Opportunities For Investment

Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity! - H. Jackson Browne, Jr.

40 years! That was four decades of wandering in the desert for the Israelites all because they said ‘No’ to God’s offer. Hmm!

The digital photo platform was actually invented by a technician who worked for “Kodak’ at the time. He pitched the idea to the board and they passed on it seeing no future for it. Ouch! The plea for allowing the client to have a say in their investment opportunities was loud and clear. E.F. Hutton missed it. Neither are around anymore. We all sometimes look at our current life and say “If I knew then what I know now….how different might things be!” Well, the question we need to take a bit more seriously is ‘What are we doing with what we know now...to prepare for what may come later?” The gift of TODAY is an opportunity for a better tomorrow, but it depends upon how we invest it. God stands at the ready to give additional wisdom to what He’s already gifted us if we need it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

Make the Necessary Adjustments

The best way to predict your future is to create it. – Anon

Through all of his setbacks and heartaches Joseph was successful not so much because God was with him, but more so because he stayed with God. Hmm!

The good thing about life is as God gives us each day we have opportunity to shape our future by what we do today. Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is by choice. Therefore, knowing the destiny we seek; it should help us in our decisions and actions today. No one is born a failure or destined a mediocre life, it’s all in the choices we make and the consequences they bring. God is not against us having a prosperous life, a comfortable lifestyle, or a sunny disposition; He’s only against us having a life without Him at the center of it. So if we’re not happy with where we are or where we’re headed, today is a great opportunity to begin making changes.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live..” – Deuteronomy 30:19

Just The Sermon 8/25/24 "Choose Your Priority"

Premiering today at 10am and available for re-watch later on YouTube, it's Just the Sermon portion of the 8/25/24 worship service LIVE in Da Buildin! "Choose Your Priority"

https://bit.ly/3T928XM

The Happy State

There is no key to happiness, the door is always open. – Anon

Governor Festus thought all of Paul’s ‘learning’ made him a mad man. Paul was just happy to share the gospel, even while in chains. Hmm!

Blaring car horns, glaring facial scowls, grumpy greetings – it’s enough to make one think this world is full of mad, angry, unfulfilled people – and often its us, we’re the unhappy campers in the mix. Maybe that’s because we have the wrong idea or assumption. We often think happiness is tied to achieving certain stations in life or particular blessings. But in truth happiness is a state of mind or attitude we can willingly choose anytime, no matter what is going on around us or in our immediate lives. God’s Word does actually tell us to ‘rejoice in all situations’ which is an indication of the attitude we should have at all times. Maybe life would be much more bearable and enjoyable if we tried it God’s way.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God…” Ecclesiastes 2:26

Then of Course the Choice is Yours

Some people complain that rose bushes have thorns while yet others rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. – Anon

Cain thought being his “brother’s keeper” was too great a burden, while Joseph thought keeping his entire family was what he was made for. Hmm!

It's an ability we are all blessed with, and no one has a greater amount or opportunity than the next person. What is it? The ability to choose our attitude on a daily basis, our response to any situation, our expectations from other individuals. Life is geared to bring all sorts of external stimuli to our doorsteps, but it is still up to us to choose our reaction. To borrow a line from the old TV show 'The Outer Limits,' we control the "horizontal and vertical" elements of our mood, outlook, and activity. How we respond is what makes it what it is. The attitude we choose is solely up to us. Whether God gifts us rain or sunshine, warmth or coldness, He gifts us with each day; He didn’t have to but He did. How we greet it is left to our own devices. If our day is going bad, or our current situation seems sour, we alone have the power to change it, and can do so without seeking anyone else’s permission. So, if things are looking down you can always look up.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self….to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

Choose Your Attitude

Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you. - Anon

Once she set her mind to it, the Canaanite woman was treated with indifference and insults in coming before Jesus. Nevertheless, her daughter was healed. AMEN!

Athletes call it 'putting on their game-face.' It's attitude. Our attitude impacts everything we do. It determines whether we give it our all or try to skate by with feebleness. Like the outer clothing we wear, our attitude cannot be hidden, it's in plain sight, molded by what we've let into our hearts and spiritual thinking. Attitude is what motivates and drives us. The question is where is it taking us right now? God has placed us right where we are right now to make a difference for his kingdom, whether that is interacting with others, or just being an example of righteousness. It's not too late to take charge of what is rightfully yours.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...But even if [God] does not rescue us, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." - Daniel 3:18

Life Reflects Belief

You learn a lot about someone by what they choose to do when no one is watching. - S. Parrish

Though all that time (3+ years) Judas walked with Jesus his heart really wasn't in it. Hmm!

"Who do you say I am?" It was a pointed question Jesus asked his disciples outside of Caesarea Philippi. We all know the answer Peter gave "You are the Christ (Messiah)!" Jesus wasn't really looking for a description or defining term of his life, but more-so an answer to 'Who was he personally to them?' Is He their Christ, their Savior! He asks the same of us every day as well. Does the example of the way He lived have any impact on our daily living? Does the life He 'sacrificed' for us on the cross cause us to sacrifice for Him? It's easy to say "Yes, He's My Lord!" but the proof of this is borne out of how we actually live. Jesus' disciples were known for 'having been with Him' based on their words and deeds. The world really, really, needs to see that today. So, who do YOU say He is, or better yet what does the way you live and talk say He is?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Thus....by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:20

Love's Foundation

We sin not because we do not love Christ at all, but because we don't love Christ above all. - Anon

The moment Eve ate and offered the fruit in the Garden to Adam, he had a major decision on his hands. OUCH!

Freewill - it's a gift from God. The ability to choose one thing over another, make this decision over another. And each new day God gives us is full of opportunity to exercise it. It is the very foundation of love. Yes, love. Most times we use the word love as a noun to 'qualify' something, but in truth it as a verb, a word of action. It is seen in the things we do, the actions we take and the attitude that we attach to them. Dare to love someone and challenges will arise, just as they did in the Garden. In our time here on earth God gives us opportunity to perfect our love for Him through the situations and circumstances of life. His desire is that we truly understand the 'Great Commandment' and our place within it. So whatever we're faced with today, may God be first!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second command is this: love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:30-31

Setting Your Face

Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you. - Anon

Once she set her mind to it, the Canaanite woman was treated with indifference and insults in coming before Jesus. Nevertheless, her daughter was healed. AMEN!

Athletes call it 'putting on their game-face.' It's attitude. Our attitude impacts everything we do. It determines whether we give it our all or try to skate by with feebleness. Like the outer clothing we wear, our attitude cannot be hidden, it's in plain sight, molded by what we've let into our hearts and spiritual thinking. Attitude is what motivates and drives us. The question is where is it taking us right now? God has placed us right where we are right now to make a difference for his kingdom, whether that is interacting with others, or just being an example of righteousness. It's not too late to take charge of what is rightfully yours.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"...But even if [God] does not rescue us, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." - Daniel 3:18

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 15

Today's scripture reading question: With verse 22 as a reference, who might you need to talk to at this point in your life? 

New Attitude of Mind

Some people complain that rose bushes have thorns while yet others rejoice that thorn bushes have roses. – Anon

Cain thought being his “brother’s keeper” was too great a burden, while Joseph thought keeping his entire family was what he was made for. Hmm!

It's an ability we are all blessed with, and no one has a greater amount or opportunity than the next person. What is it? The ability to choose our: attitude on a daily basis, our response to any situation, and our expectations from other individuals. Life is geared to bring all sorts of external stimuli to our doorsteps, but it is still up to us to choose our reaction. To borrow a line from the old TV show 'The Outer Limits,' we control the "horizontal and vertical" elements of our mood, outlook, and activity. How we respond is what makes it what it is. The attitude we choose is solely up to us. Whether God gifts us rain or sunshine, warmth or coldness, He gifts us with each day; He didn’t have to but He did. How we greet it is left to our own devices. If our day is going bad, or our current situation seems sour, we alone have the power to change it, and can do so without seeking anyone else’s permission. So if things are looking down you can always look up.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self….to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

Choose Your Future

The best way to predict your future is to create it. – Anon

Through all of his setbacks and heartaches Joseph was successful not so much because God was with him, but more so because he stayed with God. Hmm!

The good thing about life is as God gives us each day we have opportunity to shape our future by what we do today. Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is by choice. Therefore, knowing the destiny we seek; it should help us in our decisions and actions today. No one is born a failure or destined a mediocre life, it’s all in the choices we make and the consequences they bring. God is not against us having a prosperous life, a comfortable lifestyle, or a sunny disposition; He’s only against us having a life without Him at the center of it. So if we’re not happy with where we are or where we’re headed, today is a great opportunity to begin making changes.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live..” – Deuteronomy 30:19

Choose Happiness

Even God Himself can't give a man happiness; it's a choice you must make yourself! - Anon

Zacchaeus was rich, but yet unhappy. Hmm!

Happiness! It's quite possibly the #1 goal on everyone's wish list, but yet it's the least visible trait you see displayed. You see anger, aggression, fear, depression, insecurity, and on and on, but rarely do you genuinely see happiness on full display. Could it be because the enemy has deceived us into believing happiness can only be achieved or enjoyed by 'things' and 'possessions' and 'activities?' Yes, life has a lot to offer, but with these offerings come ups and downs, health and illness, gains and losses - happiness isn't one of them. True happiness is right before each of us, it's ours to choose each and every day no matter our circumstances or position. And when we believe this and choose to live it out, life is so much easier to bear.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." - Psalm 68:3

Choose Change

It’s choice – NOT CHANCE – that determines your destiny. – J. Nidetch

Moses refused to be known as Pharaoh’s son, choosing to be with his people. God made him more famous than Pharaoh ever was. Amen!

We live in a world where people believe many things about how they arrive at certain critical situations in life (Karma, Fate, Kismet, Déjà vu, etc.). The reality of life is all of our situations are based on the choices or decisions we made along the way. It was not Fate, Karma, Kismet or any other thing that put us in a bad relationship, bad health,  or a financial bind, nor put us on easy street if that's where we are; it was choices we made. The good news is regardless of where we are now, God is offering us the opportunity to make changes in our current situation and make our eternal destiny secure. We must make sure we choose wisely from today’s activities.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” – Deuteronomy 30:19

It's up to you

Life is a given, the destination and how is a choice?

The good thing about the Prodigal Son is that he wound up back at his beginning, his father's house. Hmm!

Rollercoasters! In our prime we loved them. The speed, the jerks and turns, and of course the 'stomach in your throat' downhill runs. It was a somewhat scary thrill but we did it again and again with eager expectations. When considered, daily life is just like that, a rollercoaster ride with all the effects. Truthfully, none of us asked to be here, but we were blessed with life by God, and even told by Him which rollercoaster to choose 'blessing or cursing, life or death....choose life' for the best results, but He left the final decision to us. So if we're not enjoying life, if it has too many thrills that 'stress us out' or leave us 'broken' God will allow you to change. Remember Jesus' words "I am come that they might have life to the fullest..." I think He expects us to enjoy the ride.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

”...anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." - James 4:4

Now Serving...

You’ve got to be a servant to somebody – or something! – C. Kettering

Paul, in all his letters to the churches left no doubt whom he served. He was either a servant or prisoner of Christ. Not a bad way to go.

Felt needs, fleshly desires, God, – all of these desire servitude.  Every last one of us has been created with a searching soul. We’ve all been hard wired to find something worthy of OUR service and worship. Though God should be the object of service and worship for all, He does not force the issue on us, He leaves the choice to every individual. As you go through today you might consistently ask yourself who or what am I serving. If it’s all about you or some other individual or object it’s time to redirect your attention to God.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable for you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

In the Plan

God has included you in His plans, have you included HIM in yours? – Anon

God told Jeremiah he “purposed” him from his mother’s womb as a prophet. That’s love friend. Hmm!

By virtue of you reading this God has included you in this great new day never seen before. He’s planned the sunrise and sunset and all in between with you in mind. He woke you, blessed you with health and strength, clothed you, and kept the world as you know it in a state you can deal with. He did all this for you, because He loves you and would like to work through you today. In spite of what you may think is a difficult day ahead, He has already gotten the ball rolling in your favor, and will stay with you if you ask. Have you made any definitive plans yet for Him?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:16-17

Choose to be...

“…..a man is happy so long as he chooses to be happy, and no one can stop him.” – A. Sozhenitsyn

Sibling rivalry, hatred, slavery, slander, nor prison could change Joseph’s disposition and confidence in God. Nor did it change God’s favor on him. WOW!

Life and all its ingredients make up the circumstances of our days. And it’s not so much what happens to us in those days as it is what happens in us. No matter what comes upon us be it good or bad, God allows us to make the choice of attitude in response to it. We can choose to let the feats of the day get to us and make us mean, hard, angry, or apathetic; or we can choose to see them as grand opportunities to grow in grace, service to others, and give glory to God. The important thing about all of this is, whatever attitude we wear is of our own choosing.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” – Psalm 68:3