Be YOU-nique

In the world to come, you will not be asked, "Why were you not Moses, Samuel, David, or Paul? But you will be asked, "why were you not YOU?" – Rabbi Zusya

Paul gave up on being a ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ and a super-apostle just to be a servant. The church is forever grateful. AMEN!

Truth be known, many of us as we read the scriptures often yearn to be like the great ones; to have the strength of Samson, the faith of Paul, or even the prayer life of Jabez. These were all good people of God whose story and life are there to help impact ours, but not to take the place of ours. God has purpose for each one of us and though we are thousands of years removed from these biblical ancestors, God is still in the process of building up His kingdom. And though some like Samuel, David, Paul, and even Moses were mentioned, think of the millions who were not mentioned; but yet lived out their purpose of helping to push the kingdom along. In this day and age God needs each of us in our own UNIQUE ways to reach out and make an impact on the world as our ancestors did. That is being who God made us to be – anything else is a fraud.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…. “I cannot go in these” [David] said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off” – I Samuel 17:38-39

Keep Fighting

Moses didn't make it into the 'Promised Land' but he made it into the PROMISED LAND. - Anon

Paul said he 'trained and beat his body' in such a way as not to be disqualified for the prize. Amen!

Every Major Sport has a team or individual that is eventually crowned as champion. They go through seasons or tournaments being tested. They battle opponents, time, injuries, weather, even themselves to prove they are worthy of that 'championship' title and honor. And though it is an achievement of great note, it will always pale in comparison to what God offers us. Make no doubt about it, life is just as tough if not tougher than sports. And in life we must continue the battle daily and here's why. In the kingdom of God as long as you're still fighting, you're winning. Remember, God doesn't hand out awards for performance, He hands out CROWNS for perseverance.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award me on that day...." - II Timothy 4:8

P.S. - Please join us today in the sanctuary at 5:30 pm for PRAYER today!

"Scary" Love

Do one thing every day that scares you. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Esther's fear of approaching the king was overridden by her fear of losing her people. Hmm!

The truth is, all human hearts are yearning for something more. Why, because God put the yearning there. We look to fill it by striving for a better job, more money, dream relationships, and more stuff because we are empty on our own. This goes for everyone! We are meant for Heaven, and we’ll never find completeness in this world and its offerings. We can taste satisfaction, happiness, enjoyment - for a minute - but the THINGS that bring them are temporal. The completeness and joy we seek cannot be found in things, but in relationship, and that ONLY with Christ at the center. In Him we can find a perfect love that fills our yearning hearts and takes our satisfactions, happiness, and enjoyments to an even higher plane. It is good to seek, but only if you know what you're truly seeking after.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight - why the bush does not burn up.'" - Exodus 3:3

YOU-nique

In the world to come, you will not be asked, "Why were you not Moses, Samuel, David, or Paul? But you will be asked, "why were you not YOU?" – Rabbi Zusya

Paul gave up on being a ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ and a super-apostle just to be a servant. The church is forever grateful. AMEN!

Truth be known, many of us as we read the scriptures often yearn to be like the great ones; to have the strength of Samson, the faith of Paul, or even the prayer life of Jabez. These were all good people of God whose story and life are there to help impact ours, but not to take the place of ours. God has purpose for each one of us and though we are thousands of years removed from these biblical ancestors, God is still in the process of building up His kingdom. And though some like Samuel, David, Paul, and even Moses were mentioned, think of the millions who were not mentioned; but yet lived out their purpose helping to push the kingdom along. In this day and age God needs each of us in our own UNIQUE ways to reach out and make an impact on the world as our ancestors did. That is being who God made us to be – anything else is a fraud.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…. “I cannot go in these” [David] said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off” – I Samuel 17:38-39

Future Decisions

The nicest thing about the future is that it will be what we make it to be. - Anon

No matter what befell Joseph, he never let go of his 'dreams' or his God. Hmm!

It's true, no one really knows the future, but if we were to take a close look at the past - our past - we can see in all honesty how we helped shape the life we're in now. The decisions we made that propelled us, as well as those that gave us great learning experiences that we NEVER want to go through again. The bottom line is we see through the grace of God we had a hand in getting ourselves to the 'here and now.' And it is with that understanding that we can apply ourselves - again, through the grace of God - for the 'then and later.' And the great thing through all of this is that God works with us in such a way that we have no need to fear what lies ahead. On your mark, get set, go - with God!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...." - Exodus 14:13

Old Ideas

Preconceived notions are the locks on the door that lead to wisdom and happiness. – M. Brown

If Moses had never given the burning bush a closer look…….Hmm!

It’s said that when the ostrich doesn’t want to deal with life he sticks his head in the ground. It’s a coping mechanism. True or not for the ostrich, many of us have a coping mechanism to this life called preconceived notions (ideas). These are not thoroughly investigated and proven out, they are just little ‘safety valves’ we fall back on to keep us from stretching or risking growth, and to keep our world orderly and neat. Sadly, this type of attitude creeps into our lives when we begin to get away from God or try limit what He can do. If we really do some soul searching each of us can look back and see where God – like He did with Moses and the burning bush – tested us and erased some erroneous thoughts we had and stretched our borders. God is still looking to do the same today and everyday. Are you game?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it…….? Isaiah 43:19

Being You

In the world to come, you will not be asked, "Why were you not Moses, Samuel, David, or Paul? But you will be asked, "why were you not YOU?" – Rabbi Zusya

Paul gave up on being a ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ and a super-apostle just to be a servant. The church is forever grateful. AMEN!

Truth be known, many of us as we read the scriptures often yearn to be like the great ones; to have the strength of Samson, the faith of Paul, or even the prayer life of Jabez. These were all good people of God whose story and life are there to help impact ours, but not to take the place of ours. God has purpose for each one of us and though we are thousands of years removed from these biblical ancestors, God is still in the process of building up His kingdom. And though some like Samuel, David, Paul, and even Moses were mentioned, think of the millions who were not mentioned; but yet lived out their purpose helping to push the kingdom along. In this day and age God needs each of us in our own UNIQUE ways to reach out and make an impact on the world as our ancestors did. That is being who God made us to be – anything else is a fraud.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…. “I cannot go in these” [David] said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off” – I Samuel 17:38-39

Take Charge of Your Character

Live so you wouldn’t be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip. – Anon

The bible says Moses was more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. What a character reference. Hmm!

One thing is for sure in this life, we will all have good days and bad days, ups and downs, situations and circumstances sometimes all beyond our control. However, how we handle those times is completely within our control. God expects us to maintain self-control, with no “unwholesome” talk coming from our lips. We must remember that what we do in the dark will come to light. Though others may not see or hear you – GOD DOES!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” – I Peter 2:11-12

Practice for Greatness

None can be fit for the future life who has not practiced it now. – St. Augustine

Upon reflection, it is interesting to note that 2 of the greatest leaders of God’s people (Moses, David) were shepherds of animals before they became shepherds of men. Hmm!

Although we know not what the Lord is preparing us for in our future years, we must go at it with all our heart today. Trials, persecution, and heartaches may come; it is God’s way of giving us practice before the big game. So no matter what may be going on in our lives right now, whether we're right side up or upside down, just know God has even greater plans ahead for us. So we need not look at where we are today as the end result, we're still in training, and that is a reason for great hope.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good by to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of heaven.’” – Luke 9:61-62

Sticking to th plan

The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for. – A. Schweitzer

The Israelites prayed for over 400 years before God sent Moses to lead them to the Promised Land – and they fought him tooth and nail the whole trip. WOW!

Many of us can sometimes look back and see situations that could have turned out better if we had just taken our own advice. That being the case, how much better could our lives be if we would adhere to the advice and guidance we seek from God, and then see it through. Our problem often is not that we don’t hear God or know what He’s said, it’s just that He doesn’t always say what we want Him to, and our selfish interests take over. Even though God gives guidance to His people, He will never force us to obey Him. He looks for a willing, trusting heart and often ‘self’ occupies this throne. The only way around this is to trust that God knows more than us, and that His purposes are for our benefit and His glory.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:129-130

And forgive us our Doubts

Doubt is a part of religion. All the great believers before us were doubters. – I. B. Singer

Moses and the burning bush. Gideon and the fleece. Thomas and the disciples. All these doubted at first, but fully believed later. AMEN!

It can be strongly argued that the beginning of faith and wisdom is found in doubting; for by doubting we come to the question: “can it truly be so?”. And by seeking the answer we come upon the truth. But we must distinguish between doubt and unbelief. God will forgive us our doubts, for doubt is a condition of the mind, but he will not excuse our unbelief, for that is a condition of the heart. Though God need not prove himself to anyone; he ‘delights’ in those who seek after him and his ways, lovingly revealing more and more of his character to them. As we grow into maturity our doubting should began to cease and our marvels increase as we gain a firmer understanding of who God truly is and how he loves us. May we all learn to trust him a little more today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them, Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.” – Psalm 111:2-3

The inner workings of success

Never ask what's in a hot dog while you're eating one. - Anon

Moses wanted his people set free, he just didn't really know what it would take. Amen!

Success -  a noble idea indeed and something we all seek. And if we're not careful we'll find ourselves often in envy of others successes and achievements, "oohing and aahing" their praises. But what we often fail to see is that which lies below the surface, the many failures and negative responses they endured before they became successful.  In truth, a lot of failure, a lot of pain, and a lot of life goes into success. And it's what we learn in these instances and how we build upon these experiences that will either propel us onto the success platform or the pit of despair. That's why it's good to know the God of grace we serve, who is generous in second chances, and asks us to prove nothing to Him but our love, and that is the greatest success one can have in life.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2

Better Recognize

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you’ll know exactly what to do. – M. Ventor

Some of the greatest advice Moses ever received was during a short visit from his father-in-law. WOW!

Newborns, money, sunrise – what do they have in common – none of them come with instructions but they present a plethora of opportunity, good or bad. The same is true of people we meet in our lives. God brings other people into our lives via relationships to help us reach our full potential and purpose. These individuals will either give to us or require something of us in developing our spiritual maturity, for that is what God is developing in us. But even with our good intentions problems can occur when we get the people and the expectations mixed up. That’s why it’s important we keep in touch with God asking for guidance, direction, and wisdom to know who’s who.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us.” – Luke 24:31-32