Number One Priority

Bad habits are like comfortable beds, easy to fall into but hard to get out of. – Anon

Jesus jumped all over the Scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders of His day because of their love for ‘the traditions of men’ rather than GOD. OUCH!

Sometimes, if we’re not careful we can easily fall into self-fulfilling acts or rituals that take us away from God’s program and think ourselves righteous. A habit doesn’t have to be sinful to be bad, but if it takes our focus off of Almighty God and places it on our own desires, we need to re-evaluate our commitment. God will present situations to see who will be first in our life today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I am the Lord your God….you shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:2-3

Everyday Opportunities

July is the toughest month of the year. Others are December February, June, September, October, January, March, November, April, August, and May. – Mark Twain

James said, “the patient farmer waits for the autumn and spring rains.” Two different seasons held together by the word ‘patient.’ Hmm!

We’ve all heard stories like “the hot months bring an increase in violence,” or “the winter month’s decrease spending", etc. But in reality, all months, just as all days; have an equal opportunity to present joy or difficulty. It’s all in the way we perceive and receive what comes our way. Trouble is not anymore opportunistic in summer months as opposed to winter, neither are blessings from God. If God’s mercies and compassions are ‘new every morning’ then it matters not what month or date is on the calendar – but the amount of faith is in our hearts. Yes, we will have some difficulties in life as we suffer like Jesus, but our good days will far outweigh our bad days. So, wherever we are, we can always look back and see where we’ve come from and realize it’s really not so tough right now.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Ambassadors On Duty

We misrepresent God when we wear His name but not His character. - Anon

Jesus' main antagonists actually wore the clothes of holy men. Go Figure!

In sports it's "you play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back!" In law enforcement and the military, it's "you respect the uniform!" The bottom line is you are a representative of the organization, its values, morals, and goals. You promise to uphold and promote them whenever and wherever. It's actually a biblical concept. We are Christ's 'ambassadors' in the world. Our aim is to uphold and promote the values, morals, and building of His kingdom whenever, and wherever we are. Living for God is not a some of the time life, nor a 'when it appeals to me life. It is a completely 'surrendered' life, where others should see/hear the Christ in us at all times. Why not start today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Make the tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." - Matthew 12:33

Anger Danger

People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing. – Sparks

Rehoboam’s harsh, angry reply to the Israelites request didn’t cost him much. Only half his kingdom and many wars! Hmm!

There is a saying that “anger is one letter short of danger,” which is true. Anger however, is not sinful in and of itself, it is when and how we act upon it that takes us into the realm of danger and sin. As children of God we are expected to learn and exercise self-control at all times, just as God exercises great restraint in showing mercy to us. If life’s little trials send you “flying off the handle,” maybe it’s time to make sure God is the pilot of your life and all the landings will be uneventful.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Pulling Weeds

Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong! - Winston Churchill

Achan! Korah! These men weren't anti-God, but they still had to be purged from the community. Hmm!

Weeds! Every garden or lawn has them. No one plants them, but they appear. Seeds sown via the wind or deposited unknowingly by visiting critters take root. And the next thing you know - BAM - they're growing. It's often the same in our lives. The enemy rarely comes in announcing his intention, he passes through casually scattering seeds. This is why we need to be careful of whom we associate with and/or the content of media we consume. Everything seems to have 'seeds.' The good thing for us is that we have a 'caretaker' of our garden, and He has a way of removing those 'weeds.' Jesus says let them grow together then toss them into the fire and He'll do the separating. Whoa! Maybe the turmoil, stress, or anxiousness in your life right now is the 'separation' process going on. Maybe all you need to do is stand firm and let Him finish the work. Why not just praise Him in the process. Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." - I Corinthians 15:33

Time Focus

There are no more hours in a bad day than in a good one. - Richard Murray

Though Daniel spent the night in the lion's den, it was but a short respite from the world. He and God were OKAY, WOW!

Time flies when you're having fun, but seems to slow to a crawl or snail's pace when things are bad or circumstances are grim. But maybe, just maybe it's in the way we look at it. Often when we take our eyes off of God and His purposes we tend to get narrow minded and a bit more impatient, which only tends to make bad situations appear to last longer. If we focus on God and His goodness, the day never really is long enough to give proper thanks.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be GLAD in it. " - Psalm 118:24

Attitudes of Forgiveness

A chip on the shoulder is too heavy a piece of baggage to carry through life. – John Hancock

Though he was a ‘prisoner in chains’ Paul never considered his situation an added weight in his ministry. God granted him much success! Amen.

All of us I’m sure can think of some person, friend, firm or even family member that has done us wrong. It’s a fact of life that everyone is not going to do what we would want them to do. Jesus himself was crucified for ‘bearing’ the truth. But it does us no good and wastes emotional and spiritual energy to carry a bad attitude or even a grudge against others. Why be a silent prison guard, holding ‘fictitious’ people in jail in your heart or mind. Why not release whatever person or circumstances that are weighing you down. A change of attitude and heart can change your whole outlook on life. Travel light today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Bear with one another, and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:13-14

Standing During Challenges

It’s better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life. – E. Kenny

Little scrawny Gideon was hiding in a winepress threshing wheat when God called him to battle. After finding his courage the rest was easy!

The world today preaches a ‘tainted’ tolerance. We’re to tolerate everyone and their views and desires except when it comes to promoting Christ and his kingdom. This only works to the advantage of the enemy. We took prayer out of schools – look at schools today. We’ve spared the rod on our children – look at children today. This was not the example Jesus gave. Everyday he was challenged by the ‘religious right’ and everyday he stood his ground and told them what his Father said. Jesus had a backbone then and he should have one still today. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “It’s not so much the noise of the bad; it’s the silence of the good.” God is expecting us to be witnesses not observationists.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…..” Ephesians 6:13-14

How You're Known

I’m not the only Christian, but I am Christian only! – Anon

In the entire land of Uz, there was only 1 Job. Hmm!

Three times that fateful night Peter tried to deny he was a part of Jesus’ tribe, even calling down curses, all to no avail. There was something about him that made him stand out like a sore thumb amongst all the others that were gathered. He was easily identifiable as belonging to Jesus. What about us. In a mixed crowd does our identity stand out? Even when those around us may not know our name does our ‘Jesus’ game show up? Not the proselytizing or condemning speeches of others mis-behaviors, but the grace, gentleness, and edifying words that could help make it a ‘divine moment’ they will later reflect upon. It’s true we don’t “cast our pearls among the swine” but it’s also equally true when we’re among them they know who we are.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit……” – Matthew 7:18

Life with no Pretense

We may be better than our reputation, but we are never better than our principles. – Anon

Biblically speaking, most people refer to Job as a man with a reputation for enduring great suffering. Actually he was a man of great principle – he never doubted God! Amen.

It happens every morning. It happens pretty much the same every morning. We get up, wash up, and spend time in the mirror preparing the external outlook of the person the world will see that day. We want to look our best for much is at stake. But no matter how good we look externally we can we can never be greater than what we have within. Life is lived from the inside out, which is why God is so adamant about transforming the heart of man, for it is the seat of all living. Man may know us by our reputation, but God would have us known by our principles.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” – Luke 6:45

Resource or Lifesource?

When money is in your hand, that’s good, when it’s in your heart, that’s bad. –W. Smith

The rich young ruler came oh so close to salvation and missed it only because he didn’t know what ‘riches’ truly were. Hmm!

Resource or lifesource? Tool or trademark? Oftentimes, for many of us we get the 2 issues confused, particularly when it comes to money. Money and wealth in and of itself, is not a bad thing. God wants, of all people, his children to enjoy His blessings, however when money captures our heart, is our only motivating factor, and we will stop at nothing to have more of it; it replaces the very God who gave it as our 'lord and master.' And God said, “thou shalt not have ANY other gods before ME!” I pray you master it before it masters you.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food, and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” – I Timothy 6:6-10

Praise for All That's Good

It’s just as easy to look for the good things in life as the bad. - Sparks

In all that Joseph went through (abandonment, prison, etc.) his attitude seems to say he never had a bad day. Hmm!

The alarm doesn’t go off and you wake up late. The sun is shining. You spill coffee on your clothes on the way to work. You have a job. The boss doesn’t like your report. You still have a job. You work through lunch to fix the report. You actually have food to eat. It can go on and on like this in work, life, relationships, you name it. The issue is we are so bent on seeing all the ‘wrongs’ or ‘bad things’ that occur to us that we seldom see or think about all the good that happens. We’re not hard-wired that way – for God wants us to see His beauty and splendor – but somewhere along the road of life we seem to have picked up blinders to all that is good and can only focus on what isn’t, and we gladly tell others about it. God never said life would be perfect, but that life would help perfect us, if we see it properly for what it is, a training ground for our character – which is the only thing we can take into eternity. So today, why not try to see all the good God brings your way and praise Him for it – for you need remember, you are a ‘piece of work’!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be on my lips…..” – Psalm 34:1

Keep An Eye On Those Little Things

To be blind is bad, but worse it is to have eyes and not to see. - Hellen Keller

Job offered sacrifices for his children just in case they sinned. He didn't want to give the enemy any type of foothold. Hmm!

Poppy seeds. Such a tiny, almost unnoticeable specimen on its own. I often use them in baking muffins, they add a crunchy, nutty texture. Small indeed, but get one caught between your gum and teeth and "my oh my" what a big pain it can cause. And if not treated quickly enough, maybe even a trip to the dentist. And believe it or not, it is the same process with sin. It may start small - just a look, a taste, a hit. Just a no to prayer, reading, meditation - but it doesn't stay small. All it needs is a little space to grow, and unchecked, grow it will. Just as Jesus noted how a tiny mustard seed could grow to provide sanctuary for many, a tiny unchecked sin can grow to destroy relationships, families, and lives. And hence the truth of the matter. Tiny seeds are being sown into our lives every day, in almost every situation. And if we're not quick enough to root them out, they begin to produce a crop that we the host are truly unaware of - cynicism, gossip, bitterness, discord, etc., - simply because we grow accustomed to that being our normal self. Our hearts have always been fertile soil, so hopefully we're careful what we're planting.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ." -II Corinthians 10:5

Just Different

There is no such thing as bad weather; it’s just a different sort. – J. Ruskin

God spoke with Abraham man to man. He spoke to the Israelites from the mountain. He spoke to us through His Son. Different ways – same God! Hmm!

The great thing about life is no 2 days are ever alike. But often in our lives when our circumstances seem to tax us to the 'Nth' degree we say things like “I’m having a streak of bad luck” or “my life is going from bad to worse.” In reality the only thing that has really changed is our outlook on the situation. When we see things as “bad” it means we’ve taken our eyes off of our sustainer – GOD. God is "good all the time." Life may be hard at times, but it is not bad, it’s just different given the situation. But as sure as day follows night God can and often will change our outlook if we just look up.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” – II Samuel 22:29-30

Practice and Develop

Good habits are as easy to form as bad ones. – T. McCarver

The writer of Hebrews admonished the saints for neglecting the ‘habit’ of meeting together. He said something about it being a sinful practice. Hmm!

Most of us know it isn't hard to be good from time to time. What's tough is being good every day. And the only way to achieve such a lifestyle is to develop good habits. We must take the time and effort to deliberately force ourselves into acts of obedience and righteousness. This is how both habits and skills are developed, by doing it over and over again, building a 'winning streak'. The only difference is with skills we’re intentional about developing them, with habits we’re not. This is often why we develop bad habits before we know it. If we don’t continuously practice good habits, bad habits are the natural result. The question we must all answer is: If all we take into eternity with us is our character – what type of character would please God? I think we already know…

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true....noble...right...pure...lovely...admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice." - Philippians 4:8-9

Pop Love Quiz

Love has a bad habit of giving pop quizzes. – Anon

When Jesus was restoring Peter to the fellowship and His church, He quizzed him no less than 3 times “Peter, Do you love me?” Hmm!

If there is one thing in life we all struggle to understand it’s the concept of love. We all experience the ups and downs and try to get to a place where were 'comfortable' with it. And that's when the problems arise. Why, because love can't be defined as an 'it' or a static situation. Love is always a choice to be made and exercised day in and day out. Love for those close to us (parents, spouse, children, friends, etc.) influences other decisions we make with our time or money and other resources. Pop quizzes always abound, and let us not forget that just as Jesus asked Peter several times in quick succession, we'll be in exams today as well.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (I Corinthians 13:4-8a)

The Habits to Break

First we make our habits, and then our habits make us. – Anon

Daniel’s enemies knew exactly where he would be and what he would be doing at the hour of prayer. Wow!

When you get right down to it, most of what we do in our day to day life is out of habits we have developed over time. Just getting dressed we develop them (right leg first or left in putting on pants, right arm first or left in putting on a shirt or jacket), comfortable ‘motions’ that we rarely think about – habits. Some habits will inevitably bring us closer to God and others will lead us away from His path and blessings. And often many of those that lead us away are presented innocently through ‘friends’ and acquaintances and seem quite harmless. But any activity that hooks us and creates a conscious ‘tug’ in our hearts between serving God in righteousness and appeasing our own desires should be examined closely. God has never been against us enjoying life, but our enjoyment of life should never precede our enjoying and yielding to Him in all things. God is ready to help us change or break those habits that hinder our growth in Him, so, if at first you don’t succeed – try praying.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts“

….Do not be deceived: ‘evil company corrupts good habits…..” – I Corinthians 15:33

Good Through the Bad

Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting a hungry bear not to charge you because you're a vegetarian. - S. Barr

For all the good he did for Saul, David couldn't understand why Saul wanted him dead. The kingdom maybe. Hmm!

Live long enough and you will find that bad things do happen to good people - OFTEN! We seem surprised at times that the hardships or misfortunes of life come home to implode on us. We even sometimes become indignant about it, as if we have a free pass because we're good people, we do everything right, we play fair and by the rules. But the issues of life apply to all, no one is above hardship or exempt from misfortune. These are often learning and growth opportunities for our faith and maturity. If we trust "that in all things God works for the good..." in perfecting our faith, then we must have a few of these events in our lives for Him to work through. So as these situations arise in our lives we shouldn't look for an escape clause but for God's purpose and an opportunity to grow closer.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11

Wonderful Matchless Gift of Grace

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace. – R. Otto

Abraham, Jacob, David, Peter, Paul….the list could go on and on with men like these who knew God lives on both sides of the grace equation. And that’s a good thing. AMEN!

As he so often does; the enemy of God tries to deceive us into thinking we are unworthy of God’s goodness in any case whether good or bad. If sin besets us, he screams “you’re not worthy of His forgiveness or mercy.” If blessings become us, he states “you don’t deserve such favor.” But God looks for opportunity in either case to extend His wonderful matchless grace to us. No matter what comes your way today or tomorrow, always remember “His grace is sufficient.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many….But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” – Romans 5:15, 20

We Did This

Our acts make us or mar us – we are the children of our OWN deeds. – Victor Hugo

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day hypocrites because that’s what they were. They did not practice what they preached! Hmm!

Our parents tried to shape us and mold us, to instill in us a sense of value and morality – it was their role. But the responsibility of taking that input and putting it to use in a meaningful and positive manner rests solely with each one of us. And though we may want to blame others for our shortcomings or errors, we know deep within they are ours alone. But the great thing about life is we are each free to change what we don’t like. We are free to make our life a blessing to God and His work. We must remember our actions are motivated by what’s in our heart. It’s no question we were made in the image of God (the bible says so). The BIG question is can that image be seen.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

– Matthew 7:17,20

P.S. - Hope to see you tomorrow at Prayer Breakfast (9am) and remember service this Sunday starts at 9:30 AM in Parmes Hall.