New Every Morning

Your past should be a springboard, not a hammock! – E. Burke

The book of Judges is proof positive that God has little recollection of yesterday’s performance. Amen!

One of the truths of baseball is that it is hard to make it to the major league level, but once you do, it is even harder to stay there. They have so many metrics, statistics, and ways to measure your performance. One bad day/week and you can easily become overwhelmed by a stat sheet analysis. Thankfully, God is not that way with us. Even in our most difficult season we can still rejoice in His faithfulness, for our current situation in His sight is always based not on what we’ve done but on His unchanging heart for us and what Jesus has done. And though we may feel down or defeated He offers new mercy and hope each day. So let go of yesterday’s shortcomings and live on today’s opportunities.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:19-23

Not Rocket Science or Powered

The power of prayer rests on the ONE who hears it, and not on the one who says it. – A. Brown

Jonathan’s victory over the Philistine outpost was ‘perhaps’ because he trusted in God. Hmm!

Prayer! Why is it such a hard thing to do? Why do we fear others hearing us pray out loud? So often we approach prayer like it’s an IRS form or a job application, and we have to fill in all the spaces correctly or there’ll be big trouble. Or we feel we have to say all the right words or be somewhat long or overtly emotional in our plea. God is not standing over us in a white coat and clipboard when we pray. He knows our heart and our needs before we even ask Him. His invitation to prayer is really just a desire to commune together, meet and share concerns, hopes, dreams, and encouragement. There is no standardized format. The main thing in our prayer time is that we acknowledge God for who He is, and our complete dependence upon Him. And since there is nothing ‘too hard’ for Him, He eagerly awaits us to show His power.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know…” – Jeremiah 33:3

Responses That Reflect Your Calling

What they call you is up to them, what you answer to is up to you. - Anon

Saul once called David a boy, but after the Goliath event he realized David was a warrior. WOW!

Winebibber, glutton, friend of sinners, Beelzebub! Those who despised him had many names for Jesus, most of them unflattering and downright mean. But he never forgot who he was nor his ultimate calling - SAVIOR. People of the world today are not much different than people then, this we know for many of us have had some unflattering names, gestures, and remarks hurled our way. It just goes with the territory. The question is how we respond, if we respond. Remember, you don't have to attend every argument/fight you're invited to. But if and when we do, may we like Jesus remember our ultimate goal - to reflect God in all we do in word and deed.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11

Convicted By Our Actions

Actions lie louder than words. – C. Wells

Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites because they did not 'practice' what they preached. Hmm!

If Jesus is to represent us in heaven before his Father, we must give him something to work with down here. Just as we can easily know what a person believes and thinks not by what they tell us, but by their actions, SO CAN God. And God is not impressed by our high and lofty thoughts, our intentions or speeches, or our wanting to do good, He desires our obedience to His will. None of His commandments are suggestions, food for thought, or take it or leave it theories. God sets the standard for righteousness and requires our obedience out of our love for Him and who He is. His word is life, and He expects us to strive each day to live it out. We can be certain that our actions will convict us, the only question is what will we be convicted of?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46

New Point of View

We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are. – Anais Nin

Mary & Martha believed Jesus as the son of God but could only see him as human like them. When Lazarus died, their “eyes” were opened! Wow!

Often, the hardest thing to see is what is right before us. Why, because we often have a fixed or made-up mind of what it should be. We live most of life this way. But God is asking us to trust Him, have faith that He knows what He is doing though it may not appear so to us. We must remember just as God is not through with us, He also is not through with those around us and those in our lives. Our call is not to make or pass judgment on them based on our flaws or imperfections but to see every bit of God at work in their life as much as possible, and help it along.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Peter replied, ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." - Acts 10:14-15

Higher Authority

The toughest thing about raising kids is convincing them you have seniority. - Anon

When the Prodigal Son reached 'rock bottom' he realized his father was not only bright, but RIGHT. Hmm!

Many of us were blessed to grow up in a god-fearing, two-parent home. I know in today's society that is now a rarity. But whether it was single-parent or two in our upbringing one thing was abundantly clear - there was a parent. One who laid down the law. And if we accepted them as parent(s) then certain personal, behavioral, and moral consequences were demanded of us from them. We could not claim "you're my mother/father" and then not listen to them. It just didn't work that way. Well friend, what about Christ? The same is true about Him in our life. We can't claim Him as Lord and then cast aside all His commands, living only for ourselves. We can't just give lip service to His words and live however we want. It's an insult to His very being. So as this day unfolds and presents all its circumstances and issues, we need to ask ourselves "What shall I do with Jesus called the Christ?" Now that's a thought worth pondering.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" - Luke 6:46

Precious Lasting Memories

One day, you'll be just a memory for some people. Do your best now to make it a good one! - Anon

When the mysterious woman anointed Jesus by pouring perfume on his head, he said her act will be remembered forever. Hmm!

Walk into any home and you'll probably see them. Photos, framed and placed around the house of children, spouses, and others. And each one has a story behind it. The age or grade level, the event or gathering, and usually the joy or happiness of the day. Precious memories! In truth, no one wants to be forgotten, and that's not really a bad thing, it's human nature. The question is what are we doing now that is worthwhile to be remembered fondly? Life is fast and fleeting but if we do it right by God's standards our memory can be around long after we're gone. LIVE WELL!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope....." Lamentations 3:21

Words Count

"This call may be monitored for quality assurance purposes....." - Operator

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter was surprised when God let it be known He was listening in. Hmm!

Communicate! We love to do it, we live to do it. Talk, text, post, tweet, I/M, D/M, etc., we just can't seem to get enough of it. We are social beings. After all, communication is at the crux of all relationships, and we were made for relationships. But I guess the bigger question we need to consider is what are we saying or communicating when we go at it? And why? We must remember as God's people we don't get a free pass at this. He said we will "one day give an account of every word we've spoken." The intent there is not a verbatim review of what we said, but what was our 'motive' behind what was said. Was it necessary, helpful, informational, etc., and most of all did it glorify Him? We may not want 'big brother' listening in on our communications but we need remember our Heavenly Father always is.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Does He who implanted the ear not hear? Does He who formed the eye not see? - Psalm 94:9

Weep in the Time of Weeping

The bible was written in tears, and to tears it yields its best treasures. – A.W. Tozer

If Lamentations points out anything to us, it’s that Jeremiah’s tears allowed him to see and appreciate God much more clearly. WOW!

Though we may cry at a wedding, funeral, or birth of a child; we generally view shedding tears as a sign of weakness. Even recently a TV commercial stated “when you see a man with tears in his eyes that’s just a bit of his ‘awesome’ leaking out.” But just as rain drops fall from the sky to help in the natural process of new growth, tears are often a necessary action to help the Word and will of God go deeper into our hearts. That we may grow deeper and stronger roots, not only to stand taller and more robust, but to have a more fragrant aroma to attract others and ‘fruit’ to offer those in our sphere of influence. And though sometimes our eyes may be dry, when the heart truly aches, weeps, and anguishes for God, the Spirit within knows how to present those requests to God with the tears needed. Weep on friend, weep on!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” – Psalm 18:6

Listening for the Master

The first duty of LOVE – is to LISTEN! – Tillich

To love Jesus is to know His Word. To know His Word is to listen. Hmm!

We start out as babies in the crib listening for the calming voices of our parents. Then we proceed to adolescence where we’re instructed by those we love to listen to the voice of authority to guide us correctly in life. Somehow it seems in adulthood we forget this process, or assume it’s unnecessary, or tune into the wrong frequency, thus making our life messy. If our goal truly is heaven, I think we need to learn this lesson over again and ‘listen’ for the Master, as He’s the only one with directions on how to get there.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ And the Lord said to Samuel: ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle’” – I Samuel 3:10-11

Vessels of Use

God doesn't call people who are qualified. He calls people who are willing, and then He qualifies them. - R. Parker

From slave to 2nd in command of a nation (Joseph). From ruddy shepherd boy to king of Israel (David). From lowly fishermen to Jesus' standard bearers (disciples). There's definitely a PATTERN there. Hmm!

It's often amazing how many of us will say we believe God can do great things through His people. However, when it comes to Him using us, we don't think He'll do it because we just aren't 'there yet' for Him to use us. The truth is God IS NOT looking for people who are 'there yet' to use, He's looking for those who have a willing heart to be of service, ANY service for the kingdom. First of all, we can't get 'there yet' without Him, and second, none of us really know where 'there yet' is - only God does. And as we willingly obey Him in service we will find ourselves moving closer and closer to what He has purposed for us. May we all be vessels of use today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be MY WITNESSES in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8

Don't Deny The Blessings

The true call of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. – D. Stanley

Though the disciples were first called ‘Christian’ at Antioch, they were still human. Hmm!

Though Jesus was God in the flesh, he never denied his human nature. He ate, drank, slept, and enjoyed fellowship with others, even sinners. That in itself, was the perfect model of discipleship. Discipleship does not mean that we live lives of deprivation or poverty but rather we live lives full of appreciation, thankfulness, and sharing. It is not the shrinking away from, or downplaying of the blessings God bestows on us that we may identify with those less fortunate, discipleship is drawing others in to share in those blessings that God gives in order that they may come to know him. True, the call to discipleship is to deny our self-centered nature, but never the blessings God brings our way to help further the kingdom.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Honor the Lord with thy substance…..” – Proverbs 3:9

Whose Child Are You?

We honor God’s name when we call Him Father, and actually live like we’re his children. – Anon

Before he started his ministry Jesus was actually known as ‘the carpenter’s’ son. Hmm!

In every family there’s at least one, if not all; of the children, who, when outsiders see or hear them they immediately know this is so and so's child. Every parent loves to hear good things about their children, whether it be about their attitude, appearance, dependability or even their thoughtfulness. It makes their heart joyful. God as our Father is no different. He takes great pride in us when we reflect His character, His nature, and His spirit in such a way others might notice. As the day unfolds before us may we remember to whom we belong!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46

Identity Thieves

Our parent's may have named us but our life truly speaks who we are. - Anon

In the Garden of Eden, God asked Adam "where are you?" not for his location but for his position -sin had changed his identity. Hmm!

You've seen the commercials - LIFELOCK! Protect your identity. They talk about online identity theft and fraud, and your need to protect your financial/medical/life identity from cyber criminals on the web/internet. Sadly, this is very true. But yet, our identity is being stolen every day - openly. The government chips away at it with legislation and liberal laws, often where we don't even a have a voice in the decision. Society or culture chips away at it with its "all about me" attitude and demands. At times even our own children make us question our rights as their parents. Who are you? It is a lot to deal with. And if we're not careful we give in and even start to 'adapt' to these changes as god-ordained/approved. Here's the question we need to truly consider when it comes to identity, and that is: Does God know who you are? Is your identity unquestionable before Him? Is our walk and talk a great witness to Him and for Him? Or, will He have a 'where's Waldo' moment trying to identify us? Today is a good day to make sure!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 2:10-11 

A Simple Invitation To Prayer

The power of prayer rests on the ONE who hears it, and not on the one who says it. – A. Brown

Jonathan’s victory over the Philistine outpost was ‘perhaps’ because he trusted in God. Hmm!

Prayer! Why is it such a hard thing to do? Why do we fear others hearing us? So often we approach prayer like it’s an IRS form or a job application, and we have to fill in all the spaces correctly or there’ll be big trouble. Or we feel we have to say all the right words, or be somewhat long or overtly emotional in our plea. God is not standing over us in a white coat and clipboard when we pray. He knows our heart and our needs before we even ask Him. His invitation to prayer is really just a desire to commune together, meet and share concerns, hopes, dreams, and encouragement. There is no standardized format. The main thing in our prayer time is that we acknowledge God for who He is, and our complete dependence upon Him. And since there is nothing ‘too hard’ for Him, He eagerly awaits us to show His power.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know…” – Jeremiah 33:3

That All You Got??

“You call what you’re doing a living sacrifice?” – God

Jacob had to leave his family, slept alone with a ‘rock’ for a pillow, and still got up and praised God. Hmm!

Often most of us just fall into the rut of life, just doing what we need to do to get by, make ends meet, keep the lights on, etc. And unfortunately the same attitude falls upon our ministry and worship efforts. But if God is a God of life, joy, vibrancy, and one who is ‘doing a new thing’ should not our lives somewhat parallel the one in whose image we were made? The spirit-filled individuals we read about in His word had problems as well, but it seems they went out of their way and normal routines to please God. If God is the same ‘yesterday, today, and forever,’ I think the same type of attitude and effort is still what pleases Him. Hopefully we’re all up for it today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“{God said} Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” – Job 1:8

Opportunities to Grow

What we call adversity, God gives as opportunity. – Anon

Jesus once asked Philip if they had enough to ‘feed’ all the people. Philip begrudgingly calculated how much it would cost them. It wasn’t about money but faith.

Rise AND shine, hope AND pray, rejoice in ALL circumstances. Sometimes admittedly we seem to do okay on the front end, but not the other. We wonder why do we have to be cordial, why should I pray one more time or why should I be happy this is happening to me. It is then we need to take off our ‘glasses’ and put away our ‘thoughts’ and seek what God is trying to work out in our lives. He never wastes an opportunity for us to grow into maturity, for in so doing we give Him even greater glory. So today is the day, may we not miss the opportunities.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” – James 5:11

Tax Free Prayer Rewards

Yes, the requirements of prayer tax the heart, but the answers and rewards are all tax free. – Anon

Hannah, Hezekiah, Jonah, Paul. Just a few prayer warriors who seemed to know how to move God in a mighty way. Hmm!

Anybody who has ever worked in the United States remembers the shock of their very first paycheck. The long, hard, arduous hours of work and then WHAM-O, after 'taxes' net pay far from what we thought. But God is truly awesome and amazing. No agency or person can stop us from seeking Him, nor Him answering in a mighty way to bring into our lives all He desires for us. And as he answers there is no middle-man or agency to ‘take a cut.’ His blessings are full and overflowing, and what’s more when we share them they double. The key is to learn in our quiet times what God’s heart is and ask for the world. He’s already promised to give it!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” – Psalm 34:6-7

Listen up Love

The first duty of LOVE – is to LISTEN! – Tillich

To love Jesus is to know His Word. To know His Word is to listen. Hmm!

We start out as babies in the crib listening for the calming voices of our parents. Then we proceed to adolescence where we’re instructed by those we love to listen to the voice of authority to guide us correctly in life. Somehow it seems in adulthood we forget this process, or assume it’s unnecessary, or tune into the wrong frequency, thus making our life messy. If our goal truly is heaven, I think we need to learn this lesson over again and ‘listen’ for the Master, as He’s the only one with directions on how to get there.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ And the Lord said to Samuel: ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle’” – I Samuel 3:10-11

Who ARE You?

What they call you is up to them, what you answer to is up to you. - Anon

Saul once called David a boy, but after Goliath he realized David was a warrior. WOW!

Winebibber, glutton, friend of sinners, Beelzebub! Those who despised him had many names for Jesus, most of them unflattering and downright mean. But he never forgot who he was nor his ultimate calling - SAVIOR. People of the world today are not much different than people then, this we know for many of us have had some unflattering names, gestures, and remarks hurled our way. It just goes with the territory. The question is how we respond, if we respond. Remember, you don't have to attend every argument/fight you're invited to. But if and when we do, may we like Jesus remember our ultimate goal - to reflect God in all we do in word and deed.

I will be away for a few days, so this keyboard will be silent.

Until then,

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11