Clothe Yourself With....

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but our intent of heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

Time to Prune

Where there is no battle there is no victory. The greater the battle the greater the victory. - J. Morse

Paul in writing to the Philippians said, if anything in his life didn't bring him towards Christ he counted it as lost. Wow!

We know God prunes us from time to time, taking away that which is unproductive and sapping in our spiritual life that we may be more fruitful. But here's a question, do we ever prune ourselves? Do we ever take time to review our situation/circumstances to see where we're giving or expending energy to projects, people, entertainments, etc., that really isn't giving new life back to us? As an example, if I'm constantly spending to repair my car, maybe it's time to get another one. Or, if I'm constantly rescuing a friend or family member maybe it's time to let them go 'in love.' If I'm constantly glued to the TV or other recreation at the time of study, worship, or other life-giving fellowships, maybe I need to cut away from it and allow God space to work. It's not so much the question of what do you have to lose, but moreso what you might gain. And more time with God is always a good investment.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"A man ought to examine himself...." - I Corinthians 11:28

Minimizing To Perfection

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Paul said he looked not for profit but considered ‘everything loss’ for the sake of Christ. Hmm!

In the fashion world perfection is a fully matching outfit with all the accessories (shoes, purse, gloves, belt, tie, etc.). And amazingly, we take those same criteria for perfection into our view of life. We seem to believe that with all the proper accoutrements or attachments we will be complete and whole, ready to take on the world. But God’s idea of perfection is quite the opposite and our road to spiritual maturity is not in the acquisition of attachments but the elimination of our carnal habits and sinful nature. Since God is perfection, sin and carnality cannot dwell with Him. He will not wrestle these desires from us, but He gently tries to ‘love’ us away from them. It’s our choice!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then [Jesus] said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

No Cheat Days

The first and worst of all frauds is to cheat oneself. – G. Bailey

When Ananais and his wife Sapphira tried to 'cheat' the Holy Spirit with their offering, they realized too late they were actually cheating themselves as well. Hmm!

In this day and age we ought to be truly THANKFUL that God does not deal with us today as He directly dealt with them then. But the truth of the matter is still the same. When we cheat or defraud ourselves we are in essence defrauding the Spirit God has placed within each of us, and limiting its potential to do great things in our lives. God deserves our best, and just because we may not 'feel' like giving our best or think it's too much at the time, we are not God nor do we sit in His place. May our best shine forth today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” –James 1:26-27

Going Along with God

The person who tries to lead himself has a fool for a follower. – Anon

The Prodigal son knew in his heart he was ready to take on and conquer the world. Thank God he came to his senses later. PHEW!

It’s a strange picture – a dog chasing his tail – but it paints a vivid picture of reality oftentimes. It’s a picture of lost purpose, no direction, wasted energy, and plain silliness. Yet, when we get right down to it, many people are just like that, maybe some of us. We give half-hearted attention to God’s ways or completely shun them, thinking we truly know what’s best and how to work things out. But this world and its ways were already a going concern when we were born and came of age, and likely will be a going concern long after we’re gone. The only constant is a loving God who is working things out to his perfect design. And it’s easier to go along with him than to kick against the pricks.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:20-21

Choosing True Happiness

Even God Himself can't give a man happiness; it's a choice you must make yourself! - Anon

Zacchaeus was rich, but yet unhappy. Hmm!

Happiness! It's quite possibly the #1 goal on everyone's wish list, but yet it's the least visible trait you see displayed. You see anger, aggression, fear, depression, insecurity, and on and on, but rarely do you genuinely see happiness on full display. Could it be because the enemy has deceived us into believing happiness can only be achieved or enjoyed by 'things' and 'possessions' and 'activities?' Yes, life has a lot to offer, but with these offerings come ups and downs, health and illness, gains and losses - happiness isn't one of them. True happiness is right before each of us, it's ours to choose each and every day no matter our circumstances or position. And when we believe this and choose to live it out, life is so much easier to bear.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." - Psalm 68:3

What Must I Do?

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. - Leo Tolstoy

"What must I do to be saved?" That Ethiopian eunuch asked the best question ever. Amen!

Though there is always constant chatter about it, most people fight against change, especially when it affects them personally. For most, complacency is a great state to live in. The irony of life is that as much as we might fight against it, change is inevitable. Everyone has to deal with it. No one gets a free pass. On the other hand though, growth is optional; a choice we must make in light of the changes. To bemoan or resist life's changes is to let circumstances dictate to you (i.e. "woe is me.".), but to face the changes and continue to progress in life is God's desire for us as over-comers and conquerers! The difference between being successful and unsuccessful is not in ability, but in desire. The question is still "what must I do?"

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....but rather offer yourselves to God......as instruments of righteousness..." - Romans 6:13

It's Really No Secret

No one is free who is not master of himself. – Claudius

Joseph would not let himself stoop to levels of sin and indecency before his master and God with Potiphar’s wife. He considered the whole idea “wicked.”

One of Satan’s lies is that you can do things in secret that no one will know. It’s a clever little ploy to keep us in bondage to sin. Temptation to sin comes to all of us, but for us as Christians so does the power and opportunity to escape the sin. We must remember in all situations that it is not about us and our desires, but our heavenly Father and His will for us. God will not withhold any good thing from His people. I pray we will rise above all selfish desires today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Therefore I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:26-27

Choose Happiness

Even God Himself can't give a man happiness; it's a choice you must make yourself! - Anon

Zacchaeus was rich, but yet unhappy. Hmm!

Happiness! It's quite possibly the #1 goal on everyone's wish list, but yet it's the least visible trait you see displayed. You see anger, aggression, fear, depression, insecurity, and on and on, but rarely do you genuinely see happiness on full display. Could it be because the enemy has deceived us into believing happiness can only be achieved or enjoyed by 'things' and 'possessions' and 'activities?' Yes, life has a lot to offer, but with these offerings come ups and downs, health and illness, gains and losses - happiness isn't one of them. True happiness is right before each of us, it's ours to choose each and every day no matter our circumstances or position. And when we believe this and choose to live it out, life is so much easier to bear.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." - Psalm 68:3

Change Yo Self

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. - Leo Tolstoy

"What must I do to be saved?" That Ethiopian eunuch asked the best question ever. Amen!

Though there is always constant chatter about it, most people fight against change, especially when it affects them personally. For most, complacency is a great state to live in. The irony of life is that as much as we might fight against it, change is inevitable. Everyone has to deal with it. No one gets a free pass. On the other hand though, growth is optional; a choice we must make in light of the changes. To bemoan or resist life's changes is to let circumstances dictate to you (i.e. "woe is me.".), but to face the changes and continue to progress in life is God's desire for us as over-comers and conquerers! The difference between being successful and unsuccessful is not in ability, but in desire. The question is still "what must I do?"

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"....but rather offer yourselves to God......as instruments of righteousness..." - Romans 6:13

Witness not Judge

God himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should we? – Sparks

Peter judged all Gentiles to be inferior and beneath him. God put him in a situation with Cornelius that changed his ‘vision.’ WOW!

Truth be told we are all often quick to play judge, jury, and executioner; and pass final judgment on those we see and meet as if we have the actual keys to heaven and hell. And we do it with little rhyme or reason (looks, impressions, etc.). But God calls us to be witnesses for him, not lawyers OR judges; but witnesses. And like our Supreme Creator we should hold out hope for all mankind to be redeemed. Regardless of where they stand, God wants to use us to make a difference in their lives today, for tomorrow their change just may come. We should remember that whatever ‘measure’ we use will be used on us.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many….” – Hebrews 9:27-28

P.S. - Hope to see you Sunday morning at 9AM.

Created to Serve God

A man who trims himself to suit everybody will soon whittle himself away. – Sparks

Jethro had to take his son-in-law Moses aside and give him some fatherly advice about leading the people. It worked wonders. WOW!

Conflict. We all somewhat hate it, and try to avoid it at all costs. And that's okay as long as it doesn't cause us to shape ourselves into something we're not, or cause us to take on more than we need to or should be doing. In those cases we need to stand firm, and remember our purpose. Try as we might, but one of the hardest lessons for us to learn is we cannot be everything for everybody. We must remember even God Himself doesn't try to please everyone. Though we serve a God with unlimited power and resources, we must remember we were created to serve Him and Him only. And in the long run when you please Him first, everything else seems to fall right in place.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus said, ‘Away from me Satan! For it is written; Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” – Matthew 4:10

Who's the Judge

God himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should we? – Sparks

Peter judged all Gentiles to be inferior and beneath him. God put him in a situation with Cornelius that increased his VISION. Wow!

Truth be told we are often quick to pass final judgment on those we know and meet as if we have the actual keys to heaven and hell. And we do it with little rhyme or reason. But God calls us to be witnesses for him, not lawyers OR judges; but witnesses. And like our Supreme Creator we should hold out hope for all mankind to be redeemed. Regardless of where they stand, God wants to use us to make a difference in their lives today, for tomorrow their change just may come. Let us all remember our role.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many….” – Hebrews 9:27-28  

Rise Above

No one is free who is not master of himself. – Claudius

Joseph would not let himself stoop to levels of sin and indecency before his master and God with Potiphar’s wife. He considered the whole idea “wicked.”

One of Satan’s lies is that you can do things in secret that no one will know. It’s a clever little ploy to keep us in bondage to sin. Temptation to sin comes to all of us, but for us as Christians so does the power and opportunity to escape the sin. We must remember in all situations that it is not about us and our desires, but our heavenly Father and His will for us. God will not withhold any good thing from His people. I pray we will rise above all selfish desires today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Therefore I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:26-27