Keep On Going

Whoever said anybody has a right to give up! – M. W. Edelman

Joseph, Moses, Job, Ruth, Stephen. In spite of their adversity and opposition quitting was not in their nature, but God was. They all won glory for him. Amen!

It is said that the man who is successful is just someone who held on a little longer. The greatest tool of the enemy is discouragement. He knows if discouragement is employed enough in our lives we will often quit or give up, believing the goal is unattainable or not worth the effort. The enemy will see to it that things go wrong, dreams get delayed, education gets off-track, prayer and meditation time is pushed aside, suffering and heartache come, etc. – that’s his job and he does it well – but we’re told to ‘fight’ through it all and keep the faith. God has called us to hold on until the end for He is faithful in His promises. Even if we can’t see the goal with our own eyes, we know it’s there by faith – so we press on. Is it in you?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross….Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:2,3

Bear Your Cross Don't Just Sport It

Church members wear a cross. A Christian bears his. – Anon

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wore modified clothing with wide phylacteries and tassels to be seen. Jesus said they were hypocrites. OUCH!

Look all around you and possibly even on your person and you see it. Designer wear clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. It’s all the rave today, and most folks are not ashamed to let you see the label or tell you what it cost. It’s often that way in the religious world as well. People wearing a name and emblems that don’t fit the lifestyle. On this day some 2000+ years ago, our Lord bore the shame and agony of the true cross for us. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t the rave of the day, but it was expensive – it cost His life. Now’s the time for us to bear the cross for Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

There's No Balancing This

The symbol of the religion of Jesus is the cross, not the scales. – J. Stott

In Luke 18 the Pharisee wanted God to see how well balanced and pious his life was by his acts of service. God was not impressed. Hmm!

All too often we’re like the Pharisee, we’ll do just enough to balance things out, give God just enough time, offering, praise, etc. to cover the blessings He gives. But we miss the boat. The cross represents the symbol of our Lord’s suffering. It is where He was hung and crucified with OUR sins. Nothing we do can atone for His sacrifice or “balance out” the deed. We are forever in His debt. Jesus did not call us to balance the books but to “take up our cross daily” and follow Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat?’ Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink…So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have only done our duty,” – Luke 17:7-10

The Good That Will Come

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation, create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at creation, he did it at the cross, and he’ll be doing it today. – Handley C. G. Moule

The parting of the Red Sea, water from a rock, manna from heaven, feeding 5,000 - you get the idea here. Amen!

Oftentimes when we’re up against life, and our circumstances or relationships are overbearing and taxing us, or our resources are thread-bare and stressing us, we forget about the God who has brought us thus far, or we feel like He can’t handle this one. But if earth has no problems heaven can’t solve, we must keep trusting Him in all situations, and see things from His perspective and purpose, knowing that His purposes are always for our good.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Minimizing To Perfection

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Paul said he looked not for profit but considered ‘everything loss’ for the sake of Christ. Hmm!

In the fashion world perfection is a fully matching outfit with all the accessories (shoes, purse, gloves, belt, tie, etc.). And amazingly, we take those same criteria for perfection into our view of life. We seem to believe that with all the proper accoutrements or attachments we will be complete and whole, ready to take on the world. But God’s idea of perfection is quite the opposite and our road to spiritual maturity is not in the acquisition of attachments but the elimination of our carnal habits and sinful nature. Since God is perfection, sin and carnality cannot dwell with Him. He will not wrestle these desires from us, but He gently tries to ‘love’ us away from them. It’s our choice!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then [Jesus] said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Stewarding Grace and Mercy

We are not made rich by what is in our pockets or portfolios, but by what is in our hearts. – Sparks

The disciples were indignant that the woman ‘wasted’ her expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. He said it was a beautiful thing for her to do. Hmm!

Fine China. Fancy Silverware. Candles and Table linens. An expensive restaurant – NO! For most of us it’s our cabinets at home. They are stuffed with these things. We’re waiting for the special moments or occasions to break them out. Often, we live or lives for Jesus in the same way, waiting for those special moments to show our best. But he asks us to spend our costs daily “take up your cross;” not holding back anything. As you enter into the heart of today may you spend God’s grace and mercy profusely, you won’t run out!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Freely you have received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8

One Day We'll Have to Cross That Bridge

The man who refuses to show mercy destroys the bridge over which he himself must cross. – C. Moody

After being forgiven a great sum, the ungrateful servant tried to choke the little he was owed from a friend. That little act only cost him everything. Wow!

We have a common saying, “what goes around, comes around,” and it’s true. The bible puts like this, “a man reaps what he sows.” In either case the intent is very clear – we will get back in kind what we pay out. As children of God who need his mercy EVERYDAY, we should extend it in like manner to others EVERYDAY. Our claims that many who cross us are undeserving of such mercy should be measured by our own standing before God. Again, God leaves the choice up to us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8

No Balance Here

The symbol of the religion of Jesus is the cross, not the scales. – J. Stott

In Luke 18 the Pharisee wanted God to see how well balanced and pious his life was by his acts of service. God was not impressed. Hmm!

All too often we’re like the Pharisee, we’ll do just enough to balance things out, give God just enough time, offering, praise, etc. to cover the blessings He gives. But we miss the boat. The cross represents the symbol of our Lord’s suffering. It is where He was hung and crucified with OUR sins. Nothing we do can atone for His sacrifice or “balance out” the deed. We are forever in His debt. Jesus did not call us to balance the books but to “take up our cross daily” and follow Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat?’ Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink…So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have only done our duty,” – Luke 17:7-10

More Than A Show

Church members wear a cross. A Christian bears his. – Anon

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wore modified clothing with wide phylacteries and tassels to be seen. Jesus said they were hypocrites. OUCH!

Look all around you and possibly even on your person and you see it. Designer wear clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. It’s all the rave today, and most folks are not ashamed to let you see the label or tell you what it cost. It’s often that way in the religious world as well. People wearing a name and emblems that don’t fit the lifestyle. On this day some 2000+ years ago, our Lord bore the shame and agony of the true cross for us. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t the rave of the day, but it was expensive – it cost His life. Now’s the time for us to bear the cross for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Creation from the Chaotic

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation, create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at creation, he did it at the cross, and he’ll be doing it today. – H. C. G. Moule

 

The parting of the Red Sea, water from a rock, manna from heaven, feeding 5,000 - you get the idea here!

 

Oftentimes when we’re up against life, and our circumstances or relationships are overbearing and taxing us, or our resources are thread-bare and stressing us, we forget about the God who has brought us thus far, or we feel like He can’t handle this one. But if earth has no problems heaven can’t solve we must keep trusting Him in all situations, and see things from His perspective and purpose, knowing that His purposes are always for our good.

 

Until tomorrow..….

 

Pastor Botts

 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

To Observe or Keep

Anybody can observe the Sabbath, but keeping it Holy surely takes the rest of the week. – A. Walker

Jesus called many of those who followed Him ‘vain worshipers,’ possibly because they never practiced what He preached. Hmm!

It is true that in some things you can learn a lot by observation, but far more true is that you only get good at what you practice. And while there is no ‘one size fits all’ way to praise God, there is a requirement that we remember “He is Holy,” and our praise and worship offerings should reflect it. To praise God faithfully on Sunday in the sanctuary actually requires that we worship Him faithfully Monday through Saturday in our daily lives and activities. And our worship of Him is truly based upon the ‘worth’ we ascribe to Him in our daily living. If He’s not present in our work, recreation, home life, social interactions, etc., then more than likely we’re only observing and not keeping the Sabbath.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said] to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Mercy Extended

The man who refuses to show mercy destroys the bridge over which he himself must cross. – C. Moody

After being forgiven a great sum, the ungrateful servant tried to choke the little he was owed from a friend. That little act only cost him everything. Wow!

We have a common saying, “what goes around, comes around,” and it’s true. The bible puts like this, “a man reaps what he sows.” In either case the intent is very clear – we will get back in kind what we pay out. As children of God who need his mercy EVERYDAY, we should extend it in like manner to others EVERYDAY. Our claims that many who cross us are undeserving of such mercy should be measured by our own standing before God. Again, God leaves the choice up to us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8

The Less Glamorous of Success

Never ask what's in a hot dog while you're eating one. - Anon

Moses wanted his people set free, he just didn't really know what it would take. Amen!

Success -  a noble idea indeed and something we all seek. And if we're not careful we'll find ourselves often in envy of others successes and achievements, "oohing and aahing" their praises. But what we often fail to see is that which lies below the surface, the many failures and negative responses they endured before they became successful.  In truth, a lot of failure, a lot of pain, and a lot of life goes into success. And it's what we learn in these instances and how we build upon these experiences that will either propel us onto the success platform or the pit of despair. That's why it's good to know the God of grace we serve, who is generous in second chances, and asks us to prove nothing to Him but our love, and that is the greatest success one can have in life.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2

We Did It

Before we can see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us. – J. Stott

Once the prodigal son realized the source of his problems was himself, reconciliation and joy were his in abundance. Hmm!

“It’s not my fault!” – now there’s a familiar refrain we’ve all heard and often used in our life. We are by nature a people bent on ensuring we’re not responsible for anything or anyone – even ourselves at times – always deflecting blame elsewhere. Denial does not take our responsibility away, it only makes it grow larger and harder to accept when it finally does come home to roost. Perhaps that is why we have so much trouble living the life Christ died upon the cross to bring us – we don’t really see his death as our fault. Though He died over 2,000 years ago it was still OUR SIN that put him on the cross. Hopefully, maybe beginning today we can see the cross in a new light.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – II Corinthians 5:21

Wear or Bear

Church members wear a cross. A Christian bears his. – Anon

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wore modified clothing with wide phylacteries and tassels to be seen. Jesus said they were hypocrites. OUCH!

Look all around you and possibly even on your person and you see it. Designer wear clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. It’s all the rave today, and most folks are not ashamed to let you see the label or tell you what it cost. It’s often that way in the religious world as well. People wearing a name and emblems that don’t fit the lifestyle. On this day some 2000+ years ago, our Lord bore the shame and agony of the true cross for us. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t the rave of the day, but it was expensive – it cost His life. Now’s the time for us to bear the cross for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Give a Care

No one else has to care, so long as you do! – Anon

God had an adjective for the Samaritan who helped his prejudiced neighbor in need. I think it was “GOOD.”

Let’s face it. If we’re not careful we often do look around to see what everyone else is doing, and if anyone cares about the things we care for. But God has made each one of us and called us each individually, to do what WE KNOW to be right in His sight. The cross we are to bear daily is for His glory alone. As life comes at you today remember He cares for you and hopes you care for Him.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“The eyes of the Lord look continually for those who have a heart like him.” – II Chronicles 16:9

The Good The Bad

Those whom heaven blesses, hell curses. – Anon

Paul had great successes in building and establishing churches but suffered massive persecution, afflictions, and even threats from within and without. Hmm!

In war, it cannot be overstated that one should always know their enemy and his tactics, or it could prove fatal. It’s a simple fact that we often overlook. We tend to forget in our Christian walk that we’re at war; fighting for or working out our salvation. And just as we start off with 'new mercies' everyday, the enemy plans new strategies and attacks to upset us. Yes we are ‘marked’ for easy identification by the enemy, but we only need be reminded we carry a powerful cross, not a bullseye. The question we have to answer is do we want the blessings?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

Perfection in Subtraction

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. – A. de Saint-Exupery

Paul said he looked not for profit but considered ‘everything loss’ for the sake of Christ. Hmm!

In the fashion world perfection is a fully matching outfit with all the accessories (shoes, purse, gloves, belt, tie, etc.). And amazingly, we take that same criteria for perfection into our view of life. We seem to believe that with all the proper accoutrements or attachments we will be complete and whole, ready to take on the world. But God’s idea of perfection is quite the opposite and our road to spiritual maturity is not in the acquisition of attachments but the elimination of our carnal habits and sinful nature. Since God is perfection sin and carnality cannot dwell with him. He will not wrestle these desires from us, but he gently tries to ‘love’ us away from them. It’s our choice!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Then [Jesus] said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

The Scales don't Balance

The symbol of the religion of Jesus is the cross, not the scales. – J. Stott

In Luke 18 the Pharisee wanted God to see how well balanced and pious his life was by his acts of service. God was not impressed. Hmm!

All too often we’re like the Pharisee, we’ll do just enough to balance things out, give God just enough time, offering, praise, etc. to cover the blessings He gives. But we miss the boat. The cross represents the symbol of our Lord’s suffering. It is where He was hung and crucified with OUR sins. Nothing we do can atone for His sacrifice or “balance out” the deed. We are forever in His debt. Jesus did not call us to balance the books but to “take up our cross daily” and follow Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat?’ Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink…So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have only done our duty,” – Luke 17:7-10

Praising in Truth

Anybody can observe the Sabbath, but keeping it Holy surely takes the rest of the week. – A. Walker

Jesus called many of those who followed Him ‘vain worshipers,’ possibly because they never practiced what He preached. Hmm!

It is true that in some things you can learn a lot by observation, but far more true is that you only get good at what you practice. And while there is no ‘one size fits all’ way to praise God, there is a requirement that we remember “He is Holy,” and our praise and worship offerings should reflect it. To praise God faithfully on Sunday in the sanctuary actually requires that we worship Him faithfully Monday through Saturday in our daily lives and activities. And our worship of Him is truly based upon the ‘worth’ we ascribe to Him in our daily living. If He’s not present in our work, recreation, home life, social interactions, etc., then more than likely we’re only observing and not keeping the Sabbath.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said] to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23