The Secret to Being...

Recipe for contentment: Remember the day’s blessings, quickly forget the day’s troubles. – Anon

The apostle Paul said he ‘knew’ the secret to being content in all things. It was his new attitude in Christ. Hmm!

We spend a great deal of our time, resources, and efforts chasing after the seemingly elusive ‘zone of peace.’ The bible does tell us to seek peace and pursue it, but it never said it was in the things made by man. The only true peace comes from being rightly related to God and not straining or taking the relationship for granted. Since we alone choose what to allow our hearts and minds to dwell on, in Christ; contentment, peace, and happiness are just a mindset away. As the day unfolds what it cooks up will be up to us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

Remember to Have An Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to remember past mercies. – C. Jefferson

The publican in his prayer request. Paul in his letter to Timothy. They both understood “it” – Grace!

Did you ever stop to wonder why God gave us the ability to remember things? I think the main reason is so that we would never forget what He’s already done for us. It’s true, were we to actually stop for a minute and try remembering our past blessings, we would truly realize how gracious and merciful God has been to us; which in turn should make us the most gracious and merciful people on earth. The question of the day is are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful? Gratitude is a great attitude. Thanksgiving was yesterday, will we have an gratitude today?

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:1-5

Just Worship

"Praise is who I am, I will praise Him while I can....." - song refrain

After being beaten and cast into prison all Paul & Silas could do was - PRAISE. Hmm!

Have you ever considered Job's resumè? What made God give him such rave reviews in the presence of Satan..."have you considered my servant Job..." He often offered sacrifices for his children 'just in case' they sinned. And then, on what has to be the worst day of his life, where he lost everything, he grieved AND then worshiped God. No finger-pointing, no plots of revenge, or even self-pity. Just worship. Maybe there's a lesson for us here. Maybe instead of anger, bitterness, outrage, or self-absorption in some of our worst moments, we just stop and praise/worship God. It could make life a bit easier to bear, reduce the heartache, and bring the hope we have back into clear view. God is still in the restoration business, and just as He restored Job, I know and believe the 'plans' He has for us are far better than what we presently see. So whatever the struggles of life might be right now, let's put praise at the top of each day.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

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

Blessings Available Right Now

The future depends on what you do today. - Mahatma Gandhi

Though Job was in misery and wanted an audience with God, he didn't try to rush things. Hmm!

We count them down. "Only 6 more weeks of school, only 5 more treatments, only 14 days to my birthday, vacation, etc." Yes, we cross the days off the calendar looking forward to our day of freedom, joy, relief, whatever. Mind you, it's not wrong to celebrate such achievements, but often when we get so focused with tunnel vision on 'that date' in the future we tend to miss the blessings God provides each day. Each day is a gift from God filled with His glory, grace, favor, and mercy. Add to that family, friends, daily provisions, purpose - it's overwhelming when you consider how much we have to enjoy right here today, right now - that we put so much expectation on something afar off. Wow, maybe praise is in order right now.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

Timely Gratitude

Silent gratitude isn’t of much use to anyone! – Gertrude Stein

The Pharisees wanted the crowd to stop praising Jesus at the triumphal entry. He replied “if the people were silenced the stones would cry out.” WOW!

The ‘Didache’ community has a saying of “whether receiving or giving, it involves the action of stretching forth one’s hands,” meaning there must be specific intent made. How much moreso then, with an expression of gratitude. If it is not uttered in a timely manner it is wasted and lost forever. We should not take today for granted or the events or people that bless our lives, nor should we assume they know how we feel. We should just tell them. We cannot thank God enough, but we can thank Him!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” – Psalm 34:1-2 (KJV)

Glorious Intersections

Talk is cheap, at least that’s what you think until you get the phone bill. – Anon 

When God finally answered Job it was much more than he bargained for, but he was blessed as well. Hmm!

It is often said that no good deed goes unpunished. For example, how often is a friendly offering of “how are you?” commandeered into a blow-by-blow account of someone’s recent surgery or illness; or a smile you give is enough to have some stranger open up to tell their life circumstances to you. That’s because people are hurting in this world, and they’ve found very few people actually care, so a simple “how are you?” is all they need to hear. Instead of getting upset or thinking “oh my gosh” maybe we should think like Jesus. God’s desire is for us to make these intersections ‘moments of glory’ for Him and His kingdom purposes, so either we spread a little heavenly cheer to them, or we slow down and hear His voice through them. In either case the key is to open up your heart’s pocketbook.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

You Matter

Out of billions of people in the world the fly in the room wants you! - Anon

Jesus often went out of His way to reach those nobody wanted. You ever been that person? Amen!

God doesn't need you. That's right, He doesn't! The creator of the universe and all therein doesn't need anyone or anything - He is completely perfect. Within Himself. By Himself. For God to need anything would make Him imperfect. So, He doesn't need you, me. or anyone else. There, it's said. BUT, He wants you. Yes, you, me, and everyone. He wants us for relationship. Not arms length, but intimate, close, one-on-one. To love, cherish, embrace, and to lavish His blessings on. To be there when it seems nobody else is. To give our life meaning, purpose, and understanding. To let you know you really do matter and have great value. And who amongst us doesn't WANT a friend like that?

Until tomorrow...….

Pastor Botts

".....I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people...."- Jeremiah 31:33

Happy Thanksgiving 2019

Prayer is a privilege, but answered prayer is a blessing! – Anon

As we gather today, and consider our blessings and think about the many things that have come our way, let’s not forget we have a God who has graced us with mercies, grace, forgiveness, and favor in ways we will never fully deserve or understand. So let us make sure we take time today to stop for a moment and thank God for the prayers He has answered in your life, AND the prayers He has answered that others prayed for you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Bless the Lord O’ My soul, and forget not

all his benefits….” – Psalm 103:2

Pray for Your Enemies

Worrying about your enemies is wasted time. Praying for them is a sound investment. – Anon

In the Psalms it seems

David was sometimes almost hostile toward his enemies in his prayer time with

God. But, God heard him. Hmm!

It’s a fact of life that

anyone who tries to live a righteous, holy life will have enemies. We have an

adversary who is wise and knows how to manipulate the hearts and minds of those

we interact with – so we will have enemies. But giving them all our attention

by continual worrying is not wise. Just as the bible tells us that not one of

us can make ourselves grow another inch or add another hour to the day by

worry, the same is true of our enemies. We cannot make them do anything by

worrying about them, but we can put our heart at ease by praying for them. It’s

an amazing truth but you really can’t grow to love someone until you begin to

pray for them, asking God’s blessing in their lives. Be prepared to pray and

pray often today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless

those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” – Matthew 5:44

Connection Issues? Count Your Blessings!

When you’re unable to pray, count your blessings. – Anon

King Saul sought out a medium or spiritist in his turmoil. David continued faithful and waited on God for his answer. We know which one was God’s man! Hmm.

Prayer is our most important communication link with God. He covets it and there is never a time when He does not hear us. But there are times in life when it seems like our prayer link to God is broken, we just can’t seem to get through when we really need Him most no matter how often we call. In truth, there are times that God is silent not because of our sin or distance, but because He has already “graced” us with blessings that fulfill all we need. Just try counting, I’m sure you’ll find you won’t be disappointed.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; BLESSED is the man who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

Prayer IS the Work

Public victories are always won in private closets. – J. Graham

Jesus, our example; often went to lonely places and prayed. AMEN!

Any good soldier knows that though wars are fought in the trenches, victorious strategies are drawn up in areas away from the battlefield. The same is true for those of us who are in the Lord’s Army. We must come to a recognition that prayer is the work, the HARD WORK that begets the ear and activity of Almighty God. And it’s the realization in our prayers and requests that whatever we are asking is for the glory of God, the strengthening of the kingdom, and the extension of His blessings upon others; that moves God’s heart. If we would assure victory for God in our lives it just makes sense to plan strategy with him. Don’t think prayer, just pray!

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Matthew 6:6 (NKJV)

Make it Known

Silent gratitude isn’t of much use to anyone! – Gertrude Stein

The Pharisees wanted the crowd to stop praising Jesus at the triumphal entry. He replied “if the people were silenced the stones would cry out.” WOW!

The ‘Didache’ community has a saying of “whether receiving or giving, it involves the action of stretching forth one’s hands,” meaning there must be specific intent made. How much moreso then, with an expression of gratitude. If it is not uttered in a timely manner it is wasted and lost forever. We should not take today for granted or the events or people that bless our lives, nor should we assume they know how we feel. We should just tell them. We cannot thank God enough, but we can thank Him!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” – Psalm 34:1-2 (KJV)

Seeing the 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 tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

P.S. - Please remember to bring your sermon outline notes to bible study tomorrow evening.

Blessed not Possessed

Possessions are very good at what they do – possess! – Anon

The rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking life, could not break free from the tentacles of his blessings. Hmm!

God loves to bless us as His people and He lavishes His love upon us. But the material blessings in our lives are meant to be just that – blessings - and not possessions. But often they become the latter and begin to change and dictate into our lives in ways that interfere with our worship and pursuit of God. The account of Job shows us what it truly means to be blessed but not possessed in any manner by those blessings even including children. Job’s proclamation ‘the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord’ is recognition of the divine sovereignty of God in all things, and is really a truth we need to further integrate in our daily living. A little more of God in our lives requires a little less of something else.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” – Mark 8:36

Gratitude the Great Attitude

Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to remember past mercies. – C. Jefferson

The publican in his prayer request. Paul in his letter to Timothy. They both understood “it” – Grace!

Did you ever stop to wonder why God gave us the ability to remember things? I think the main reason is so that we would never forget what He’s already done for us. It’s true, were we to actually stop for a minute and try remembering our past blessings, we would truly realize how gracious and merciful God has been to us; which in turn should make us the most gracious and merciful people on earth. The question of the day is are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful? Gratitude is a great attitude.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:1-5

Thanksgiving Reflections

When gratitude is your seed, grace is your harvest! - Anon

November 23, 2017. Today, as you gather with family and friends from far and near, I pray that the meal itself won't be the only thing you're thankful for, and I pray you'll take a minute to lift up those less fortunate than you. With the year pretty much behind us, I think if we all take a minute to reflect, we'll see His face. Happy Thanksgiving!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...." - Psalm 103:2

Blessed Intangibly

Strength, rest, grace, mercy, forgiveness, provision, guidance, help, unconditional love. What a God we serve! – E. Stenbock

Jesus said this wicked generation looks for a sign but none will be given. Our Heavenly Father gives many every day. Hmm!

It’s often said that the easiest thing to overlook is what’s right in front of you. How TRUE. We often take for granted the many blessings and mercies God extends to us each and every day. The worldview that blessings are only ‘tangible’ is a warped picture of who God really is. And if it is only tangible blessings we seek after we will never be satisfied, for our heart can only truly be satisfied by being ‘rightly related’ to God. The tangible blessings serve only as reminders of His great love for us and all the intangibles He has continued to provide. Were we never to receive another tangible blessing we can see He is still worthy of our praise.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I will cause my people and their homes around my holy hill to be a blessing. And I will send showers, showers of blessings, which will come just when they are needed” – Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)

Attitude of Grattitude

Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to remember past mercies. – C. Jefferson

The publican in his prayer request. Paul in his letter to Timothy. They both understood “it” – Grace!

Did you ever stop to wonder why God gave us the ability to remember things? I think the main reason is so that we would never forget what He’s already done for us. It’s true, were we to actually stop for a minute and try remembering our past blessings, we would truly realize how gracious and merciful God has been to us; which in turn should make us the most gracious and merciful people on earth. The question of the day is are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful? Gratitude is a great attitude. Happy Thanksgiving!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:1-5

Blessings and Beyond

When God blesses you, He always has more than you in mind. – R. Jutze

God blessed and favored Joseph immensely in his life not for Joseph’s sake, but for Israel’s sake. Joseph remembered! Hmm!

God is always at his work, and normally he works through those who willingly serve him. He has planned out this very day to give great blessings to those in need. Today is a blessing, a gift from Almighty God. And if it is a gift, He fully expects us to bless someone else with it, someone He has already chosen to cross our paths. It is when we forget about ourselves that we do things that are blessings to others. Here’s hoping you’ve got your blessings all planned out.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore…” – Genesis 22:16-17