Stand Up Not Just Out

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

Just Take His Word For It

Tell a man that there are 500 billion stars in the universe and he’ll believe you. Tell him the fence has just been painted and he has to touch it to see if it is so. – H. Cohen

Gideon believed the Lord was the God of the Universe when he spoke, he just wanted some 'proof'. Sound familiar?

It’s very true that experience is a great teacher, but often the lessons come with painful, expensive, or long-lasting costs. God in his Divine Wisdom has given us of His Word to help us avoid many of these ‘lessons,’ knowing our frailties and what we can bear, but often we seem intent on getting that first hand knowledge. Rather than looking back with regrets maybe we should just learn to take God at His word. It’s never failed yet and when you think about it, isn’t that a great comfort! As life ‘happens’ all around you today why not just try trusting in God’s Word.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“….What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” – Isaiah 46:11

Given Not Deserved

God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is. – Richard Murray

After his denials of Christ, Peter went out and wept. After his resurrection, Jesus went to Peter and ‘reinstated’ him. WOW!

The world gives adulation to its own. Movie stars, star athletes, writers, politicians, etc. are heaped great praise and adoration for their actions, and often begin to believe they deserve such. It’s easy for us to get caught up into the mode of thinking we deserve God’s love because of what we’ve accomplished for Him, how long we’ve been faithful, or even because we can see the ‘change’ in our lives. The truth of the matter is God loved us from the very beginning, when we weren’t the people we are now, when we had not accomplished the things we’ve accomplished now. He even loved us when we went astray, and rejected Him. Aside from His holiness, love is His nature. There is nothing we can really do to earn His love, for He freely gives it to all. May you feel loved today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Open Up My Eyes In Wonder

Some things have to be believed to be seen. – A. Hodgson

Noah had never seen rain in his life, but that didn’t stop him from building the ark. It came in handy later on. WOW!

We readily “ooh” and “aah” and applaud thunderously at magicians with their sleight of hand, smoke and mirrors, and trick angle presentations to amuse us, though we know its trickery. But everyday God presents an incomparable array of natural beauty, windows of great opportunity, and unconditional love; yet He barely gets a raised eyebrow from most. We often miss it because of our self-centered focus. God does reward those who truly seek after Him, for it is only through the eyes of faith that we can actually see Him at work, and when we do it is a most beautiful sight. If we’ve been missing God, it’s not because He’s not there, it’s because we have too much glare (distractions) in our lives. Maybe we need to put on the sunglasses of faith to see a bit more clearly.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice….Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.” – Hebrews 11:17,19

Practicing Jesus

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way. The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

The Foundational Stake for Faith

The thing about faith is there is enough light for those who want to believe, and enough shadow to blind those who don’t. – B. Pascal

The Philippian Jailer and his family and King Agrippa heard the same message of the good news of the gospel firsthand from Paul. One was enlightened, one almost enlightened, but lost. Hmm!

When it comes to the word of God the average Christian will say they want to believe it, but they want to believe it in light of their own finite circumstances. This type of thinking will always cast a shadow on things. God is searching for those who will take Him solely at His word, sight unseen, because they truly love Him. Love is a foundational stake for faith, and faith is what brings the light. Shine on!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.” – Psalm 119:105-106

True Faith Acts

Just as mirrors only reflect what they see, our lives only produce what we believe. – Anon

God often brought unpleasant circumstances before His people just to see what was in their heart. Hmm!

No doubt about it, we all would like the world to be a better place. That’s a great sentiment, and a noble desire. But the question we need answer is: ’What can we do to make it a better place?’ We all know the ‘Golden Rule’ – treat others in the same way you want to be treated – but do we really believe and practice it as Jesus commanded? To go the extra mile. To be kind in spite of others. To love expecting nothing in return. To go beyond our comfort zone. True faith never asks whether good works are to be done or even considered. Faith just acts on impulse for the works are its lifeblood, faith without works is dead. Everyone wants to change the world but no one wants to start with himself. So we often leave it to others ‘greater’ than ourselves. God will not ask us why we weren’t more like Paul, Esther, David, etc., He’s just going to ask were we faithful and true. Hopefully our answer is already being written in the affirmative, and we’re doing all we can to confirm it each day.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12

Fool Me Once...

There are 2 ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true, the other is to refuse to believe what is true. - Anon

Though the priests and people were expecting to actually see the Messiah in their lifetime, they had all kinds of trouble seeing JESUS. Hmm!

Though in life "everybody plays the fool" sometimes, you would think no one actually goes about looking to be fooled. Anyone old enough knows not everything you read or hear is true. Anyone old enough knows not everything you see others do is right. And to 'know' these things you would think there would be a personal pursuit to see out 'what is true'. But the fact of the matter is many of us, too many of us; are being fooled both ways, just as our ancestors were. Just look at our current situations (presidential race, wars abroad, etc.) and we can see folks all seem to have a different version of 'what is true'. It's true, the issue isn't new, but it is also true that in this day and age where Jesus is seen less and less new versions of 'what is true' are cropping up. Maybe as Christians we need to present a smaller version of ourselves and more of Jesus to those we encounter. Let Him be the difference. It couldn't hurt.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus....replied 'Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true.'" - John 7:28

Eternal Hearts Live On

In the ancient words of the Bible is the gift of ETERNAL LIFE. All that's needed to unlock them is the ever-present Holy Spirit. - Anon

Jesus said 'store up for yourselves treasures in heaven'...Hmm!

If we look around the house, we'll probably find it. An old worn out, cracked binding, dog-earned pages falling out, bible. Yes, it's lost its luster, but not its life. There's something there that won't simply let us part with it. The memories of dad/mom reading from it at night, carrying it to church on Sunday, quoting from it often as they lectured us when we needed it. Yeah, that physical book - Bible - may not have withstood the time, but the words contained within still resonate. Why, because it is the Living Word of the Living God, who is eternal and forever. And from these lessons we've learned that earthly treasures may fade over time (mom/dad, grandparents, etc.) but eternal hearts live on and shine forever. May we all be so empowered today!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." - John 6:68-69

Depend On Him

Don’t just believe in miracles, depend on them! – L. Peter

At the wedding feast in Cana, after speaking with her son, Jesus’ mother KNEW they would have a good batch of wine.

It is a sad commentary for us as Christians but often we challenge God to show himself to us through various avenues (miracles) to PROVE Himself and His love to us. But the truth of the matter is we are all walking breathing miracles. Anytime the supernatural (God) connects with the natural (us) it is a miracle. Our prayers to God and the life we live after such prayers should show us not expecting God to act out in miraculous ways but DEPENDING on Him to do so, for all of life really is a miracle; and because we can do “nothing outside of Him.” He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4

Really Real Obedience

Unless he obeys, a man cannot believe no matter how often he says he does. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

When God gave 99-year old Abraham the covenant of circumcision, that very day he and his household were circumcised. Hmm!

Every day we witness it and think little of it, but it has a profound belief behind it – a traffic light. We obey the colors and we know unequivocally RED means stop, so we obey. The danger in not obeying is too great. We’ve seen the destruction that happens when one disobeys. The same is true in life. We see it every day as well, lives interrupted or shipwrecked by disobedience to God’s Word by those who say they confess Christ as Lord. God’s desire is not to cause us harm but good, so somewhere there must be a disconnect. Life is more than platitudes and feel good statements. It may make us feel good to say “God knows my heart”. He does indeed know it, but He is still looking for obedience. It is a matter of living up to what we say we profess. God would have it no other way.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But Samuel replied: Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice…” I Samuel 15:22

Ask Ahead

It’s good to believe in prayer, but what we believe about prayer is far greater. – Bill Pile

Daniel prayed 3 times a day. Jesus prayed before every decision, miracle, or move He made. Their results speak loudly! Hmm!

The average person will say they believe a healthy diet and exercise is good for the body, but rarely will they do it. They will say they know they need to save money before an emergency arises, but again, it’s rare if they do. We’re told to ‘pray without ceasing’ but….. Most of us as Christians do pray. However, if we were to look at our prayer life we would see we’re often praying ‘after the fact’ rather than before the storm; which shows our belief about prayer is somewhat lacking. If prayer is able to “change things” or “move God” should we not be asking ahead?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“[Uzziah] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” – II Chronicles 26:4-5

Because He Said So

We must constantly remind ourselves that HE is God, and we are not. - Anon

Abram had no idea where he was going when he left his home in Haran, but he trusted God knew the directions. Amen!

"Because I said so!" It was an answer to our many questions that our parents gave to us as kids seemingly over and over again in our younger growing up years. And it was one we readily accepted without question or skepticism. Did it explain what we were asking - NO! Did it give us further insight into what we were seeking - NO! But it did satisfy our curiosity at that time because we fully trusted in the one giving us the answer. That's the faith God looks for in us today. Even when we ask and don't get an answer, or get an answer we don't understand, will we continue to trust in the ONE who is Sovereign over us? All that He has shown and given us in the past should be our foundation to trust Him in the present situation and with our future.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are those who have not seen but yet believe." - John 20:29

Use Me?

God uses broken people like you and me to rescue broken people like you and me. - Anon

Of all the people Jesus could have sent to preach in the Decapolis, he chose a man he had just healed of many demons. Wow!

You ever wonder about Mary, mother of Jesus; and her willing obedience when Gabriel spoke to her? Why? You have to know she was taught the scriptures from an early age. And remembering how God would often use ordinary people (Gideon, Jonah, Esther, etc....) to save His people, she knew and believed in her heart that could be her at any time. So, when Gabriel spoke, hence her reply "so be it as the Lord wills." What about us? Would we be so willing for God? Though we know the ways of God are often mysterious, would it be so unexpected and hard to fathom that He'd want to use you in a mighty way? God's redemption story is still unfolding today, and He still uses ordinary people to bring it about. Wherever you may be in your current livelihood (up, down, hurting, joyful...) just know that your life is part of His ongoing story. He's counting on us to make it interesting and inviting!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message...." - John 17:20

God Cares for YOU!

Don't believe those who tell you they love you, believe those who show you they do! - E. Gaudette

When Jesus invited himself into his home it was a love song to Zacchaeus' heart. Hmm!

"And how was your day?" Whether it be parent, spouse, or close friend asking we tend to give superficial answers like "fine!", "it was okay", or even "don't ask!" Either because we want to keep the details personal, or we don't feel they are worth sharing. But in truth, those who ask aren't doing so because they want to hear an exciting story or find out what you've been doing, they ask simply because they care about us. And the same is true of the God we serve. God really wants to know what's causing us pain or weighing on our mind, pulling on our heartstrings. He loves to hear our personal thoughts and struggles. Nothing is really insignificant with God, and you won't bore Him at all. So, have at it.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - I Peter 5:7

A Real God

God doesn’t believe in atheists. – Anon

Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Nature, even His own Son. God sent them for one reason only, not that we may know about Him, but that we may know Him!

None of us ever saw George Washington cross the Delaware, Harriet Tubman lead slaves to freedom, or General Custer make his famous last stand. But just because we did not see it personally doesn’t mean it did not occur. And though we may not have seen a physical manifestation of God that ‘suits our fancy’ doesn’t mean God isn’t real. He’s as real as you or me, and He fully expects us to live according to His Word to show others He is real. No, God doesn’t believe in atheists, nor does He believe in ‘Christians’ who act like atheists. Remember, if we don’t really live the faith, we don’t really believe it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, know the Lord, because they all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 31:33

Questions That Lead To Understanding

"That, my son, is the right question..." - excerpt from 'I Robot'

I imagine Saul was quite surprised at the answer he received to his question: "Who, are you Lord?" Hmm!

Think of the number of times in conversation you hear "how do I say this?" or "let me get my thoughts right..." to ensure the hearer gets the right interpretation of what's being said. Do we ever think along those lines when it comes to reading and studying God's Word. Maybe we miss the meaning or intent because we read it out of context, or maybe we miss it because we're searching for the answer we want, not what the truth reveals. God's knowledge is not limited by anything or anyone, and He holds the answers to the universe and all there is in His hands, willing to share with anyone who asks. However, we still must ask the right questions to receive what we seek/need. The scripture plainly points out God gives wisdom to everyone that asks, but it also says we need to ask with purpose, belief, and in humility. Any questions?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all.......But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord: he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does " - James 1:5-8

Beyond Common Sense

Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to. - G. Seaton

Even in the midst of being tossed into a fiery furnace with the thought of God not sparing them, the 3 Hebrew boys couldn't denounce the God they served and loved. You know the ending!

Without doubt, God is still in the miracle working business, but His primary desire is for relationship with His people. There are times when we seem to prefer the miracle over the miracle worker. There are times we get so carried away with our deliverance, or the revelation we've received, we forget the very God who's responsible. Miracles are only manifested to bring God glory. If we need them to sustain our faith or to prove God real, then our faith is in vain. True faith rests in the God of miracles, not the miracles themselves. God truly wants to be known and loved for who HE IS to us, not so much what He does for us.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus told him, 'because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." - John 20:29

Seeing the Best

I always try to believe the best of everybody – it saves me so much trouble. – Rudyard Kipling

God so loved the world that He gave His Son simply because He believed in mankind. He still does. WOW!

One of the great problems we face in life is seeing it through our own eyes. When we do, we tend to bring everything down to our own level, our own way of thinking; our own beliefs. We begin to think no one is perfect, or no one can live up to the standards God requires, not even Jesus. But life is not limited to what we see or think, people are not limited to our own personal faults or shortcomings. That’s the whole foundation of change. God accepts us just as we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way. He can see far grander and righteous acts in our lives. And when He’s at work in our lives we can then see the beauty in the world and the people around us. How’s your vision today?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” – Genesis 1:31

What Proof Do You Need?

Tell a man that there are 500 billion stars in the universe and he’ll believe you. Tell him the fence has just been painted and he has to touch it to see if it is so. – H. Cohen

Gideon believed the Lord was the God of the Universe when he spoke, he just wanted some 'proof'. Sound familiar?

It’s very true that experience is a great teacher, but often the lessons come with painful, expensive, or long-lasting costs. God in his Divine Wisdom has given us of His Word to help us avoid many of these ‘lessons,’ knowing our frailties and what we can bear, but often we seem intent on getting that first hand knowledge. Rather than looking back with regrets maybe we should just learn to take God at His word. It’s never failed yet and when you think about it, isn’t that a great comfort! As life ‘happens’ all around you today why not just try trusting in God’s Word.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” – Isaiah 46:11