Joy! Joy! God's Great Joy!

Joy is the serious business of heaven. – C.S. Lewis

The Hebrews writer said Jesus ‘endured’ what he went through because of ‘the joy’ that awaited him. Hmm!

People are searching all over for it. They want to know the secret of obtaining it, how to keep it, make it flourish. They read books, attend seminars and conferences in hopes of receiving it. What is it – JOY! And it is as simple as choosing it. Joyful people are joyful simply because they choose to be joyful. In spite of their surroundings, problems, health, needs, or whatever else may try to pull them down or depress them, they realize they are truly rich in Christ who came to bring us joy. All of the issues and circumstances of life are in reality ‘momentary,’ but if we let them they can linger longer and rob us of our joy. That’s why we need to keep our focus on the ONE who died that we may live. If joy is lacking in your life there is a strong possibility that Christ is lacking as well.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11

Limitless Methods of Experience

Never make a principle out of your own experience; let God be as original with others as He is with you. – Oswald Chambers

God spoke to the Israelites from the mountaintop with thunder, lightning, fire and smoke. He spoke to Elijah in a whisper. The key is He spoke. Amen!

Exercise regimens. Cold remedies. Financial successes. We’re quick to offer others our pet methods and ways for the success we may have achieved in certain areas, telling them if they do exactly what we did they’ll get the same results. Rarely is that the case but more importantly it puts God in a box, limiting Him and His creative power. Sharing experiences is great, but we must let God be God in all things and allow Him to work in our lives “according to His good pleasure,” and not our expectations. God has been known to move and answer in some mysterious ways. Keep an open eye!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For God does speak – now one way, now another – though man may not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night….he may speak in their ears….” – Job 33:14-16

Now's the Time

To decide not to decide, is to decide. – Anon

The rich man lived in luxury every day and never gave thought to Lazarus or any act of kindness. Hell later welcomed him. OUCH!

“I’ll think about it later.” “I’m too busy right now!” How often have we used these phrases and others like them to “put off” a decision? We may think subconsciously we have put it off, but in actuality we have made a firm decision not to do it right now, in the moment. If God’s word is truly alive, we have no recourse in our lives but to obey it in the moment as it speaks to us. To do otherwise is to decide it doesn’t mean what it says. The decision is ours.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” – Matthew 7:26-27

One Day We'll Have to Cross That Bridge

The man who refuses to show mercy destroys the bridge over which he himself must cross. – C. Moody

After being forgiven a great sum, the ungrateful servant tried to choke the little he was owed from a friend. That little act only cost him everything. Wow!

We have a common saying, “what goes around, comes around,” and it’s true. The bible puts like this, “a man reaps what he sows.” In either case the intent is very clear – we will get back in kind what we pay out. As children of God who need his mercy EVERYDAY, we should extend it in like manner to others EVERYDAY. Our claims that many who cross us are undeserving of such mercy should be measured by our own standing before God. Again, God leaves the choice up to us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8

Remember to Have An Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to remember past mercies. – C. Jefferson

The publican in his prayer request. Paul in his letter to Timothy. They both understood “it” – Grace!

Did you ever stop to wonder why God gave us the ability to remember things? I think the main reason is so that we would never forget what He’s already done for us. It’s true, were we to actually stop for a minute and try remembering our past blessings, we would truly realize how gracious and merciful God has been to us; which in turn should make us the most gracious and merciful people on earth. The question of the day is are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful? Gratitude is a great attitude. Thanksgiving was yesterday, will we have an gratitude today?

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:1-5

Another Day of Thanks and Blessings

Before you enjoy the gift of ‘gobble’ why not practice your gift of gab with God. – Anon

Thanksgiving is defined as a public acknowledgement of gratefulness OR a celebration of God’s divine goodness. As you gather today, may you be able to amply do both. And as you come together with family, friends, and others remember God made each of us in a unique way, personality quirks and all. So let us be grateful and thankful for those in our lives and the God who has blessed us beyond measure.

Until later…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.” – Colossians 3:12-13

Enjoy Every Second

For every moment you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness. - Richard Murray

Cain lost his temper for a moment but regretted it for a lifetime. OUCH!

It's common knowledge. No one likes being around an angry person, it just seems to suck up all the energy or opportunity in the room. To have to 'walk on eggshells' all the time is no way to live, so we try to avoid it. But how do you do it when you are the 'elephant' in the room. Some of us refuse to let happiness into our lives, holding on to anger/rage from years and years ago. And when God tries to break through, we even refuse to acknowledge the greatness of His works (think Jonah). Life is short and can change in the blink of an eye. So now is the time to let go of that anger and forgive, for we never know if and when we may not have the opportunity again. We can't add any time to our lives, but we can make sure we enjoy every second of it. It's our choice!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.." - James 1:20

Learn the Language of God

Teach your child to PRAY! You won't be around all their life but God will. - Anon

Jesus loved to see the little children at the temple and often used them as examples. Hmm!

It's a human phenomenon. In every culture children don't come into the world knowing the language of their people. But by continually hearing it spoken by their parents and siblings they learn it's meaning and how to speak and converse with one another. And many go on to learn other languages becoming bi-lingual marvels. It gives rise to a question as to why I think many of us don't pray. We've never really been taught or learned the 'language' of God. Even Jesus' disciples pled with Him to teach them how to pray. And Jesus taught them it was not a formula, order form, or monologue, but a heartfelt conversation with the Father. And what better way to have such a conversation than to know something about how the other person thinks or feels. We need to learn the Word of God in order to better converse with Him in prayer. God's Word is written from His heart and fully wrapped up in His love for us. He's never said prayer has to have a minimum word count nor contain certain phraseology, just recognition of Who He is and who we are AND that we are welcome in His presence.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6

It's Still A Marvelous Life

You know you’re getting old when you’ve lost all your marvels! – M. Browne

When Jesus would teach the people they were all astonished, and “marveled” at his ability to make the word of God come alive. Amen!

Admittedly, we often take life as it happens; and even that we take for granted. Because we've been at it for so long, we just assume one day is just as ordinary as any other day, day after day, year after year. We rarely think of each new dawn where we can open our eyes as the greatest blessing ever. We scarcely think of our ups and downs as potential 'God moments,' just assuming they are all a part of life. But if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and He is continually seeking to be found and known by His people, you would have to conclude that He’s still in the “marveling” business, and today will be no exception. May we greet today with excitement for meeting Him in new ways.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise….” – I Chronicles 16:23-25

A Key to Easing Stress

Patience! The windmill never strays in search of the wind! - A. Sklivis

Throughout the whole bible there was never a time God or His Son was in a hurry. Hmm!

Haste makes more than waste; it makes folks tired. There is almost an inverse relationship when you really think about it. The more patient we are, the more accepting we will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as we would like it to be. Without patience, life is extremely frustrating. We become easily annoyed, bothered, and irritated. Patience adds a degree of ease and acceptance to life, and it’s essential for inner peace. One key to having this patience is learning to look for and see the innocence in the situations that arise that test us. People interrupt us or situations arise not out of conspiracy but because life happens. Our loved ones show up unexpectedly, street lights slow us up, long lines crop up, not because of a vendetta against us; but because life was never supposed to be catered to us but lived by us. To try and hurry it along only brings stress, and I imagine it makes God laugh a bit too!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience...." - Galatians 5:22

Choice, Circumstances and Conclusions

In the grand scheme of things there is God in ALL things. - Anon

Rahab is in the genealogy of Jesus for a reason. Hmm!

"How did the world wind up like this?" "How did I wind up in this position?" Why are people so evil...?" Honest questions we all ask from time to time. The 1-word answer - SIN! God did not create sin but He knew it was an inevitable possibility with giving us free will. But even with that He created a way out for us (Jesus) and a place for those who don't want Him (Hell). Again, letting us by our own free will make the choice. Life is full of choices. No one is a victim of their circumstances; they are victim of their free will choices to the circumstances that presented themselves. The good thing is that though we may make a bad decision from time to time, God can take it and make it work out for our good if we're willing to trust Him. It doesn't mean He will take the situation away, but He will give us a new perspective and a renewed spirit to see and deal with it in a way that brings glory to Him, and that ain't all bad.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." - Ecclesiastes 12:13

Ask Ahead

It’s good to believe in prayer, but what we believe about prayer is far greater. – Bill Pile

Daniel prayed 3 times a day. Jesus prayed before every decision, miracle, or move He made. Their results speak loudly! Hmm!

The average person will say they believe a healthy diet and exercise is good for the body, but rarely will they do it. They will say they know they need to save money before an emergency arises, but again, it’s rare if they do. We’re told to ‘pray without ceasing’ but….. Most of us as Christians do pray. However, if we were to look at our prayer life we would see we’re often praying ‘after the fact’ rather than before the storm; which shows our belief about prayer is somewhat lacking. If prayer is able to “change things” or “move God” should we not be asking ahead?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“[Uzziah] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” – II Chronicles 26:4-5

More In Us

Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic. - Anon

Gideon and his rag-tag band of 300 untrained men put to flight a mighty horde of Midianite warriors. Hmm!

We often marvel at great works of art, items of complexity, or models of amazing stature, sometimes wishing we had the ‘know-how’ to do such things. But as grand as these things are, they are just that – things. Too often, when God is seeking action or activity from us directly we wait, trust, or depend on others. But truthfully, there is much more to us than meets the eye, more in us than we give ourselves credit for, if the Spirit of God is present and active in our lives. God never looks at our ability but our availability. He works through people. The thing we need to remember is that God can do anything, with anybody, who is willing to be used of Him. And often it will not be a grand display to be ‘fawned’ over, but a small act that will change a life forever and bring glory to God. Are you ready to be used?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

Hope you can join us for prayer tonight at 5:30 pm.

It's Not Over

It’s always too early to quit. – Peale

At the first sign of rejection from Pharaoh, Moses was ready to give up. God was just getting started. Hmm!

Buzzer beaters, Last minute heroics, Miraculous saves! We often say with conviction that “God is always on time. Never early, never late, but always right on time.” If we truly believe this then whatever battle we’re fighting, whatever circumstances we’re facing, whatever challenge we’re up against, no matter where we are at this stage of life; it’s still early in the game. Deliverance will come, maybe not how we expect it, but it will come. Remember the ‘conqueror’ whom we have on our side.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” – Psalm 50:15

Flights of Faith

"I want to fly like an eagle, til' I'm free, fly like an eagle let my spirit carry me..." - Song lyrics

You ever notice once Abraham 'trusted' God he was NEVER in want for anything. Hmm!

You see them soaring overhead, oftentimes just floating on the wind, looking majestic and proud - birds of the air. It wasn't always that way. There was a day when they were pushed out of the nest to their first flight. Their parents thought they had what it took at that time to fly - and fly they did. Maybe not perfectly, and maybe not a long flight, but long enough to convince them they could. You ever think God works that way with us. Trying to nudge us out of the nest (our comfort zone) into something new and exciting. He knows He's prepared us for it and will walk with us through it, but He just needs us to take that 'flight' of faith. Faith only grows when it's put to the test/trial. We can learn a lot by reading the bible, but to build our faith takes practical exams. God is saying to all of us today: "Welcome to flight school!"

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

Time to Stop Running

Running towards what we don’t understand, and away from Him who wants to give understanding; keeps us from truly knowing who we are. – Anon

Adam and Eve ran and hid from God in the Garden and it seems as if man hasn’t stopped since. Hmm!

Believe it or not but ‘The Fall’ is still happening…. Though God has called us into relationship we are still in flight. Just think about it. We withhold information, we mask our true feelings, we twist facts, and we love to hide. Actions such as these are not demonstrations of openness or transparency but darkness. In our selfish flight to be free we only entangle ourselves more deeply. God is still in the business of giving enlightenment, discernment, wisdom, understanding, and purpose to life, and He’s willing to do it today. The great challenge for all of us is to stop running long enough to discover the truth about ourselves and God’s love for us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For in Him we live and move and have our being….we are His offspring.” – Acts 17:28

Don't Leave Home Without Him

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. - Philip K. Dick

Jesus just couldn't seem to convince the rich young ruler to take his mind off of his riches for something far better. Hmm!

"Don't leave home without it!" AMEX - at one time maybe, but now the tagline belongs to something else more noteworthy in our lives. The cell phone! Nobody, but nobody leaves home without it. It must be in our hands or on our person within reach at all times. We'll turn around and go back home to get it if we've left it behind. We've even put it in our children's hands. And though we try to convince ourselves it's for communication/connection purposes, that's the least of our usage. Oh, if only we were that devoted to being connected with God. Where His praise was always on our lips, His words were always being meditated upon, our soul was boasting about His goodness. God is constant in His call for us to return to Him, to stay connected to Him. If only there was some way we could reach Him by phone. Hmm!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." - Joshua 1:8

God Cares

Not everything that happens is the will of God, yet in the last resort nothing happens outside of his will. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God did not want sin in the world, yet when it entered in the Garden of Eden he had a plan to defeat it. Amen!

Often, we ask God ‘why?’ “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did this occur?” We are a people who always seek after concrete answers. And though it’s not a bad idea we must realize we cannot trace everything that happens directly back to God. One thing we must know is that many things happen as a result of our own willing and doing, and also because of the pervasive evil in our world. God cannot be the responsible cause of everything, for that would eliminate our freedom of choice and responsibility. But no matter, He IS concerned about everything that happens to us. And because He is Sovereign and His Providence is unchangeable, we can be assured that all things do finally work for the good for those who love Him. The question is: Will you trust Him in the midst of what you’re in right now?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” – Matthew 10:29

Change Is Here

The future has a way of arriving unannounced. – G. Will

Shortly before leaving them for good, Jesus told his disciples The Comforter would come and ‘remind’ them of all He taught them. They were never the same afterward. Hmm!

We are impatient people by nature. We don’t deal well with uncertainty or loose ends. We want concrete answers and timetables. We want to know when things will be done. But our asking God ‘when’ He will do a certain work in our life or the lives of others presupposes what He will do, or to put it in other words ‘what we expect Him to do.’ We often expect God to do something miraculous to mark the change we seek so that we may attribute it to Him vs. coincidence. In reality, God is always at His work in our lives, therefore the ‘when’ is up to us, not Him. He gives us everything we need to defeat every sin we encounter and unlimited access to Him for strength to overcome all spiritual wickedness. The real question we have to answer for ourselves is do we believe God has given us what it takes, and do we have the desire to do it?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, now we are the 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….” – I John 3:2

Time Best Spent

Wisdom is the power to put our time and our knowledge to proper use. - T. Watson

When it came to building the ark, Noah didn't know how much time he had but he also didn't waste any of it. Hmm!

A smart phone! That's what I have. And it often tells me things I guess I should be made aware of. Like, each month it will give a summary of my time driving and show me the day I traveled the most miles. Yeah! Like I really, really need to know that. But one thing I did notice is the total time I spent driving (hours/minutes). It made me wonder. What if the phone tracked the amount of time we spent on social media, the amount of time we spent following news leads/individuals, podcasts, playing games, or just amusing ourselves with pictures or recipes, etc? Would we like the results? Could some of that time have been better spent in prayer, meditation, or even meaningful conversation with a family member or friend? I know we use these distractions to escape for a breather, but some distractions actually steal opportunities, while others hinder our obedience to "seek the things of God and His righteousness." Though it is a smart phone, I think we should be smart as to how we use it instead of letting it use us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16

Forgiveness Not Revenge

An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind. – Mahatma Gandhi

Jesus asked not for retribution on his suitors. but forgiveness. Hmm!

Live long enough and you will be wronged – accidentally, by oversight, and often intentionally. It’s the price we must pay for living with imperfect beings like ourselves. But often, the problem is not in being wronged, it is in our expectation and desire to set things right. We often think the only antidote or solution to being wronged is revenge, to get even by a similar action on our part. God’s way of thinking is different, and often much easier – FORGIVE. Rather than scheme and plot and possibly suffer more retribution and harm, why not just forgive. It’s refreshing and saves a lot of wear and tear on the body and the heart.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15

What We Need

I can see clearly now.....the rain is gone.....- Song refrain

After God 'spoke' Job had a whole new perspective on his life's meaning. Amen!

REGRET! It's a backwards looking word. Where we 'replay' various scenes or situations in our life and wish we would have chosen 'better.' Or we wonder why didn't God step in or show up at that time. Why would He allow me to suffer such pain/anguish, or go without, or even lose out on the blessing? But if we truly know God, then we know a few things. First, He does not owe us an explanation for anything. He is Sovereign. Second, we know even though God loves to be involved in our lives He will not force Himself or His will upon us and our decisions. Third, we know God will at times allow trials to 'grow' our faith. And we know He takes 'all things' and works them out for our good. That's even true in our current situation, whatever it may be. Even in this, someday, when we look back, we'll be really, really grateful that God gave us or allowed what we NEEDED instead of what we thought we wanted. Why, because our Heavenly Father ALWAYS knows best. So there really should be no regret of life.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." - Psalm 37:25

Remembering...

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Though the Pharisee tried to snub him at prayer time, the publican held his peace. Only one of them went home blessed and it wasn’t the Pharisee. Hmm!

The slogan of the United Negro College Fund is “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Very powerful, and very true. It’s no secret that the enemy we face day in and day out is trying to sway our mind or way of thinking. Two of his major weapons are doubt and discouragement, for they create the illusion in our mind that we are not worthy or we can never measure up. But the completed work of God through Jesus Christ has made us ‘worthy’ in all things. So no matter our outward circumstances we “are more than conquerors” in any situation we face. As the day unfolds and the assaults come remember the God you serve.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free…..” – Romans 8:1-2