Something to Draw From

Don’t anticipate your ship coming in to port if you’ve never sent one out. – Anon

Joseph told Pharaoh he needed to prepare for the future for severe famine was on the way. With Joseph in charge the Egyptians never faced want. Wow!

It’s amazing how often people think things will magically work out. They often hold out for the day their ‘luck’ will change, or the day everything will fall into line when ‘their ship’ comes in. But just as we would never go to a bank to withdraw money when we’ve never deposited any or expect a paycheck for a job we’ve never worked, it’s just as foolish to expect our life to be changed by an event that cannot happen because we’ve done nothing to cause it to happen. It’s amazing how we often expect our lives to become more godly and Christ like when we don’t do the things to cause it to happen. To reap the rewards of an investment you must invest. Today is another opportunity God has given us to prepare.

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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

Don't Let It Go to Your Head

Learn to humble yourself, after all; before God spoke you were nothing but dust of the earth. – T. Kempis

Simon the sorcerer thought he was a great man until he met the men of God, then he realized he was a sinner in need of grace. Hmm!

We see them all the time – stars, politicians, athletes, etc. – demanding special treatment or recognition because of who they are. It’s a battle we all fight at times – pride, ego, boastfulness. We want to be recognized and seen for all we have done or accomplished, we want others to know of our greatness, the sweat and toil we put in to ‘make ourselves into something.’ But truth be known, no matter how great or renown we become it is all by the grace of God, a gift of the Master for His glory. Public accolades and recognition are great but when we covet them, live for them, and begin to demand they be given we’re treading on dangerous ground. Ours is not to live for praise and adulation but for service.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10

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

Staying Proficient

To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often. - Winston Churchill

Paul told Timothy to bring the 'old scrolls' along with him on his visit for he wanted to sharpen his faith. Hmm!

Anyone who works is required to be proficient. And with the ever-changing laws, new innovations, inventions, and materials, etc., it requires they do continuing education, testing, reading, certifications, etc. We willingly do this for our job or career, but seldom if ever do we seem to do it for our faith. God figure. If life is changing all around us shouldn't we do all we can to ensure our faith is 'up to date' to carry us through. So many of us in the faith have stopped altogether. Yes, it's true the words of the Bible haven't changed, but the meaning now has even greater application for us today to practice and apply. Jesus mentioned something about 'not pouring new wine into old wineskins or sewing a new patch on an old garment'. Maybe we should seek to learn how to apply the ageless truths of the Bible to these new-fangled situations in life that God may shine a little brighter. As I've said before, no one has ever regretted spending more time with God.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." - Psalm 25:9

Is Your Prayer Life Suffering?

The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray. No man will be greater than his prayer life. – L. Ravenhill

The unjust judge was so self-centered he even refused to acknowledge God. But a little old widow made his prayerless life miserable. Hmm!

Most of us know prayer is a privilege. Most of us know prayer brings us into intimate communion with God. Most of us know almost all there is to know about prayer. But few of us pray or pray often, as life’s demands beckon. But in reality, we can’t face anything until we have prayed. God has been gracious to us in many things, imagine how much more so if we really took the time to pray. The aim of prayer is not necessarily to get the answer, but to get hold of God. If your prayer life is suffering, it’s time to look at “self.”

Until Monday…

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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

Victories In Defeat

A defeat that leaves you humble is better than a victory that leaves you proud. – D. Martin

The Israelites were ‘cocky’ in going up against the little town of Ai, telling Joshua they didn’t even need all the men of battle. They got routed and sent home hurting.

We are taught early on that ‘nobody likes a loser,’ or that when in battle it’s ‘victory at any cost.’ But in truth sometimes defeat is necessary. First, if we never taste defeat we would never really be able to fully appreciate and enjoy the victories we have. Second, defeat also gives us opportunity to improve on what went wrong. Last, defeat keeps us humble and forces us to realize there is someone greater than ourselves that we need to make it through this life – God. There will come a time we will all taste defeat and be knocked down, but remember; a saint is just a sinner who fell down AND GOT UP!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 26:75

Doin Too Much

Never make an impression bigger than you are. Remember, shadow boxers never score a knockout! – Anon

When Naaman went to Elisha the priest to be cured of his leprosy, he left mad – and still diseased – because the man of God didn’t make a big fuss over him. Hmm!

Social media posts, blogs, podcasts, etc. We live in the era of 'grand celebration,' where folks announce with fanfare anything they do to the world be it great or small, looking for a stroke of the ego or special recognition. And admittedly at times if we're not careful, we too, like Naaman, often like the great and spectacular to accompany anything we do, for we love to appear larger that life itself. But God has called on us to do the small, holy and righteous tasks day in and day out; and victory is assured. Any aura we give off bigger than ourselves should only point others to the ONE whom we serve.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12

The Desire For Greatness

God has a history of using the insignificant to accomplish the impossible. – R. Exley

Moses, aged and tie-tongued. Gideon, frail and fearful. The apostles, ordinary and unschooled. Though “no threat” by worldly standards they did mighty things for God. Hmm!

As much as we may not want to admit it, truthfully inside of us is the desire for greatness. The desire to make the big play, score the winning points, be the ‘big kahuna’ if you will. The truth of the matter is God wants us to do just that, just not in the way we have in mind. To further the kingdom of God and His Righteousness in any way is to make the big play, score the winning points or be ‘the man.’ The major problem God has with us is getting us out of the way that He may work through us, that others may see His glory being revealed. Remember, it’s not about us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14

Humble or be Humbled

Learn to humble yourself, after all; before God spoke you were nothing but dust of the earth. – T. Kempis

Simon the sorcerer thought he was a great man until he met the men of God, then he realized he was a sinner in need of grace. Hmm!

We see them all the time – stars, politicians, athletes, etc. – demanding special treatment or recognition because of who they are. It’s a battle we all fight at times – pride, ego, boastfulness. We want to be recognized and seen for all we have done or accomplished, we want others to know of our greatness, the sweat and toil we put in to ‘make ourselves into something.’ But truth be known, no matter how great or renown we become it is all by the grace of God, a gift of the Master for His glory. Public accolades and recognition are great but when we covet them, live for them, and begin to demand they be given we’re treading on dangerous ground. Ours is not to live for praise and adulation but for service.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

“Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10

Learning Humility

Learn to humble yourself, after all; before God spoke you were nothing but dust of the earth. – T. Kempis

Simon the sorcerer thought he was a great man until he met the men of God, then he realized he was a sinner in need of grace. Hmm!

We see them all the time – stars, politicians, athletes, etc. – demanding special treatment or recognition because of who they are. It’s a battle we all fight at times – pride, ego, boastfulness. We want to be recognized and seen for all we have done or accomplished, we want others to know of our greatness, the sweat and toil we put in to ‘make ourselves into something.’ But truth be known, no matter how great or renown we become it is all by the grace of God, a gift of the Master for His glory. Public accolades and recognition are great but when we covet them, live for them, and begin to demand they be given we’re treading on dangerous ground. Ours is not to live for praise and adulation but for service.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

“Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10

Taking Time to Pray

The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray. No man will be greater than his prayer life. – L. Ravenhill

The unjust judge was so self-centered he even refused to acknowledge God. But a little old widow made his prayerless life miserable. Hmm!

Most of us know prayer is a privilege. Most of us know prayer brings us into intimate communion with God. Most of us know almost all there is to know about prayer. But few of us pray or pray often, as life’s demands beckon. But in reality, we can’t face anything until we have prayed. God has been gracious to us in many things, imagine how much more so if we really took the time to pray. The aim of prayer is not necessarily to get the answer, but to get hold of God. If your prayer life is suffering it’s time to look at “self.”

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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

A Character to Trust

Genius is admired; wealth is envied; power is feared; but character is trusted. – W. C. Brumby

Job was wealthy, well-known, and the “greatest man among the people in the East.” But God loved him because of his character. AMEN!

Growing up in life we were often told we could be anything we wanted to be – President, Doctor, Lawyer, Fireman, etc. Whatever it was you were told you could be, if we were to take time to think about it the professions or callings were all noble or trustworthy. Anyone can make a living, strike it rich, or even rise to the top, we see it time and again. And we see them fall time and again. Character is most important to God because it is the only thing we will take with us into eternity, that's why He's trying to perfect us here. God needs to know he can trust us in ALL things. As the day unfolds remember he loves pop quizzes and surprise exams.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” – Deuteronomy 8:2

Connection Interrupted

Heaven's phone number has not changed but it seems to be getting fewer calls. - Anon

I Samuel 3:1 tells us 'there was a time when God's revelations were rare...' What do you think was the cause? Hmm!

Most of us have had that frustrating cell phone call where the person on the other end keeps cutting in and out. You may be talking while driving (hands-free of course), in the middle of a long story or a funny moment or even a serious problem, only to realize the call was dropped miles back. Don't you hate that? Have you ever thought maybe that's how our communication is with God? We think we are in conversation with Him, but in truth because of our continual practice of sin or unrepentant lifestyle our prayers cut in an out and get dropped. God has told us what it takes from us for Him to 'hear' our prayers, and He has never backed away from His desire to hear from us and commune with us. If we're out of reach or cell coverage it's not His fault but ours. When we place our call we need to make sure of our connections.

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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - II Chronicles 7:14

Reaping Investments

Don’t anticipate your ship coming in to port if you’ve never sent one out. – Anon

Joseph told Pharaoh he needed to prepare for the future for severe famine was on the way. With Joseph in charge the Egyptians never faced want. Wow!

It’s amazing how often people think things will magically work out. They often hold out for the day their ‘luck’ will change and everything will fall into line when ‘their ship’ comes in. But just as we would never go to a bank to withdraw money when we’ve never deposited any or expect a paycheck for a job we’ve never worked, it’s just as foolish to expect our life to be changed by an event that cannot happen because we’ve done nothing to cause it to happen. It’s amazing how we often expect our lives to become more godly and Christ like when we don’t do the things to cause it to happen. To reap the rewards of an investment you must invest. Today is another opportunity God has given us to prepare.

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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

The Peril of Pride

To be proud of virtue is to poison yourself with the antidote. – B. Franklin

Pharaoh’s refusal to bow his heart to God’s will as spoken through Moses only cost him his son. OUCH!

Though we know God is not pleased with the ways of a drunkard, thief, liar, or even a murderer, the bible never says He resists them, but it does say ‘God resists the proud.’ Now that’s a wake-up call to humility. Our sins or shortcomings may not be as open as the others, but when we try to pretend we’re better than, or that we have no fault or sin in our lives; the god of pride and self-delusion has taken up residence in our heart. We’ve all sinned, and every day is a major battle to live solely unto God. The truth of the matter is every kind of sin can be cleansed and forgiven by God if we humble ourselves and confess it to Him right now, before pride takes us captive.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” – Proverbs 26:12

Sweet Defeat

A defeat that leaves you humble is better than a victory that leaves you proud. – D. Martin

The Israelites were ‘cocky’ in going up against the little town of Ai, telling Joshua they didn’t even need all the men of battle. They got routed and sent home hurting.

We are taught early on that ‘nobody likes a loser,’ or that when in battle it’s ‘victory at any cost.’ But in truth sometimes defeat is necessary. First, if we never taste defeat we would never really be able to fully appreciate and enjoy the victories we have. Second, defeat also gives us opportunity to improve on what went wrong. Last, defeat keeps us humble and forces us to realize there is someone greater than ourselves that we need to make it through this life – God. There will come a time we will all taste defeat, but remember; a saint is just a sinner who fell down AND GOT UP!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 26:75

Invest in Preparation

Don’t anticipate your ship coming in to port if you’ve never sent one out. – Anon

Joseph told Pharaoh he needed to prepare for the future for severe famine was on the way. With Joseph in charge the Egyptians never faced want. Wow!

It’s amazing how often people think things will magically work out. They often hold out for the day their ‘luck’ will change and everything will fall into line when ‘their ship’ comes in. But just as we would never go to a bank to withdraw money when we’ve never deposited any or expect a paycheck for a job we’ve never worked, it’s just as foolish to expect our life to be changed by an event that cannot happen because we’ve done nothing to cause it to happen. It’s amazing how we often expect our lives to become more godly and Christ like when we don’t do the things to cause it to happen. To reap the rewards of an investment you must invest. Today is another opportunity God has given us to prepare.

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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

Not larger than life

Never make an impression bigger than you are. Remember, shadow boxers never score a knockout! – Anon

When Naaman went to Elisha the priest to be cured of his leprosy, he left mad – and still diseased –all because the man of God didn’t make a BIG FUSS over him.   We too, like Naaman, often like the great and spectacular to accompany anything we do, for we love to appear larger that life itself. But God has called on us to do the small, holy and righteous tasks day in and day out; and victory is assured. My prayer is that we will all be seen as HIS servants today.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12  

No acknowledgement No problem

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, 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 about 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

Sweet Defeat

A defeat that leaves you humble is better than a victory that leaves you proud. – D. Martin

The Israelites were ‘cocky’ in going up against the little town of Ai, telling Joshua they didn’t even need all the men of battle. They got routed and sent home hurting.

We are taught early on that ‘nobody likes a loser,’ or that when in battle it’s ‘victory at any cost.’ But in truth sometimes defeat is necessary. First, if we never taste defeat we would never really be able to fully appreciate and enjoy the victories we have. Second, defeat also gives us opportunity to improve on what went wrong. Last, defeat keeps us humble and forces us to realize there is someone greater than ourselves that we need to make it through this life – God. There will come a time we will all taste defeat, but remember; a saint is just a sinner who fell down AND GOT UP!

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 26:75

P.S. - Don't forget our 'Good Friday' service tonight at 6:30PM in the sanctuary. Movie to follow. Also, don't forget Sunday morning at 9:15AM our own A2K has a special treat for us. Hope you can make it.

P.S.S.- Don't forget to enter/exit the campus through the 'center gate' when driving.