Faith to Level Up

The road to the next level is ALWAYS uphill, and you can't coast there. - J. Maxwell

Faith led Jonathan and his armor-bearer up the cliff and God did the rest. Hmm!

To get ahead in anything you have to be willing to move forward, to take risks. For most of us we do, albeit we tend to like the calculated and certain, those in the 'safe' zone. But often with God the risk factor is incalculable. It's just the nature of our relationship with Him. Walking in and by faith requires risk taking. God often designs situations and circumstances in our life to see if we'll be willing to trust Him to grow our faith to the next level. So, if you're being stretched in your faith right now - praise God. If you're not being stretched or challenged in your faith - ask God why. In either case it's a good reason to open up the prayer lines.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.......They said 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' 'Come,' [Jesus] replied, 'and you will see.'" - John 1:37-39

Trust. Don't Wait

Procrastination is the fertilizer that helps difficulties grow. – J. Maxwell

Because the Israelites didn’t think they were ready to take the Promised Land it cost them 40 years in the desert wilderness. OUCH!

Small projects that have become monumental tasks. Small issues that have become mega problems filled with drama. All because we did not attack them when they first surfaced. The truth is all problems grow if we don’t focus on them immediately and plan some course of action. The first step is always to remember who we are and who we belong to. And since there’s nothing too hard for our God, we should trust Him for the strength, wisdom, knowledge, and other resources we will need. Since tomorrow is not promised today is a good day to start.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Laws of Attraction

Who you are is who you attract. – J. Maxwell

The Three Mighty Men. The Thirty Chief Men. Though David was king of Israel, he was a warrior at heart and attracted other warriors. Simply Amazing!

Science teaches us that certain animals emit pheromones to attract or warn others of the same species. It’s a natural body function for sustaining the species. When it comes to our life and relationships the same chemistry applies. The people and the problems we attract are not determined by what we want, but by who we are. If we’re selfish, non-committal, and drifting, that’s who we’ll attract. If we’re honest, self-less, and God-fearing; that’s who we’ll attract. If we want to attract a better class, then we need to improve ourselves first. The good news is we don’t have to stay the way we are unless we feel we’re already perfect. God has granted us this day for changing.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love……as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1,2

Red Letter Days

The average day is average only because we don't make it something more. - J. Maxwell

God fed the Israelites 'fresh food' (manna) every day. They just ate without giving it a second thought. Hmm!

Most moments in our lives become 'special' only because we designate them so. Celebrations, major events or milestones, etc. But when we designate what is special, we leave God out. It was He who determined what is 'good' and the very first day He made and every one since then is 'good.' The very fact that we had nothing to do with the creation and coming of today makes it miraculous. God designed it, cropped it, filled it with His glory, and gifted it to us; all in a manner designed to help perfect our character. If we can get so excited at someone just baking us a cake for our birthday, should not our appreciation for what God shows us every day be 'off the charts!' Hopefully, we'll all take time to be amazed today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...the Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands....Day after day.....night after night...." - Psalm 19:1-2

Being Fluid

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are. – J. Maxwell

Paul says he spent 3 years unlearning what he ‘thought’ was the right way before he met Jesus. Wow!

No doubt about it, most people; present company included, are resistant to change. Often, if we’re not careful we let complacency set the order of the day for us. We say we desire improvement but tend to firmly resist changing any of our routines. That’s a problem because we all know that old maxim ‘if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.’ The fact is life is all about change, but for us to grow in new ways we have to be more than just open to change, we have to actually and physically pursue change. It’s much more than wishful thinking, it takes dedicated, consistent application and review. We must remember, though God takes us as we are, He is not going to leave us that way. Perfection is His goal and sometimes He needs us to be a bit more ‘moldable.’

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven…” – Matthew 18:3

P.S. - Again, my apologies for last night's 'interruption' to our bible study. I pray no 'little' eyes or ears were hurt. We will be investigating a much more secure venue for future gatherings.

Not Going It Alone

The entire population of the world, with one minor exception, is composed of others. – J. Maxwell

In the midst of all his persecutions and troubles Paul never lost his love or concern for “all the churches.” WOW!

It goes without saying that we often need to be reminded that it’s not just us nor is it actually about us. It is about God living and working through us. We tend to get narrow minded in our focus and outlook often looking at life only as to how it can benefit us individually – ‘What’s in it for me?’ But God asks us to look at life as to how we can benefit others. Just as He lets the rain or sun fall on the just and unjust, He expects and asks us to extend such common courtesy to all who come our way. As we go through each day we must remember others are dealing with problems as well.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain

conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” – Philippians 2:3-4

Faith Stretched Uphill

The road to the next level is ALWAYS uphill, and you can't coast there. - J. Maxwell

Faith led Jonathan and his armor-bearer up the cliff and God did the rest. Hmm!

To get ahead in anything you have to be willing to move forward, to take risks. For most of us we do, albeit we tend to like the calculated and certain, those in the 'safe' zone. But often with God the risk factor is incalculable. It's just the nature of our relationship with Him. Walking in, and by faith requires risk taking. God often designs situations and circumstances in our life to see if we'll be willing to trust Him to grow our faith to the next level. So if you're being stretched in your faith right now - praise God. If you're not being stretched or challenged in your faith - ask God why. In either case it's a good reason to open up the prayer lines.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.......They said 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' 'Come,' [Jesus] replied, 'and you will see.'" - John 1:37-39

Procrastination made it grow

Procrastination is the fertilizer that makes difficulties grow. – J. Maxwell

Because the Israelites didn’t think they were ready to take the Promised Land it cost them 40 years in the desert wilderness. OUCH!

Small projects that have become monumental tasks. Small issues that have become mega problems filled with drama. All because we did not attack them when they first surfaced. The truth is all problems grow if we don’t focus on them immediately and plan some course of action. The first step is always to remember who we are and who we belong to. And since there’s nothing too hard for our God, we should trust Him for the strength, wisdom, knowledge, and other resources we will need. Since tomorrow is not promised today is a good day to start.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Special Moments: The Not So Average Day

The average day is average only because we don't make it something more. - J. Maxwell

God fed the Israelites 'fresh food' (manna) everyday. They just ate without giving it a second thought. Hmm!

Most moments in our lives become 'special' only because we designate them so. Celebrations, major events or milestones, etc. But when we designate what is special we leave God out. It was He who determined what is 'good' and the very first day He made and every one since then is 'good.' The very fact that we had nothing to do with the creation and coming of today makes it miraculous. God designed it, cropped it, filled it with His glory, and gifted it to us; all in a manner designed to help perfect our character. If we can get so excited at someone just baking us a cake for our birthday, should not our appreciation for what God shows us every day be 'off the charts!' Hopefully, we'll all take time to be amazed today.

Until Monday....

Pastor Botts

"...the Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands....Day after day.....night after night...." - Psalm 19:1-2

Level Up!

The road to the next level is ALWAYS uphill, and you can't coast there. - J. Maxwell

Faith led Jonathan and his armor-bearer up the cliff and God did the rest. Hmm!

To get ahead in anything you have to be willing to move forward, to take risks. For most of us we do, albeit we tend to like the calculated and certain, those in the 'safe' zone. But often with God the risk factor is uncalculable. It's just the nature of our relationship with Him. Walking in and by faith requires risk taking. God often designs situations and circumstances in our life to see if we'll be willing to trust Him to grow our faith to the next level. So if you're being stretched in your faith right now - praise God. If you're not being stretched or challenged in your faith - ask God why. In either case it's a good reason to open up the prayer lines.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.......They said 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' 'Come,' [Jesus] replied, 'and you will see.'" - John 1:37-39

What we need to be

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are. – J. Maxwell

Paul says he spent 3 years unlearning what he ‘thought’ was the right way before he met Jesus. Wow!

No doubt about it, most people; present company included, are resistant to change. Often, if we’re not careful we let complacency set the order of the day for us. We say we desire improvement but tend to firmly resist changing any of our routines. That’s a problem because we all know that old maxim ‘if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.’ The fact is life is all about change, but for us to grow in new ways we have to be more than just open to change, we have to actually and physically pursue change. It’s much more than wishful thinking, it takes dedicated, consistent application and review. We must remember, though God takes us as we are, He is not going to leave us that way. Perfection is His goal and sometimes He needs us to be a bit more ‘moldable.’

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven…” – Matthew 18:3

More than Average

The average day is average only because we don't make it something more. - J. Maxwell

God fed the Israelites 'fresh food' (manna) everyday. They just ate without giving it a second thought. Hmm!

Most moments in our lives become 'special' only because we designate them so. Celebrations, major events or milestones, etc. But when we designate what is special we leave God out. It was He who determined what is 'good' and the very first day He made and every one since then is 'good.' The very fact that we had nothing to do with the creation and coming of today makes it miraculous. God designed it, cropped it, filled it with His glory, and gifted it to us; all in a manner designed to help perfect our character. If we can get so excited at someone just baking us a cake for our birthday, should not our appreciation for what God shows us every day be 'off the charts!' Hopefully, we'll all take time to be amazed today.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"...the Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands....Day after day.....night after night...." - Psalm 19:1-2

Procrastination: Growing Trouble

Procrastination is the fertilizer that makes difficulties grow. – J. Maxwell

Because the Israelites didn’t think they were ready to take the Promised Land it cost them 40 years in the desert wilderness. OUCH!

Small projects that have become monumental tasks. Small issues that have become mega problems filled with drama. All because we did not attack them when they first surfaced. The truth is all problems grow if we don’t focus on them immediately and plan some course of action. The first step is always to remember who we are and who we belong to. And since there’s nothing too hard for our God, we should trust Him for the strength, wisdom, knowledge, and other resources we will need. Since tomorrow is not promised today is a good day to start.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Consider Others

The entire population of the world, with one minor exception, is composed of others. – J. #Maxwell

In the midst of all his persecutions and troubles Paul never lost his love or concern for “all the churches.” WOW!

It goes without saying that we often need to be reminded that it’s not just us nor is it actually about us. It is about God living and working through us. We tend to get narrow minded in our focus and outlook often looking at life only as to how it can benefit us individually – ‘What’s in it for me?’ But God asks us to look at life as to how we can benefit others. Just as He lets the rain or sun fall on the just and unjust, He expects and asks us to extend such common courtesy to all who come our way. As we go through each day we must remember others are dealing with problems as well.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” – Philippians 2:3-4

Relate in Harmony

Never let the situation mean more than the relationship. – J. Maxwell

Joseph could have brought great harm on his brothers for what they did to him, but he chose to love them instead. AMEN!

As we are made in the image of God one thing should be crystal clear to us. We were made to be in relationship with others. Just as our triune God exists in perfect harmony and desire, we were made to exist in harmonious relationships with each other. It doesn’t matter what skin color, socio-economic standing, or intellect one may have, we were made for relationship with one another. Earth is our testing ground. God brings people with imperfections into our life to help us learn how to build harmonious relationships – or learn how to perfect our love. The enemy wants us to focus on extraneous situations, God asks us to focus on the person. No matter how we slice it, people are what make life worthwhile.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Be kindly affectionate to one another, with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” – Romans 12:10