Tempering Your Speech

When words are 'heated' they lose their sweetness! - Anon

When they brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus, he thought long and hard before he spoke. Hmm!

Coffee! Cocoa! Chili! Some things are good served piping hot. It adds to their overall presentation and enjoyment. We couldn't imagine receiving it any other way. But when it comes to conversation our words are not one of them. The bible tells us 'practice self-control', 'be slow to speak, slow to get angry', and 'in your anger do not sin'! Why, because in our anger not only do our tempers rise (think temperature) but our desire to inflict hurt, harm, and pain on others also increases. It's a mixture of self-presentation combined with pride, and everyone knows that's not a recipe to help build community. It's true, there are times we need to 'say what we need to say', but it should always be thought through and said constructively and in love. Sometimes silence sends an even greater message.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6

Devil Repellant

Small impressions can have a large and lasting impact. - Anon

There's a reason Jesus got up early in the morning to pray. Hmm!

Mosquitoes, fleas, ants, bees, etc,. Small creatures created by God, but they pack a punch when they bite into us. One small bite/sting is annoying enough, with its constant irritating itch or sting, agitating us as the day wears on, taking away our ability to fully enjoy the moment. Could you imagine 3, 4, or 5. NO - it's why we put on the repellants, long sleeves, socks, etc., to keep them at bay. Knowing this and also knowing we have an enemy that's ALWAYS on the prowl looking to attack our spiritual well-being, here's the greater question we need to ask ourselves each day: Have I put on any repellant/armor for his tricks and attacks? A word to the wise is sufficient!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

".....therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...." - Ephesians 6:13

The Prayer Formula?

Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. – St Francis de Sales

That Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray, that his disciples went to the temple at the hour of prayer seems important.

Early morning, late afternoon, 5 minutes, 1 hour or more – these are all variables bantered about when it comes to prayer and meditation with God. The truth of the matter is there is no secret formula or one-size fits all. What is important is that we take time from our busy lives each day to spend with God, talking to and LISTENING to Him. The One who planned the day surely knows how it will pan out and the direction He has purposed for us. It is important to note that the more time we spend with God the more we hear and understand His heart and the less inclined we are to go off on our own path.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6

We Have Not Because...

Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one bothered to ask. - Billy Graham

James told the saints of old “they have not because they ask not.” Makes good sense to me. AMEN!

“It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil,” is a phrase many of us remember growing up with; indicating that the one who cried out the most and/or the loudest seemingly got all the attention. That’s a good analogy to use when it comes to prayer. We can’t cry out too loud or too often to God. Oftentimes in our prayer lives we seemingly don’t bother God with various problems or issues thinking them too little or vain or even silly. But with God there is no small, vain, or silly prayer – as He just loves to hear from His children, and He has ‘wonderful things in store’ for those who ask. You might’ve noticed in some of His answers an abundance of blessing, could it be possibly because He hears from us so rarely He just pours it on? Hmm!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven…..” – II Chronicles 7:14

The Battle in a New Normal

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. – Douglas MacArthur

David often sought God’s will before he sought his enemy. Hmm!

Reveille! Alarm clock! Sunrise! Whatever the means, we’re all awake for today. It’s here and coming on strong whether we like it or not. As you embark upon your day, remember you are at war. Not only with the fallout from the continuing pandemic but with all the changes it has brought along to our normal way of life, our physical gatherings, and fellowship. A 'new' normal is upon us. But the enemy will be continually targeting your heart and mind, firing away to make you lose your focus or resolve and doubt your faith and purpose. Make sure you dress properly for the battle otherwise you are sure to become a casualty of war.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes….” - Ephesians 6:11

No Part Time Positions Available

You can’t have a part-time faith and expect full-time benefits. – Anon

Even in exile Daniel continued his ‘daily’ prayers. God use him mightily. Amen!

“Put me in coach…..I’m ready to play…today…” It’s a line from a song about baseball players. It’s a reference to the other players, the non-starters. They wanted a chance to play and contribute as well. And you know what, no matter the sport the non-starters practice every day, and as hard as the starters. That’s what enables them to step in at a moments notice to help the team to victory. The same principle is true for us in our faith walk. You can’t be a part-time Christian, only when it’s favorable to you and always expect a happy ending. If we’re not putting in the work each day we’re falling short and playing into the enemies hand. Believe it or not he’s practicing every day, even putting in overtime trying to figure out how to keep us from the blessings and benefits that God’s victory brings. Are you really ready “to play?”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"One day the evil spirit answered them, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you…” – Acts 19:15

Be A Difference Maker

The world is full of good people......if you can't find one, be one! - Anon

Paul praised Epaphras, saying he 'went out of his way' to find and comfort me. Amen!

I often think back to a weekly quote of my friend Pastor Murray. He would always end his services with a quote "I went outside to find a friend and couldn't find one there, I went outside to be a friend and friends were everywhere!" Whether we know it or not, we could very well be the lifeline someone needs today. That hand of help, word of encouragement, presence for inspiration, or just that smile that says 'you matter'. We never know how far or how deep our deeds of righteousness may go, but one thing is certain. If we don't extend ourselves they will never go anywhere. This world has enough anger and hate in it, why not be a difference maker today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

P.S. - Hope you can join us Sunday morning at 9:30am for Women's Day!

Trusting God's Care

The optimist says the cup is half full, the pessimist says its half empty, the child of God says, “my cup runneth over.” – Anon

Paul traveled all over the country on a tentmaker’s salary. How? He trusted in a God who had unlimited resources. Hmm!

So far as I know, no bird ever tried to build more nests than his neighbor, no fox ever fretted over having only 1 lair in which to lay, and no dog ever lost sleep over not having enough bones buried for retirement. Often, we as people of God put emphasis on the wrong things, and worry needlessly over things beyond our control. If God does truly care for the sparrow, will he not care for us? He’s asking us to trust Him and see!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet our heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?...But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:26, 33

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Life is a given, the destination and how is a choice! - Anon

The good thing about the Prodigal Son is that he wound up back at his beginning, his father's house. Hmm!

Rollercoasters! In our prime we loved them. The speed, the jerks and turns, and of course the 'stomach in your throat' downhill runs. It was a somewhat scary thrill but we did it again and again with eager expectations. When considered, daily life is just like that, a rollercoaster ride with all the effects. Truthfully, none of us asked to be here, but we were blessed with life by God, and even told by Him which rollercoaster to choose 'blessing or cursing, life or death....choose - LIFE' for the best results, but He left the final decision to us. So if we're not enjoying life, if it has too many thrills that 'stress us out' or leave us 'broken' God will allow you to change. Remember Jesus' words "I am come that they might have life to the fullest..." I think He expects us to enjoy the ride.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

”...anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." - James 4:4

Do Dive Deeper

The bible will always be full of things you CANNOT understand as long as you will not live according to the things you DO understand. – Anon

King Saul couldn’t understand why God would not answer his prayer requests. Samuel had already told him God has taken the kingdom from him because of disobedience. Hmm!

Water pressure has amazing effects on the human body. The deeper under water you go the more ways it affects you: blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, sense of being, etc. The Word of God is the same way. The more we live by it the more it affects and impacts every area of our lives. But the reason we often don’t get the life changing effects and increased faith promised is because we don’t go deep enough nor truly obey what we do know. God’s Word is ‘powerful and effective’ and will work in ways we don’t fully understand, but only if we are obedient to what we do understand. It’s not the knowledge that brings the blessings but the commitment to DO what it says.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside….” – Psalm 14:2-3

Meditation 101: How Much?

Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. – St Francis de Sales

That Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray, that his disciples went to the temple at the hour of prayer seems important.

Early morning, late afternoon, 5 minutes, 1 hour or more – these are all variables bantered about when it comes to prayer and meditation with God. The truth of the matter is there is no secret formula or one-size fits all. What is important is that we take time from our busy lives each day to spend with God, talking to and LISTENING to Him. The One who planned the day surely knows how it will pan out and the direction He has purposed for us. It is important to note that the more time we spend with God the more we hear and understand His heart and the less inclined we are to go off on our own path.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6

Turning Down the Heat

When words are 'heated' they lose their sweetness! - Anon

When they brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus, he thought long and hard before he spoke. Hmm!

Coffee! Cocoa! Chili! Some things are good served piping hot. It adds to their overall presentation and enjoyment. We couldn't imagine receiving it any other way. But when it comes to conversation our words are not one of them. The bible tells us 'practice self-control', 'be slow to speak, slow to get angry', and 'in your anger do not sin'! Why, because in our anger not only do our tempers rise (think temperature) but our desire to inflict hurt, harm, and pain on others also increases. It's a mixture of self-presentation combined with pride, and everyone knows that not a recipe to help build community. It's true, there are times we need to 'say what we need to say', but it should always be thought through and said constructively and in love. Sometimes silence sends an even greater message.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6

Living the Full Life

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s faith or courage. – Anais Nin

Joseph went from slave to prisoner to second in command of all Egypt because of his faith. WOW!

Many people mistake living life in the ‘fast lane’ – doing all sorts of reckless stunts or endeavors – as living life to the fullest. They are not the same. Living life to the fullest is about exercising faith in God or the courage to trust God to extend us beyond our normal ranges of comfort or complacency for OUR benefit. From beginning to end life is a journey, one God truly wants us to enjoy, not recklessly; but with an ever increasing awareness of His presence and His creativity. After all, He made all this for us that we might come to know Him fully.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

Give Your Best to the Master

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. - G. Halas

Even after they hung him on the cross, Jesus was still praying for them. Wow!

Oaths, vows, pledges. We all make them for the various groups, teams, or callings we sign-up for. The question is how committed are we to them? Do we value loyalty and follow-through, or is it when things get tough, or the heat is on and we need to "put up or shut up" commitment becomes a gray area. It's an interesting and thought provoking issue, particularly when it comes to our relationship with Christ - are we fully committed. If compromise or quitting is even an option in our faith, then maybe we need to re-evaluate what we covenanted. God is always searching our hearts for commitment, that is why He 'tests' us from time to time. He's not always looking for a perfect response to the situation, but moreso a heart that will confess Him no matter what. And any of us who have lived long enough know it is much easier to lie down at night and sleep when we know we gave our best and stood our ground.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him...." - Job 13:15

All for the Asking

Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one bothered to ask.  - Billy Graham

James told the saints of old “they have not because they ask not.” Makes good sense to me. AMEN!

“It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil,” is a phrase many of us remember growing up with; indicating that the one who cried out the most and/or the loudest seemingly got all the attention. That’s a good analogy to use when it comes to prayer. We can’t cry out too loud or too often to God. Oftentimes in our prayer lives we seemingly don’t bother God with various problems or issues thinking them too little or vain or even silly. But with God there is no small, vain, or silly prayer – as He just loves to hear from His children, and He has ‘wonderful things in store’ for those who ask.  You might’ve noticed in some of His answers an abundance of blessing, could it be possibly because He hears from us so rarely He just pours it on? Hmm!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven…..” – II Chronicles 7:14

Devil Repellant

Small impressions can have a large and lasting impact. - Anon

There's a reason Jesus got up early in the morning to pray. Hmm!

Mosquitoes, fleas, ants, bees, etc,. Small creatures created by God, but they pack a punch when they bite into us. One small bite/sting is annoying enough, with its constant irritating itch or sting, agitating us as the day wears on, taking away our ability to fully enjoy the moment. Could you imagine 3, 4, or 5. NO - it's why we put on the repellants, long sleeves, socks, etc., to keep them at bay. Knowing this and also knowing we have an enemy that's ALWAYS on the prowl looking to attack our spiritual well-being,  here's the greater question we need to ask ourselves each day: Have I put on any repellant/armor for his tricks and attacks? A word to the wise is sufficient!

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

".....therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...." - Ephesians 6:13

Love all the way

Christian love goes the second mile, and the third, and the fourth if necessary. – Anon

Jesus, our perfect example; showed us how far his love went – all the way to the cross. WOW!

Peter was asked of Jesus 3 times “Do you love me,” each time more probing than before. Jesus wanted Peter to know his love could not have any bounds. It’s a question we must all answer as Christians. How far does our love go? Does it go far enough to help the one who is down and out, far enough to bear the indignity of our co-worker, far enough to bear the sleight of our friend, far enough to forgive the hurt caused by our family member, far enough to disrupt our schedule for someone in need, or far enough to continue to fight in spite of surmounting odds against us. And if the answer is YES, then we must ask ourselves would we do it again and again. God did, and continues to do it for us. His desire in this is that we “go and do likewise.”

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“...and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God..." - Ehpesians 3:19

Life in context of God's Book

Life is like a full library owned by an author. In it are a few books which he wrote himself, but most of them were written for him. – H.E. Fosdick

Most of the kings in the bible kept records of their monarchy, but it was always God’s Word that prevailed over them. Hmm!

The passing on of information and knowledge is a good thing, particularly those things that are helpful, insightful, and edifying. And books are a great resource for such a transaction. And yes, we should want to tell a story with our lives, but that story should be in context with the greater story of the God who made us. So we need to read and obey His book before we try and write ours. So often many of us are trying to write great screenplays, how-to books, or life guidance novels with our life story for those who come after us, when all we really need to do is as Solomon said “fear God.and keep His commands.” That’s the story we should be writing with our lives for those who come after us. Life itself is the greatest gift we have, and if we live it right, tell it correctly, and write it succinctly for others, we will have all eternity to discuss it with them in glory. Today’s a good day to jot down a few notes.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Of making many books there is no end and much study wearies the body….here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

Extraordinarily Ordinary Discipleship

The true call of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. – D. Stanley

Though the disciples were first called ‘Christian’ at Antioch, they were still human. Hmm!

Though Jesus was God in the flesh, he never denied his human nature. He ate, drank, slept, and enjoyed fellowship with others, even sinners. That in itself, was the perfect model of discipleship. Discipleship does not mean that we live lives of deprivation or poverty but rather we live lives full of appreciation, thankfulness, and sharing. It is not the shrinking away from, or downplaying of the blessings God bestows on us that we may identify with those less fortunate, discipleship is drawing others in to share in those blessings that God gives in order that they may come to know him. True, the call to discipleship is to deny our self-centered nature, but never the blessings God brings our way to help further the kingdom.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Honor the Lord with thy substance…..” – Proverbs 3:9

Faith Does It

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s faith or courage. – A. Nin

Joseph went from slave to prisoner to second in command of all Egypt because of his faith. WOW!

Many people mistake living life in the ‘fast lane’ – doing all sorts of reckless stunts or endeavors – as living life to the fullest. They are not the same. Living life to the fullest is about exercising faith in God or the courage to trust God to extend us beyond our normal ranges of comfort or complacency for OUR benefit. From beginning to end life is a journey, one God truly wants us to enjoy, not recklessly; but with an ever increasing awareness of His presence and His creativity. After all, He made all this for us that we might come to know Him fully.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10