Double Double

A blessing shared is not halved but doubled. – Anon

A little boy shared his lunch with Jesus one day and they fed 5,000+ and they took up 12 baskets full of leftovers. Hmmm!

We by nature are greedy people. We are taught survival of the fittest and to look out for number one from a very young age. And we keep these teachings ingrained in our psyche for life. And then we come to God’s economy which is completely different, give to receive, die to live, etc., and we find it a hard transition. But that’s what faith is – totally abandoning your way of thinking, your desire for control – trusting completely in God. And when we do and learn to share this way we realize there is never a shortage in what He supplies no matter how much we give away. Therefore, with every blessing we receive we should seek to pass it on to others, for we must always remember when God blesses us, He has more than us in mind.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

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

God Cares

Not everything that happens is the will of God, yet in the last resort nothing happens outside of his will. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God did not want sin in the world, yet when it entered in the Garden of Eden he had a plan to defeat it. Amen!

Often, we ask God ‘why?’ “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did this occur?” We are a people who always seek after concrete answers. And though it’s not a bad idea we must realize we cannot trace everything that happens directly back to God. One thing we must know is that many things happen as a result of our own willing and doing, and also because of the pervasive evil in our world. God cannot be the responsible cause of everything, for that would eliminate our freedom of choice and responsibility. But no matter, He IS concerned about everything that happens to us. And because He is Sovereign and His Providence is unchangeable, we can be assured that all things do finally work for the good for those who love Him. The question is: Will you trust Him in the midst of what you’re in right now?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” – Matthew 10:29

Fear God

We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. – W. Gurnall

Saul’s fighting men greatly feared Goliath and allowed him to taunt them 40 days. But along came scrawny little David and his God. AMAZING!

Most of us remember a time when as children, though our parents weren’t around we were well behaved because we feared what would happen if they found out we misbehaved. God, as our Supreme Father commands the same respect. But often the TRUTH of the matter is ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Because we don’t often see a physical manifestation of God we have no fear of Him. But the REALITY of the matter is God is ever present, - ‘I will not leave you or forsake you;’ – we just refuse to see Him and submit in obedience to Him. The antidote to fear is love – ‘perfect love drives away fear’. God will not force His will upon us at any time, but then again neither will He force HEAVEN upon us later. The choice is always ours.

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

Service Standards

"Only let us live up to what we have already attained." - Philippians 3:16

Paul was almost considered a 'madman' just for the sake of Christ. Hmm!

Think of Jesus. We were baptized into His name, and we have put on (attained) Christ. He said we would do even greater works than He did. He lived a simple life of service, sacrifice, and unconditional love. That's what we've attained in Christ as well, and what we should seek to live up to as our standard. We may not be able to feed 5,000 from a few fish and loaves, or raise the dead as He did. But consider, your 2-3 hours volunteering at a food bank may be the help needed to prepare meal kits for thousands of families. Your in-kind gift of $10, $20, $50 dollars may be grouped with other donors gifts to build a hospital, school, or water well to serve many in underprivileged countries or communities. In seeking and serving of lost souls the first key is to give them hope, and we have all attained that hope in Christ. So let us at least live up to that standard. The giving of ourselves is truly all we can do, but it's in that activity that God is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever imagine. So, again: what have you attained in Christ AND has Christ attained anything in you?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Freely you have received, freely give." - Matthew 10:8

Pay Attention to the Signs

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

God's Economy: Double Your Blessing

A blessing shared is not halved, but doubled. – Anon

A little boy shared his lunch with Jesus one day and they fed 5,000+ and they took up 12 baskets full of leftovers. Hmmm!

We by nature are greedy people. We are taught survival of the fittest and to look out for number one from a very young age. And we keep these teachings ingrained in our psyche for life. And then we come to God’s economy which is completely different, give to receive, die to live, etc. and we find it a hard transition. But that’s what faith is – totally abandoning your way of thinking, your desire for control – trusting completely in God. And when we do and learn to share this way we realize there is never a shortage in what He supplies no matter how much we give away. Therefore with every blessing we receive we should seek to pass it on to others, for we must always remember when God blesses us he has more than us in mind.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Leave It All On the Table

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 our 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

Pass it on

I’ve learned that you can’t give what you’ve never received. – Max Lucado

Paul had many trials and persecutions in his life that we will never face. But of all of them he said to follow his example, for he followed Christ. Hmm!

The one constant about life is that it goes on no matter what. Circumstances, problems, and troubles seem to always be in great supply. And they always seem to include other people. The key to winning at life is how we respond to the people in these situations with us. The true mark or identity of the Christian is that they are totally willing and looking for opportunity to pass on the best gifts of God (love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, etc.) that others may know Him as we do. It’s how God often manifests Himself to others – through us. If we find it difficult or impossible to extend these great gifts maybe we need to review our relationship with the God we serve.

I'll be taking some time off until the New Year. See you shortly....

Pastor Botts

“Freely you have received, freely give….” 

– Matthew 10:8

Not God's Doing

Not everything that happens is the will of God, yet in the last resort nothing happens outside of his will. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God did not want sin in the world, yet when it entered in the Garden of Eden he had a plan to defeat it. Amen!

Often, we ask God ‘why?’ “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did this occur?” We are a people who always seek after concrete answers. And though it’s not a bad idea we must realize we cannot trace everything that happens directly back to God. One thing we must know is that many things happen as a result of our own willing and doing, and also because of the pervasive evil in our world. God cannot be the responsible cause of everything, for that would eliminate our freedom of choice and responsibility. But no matter, He IS concerned about everything that happens to us. And because He is Sovereign and His Providence is unchangeable, we can be assured that all things do finally work for the good for those who love Him. The question is: Will you trust Him in the midst of what you’re in right now?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” – Matthew 10:29

Fear Cure

We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. – W. Gurnall

Saul’s fighting men greatly feared Goliath and allowed him to taunt them 40 days. But along came scrawny little David and his God. AMAZING!

Most of us remember a time when as children, though our parents weren’t around we were well behaved because we feared what would happen if they found out we misbehaved. God, as our Supreme Father commands the same respect. The TRUTH of the matter though often is ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Because we don’t often see a physical manifestation of God we have no fear of Him. But the REALITY of the matter is God is ever present, - ‘I will not leave you or forsake you;’ – we just refuse to see Him and submit in obedience to Him. The antidote to fear is love – ‘perfect love drives away fear’. God will not force His will upon us at any time, but then again neither will he force HEAVEN upon us later. The choice is always ours.

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

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  

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

Special Moments Everyday

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're 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 Monday…..

Pastor Botts

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

Double the Blessing

A blessing shared is not halved, but doubled. – Anon

A little boy shared his lunch with Jesus one day and they fed 5,000+ and they took up 12 baskets full of leftovers. Hmmm!

We by nature are greedy people. We are taught survival of the fittest and to look out for number one from a very young age. And we keep these teachings ingrained in our psyche for life. And then we come to God’s economy which is completely different, give to receive, die to live, etc. and we find it a hard transition. But that’s what faith is – totally abandoning your way of thinking, your desire for control – trusting completely in God. And when we do and learn to share this way we realize there is never a shortage in what He supplies no matter how much we give away. Therefore with every blessing we receive we should seek to pass it on to others, for we must always remember when God blesses us he has more than us in mind.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

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

Give what matters

I’ve learned that you can’t give what you’ve never received. – M. Lucado

Paul had many trials and persecutions in his life that we will never face. But of all of them he said to follow his example, for he followed Christ. Hmm!

The one constant about life is that it goes on no matter what. Circumstances, problems, and troubles seem to always be in great supply. And they always seem to include other people. The key to winning at life is how we respond to the people in these situations with us. The true mark or identity of the Christian is that they are totally willing and looking for opportunity to pass on the best gifts of God (love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, etc.) that others may know Him as we do. It’s how God often manifests Himself to others – through us. If we find it difficult or impossible to extend these great gifts maybe we need to review our relationship with the God we serve.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

He Cares

Not everything that happens is the will of God, yet in the last resort nothing happens outside of his will. – D. Bonhoeffer

God did not want sin in the world, yet when it entered in the Garden of Eden he had a plan to defeat it. Amen!

Often, we ask God ‘why?’ “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did this occur?” We are a people who always seek after concrete answers. And though it’s not a bad idea we must realize we cannot trace everything that happens directly back to God. One thing we must know is that many things happen as a result of our own willing and doing, and also because of the pervasive evil in our world. God cannot be the responsible cause of everything, for that would eliminate our freedom of choice and responsibility. But no matter, He IS concerned about everything that happens to us. And because He is Sovereign and His Providence is unchangeable, we can be assured that all things do finally work for the good for those who love Him. The question is: Will you trust Him in the midst of what you’re in right now?

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” – Matthew 10:29