Look What I Can Do

One act of obedience is better than a hundred sermons preached. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though the apostle Paul wrote many letters to the churches he instructed them to look at his life as an example. Hmm!

When we were kids we always wanted our parents, siblings, and anyone else around to watch us when we did something we thought was extra special. Now that we are grown and knowing that we are possibly the only ‘bible’ some folks will ever read we need to ask ourselves do we still have that “watch me” mentality. Example is contagious behavior and often the only way to reach someone. And a sermon isn’t really preached until it is put into action. We need to be mindful that as instruments of God, somebody is receiving a message loud and clear, so we should pray our walk is in line with our talk.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “ – Matthew 7:20

Your Fruit Will Always Tell On You

How we play the game shows something of our character; how we act after a loss shows all of it. – Richard Murray

Saul was happy David had slain the giant Goliath. But when the people praised David ‘more’ than him, all bets were off. Hmm!

Chair throwing, running into the stands after a fan, obscene gestures, etc. We’ve all seen or heard of this behavior in sports and rightly detest it. We make statements like “he should know better,” or “come on, get a grip,” or “it’s not that serious!” But often in our daily living we’re not much better. Minor incidents – we curse or swear like a sailor. Delays or setbacks – we blow our top. Unrequited respect – we burn a hole in them with our glare. As people of the Word, we are not called to always be nice but we are called to be holy and righteous in all we do. The good thing about it is God is a God of second and third chances, so today is another gift.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:20

Don't Like What You're Getting? Think About What You've Been Giving

Each day we make deposits into the memory banks of others. – Charles Swindoll

Though deceased, Jonathan’s past friendship with young David earned his son Mephibosheth a place at the King’s table. Hmm!

Banks deal in one commodity – MONEY. They take it in (deposits) and pay it out (withdrawals). But it’s all they deal in. You can’t go there and buy groceries, gas, etc., only monetary transactions. And just as you can’t get blood from a turnip, generally speaking people only pay back in currency what they received from the individual making the withdrawal. If we’ve been mean, hostile, selfish, and abusive to them we get it in return. Therefore, if we don’t like what others are giving back to us then we should begin to think about the words, deeds, and pictures we’ve deposited into them. If we know we’ll need a healthy withdrawal later now is the time to begin making the deposits, and like any good investment portfolio it’s always good to spread your wealth around.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8

Ambassadors On Duty

We misrepresent God when we wear His name but not His character. - Anon

Jesus' main antagonists actually wore the clothes of holy men. Go Figure!

In sports it's "you play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back!" In law enforcement and the military, it's "you respect the uniform!" The bottom line is you are a representative of the organization, its values, morals, and goals. You promise to uphold and promote them whenever and wherever. It's actually a biblical concept. We are Christ's 'ambassadors' in the world. Our aim is to uphold and promote the values, morals, and building of His kingdom whenever, and wherever we are. Living for God is not a some of the time life, nor a 'when it appeals to me life. It is a completely 'surrendered' life, where others should see/hear the Christ in us at all times. Why not start today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Make the tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." - Matthew 12:33

Bitter to Better

The fruit of the Spirit does not include sour grapes. – S. Stone

When Martha complained about the ‘lack of support’ from Mary in preparing dinner, Jesus reminded her who chose what! Hmm!

One of the first things you learn in your faith walk is ‘it is not about you,’ it’s about God. With a good understanding of that we should get along just fine, knowing that things are not going to go the way we want them to all the time, they’ll go the way God wants them to. Now generally, when you know what’s coming, even if it’s not what you would have wanted; you don’t get upset or bent out of shape. But with us it’s sometimes amazing how we go on griping and complaining about the troubles in our life when the one we live for told us we would have them, "in this world you will have troubles". The idea is not to become bitter by our trials but better by them. To gripe and complain is like adding more fuel to an existing fire. Sour grapes will only ruin the rest of the fruit.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another…” – Ephesians 4:30-32

A Key to Easing Stress

Patience! The windmill never strays in search of the wind! - A. Sklivis

Throughout the whole bible there was never a time God or His Son was in a hurry. Hmm!

Haste makes more than waste; it makes folks tired. There is almost an inverse relationship when you really think about it. The more patient we are, the more accepting we will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as we would like it to be. Without patience, life is extremely frustrating. We become easily annoyed, bothered, and irritated. Patience adds a degree of ease and acceptance to life, and it’s essential for inner peace. One key to having this patience is learning to look for and see the innocence in the situations that arise that test us. People interrupt us or situations arise not out of conspiracy but because life happens. Our loved ones show up unexpectedly, street lights slow us up, long lines crop up, not because of a vendetta against us; but because life was never supposed to be catered to us but lived by us. To try and hurry it along only brings stress, and I imagine it makes God laugh a bit too!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience...." - Galatians 5:22

Acts of Kindness

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force. - Publilius

Tabitha's kindness brought a community together in prayer and solicitation. It also moved God. AMEN!

We call them small acts of kindness! But in truth there is no such thing. As 'kindness' is one of the fruits of the Spirit, it has God written all over it, so it really isn't small, it's God reaching out. Though we may think little of our actions, to the one on the receiving end it may just be the hinge that swings open the door allowing them to move from despair, grief, anxiety, etc., to praise and a new hope. And that friend is not insignificant - it's monumental.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done." - Proverbs 19:17

God Will Take Care of You

The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. - Anon

When they finally entered the Promised Land the Israelites found it was even more bountiful than God had promised. Amen!

I remember very vividly the house I grew up in. It was spacious and had a nice big yard for us kids (7) to play in. It also had five fruit trees. I think this was one of the selling points to my parents. A way to cut down on the food budget and get us kids to eat fresh fruit. But as I think back over all those years we lived there and enjoyed the fruit, we rarely had to tend the trees. Yeah, we raked up leaves every now and then, but God kept those trees in great condition, producing not only fruit for us kids, neighbors, and friends; but shade, shelter, and resting places for the birds. His sustaining of the tree is just one of many of His simple acts of grace. Just like the Hebrew children God led into the Promised Land I'm sure if we all look over our lives, we too can say He has given us 'prosperity' we didn't really work for. And that is worthy of High Praise!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." - Malachi 3:10

P.S. - Don't forget our 24-hour fast begins at 10:30am and ends tomorrow after Prayer Breakfast. Remember to seek God's guidance during the fasting time. Hope you can participate.

Life Reflects Belief

You learn a lot about someone by what they choose to do when no one is watching. - S. Parrish

Though all that time (3+ years) Judas walked with Jesus his heart really wasn't in it. Hmm!

"Who do you say I am?" It was a pointed question Jesus asked his disciples outside of Caesarea Philippi. We all know the answer Peter gave "You are the Christ (Messiah)!" Jesus wasn't really looking for a description or defining term of his life, but more-so an answer to 'Who was he personally to them?' Is He their Christ, their Savior! He asks the same of us every day as well. Does the example of the way He lived have any impact on our daily living? Does the life He 'sacrificed' for us on the cross cause us to sacrifice for Him? It's easy to say "Yes, He's My Lord!" but the proof of this is borne out of how we actually live. Jesus' disciples were known for 'having been with Him' based on their words and deeds. The world really, really, needs to see that today. So, who do YOU say He is, or better yet what does the way you live and talk say He is?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Thus....by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:20

How You're Known

I’m not the only Christian, but I am Christian only! – Anon

In the entire land of Uz, there was only 1 Job. Hmm!

Three times that fateful night Peter tried to deny he was a part of Jesus’ tribe, even calling down curses, all to no avail. There was something about him that made him stand out like a sore thumb amongst all the others that were gathered. He was easily identifiable as belonging to Jesus. What about us. In a mixed crowd does our identity stand out? Even when those around us may not know our name does our ‘Jesus’ game show up? Not the proselytizing or condemning speeches of others mis-behaviors, but the grace, gentleness, and edifying words that could help make it a ‘divine moment’ they will later reflect upon. It’s true we don’t “cast our pearls among the swine” but it’s also equally true when we’re among them they know who we are.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit……” – Matthew 7:18

That Road Less Traveled

Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side. – Anon

After only 2 of the 12 spies reported favorably on their trip into the Promised Land, the people were against going forward. That decision cost them dearly. Hmm!

It’s true we were created for fellowship, however we must often be careful with whom we fellowship with and what we allow to pass as fellowship; “for what has light to do with darkness.” All too often if we’re not careful we are swept up into the crowd hysteria and mentality. Public opinions and emotions may be strong one way or the other, but we are not to be known by our opinions but by our faith and fruit. In the marketplace of ideas may we not conform but seek transformation. Here's hoping we bear fruit for Him today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

The Character in a Loss

How we play the game shows something of our character; how we act after a loss shows all of it. – Richard Murray

Saul was happy David had slain the giant Goliath. But when the people praised David ‘more’ than him, all bets were off. Hmm!

Chair throwing, running into the stands after a fan, obscene gestures, etc. We’ve all seen or heard of this behavior in sports and rightly detest it. We make statements like “he should know better,” or “come on, get a grip,” or “it’s not that serious!” But often in our daily living we’re not much better. Minor incidents – we curse or swear like a sailor. Delays or setbacks – we blow our top. Unrequited respect – we burn a hole in them with our glare. As people of the Word, we are not called to always be nice but we are called to be holy and righteous in all we do. The good thing about it is God is a God of second and third chances, so today is another gift.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:20

We Did This

Our acts make us or mar us – we are the children of our OWN deeds. – Victor Hugo

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day hypocrites because that’s what they were. They did not practice what they preached! Hmm!

Our parents tried to shape us and mold us, to instill in us a sense of value and morality – it was their role. But the responsibility of taking that input and putting it to use in a meaningful and positive manner rests solely with each one of us. And though we may want to blame others for our shortcomings or errors, we know deep within they are ours alone. But the great thing about life is we are each free to change what we don’t like. We are free to make our life a blessing to God and His work. We must remember our actions are motivated by what’s in our heart. It’s no question we were made in the image of God (the bible says so). The BIG question is can that image be seen.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

– Matthew 7:17,20

P.S. - Hope to see you tomorrow at Prayer Breakfast (9am) and remember service this Sunday starts at 9:30 AM in Parmes Hall.

In a Hurry? Relax.

Patience! The windmill never strays in search of the wind! - A. Sklivis

Throughout the whole bible there was never a time God or His Son was in a hurry. Hmm!

Haste makes more than waste, it makes folks tired. There is almost an inverse relationship when you really think about it. The more patient we are, the more accepting we will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as we would like it to be. Without patience, life is extremely frustrating. We become easily annoyed, bothered, and irritated. Patience adds a degree of ease and acceptance to life, and it’s essential for inner peace. One key to having this patience is learning to look for and see the innocence in the situations that arise that test us. People interrupt us or situations arise not out of conspiracy but because life happens. Our loved ones show up unexpectedly, street lights slow us up, long lines crop up, not because of a vendetta against us; but because life was never supposed to be catered to us but lived by us. To try and hurry it along only brings stress, and I imagine it makes God laugh a bit too!

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"....But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience...." - Galatians 5:22

Hope you can make it out for our Sunday School Devotional this week at 9am!

Lessons on Humility

Characters live to be noticed. People of character notice how they live. – N. Moser

Jesus said we should do our ‘acts of righteousness’ not to be seen of men but God; that is if we expect to receive a reward. Hmm!

They usher themselves before us everyday via the news, social media/internet, magazines, radio, etc. News releases of some celebrity and their bid for a bit more recognition for their 'contribution' to society. And admittedly, a lot of us live for such news, and also admittedly, a lot of us live so to bring about such news a

bout ourselves. Accomplishments should be lauded and celebrated as the blessings they are, not who they make us to be. Granted our lives are not to be lived in seclusion or inconspicuously, but we are called to be known by the ‘fruit we bear’ not by the horn we toot or flag we wave, after all God has said, “not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His notice.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11

What's on Deposit?

Each day we make deposits into the memory banks of others. – Charles Swindoll

Though deceased, Jonathan’s past friendship with young David, earned his son Mephibosheth a place at the King’s table. Hmm!

Banks deal in one commodity – MONEY. They take it in (deposits) and pay it out (withdrawals). But it’s all they deal in. You can’t go there and buy groceries, gas, etc., only monetary transactions. And just as you can’t get blood from a turnip, generally speaking people only pay back in currency what they received from the individual making the withdrawal. If we’ve been mean, hostile, selfish, and abusive to them we get it in return. Therefore if we don’t like what others are giving back to us then we should begin to think about the words, deeds, and pictures we’ve deposited into them. If we know we’ll need a healthy withdrawal later now is the time to begin making the deposits, and like any good investment portfolio it’s always good to spread your wealth around.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8.

No Bitter Fruit

The fruit of the Spirit does not include sour grapes. – S. Stone

When Martha complained about the ‘lack of support’ from Mary in preparing dinner, Jesus reminded her who chose what! Hmm!

One of the first things you learn in your faith walk is ‘it is not about you,’ it’s about God. With a good understanding of that we should get along just fine, knowing that things are not going to go the way we want them to all the time, they’ll go the way God wants them to. Now generally, when you know what’s coming, even if it’s not what you would have wanted; you don’t get upset or bent out of shape. But with us it’s sometimes amazing how we go on griping and complaining about the troubles in our life when the one we live for told us we would have them, "in this world you will have troubles". The idea is not to become bitter by our trials but better by them. To gripe and complain is like adding more fuel to an existing fire. Sour grapes will only ruin the rest of the fruit.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another…” – Ephesians 4:30-32

P.S. - tickets for our upcoming 'Nite at the Movies' will be $10. Movie time will be approximately 7pm. Please indicate on your communication card this Sunday if you will be attending.

Proper Connection

If you want to have a horizontal reach, you need to have a vertical focus. - Robin H.

Paul had great success in his ministry because he 'counted everything loss for the sake of Christ,' which is all he preached. Hmm!

Some things in life are so simple that we often overlook the obvious. We attend programs, seminars, classes, buy the latest bestsellers, trying to learn the latest insight, methodology, or buzz words on how to be successful for Christ. This is all noble and good, but the obvious is overlooked. When we plant a seed the first thing it does is break through the dirt reaching upward to the sky. Then as it grows it begins to spread its branches and leaves outward. That's the key, we need to look up first, and make sure we're hooked up properly. The point is that anything we attempt to do for Christ and His church must begin with Him. Meaning we need to be connected to Him, filled with His spiritual presence, and submitting to His leading. The work of Christ has always been empowered by His Spirit and always will be. If we're struggling with success for Him maybe we need to make sure the connections are in proper order.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5  

Watch Me

One act of obedience is better than a hundred sermons preached. – Dietrich  Bonhoeffer

Though the apostle Paul wrote many letters to the churches he instructed them to look at his life as an example. Hmm!

When we were kids we always wanted our parents, siblings, and anyone else around to watch us when we did something we thought was extra special. Now that we are grown and knowing that we are possibly the only ‘bible’ some folks will ever read we need to ask ourselves do we still have that “watch me” mentality. Example is contagious behavior and often the only way to reach someone. And a sermon isn’t really preached until it is put into action. We need to be mindful that as instruments of God, somebody is receiving a message loud and clear, so we should pray our walk is in line with our talk.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “ – Matthew 7:20

That Broad Way

Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side. – Anon

After only 2 of the 12 spies reported favorably on their trip into the Promised Land, the people were against going forward. That decision cost them dearly. Hmm!

It’s true we were created for fellowship, however we must often be careful with whom we fellowship with and what we allow to pass as fellowship; “for what has light to do with darkness.” All too often if we’re not careful we are swept up into the crowd hysteria and mentality. Public opinions and emotions may be strong one way or the other, but we are not to be known by our opinions but by our fruit. In the marketplace of ideas may we not conform but seek transformation. Here's hoping we bear fruit for Him today!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14