Prayer Posture

Most people asking for advice are usually looking for an accomplice. – M. LaGrange

The rich young ruler didn’t really want Jesus’ thoughts on eternal life, just his blessing on the way he wanted to obtain it. Hmm!

All of us have family or friends we shy away from in giving advice for we know their intent is to incorporate us into their affairs somehow. This is a noble task on our part, but how often do we turn around and do the same thing to God. Often in our prayers we really are not seeking God’s will, but trying to get God to bless what we’ve already proposed or launched into. This is tantamount to putting God in a box. God will hear and answer the prayers of His people, but He will not be limited in any way to our anticipated responses, nor cover for our overzealous desires and wants. God sees prayer as a time of communion where our hearts conform to His, then the blessings will flow, and since He is holy, He can’t be an accomplice to anyone.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“’Be careful,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

What's Your Source?

People who say God is dead and Elvis is alive can’t be too bright! – L. J. Harvey

Amaziah consulted with God, and then went out and conquered the Edomites and their gods which could not save them. Then he turned around and consulted with their gods. HMMM!

Advice. No matter how brilliant, wise, and aged we are, we all need it at times. True, most times it's unsolicited, but often when we do need it we rarely think of our Heavenly Father or His word. We turn to worldly books, talk-shows, unsaved friends and other soothsayers. But if we’re trying to live a holy, righteous life, maybe we should seek the advice of the one who is holy, righteous and all knowing - God! When changes and difficulties come our way, maybe we should seek His way.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“ When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” – Isaiah 8:18-19

Going Along with God

The person who tries to lead himself has a fool for a follower. – Anon

The Prodigal son knew in his heart he was ready to take on and conquer the world. Thank God he came to his senses later. PHEW!

It’s a strange picture – a dog chasing his tail – but it paints a vivid picture of reality oftentimes. It’s a picture of lost purpose, no direction, wasted energy, and plain silliness. Yet, when we get right down to it, many people are just like that, maybe some of us. We give half-hearted attention to God’s ways or completely shun them, thinking we truly know what’s best and how to work things out. But this world and its ways were already a going concern when we were born and came of age, and likely will be a going concern long after we’re gone. The only constant is a loving God who is working things out to his perfect design. And it’s easier to go along with him than to kick against the pricks.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:20-21

Haste Makes...Trouble

Look ‘both ways’ is more than just good advice for crossing the street. - Anon

Jesus said a wise man would ‘count the costs’ before embarking on a major project, lest he doesn’t have enough to finish and ends up looking foolish. Hmm!

All of us know life can change in a moment's time or in the blink of an eye. But for most of us that thought only applies to everyone else. For often in our haste, pride, anger, and self-centeredness we fail to look at both sides of an issue and the potential consequences to our own detriment. And usually, the consequences are heavy and costly. God’s word often says we should be ‘slow’ to respond, meaning we should look both ways before crossing. The enemy tries to get us to act in haste, making rash decisions without prayer or forethought knowing the consequences will be brutal. Today is a gift to us, but the circumstances that come with it are not always cut and dry.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Proverbs 14:29

No Partner In Crime

Most people asking for advice are usually looking for an accomplice. – M. LaGrange

The rich young ruler didn’t really want Jesus’ thoughts on eternal life, just his blessing on the way he wanted to obtain it. Hmm!

All of us have family or friends we shy away from in giving advice for we know their intent is to incorporate us into their affairs somehow. This is a noble task on our part, but how often do we turn around and do the same thing to God. Often in our prayers we really are not seeking God’s will, but trying to get God to bless what we’ve already proposed or launched into. This is tantamount to putting God in a box. God will hear and answer the prayers of His people, but He will not be limited in any way to our anticipated responses, nor cover for our overzealous desires and wants. God sees prayer as a time of communion where our hearts conform to His, then the blessings will flow, and since He is holy, He can’t be an accomplice to anyone.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“’Be careful,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

Taking His Advice

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 Monday…

Pastor Botts

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

Betta Recognize

A good conscience is rarely heard because most people do not take advice from strangers. – Anon

Though God was their guiding cloud by day and fire by night, and did many miracles among them, He was still a stranger to the Israelites. Hmm!

“I should have listened to my first mind.” It’s a refrain we’ve all heard and even said many times in our lives, generally when things are not going as they should or we’re in distressing situations behind our decisions. Often, it’s the same way in our faith walk. No matter the amount of time we invest in prayer, study, and meditation, we seem to make decisions as if we’ve never consulted God, even at times ignoring the obvious. True, life is a summary of our experiences, but nowhere in His Word did God say they all had to be ‘personal experiences.’ Life is often rough because we take matters into our own hands against sound judgment. We can and should learn from others experiences and God’s Word to enrich our lives. As the circumstances and situations of life arise today, remember God’s Spirit is friend, not foe.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27

Take the time to take a look

Look ‘both ways’ is more than just good advice for crossing the street. - Anon

Jesus said a wise man would ‘count the costs’ before embarking on a major project, lest he doesn’t have enough to finish and ends up looking foolish. Hmm!

All of us know life can change in a moments time or in the blink of an eye. But for most of us that thought only applies to everyone else. For often in our haste, pride, anger, and self-centeredness we fail to look at both sides of an issue and the potential consequences to our own detriment. And usually the consequences are heavy and costly. God’s word often says we should be ‘slow’ to respond, meaning we should look both ways before crossing. The enemy tries to get us to act in haste, making rash decisions without prayer or forethought (just think Garden of Eden) knowing the consequences will be brutal. Today is a gift to us, but the circumstances that come with it are not always cut and dry.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Proverbs 14:29

P.S. - Family Fun Night begins a t 6:30 tonight, hope you can make it!

On Display

People will look at your example long before they listen to your advice. – Anon

When Moses tried to advise a Hebrew slave that it was wrong to hit his fellowman, he was reminded he ‘secretly’ killed an Egyptian. Hmm!

In his book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' Carnegie states "people are drawn by example". The thing to remember is people will see what we do long before they hear what we say. The things we do tell all the world who we really are, and there is not a moment when you are not being who you are. Though we may not be aware of it our every action is being watched and observed, whether by strangers, family, or those we’re dealing with at the moment. So whether we’re cursing or caressing, someone is watching our example. The question is are we giving them ‘godly’ advice.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – I Corinthians 11:1

Godly Advice From A Godly Source

People who say God is dead and Elvis is alive can’t be too bright! – L. J. Harvey

Amaziah consulted with God, and then went out and conquered the Edomites and their gods which could not save them. Then he turned around and consulted with their gods. HMMM!

Advice. No matter how brilliant, wise, and aged we are, we all need it at times. True, most times its unsolicited, but often when we do need it we rarely think of our Heavenly Father or His word. We turn to worldly books, talk-shows, unsaved friends and other soothsayers. But if we’re trying to live a holy, righteous life, maybe we should seek the advice of the one who is holy, righteous and all knowing - God! When changes and difficulties come our way, maybe we should seek His way.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“ When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” – Isaiah 8:18-19

P.S. - I will be picking up tickets for Movie Night today. I hope you've placed your order, if not let me know quickly.

Take and Use the Advice

Some people like my advice so much they frame it up on the wall instead of using it. – G.R. Dickson

The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day were the keepers of the Mosaic Law. They didn’t obey it, they just kept it. Hmm!

Counselors, advisors and mentors are wonderful people to have in our lives. Because of their years and experiences they can offer so much insight to us that would help make our life decisions easier and more clear-cut. God knew we would not have enough time in life to make every mistake there is nor did He want us to, so He puts these people into our lives. And to top it off He gave us His written Word that we may have certainty in what is righteousness. But it does us no good if we do not put it into actual practice in our life circumstances. Slogans, sermons, wise sayings, and upbeat clichés are nice to know and repeat, but action is what gets results.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Hope to see you Sunday morning at 9AM for our Bible Scripture discussion

The Stranger Within

A good conscience is rarely heard because most people do not take advice from strangers. – Anon

Though God was their guiding cloud by day and fire by night, and did many miracles among them, He was still a stranger to the Israelites. Hmm!

“I should have listened to my first mind.” It’s a refrain we’ve all heard and even said many times in our lives, generally when things are not going as they should or we’re in distressing situations behind our decisions. Often, it’s the same way in our faith walk. No matter the amount of time we invest in prayer, study, and meditation, we seem to make decisions as if we’ve never consulted God, even at times ignoring the obvious. True, life is a summary of our experiences, but nowhere in His Word did God say they all had to be ‘personal experiences.’ Life is often rough because we take matters into our own hands against sound judgment. We can and should learn from others experiences and God’s Word to enrich our lives. As the circumstances and situations of life arise today, remember God’s Spirit is friend, not foe.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27

Wise Counsel

Don’t ask the barber if you need a haircut. – D. Greenberg

Solomon’s son refused the advice of the elders and sought the counsel of those he knew would tell him what he wanted to hear. Hmm!

Advice, insight, wisdom – it is good to seek it out at times to help make the best decisions of life. And where we go for advice is equally important as well. True, we all have those we hold in high esteem we can seek out, but God and His Word should ALWAYS come first. Too often we seek out advice until we hear what we want to hear or find the individual that will go along with what we want to do. God and His Word will not always tell us what we want to hear, but He will tell us what is always the right thing to do. And as Dr. King would say, “it’s always the right time to do right.”

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, ‘First seek the counsel of the Lord.’” – I Kings 22:5

God Unlimited

Most people asking for advice are usually looking for an accomplice. – M. LaGrange

The rich young ruler didn’t really want Jesus’ thoughts on eternal life, just his blessing on the way he wanted to obtain it. Hmm!

All of us have family or friends we shy away from in giving advice for we know their intent is to incorporate us into their affairs somehow. This is a noble task on our part, but how often do we turn around and do the same thing to God.  Often in our prayers we really are not seeking God’s will, but trying to get God to bless what we’ve already proposed or launched into. This is tantamount to putting God in a box. God will hear and answer the prayers of His people, but He will not be limited in any way to our anticipated responses, nor cover for our overzealous desires and wants. God sees prayer as a time of communion where our hearts conform to His, then the blessings will flow, and since He is holy, He can’t be an accomplice to anyone.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“’Be careful,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

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

Comfort for the journey

It is so much easier to tell others how to handle their problems than to just simply stand with them in their pain. - Anon

Job’s ‘friends’ offered little comfort in their convicting him of sin. OUCH!

Though we won’t readily admit it we all at times tend to play ‘The Great Guru’ with answers to everyone’s problems or situations. We dispense advice, give counsel, play mentor, or spiritual advisor like the ‘professionals’ when given the opportunity. It’s a coping mechanism we use to keep our ‘space.’ But nothing can take the place of a friend who will just sit and listen, wait and walk, or just lend a shoulder to lean on. No suggestions of easy fixes, just a promise to help see you through, and intercessory prayer to back it up. Psychologists have their place, as well as talk shows and self-help books, but God has asked us to help bear one another’s burdens. Today someone may need us, if we just take time to listen as opposed to counsel.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:3

Be About It!

Some people like my advice so much they frame it up on the wall instead of using it. – G.R. Dickson

The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day were the keepers of the Mosaic Law. They didn’t obey it, they just kept it. Hmm!

Counselors, advisors and mentors are wonderful people to have in our lives. Because of their years and experiences they can offer so much insight to us that would help make our life decisions easier and more clear-cut. God knew we would not have enough time in life to make every mistake there is nor did He want us to, so He puts these people into our lives. And to top it off He gave us His written Word that we may have certainty in what is righteousness. But it does us no good if we do not put it into actual practice in our life circumstances. Slogans, sermons, wise sayings, and upbeat clichés are nice to know and repeat, but action is what gets results.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Really Good Advice

People who say God is dead and Elvis is alive can’t be too bright! – L. J. Harvey

Amaziah consulted with God, and then went out and conquered the Edomites and their gods which could not save them. Then he turned around and consulted with their gods. HMMM!

Advice. No matter how brilliant, wise, and aged we are, we all need it at times. True, most times its unsolicited, but often when we do need it we rarely think of our Heavenly Father or His word. We turn to worldly books, talk-shows, unsaved friends and other soothsayers. But if we’re trying to live a holy, righteous life, maybe we should seek the advice of the one who is holy, righteous and all knowing - God! When changes and difficulties come our way, maybe we should seek His way.

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“ When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” – Isaiah 8:18-19

P.S. - This Sunday is the Rally, but let's not let preparation get in the way of celebration. All of our cooking, etc., should be done before Sunday morning services.