Lock In on the Guide

I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward. – Charlotte Bronte

God was a ‘cloud’ by day and a ‘pillar’ of fire by night leading the Israelites. He’s still looking for a few good folks to lead today. Hmm!

As anyone who has ever been on a guided tour knows, you always keep your eyes and ears on the Tour Guide. They know the way, what’s important along the way, how much time should be spent at a station and so on…to lose sight of them is to risk getting lost, getting in trouble, or missing out on the tour’s main offering. Life is very similar to this as we journey each day. To keep looking back is to live with the shame, regrets, pain, and heartache of the past, which drastically lessens our hope and encouragement that things will get better. To keep looking into the future is to run the danger of moving beyond God’s stride and direction, running ahead of His plans and purposes and ending up unfulfilled. That’s why it’s imperative that we keep our focus on God, walk at His pace, never letting go of His hand. He will allow us to take time and enjoy His creation, but also ensure we never get lost, never have need to fear, and never linger longer than necessary at any point.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith….” – Hebrews 12:2

Forward! March!

Regret is mostly caused by not having done anything. - Charles Bukowski

It made no sense at all to march around Jericho 7 times until it did. - Hmm!

Remember Lot's wife, after receiving God's instructions not to look back she did anyway, and it cost her dearly. Why did she do it? Possibly because she was a little uncomfortable leaving the 'familiar'. It's true, many of us are uncomfortable leaving the familiar, the tried and true. It's what we know, it fits well, and it's easy. One consequence of looking back is it makes moving forward much, much harder than it need be. True, moving forward is uncertain and often calls for us to exert ourselves in new ways we're not sure of. But move forward we must, and the great thing about it is we can trust God to provide all we need as doors and opportunity open up. Remember He prepares the way so we're always in a forward march position. Here's praying we can stay in step.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The [Master replied] well then, you should have put my 'talent' on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest." - Matthew 25:27

Faith to Level Up

The road to the next level is ALWAYS uphill, and you can't coast there. - J. Maxwell

Faith led Jonathan and his armor-bearer up the cliff and God did the rest. Hmm!

To get ahead in anything you have to be willing to move forward, to take risks. For most of us we do, albeit we tend to like the calculated and certain, those in the 'safe' zone. But often with God the risk factor is incalculable. It's just the nature of our relationship with Him. Walking in and by faith requires risk taking. God often designs situations and circumstances in our life to see if we'll be willing to trust Him to grow our faith to the next level. So, if you're being stretched in your faith right now - praise God. If you're not being stretched or challenged in your faith - ask God why. In either case it's a good reason to open up the prayer lines.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.......They said 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' 'Come,' [Jesus] replied, 'and you will see.'" - John 1:37-39

A Faithfulness to Remember

When we look back on the faithfulness of God, we praise Him. When we look forward to God’s faithfulness, we trust Him. – K. Watters

God knew the shortness of the human mind which is why He instituted ‘feast days’ and ‘memorials.’ It’s all about HIM. Amen!

Though we are not where we want to be as a nation, a people, or a person; let us never forget THE ONE, and others who fought and died valiantly, wrote and argued vociferously, or protested loudly, to bring us the freedoms we now enjoy. And let us continue to do all we can to push the issue forward for future generations, keeping it all anchored in Christ and His Church.

Happy Memorial Day!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love towards us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the :Lord." - Psalm 117

Pressing Forward

If you don't let the past die then it won't let you live. - Anon

Paul's lifework really shows what it means to 'bury' the old man and put on the new. Amen!

Sold into slavery at a young age by his brothers. Falsely imprisoned because of a woman scorned. Seemingly forsaken by an imprisoned 'friend.' But yet here was Joseph. 2nd in command only to Pharaoh. Despite the sleights, setbacks, and harsh realities they brought into his life, he was well-respected by men and highly favored by God. Why, because he refused to let those incidents define who he was. He continued to look forward trusting God had a purpose and plan for his life, and eventually it came to pass. The same is true for us. Though we are the sum total of our past experiences, they do not get to dictate what tomorrow will bring. That is still in the hands of the God we serve, who loves to do 'new things' in the lives of those transformed by His presence.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14

Moving Forward

I'll go any direction as long as it's forward. - Anon

Even though the Israelites were 'armed for battle' when they left Egypt, God detoured them around the Philistines. He knew why. Amen!

Detour Ahead! Ugh. No one I know likes to see this sign on the open road. And usually it is a long, time-consuming way around your original mapped out plans. And even though it may be scenic, because it was forced upon us our spirit and minds-eye refuses to enjoy the views. It's the same way in life, it too has detours. Some of us are in one right now wondering when will it ever end. The point though is for us to adjust our spirit and pace to see/hear what God is trying to say to us. That 'intended' destination, relationship, job, etc., may not be good for us. He knows the plans He has for us -right! So, if it seems like you're traveling in circles now may be a good time to slow down and get in step with God. Lest we forget, at one time it took the Israelites 40 years of wandering before they could move forward.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Stepping Stones to Move Forward

We cannot change our memories, but we can change their meaning and the power they have over us. – D. Seamans

Joseph let God erase all the hatred from his heart against his brothers for what they had done. He even ‘cried’ when he saw them again. The reunion was all good. AMEN!

The thing about life is it throws many events our way, some good; some bad. The things that have happened to us cannot be undone. We cannot go back and change it but we should not fear it either, nor let it hold us prisoner. One can only truly fear future events. And since our future is not set in stone, fear is just a head trip. Oftentimes we get stuck in a way of thinking, in a behavior, or in our expectations because we have been hurt before and we have not truly brought the situation to God. From God’s perspective events from our past (good and bad) are stepping stones to move forward in righteousness and faith, for He can bring good out of any situation. Pain is sometimes inevitable, but allowing a memory to keep us in suffering is a choice. God can adjust our attitudes if we allow him.

Until I return…..Aloha

Pastor Botts

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him….” – Romans 8:28

Reverse! Reverse!

God has to often use reverse to move us forward. – Anon

Though he was depressed and afraid while on the run, God told Elijah to go right back to where he left off and then follow His instructions. AMEN!

It would be hard to imagine an automobile without a reverse gear. It’s just a given that sometimes you need to go in reverse to maneuver. That is true of any type of forward progress, sometimes we must back up to maneuver around or over obstacles. Many of us don’t like the idea of going backwards but it is often very necessary in life. Often, we ourselves are the obstacle God has to slow down and turn around for a minute. When we run ahead of God or when we run without God we will eventually come to a time when reverse is necessary, and no matter how much we kick and scream against it, no matter how much pain it causes us, God will make the corrective action in our lives because He loves us. So though life may seem tough right now, or we may be back at square one again, we can rejoice that God still loves us, and is still working in us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:5-6

Praise And Trust

When we look back on the faithfulness of God, we praise Him. When we look forward to God’s faithfulness, we trust Him. – K. Watters

God knew the shortness of the human mind which is why He instituted ‘feast days’ and ‘memorials.’ It’s all about HIM! Amen.

Well it's Friday, the end of another week. For most of us we sit back and reflect on the weekly activities and interactions to determine if it was good or bad. Some of us even go so far as to let the workweek activities dictate how we will spend the weekend. But no matter which way you look, backwards or forward you must admit, God has been faithful. Praise or Trust. Praise and Trust. Either way you can’t lose.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” – Psalm 117

Faith of Derring Do

Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may also start a winning game. - Goethe

Andrew brought a small boy with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish to Jesus to feed 5,000. A sensible move – NO! A daring move - you bet!

In business, an 'entrepreneur' is one who has an idea or dream and is willing to risk everything they have to see it come to pass, realizing there is always a small possibility of failure. It's that type of spirit that should empower our faith and deeds. In truth, often for our faith to work or have value we have to step out on the “ledge of risk.” Not every program or every thing we do for God will work, but we will never know until we try, and the bottom line is that God will never be disappointed with our faithful efforts. PERHAPS.....

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…..For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body.” – II Corinthians 4:8-9,11

Focus Forward

To keep proper focus always remember: From where you came; Where you are going; and to Whom you must give account. – Richard Murray

In all of his misery Job never forgot that “naked I came into the world and naked I shall depart, but the Lord is to be praised.” WOW!

With all that’s going on in the world around us and in our immediate lives sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. The number one goal of our enemy is to get us to take our focus off of God and major in the minor things in our life, our imperfections, failures, our losses. When we get caught up in self pity we leave little room for God to work in us and on us. We can’t wallow in the moment, we must remember we’re on a journey for God. Progress sometimes is slow, but if we keep moving forward we will one day have a good report.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” – Philippians 3:12

Spring Clean Up

A trip to nostalgia now and then is good for the spirit, so long as you don’t set up housekeeping. – D. Bartolovic

After witnessing Jesus' transfiguration, Peter wanted to stay there and build altars. God said no, follow My Son. AMEN!

Closets, attics, trunks, garages, refrigerators. What do they all have in common - they are storage spaces. But the other thing they have in common is every so often they need to be cleaned, purged of old useless, spoiled, outdated items. True, some of these items carry great memories, but yet and still they must go to make room for new ones. Even God told His people "forget the past, behold I'm doing a new thing...." All too often our holding on to items, relics, etc., make us complacent and unable to move forward. But move on we must, and the truth is we will experience even greater marvels of God's glory in our lives. So maybe it's time we do a little housecleaning in eager expectation that something good is on the way.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me......" - Philippians 3:13-14

Crafting the Future

You cannot change the past, so change the future. – H.G. Wells

Rahab choose the life of a prostitute and suffered the shame of her family. Yet in the end it was she who saved them from destruction.

Too often, many of us spend vast amounts of time trying to “pretty up” our past so others might think more highly of us. But that’s an impossibility, no one can go back; and to relive the past is to relinquish or give up the future. Besides, failures and mistakes are part of what we experience to increase our reliance on God. We should remember time was never created with the power to hold us back. Like Rahab, we should take opportunity to look forward to making a better life NOW! Press on!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 3:14

Daring Moves

Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may also start a winning game. - Goethe

Andrew brought a small boy with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish to Jesus to feed 5,000. A sensible move – NO! A daring move - you bet!

In business, an 'entrepreneur' is one who has an idea or dream and is willing to risk everything they have to see it come to pass, realizing there is always a small possibility of failure. It's that type of spirit that should empower our faith and deeds. In truth, often for our faith to work or have value we have to step out on the “ledge of risk.” Not every program or every thing we do for God will work, but we will never know until we try, and the bottom line is that God will never be disappointed with our faithful efforts. PERHAPS.....

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…..For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body.” – II Corinthians 4:8-9,11

Past memories future events

We cannot change our memories, but we can change their meaning and the power they have over us. – D. Seamans

Joseph let God erase all the hatred from his heart against his brothers for what they had done. He even ‘cried’ when he saw them again. The reunion was all good. AMEN!

The thing about life is it throws many events our way, some good; some bad. The things that have happened to us cannot be undone. We cannot go back and change it but we should not fear it either, nor let it hold us prisoner. One can only truly fear future events. And since our future is not set in stone, fear is just a head trip. Oftentimes we get stuck in a way of thinking, in a behavior, or in our expectations because we have been hurt before and we have not truly brought the situation to God. From God’s perspective events from our past (good and bad) are stepping stones to move forward in righteousness and faith, for He can bring good out of any situation. Pain is sometimes inevitable, but allowing a memory to keep us in suffering is a choice. God can adjust our attitudes if we allow him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him….” – Romans 8:28

Always moving forward

When your faith gets into the past tense, it becomes a pretense! - Anon

Peter's Pentecost sermon brought in 3,000+ souls. WOW! But God still sent him down to little 'ol Cornelius' house. Hmm!

The bible tells us "the Word of God is active and alive.....," although sometimes the way we serves may bring serious doubts to that. Whether we are new or seasoned in the faith, we can never, ever rest on what we did yesterday or yesteryear. God has done many mighty works in us and through us, but we must remember also "God is ALWAYS at His work." Today's opportunities, big or small; He's already planned, and He's hoping we're all available. May He use us without having to ask us.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." - John 9:4

Seeing God

Good vision consists of being able to see the trees and the forest. Great vision sees the maker. – O. Battista

When Jesus healed the blind man of Bethsaida, he was able to physically see, yet he missed out knowing WHO truly healed him. Hmm!

For the most part we are a grateful people. We often take time to thank God for our blessings and what He has done in our lives, but often we miss the very essence of God Himself within the blessings He gives, or even the understanding of what He is doing in our lives when He is doing it. Just as Jesus stood before Pilate who was so focused on tradition and man-made doctrines he ‘missed’ God before his very eyes; we sometimes get so caught up in the blessing God sends we fail to see the 'spirit of God' in the blessing. Hindsight is 20/20 vision, but we should pray that we will see God often face to face today.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went. Even though he did not know where he was going…For he was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God.” – Hebrews 11:8,10

Praise and Trust. He's Faithful!

When we look back on the faithfulness of God, we praise Him. When we look forward to God’s faithfulness, we trust Him. – K. Watters

God knew the shortness of the human mind which is why He instituted ‘feast days’ and ‘memorials.’ It’s all about HIM! Amen.

Well it's Friday, the end of another week. For most of us we sit back and reflect on the weekly activities and interactions to determine if it was good or bad. Some of us even go so far as to let the workweek activities dictate how we will spend the weekend. But no matter which way you look, backwards or forward you must admit, God has been faithful. Praise or Trust. Praise and Trust. Either way you can’t lose.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” – Psalm 117

Reverse Gears

God has to often use reverse to move us forward. – Anon

Though he was depressed and afraid while on the run, God told Elijah to go right back to where he left off and then follow His instructions. AMEN!

It would be hard to imagine an automobile without a reverse gear. It’s just a given that sometimes you need to go in reverse to maneuver. That is true of any type of forward progress, sometimes we must back up to maneuver around or over obstacles. Many of us don’t like the idea of going backwards but it is often very necessary in life. When we run ahead of God or when we run without God we will eventually come to a time when reverse is necessary, and no matter how much we kick and scream against it, no matter how much pain it causes us, God will make the corrective action in our lives because He loves us. So though life may seem tough right now, or we may be back at square one again, we can rejoice that God still loves us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:5-6