Perfection Takes Time

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of only standing still. – Richard Murray

Jesus was twelve when he stymied the teachers of his day, but didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 – he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change, too often we want it now, in the dramatic, miraculous fashion; and we grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn’t happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 6th day, not the first. Christ came as a ‘baby in a manger’ not a full-grown man. God is always at work, ‘He neither slumbers nor sleeps,’ so He is working on us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern or progression of betterment in our lives and with that - REJOICE!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

When We Lose We Win

There are victories of the soul and spirit. So sometimes, even if you lose, you win. – Elie Wiesel

Peter walked on water, then failed. Peter claimed he would die for Jesus, then denied him. But after each time he came back stronger. Hmm!

Playing ball as a kid against my dad I rarely won the game. But my father was helpful in showing me how to get better and the time we spent together was precious. God works along the same lines. There will be some times when we fail. There will be other times when we just don’t understand or get what God is trying to do ‘through’ us to get ‘to us.’ He has ways we do not fully understand and at times it takes us being beaten or ‘giving in’ before He can teach us what we need to now. So even in times of stern discipline or heartache we are the winners because He is working it out for our good. Don’t bemoan today’s lessons; just know He’s at His work in you.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Under Construction

God is the ONLY One who has been in my tomorrow. So He's the ONLY One who is going to know what I need when I get there. Anon

Many folks couldn't believe Jesus the Messiah was actually the carpenter's son. Whoa!

Right behind our church, you see it. The skeletal structure arising that is to be the new home of L.A.'s other basketball team - The Clippers, in 2024. Artist's renditions show it as a beautiful, regal, attractive venue, but right now it's 'under construction.' And as with any construction project, delays, code changes, and corrections occur. They don't derail the project; they simply add value to it. The same is really true of our Christian walk. The scriptures say, "we don't know what we shall be, but when Christ appears we shall be like Him." We're currently 'under construction' and at times the ebbs and flows of life (sin, grief, illness, pain, etc.) that challenge us only add value to the 'new us' that we are becoming, because our builder - God - will work if out for our good and His glory. The key for us is not to get 'bent out of shape' as God works.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

Wonderfully You

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. – Annette Funicello

Paul said even in his weaknesses he would 'boast'. I think it had something to do with God’s all-surpassing grace!

Well, today is here. Probably not exactly like you wanted it, but it is here, waiting on you. The day will have some up moments and it will have some down moments. You’ll see things to make you laugh or smile, and you’ll see things that will make you upset or angry. You will have people come through for you, and you’ll have people let you down. And none of these things are relegated to just one person, everyone will have them. But all in all isn’t it just wonderful to be alive and know that God is still working on your character with events like these? Yes the Master Potter is busy at his work – YOU!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

The Right Tool for the Right Job

When your only tool is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. – A. Maslow

Though Jesus was raised as a carpenter's son, he rarely used those tools. Hmm!

The right tool for the job. Although a slogan borrowed by many a hardware store or craftsman, it is a reality born out of God’s word. If you’re still getting results you don’t like, maybe you’re using the wrong tool. We need to sometimes ask ourselves based on what is presently going on in our lives, what tool is God trying to add to our toolbox? A little love, compassion, or forgiveness maybe? Or maybe even some patience, prayer, humility, or wisdom. Remember He’s equipping us for His glory not our own, that the world may know we are His by our “handiwork.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Study to show yourself approved…….that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – II Timothy 3:17

Steady Progress

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of only standing still. – Richard Murray

Jesus was twelve when he stymied the teachers of his day, but didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 – he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change too often we want it now, in the dramatic, miraculous fashion; and grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn’t happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 7^th day, not the first. Christ came as a ‘baby in a manger’ not a full grown man. God is always at work, ‘He neither slumbers nor sleeps,’ so He is working on us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern or progression of betterment in our lives and with that - REJOICE!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

The Great Opportunity

Great opportunities come to those who make the most of small ones. - Anon

Because a little boy came prepared and was willing to share his lunch, five-thousand plus were fed. WOW!

Those who we see somewhat successful in life and/or strong in the faith are really only those who made the most of an opportunity, blessing, or hardship that came into their lives. Situations do not make themselves known as the 'great opportunity' but only as a circumstance with consequences; which is when we should turn to God for guidance. His direction and guidance will bring the best out of every situation and open doors for even greater blessing and opportunity. Just as He led the Israelites, making way after way for them; He waits to do the same for us. It really is just a small thing to trust in a GREAT GOD!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"....and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work....." - II Corinthians 9:8