God Knows Best

God’s best for you today may not be your preference. – Anon

I'm sure Paul didn't want to be imprisoned, but he made the best of it. Amen!

Castor oil, hog hoof tea, vapo-rub, cod liver oil, etc. – I’m sure we can remember these and other home remedies from our early childhood. Though we would have preferred a visit to the doctor, maybe a few days off from school and so forth; our parents ‘forced’ these remedies on us. And you know what; we are so much the better off today because they did. In truth, their intentions were right in line with the way God deals with us. Just as medicine is not always pleasant and easy to deal with, it is what is best for us when we are ill. The situations or circumstances God allows into our lives may seem harsh, unappealing, and distasteful to us; but He is always working in our best interests. So though we may not like the ‘state of things’ as they are right now, remember God knows what is best and has a plan for how it will all turn out for good.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:18

A Little Fellowship Pick Me Up

There’s only one thing more precious than our time and that’s who we spend it on. - L. Christopher

When the Prodigal Son returned home, can you imagine how the father's heart felt? Hmm!

You've probably seen it, possibly experienced it. One car connected to another by battery cables for a jump. Yeah, a jolt to get it started. When you meditate on this scene for a minute or two it shows the importance of fellowship. We all need a jump or jolt every now and then in our spiritual lives. Those times God may seem distant, or like He's not hearing our prayers, and the doubts keep multiplying in our heads. We need a jump to bring us back the reality that no matter the current situation, God is still good and He has not forgotten nor forsaken us. Fellowship with other believers helps recharge/revive our spirit and refocus our vision. So if you're in need of a jump, join the fellowship. And if you don't need a jump, join the fellowship for you may be just the one to give someone else that jolt!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." - Isaiah 40:29

The Happy State

There is no key to happiness, the door is always open. – Anon

Governor Festus thought all of Paul’s ‘learning’ made him a mad man. Paul was just happy to share the gospel, even while in chains. Hmm!

Blaring car horns, glaring facial scowls, grumpy greetings – it’s enough to make one think this world is full of mad, angry, unfulfilled people – and often its us, we’re the unhappy campers in the mix. Maybe that’s because we have the wrong idea or assumption. We often think happiness is tied to achieving certain stations in life or particular blessings. But in truth happiness is a state of mind or attitude we can willingly choose anytime, no matter what is going on around us or in our immediate lives. God’s Word does actually tell us to ‘rejoice in all situations’ which is an indication of the attitude we should have at all times. Maybe life would be much more bearable and enjoyable if we tried it God’s way.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God…” Ecclesiastes 2:26

Don't Delay

Somebody said it couldn’t be done – it wasn’t God. – Anon

God was willing to work with Gideon and the ‘fleece’ in any fashion to show him the time was now. Hmm!

It’s amazing how we always want our turn when playing a game or receiving a blessing, but how we want to put our turn off when it comes to something unpleasant. We don’t seem to mind procrastinating then. When you really stop to think about it, the habit of procrastination takes a 2-fold toll on us. First, important work that needs to be done goes undone. Second, valuable energy we could use in doing the work gets wasted in activities we ‘drum up’ to avoid what we should be doing. So what results is delay, followed by anxiety, then a hurried, harried attempt to catch-up, leading to more anxiety or stress. The truth is we procrastinate out of fear, fear that we’re somehow inadequate at the time to do the job. But God gives us all we need beforehand, or will equip us with what we need ‘during’ the test so we need not fear, only ask His help to tackle the task. So if we meet the challenge head on we can avoid untold trouble, worry, and stress. Life doesn’t procrastinate – neither should we.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“….Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself….” – Matthew 6:34

Marks of Honor that Really Matter

A Note from God: “My kid saved your honor student.” – Anon

Paul stated he’d rather have Jesus more than anything, counting all his other worldly goods as ‘rubbish.’ WOW!

Whether it be honor student, perfect attendance, club awards, etc., we sometimes do tend to get carried away with notoriety for our children, and oftentimes even with titles for ourselves. Awards and titles have their place in our lives, but we must keep the main thing the main thing. None of this would be possible if it had not been for what Jesus did for us, and secondly and of even more import; none of this means anything if Jesus is not our personal Savior and Lord. Besides, when we get to heaven God is not going to check our credentials for awards or titles, He’s going to check our hearts and bodies for battle scars (the marks of Jesus).

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” – Jude 3

P.S. - Don't forget to turn in your 'Policy & Procedure' sign-off document.

The Color of Life

Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush – it can color any situation – any color you want it. – Anon

Even after Isaiah pronounced God’s judgment on him, Hezekiah held fast his trust in God. God granted him 15 more years. WOW!

Life, as we know it is a series of responses to Today’s offerings. No matter what the sky above looks like, the truth of the matter is the day presents back to us exactly the color or attitude we give to it. If we are gray and gloomy it will be long and slow. If we’re hopeful and optimistic it will be fast paced and full of opportunity. The choice is ours and ours alone to make. Circumstances may enter, like loss of sleep, little financial resources, strained relationships – but how we respond is clearly our own choice of color. The fact that God has granted us life today begs the question – do we have any reason to be upset or negative?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“[Jonah] said, ‘O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ But the Lord replied, ‘Have you any right to be angry.’” – Jonah 4:3-4

Everyday Angels

Just because you can't see something doesn't mean it's not there! - Anon

Biblically, she was only known as the 'servant' girl of Naaman's wife. Hmm!

We often think of angels as those vessels of God who appear out of nowhere at the right moment to assist us when in need and then suddenly, they're gone. We don't get a name or much information about them, just that they appeared, helped, and disappeared. Now it's true this happens often, but let's not overlook the angels we get to see in everyday life. The meaning of angel is 'messenger of God', one who gives God's tidings. And if that is the case, we are all visited quite often, more so than we know. Those who drop by unexpectedly with a bag of groceries or offer to run an errand or two for us in our time of sickness, infirmity, or sorrow. Those who greet us with a 'knowing' smile in our time of struggle to encourage us. In essence, anyone who communicates God's love to us in our time of need is an angel. Yes, they are all around, so look for them and praise God for His goodness.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways...." - Psalm 91:11

The Gift of True Friendship

True friends are God's way of taking care of us. - Anon

Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the man whom God chose to replace King Saul. Mortal enemies right - NO, it was a friendship made by God. Hmm!

We often take them for granted, and seldom remember how they came into our lives - friends. But that's just it - they are in our lives - and we would be somewhat at a loss if they weren't. They step up when others step back, add to you instead of taking away from you. Remember what the bible says, 'every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father...' I pray we may all be a true friend and have a true friend.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." - Proverbs 27:6

Outward Expressions of Inward Beliefs

Christianity is not turning over a new leaf, it’s turning over a new life. – Sparks

Paul, a man of means and status (Pharisee), considered his former life “rubbish” compared to a relationship with Jesus. HMMM!

Sweatshirts. Rainwear. Sweaters, etc. We often wear these outer garments when the weather dictates it. Often however, we wear our “Christianity” the same way, when situations dictate it. But in reality our relationship with Christ must be an inward change of the heart permeating every area of our life, every day of our life, and not areas we want to pick and choose. Remember, if you don’t live it, you really don’t believe it!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 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

Not Over. Not Finished.

Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, it’s not the end. – Richard Murray

God gave Joseph a ‘dream.’ He gave David a ‘promise.’ He said there was ‘none’ like Job on the earth. They all had major issues in life, but God made the end result worth it. AMEN!

We’re all familiar with the cliché “it’s not over till it’s over.” Though a tiresome phrase, the truth and veracity of it are ever true. And this is refreshing news. It gives us great hope that God is not finished with us yet. The dreams He gave us, promises in His Word, or blessings He's ascribed are still available to us. Life may have us in a headlock at the moment, our vision may be somewhat blurred right now, or a relationship may have soured today, but it’s not the end, God’s purposes will be worked out in life. It’s not for us to know the when and the how specifics, ours is just to wait and be faithful.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

An On Call God

He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and joyful life. - W. Law

David sought the Lord and actually received deliverance from his troubles. Really. Wow!

Lawyers on retainer! Agents on commission! Doctors on call! Men or women who will do whatever we ask them to do - ON DEMAND (for a price) - to appease or satisfy our wants or needs. For many of us these are only pipe dreams, we don't fit in the category of wealth to have such luxuries at our fingertips on speed dial. But there is another type of 'on call' relationship we can have where money/wealth is not involved at all. In fact, it is only available to those who consider themselves 'poor and needy.' It is God's promise to never fail in hearing and responding to His children's cries, prayers, petitions, and requests. The thing we have to remember is God is not 'on demand' to do as we ask but He is 'on call' to hear us and provide the deliverance we need according to His grace. So why don't we just give Him a call today, Really!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly." - Luke 18:7-8

Great Efforts to Please The Great I Am

“You call what you’re doing a living sacrifice?” – God

Jacob had to leave his family, slept alone with a ‘rock’ for a pillow, and still got up and praised God. Hmm!

Often most of us just fall into the rut of life, just doing what we need to do to get by, make ends meet, keep the lights on, etc. And unfortunately, the same attitude falls upon our ministry and worship efforts. But if God is a God of life, joy, vibrancy, and the One who is ‘doing a new thing’ should not our lives somewhat parallel the One in whose image we were made? The spirit-filled individuals we read about in His Word had problems as well, but it seems they went out of their way and normal routines to praise/please God. If God is the same ‘yesterday, today, and forever,’ I think the same type of attitude and effort is still what pleases Him. Hopefully we’re all up for it today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“{God said} Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” – Job 1:8

Recognizing the Situation

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you’ll know exactly what to do. – M. Ventor

Some of the greatest advice Moses ever received was during a short visit from his father-in-law. WOW!

Newborns, money, sunrise – what do they have in common – none of them come with instructions but they present a plethora of opportunity, good or bad. The same is true of people we meet in our lives. God brings other people into our lives via relationships to help us reach our full potential and purpose. These individuals will either give to us or require something of us in developing our spiritual maturity, for that is what God is developing in us. But even with our good intentions, problems can occur when we get the people and the expectations mixed up. That’s why it’s important we keep in touch with God asking for guidance, direction, and wisdom to know who’s who.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us.” – Luke 24:31-32

Passionate Pursuit of Spiritual Progression

Learning comes not from having books, writings, or even teachers; but the DESIRE within to know. – Anon

God chose many of His servants not based on what they knew, but WHO they pursued. AMEN!

Pre-school! High School! Colleges, universities, the ‘school of hard knocks.’ All avenues of education, life preparation, and social maturation. Each student has access to all they need to learn, but yet teachers still use grades such as A,B,C… to show their progress, which in truth is a measure of the student’s desire to actually know and understand. Similarly, in our Christian lives we have the same equal access to the bible, spiritual teachers/mentors, and fellowship with other Christians, to help us grow in the faith. And we see the same results, not all of us pursue spiritual growth with the same passion or desire. God is calling us into a relationship to ‘know Him’ not just know about Him. And as gracious as He is, He won’t be using a grading scale like our earthly teachers.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"…One thing I ask of the Lord. This is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” – Psalm 27:4

Misfortune or Opportunity?

Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting a hungry bear not to charge you because you're a vegetarian. - S. Barr

For all the good he did for Saul, David couldn't understand why Saul wanted him dead. The kingdom maybe. Hmm!

Live long enough and you will find that bad things do happen to good people - OFTEN! We seem surprised at times that the hardships or misfortunes of life come home to implode on us. We even sometimes become indignant about it, as if we have a free pass because we're good people, we do everything right, we play fair and by the rules. But the issues of life apply to all, no one is above hardship or exempt from misfortune. These are often learning and growth opportunities for our faith and maturity. If we trust "that in all things God works for the good..." in perfecting our faith, then we must have a few of these events in our lives for Him to work through. So as these situations arise in our lives we shouldn't look for an escape clause but for God's purpose and an opportunity to grow closer.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11

P.S. - Don't forget we will hold our Annual Business meeting promptly after services this week. Hope you can make it!

Post-It Prayers

Once you choose hope, anything is possible. - Christopher Reeve

The angel told Cornelius his many prayers came up as a memorial before God. Hmm!

Years ago, the 3M Company (Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.) came out with a great invention: 'Post-It' Notes. Those little yellow sticky note pads that allowed you to leave a note for someone 'stuck' to a place they couldn't avoid seeing. It was a winner. Soon, these little notes were seen all over the place, often as reminders to ourselves to do something important. Just a short, quick, note! Maybe this is something we should adopt in our prayer lives. Not so much the note; but short, quick, prayers. I'm sure God is honored when we take time in our closets or 'in the WILD' but I'm sure He loves it even more when we take time throughout the day to 'stick' a prayer request, or a thank you note, or even a song of praise on His 'window'. And the more, the better. For it keeps Him centered in our daily walk. So, let's 'Post-It!'

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...." - Ephesians 6:18

Return, Reclaim and Revive

It's a truism, you always find what you lost right where you lost it. - Anon

David said, "I was glad when they said let us go into the house of the Lord!" Seems like he couldn't wait. Amen!

In Luke 15 we read of Jesus' presentation of a lost coin, sheep, and a son. Each item was precious to its owner. We see the Prodigal Son realizes what he's lost, and though he doesn't think it can be fully recaptured, he at least tries to get as close to it as possible. How many of us are like this in life? We've lost what we think we'll never find again - innocence, hope, family, joy, purpose, etc., and seem aimless or listless in life? Jesus tells us these parables to let us know we can find it again. All we need do is follow the instructions He gave to the people of the church of Ephesus in the Book of Revelation: "You have forsaken your first love, go back to it!" Many folks have left a church, even Southside (moved, marriage, school, work-related) and are no longer attending church at all, wondering why their lives seem to be missing something. Perhaps God is saying "You've forsaken your first love - ME! Come back to ME." True, a church is unique because of the people, but that's not why we attend. God is always the focal point. Find Him first and everything else will fall in line. If you're missing God why not try His local address.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33

The Power to Love

God’s right to rule is His desire to love his people. – C. Ringma

Joseph had a right to be angry with his brothers for what they did to him, but love showed up. WOW!

Imagine having not just the authority to do something, but the divine right to do it; and then willingly giving it up in hope that you will not be disappointed. That’s what God did with us. He could condemn us at any time and be justified, but yet He desires not to. His love does the opposite of what we would normally expect. It fills empty rather than full hands. It pursues the worst to make it the best. It makes the weak strong and rules with love rather than force or coercion. And God does so freely, risking rejection. We are so well loved that we ourselves ought to love others well. Time’s a wastin’ friend!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:35

Pulling Weeds

Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong! - Winston Churchill

Achan! Korah! These men weren't anti-God, but they still had to be purged from the community. Hmm!

Weeds! Every garden or lawn has them. No one plants them, but they appear. Seeds sown via the wind or deposited unknowingly by visiting critters take root. And the next thing you know - BAM - they're growing. It's often the same in our lives. The enemy rarely comes in announcing his intention, he passes through casually scattering seeds. This is why we need to be careful of whom we associate with and/or the content of media we consume. Everything seems to have 'seeds.' The good thing for us is that we have a 'caretaker' of our garden, and He has a way of removing those 'weeds.' Jesus says let them grow together then toss them into the fire and He'll do the separating. Whoa! Maybe the turmoil, stress, or anxiousness in your life right now is the 'separation' process going on. Maybe all you need to do is stand firm and let Him finish the work. Why not just praise Him in the process. Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." - I Corinthians 15:33

And In the Number One Spot...

When we give God second place, we give God no place at all. – Anon

Jesus twice drove the money changers and sellers from the temple area. Seems there was no room for God in his own house. Hmm!

From the time we’re able to understand we’re taught “everybody loves a winner,” that unless you came out on top you’re a loser. And we feed into that worldview. But it is only in God’s economy that we can win by losing. “He who loses his life for my sake will find it” is what His word says. Anytime we place anything or anyone before God – we lose. True there are a great deal of noble causes out there – and the enemy knows this – but our worship and service to God must come first. As circumstances arise this day remember to be economical.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” – Colossians 1:18

Stewarding Grace and Mercy

We are not made rich by what is in our pockets or portfolios, but by what is in our hearts. – Sparks

The disciples were indignant that the woman ‘wasted’ her expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. He said it was a beautiful thing for her to do. Hmm!

Fine China. Fancy Silverware. Candles and Table linens. An expensive restaurant – NO! For most of us it’s our cabinets at home. They are stuffed with these things. We’re waiting for the special moments or occasions to break them out. Often, we live or lives for Jesus in the same way, waiting for those special moments to show our best. But he asks us to spend our costs daily “take up your cross;” not holding back anything. As you enter into the heart of today may you spend God’s grace and mercy profusely, you won’t run out!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Freely you have received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8