Flawed But Useful

The best of men are still men at best. – Anon

Peter’s sermon brought 3,000 plus into the church on Pentecost, but he still had a problem with Gentiles. Hmm!

We put a lot of stock and confidence in individuals for their accomplishments, deeds, and contributions to society, and well we should. But we should always remember that God was and is in the plans. The fact that He chooses to remain anonymous does not dismiss us from giving glory to Him. No person yet has accomplished anything by himself (except condemning himself to hell) and without the strength, wisdom, resources, and blessing of God he is no more than mortal and sin driven. Thanks be to God that He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Look up, for today it may just be your turn.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me……Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:21-25

How Do You Remember?

Death leaves a scar only God can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. – Anon

When Thomas saw Jesus’ scars he cried out ‘My Lord and My God!’ – Hmm!

Scars! We all have them, physical, emotional, spiritual. The question is how do we ourselves view them? Are they bitter reminders of the hurt or trauma we experienced that often bring back the pain of the event, or are they joyful reminders of how God in His infinite grace stepped in to bring healing and restore our hope? If it is really true that ‘all healing comes from God’ then maybe that’s an indication of the direction we should lean. But in any case, God leaves the choice of how we view our scars to us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…Finally, let no one cause me trouble for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” – Galatians 6:17

Content in Our Lane

Envy shoots at others and wounds herself. - Anon

Haman’s ire and dislike for Mordecai was the beginning of his own downfall and eventual hanging. OUCH!

We don’t say it out loud, but often if we’re not careful we can be caught being envious or jealous of someone else. Many of our statements about others belie our true feelings. Their position in life, their possessions, their looks or even their personality, how we wish we were like them, even if it were just for a little while. But this type of thinking only stunts our own individual development and growth, and that in itself causes pain and sorrow, for if we are not growing we are dead. We must soon realize that we are who God needs us to be right now, and that He’s shaping us for who He will need us to be later. If we see the world and others through the eyes of God, then love; and not envy is the end result.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

Responding In Righteousness

Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one. – Friedrich Nietzsche

Though Saul hated and tried to destroy him, David had nothing but love for God’s anointed man. WOW!

It happens time and time again. We come across obstinate, arrogant, defiant, evil intentioned people in our lives; in our jobs, in our homes, sometimes even in our church. It’s an almost constant battle where our righteousness is severely put to the test. A good tactician knows the easiest way to defeat an enemy is to get them out of their normal routine or comfort zone, and strike quickly; which is what our enemy constantly tries with us. And if we’re not careful we soon cross the line into no man’s land. But God calls on us to practice self-control, to respond in righteousness, and not repay evil for evil. Just as we hate to see our child or star pupil act out of character, so does our Heavenly Father. He’s counting on us to show the world what a saint really looks like.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified from the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:27

It's How You Come

Present your body as a living sacrifice. – Romans 12:1

When Peter recognized it was Jesus he saw, he quickly girded himself with the proper attire before coming ashore. Hmm!

We all know the cliché ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression!’ And I’m sure it’s played out many times over in our lives in various settings both good and bad. And the truth is it plays out in our faith walk every day as well. Whether we are at work, school, vacation, or home; God is thoroughly concerned with the way we present ourselves before others as we live for Him. The bible speaks on grooming, being properly ‘adorned’ for service, being washed, clean, and unnoticeable in our times of fasting, and by not using or offering our ‘temple’ for acts of unrighteousness, including our eyes (what we see) and ears (what we hear). The bible calls us ‘ambassadors’ and that carries a certain air of expectancy with it. This is not to say we always walk around formally dressed and coiffed, but that we are ‘presentable.' The idea is if people are going to look to Jesus to have hope, first they will look to us as representatives of that hope. The question then becomes not how much do you know, but do they want to know you?

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.” – John 12:32

Fear God

We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. – W. Gurnall

Saul’s fighting men greatly feared Goliath and allowed him to taunt them 40 days. But along came scrawny little David and his God. AMAZING!

Most of us remember a time when as children, though our parents weren’t around we were well behaved because we feared what would happen if they found out we misbehaved. God, as our Supreme Father commands the same respect. But often the TRUTH of the matter is ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Because we don’t often see a physical manifestation of God we have no fear of Him. But the REALITY of the matter is God is ever present, - ‘I will not leave you or forsake you;’ – we just refuse to see Him and submit in obedience to Him. The antidote to fear is love – ‘perfect love drives away fear’. God will not force His will upon us at any time, but then again neither will He force HEAVEN upon us later. The choice is always ours.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

Mind Body Soul Sync

It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required. - Winston Churchill

Though Paul was a tentmaker by trade, you often found him in the synagogue or temple. Hmm!

2-a day drills! Daily team practices! Weight-room training! Video sessions! Just a typical day in the life of a professional athlete. To make it in their league and star for their teams it takes this type of dedication. They are sold out! Interestingly enough, Jesus calls for the same from those of us on His team. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind AND with all your strength." That pretty much requires everything of us. Our heart should be His throne, our soul/spirit should be in step with His Holy Spirit, our mind should be fixed on heavenly things, and the very strength we have should be used to glorify Him. Here's the question before us. As we live out our daily lives do these things work in sync or do they stand alone? Do we often 'refresh' our heart and spirit but rarely address how we use our strength or body? Do we use our strength to 'serve' but rarely spend time alone with God? It bears consideration for though we may not be professional athletes we must remember we are still playing for a crown.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." - Colossians 3:23

Flip Your Frames

Your heart is able to see things that your eyes aren't able to. - K. Yasser

The 10 plagues. The Red Sea crossing. Manna from the sky. Even after all these miracles some Israelites were still hard-pressed that God was God. Hmm!

When you visit the eye doctor for an exam the standard is 20/20 vision. Anything other than this normally requires glasses/contacts. However, even with 20/20 vision we can often miss or misinterpret what's right before our eyes. Jesus walked/talked among the people daily and yet the religious rulers and teachers didn't recognize Him as the Messiah they all sought. They had made up in their minds what the Messiah should look like and how he should act and Jesus didn't fit the bill. Like them, God often places the truth right before us and we fail to see it or accept it. Many a life has been shipwrecked because that individual thought they were the exception to the rule. I guess the question we must all ask ourselves is "am I not really seeing the truth?" or "am I like them of old and denying the truth I see?" Neither position is tenable, for the freedom and peace we seek is only in the truth set right before our eyes - JESUS!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light." - Matthew 6:22

Not On Our Own

The best of men are still men at best. – Anon

Peter’s sermon brought 3,000 plus into the church on Pentecost, but he still had a problem with Gentiles. Hmm!

We put a lot of stock and confidence in individuals for their accomplishments, deeds, and contributions to society, and well we should. But we should always remember that God was and is in the plans. The fact that He chooses to remain anonymous does not dismiss us from giving glory to Him. No person yet has accomplished anything by himself (except condemning himself to hell) and without the strength, wisdom, resources, and blessing of God he is no more than mortal and sin driven. Thanks be to God that He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Look up, for today it may just be your turn.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me……Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:21-25

The Story of Our Life

Life is like a full library owned by an author. In it are a few books which he wrote himself, but most of them were written for him. – H.E. Fosdick

Most of the kings in the bible kept records of their monarchy, but it was always God’s Word that prevailed over them. Hmm!

The passing on of information and knowledge is a good thing, particularly those things that are helpful, insightful, and edifying. And books are a great resource for such a transaction. And yes, we should want to tell a story with our lives, but that story should be in context with the greater story of the God who made us. So we need to read and obey His book before we try and write ours. So often many of us are trying to write great screenplays, how-to books, or life guidance novels with our life story for those who come after us, when all we really need to do is as Solomon said “fear God and keep His commands.” That’s the story we should be writing with our lives for those who come after us. Life itself is the greatest gift we have, and if we live it right, tell it correctly, and write it succinctly for others, we will have all eternity to discuss it with them in glory. Today’s a good day to jot down a few notes.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Of making many books there is no end and much study wearies the body….here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

Mere Mortals

The best of men are still men at best. – Anon

Peter’s sermon brought 3,000 plus into the church on Pentecost, but he still had a problem with Gentiles. Hmm!

We put a lot of stock and confidence in individuals for their accomplishments, deeds, and contributions to society, and well we should. But we should always remember that God was and is in the plans. The fact that He chooses to remain anonymous does not dismiss us from giving glory to Him. No man yet has accomplished anything by himself (except condemning himself to hell) and without the strength, wisdom, resources, and blessing of God he is no more than mortal and sin driven. Thanks be to God that He uses ordinary men to do extraordinary things. Look up, for today it may just be your turn.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me……Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:21-25

Win the Day Where You Are

I'm just a nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody! - Anon

Though a valiant warrior and statesman himself with a right to the throne, Jonathan gladly stepped aside to let the kingdom pass to David. WOW!

It's true when you think about it, nobody grows up with the idea of becoming vice president or second in command, it's always the idea of president or owner. We have a desire to be on top. But the truth is no matter our desire most of us are not really cut out or molded for the top position. That being said we can still honor our God mandated purpose, for He created us to be on top of our game for Him rather than on top of an organization or structure, as someone who knows how to influence or make an impact on others, society, and the culture around us for His glory. So whether we're top or middle management, clerk level, or even unemployed, we still have cause to win the day.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...but in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be...." - I Corinthians 12:18

Training Beyond

There are no victories at discount prices. – Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Though he was a skilled fighter and battle tactician, Joshua still needed Moses’ prayers to God to overcome the Amalekites. HMMM!

In training for any event, you train not only to survive; but to go beyond the actual event. This helps build strength and fortitude and equips you to hold out until victorious. The same is true in our Christian walk. However, very often we want to cut our prayers short, not give time to meditation and devotions, or spend time in study of God’s word. Even in our daily life we try to cut corners, hasten time along, or live with compromise. This only leads to defeat. God has always been and always will be exact in His Word and expectations. Though victory is assured He will not allow us to coast. Today is another training day.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize…..I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:24,27

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 21

Today's scripture reading question:  How is the truth of verse 21 working out in your life?

Temple Maintenance

No one owns his or her own body – it either belongs to God or is enslaved by sin. – Anon

Daniel loved God so much he felt that even eating the kings food was not good for him. He was right. Hmm!

Street Walkers! Junkies! Alcoholics! We sort of stand at a distance and look at such individuals and wonder how in the world they could abuse their bodies in such a wasteful manner. But in truth, oftentimes the only difference between them and us is they go at it openly and hard. God gifted us with the physical body to be a dwelling place (temple) for His holy presence within. When we use it or adorn it in any way that does not glorify Him – no matter how sleight – we are equally like them. It’s true we should be judged by what’s in our hearts, but with many folks they may never get that close because of the ‘wrapping’ we’re in. 

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God….Therefore honor God with your body.” – I Corinthians 6:19-20

Let's Get Physical

Exercise does not take time

out of your life. It puts life in your time. – L. Maxwell

David's young warriors

would often play a round of 'spirited' games to keep their skills and bodies

ready. Hmm!

Though we are steadily

progressing via technology, automation, robotics, etc., we still live in busy

times and there will never enough hours in the day. Be that as it may, God has

so designed the human body to require some sort of physical exercise for

maintenance. Physical exercise helps the body spur on certain chemical processes

that aid in health, healing, stress reduction, and longevity, not to mention it

serves as an aid in spiritual and emotional development. And I think those are

all positives in this business of life and godly living. So we should all take

time to maintain “the temple’s” appearance. 

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“For physical training is of some value, but

godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present

life and the life to come.” - I Timothy 4:8

It's Really No Secret

No one is free who is not master of himself. – Claudius

Joseph would not let himself stoop to levels of sin and indecency before his master and God with Potiphar’s wife. He considered the whole idea “wicked.”

One of Satan’s lies is that you can do things in secret that no one will know. It’s a clever little ploy to keep us in bondage to sin. Temptation to sin comes to all of us, but for us as Christians so does the power and opportunity to escape the sin. We must remember in all situations that it is not about us and our desires, but our heavenly Father and His will for us. God will not withhold any good thing from His people. I pray we will rise above all selfish desires today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Therefore I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:26-27

Digestion: What You Do With It

It is not what men eat, but what they digest that makes them strong. – Francis Bacon

Though exhausted, hungry, and weak from fasting 40 days, Jesus put Satan to flight using of all things – the Word of God. Hmmm!

I’m sure we all remember the ‘Wonder Bread’ slogan: “helps build strong bodies in 12 different ways.” Wow! The bible or Word of God goes much deeper than that though, helping to build the complete perfect man. But, it’s not so much the reading of the Word (eating), as it is the understanding and life applications gained from the word (digesting). Most of us eat but are still malnourished and weak because we don’t retain the ‘meat of the word.’ The actions and responses we give to life’s circumstances are a direct result of what we have actually fed our hearts and minds. The good news is today God is ready to spread another feast before you.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11-12

Time to Listen

Hearing is one of the body’s five senses, but listening is an art. – Anon

The boy Samuel heard God’s call several times before he knew what it took to just listen. Hmm!

We live in a world of constantly increasing communication. Just witness the explosion of ‘smart/social’ media technology (iPads, iPhones, Facebook, FaceTime, Twitter, etc.). But in a world full of communication mediums we have a lot of misdirected, misunderstood people. The art of talk-speak has increased and we have confused hearing with listening. To truly listen is to understand the other persons heart, passion, and desires when they speak. Listening takes time, which we often don’t seem to have; and it takes one’s full attention. This is why we often miss out on God’s responses to our prayers and directions for our lives – we don’t take the time nor give our full attention to Him. God will be speaking today as always, I pray we all listen up.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then Jesus’ disciples said, ‘Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things’…. “You believe at last!” Jesus answered.” – John 16:29-31

Fear Cure

We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. – W. Gurnall

Saul’s fighting men greatly feared Goliath and allowed him to taunt them 40 days. But along came scrawny little David and his God. AMAZING!

Most of us remember a time when as children, though our parents weren’t around we were well behaved because we feared what would happen if they found out we misbehaved. God, as our Supreme Father commands the same respect. The TRUTH of the matter though often is ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Because we don’t often see a physical manifestation of God we have no fear of Him. But the REALITY of the matter is God is ever present, - ‘I will not leave you or forsake you;’ – we just refuse to see Him and submit in obedience to Him. The antidote to fear is love – ‘perfect love drives away fear’. God will not force His will upon us at any time, but then again neither will he force HEAVEN upon us later. The choice is always ours.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

Out of Character

Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one. – F. Nietzsche

Though Saul hated and tried to destroy him, David had nothing but love for God’s anointed man. WOW!

It happens time and time again. We come across obstinate, arrogant, defiant, evil intentioned people in our lives, on our jobs, and sometimes even in our homes. It’s an almost constant battle where our righteousness is severely put to the test. A good tactician knows the easiest way to defeat an enemy is to get them out of their normal routine or comfort zone, and strike quickly; which is what our enemy constantly tries with us. And if we’re not careful we soon cross the line into no man’s land. But God calls on us to practice self-control, to respond in righteousness, and not repay evil for evil. Just as we hate to see our child or star pupil act out of character, so does our Heavenly Father. He’s counting on us to show the world what a saint looks like.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified fro the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:27