What God Never Forgets

It's easier to get older than it is to get wiser. - Anon

Thank goodness David was a man 'after God's own heart' for he sure seemed to forget God's ways at times. Hmm!

It happens to all of us. We see a familiar face approach us, begin a conversation; and for the life of us we can't recall their name. We wreck our minds and come up empty. Or we walk from one room to the next and forget what we were going after. Or in our normal day to day busy living we forget and a special birthday, occasion, or appointment may slip by us. Some days we forget where we put the car keys, other days we forget where we parked the car. It's all part of being HUMAN! The bible is full of forgetful folks. The nation of Israel forgot God had delivered them and turned back to worshipping idols. Peter forgot Jesus' words and denied Him three times that very night. And often we are guilty of forgetting God's goodness in our lives and His promises to us. The good news though is that God NEVER forgets us nor forsakes us. And for that we should say Hallelujah!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne. Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...." Isaiah 49:15-16

Enjoy Every Second

For every moment you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness. - Richard Murray

Cain lost his temper for a moment but regretted it for a lifetime. OUCH!

It's common knowledge. No one likes being around an angry person, it just seems to suck up all the energy or opportunity in the room. To have to 'walk on eggshells' all the time is no way to live, so we try to avoid it. But how do you do it when you are the 'elephant' in the room. Some of us refuse to let happiness into our lives, holding on to anger/rage from years and years ago. And when God tries to break through, we even refuse to acknowledge the greatness of His works (think Jonah). Life is short and can change in the blink of an eye. So now is the time to let go of that anger and forgive, for we never know if and when we may not have the opportunity again. We can't add any time to our lives, but we can make sure we enjoy every second of it. It's our choice!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.." - James 1:20

God's Work. God's Time.

When it's not in God's time, you can't force it. When it is in His time, you can't stop it. - Craig Groeschel

Some thought nailing Jesus to the cross would end His mission on earth. I think they regret that decision. Hmm!

Regret! Joy! Two words on the opposite end of the spectrum we call life. We all have them, no one is immune. When we think on it we often realize the majority of our regrets came from decisions we made outside of God's counsel and timing, when we were in a hurry and He wasn't. Like Saul and Uzziah not waiting for priest. Not a pretty ending for either one. On the flip side we realize our joys as blessings that continue to give us hope and life. Hopefully, in this life we will have much more joy than regret, and even in that know that God can take away the sting of our hasty decisions. The lesson to learn is that God works for us at all times, but He will never be forced by us to speed up the process.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....I advise you....Leave these men alone! Let them go. For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men, you will only find yourselves fighting against God." - Acts 5:38-39

The Heart In Interruptions

The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day. Has anybody felt yours? - Anon

Jesus said ‘the poor we would have with us always!’ Was that an offer or just a statement? Hmm!

Generally, at the sound of the alarm clock most of us are off and running. Focused, determined, energetic, we get prepared to meet the plans and needs of OUR day. We think “Yes, it’s a day that God has made, and ‘Yes’ I’ll rejoice in it,” but I must take care of the things at hand. But God asks us will we take time for someone else. Will we use a portion of our daily quota of heartbeats and make them count for someone else. We should have and show care and concern for our fellow man whether they be saint or sinner, and our hearts should truly beat harder for those that are not yet a part of the kingdom of God. Oftentimes, interruptions in life don’t just occur, they are God engineered opportunities for sharing. Do we have the time?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40

More For the Asking

The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little. – T. Merton

God’s prophet Elisha was angered because Jehoash was willing to settle for minor victories over his enemies when God was ready to completely destroy them. WOW!

When we actually sit down and look at all the facts, the only difference between us and the great ones of the faith that we admire, is desire. Not economics, education, geography, or race – just desire. The desire to ask ‘big’ things of God, things only God could do, and then to earnestly desire and entreat Him to do them. The disciples were 'unlearned' men according to scripture but yet they turned the world upside down for Jesus. We can too friend. True it may take a little more work on our part (prayer/fasting) but the rewards would be worth it for God has promised it. If the God we serve is truly great then He can do GREAT things.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. According to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

Not Forgotten. Never Forsaken

It's easier to get older than it is to get wiser. - Anon

Thank goodness David was a man 'after God's own heart' for he sure seemed to forget God's ways at times. Hmm!

It happens to all of us. We see a familiar face approach us, begin a conversation; and for the life of us we can't recall their name. We wreck our minds and come up empty. Or we walk from one room to the next and forget what we were going after. Or in our normal day to day busy living we forget and a special birthday, occasion, or appointment may slip by us. Some days we forget where we put the car keys, other days we forget where we parked the car. It's all part of being HUMAN! The bible is full of forgetful folks. The nation of Israel forgot God had delivered them and turned back to worshipping idols. Peter forgot Jesus' words and denied Him three times that very night. And often we are guilty of forgetting God's goodness in our lives and His promises to us. The good news though is that God NEVER forgets us nor forsakes us. And for that we should say Hallelujah!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne. Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...." Isaiah 49:15-16

A Heart for Others

The average human heart beats 100,000 times a day. Has anybody felt yours? - Anon

Jesus said ‘the poor we would have with us always!’ Was that an offer or just a statement? Hmm!

Generally, at the sound of the alarm clock most of us are off and running. Focused, determined, energetic, we get prepared to meet the plans and needs of OUR day. We think “Yes, it’s a day that God has made, and ‘Yes’ I’ll rejoice in it,” but I must take care of the things at hand. But God asks us will we take time for someone else. Will we use a portion of our daily quota of heartbeats and make them count for someone else. We should have and show care and concern for our fellow man whether they be saint or sinner, and our hearts should truly beat harder for those that are not yet a part of the kingdom of God. Oftentimes, interruptions in life don’t just occur, they are God engineered opportunities for sharing. Do we have the

 time?

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40

Desire Greater Spiritually

The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little. – T. Merton

God’s prophet Elisha was angered because Jehoash was willing to settle for minor victories over his enemies when God was ready to completely destroy them. Wow!

When we actually sit down and look at all the facts, the only difference between us and the great ones of the faith that we admire, is desire. Not economics, education, geography, or race – just desire. The desire to ask ‘big’ things of God, things only God could do, and then earnestly desire and entreat Him to do them. If we’re asking God to ‘enlarge our territory,’ the least we could do is point out the ground, and prepare for a harvest.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

The way to true peace

The human race has improved everything, except the human race. – Richard Murray

Rehoboam saw God’s favor in his father Solomon’s reign. One can only wonder why he didn’t follow suit. His ways brought ruin on the people. Hmm!

We constantly live in a world of change. Everything around us and everything we use is always being made over new or improved upon. From what we eat, to what we drive, to what we watch, even to how we serve God. The only problem here is we continually look outward to make improvements and rarely look inward. This is why once the novelty has worn off the 'new' product the same old feelings and thoughts of despair arise. The only way to have true peace and inner joy is to make ourselves 'new' from within. God is in the reclamation and restoration business. He reclaims broken hearts and restores them to better than new when He’s done. If we want to be a better human, we have to defer to the MAKER, not His creation. Today’s a good day to start.

Until tomorrow.…..

Pastor Botts

“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.” – Romans 1:25

Life through difficulty

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage; for the human spirit grows strong by conflict. – W. E. Channing

The Apostle Paul suffered many great perils in his life. He was also one of the greatest missionaries the church has ever seen. AMEN!

Truth be known, most of us like life easy. We want things to fall neatly into place, people to do what they’re supposed to do, and all lights to be green. Where’s the fun or challenge in that? How would we ever develop our character?  Today you will get hit with difficulties, circumstances, and situations that will seem like Mt. Everest. The key is to not be discouraged by the outlook, but encouraged by “looking up.” There is nothing too hard for God, and there is nothing He won’t do for His children. It may get perilous and painful, but the outcome is already assured.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

Still Just Men

The best of men are still men at best. – Anon

Peter’s sermon brought 3,000 plus into the church on Pentecost, but he still had a problem with Gentiles. Hmm!

We put a lot of stock and confidence in individuals for their accomplishments, deeds, and contributions to society, and well we should. But we should always remember that God was and is in the plans. The fact that He chooses to remain anonymous does not dismiss us from giving glory to Him. No man yet has accomplished anything by himself (except condemning himself to hell) and without the strength, wisdom, resources, and blessing of God he is no more than mortal and sin driven. Thanks be to God that He uses ordinary men to do extraordinary things. Look up, for today it may just be your turn.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me……Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:21-25

Extraordinary Transformations

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary people, but no machine can do the work of one extraordinary person. – E. Hubbard

Jonah and the repenting Ninevites. Peter on the Day of Pentecost. One powerful, spirit-filled message changed many hard hearts. Hmm!

Automation. Assembly lines, Time-motion processes, etc. Yes it’s true in many areas the human element has been curtailed or improved upon to benefit mankind, some good, some not so good. However, no matter how technologically advanced we become; no mechanized process can change the hearts of men and women. Only God working through us can accomplish this great feat, and this happens only in relationship. So, no matter what comes our way may we be extraordinary today.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25:34-36

Take a Chill Pill

Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness. – G. MacDonald

The Israelites were not allowed to plow or plant their fields every 7th year. They were to trust that God would provide. He did!

Though money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul, we often work like it is. The work week stretches from 40 to 50 or 60+ hours a week. We often look for extra hours or weekends to pad the paycheck. This is not necessarily bad, but it often interferes with or cuts time we could spend replenishing body, mind and spirit, particularly the time God set aside for us to visit His house. It’s important to remember that when God made us he made us human, not machines.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from ALLHIS WORK.” – Genesis 2:2