Being Zealous in God Things

Try not to become a person of great success, but rather try to become a person of virtue. – Albert Einstein

We read often of men like Abraham, Joseph, and David who had great success in their lifetimes. Not because they pursued it, but because they pursued God, and he granted it. Hmm!

It’s true we live in a world that measures you by your professional title, wallet, possessions, education, etc., however it’s important to remember we are not ‘of the world’ but called of God to make a difference in the world. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to do well in our social endeavors, but NOTHING should impede our ability and opportunity to serve Almighty God. I pray we will be zealous in all our endeavors for Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these….But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-29, 33

Can You Picture That?

Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions. ~ Albert Einstein

Though Joseph’s family didn’t believe in his ‘dreams’ he did, and God brought them to fruition for all their benefit. Hmm!

Child-like faith and understanding is so precious. In such pure circumstances there is nothing ‘too hard’ or ‘impossible’ to do. The present conditions don’t limit the possibilities or potential for things to change. It’s true as we grow older the world becomes smaller and somewhat a bit limited, but that’s the world, not the God we serve. And what’s really sad but true is that most people just really cannot picture themselves or their lives getting any better. They feel they are destined for continual heartache, failure, sub-standard happiness or little joy as it is their ‘cross to bear.’ Jesus did not die to sentence us to gloom and despair and hopelessness, but to set us free to rejoice in all that God has prepared for us here in this life and the next. So, if we’re in a rut it’s only because we’ve imagined ourselves here, we can change the outcome anytime, and today is just as good a starting point as any.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” – Matthew 18:2

The Accolades of Humanity

Not everything than can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. – Albert Einstein

Peter was the most widely known of the apostles saving 3,000 with one sermon, but it was his brother Andrew that brought him to the Lord. Hmm!

Degrees, awards, titles, plaques, notoriety, etc. – these are all things that help draw attention to us and show others our worth and value. And while nice to have they are still a far cry from the humanity others and God would have of us. The things that really matter in life don’t hang from walls or go on business cards but come from the heart. Things like trust, loyalty, discipline, benevolence, respect; just to name a few; are incalculable in a relationship. The lives we will touch for God will not be because we have great resources behind us but because we have divine resources within us. No one knows how far a touch from God will go.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:2

Spirit Ignited

What is truly sad is when something dies inside a man while he is still living. – Albert Einstein

Because of his continued willful disobedience God removed His “favor” from king Saul. He became a very vexed man who died a horrible death. Hmm!

“I’m okay!” It’s a statement we all use from time to time to tell ourselves and others all is right. But is it really? Just because life goes on as usual does not mean all is okay. Saul continued in his kingship devoid of God’s blessing and coverage, but hell bent on destroying David, a friend who had shown only love for him. Though we may attend to the “religious” detail of our life; without the livelihood of the indwelling Spirit we’re just going through the motions. What made Job truly remarkable in God’s sight was not only his obedience, but his attitude towards righteousness (he offered sacrifices just in case his children sinned). As we conduct our ‘check-up from the neck-up’ may our Spirit be alive and well.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:16-17

Seeing the Opportunities Over the Obstacles

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein

When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, "He’s so big we can never kill him." When David looked at the same giant he thought, "He’s so big I can’t miss." Hmm!

Economic uncertainty. Political rhetoric. Cultural dissonance. Job stability/availability. There are a lot of difficult choices ahead for us, that will further impact our individual status. But no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what our circumstances; opportunities abound to make things better. And the first step is to change how we view what we’re up against. If our God truly is greater than any obstacle we can ever face, maybe we need to take it to him and view it through His lenses. He’s already promised to give us ‘a future and a hope,’ and as the author of ‘every good and perfect gift’ every situation can be beneficial to us. It’s all in how we see it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

Dead Inside

What is truly sad is when something dies inside a man while he is still living. – Albert Einstein

Seemingly taking it for granted, Samson woke one fateful morning and found his 'strength' had left him. Hmm!

“I’m okay!” It’s a statement we all use from time to time to tell ourselves and others all is right. But is it really? Just because life goes on as usual does not mean all is okay. Because of his continued willful disobedience God removed His “favor” from king Saul. Saul continued in his kingship devoid of God’s blessing and coverage, but hell bent on destroying David, a friend who had shown only love for him. He died a tragic death. Though we may attend to the “religious” detail of our life; without the livelihood of the indwelling Spirit we’re just going through the motions. What made Job truly remarkable in God’s sight was not only his obedience, but his attitude towards righteousness (he offered sacrifices just in case his children sinned). As we conduct our ‘check-up from the neck-up’ may our Spirit be alive and well.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:16-17

Because HE Says So

Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it. - Albert Einstein

When God told Abram to go, he went, no questions asked. And the rest is history. Hmm!

"Because I said so!" I can still hear that voice resonate in my ears and mind all these years later. Mom/dad speaking it with authority, and me being completely okay with it, even though I didn't fully understand why. Now, I look back and relish those moments. They knew then what I know now, and I'm much more the better for their care and insight. I realize it's the same with Father God. Our complete understanding of His ways before we act is not what He's after. But, He does require our steadfast faith, trust, and confidence in His love for us, no matter the circumstances we may be going through at the present. He is with us and will see us through because He is faithful and true and promised to bring 'good' to our lives. So when He says "because I say so!" may we respond like little children and just rest assured it'll be for the better of us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ..." - II Corinthians 9:13

The Thought That God Delights In YOU

Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions. – Albert Einstein

Mephibosheth was taken aback that David would treat him, a descendant of Saul and David’s enemy so royally and invite him to the king's table. Hmm!

You’ve seen the commercial. It starts with them young. He enters, sees her across the room, gracefully strides over to ask for a dance…. Cut to them now older, at home still dancing. He says, “Alexa, play our song AGAIN!” ‘I Only Have Eyes For You….’ starts up and you see it in their eyes – they delight in each other. No place they’d rather be. That’s what God seeks with us. He delights in us. All that He has done, all that He has given us shouts it aloud “I delight in you!” It should be the thought that starts our day and propels us through it – God delights in me. The Creator of this world, the Maker of heaven and earth is with me, and can’t take His eyes off of me, He delights in me. How great and reassuring is that knowledge?

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” – II Samuel 22:20

P.S. - Join us for Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9:30am in Parmes Hall.

Can You picture That

Logic will get you from point A to point B. Imagination will take you everywhere. - Albert Einstein

When Daniel opened his windows to pray where do you think his spirit went? Hmm!

As kids our imagination had no end. We could easily envision ourselves in character form. We were superheroes, star athletes, princesses, and of course 'world conquerors'. Nothing could stand in our way. But then we grew up and our imagination shrunk, or in a lot of cases completely went away. Why? We can say it's because we 'put away childish thinking' but is that really what God wants from us. If He truly is the God who can do "much more than we can think OR imagine" shouldn't our imaginations still have no end? Shouldn't we still be able to envision ourselves and His church doing great things? If God has given us the vision He will make provision. Can you imagine that?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20

Child-Like Imagination

Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions. - Albert Einstein

Though Joseph’s family didn’t believe in his ‘dreams’ he did, and God brought them to fruition for all their benefit. Hmm!

Child-like faith and understanding is so precious. In such pure circumstances there is nothing ‘too hard’ or ‘impossible’ to do. The present conditions don’t limit the possibilities or potential for things to change. It’s true as we grow older the world becomes smaller and somewhat a bit limited, but that’s the world, not the God we serve. And what’s really sad but true is that most people just really cannot picture themselves or their lives getting any better. They feel they are destined for continual heartache, failure, sub-standard happiness or little joy as it is their ‘cross to bear.’ Jesus did not die to sentence us to gloom and despair and hopelessness, but to set us free to rejoice in all that God has prepared for us here in this life and the next. So, if we’re in a rut it’s only because we’ve imagined ourselves here, we can change the outcome anytime, and today is just as good a starting point as any.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” – Matthew 18:2

Pursuing True Greatness

Try not to become a person of great success, but rather try to become a person of virtue. – Albert Einstein

We read often of men like Abraham, Joseph, and David who had great success in their lifetimes. Not because they pursued it, but because they pursued God, and he granted it. Hmm!

It’s true we live in a world that measures you by your professional title, wallet, possessions, education, etc., however it’s important to remember we are not ‘of the world’ but called of God to make a difference in the world. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to do well in our social endeavors, but NOTHING should impede our ability and opportunity to serve Almighty God. I pray we will be zealous in all our endeavors for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these….But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-29, 33

Responding to Revelation

Any fool can know, the point is to understand! - Albert Einstein

Even though the disciples walked with Jesus daily it wasn't until His death, burial and resurrection that they truly 'got him!' - WOW!

There's a song with the refrain "I wish I knew then what I know now..." intimating that if I had only known these things about life when I was younger, I would've made different choices and been better off. Really! Would we? Nobody gets to live life backwards. There are many things we know right now that are bad for us, yet we continue in them anyway. Habits or vices that are unhealthy, unproductive, or even downright sinful. Revelation is not given to us to review or spotlight the past, but to help prepare us for the future, for that's where we're headed. And revelation is always given at the proper time never before. The question we must answer is whenever it is given, what will be our response?

Until tomorrow........

Pastor Botts

"...forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me...." - Philippians 3:13-14

Simple to Follow

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. – Albert Einstein

Listening to man and then thinking about God’s creation; it becomes clear why God made us last. OUCH!

“Why is the sky blue?” “Why is water wet?” “Where does the rain come from?” etc. etc. We’ve heard these questions countless times, probably even asked them ourselves a time or two earlier in our lives. And they are great questions. God in His infinite wisdom designed things just so ‘simple’ that we might seek after Him for He wants to be known. All of creation was designed with a single simple purpose - that we might seek after the Creator. And all it takes is simple seeking on our part. We tend to love the complex and the deeply theoretical, thinking the keys to life could never really be so easy, but we must remember we did not design it, God did. Why, because He wants to be known, but He will never force Himself on any of us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each of us…” – Acts 17:27

What Really Matters

Not everything than can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. – Albert Einstein

Peter was the most widely known of the apostles saving 3,000 with one sermon, but it was his brother Andrew that brought him to the Lord. Hmm!

Degrees, awards, titles, plaques, notoriety, etc. – these are all things that help draw attention to us and show others our worth and value. And while nice to have they are still a far cry from the humanity others and God would have of us. The things that really matter in life don’t hang from walls or go on business cards but come from the heart. Things like trust, loyalty, discipline, benevolence, respect; just to name a few; are incalculable in a relationship. The lives we will touch for God will not be because we have great resources behind us but because we have divine resources within us. No one knows how far a touch from God will go.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:2

How One Sees It

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein

When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, "He’s so big we can never kill him." When David looked at the same giant he thought, "He’s so big I can’t miss." Hmm!

Economic uncertainty. Political rhetoric. Job stability/availability, housing needs, relationship issues. There are a lot of difficult choices ahead for us, that will further impact our individual status. But no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what our circumstances; opportunities abound to make things better. And the first step is to change how we view what we’re up against. If our God truly is greater than any obstacle we can ever face, maybe we need to take it to him and view it through His lenses. He’s already promised to give us ‘a future and a hope,’ and as the author of ‘every good and perfect gift’ every situation can be beneficial to us. It’s all in how we see it.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

Dead on Your Feet

What is truly sad is when something dies inside a man while he is still living. – Albert Einstein

Because of his continued willful disobedience God removed His “favor” from king Saul. He became a very vexed man who died a horrible death. Hmm!

“I’m okay!” It’s a statement we all use from time to time to tell ourselves and others all is right. But is it really? Just because life goes on as usual does not mean all is okay. Saul continued in his kingship devoid of God’s blessing and coverage, but hell bent on destroying David, a friend who had shown only love for him. Though we may attend to the “religious” detail of our life; without the livelihood of the indwelling Spirit we’re just going through the motions. What made Job truly remarkable in God’s sight was not only his obedience, but his attitude towards righteousness (he offered sacrifices just in case his children sinned). As we conduct our ‘check-up from the neck-up’ may our Spirit be alive and well.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:16-17

Virtue First

Try not to become a person of great success, but rather try to become a person of virtue. – Albert Einstein

We read often of men like Abraham, Joseph, and David who had great success in their lifetimes. Not because they pursued it, but because they pursued God, and he granted it. Hmm!

It’s true we live in a world that measures you by your professional title, wallet, possessions, education, etc., however it’s important to remember we are not ‘of the world’ but called of God to make a difference in the world. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to do well in our social endeavors, but NOTHING should impede our ability and opportunity to serve Almighty God. I pray we will be zealous in all our endeavors for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these….But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-29, 33

Simply Simple

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. – A. Einstein

Listening to man and then thinking about God’s creation; it becomes clear why God made us last. OUCH!

“Why is the sky blue?” “Why is water wet?” “Where does the rain come from?” etc. etc. We’ve heard these questions countless times, probably even asked them ourselves a time or two earlier in our lives. And they are great questions. God in His infinite wisdom designed things just so ‘simple’ that we might seek after Him for He wants to be known. All of creation was designed with a single simple purpose - that we might seek after the Creator. And all it takes is simple seeking on our part. We tend to love the complex and the deeply theoretical, thinking the keys to life could never really be so easy, but we must remember we did not design it, God did. Why, because He wants to be known, but He will never force Himself on any of us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each of us…” – Acts 17:27

Opportunity to Win!

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein

When Goliath came against the Israelites, the soldiers all thought, "He’s so big we can never kill him." When David looked at the same giant he thought, "He’s so big I can’t miss." Hmm!

Economic uncertainty. Election campaign rhetoric. Job stability/availability. There are a lot of difficult choices ahead for us, that will further impact our individual status. But no matter where we are in our lives, no matter what our circumstances; opportunities abound to make things better. And the first step is to change how we view what we’re up against. If our God truly is greater than any obstacle we can ever face, maybe we need to take it to him and view it through His lenses. He’s already promised to give us ‘a future and a hope,’ and as the author of ‘every good and perfect gift’ every situation can be beneficial to us. It’s all in how we see it.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

The Intangibles

Not everything than can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. – A. Einstein.  

Peter was the most widely known of the apostles saving 3,000 with one sermon, but it was his brother Andrew that brought him to the Lord. Hmm!  

Degrees, awards, titles, plaques, notoriety, etc. – these are all things that help draw attention to us and show others our worth and value. And while nice to have they are still a far cry from the humanity others and God would have of us. The things that really matter in life don’t hang from walls or go on business cards but come from the heart. Things like trust, loyalty, discipline, benevolence, respect; just to name a few; are incalculable in a relationship. The lives we will touch for God will not be because we have great resources behind us but because we have divine resources within us. No one knows how far a touch from God will go.

Until Monday…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:2

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional and Birthday Recognition time this Sunday at 9AM in Parmes Hall.