There Is No Competition Cause He Is The Best

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. – M. W. Edelman

Every battle God sent his people into they won. Not because they were the best skilled warriors, but because they were obedient. Hmm!

“Win at all costs.” It’s a message that gets drummed into our psyche the moment we begin to understand the competitive nature of life. That drive to be the best, the first, the leader of the pack often adds undue stress and strain in our lives. And often we never slow down and take time to see the competitive forces are man made. God has never asked us to compete for his love, mercy, or blessings. He’s not even obligated us to win the victory – its already assured. We're only obligated to tell the story. And the best way to tell the story of Christ is by the way we live each and every day. Life is not a sport, its life; which is to be lived moment by moment and not as a contest. Today’s results are up to us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – I Thessalonians 4:11-12

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

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

Release the Prisoners

It's crazy how God forgives us DAILY, but yet we hold grudges FOREVER! - Anon

When Peter tried to quantify forgiveness, Jesus had him look inward and heavenward. Hmm!

Long before the 'Hatfields and the McCoys' there were the folks of Edom - Esau's descendants! Though Esau had been wronged by his brother Jacob, the two of them reconciled. But Esau's descendants would not let it go. They terrorized their relatives for many, many years until God called down judgment upon them. It seems silly, but many of us are just like them. Oh, we may not 'terrorize' our victims, but we hold them in prison in our hearts, wishing all kinds of 'ill will' towards them. We forget how much God loves us, and showers mercy, forgiveness, and grace upon us every day though we don't deserve it. If there is anything to learn here it's that forgiveness is a God thing, and maybe we should practice it even more. Who knows that God may not do to us what He did to the folks of Edom for their hardheartedness. If we're going to 'hold' these folks in our hearts, may it be in prayer.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." - Matthew 6:15

What It Takes to Emulate

Someone once told me growth and comfort do not coexist. G. Rometty

The disciples, Paul, Timothy....they pretty much changed their whole way of living to follow Jesus. It worked. Hmm!

It is often said that the first thing dieters lose is their good mood or disposition! After all, who wants to miss out on all the goodies, especially when there are festive ‘traditional’ holiday meals to partake of? But in truth a diet doesn’t always have to involve the refrigerator. We can put our wallets and credit cards on a diet to “fit” into a budget. We can cut back on TV and get more sleep or rest. We can spend less time on Facebook, and more time with our face in God’s book. The bottom line is the only way to really change who we are is by changing our daily agenda – doing a little something different each day, eventually making it a good habit. The way to grow more like Jesus is to do the things He did. Today is as good as any to start.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher." - Luke 6:40

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

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

The Life of Life

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. – M. W. Edelman

Every battle God sent his people into they won. Not because they were the best skilled warriors, but because they were obedient. Hmm!

“Win at all costs.” It’s a message that gets drummed into our psyche the moment we begin to understand the competitive nature of life. That drive to be the best, the first, the leader of the pack often adds undue stress and strain in our lives. And often we never slow down and take time to see the competitive forces are man made. God has never asked us to compete for his love, mercy, or blessings. He’s not even obligated us to win the victory – its already assured. We're only obligated to tell the story. And the best way to tell the story of Christ is by the way we live each and every day. Life is not a sport, its life; which is to be lived moment by moment and not as a contest. Today’s results are up to us.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – I Thessalonians 4:11-12

The Fathead Diet

It’s time to diet when you can pinch an inch – on your forehead! – Anon

Paul was even willing to part company with John Mark to further the gospel message. Hmm!

It is often said that the first thing dieters lose is their good mood or disposition! After all, who wants to miss out on all the goodies, especially when there are festive meals to partake of and restaurants on every block? But in truth a diet doesn’t always have to involve the refrigerator or food. We can put our wallets and credit cards on a diet to “fit” into a budget. We can cut back on TV and get more sleep or rest. We can spend less time on social media outlets, and more time with our face in God’s book. The bottom line is the only way to really change who we are is by changing our daily diet (agenda) – doing a little something different each day, eventually making it a good habit. Today is as good as any to start.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 24:14

In face of the everyday

Any idiot can face a crisis; it’s this day-to-day living that wears you out. – A. Chekhov

Elijah threw up his hands and said to God “I’ve had enough! Take my life….” God said “let me show you something Elijah…” He was forever a changed man. Hmm!

Demands at work! Rush hour traffic! Family pressures! Daily stress! It’s enough to drive your blood pressure up, put your temper on edge, and take the joy out of life. We all face such things in life. Yet, notice how some cheerful souls seem to never be fazed, they just seem to roll with the punches and keep on smiling. They have an ability to put a positive spin on every situation or circumstance. They seem able to see the humor in life even when things go way wrong. It seems like life never gets a good hit on them to knock them down or steal their joy. Generally these are the folks who have put their faith and trust in God and don’t take themselves too seriously. They’ve learned that laughter is a great medicine, actually a gift from God; and that faith is the greatest preserver and encourager known to man. So depending on the situation they can face any fiasco, handle any hassle, find sunshine on a rainy day, and still enjoy the blessing of life. May we all be so blessed!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance….” – James 1:1

For a time like TODAY!

That we are alive today is proof positive that God has something for us to do TODAY! – A.R. Lindsay

Mordecai had to persuade Queen Esther that God had delivered her for “such a time as this” that she may deliver her people. He was right. Amen!

Though you may hate to admit it, every morning you wake up and look in the mirror of your soul you realize ‘it’s not about you.’ Though God did grant life to you this day, He fully expects you to bring glory to Him. TODAY! He’s prepared you for his glory. TODAY! Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, so it’s TODAY! Whatever comes your way TODAY God expects you to shine for Him. Whoever comes your way TODAY God expects you share Jesus with him. If you’re awake, you’ve already been prepped.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:12-13

Running On...

Jets run on jet fuel, rockets run on rocket fuel, diesels run on diesel fuel. Most Christians run on….….empty! - Anon

Jesus called the Pharisees and teachers of the law (the religious leaders of his day) hypocrites – inside they were empty, full of dead men’s bones. OUCH!

It’s no secret that everything has a power source. Whether it be liquid, solid, electrical, heat, light, or even physical; everything has a power source. What’s amazing is how we can go great distances or spans of time without any connection to the Heavenly Father or His Son. Just as our physical body requires daily nourishment for development, strength, and endurance; our spiritual nature requires it so much more. If we are truly fighting a ‘spiritual battle’ it only makes sense we nourish our spirit with the things it needs to properly develop that we may fight a good fight. Sunday’s are great, but not quite enough to last a whole week. If God is doing new things everyday it only makes sense to check in with Him each day. No man has ever been defeated or humiliated for spending too much time with Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for the received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” – Acts 17:11

Church Hop Much?

To eat bread without hope is still slowly to starve to death. - Pearl S. Buck

The crowd followed Jesus because he once physically fed them. He hoped they would make the spiritual connection. Hmm!

It's interesting that many of us who claim Christ as our daily bread are still starving, always chasing after the latest religious fad, the burgeoning exciting church, the most provocative speaker/singer, hanging on their every verse or premise. There's nothing wrong with wanting more, but when we chase after these to 'fill us up' thus supplanting Christ, we actually grow more malnourished. We wind up having a faith that's a mile wide yet only an inch deep, and it shows rather quickly when any adversity or trouble arises in our lives. If Christ truly is the bread that fills and saves (and He really is) maybe we need to eat a little slower and digest a bit more. After all, doctors will tell you eating this way is a healthy process.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." - Isaiah 55:2

Miracles En Route

In order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles! - D. Ben-Gurion

At the wedding feast in Cana, Jesus' mother left it all up to him. Hmm!

It's very true. Every one of us has needs to be met. Those in addition to our daily bread and needs that God supplies without fail. And if we admit the truth we try and try to figure out ways to get God to meet them. We think "maybe God could do it this/that way if I do this....." or "maybe I could help God along with this...." The wrong in this is that we're then trying to manipulate God, and it just doesn't work that way. The source of God's supply, His miracle of deliverance for us never comes from where we think it will, it's always unexpected, it's the way God works. God is in the miracle working business, not us. Our role is to submit it to Him and trust in His ability and decision on the matter. He will work it out in a glorious fashion that allows us to praise Him even more. Whatever the miracle we await now is not the time to give up on it.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Matthew 21:22

The Joy in the Journey

If you’re not enjoying the journey, you probably won’t like the destination. – J. Tye

The apostle Paul 'boasted' about what his life of suffering for Christ was achieving for him in glory. Hmm!

It goes without saying that we should be enjoying life each day just as it comes. Amidst all the “Monday Mornings” and the daily trials we should be able to find the abundant life Jesus promised, providing we see it through His nail pierced hands and feet. Though God has promised to care and provide for us He never said everyday would be a breeze nor all of life cozy and comfortable,just that He would be there with us. So it's His company we should enjoy daily. Take time out to find the joy in your daily walk, it’s there if you look upward.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

"...for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - II Corinthians 4:17

Special Moments Everyday

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're 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 Monday…..

Pastor Botts

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

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

Learning since day 1!

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. – Maya Angelou

Enoch was 365 years old, but yet he walked and talked with God daily. Eventually God just kept him to himself.

Retired. Graduate. President. Matured. All words that indicate we’ve reached the top, the pinnacle, and no longer need to listen to anyone or learn anything new. Au contraire friend! Life is an educational process from day one, and we serve a God that is endless in the ways he can and will manifest His glory and wondrous ways to us and among us. The process of learning is ever evolving that we may perfect the process of giving ourselves fully to the will of God. The fact that God is still bringing new experiences into our lives shows he cares, the question is – do we?

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” – Acts 17:11

Enjoying the Journey

If you’re not enjoying the journey, you probably won’t enjoy the destination. – J. Tye

Many of the Israelites didn’t make it to the Promised Land. They couldn’t handle the daily walks with God through the desert. Hmm!

One of the great benefits of traveling by car or train is that you get to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. True, it’s slower than other modes of transportation but it is refreshing in its own way. Life is a journey for us as well, one we should enjoy day by day. Even though we may have ‘deserts’ along the way or ‘ride’ with those we sometimes have disagreements with; we should still be able to enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised. If we’re not enjoying God in our daily walk here maybe we need to rethink our desires for heaven.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us and eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – II Corinthians 4:17

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