Reach up

If you want to have a horizontal reach, you need to have a vertical focus. - Robin H.

Paul had great success in his ministry because he 'counted everything loss for the sake of Christ,' which is all he preached. Hmm!

Some things in life are so simple that we often overlook the obvious. We attend programs, seminars, classes, buy the latest bestsellers, trying to learn the latest insight, methodology, or buzz words on how to be successful for Christ. This is all noble and good, but the obvious is overlooked. When we plant a seed the first thing it does is break through the dirt reaching upward to the sky. Then as it grows it begins to spread its branches and leaves outward. That's the key, we need to look up first, and make sure we're hooked up properly. The point is that anything we attempt to do for Christ and His church must begin with Him. Meaning we need to be connected to Him, filled with His spiritual presence, and submitting to His leading. The work of Christ has always been empowered by His Spirit and always will be. If we're struggling with success for Him maybe we need to make sure the connections are in proper order.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

Don't Like What You're Getting? Think About What You've Been Giving

Each day we make deposits into the memory banks of others. – Charles Swindoll

Though deceased, Jonathan’s past friendship with young David earned his son Mephibosheth a place at the King’s table. Hmm!

Banks deal in one commodity – MONEY. They take it in (deposits) and pay it out (withdrawals). But it’s all they deal in. You can’t go there and buy groceries, gas, etc., only monetary transactions. And just as you can’t get blood from a turnip, generally speaking people only pay back in currency what they received from the individual making the withdrawal. If we’ve been mean, hostile, selfish, and abusive to them we get it in return. Therefore, if we don’t like what others are giving back to us then we should begin to think about the words, deeds, and pictures we’ve deposited into them. If we know we’ll need a healthy withdrawal later now is the time to begin making the deposits, and like any good investment portfolio it’s always good to spread your wealth around.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8

True Supporting Cast Members

God evidently does not intend us all to be rich, or powerful, or great, but He does intend us all to be friends. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jonathan would not let the kingship nor his father, king Saul, take from him what he cherished most – FRIENDSHIP with David. Hmm!

In any society there are only so many that can be leaders, standouts, or greats if you will. But in reality, they cannot be such without the support of the people, so to be a standout or great is really nothing without friends to support you. One of the key elements God looks for in us down here is our ability to love one another in spite of our different stations, cultures, or preferences, and to prefer one another over ourselves – that’s a picture of true friendship. Remember, it’s easier to be a friend than to find one.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You are my friends if you do what I command.” – John 15:14

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

Infectious Joy

You can never give another person the joy you’ve found, but you can make him homesick for what you have. – Oswald Chambers

After talking with Jesus at the well, the Samaritan woman excited the whole town with what she found there. AMEN!

If there’s one thing this present world could use it is joy. Political news, economic news, world news, pandemic news, and even local news all seems to be negative; and often in the home there is little or no peace. We are called to be a light, to be a joyful people – these traits attract others – that we might impact the world around us. We must remember our joy isn’t determined by what's going on around us or by what we have, but WHO we have within. If our immediate sphere of influence is dark and dreary and without hope, we shouldn’t look outward, but inward; and then upward. If our Christian walk is not attracting or impacting others, then we’re really not living for Jesus we’re living for ourselves. May we all be ‘infectious’ today!

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

Joy, Joy, God's Great Joy

Joy is the serious business about 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

Being Friends

God evidently does not intend us all to be rich, or powerful, or great, but He does intend us all to be friends. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jonathan would not let the kingship nor his father, king Saul, take from him what he cherished most – FRIENDSHIP with David. Hmm!

In any society there are only so many that can be leaders, standouts, or greats if you will. But in reality they cannot be such without the support of the people, so to be a standout or great is really nothing without friends to support you. One of the key elements God looks for in us down here is our ability to love one another in spite of our different stations, cultures, or preferences, and to prefer one another over ourselves – that’s a picture of true friendship. Remember, it’s easier to be a friend than to find one.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“You are my friends if you do what I command.” – John 15:14

Change IS the Reward

Our reward is what we become, not what we get. – Richard Murray

Abraham became a ‘friend’ of God, Moses became ‘God’s man’ and neither of them made it to the Promised Land God spoke of. Hmm!

All to often in our prayer lives we go to God asking Him to give, grant, supply, or meet our needs – which are mostly physical – and rarely do we thank Him for what He is making of us. All of us can look back and see the changes God has made in us and for this we should be profusely thankful. The idea of getting things is great, but just like a new toy when the novelty wears off, we’re back to asking for more. Life is not so much about getting as it is becoming, and that becoming or manifesting all of what God made us for. So if there is no getting today, just give thanks for what God is making of you.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” – John 15:1-2

The Proper Hook Up

If you want to have a horizontal reach, you need to have a vertical focus. - Robin H.

Paul had great success in his ministry because he 'counted everything loss for the sake of Christ,' which is all he preached. Hmm!

Some things in life are so simple that we often overlook the obvious. We attend programs, seminars, classes, buy the latest bestsellers, trying to learn the latest insight, methodology, or buzz words on how to be successful for Christ. This is all noble and good, but the obvious is overlooked. When we plant a seed the first thing it does is break through the dirt reaching upward to the sky. Then as it grows it begins to spread its branches and leaves outward. That's the key, we need to look up first, and make sure we're hooked up properly. The point is that anything we attempt to do for Christ and His church must begin with Him. Meaning we need to be connected to Him, filled with His spiritual presence, and submitting to His leading. The work of Christ has always been empowered by His Spirit and always will be. If we're struggling with success for Him maybe we need to make sure the connections are in proper order.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5  

What's on Deposit?

Each day we make deposits into the memory banks of others. – Charles Swindoll

Though deceased, Jonathan’s past friendship with young David, earned his son Mephibosheth a place at the King’s table. Hmm!

Banks deal in one commodity – MONEY. They take it in (deposits) and pay it out (withdrawals). But it’s all they deal in. You can’t go there and buy groceries, gas, etc., only monetary transactions. And just as you can’t get blood from a turnip, generally speaking people only pay back in currency what they received from the individual making the withdrawal. If we’ve been mean, hostile, selfish, and abusive to them we get it in return. Therefore if we don’t like what others are giving back to us then we should begin to think about the words, deeds, and pictures we’ve deposited into them. If we know we’ll need a healthy withdrawal later now is the time to begin making the deposits, and like any good investment portfolio it’s always good to spread your wealth around.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8.

Proper Connection

If you want to have a horizontal reach, you need to have a vertical focus. - Robin H.

Paul had great success in his ministry because he 'counted everything loss for the sake of Christ,' which is all he preached. Hmm!

Some things in life are so simple that we often overlook the obvious. We attend programs, seminars, classes, buy the latest bestsellers, trying to learn the latest insight, methodology, or buzz words on how to be successful for Christ. This is all noble and good, but the obvious is overlooked. When we plant a seed the first thing it does is break through the dirt reaching upward to the sky. Then as it grows it begins to spread its branches and leaves outward. That's the key, we need to look up first, and make sure we're hooked up properly. The point is that anything we attempt to do for Christ and His church must begin with Him. Meaning we need to be connected to Him, filled with His spiritual presence, and submitting to His leading. The work of Christ has always been empowered by His Spirit and always will be. If we're struggling with success for Him maybe we need to make sure the connections are in proper order.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5  

Spreading Joy

You can never give another person the joy you’ve found, but you can make him homesick for what you have. – O. Chambers

After talking with Jesus at the well, the Samaritan woman excited the whole town with what she found there. AMEN!

If there’s one thing this present world could use it is joy. Economic news, world news, and even local news all seems to be negative; and in the home there is little or no peace. We are called to be a light, to be a joyful people – these traits attract others – that we might impact the world around us. We must remember our joy isn’t determined by what we have, but who we have. If our immediate sphere of influence is dark and dreary and without hope, we shouldn’t look outward, but inward; and then upward. If our Christian walk is not attracting or impacting others, then we’re really not living for Jesus we’re living for ourselves. May we all be ‘infectious’ today!

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

Independently Dead

The devil did not tempt Adam & Eve to steal, lie, kill, or even commit adultery. He just tempted them to live independently of God – B. Jones Sr.

The book of Judges is a testimony against God’s people who tried to live without Him. OUCH!

It’s an amazing truth that often we at times look at our lives as religious or faithful based on the “sins” we don’t or didn’t commit. But this is the same type of legalistic pride that Jesus condemned in the religious leaders of His day, who were zealous for the laws of man over the commands of God. Though we are obedient to the commands of God, they are not our motivation or purpose for living, it is our passionate love and zeal for God and continual communion with Him in every detail of life. If there is any truth to Paul’s statement, “for in Him we live and move and have our being,” then we must realize that living independent of God and His word even without committing the “sins” of life means certain death. It’s always been about the relationship.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am the vine, you are the branches…..apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

If you don't like what you've been getting...

Each day we make deposits into the memory banks of others. – C. Swindoll

Though deceased, Jonathan’s past friendship with young David, earned his son Mephibosheth a place at the King’s table. Hmm!

Banks deal in one commodity – MONEY. They take it in (deposits) and pay it out (withdrawals). But it’s all they deal in. You can’t go there and buy groceries, gas, etc., only monetary transactions. And just as you can’t get blood from a turnip, generally speaking people only pay back in currency what they received from the individual making the withdrawal. If we’ve been mean, hostile, selfish, and abusive to them we get it in return. Therefore if we don’t like what others are giving back to us then we should begin to think about the words, deeds, and pictures we’ve deposited into them. If we know we’ll need a healthy withdrawal later now is the time to begin making the deposits, and like any good investment portfolio it’s always good to spread your wealth around.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8.

In the Plan

God has included you in His plans, have you included HIM in yours? – Anon

God told Jeremiah he “purposed” him from his mother’s womb as a prophet. That’s love friend. Hmm!

By virtue of you reading this God has included you in this great new day never seen before. He’s planned the sunrise and sunset and all in between with you in mind. He woke you, blessed you with health and strength, clothed you, and kept the world as you know it in a state you can deal with. He did all this for you, because He loves you and would like to work through you today. In spite of what you may think is a difficult day ahead, He has already gotten the ball rolling in your favor, and will stay with you if you ask. Have you made any definitive plans yet for Him?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:16-17

Remain in Him

If you want to have a horizontal reach, you need to have a vertical focus. - Robin H.

Paul had great success in his ministry because he 'counted everything loss for the sake of Christ,' which is all he preached. Hmm!

Some things in life are so simple that we often overlook the obvious. We attend programs, seminars, classes, buy the latest bestsellers, trying to learn the latest insight, methodology, or buzz words  on how to be successful for Christ. This is all noble and good, but the obvious is overlooked. When we plant a seed the first thing it does is break through the dirt reaching upward to the sky. Then as it grows it begins to spread its branches and leaves outward. That's the key, we need to look up first, and make sure we're hooked up properly. The point is that anything we attempt to do for Christ and His church must begin with Him. Meaning we need to be connected to Him, filled with His spiritual presence, and submitting to His leading. The work of Christ has always been empowered by His Spirit and always will be. If we're struggling with success for Him maybe we need to make sure the connections are in proper order.

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5