Perfection Takes Time

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of only standing still. – Richard Murray

Jesus was twelve when he stymied the teachers of his day, but didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 – he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change, too often we want it now, in the dramatic, miraculous fashion; and we grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn’t happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 6th day, not the first. Christ came as a ‘baby in a manger’ not a full-grown man. God is always at work, ‘He neither slumbers nor sleeps,’ so He is working on us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern or progression of betterment in our lives and with that - REJOICE!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Worthy Conduct

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, our response is ours. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit..." - Philippians 1:27

Not Over. Not Finished.

Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, it’s not the end. – Richard Murray

God gave Joseph a ‘dream.’ He gave David a ‘promise.’ He said there was ‘none’ like Job on the earth. They all had major issues in life, but God made the end result worth it. AMEN!

We’re all familiar with the cliché “it’s not over till it’s over.” Though a tiresome phrase, the truth and veracity of it are ever true. And this is refreshing news. It gives us great hope that God is not finished with us yet. The dreams He gave us, promises in His Word, or blessings He's ascribed are still available to us. Life may have us in a headlock at the moment, our vision may be somewhat blurred right now, or a relationship may have soured today, but it’s not the end, God’s purposes will be worked out in life. It’s not for us to know the when and the how specifics, ours is just to wait and be faithful.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Leaving Limbo Land

Of all 50 states in the US the worst state to live in is ‘LIMBO.’ – Anon

The two Jesus met on the road to Emmaus didn’t know whether to give up their faith or hold on. Jesus helped them DECIDE!

Many of us are familiar with the maxim: “Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today,” and we often make practical application of it. Yet when it comes to our faith walk we seem to live in limbo land. We’re not sure God will answer our prayers, we’re not sure God forgave us our sin, we’re not sure God will provide, etc. God is faithful and true in all things, but if we’re not sure about it, it can only mean we’ve not come to complete faith and belief in Him. He gave His Son Jesus' life for us on the Cross to prove His love for us, the greatest act One could do. He tells us to ‘cast our cares’ on Him and He’ll take care of the rest. Ours is to fully trust Him at His word – TODAY! If you’re in limbo land, God says move.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

Let the Sun Shine In

If you’re going to rise, you might as well shine. – Anon

Seems like every day of Jesus’ life something spectacular or amazing happened. Hmm!

Have you ever really thought about it? Every day we have daylight. It may be raining ‘cats and dogs’ as we say, with dark heavy clouds overhead but still there is daylight. The sun is still there somewhere on the other side of those clouds, up and shining brightly enough to provide daylight. Wow! If there were ever a positive attitude, this is it. God expects the same of us with each day He grants. Notwithstanding the circumstances that come with the day (bad health, finances, relationships) or those that may arise during the day (setbacks, mishaps, etc.) He still expects us to let the joy of His presence in our lives shine through. So now that you’re up and had your coffee, tea, whatever……it's time to let it happen.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“To live is Christ, to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

Patience with Progression

Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of only standing still. - Richard Murray

Jesus was 12 when he stymied the teachers of his day but didn't start his ministry until he was 30 - he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change all too often we want it yesterday, in the dramatic miraculous fashion. And we grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn't happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature, He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 6th day, not the first. Christ came as a 'babe in a manger' not a full-grown redeemer. God is always at work for He never rests, therefore He is still at work in us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances and conditions in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern of progression or improvement in our lives and with that we can rejoice.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry if on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

Grace for This Life

Imagination was given to us to compensate for what we are not; a sense of humor was given to us to console us for what we are. – M. McGinnis

Sarah’s laughter at God’s prophecy of a child showed her state of mind, God’s fulfillment showed his omnipotence! Amen.

Dreams, hopes, aspirations, imagination. These are all desires key to our existence. Life itself is really not worth the living without them. The thing we need to remember about life is that it is not static, it can change at a moment’s notice. And since we know “God is not finished with us yet,” all options are still available to us. Therefore, we should not take ourselves too seriously as if we are controlling it all, but just rest in God’s grace day to day, allowing him to work out the desires of our heart.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“I thank my God every time I remember you…..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:3,6

Desiring God

Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure. – Thomas Edison

The rich farmer was satisfied and thought he was set for a life to eat, drink, and be merry. He was so WRONG! Hmm.

It’s great to be rewarded for our trials and sacrifices. It’s great to be acknowledged for our service and selflessness. Everyone likes and needs a little success in their life. But nothing in this world should be able to completely satisfy the inner longing we have for God, to be in His presence always. We are pilgrims passing through this land on our way home, so each day we get better and better because the place we're going is perfect.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." - Philippians 1:23-24

When We Lose We Win

There are victories of the soul and spirit. So sometimes, even if you lose, you win. – Elie Wiesel

Peter walked on water, then failed. Peter claimed he would die for Jesus, then denied him. But after each time he came back stronger. Hmm!

Playing ball as a kid against my dad I rarely won the game. But my father was helpful in showing me how to get better and the time we spent together was precious. God works along the same lines. There will be some times when we fail. There will be other times when we just don’t understand or get what God is trying to do ‘through’ us to get ‘to us.’ He has ways we do not fully understand and at times it takes us being beaten or ‘giving in’ before He can teach us what we need to now. So even in times of stern discipline or heartache we are the winners because He is working it out for our good. Don’t bemoan today’s lessons; just know He’s at His work in you.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Under Construction

God is the ONLY One who has been in my tomorrow. So He's the ONLY One who is going to know what I need when I get there. Anon

Many folks couldn't believe Jesus the Messiah was actually the carpenter's son. Whoa!

Right behind our church, you see it. The skeletal structure arising that is to be the new home of L.A.'s other basketball team - The Clippers, in 2024. Artist's renditions show it as a beautiful, regal, attractive venue, but right now it's 'under construction.' And as with any construction project, delays, code changes, and corrections occur. They don't derail the project; they simply add value to it. The same is really true of our Christian walk. The scriptures say, "we don't know what we shall be, but when Christ appears we shall be like Him." We're currently 'under construction' and at times the ebbs and flows of life (sin, grief, illness, pain, etc.) that challenge us only add value to the 'new us' that we are becoming, because our builder - God - will work if out for our good and His glory. The key for us is not to get 'bent out of shape' as God works.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

Wonderfully You

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. – Annette Funicello

Paul said even in his weaknesses he would 'boast'. I think it had something to do with God’s all-surpassing grace!

Well, today is here. Probably not exactly like you wanted it, but it is here, waiting on you. The day will have some up moments and it will have some down moments. You’ll see things to make you laugh or smile, and you’ll see things that will make you upset or angry. You will have people come through for you, and you’ll have people let you down. And none of these things are relegated to just one person, everyone will have them. But all in all isn’t it just wonderful to be alive and know that God is still working on your character with events like these? Yes the Master Potter is busy at his work – YOU!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Conduct Becoming

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, but what about our response. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit....." - Philippians 1:27

Steady Progress

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of only standing still. – Richard Murray

Jesus was twelve when he stymied the teachers of his day, but didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 – he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change too often we want it now, in the dramatic, miraculous fashion; and grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn’t happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 7^th day, not the first. Christ came as a ‘baby in a manger’ not a full grown man. God is always at work, ‘He neither slumbers nor sleeps,’ so He is working on us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern or progression of betterment in our lives and with that - REJOICE!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

No Better Time Like the Present

The best time to plant a tree is 25 years ago. The 2nd best time is today. - Anon

Jesus gave Peter a second chance to be bold and Holy Pentecost! WOW!

It's true no matter who you talk to. Every person has something in their life they lament, something they maybe wished they started earlier upon, got more training in, etc. But none of that matters now. The truth of life is there's no time like the present to become an expert on something or at least improve on our position or lot in life. We may not be where we want to be or what we want to be. And thankfully, we serve a God who's not content to leave us where we are anyway. So the good news of today is "things are finally starting to look up!"

Until Monday....

Pastor Botts

"......being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

Win Lose or Worth?

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, but what about our response. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that  you stand firm in the one Spirit....." - Philippians 1:27

Is it Over Yet?

Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, it’s not the end. – Richard Murray

God gave Joseph a ‘dream.’ He gave David a ‘promise.’ He said there was ‘none’ like Job on the earth. They all had major issues in life, but God made the end result worth it. AMEN!

We’re all familiar with the cliché “it’s not over till it’s over.” Though a tiresome phrase, the truth and veracity of it are ever true. And this is refreshing news. It gives us great hope that God is not finished with us yet. The dreams He gave us, promises in His Word, or blessings He's ascribed are still available to us. Life may have us in a headlock at the moment, our vision may be somewhat blurred right now, or a relationship may have soured today, but it’s not the end, God’s purposes will be worked out in life. It’s not for us to know the when and the how, ours is just to wait and be faithful.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Unfinished Masterpiece

Imagination was given to us to compensate for what we are not; a sense of humor was given to us to console us for what we are. – M. McGinnis

Sarah’s laughter at God’s prophecy of a child showed her state of mind, God’s fulfillment showed his omnipotence! Amen.

Dreams, hopes, aspirations, imagination. These are all desires key to our existence. Life itself, is really not worth the living without them. The thing we need to remember about life is that it is not static, it can change at a moment’s notice. And since we know “God is not finished with us yet,” all options are still available to us. Therefore we should not take ourselves too seriously as if we are controlling it all, but just rest in God’s grace day to day, allowing him to work out the desires of our heart.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I thank my God every time I remember you…..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:3,6

Relocating from Limbo Land

Of all 50 states in the US the worst state to live in is ‘LIMBO.’ – Anon

The two Jesus met on the road to Emmaus didn’t know whether to give up their faith or hold on. Jesus helped them DECIDE!

Many of us are familiar with the maxim: “Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today,” and we often make practical application of it. Yet when it comes to our faith walk we seem to live in limbo land. We’re not sure God will answer our prayers, we’re not sure God forgave us our sin, we’re not sure God will provide, etc. God is faithful and true in all things, but if we’re not sure it means we’ve not totally released it to Him. He tells us to ‘cast our cares’ on Him and He’ll take care of the rest. Ours is to fully trust Him at His word – TODAY! If you’re in limbo land, God says move.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

P.S. - Board meeting tomorrow at 10AM.

Men's Bible Study Sunday at 9:15AM

A Good Day

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. – Annette Funicello

Paul said even in his weaknesses he would 'boast'. I think it had something to do with God’s all-surpassing grace!

Well, today is here. Probably not exactly like you wanted it, but it is here, wating on you. The day will have some up moments and it will have some down moments. You’ll see things to make you laugh or smile, and you’ll see things that will make you upset or angry. You will have people come through for you, and you’ll have people let you down. And none of these things are relegated to just one person, everyone will have them. But all in all isn’t it just wonderful to be alive and know that God is still working on your character with events like these. Yes the Master Potter is busy at his work – YOU!

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Not Always An L

There are victories of the soul and spirit. So sometimes, even if you lose, you win. – Elie Wiesel

Peter walked on water, then failed. Peter claimed he would die for Jesus, then denied him. But after each time he came back stronger. Hmm!

Playing ball as a kid against my dad I rarely won the game. But my father was helpful in showing me how to get better and the time we spent together was precious. God works along the same lines. There will be some times when we fail. There will be other times when we just don’t understand or get what God is trying to do ‘through’ us to get ‘to us.’ He has ways we do not fully understand and at times it takes us being beaten or ‘giving in’ before He can teach us what we need to now. So even in times of stern discipline or heartache we are the winners because He is working it out for our good. Don’t bemoan today’s lessons; just know He’s at His work in you.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

P.S. - Don't forget this Sunday's Panel Discussion at 9AM in Parmes Hall.