Fully Known, Fully Loved

Your individuality should never surpass your identity. - Anon

John the apostle wrote in Revelation about the scene he saw in heaven saying he saw a ‘host of folks that could not be numbered’. Hmm!

Imagine it! 9 billion (with a B) plus living individuals on the earth, not to mention those who have already gone on to glory before us; and each one fully distinguishable by our One True God. Though we were all created in His image, each one of us is fully distinguishable from anyone else ever born to Him. Just as God knows every star by name, because He hung them Himself; He knows each of us even more intimately than we really know ourselves. There is nothing hidden from His sight. And here’s the kicker, He has enough love, mercy, and forgiveness to offer every one of us our needed portion every day in just the way we need it. Maybe today would be a good time to cozy up to Him and ask for some.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:13-14

What God Never Forgets

It's easier to get older than it is to get wiser. - Anon

Thank goodness David was a man 'after God's own heart' for he sure seemed to forget God's ways at times. Hmm!

It happens to all of us. We see a familiar face approach us, begin a conversation; and for the life of us we can't recall their name. We wreck our minds and come up empty. Or we walk from one room to the next and forget what we were going after. Or in our normal day to day busy living we forget and a special birthday, occasion, or appointment may slip by us. Some days we forget where we put the car keys, other days we forget where we parked the car. It's all part of being HUMAN! The bible is full of forgetful folks. The nation of Israel forgot God had delivered them and turned back to worshipping idols. Peter forgot Jesus' words and denied Him three times that very night. And often we are guilty of forgetting God's goodness in our lives and His promises to us. The good news though is that God NEVER forgets us nor forsakes us. And for that we should say Hallelujah!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne. Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...." Isaiah 49:15-16

Dying to Change

To become a butterfly, you must be willing to give up being a caterpillar. – T. Paulus

Much of Paul’s success as a missionary for Christ was because he ‘counted’ his former life as a Pharisee as nothing. Hmm!

No doubt about it, a butterfly catches your eye. The way it flits about without a care, the beauty of its colorful wings waving in the breeze. We admire and often desire such beauty in our lives. But make no mistake about it friend, it took a lot for this creature to arrive at this point, a whole lot. In this case of metamorphosis, the caterpillar ceases to exist completely (dies to self) that the beautiful butterfly may be born. Wow! In our quest for such beauty some of us like to settle for the cosmetic or wardrobe change thinking this will be all that is required, maybe fooling those around us but certainly not fooling ourselves, and certainly not God. The person we truly desire to be for God is possible, but it will require like the caterpillar that we ‘die to self’ that our new creation may gain life. I can guarantee that you will indeed love the ‘new you!’

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” – II Corinthians 5:17

Learning Life's Lessons

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever-evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

Time to Stop Running

Running towards what we don’t understand, and away from Him who wants to give understanding; keeps us from truly knowing who we are. – Anon

Adam and Eve ran and hid from God in the Garden and it seems as if man hasn’t stopped since. Hmm!

Believe it or not but ‘The Fall’ is still happening…. Though God has called us into relationship we are still in flight. Just think about it. We withhold information, we mask our true feelings, we twist facts, and we love to hide. Actions such as these are not demonstrations of openness or transparency but darkness. In our selfish flight to be free we only entangle ourselves more deeply. God is still in the business of giving enlightenment, discernment, wisdom, understanding, and purpose to life, and He’s willing to do it today. The great challenge for all of us is to stop running long enough to discover the truth about ourselves and God’s love for us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For in Him we live and move and have our being….we are His offspring.” – Acts 17:28

Everyday Genesis

The secret to being productive is to work on the right thing — even if it’s at a slow pace. - J. Clear

Paul preferred who he was becoming in Christ far and above the 'Pharisee of Pharisees' he once was. Hmm!

In one of my wife's favorite movies 'Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan' the Starfleet Federation scientists develop a technology that can create new life on a barren or frozen planet from scratch. It can form mountains, oceans, vegetation and its own sustaining atmosphere. Of course they call it the 'Genesis' project. I think on this and remember Jesus said "my Father is always at His work!" How often do we take for granted what God is creating new every day? Trees blossoming for example. God is not only creating beauty, but food as the cycle of new life continues. What He started 'in the beginning' continues under His Sovereign will today. And He is at work in re-creating in us Christ's likeness day after day after day. So, in essence you are a new creation today, far different than you were yesterday; and that is not only a great marvel but a reason to rejoice.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." - Isaiah 42:9

All We Need

Being is always more important than having. – C. Ringma

Joseph, Daniel, Paul. With all their ups and downs they never lost sight of whose child they were. Hmm!

We all like the taste of success and all that it brings. The accolades, the praise, the rewards and notoriety. Truth be known, it is to this end we were created by God; “to do ‘good works’ which He created beforehand for us to do.” So we strive to be successful in all we do. But we must be careful not to let these successes define us, where we began to think what we do and what we’ve achieved from it is more important than who we are, or that the successes make us who we are. We need to remind ourselves that we are more than our work and possessions. We need to remember we are ‘vessels’ used by God for His glory, and whether we have a million dollars or none, a fancy title or none; we are still the most precious in His sight and have all we need in Him. I can personally guarantee that you will have all you NEED today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25

Live Courageously

Being an optimist after you’ve gotten everything you want doesn’t count. – F.M. Hubbard

When Jesus’ mother troubled him about the wine at the wedding feast, she knew something would be done, and it would be good. Wow!

Make no mistake friend, this world can present itself as a very formidable and powerful opponent; with its shocking human interest stories, depressing economic news, or downright evil activities of mankind seemingly going on all day, every day. But as those who trust in God, we must always know He is in control, nothing happening is catching Him off-guard, and He is always with us. So, in the midst of our surroundings, we can still live courageously, not shrinking back or retreating at all, but holding steady, listening for His call to move forward or move out of the way. Yes, this world will test us, but we only need remember the battle is the Lord’s and He has already assured us of the victory. So, whatever today brings, know that if we hold fast, we will overcome.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him….” – Romans 8:28

Releasing the Old

To become a butterfly you must be willing to give up being a caterpillar. – T. Paulus

Much of Paul’s success as a missionary for Christ was because he ‘counted’ his former life as a Pharisee as nothing. Hmm!

No doubt about it, a butterfly catches your eye. The way it flits about without a care, the beauty of its colorful wings waving in the breeze. We admire and often desire such beauty in our lives. But make no mistake about it friend, it took a lot for this creature to arrive at this point, a whole lot. In this case of metamorphosis the caterpillar ceases to exist completely (dies to self) that the beautiful butterfly may be born. Wow! In our quest for such beauty some of us like to settle for the cosmetic or wardrobe change thinking this will be all that is required, maybe fooling those around us but certainly not fooling ourselves, and certainly not God. The person we truly desire to be for God is possible, but it will require like the caterpillar that we ‘die to self’ that our new creation may gain life. I can guarantee that you will indeed love the ‘new you!’

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” – II Corinthians 5:17

Make the Difference

Being different isn’t the same as making a difference. – Sparks

The Christians at Corinth were arguing over which group was better because of who brought them to the faith (Apollos, Cephas, Paul, etc.) Paul reminded them it was Jesus who made the difference. Hmm!

We live in a society that embraces individuality. It teaches people to make a name and identity for themselves. And we often do strange things to make ourselves distinct and different from others that we may display our individuality, but we’re actually called on not to attract attention FROM society but to make a difference IN society. Our faith pronouncement is not to just stand out but to STAND UP! We’re called to stand up for righteousness and truth, to get involved when they are threatened, and promote ways to better this world. Yes, it’s a major task but that’s why God picked us, there were none better available to do it.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” – John 4:39

The Trust Factor

It is impossible to go through life without trust. It leads to being imprisoned in the worst jail cell of all, ‘oneself.’ – G. Greene

God ‘trusted’ in man. Jesus ‘trusted’ in the apostles. There seems to be a pattern here. Hmm!

Were we to look back over our lives, each of us could see progress made in several areas, maybe not as much as we would have liked, but progress nonetheless. And if we look a little deeper we can see we did not do it alone, we had help. Help from God and help from others. But to receive help we had to trust the one giving the help. Trust is one of the foundational pillars of faith and love. If we had no faith we could not trust anyone in even the simplest things (doctors, cooks, drivers, spouses, etc.) for we could never be sure their intent was not to harm us. And if we have not faith in someone it would be impossible to love them. It’s a very refreshing thought to know that God loves us and has faith in us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

You can't run from God

Running towards what we don’t understand, and away from Him who wants to give understanding; keeps us from truly knowing who we are. – Anon

Adam and Eve ran and hid from God in the Garden and it seems as if man hasn’t stopped since. Hmm!

Believe it or not but ‘The Fall’ is still happening…. Though God has called us into relationship we are still in flight. Just think about it. We withhold information, we mask our true feelings, we twist facts, and we love to hide. Actions such as these are not demonstrations of openness or transparency but darkness. In our selfish flight to be free we only entangle ourselves more deeply. God is still in the business of giving enlightenment, discernment, wisdom, understanding, and purpose to life, and He’s willing to do it today. The great challenge for all of us is to stop running long enough to discover the truth about ourselves and God’s love for us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For in Him we live and move and have our being….we are His offspring.” – Acts 17:28

Do Gooders

Next in importance to having a good aim is to know when to pull the trigger. – E. Leterman

In defeating the giant Goliath, David knew there was a time to shout victory for God, and a time to actually do something about it. It only took 1 stone. Amen!

Truthfully, most people have good intentions. They want to be honest, forthright, dedicated to the task and disciplined. They want to be. But wanting to be and actually being or doing are far apart. The only way to get from one to the other is to take action. Too often we miss opportunities to act for God because we tend to overanalyze situations, or try to outguess what God has in mind. The simple truth is all God has in mind is that we “love our neighbor as we love ourselves.” And he gave us hands, ears, eyes, feet, and a heart to do it with. It would be a sin to end the day with our “pouches” still fully loaded.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10

Sunny Days

The most beautiful thing under the sun is being under the sun. -  Anon

It rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but God eventually called Noah and his family out of the ark. Noah was so happy he built God an altar. Hmm!

The psalmist says, “this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” How very true. It is a great day to be alive. God’s grace has given us another day. Life is a very precious gift, work and/or school is a blessing; and both are great worship opportunities. As our day unfolds, events may not happen to our liking or desires, but remember God has greater purposes. Detours may be necessary, but take time to enjoy the scenery and catch the message God is sending.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” – Psalm 84:11

Being AND Doing

Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful. – Anon

In the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’ the Priest and the Levite seemed to miss the point of their calling. Hmm!

“Behave yourself!” “Be on your best behavior.” Just a few words of instruction I’m sure we’re all familiar with, having heard them uttered to us many times in our life. And there is great truth in these words, for when we are obedient to them we find ourselves in trouble a lot less. But often we take the intent much too far. The idea was to ‘be good’ but it was never to stop or hinder us from doing good or what was right. Jesus chided the Pharisees for such self-righteous behavior. Yes, the world is full of those who look to take advantage of our good nature, and yes; it is true we cannot help everyone, but if we never reach out to do good how will others come to know the love Jesus so desperately wants them to know. Jesus wants to do good today, hopefully each one of us will let Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Trust in the Lord and do good….” – Psalm 37:3

Overlooking It

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook. – W. James

Paul suffered a great many injustices and hardships in his missionary and evangelistic campaigns. But he knew these ‘momentary trials’ could never compare to what awaited him eternally. Hmm!

We know for sure troubles come upon us, but we equally know they don't always last. It may seem like it but they do pass. And true, there are many things and people in our lives that will continue to upset us, frustrate us, and irritate us, but that’s life, and the world we live in. But God often uses those very experiences to help shape and mold us for His glory. The key is to remember God often has the same frustrations and irritations with us, yet He loves us just the same. If God is willing to overlook or forgive us an infraction, maybe we should do the same.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – II Corinthians 4:16-18

More than our work

Being is always more important than having. – C. Ringma

Joseph, Daniel, Paul. With all their ups and downs they never lost sight of whose child they were. Hmm!

We all like the taste of success and all that it brings. The accolades, the praise, the rewards and notoriety. Truth be known, it is to this end we were created by God; “to do ‘good works’ which He created beforehand for us to do.”  So we strive to be successful in all we do. But we must be careful not to let these successes define us, where we began to think what we do and what we’ve achieved from it is more important than who we are, or that the successes make us who we are. We need to remind ourselves that we are more than our work and possessions. We need to remember we are ‘vessels’ used by God for His glory, and whether we have a million dollars or none, a fancy title or none; we are still the most precious in His sight and have all we need in Him. I can personally guarantee that you will have all you NEED today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25