drivers racing at speeds upwards of 200mph, contending with twists, turns, other cars, and of course keeping an eye on the dash to maintain optimum performance. Whew, that’s a lot going on! Oh, and don’t forget to add to the mix they have an open conversation going with their pit crew. Thank goodness, life moves at a much slower pace for us. But though we don’t move at such speeds, many of us still seem to lack time for a consistent and meaningful prayer life. We still don’t seem to note a need to be involved in the prayer life of the church. God is moved by prayer more than anything else. He actually ‘inclines’ His ear to listen for them. If we truly seek change in the world and in ourselves, God says He’s willing to listen. If there’s any one command of Jesus we should keep it’s to pray and never give up.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Keep Fighting

Moses didn't make it into the 'Promised Land' but he made it into the PROMISED LAND. - Anon

Paul said he 'trained and beat his body' in such a way as not to be disqualified for the prize. Amen!

Every Major Sport has a team or individual that is eventually crowned as champion. They go through seasons or tournaments being tested. They battle opponents, time, injuries, weather, even themselves to prove they are worthy of that 'championship' title and honor. And though it is an achievement of great note, it will always pale in comparison to what God offers us. Make no doubt about it, life is just as tough if not tougher than sports. And in life we must continue the battle daily and here's why. In the kingdom of God as long as you're still fighting, you're winning. Remember, God doesn't hand out awards for performance, He hands out CROWNS for perseverance.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award me on that day...." - II Timothy 4:8

P.S. - Please join us today in the sanctuary at 5:30 pm for PRAYER today!

Then of Course the Choice is Yours

Some people complain that rose bushes have thorns while yet others rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. – Anon

Cain thought being his “brother’s keeper” was too great a burden, while Joseph thought keeping his entire family was what he was made for. Hmm!

It's an ability we are all blessed with, and no one has a greater amount or opportunity than the next person. What is it? The ability to choose our attitude on a daily basis, our response to any situation, our expectations from other individuals. Life is geared to bring all sorts of external stimuli to our doorsteps, but it is still up to us to choose our reaction. To borrow a line from the old TV show 'The Outer Limits,' we control the "horizontal and vertical" elements of our mood, outlook, and activity. How we respond is what makes it what it is. The attitude we choose is solely up to us. Whether God gifts us rain or sunshine, warmth or coldness, He gifts us with each day; He didn’t have to but He did. How we greet it is left to our own devices. If our day is going bad, or our current situation seems sour, we alone have the power to change it, and can do so without seeking anyone else’s permission. So, if things are looking down you can always look up.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self….to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

Become Even More "Undignified"

Everybody won't understand YOUR praise because they haven't walked in your shoes. - Anon

David's dancing may have displeased his wife, but it didn't bother God at all. Amen!

The Cha-cha! Electric Slide! Salsa! Waltz! Twist! Wobble.... And many, many more dance styles that have evolved over the years. And most folks have their preferences, usually predicated on a special time/moment/season in their life. The way we praise God is kind of developed along these same lines, again depending on the time/moment/season we're in. And like the dancing where we feel comfortable on the dance floor, we should be equally as comfortable in the Lord's house or wherever we might be, giving praise to Almighty God. He truly is worthy at all times. Our praise may make others uncomfortable at times, but then again, they aren't the audience. Let the glory of the Lord rise among us!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." - I Peter 2:9

Learning Everyday

The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance – it is the illusion of knowledge. – D. Boorstin

Paul spent a few years in the desert ‘unlearning’ what he knew to learn the truth about Jesus. Hmm!

Osmosis is the ability of one object to absorb or take in all the elements of another object without harm. This is a scientific process, not an educational method or spiritual growth formula. One of the things that often get in our way of knowing God deeper, is our own belief that we know enough already. We have key scripture passages memorized, bible stories categorized, and gospel songs on demand. These are all good in themselves, but sometimes God just wants us to ask Him a question about His heart or maybe take some time and think about what He’s up to. Just as we built upon our early math skills after we learned basics of addition/subtraction, God wants us to build upon those verses, stories, and songs a stronger relationship and understanding of who He is. One thing is for sure, we can never learn all there is about our Great God.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” – Luke 11:52

Let Them See Christ In Me

The proof of the pudding is ALWAYS in the eating. – Anon

They were called ‘Christians’ by outsiders, not so much by what they said, but how they lived. Hmm!

It’s one of the greatest ‘professions’ in the entire bible. And what makes it great is that is was backed up by action. Ruth stated to her mother-in-law Naomi “where you go, I will go, where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, your God my God…” And we see and read she was very true to her word. And God blessed her and Naomi. It really is food for thought for us today. Our word should be or bond, no “ifs’ ands, or buts.” Our ‘yes’ should be yes and our ‘no’ should be no. And Jesus should be Lord of our life. This calls for a new mindset, one where we don’t need people to hear us say “I’m Christian,” but need them to see Christ in me!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” – John 7:38

Sacrificing Now for Later

Your new life is going to cost you your old one. – Anon

Paul willingly counted everything he had accomplished as ‘lost’ for the sake of having Jesus. Wow!

Sacrifice! Now that’s a word where we all seem to understand its meaning but have the greatest problem committing ourselves to it. The ability to delay gratification for something greater, the ability to give oneself up to aid in the greater cause. It’s so hard to do, but yet, it is what Jesus did for us, and willingly. Even with all the hardship that He knew He would endure. He still willingly and lovingly sacrificed Himself for us. And admittedly, no matter where we stand in life right now, up or down, thin or flush, we all still want and believe there is something better. That there is more to ‘life’ than where we are right now. The question is are we willing, like Jesus to sacrifice the now for the later.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"…No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62

Acts of Kindness

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force. - Publilius

Tabitha's kindness brought a community together in prayer and solicitation. It also moved God. AMEN!

We call them small acts of kindness! But in truth there is no such thing. As 'kindness' is one of the fruits of the Spirit, it has God written all over it, so it really isn't small, it's God reaching out. Though we may think little of our actions, to the one on the receiving end it may just be the hinge that swings open the door allowing them to move from despair, grief, anxiety, etc., to praise and a new hope. And that friend is not insignificant - it's monumental.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done." - Proverbs 19:17