Investing Wisely

You cannot kill time without injury to eternity. – Henry David Thoreau

Jesus told his disciples they MUST work while it is day, for it would soon come a time when they couldn’t. OUCH!

Alarms, bells, whistles, chimes, etc. We’re surrounded by gadgets that each day remind us of the time. Time is the most precious commodity on planet earth. It is even more valuable than money. We can get more money, but we cannot get more time. Each morning we all awake with the same 24-hour timeframe with which to work. How we spend it will well determine where we go when our time is no more. The key is not to waste it on fruitless endeavors, dead-end roads, harboring resentment and hate, or meaningless living; but rather invest it in lives and projects that will make an eternal difference. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “the time is always right to do what is right.” And that time is now, for none of us is getting younger by the day.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts


“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Stretched Thin?

A man who chases two rabbits catches neither. – D. Ashwell

King Saul wanted his own fame and that of David. He lost everything including his life. Hmm!

If you’re human chances are you’ve suffered a time or two from ‘opportunity-itis,’ the giving of yourself to too many enterprises and activities. As Christians we often feel compelled to chase a number of activity options for fellowship, ministry, and service. This in itself is not bad, but when we add family and friends and other social gatherings to the mix we become stretched thin and lose the ability to do anything meaningful. Jesus called on his followers to live ‘focused’ lives. Lives that have a distinct purpose that will impact others. Just as a laser is more powerful and effective when narrowly focused, so should we be.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Number the Days Wisely

You may delay, but time will not. – Benjamin Franklin

Though God wears not a watch nor has a calendar, He knew exactly when to rescue Israel AND send us a Savior. Hmm!

The ‘inevitable.’ Whatever it is, it’s what everyone wants to put off until the last moment. But try as we may, time will not stop, slow down, nor be added to keep it from happening. God has given us each an allotted number of days in His book, and the desire of His heart is that we come to know Him personally and fulfill the purpose for which He created us. Today we are a bit closer to the end of our time than the beginning, so it should motivate us to set our relationships right, live at peace with each other, and most of all square things with God.

I will be leaving for a few days of vacation beginning today. So until I return this keyboard will be silent…

Pastor Botts

“….all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:16

Everyday Opportunities

July is the toughest month of the year. Others are December February, June, September, October, January, March, November, April, August, and May. – Mark Twain

James said, “the patient farmer waits for the autumn and spring rains.” Two different seasons held together by the word ‘patient.’ Hmm!

We’ve all heard stories like “the hot months bring an increase in violence,” or “the winter month’s decrease spending", etc. But in reality, all months, just as all days; have an equal opportunity to present joy or difficulty. It’s all in the way we perceive and receive what comes our way. Trouble is not anymore opportunistic in summer months as opposed to winter, neither are blessings from God. If God’s mercies and compassions are ‘new every morning’ then it matters not what month or date is on the calendar – but the amount of faith is in our hearts. Yes, we will have some difficulties in life as we suffer like Jesus, but our good days will far outweigh our bad days. So, wherever we are, we can always look back and see where we’ve come from and realize it’s really not so tough right now.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

The Spiritual Value of Living In The Present

Time is a versatile performer. It flies, marches on, heals all wounds, runs out, AND will tell! - F.P. Jones

Jesus never hurried a day in his life, yet he could still proclaim "It is finished." WOW!

Time! It's the one thing we can't get more of. It is God's gift to us to be enjoyed and used wisely. But we often find ourselves abusing it by putting off for tomorrow those things we should do today, which then puts us in a frenzied state. So often one person's constant hurry becomes another's stress. There is great spiritual value to living in the present moment. Being able to 'stop and smell the roses,' or 'give someone your full undivided attention,' or even 'play games freely and unhurriedly with your children or family.' What truly makes the present moment so special is God dwells there. When we live, work, and play by a frenzied pace, we develop a 'just get it done' mentality, and it quickly makes the situation more important than the relationship. We then miss opportunities to connect that bring closeness, intimacy, joy, peace, and contentment. So no matter the situation before us today we need to make God's gift of time 'holy' by being aware of those with whom we are sharing it with.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

".....teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom...." - Psalm 90:12

Time Best Spent

Wisdom is the power to put our time and our knowledge to proper use. - T. Watson

When it came to building the ark, Noah didn't know how much time he had but he also didn't waste any of it. Hmm!

A smart phone! That's what I have. And it often tells me things I guess I should be made aware of. Like, each month it will give a summary of my time driving and show me the day I traveled the most miles. Yeah! Like I really, really need to know that. But one thing I did notice is the total time I spent driving (hours/minutes). It made me wonder. What if the phone tracked the amount of time we spent on social media, the amount of time we spent following news leads/individuals, podcasts, playing games, or just amusing ourselves with pictures or recipes, etc? Would we like the results? Could some of that time have been better spent in prayer, meditation, or even meaningful conversation with a family member or friend? I know we use these distractions to escape for a breather, but some distractions actually steal opportunities, while others hinder our obedience to "seek the things of God and His righteousness." Though it is a smart phone, I think we should be smart as to how we use it instead of letting it use us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16

A Prayer and Praise Pick Me Up!

Some days you just gotta' praise your way through. - Anon

I think Daniel's prayer life had a lot to do with his success even while in captivity. Hmm!

Monster! RedBull! 5-Hour Energy! Coffee! Pick me up drinks, all pretty much filled with caffeine to give us that 'lift' we need to get us going and back in the pace of things. But what about our spirit, how is He cared for in these moments? What do we do to 'pick' Him up? Do we even concern ourselves with His well-being? Maybe if we try a time of prayer and praise, we'll often find it goes so well to pick us up we don't even need the energy drink. After all, the spirit is filled with the 'dunamis' (dynamic) power of God, which very often is all we need to make it through. Why not try a little today. It couldn't hurt!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"After they prayed...they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." - Acts 4:31

Hopefully Looking Forward

Life should not be lived looking through a rearview mirror. The very best days are those yet to be. HOPE is always stronger than memory. – A. Ahlgrim

When tough times came upon the Israelites on their journey they often wished they were back in Egypt in bondage. They somehow forgot God was leading them. Hmm!

It’s amazing how often people want to turn back the clock, to go to their former days when “things were better.” The question we fail to answer is: what was better back then – us or God? Well, God has not changed, so…..? When we continuously long for what’s behind its saying we don’t fully trust God to bring better things into our life, and we have little hope of things changing for the better. We cannot change the past so we must not let it discourage us, we must look forward in eager expectation that we can make the present worthwhile all the while building a better tomorrow by fully trusting in God – that’s why he gave us TODAY!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:17-18

Don't Waste A Moment

How you spend your time is more important than how you spend your money. Money mistakes can be corrected, but time is gone forever. - D. Norris

Paul wrote to the Ephesians that a wise decision is to 'make the most of every opportunity for good.' Amen!

24 hours in a day! That's true for all of us, no matter our pedigree, wealth, nationality, or age. God gifts each person the same 24 hours per day. And the world we live in goes overboard with opportunity after opportunity on how to spend it. Notice I said spend, not invest. Like money and babies, time also DOES NOT come with instructions but only a warning to use it wisely. It's been said that to 'kill time' is to harm eternity. If left unchecked time stealthily slips away taking with it much more than it brought, often leaving heavy regrets in its wake. I pray today may be a wake-up call for us all.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12

A Timely Gift

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives! - A. Dillard

"And there was evening, and there was and morning - the first day." - Genesis 1:5

Today is June 18, 2021. The 169th day of this year and roughly the 737,469th day since year 1 using the Gregorian calendar system. That's a lot of days but only in the sense man started keeping a calendar. No one knows the actual number of days since creation but God alone. And God has given us a prescribed number of days in His book (Ps. 139:16). Moses asked God to "teach us to number them to gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12). Have you ever done that. I don't mean in a morbid way, but in terms of measurement or progress. We all have an average life expectancy and hopefully we're living it to the fullest. Each day we get is an opportunity to attempt great things for God. And the good thing about it is these great things don't have to be announced from a stage or loud speaker for all to see, they can be as small as a genuine kindness expressed to someone we meet. Well, today is a gift, how will you use it?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"This is the DAY the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24

P.S. - for those who can make it we'll be gathering at the church at 9am tomorrow for our 'Prayer Walk.' We will have groups going to designated areas in Inglewood to pray for our community. We will regroup at the church afterwards for a 'continental' breakfast. IF YOU ARE WILLING AND ABLE we're asking everyone to fast, beginning at 3pm TODAY until we meet for the breakfast tomorrow morning.

Numbering Our Time

Time is a versatile performer. It flies, marches on, heals all wounds, runs out, AND will tell! - F.P. Jones

Jesus never hurried a day in his life, yet he could still proclaim "It is finished." WOW!

Time! It's the one thing we can't get more of. It is God's gift to us to be enjoyed, and used wisely. But we often find ourselves abusing it by putting off for tomorrow those things we should do today, which then puts us in a frenzied state. So often one person's constant hurry becomes another's stress. There is great spiritual value to living in the present moment. Being able to 'stop and smell the roses,' or 'give someone your full undivided attention,' or even 'play games freely and unhurriedly with your children or family.' What truly makes the present moment so special is God dwells there. When we live, work, and play by a frenzied pace, we develop a 'just get it done' mentality, and it quickly makes the situation more important than the relationship. We then miss opportunities to connect that bring closeness, intimacy, joy, peace, and contentment. So no matter the situation before us today we need to make God's gift of time 'holy' by being aware of those with whom we are sharing it with.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

".....teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom...." - Psalm 90:12

"Forgetting" what is behind and straining toward what is ahead...

The ‘good ol days’ never really come back and I suppose it's just as well. For what does come is a new morning every day in the year, and that's better. – G. E. Woodberry

 

Paul said he was pretty much willing to forget his ‘yesteryears’ for the hope of today in Christ Jesus. WOW!

 

Most people we know would rather have more of a good thing than less, and though we often speak of them in ‘hallowed’ tones, the “joys of yesteryear” are just that – fond remembrances, and few at that. No one I really know wants to go back to yesteryear, nor even yesterday. But hopefully, we’ve learned to sort out the good and useful memories from the troubling and paralyzing ones, and pair them with all the hope that is unleashed with today. Today we are free to pursue godliness, explore new avenues, to stretch our faith, and unlock our imagination, with a clean slate. God started this day for you hours ago, so He’s waiting for the ‘new you’ to show up.

 

Until tomorrow…..

 

Pastor Botts

 

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our  days.” – Psalm 90:14

Wonderful Matchless Gift of Grace

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace. – R. Otto

Abraham, Jacob, David, Peter, Paul….the list could go on and on with men like these who knew God lives on both sides of the grace equation. And that’s a good thing. AMEN!

As he so often does; the enemy of God tries to deceive us into thinking we are unworthy of God’s goodness in any case whether good or bad. If sin besets us, he screams “you’re not worthy of His forgiveness or mercy.” If blessings become us, he states “you don’t deserve such favor.” But God looks for opportunity in either case to extend His wonderful matchless grace to us. No matter what comes your way today or tomorrow, always remember “His grace is sufficient.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many….But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” – Romans 5:15, 20

Live Your Moment

The 2 most important days

in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why? - Mark Twain

Contrary to popular thinking, Esther

wasn't the only one born for 'such a time as this!' AMEN!

Though we all say "I just want

to do God's will," truth be told we wouldn't mind if it also got us some

recognition by others, a little respect, or even a handclap of admiration -

we're human after all. We all want our moment to be on a grand scale, with much

fanfare. But in the big picture of God, Esther's moment was only known by her

people. It wasn't a world televised event, nor did it make the newspapers, we

have it recorded for our posterity. It was however a grand moment in God's

story, the redemption of mankind. And if we abide in Him the same can and will

be said of us as we live out whatever our 'moment' may be in His great story.

Can't you kind of hear it now. "Good and faithful servant, you've been

faithful........."

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"For we are God's workmanship, created

in Christ Jesus to do good works....." - Ephesians 2:10

Living Focused Lives

A man who chases two rabbits catches neither. – D. Ashwell

King Saul wanted his own fame and that of David. He lost everything including his life. Hmm!

If you’re human chances are you’ve suffered a time or two from ‘opportunity-itis,’ the giving of yourself to too many enterprises and activities. As Christians we often feel compelled to chase a number of activity options for fellowship, ministry, and service. This in itself is not bad, but when we add family and friends and other social gatherings to the mix we become stretched thin and lose the ability to do anything meaningful. Jesus called on his followers to live ‘focused’ lives, lives that have a distinct purpose that will impact others. Just as a laser is more powerful and effective when narrowly focused, so should we be.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Looking Forward

Life should not be lived looking through a rearview mirror. The very best days are those yet to be. Hope is always stronger than memory. – A. Ahlgrim

When tough times came upon the Israelites on their journey they often wished they were back in Egypt in bondage. They somehow forgot God was leading them. Hmm!

It’s amazing how often people want to turn back the clock, to go to their former days when “things were better.” The question we fail to answer is: what was better back then – us or God? Well, God has not changed, so…..?  When we continuously long for what’s behind its saying we don’t fully trust God to bring better things into our life, and we have little hope of things changing for the better. We cannot change the past so we must not let it discourage us, we must look forward in eager expectation that we can make the present worthwhile all the while building a better tomorrow by fully trusting in God – that’s why he gave us TODAY!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:17-18

Enjoy the Day

Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren’t enjoying today’s sunshine. – W. Feather

Martha was so busy making preparations for Jesus’ visit to their home, she never really got an opportunity to visit with him when he came. OUCH!

Though the calendar on the wall or in our pocket may show a 7-day weekly period, or 30-day month, today is all we have. All the other days have either disappeared into oblivion or darkness, or not yet emerged from it. It is wise to plan for the future ahead of us but never at the expense of sucking all the joy out of right now. We cannot fully experience or praise God unless we take time out to enjoy Him and His creation right now. The ability to ‘earn our keep’ by the work we do is a grand opportunity to experience God working through us. Rainy days or hardships may come or may already be upon us, but nevertheless, today is still all we have. If we live by the Spirit we will find opportunity to enjoy what God is doing and give Him praise.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

The Precious Gift of Time

Time is a versatile performer. It flies, marches on, heals all wounds, runs out, AND will tell! - F.P. Jones

Jesus never hurried a day in his life, yet he could still proclaim "It is finished." Wow!

Time! It's the one thing we can't get more of. It is God's gift to us to be enjoyed, and used wisely. But we often find ourselves abusing it by putting off for tomorrow those things we should do today, which then puts us in a frenzied state. So often one person's constant hurry becomes another's stress. There is great spiritual value to living in the present moment. Being able to 'stop and smell the roses,' or 'give someone your full undivided attention,' or even 'play games freely and unhurriedly with your children or family.' The present moment is special for God dwells there. When we live, work, and play by a frenzied pace, we develop a 'just get it done' mentality, and it quickly  makes the situation more important than the relationship. We then miss opportunities to connect that bring closeness, intimacy, joy, peace, and contentment. So no matter the situation before us today we need to make God's gift of time holy by being aware of those with whom we are sharing it with.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

".....teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom...." - Psalm 90:12

Life: Best By...

Putting off plans doesn’t put off life. – Anon

The people scoffed at Noah when he was building the ark, but the rains did come. OUCH!

PROCRASTINATION: it offers us a very comfortable place or way to live – for today. But also with today we’re a day older and closer to meeting with eternity. Our dreams of love, life, adventure, etc. all come with an expiration date, and the reasons we often put forth as to why we shouldn’t pursue them are shallow at best. Things may or may not work out, but we will never know until we at least begin the attempt, inviting God into the mix. Today is the gift God gives us, and no; we don’t try to live all of life in this one day, but in this one day we should live life to the fullest.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’” – Ecclesiastes 12:1

Killing Time

You cannot kill time without injury to eternity. – H. D. Thoreau

Jesus told his disciples they MUST work while it is day, for it would soon come a time when they couldn’t. OUCH!

Alarms, bells, whistles, chimes, etc. We’re surrounded by gadgets that each day remind us of the time. Time is the most precious commodity on planet earth. It is even more valuable than money. We can get more money, but we cannot get more time.  Each morning we all awake with the same 24-hour timeframe with which to work. How we spend it will well determine where we go when our time is no more. The key is not to waste it on fruitless endeavors, dead-end roads, harboring resentment and hate, or meaningless living; but rather invest it in lives and projects that will make an eternal difference. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “the time is always right to do what is right.” And that time is now, for none of us is getting younger by the day.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional time this Sunday at 9AM. Also, don't forget to set your clocks back 1-hour this Saturday night as Daylight Savings ends.