See It His Way

Even if you can't prevent another's sorrow, caring will lessen it. - F. Clark

Though Ruth could not alleviate Naomi's pain, she refused to let her go it alone. Wow!

In court trials the opposing attorneys try to get the witness to paint a picture for the jury that will get them to see things 'their' way. It's an interesting technique and quite biblical, for the most critical part of our becoming a disciple of Jesus is not in learning the bible backwards and forwards, it's not in being in prayer 24/7, nor excluding ourselves from any type of fun activity. No, it's in our ability to begin seeing creation as He saw it -MY Father's children who need to be loved. There was nary an individual Jesus saw whom He did not love. Even in the midst of their sin, hatred, or denial of His Father, He still loved them. He looked beyond their faults to their need, for that is why He came - WE NEEDED HIM! Now He asks the same of us. Let's stop seeing the 'shortcomings' of others and praise God for their good qualities or virtues. Our prayer should be that God open our eyes to see how much He loves them and aches for all of us. Today our testimony is at hand.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd..." - Matthew 9:36

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

Viewing the Heart of Man

You can learn a lot just by observation. - Anon

The bible often tells us "Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John." I'm sure the other disciples were pretty close in tow as well. Hmm!

Turn on the news or grab the newspaper and the odds are great that your name won't be mentioned or appear in print. Celebrities get the spotlight for their upcoming events or life issues, politicians for their latest bill, gaffe, or stance on a particularly pressing issue (i.e. - wildfire relief) or some organization highlighted for their latest outreach or sleight. We, as Christians are generally in the minority, behind the scenes, often overlooked. And at times it can get hard to love a world of people like those above when it seems all they care about is themselves. But 'called' to love them we are. And Jesus, our perfect example, shows us how. It is Him we should desire to be like. So our prayers should be filled with requests for patience, understanding, compassion, and conviction to walk like Him. And it should be a comfort to us to know that God neither looks at the news nor reads the newspapers, but that He looks on the heart of everyone and sees the intent of our actions. This is the way heavenly rewards are earned.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - I Samuel 16:7

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

Another Day of Thanks and Blessings

Before you enjoy the gift of ‘gobble’ why not practice your gift of gab with God. – Anon

Thanksgiving is defined as a public acknowledgement of gratefulness OR a celebration of God’s divine goodness. As you gather today, may you be able to amply do both. And as you come together with family, friends, and others remember God made each of us in a unique way, personality quirks and all. So let us be grateful and thankful for those in our lives and the God who has blessed us beyond measure.

Until later…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.” – Colossians 3:12-13

Forgiveness: The Great Medication

Remember that when you forgive you heal, when you let go, you grow!

I’m certain it took Peter at least a few days to fully understand Jesus’ math lesson on forgiveness. Hmm!

Ask any professional pitcher or quarterback and they’ll tell you there were many times in their career where the ‘moment’ the ball left their hand they wished they could have it back. The end result being a homerun given up or an interception thrown. Not a good feeling. But that bad feeling is not limited to sports. How many times in our lives have we wished we could take back our mis-timed or harshly spoken words, correct a mistake or action that hurt someone or caused a negative reaction? And though it's part of being human, that doesn’t make it feel any better. But forgiveness does. It’s a great medication. And like the pitcher or quarterback who plays on, with God we know that His forgiveness always comes with another chance to get it right. So, today is an opportunity to do better than yesterday. WOW!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“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 3:22-23

Not Forgotten. Never Forsaken

It's easier to get older than it is to get wiser. - Anon

Thank goodness David was a man 'after God's own heart' for he sure seemed to forget God's ways at times. Hmm!

It happens to all of us. We see a familiar face approach us, begin a conversation; and for the life of us we can't recall their name. We wreck our minds and come up empty. Or we walk from one room to the next and forget what we were going after. Or in our normal day to day busy living we forget and a special birthday, occasion, or appointment may slip by us. Some days we forget where we put the car keys, other days we forget where we parked the car. It's all part of being HUMAN! The bible is full of forgetful folks. The nation of Israel forgot God had delivered them and turned back to worshipping idols. Peter forgot Jesus' words and denied Him three times that very night. And often we are guilty of forgetting God's goodness in our lives and His promises to us. The good news though is that God NEVER forgets us nor forsakes us. And for that we should say Hallelujah!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne. Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...." Isaiah 49:15-16

Seeing Others Through the Eyes of God

Even if you can't prevent another's sorrow, caring will lessen it. - F. Clark

Though Ruth could not alleviate Naomi's pain, she refused to let her go it alone. Wow!

In court trials the opposing attorneys try to get the witness to paint a picture for the jury that will get them to see things 'their' way. It's an interesting technique and quite biblical, for the most critical part of our becoming a disciple of Jesus is not in learning the bible backwards and forwards, it's not in being in prayer 24/7, nor excluding ourselves from any type of fun activity. No, it's in our ability to begin seeing creation as He saw it -MY Father's children who need to be loved. There was nary an individual Jesus saw whom He did not love. Even in the midst of their sin, hatred, or denial of His Father, He still loved them. He looked beyond their faults to their need, for that is why He came - WE NEEDED HIM! Now He asks the same of us. Let's stop seeing the 'shortcomings' of others and praise God for their good qualities or virtues. Our prayer should be that God open our eyes to see how much He loves them and aches for all of us. Today our testimony is at hand.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd..." - Matthew 9:36

Live On and Live Well

Death leaves a heartache only God can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. - Anon

The prophetess Anna lost her husband after only 7 years of marriage, but had God for a lifetime thereafter. WOW!

It happens all around us everyday - DEATH! But when it hits in our personal space and our loved ones, it's especially hard and painful at times to go on. But go on we must for God is at His work still, filling the void and reshaping our life, taking away the bitter sting and making the warm memories more vivid. So as we grieve, it's not overwhelming or as if we have no hope, we trust in the promise of the One who conquered it for us. So though today is 1 more day in life without them, we rejoice because it is also 1 day closer to that great re-union with Jesus and our loved ones. So live on and live well.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate." - Psalm 111:4

In the Meantime, Praise!

Until God opens the next door - praise Him in the hallway! - Anon

Even while in exile hoping to return home Daniel still sought God at least 3 times a day. WOW!

Waiting, Ugh! No one likes it. We all seem to have better things to do with our time. People to see, places to go, money to make.... REALLY? Waiting is a reality of life, it teaches us patience, endurance, and dependency -we can't do it alone. And the trick to make it not seem unbearable is to find something enjoyable to do to pass the time. Truthfully, there is nothing more enjoyable and rewarding than praising God. No matter that it may appear our life is standing still and God seems not to be in a hurry, praise Him. Just like 'whistling while you work' seems to make the job easier and the time fly, praise seems to bring God closer and answers quicker. So if you're waiting on God what have you got to lose by giving a little praise? It couldn't hurt!

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

Opportunity to Help

True charity sees the need, not the cause. – German Proverb

When Jesus looked out over the crowds he saw them as sheep without a shepherd and had compassion. Then He went to help them. Hmm!

We live in a world where it seems everyone has a hand out. We spread our paycheck out as much as we can and there are still needs to be met.  And all too often we want to determine why the need is there, what caused it; before we decide if we’re going to do anything about it. And in this day and age, though this is wise thinking; we should never lose our heart of compassion for the truly needy. Being burned in the past should not turn us off altogether, and if so we miss great opportunities to minister and reach out. It’s in many of these situations that seeds get planted. It’s not so much the actual gift but the giving of one’s self that makes it worthwhile.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

“The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want…” – Mark 14:7

What's for us

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

Walk Like Jesus

“Do this in remembrance of me,” wasn’t only reserved for the communion table. – Anon

Barnabas extended himself to Paul long before any of the other “faithful” brothers. I think he knew something about Jesus. Hmm!

Often we are very good at keeping the “rituals” or “acts of faith” commanded by Jesus, but not so good at keeping the “heart” of Jesus. Jesus was never caught short or bent out of shape in dealing with people. One thing I’ve learned from life and God’s Word is you can never give what you’ve never received. If we find ourselves short on compassion, mercy, forgiveness, love, etc., maybe it’s time to belly up to the table of GRACE. Today’s circumstances and people still need Jesus.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

But if any man obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” – I John 2:5-6

P.S. - Hope to see you tonight at 6pm for our Good Friday Services.

Having Compassion

Even if you can't prevent another's sorrow, caring will lessen it. - F. Clark

Though Ruth could not alleviate Naomi's pain, she refused to let her go it alone. Wow!

In court trials the opposing attorneys try to get the witness to paint a picture for the jury that will get them to see things 'their' way. It's an interesting technique and quite biblical, for the most critical part of our becoming a disciple of Jesus is not in learning the bible backwards and forwards, it's not in being in prayer 24/7, nor excluding ourselves from any type of fun activity. No, it's in our ability to begin seeing creation as He saw it -MY Father's children who need to be loved. There was nary an individual Jesus saw whom He did not love. Even in the midst of their sin, hatred, or denial of His Father, He still loved them. He looked beyond their faults to their need, for that is why He came - WE NEEDED HIM! Now He asks the same of us. Let's stop seeing the 'shortcomings' of others and praise God for their good qualities or virtues. Our prayer should be that God open our eyes to see how much He loves them and aches for all of us. Today our testimony is at hand.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd..." - Matthew 9:36

Compassion: The Extra Mile

A forgiven person forgives, a loved person loves, a nurtured person cares….you get the idea! – Henry Nouwen

On his way to being Savior of all mankind, Jesus never forgot to relate to mankind. Hmm!

Truth be told, we are good at critiquing others and even better at giving advice. We often assume we know what is best for others, particularly the more unfortunate members of our society or circle of friendship. But we are not so good at what Jesus asks of us, and that is compassionate participation. We often fail to draw close to others and pass on what we have freely received ourselves from the Master. Compassionate participation is seeing people where they are, no matter who they are, and extending to them that same grace, mercy, love, etc. that we receive daily from the Lord. It may require us to go the extra mile with them, but isn’t that what Jesus actually said we should do anyway?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – I John 4:11

Marvel Everyday

Life is not a guided tour, but it is filled with a lot of marvel. – Anon

In the bible we read the great accounts of many folks who had no idea how it would all turn out, but it did. Hmm!

“How in the world did my life wind up here?” “I can’t believe what I’m seeing!” Blessing or hardship, admittedly we are often amazed or confused as to how some of these things or events happen in our lives and why. Situations that cause us to think deeply, ponder over and over. But that’s the great thing about our God. We get used to the routine, want complacency and little change in our lives. But if God’s compassions and mercies are new everyday, obviously so are many of the events He brings to pass in our lives, hoping that we will marvel in amazement of His wondrous love and concern for us. No matter your situation you have to admit He is an AWE-some God.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight….” – Proverbs 3:5

The heart of the matter

To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. – Anon

When the other leaders and officials conspired against Daniel, he continued his prayers ‘openly.’ God eventually brought him vindication. OUCH!

We all know what we want and expect out of life and as such we set goals, objectives, and parameters, etc., on ourselves to help maintain focus and purpose. But when it comes to relating to others, though our desires may be noble, we cannot force those same goals, objectives, and parameters on them. One thing God’s patience with us screams very loudly is that the ‘grace card’ can NEVER be overplayed. As He extends mercy, forgiveness, compassion, love, grace, and provision to us each and every day in abundance, so should we in dealing with our fellow man. This does not mean we are completely accepting of others sinful ways - as God is not with us and expects repentance – but that we are not condemning them in their sin, leaving the door of repentance and change open to them. The situations and people God brings before us today will be worked out not so much by what God gives us, but by what we use.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong….” I Kings 3:9

God Opportunity

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