Bear Your Cross Don't Just Sport It

Church members wear a cross. A Christian bears his. – Anon

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wore modified clothing with wide phylacteries and tassels to be seen. Jesus said they were hypocrites. OUCH!

Look all around you and possibly even on your person and you see it. Designer wear clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. It’s all the rave today, and most folks are not ashamed to let you see the label or tell you what it cost. It’s often that way in the religious world as well. People wearing a name and emblems that don’t fit the lifestyle. On this day some 2000+ years ago, our Lord bore the shame and agony of the true cross for us. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t the rave of the day, but it was expensive – it cost His life. Now’s the time for us to bear the cross for Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Condition Check

The will of God has far more to do with our spiritual condition than with our geographical location. – P. Smith

Even exiled in a foreign land, Daniel still held fast to his ‘dietary and faith’ regimens for God’s purposes. Hmm!

Were you to ask any real estate broker or agent the primary factor that helps move a house for sale, they’ll give you their professional credo: location, location, location! Often we tend to think the same way when it comes to serving God, we’ve got to be ‘at church’ or in some ‘sort of setting.’ But God is not so much interested in our location as He is with our hearts condition. Truth is, there is no place we can go where God is not. So wherever we may be today, may we do His will. All it takes is a willing heart.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” – Psalm 139:7

Let's Go to Work!

We're not in the business of packing the church, we're in the business of overcrowding heaven. - Anon

When you read the scriptures, you'll see it wasn't just the Hebrew children that left Egypt with Moses. Hmm!

You ever give bible reading a second thought or serious consideration? Ever wonder why so many of its lessons were written to 'believer's' and churches? It wasn't solely to help them worship better on Sunday, but to instruct them how to let 'Christ' live through them each day. It's not the number that sit in the pews on Sunday, but the number who 'live for Christ' in the world daily that make a difference. The work of reconciling the world back to God and redeem mankind is still alive and active taking place through us believers as disciples. Yes, believe it or not God is still trying to save this world. He has not given up on us. But Jesus does need to be alive in us daily to get the task done. The question is can He count on you/me allowing Him to 'go to work' today?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." - John 9:4

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

Religion or Faith

Religion is a heavy chore, faith is a life-giving belief. - Anon

Often when entering a new town/city, the first thing Paul looked for was the sanctuary or temple of worship. Hmm!

It's no secret! Since the COVID pandemic church attendance is down over 40%. Many churches closed permanently. The number of folks who believe the bible is completely infallible and true has plummeted exponentially over this period. And many folks who still consider themselves Christian have not returned to the church house, opting instead for the comforts of home-viewing. It begs the question, was it actually 'faith they held' or 'religion' they practiced? It's no secret we're quick to cast aside those things that are burdensome, and apparently these trends seem to tell us it's been 'religion' for most. Times like these bring the question to our own doorsteps. Which is it for us - religion OR faith? Only you can answer, but know that your actions really tell the story.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I rejoiced with those who said to ME, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord...'" - Psalm 122:1

Meet You In The Morning

The best things you can give children, next to good habits, are good memories. - Sydney Harris

The bible says the "parents often brought their children to Jesus and he blessed them." REALLY!

I remember them well, the trips to grandma's house as a child. The moment you approached it your demeanor or attitude changed. Even though it was nestled among other houses on the street hers seemed to project an aura or glow of someone revered, worthy of great respect. As you entered you could sense the love, you spoke in hushed tones, and put on your best manners. If grandma and her house were worthy of such high regard, what about the God we serve? I'm not talking about going to church, we're good at that, but it means little. I'm talking about going to God's house. Preparing our hearts to go. Meeting with Him personally, praising Him passionately, worshiping Him penitently, receiving Him powerfully. And just as we always left grandma's with a full stomach or some other goody, when we worship God completely He will ensure we leave His presence victoriously. Anyone up for this? Sunday's comin'.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...The memory of the righteous shall be a blessing..." - Proverbs 10:7

More Than A Show

Church members wear a cross. A Christian bears his. – Anon

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wore modified clothing with wide phylacteries and tassels to be seen. Jesus said they were hypocrites. OUCH!

Look all around you and possibly even on your person and you see it. Designer wear clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. It’s all the rave today, and most folks are not ashamed to let you see the label or tell you what it cost. It’s often that way in the religious world as well. People wearing a name and emblems that don’t fit the lifestyle. On this day some 2000+ years ago, our Lord bore the shame and agony of the true cross for us. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t the rave of the day, but it was expensive – it cost His life. Now’s the time for us to bear the cross for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Beyond the Building

Too many people quit looking for God once they find a church. – Herb Botts

The parents of the blind man Jesus healed said nothing because they didn’t want to be thrown out of the synagogue. Hmm!

Complacency is a dangerous thing, and it’s something our enemy is very familiar with and often uses to trap us. In honesty, most of us love our church; we love the building, the amenities, the programs, the service, and of course the people. Unfortunately we often fall in love with these ‘things’ and cease to seek after God. But we must always remember God does not want to dwell in a building but in our hearts, so we must continually seek Him always.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus declared, ‘Believe me, woman; a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem…... God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.’” – John 4:21,24

P.S. - Mark your calendar:  Tonight at 6:30PM - Good Friday Service (Dinner/Movie)

Tomorrow at 9AM - Prayer Breakfast

Sunday at 10:30 AM Resurrection Day Services

Take em to the House!

The best things you can give children, next to good habits, are good memories. - S. Harris

The bible says the "parents often brought their children to Jesus and he blessed them." REALLY!

I remember them well, the trips to grandma's house as a child. The moment you approached it your demeanor or attitude changed. Even though it was nestled among other houses on the street hers seemed to project an aura or glow of someone revered, worthy of great respect. As you entered you could sense the love, you spoke in hushed tones, and put on your best manners. If grandma and her house were worthy of such high regard, what about the God we serve? I'm not talking about going to church, we're good at that, but it means little. I'm talking about going to God's house. Preparing our hearts to go. Meeting with Him personally, praising Him passionately, worshiping Him penitently, receiving Him powerfully. And just as we always left grandma's with a full stomach or some other goody, when we worship God completely He will ensure we leave His presence victoriously. Anyone up for this? Sunday's comin'.

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

"...The memory of the righteous shall be a blessing....." - Proverbs 10:7

P.S. - We will be packing shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse this Sunday.

Freely Give

Those who give when they are asked to, have waited too long. – Richard Murray

The woman anointed Jesus’ head not because he asked, but because she wanted too. WOW!

We’ve all heard the refrain “I would’ve helped if you asked me.”  We’ve probably used it ourselves a time or two. But the true meaning of servant is just that – to provide service. An honorable servant looks for ways to assist or lend a hand or support. It’s not an inconvenience, not a return of a favor, nor a deed to show our good works, it’s just an act of love expressed from a heart of gratitude. God, who has given us all things should NEVER have to ask us for anything nor should His church have to beg us. For if we truly understand all He has done for us, all He has spared us from, and all He has promised us, the love we have for Him and His church should have us almost tripping over ourselves to express it in giving our best to Him. The next move is ours!

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

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

Blame or Build

The man who can’t dance thinks the band is no good. – Anon

Because he was not appointed a priest for his people, Korah led a rebellion against Moses and the others. God settled it – OUCH!

One fact of life is we always want to be right, and when we’re not we look for sources outside ourselves to blame. A carpenter blames the tools or materials, a doctor blames the nurse or patient, a team member blames a team mate or the coach, etc.! The bottom line is we also had a role to play in it. The truth of the matter is we are not perfect nor can we do everything. But God has gifted us with certain talents that when used for His glory will leave all those we encounter edified and much richer. Our goal in life is to lift up, not tear down.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“……try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” – I Corinthians 14:12

Regular Maintenance

The untended garden will soon be run over with weeds. - A.W. Tozer

When Paul traveled from city to city the first thing he often looked for was the 'gathering' place. If they didn't have one he often started it. Hmm!

Medical research has revealed that though heart attacks are 'silent', the body gives of a host of warning signs in the early preventable stages if we would only pay attention. Be that as it may I know a host of people who have ignored the warnings of a much more serious type of heart trouble. I know you know some as well, or maybe you're one yourself. Who are they: 'Christians' who loosely live by the name. I say loosely because they may have been to the church, even baptized, but have not been seen at the church often since then. They know they should be in attendance but quiet their conscience by saying missing church services is really not a serious matter. Or they fail to tithe/give, convincing themselves that God would want them to have whatever pleasure they spend the money on. They fail to get involved in any study, ministry, or outreach, and then blame the church for being cold or impersonal. Just as doctors would tell us not to ignore the warning signs of heart trouble, so does God's Word. We are told 'not to forsake the assembly' we're told to 'love the fellowship' to 'prefer one another' and on and on. These are truths we should give serious consideration to, for to neglect them has far worse consequences than a heart attack.

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

Don't Sleep

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one. - Anon

You have to think God parting the Red Sea made someone say WOW!

It makes children giggle, the elders take umbrage - someone sleeping in church. But in truth it's nothing new, even Eutychus fell asleep while the apostle Paul preached in Troas. But before we cast an evil eye at these folks we may need to check ourselves. All of us sleep through some of God's most compelling sermons or lessons. If the heavens truly declare His glory imagine what  the world you live in shouts about Him. See the truth is not all sermons of God happen in church settings. A flower blooming (God's renewal/provision), a cricket chirps (God making music/not being silent), a gentle breeze (God's spirit among us). God loves for us to grasp His countless ways of communicating His love, care, concern, and presence amongst us. So let's WAKE UP!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....he who has ears, let him hear....." - Matthew 11:15

Meet Together Still

Though most people have never been home-schooled, they fully believe in being home-churched. – Anon

Though Abram was away from his homeland, he still sought out God’s high priest (Melchizedek) to worship. God called him friend. AMEN!

The early church (ekklesia = called out of God) met from house to house, or house to temple, but they always met together at the appointed times. God has always wanted his people to gather together to praise his name. Yes, we can worship by ourselves anywhere at anytime, but if Jesus truly came to establish the church we can be sure he had our attending it in mind. People today may think the church is archaic, old, out-dated, out of touch with reality, or run it's course. The question then becomes who gets to tell Jesus/God that. It's true God forgives us of our sins, but not our wanton disregard and excuses for not doing His will, and attending the church services is His will. As we progress through TODAY, let us begin to make preparations for Sunday.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Let us NOT give up meeting TOGETHER, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the DAY approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

Church like Jesus

Most people don’t really have a problem with Jesus, just the ‘church’ that claims to represent him. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Israelites loved being God’s chosen nation, but His laws and commands left a lot to be desired. Hmm!

Things aren’t always as they appear. It's a truth I’m sure we’re all somewhat familiar with, and one we need to make sure does not apply to us. In our proclaiming the relevance of Christ for today’s world, we need to make sure that it is Christ’s message we are sharing and living and not simply our convenient version of it. Yes the world is as sinful today as it was in the time that Jesus walked the earth physically, and though we do ‘hate the sin’ they practice; we must not project that hatred on to them, lest we will never reach out to them. Jesus ate and communed with sinners and looked for every opportunity to mingle with them in hopes to cleanse, purify and save them. Our challenge is not to ‘condemn’ anyone but to try and love them to repentance just as Jesus did. God will be testing us all in some measure today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake.” – II Corinthians 4:5

Coming Together

A river is powerful only because many drops of water have learned the secret of cooperation.  – R. Murray

In the early Christian church where they had “all things common,” they also had power to ‘shake the earth’ through prayer! Hmm.

It is true, each of us must come to Christ individually and have a personal relationship with him directly, but it does not negate the fact that he built the church to have power here on earth. When the church (collective body) comes together in prayer, evangelism, outreach, and missions it is a force within a force (God’s Spirit) to be reckoned with. When we try to go it alone or do it outside the church’s purview, we’re going against God’s plan. Remember, there is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:42-44

Wear or Bear

Church members wear a cross. A Christian bears his. – Anon

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wore modified clothing with wide phylacteries and tassels to be seen. Jesus said they were hypocrites. OUCH!

Look all around you and possibly even on your person and you see it. Designer wear clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. It’s all the rave today, and most folks are not ashamed to let you see the label or tell you what it cost. It’s often that way in the religious world as well. People wearing a name and emblems that don’t fit the lifestyle. On this day some 2000+ years ago, our Lord bore the shame and agony of the true cross for us. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t the rave of the day, but it was expensive – it cost His life. Now’s the time for us to bear the cross for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

In love with the Creator or the created things?

Too many people quit looking for God once they find a church. – Anon

The parents of the blind man Jesus healed said nothing because they didn’t want to be thrown out of the synagogue. Hmm!

Complacency is a dangerous thing, and it’s something our enemy is very familiar with and often uses to trap us. In honesty, most of us love our church; we love the building, the amenities, the programs, the service, and of course the people. Unfortunately we often fall in love with these ‘things’ and cease to seek after God. But we must always remember God does not want to dwell in a building but in our hearts, so we must continually seek Him always.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus declared, ‘Believe me, woman; a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem…... God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.’” – John 4:21,24

P.S. - Mark your calendar:

Tonight
6:30PM - Good Friday Service (Dinner/Movie)

Tomorrow:
9AM - Prayer Breakfast
6:30 PM - GUIDance in Concert

Sunday
9AM -Resurrection Day Program                
10:30AM 30-pieces of Silver Offering