Improving Our Aim

Failure to hit the bullseye is never the fault of the target. - Anon

The Pharisees and religious rulers of the day 'missed' Jesus because they had their minds already made up. Hmm!

Generally, when 'X' marks the spot, 'X' is not mobile or ambulatory. That's the one constant we need to hone in on to make sure we hit the bullseye. Interestingly enough, God and His Word never change, they are both the same 'yesterday, today, and forever' yet we continually seem to miss. Biblically speaking, sin is described as 'missing the mark.' Missing at times is okay, for God is truly gracious, but when we continue to miss in the same area, it should be a strong indicator to us that we need to improve our aim. That may mean learning to control the desires of our flesh and the lust of our eyes, to the point of letting go of certain friends, habits, routines, or conveniences that hinder our ability to concentrate and focus on the bullseye. True God's patience is long, but we never want to be found 'trying it.'

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart...." - Jeremiah 29:13

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

No Better Time Like the Present

The best time to plant a tree is 25 years ago. The 2nd best time is today. - Anon

Jesus gave Peter a second chance to be bold and Holy Pentecost! WOW!

It's true no matter who you talk to. Every person has something in their life they lament, something they maybe wished they started earlier upon, got more training in, etc. But none of that matters now. The truth of life is there's no time like the present to become an expert on something or at least improve on our position or lot in life. We may not be where we want to be or what we want to be. And thankfully, we serve a God who's not content to leave us where we are anyway. So the good news of today is "things are finally starting to look up!"

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

Being Fluid

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are. – J. Maxwell

Paul says he spent 3 years unlearning what he ‘thought’ was the right way before he met Jesus. Wow!

No doubt about it, most people; present company included, are resistant to change. Often, if we’re not careful we let complacency set the order of the day for us. We say we desire improvement but tend to firmly resist changing any of our routines. That’s a problem because we all know that old maxim ‘if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.’ The fact is life is all about change, but for us to grow in new ways we have to be more than just open to change, we have to actually and physically pursue change. It’s much more than wishful thinking, it takes dedicated, consistent application and review. We must remember, though God takes us as we are, He is not going to leave us that way. Perfection is His goal and sometimes He needs us to be a bit more ‘moldable.’

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven…” – Matthew 18:3

P.S. - Again, my apologies for last night's 'interruption' to our bible study. I pray no 'little' eyes or ears were hurt. We will be investigating a much more secure venue for future gatherings.

Room for Improvement

There's always room for improvement, you know - it's the biggest room in the house. - L.H. Leber

John the Baptist told his disciples if they wanted something better they should try Jesus. What a difference it made. WOW!

After winning many Grand Slam events and being on top of her game, Serena Williams changed her coach. Why, because she wanted to be even better. She had made it up in her mind she wanted to improve and she did something about it. It paid off, not only did she win many, many more Slams, she ranked #1 in the world for over 3 years. Within everyone of us, in our walk with God, is a longing for something greater, and the ability to get better. Better at prayer, worship, attendance, serving, giving, leadership,  memorizing scripture, controlling our tongue; I could go on and on. The key is not just to desire it, but to do something about it. Maybe we need to 'fire' ourselves as coach and hire someone else to make us accountable. God always wants us to change for the better or greater good, and not remain complacent and satisfied with yesterday's results.  By way of the Holy Spirit God will provide the means of our improvement if we will provide the initiative.

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." - Galatians 5:17-18  

Half Heart Full Loss

Half-heartedness never won a battle. – W. McKinley

Gideon started with 32,000 men and God whittled it down to 300 warriors. Hmm!

The pre-game chat. The Sales Team meeting. The self-confidence pep talk. We’ve all seen, possibly heard and/or participated in something similar to these. That time where we are gathered, greeted, focused, and inflamed with a passion to put forth our all, to achieve victory, conquer the enemy, or finish the task. Life is challenging, but it is necessary to prove us and improve us. God is after those that have a heart after Him, a heart that is willing to give all to Him and for Him just as He did for us with Jesus. And just as we become suspicious when someone offers us a limp handshake or wry smile, imagine how God feels when we offer a half-hearted effort. Today is given to re-ignite your passion for God, here’s hoping it works.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” – Matthew 5:8

Slow Progression is still Progression

Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of only standing still. - R. Murray

Jesus was 12 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 all too often we want it yesterday, 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 7th day, not the first. Christ came as a 'babe in a manger' not a full grown redeemer. God is always at work for He never rests, therefore He is still at work on us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances and conditions 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 of progression or improvement in our lives and with that we can rejoice.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

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

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

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.