Making It Through

The best way out is always through. - Robert Frost

The only way into the Promised Land was through the nations of people God would help the Israelites conquer. They thought otherwise but finally trusted God's commands and were rewarded. AMEN!

No one likes pain or distress, and when they come we immediately try to circumvent them. But when God engineers situations for us He is shaping, pruning, and perfecting our character for His glory, and our perseverance is the order of the day. To quit, give up, or seek another avenue is to miss out on the blessings and growth He desires for us. True, it may be hard, unpleasant, distasteful, and seem lonely right now; but we must remember what He tells us in His Word "though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death....He is with us." Situations and circumstances in our life may not be the best, but that only means we've not quite made it through yet. We should just trust God and enjoy the journey.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

Remembering the Good Things

Life would be truly wonderful if we could forget our troubles as quickly as we seem to forget our blessings. – Anon

The Israelites cried out to God for over 400 years to be free of their Egyptian oppressors. As soon as He set them free and they came to the Red Sea they were ready to go back. Hmm!

Truthfully speaking, it is a great day and a great time to be alive. No matter the circumstances of our lives or what station we occupy now, we are blessed beyond measure. Hardships may come, sickness may strike, but these don’t last always and often God will use these instances to help us grow stronger in our faith – and draw us closer to Him – that He may bless us even more. If we are to be in heaven praising eternally, God wants us to be long in memory and character as to what that really entails, so as the day unfolds God wants us to practice keeping our focus on Him and his purposes no matter what may arise.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” – I Chronicles 16:11-12

Staying Faithful

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 tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Where True Faith Rests

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 Monday...

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

The God Experience

You can’t live by expectations, life must be experienced! – Anon

In Jesus, the people expected a great earthly king. Those who knew Him experienced something far greater. Hmm!

“Chip off the old block!” “That’s my boy!” “You are your mother’s daughter!” We often use these terms of endearment for our children when they do things we approve of and/or expect them to do by virtue of their ‘bloodline.’ Admittedly, we can have reasonable expectations of them that they adopt the same principles, beliefs, and life goals that we have, but in truth we cannot expect anyone to live or experience life the way we want them to. No one can live up to our expectations because expectations are founded upon our own personal experiences and beliefs. Our children have not reached this plateau and won’t as their experiences will be quite different and filtered through their belief system. This is crucial in our understanding and walking with God. Though He has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us, His only ‘expectation’ is that we EXPERIENCE Him. That’s when life truly begins.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him…” – Psalm 34:8

All Requests Subject to God's Plan

Faith will not always get us what we want, but it will get us what God wants us to have. – Sparks

Paul cried out in faith to God several times to have his ‘thorn in the flesh’ removed. God gave him humility instead. Amen!

True, the bible says with a little faith you could move mountains, and true the bible says if you ask, believing, you shall receive it. But often we overlook the fact that what we ask for is ALWAYS subject to God’s will and purpose for our lives. If God gave us everything we wanted, He would be a puppet on a string or heavenly vending machine. God grants to us what we need and often supplies our wants within reason for His glory. The sad part is often we just don’t see it because it doesn’t come the way we expect it. God will be granting us all something special today. Don’t miss it!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” – Isaiah 30:18

Faith In Action

The world cannot always understand a person’s profession of faith, but it can understand service. – I. Maclaren

In the bible we find it very often that people followed Jesus not because of who He said He was, but because of what they heard Him say and saw Him do. Many of them He won. WOW!

When it comes to our living and professing the ‘Christian’ life it seems everyone we meet is from the “show me” state of Missouri. They would rather see it in action rather than hear it in words, and in actuality; as Children of God it’s what we are called to do. People really don’t care how much you know or profess until they know how much you really care. So whether you practice ‘random acts of kindness,’ or ‘remember the poor,’ or just go about doing ‘all the good you can,’ do it from a cheerful heart and just know that you are being observed.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” – I Peter 3:9-10, 13-14

Forgetting What Is Behind...

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it. – Confucius

Though Peter scolded him and denied even knowing him, Jesus still gave him Pentecost. WOW!

We live in a fallen world with fallen people. So often we seem to forget this fact. Fallen people tend to do wrong, sometimes intentionally. The truth of the matter is that we will be lied to, lied on, mistreated, misjudged, and flat out hated at times just because we breathe or exist. These are the issues of life that will create excess baggage and emotional instability if we allow it. The example Jesus gave to us is that we just keep moving closer to God, give it all to Him and allow Him to heal it and make us stronger for the fight ahead. Forgiveness is a great gift once we learn how to use it properly and remember God will bring justice as He promised.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10

His Word Speaks Volumes

Don't say that God is silent when your bible lies there closed. - D. Washington

God's command to Joshua to "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips..." seems like a good practice to follow. Hmm!

It's somewhat amazing. I can't tell you the number of times I've talked to people who are looking for answers, praying and asking God for direction in their lives, and when I ask if they've read the bible lately the answer is 'not really.' It's true, God does want to be involved in our lives and He will direct our paths if we seek Him. But one of the major ways we do that is through reading His Word. He speaks volumes to us through it. And most of the time the answers we seek are already recorded for us there. God will do for us only what we can't do for ourselves, so if we're looking for answers He's not yet given maybe we should put our face in the book.

I'll be taking some time off to rest....so...

Until I return...

Pastor Botts

"Blessed is the man.....whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night" - Psalm 1:1,2

Weathering the Storms

A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. – W. Shedd

David, Israel’s greatest king; loved the battlefield more than the throne room for he was a warrior at heart. Hmm!

Safe – a word that means a lot to us. But often we take it in only one manner, that being safe or away from harm. But it also means ability to withstand certain levels of stress, or ability to provide certain conveniences or needs. To many, the Christian life is seen as one cocooned about with other saints at all times (the holy huddle) and never venturing out into uncharted waters where some danger may lurk. But God has promised to go with us through every Jordan (trials) we face. And though we may be tousled a bit, we can weather any storm for He is with us. We were never called to just sit still and watch, but to be prepared to go. So when the storms come or even if they are here now – sail on!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

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

The Power of a Good Rest

Blessed are the balanced; they shall outlast everyone. – Rick Warren

Though he was always extremely busy; Jesus was never stressed or ‘out of sorts.’ His secret: balanced living. AMEN!

One of the events of the Olympics is the decathlon. It is composed of ten events that will tax every physical ability of the athlete. The goal is to do well or succeed in every event, not just three or four. The good thing is however, the events are spread out over several days. Life itself at times seems like a decathlon with all the events happening at once. If we try to survive in this mode we will truly get stressed and burn out. We must learn to make the most efficient use of our time and resources to aid us in our daily trek. Sometimes the best resource available is to just get away (Jesus often withdrew to lonely places…). We can never underestimate the power of a good rest, after all, even God took a rest after the creation. It helps with the balancing of life. Maybe we should try it!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said to them] ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” – Mark 6:31-32

 

Give it Away Now

Sharing is caring! - Anon

Just because we can't beat God giving doesn't mean we shouldn't at least try! - WOW!

"Mine, mine, mine! Go, go, go! Back, back, back! It's my treasure, my good fortune, my hard work paying off!" Yes, this often is our way of thinking and example in life. We hoard God's great blessings to us. Like the rich man in Jesus' parable (Luke 12) we build 'bigger' barns to hold our bounty, so we can live the 'good life.' The truth is we have it backwards, we don't really understand the ways of this great God we serve and receive our blessings from. The reason God loves to lavish His love on us is because of the tremendous joy that comes from generosity. God loves to bless us because it brings Him great joy; and we being made in His image this way can have such joy as well, if we learn how to share.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"......the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."" - Acts 20:35

Stretch Out In Faith

If God is asking you to do something, he already knows about the risks involved. – Anon

Ananais questioned the Lord when he was directed to go lay hands on a new convert. But he went, and a great church persecutor was defeated, and a great missionary evangelist was born, Paul. WOW!

Anxiety. Fear. Worry. For some reason even though we are believers; these words seem to creep into our life whenever God asks us to do something out of the realm of ‘ordinary.’ We’re good at ordinary, it’s safe and familiar, and often comfortable, but God is looking for us to stretch out in faith by getting out of or expanding our comfort zone and trust him in unfamiliar surroundings. Great things are waiting to happen. I pray He may count on us all today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12

Here's Where You Come In...

‘Some assembly required’ means the only missing piece is YOUR obedience. - ANON

God gave the Israelites a land that had all the blessings they needed at their ‘fingertips,’ and they still soon forgot He was God. Hmm!

We live in a world where everyone wants it easy, and, if possible, they want it done FOR them as well. Which is why it’s truly amazing that the majority of people reject Christianity – it’s the easiest religion in the world, if you will, because God does it all for us. God saves us, He purifies us, He provides for us, He heals us, He changes our hearts, He places us in fellowship, and loves us relentlessly. But in truth, Christianity is also the hardest religion there is as well, not because of God, but because of US, for we so refuse to give up being autonomous or independent, often thinking we know better than God. If you’re finding it hard to live the faith, maybe you need to ease up on the ‘control’ issue.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master……Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – John 13:16-17

Give and Forgive

Some people give and forgive, others get and forget. - Richard Murray

God spared David's life from Saul and gave him the kingdom of Israel and Judah, but as soon as David laid eyes on Bathsheba, he forgot all about God. Hmm!

Here's a quick quiz. Look at your surroundings - are you "great-full" or grateful? The God we serve has said repeatedly He is willing to give us all good things "no good thing will He withhold from His children.' It's ironic that we, being made in the image of God; wherein we possess His character traits, seem to have more a desire to get than to give. God is not against the 'abundant' life, but the abundance He speaks of is in joyful relationships, not things. Relationship with Him and with those He places in our lives - those we would be willing to share our lives with. It's virtually impossible to love someone and not be willing to forgive them a trespass. The good thing is that in spite of what David did, God still forgave him. Our challenge today is to be more like our Heavenly Father.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.'" - Acts 20:35

Facing Opposition

The greater the opposition, the greater the opportunity. – Anon

Paul ventured into a city full of idol gods thinking he could actually make a difference for Christ. HE DID!

One thing is sure in life and that is opposition. We get it on every hand. From our friends, from our co-workers, and even from our own family members. Sometimes it seems like opposition just seeks us out specifically. Though we often would prefer to avoid it, it’s primarily the way opportunity comes dressed to us, in the form of opposition. The world opposed Jesus, yet he’s the greatest opportunity for the world. We’re sure to find great opposition in our life today and tomorrow, but God is expecting us, like his Son to make a positive difference.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” – Matthew 5:11-12

Extraordinarily Un-Automated

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary people, but no machine can do the work of one extraordinary person. – Elbert Hubbard

Jonah and the repenting Ninevites. Peter on the Day of Pentecost. One powerful, spirit-filled message changed many hard hearts. Hmm!

Automation. Assembly lines, Time-motion processes, etc. Yes it’s true in many areas the human element has been curtailed or improved upon to benefit mankind, some good, some not so good. However, no matter how technologically advanced we become; no mechanized process can change the hearts of men and women. Only God working through us can accomplish this great feat, and this happens only in relationship. So, no matter what comes our way may we be extraordinary today.



Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25:34-36

Hold on a little while longer

When you are down to nothing God is up to something. – Anon

The widow thought she was down to her last meal for her and her son, Elijah told her otherwise. Hmm!

One of the most powerful accounts of faith and trust is the story of Job. A man who was “blameless and upright,” and who feared God, was stripped of all his worldly possessions and family, and stricken with a terrible, terrible affliction. However, in spite of his 'new' situation and circumstances of life, he kept his faith and trust in Almighty God. Maybe, today where you are in your life you feel somewhat like Job. Abandoned by all, resources exhausted, and trouble on every hand. Take heart friend for like Job, you are being tested. God has not left you but is speedily on His way to your rescue. He’ll be there right on time. May you continue to “hold on.”

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3

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