Time to Prune

Where there is no battle there is no victory. The greater the battle the greater the victory. - J. Morse

Paul in writing to the Philippians said, if anything in his life didn't bring him towards Christ he counted it as lost. Wow!

We know God prunes us from time to time, taking away that which is unproductive and sapping in our spiritual life that we may be more fruitful. But here's a question, do we ever prune ourselves? Do we ever take time to review our situation/circumstances to see where we're giving or expending energy to projects, people, entertainments, etc., that really isn't giving new life back to us? As an example, if I'm constantly spending to repair my car, maybe it's time to get another one. Or, if I'm constantly rescuing a friend or family member maybe it's time to let them go 'in love.' If I'm constantly glued to the TV or other recreation at the time of study, worship, or other life-giving fellowships, maybe I need to cut away from it and allow God space to work. It's not so much the question of what do you have to lose, but moreso what you might gain. And more time with God is always a good investment.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"A man ought to examine himself...." - I Corinthians 11:28

That "Can Do" Attitude

A true victor sees himself winning even before the race or battle begins. - Anon

Gideon was the scrawniest kid in his family line but God somehow made him a fierce warrior. Hmm!

The Little Engine That Could! A childhood favorite, tells the story of a little blue train engine that has to overcome a 'rough passage' to get a load of toys to its final destination. The moral is the engine has to go from an 'I think I can' attitude to an 'I know I can' mindset. Truth be known it has a biblical concept that many of us actually know but don't fully adopt. The scripture says "I can do all things through Christ...." It doesn't say attempt or try and give up. It says we can accomplish or overcome. That means anything in our lives that we know hinders our relationship with Christ and God the Father, there is power within the Holy Spirit given us to help us be victorious. To know we can change it. Our only need is to surrender ourselves - flesh and all - to that power within and watch God 'work it out' for our good and His glory.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For we live by faith, not by sight." - II Corinthians 5:7

Fight the GOOD Fight

When it’s time to fight a war, it’s best you know who the enemy is – and who it isn’t. – M. Nappa

During his kingship, Saul spent a great amount of time and energy pursuing David as his enemy. He should have just looked in the mirror for that. Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to do something worthwhile knows it often comes amid battle. Trying to live the righteous and Christian life is no different. However, the battles we fight are often of our own making and against our own ally (God) because of our hardness of heart and selfish desires. Like Paul we often ‘kick against the pricks’ when God is trying to work in corrections or bring blessings in our lives. Life would be much easier if we could get ourselves out of the way!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” – Matthew 16:23

Marks of Honor that Really Matter

A Note from God: “My kid saved your honor student.” – Anon

Paul stated he’d rather have Jesus more than anything, counting all his other worldly goods as ‘rubbish.’ WOW!

Whether it be honor student, perfect attendance, club awards, etc., we sometimes do tend to get carried away with notoriety for our children, and oftentimes even with titles for ourselves. Awards and titles have their place in our lives, but we must keep the main thing the main thing. None of this would be possible if it had not been for what Jesus did for us, and secondly and of even more import; none of this means anything if Jesus is not our personal Savior and Lord. Besides, when we get to heaven God is not going to check our credentials for awards or titles, He’s going to check our hearts and bodies for battle scars (the marks of Jesus).

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” – Jude 3

P.S. - Don't forget to turn in your 'Policy & Procedure' sign-off document.

A Response That Honors God

Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional. – Max Lucado

Upon re-uniting with his brother Esau, Jacob expected a battle that never came. God was in the meeting. Hmm!

It’s a given in life that we will encounter conflict, for everyone is not on our side. Jesus told us we would have troubles, and we see from His life He had continual conflict with the religious rulers of the day. They had made a mockery of His Father’s commands and teachings, and He had come to set things back in order. And of course they resisted. I think we are all familiar with such circumstances whether it be with our spouse, children, siblings, co-workers, or friends. And yes, our anger or ire may rise, but it is in these moments that our faith should direct our response in such a way that it still honors God. God has promised to fight our battles and He is true to His word. There is not a promise God has made that He has not fulfilled, our response is to give it over to Him. Before the words or fists or feathers start to fly, we need to invite God into the battle.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…..do not be afraid or discouraged because of this great vast army. For the battle in not yours, but God’s.” – II Chronicles 20:15

Shout Now!

"Don't wait til' the battle is over to shout now....." - song refrain

David put his victory over Goliath in the hands of God before he even picked up a stone to sling. Hmm!

Praising God is ALWAYS in order. There is NEVER a time when it is out of order. However, we often only offer true praise after the battle or victory is won. God had the Israelites shout choruses of praise BEFORE the walls of Jericho came down. He had Gideon and his rag-tag band of 100 cry out "for the Lord and Gideon" prior to engaging the battle. Could there be a lesson here? I think so. NO matter where we are in life - up/down, joyful/sorrow, etc., - God is worthy of praise. And in that praise we never know just how He might respond, but one thing for sure is certain, He WILL respond. Either by bringing victory over the situation or strength/patience to bear with it until He's ready to take us through it. Now that's something worthy of praise.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory, but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame." - Psalm 44:6-7

Re-ignite the Passion

Half-heartedness never won a battle. – W. McKinley

Gideon started with 32,000 men and God whittled it down to 300 warriors. Hmm!

The pre-game chat. The Sales Team meeting. The self-confidence pep talk. We’ve all seen, possibly heard and/or participated in something similar to these. That time where we are gathered, greeted, focused, and inflamed with a passion to put forth our all, to achieve victory, conquer the enemy, or finish the task. Life is challenging, but it is necessary to prove us and improve us. God is after those that have a heart after Him, a heart that is willing to give all to Him and for Him just as He did for us with Jesus. And just as we become suspicious when someone offers us a limp handshake or wry smile, imagine how God feels when we offer a half-hearted effort. Today is given to re-ignite your passion for God, here’s hoping it works.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” – Matthew 5:8

Fighting for God Time

Where there is no battle there is no victory. The greater the battle the greater the victory. - J. Morse

Paul in writing to the Philippians said, if anything in his life didn't bring him towards Christ he counted it as lost. Wow!

We know God prunes us from time to time, taking away that which is unproductive and sapping in our spiritual life that we may be more fruitful. But here's a question, do we ever prune ourselves? Do we ever take time  to review our situation/circumstances to see where we're giving or expending energy to projects, people, entertainments, etc., that really isn't giving new life back to us? As an example, if I'm constantly spending to repair my car, maybe it's time to get another one. Or, if I'm constantly rescuing a friend or family member maybe it's time to let them go 'in love.' If I'm constantly glued to the TV or other recreation at the time of study, worship, or other life-giving fellowships, maybe I need to cut away from it  and allow God space to work. It's not so much the question of what do you have to lose, but more so what you might gain. And more time with God is always a good investment.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"A man ought to examine himself...." - I Corinthians 11:28

We Will Win!

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. – Douglas MacArthur

David often sought God’s will before

he sought his enemy. Hmm!

Reveille! Alarm clock! Sunrise! Whatever the means, we’re all awake for Today. It’s here and coming on strong whether we like it or not. As you embark upon your day, remember you are at war. Not only with the current pandemic but with all the changes it has brought along to our normal way of life, our physical gatherings, proximity, and fellowship. The enemy will be targeting your heart and mind, firing away to make you doubt your faith and lose your focus. Make sure you dress properly for the battle otherwise you are sure to become a casualty of war.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can

take your stand against the devil’s schemes….” - Ephesians 6:11

P.S. - Praying all is well and that you can join us online this Sunday at 9:30am.

The Battles Ahead

Freedom isn’t free, and its cost is eternal vigilance. – Anon

As we celebrate this ‘Independence Day’ let us not forget the costs paid and the paths forged that make it possible.

First and foremost is what God did for us through His Son Jesus Christ to free us from sin and make us His children. Second, for this nation and the ‘Founding Fathers’ who risked life and death to build a nation who believed in God and His Word. We must forever be vigilant in adhering to, promoting, and protecting these gifts that cost so much. The battles ahead won’t be so much with guns and napalm, etc. on foreign shores, but with pen and votes here in our own backyard. May we realize now that our freedoms are left to us to defend. Blessings!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…” – John 8:32

You never know till you try

It's why they play the game! - Anon

Gideon and his rag-tag army of 300 were really no match for the vast army of the Midianites and Amalakites. But they fought and won anyway. Wow!

On paper, you don't stand a chance. The odds are mightily against you. The laws are stacked against you. On the field or court, the opponent is bigger, stronger, quicker, and nastier than you. It's like Goliath against little scrawny David. But yet, they still play the game and often the 'expected' outcome is not the end result. Somewhere during the battle, during all the scratching and clawing, the courage, faith, obedience, and willingness to lay it all on the line proved more than enough for the underdog to walk away with the victory. In sports they call it momentum, in our daily walk we call it God fighting our battles. We may not win every time, but we'll never know until we let go and let God. That's how and why we should play the game today!

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up..." - Luke 18:1

Half Heart Full Loss

Half-heartedness never won a battle. – W. McKinley

Gideon started with 32,000 men and God whittled it down to 300 warriors. Hmm!

The pre-game chat. The Sales Team meeting. The self-confidence pep talk. We’ve all seen, possibly heard and/or participated in something similar to these. That time where we are gathered, greeted, focused, and inflamed with a passion to put forth our all, to achieve victory, conquer the enemy, or finish the task. Life is challenging, but it is necessary to prove us and improve us. God is after those that have a heart after Him, a heart that is willing to give all to Him and for Him just as He did for us with Jesus. And just as we become suspicious when someone offers us a limp handshake or wry smile, imagine how God feels when we offer a half-hearted effort. Today is given to re-ignite your passion for God, here’s hoping it works.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” – Matthew 5:8

Sweet Defeat

A defeat that leaves you humble is better than a victory that leaves you proud. – D. Martin

The Israelites were ‘cocky’ in going up against the little town of Ai, telling Joshua they didn’t even need all the men of battle. They got routed and sent home hurting.

We are taught early on that ‘nobody likes a loser,’ or that when in battle it’s ‘victory at any cost.’ But in truth sometimes defeat is necessary. First, if we never taste defeat we would never really be able to fully appreciate and enjoy the victories we have. Second, defeat also gives us opportunity to improve on what went wrong. Last, defeat keeps us humble and forces us to realize there is someone greater than ourselves that we need to make it through this life – God. There will come a time we will all taste defeat, but remember; a saint is just a sinner who fell down AND GOT UP!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 26:75

Fight to Win

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. – D. MacArthur

David often sought God’s will before he sought his enemy. Hmm!

Reveille! Alarm clock! Sunrise! Whatever the means, we’re all awake for Today. It’s here and coming on strong whether we like it or not. As you embark upon your day, remember you are at war. The enemy will be targeting your heart and mind, firing away to make you doubt your faith and lose your focus. Make sure you dress properly for the battle otherwise you are sure to become a casualty of war.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes….” - Ephesians 6:11

Know your enemy

When it’s time to fight a war, it’s best you know who the enemy is – and who it isn’t. – M. Nappa

During his kingship, Saul spent a great amount of time and energy pursuing David as his enemy. He should have just looked in the mirror. Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to do something worthwhile knows it often comes amid battle. Trying to live the righteous and Christian life is no different. However, the battles we fight are often of our own making and against our own ally (God) because of our hardness of heart and selfish desires. Like Paul we often ‘kick against the pricks’ when God is trying to work in corrections, or bring blessings in our lives. Life would be much easier if we could get ourselves out of the way!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” – Matthew 16:23