Correct Concentration

There may be more to learn in climbing the same mountain a hundred times than by climbing a hundred mountains. – R. Nelson

God commanded the Israelites to gather before him at least 3 times a year in ‘special’ praise and celebration feasts. It was for their good, not His. Hmm!

Déjà vu! Coincidence! Kismet! These are the terms we tend to use for circumstances that seem to continually happen again and again in our lives. But maybe, beneath the surface God is trying to do more with us. Moses climbed God’s mountain several times and each time he came back wiser and more righteous than before, so much that at some point the Israelites could not behold his face. In our quest to learn more, get more, achieve more, be more, maybe we need to stop running all over chasing the latest and greatest revelation and narrow our focus to God and God alone.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”- Psalm 1:2

Different Lessons Daily

You can learn many things from children – like how much patience you have, for instance. – Franklin P. Jones

Peter vowed to ‘fight to the death’ for Jesus. When the pressure was on he learned his words were hollow. OUCH!

Most people in life don’t mind learning, they just don’t like to be taught. And many of us look for our lessons and learning to come from standardized routine methods, but God works in many diverse ways to show himself to us and teach us his ways. Pressure, blessings, adversity, friends, are just a few of the tools He may use to teach. No day is ever routine no matter how often we do the same thing day in and day out. God will engineer different people in our lives, different circumstances to the job, or even different resources to work with on a daily basis; all in an effort to get us to focus on Him. He will be at work in our lives TODAY hoping we learn more of Him and His ways. The key is to look expectantly at every situation that arises as an invitation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” – James 1:2-3

Take the Chance to Get It Right

History repeats itself – which is good, because most people don’t listen the first time. – Sparks

The book of Judges had a recurring pattern for the Israelites: apostasy, oppression, distress, and deliverance. They had 14 different Judges – but God came each time they called. Amen!

Other than Jesus, there hasn’t been a person who did everything right the first time in their life ever. A scary but interesting thought. We are truly blessed when we realize God is a God of second, third, or multiple chances to get it right. This does not mean we continually live contrary to His will and purposes, but acknowledge He is gracious and long suffering with us. And if God is that way with us we ought to extend the same courtesy to our fellow man. One way or another, today, or sometime this week “history” will be repeating itself in our lives maybe for us personally or those in our lives. Our aim should be to get it right this time.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it right to refresh your memory…” – II Peter 1:12-13

Get to Know the Author

I have always felt that the true textbook for the pupil is his teacher. – Mahatma Gandhi

The Pharisees were satisfied with the ‘Law of Moses’ but missed out on connecting with the AUTHOR to Moses. Hmm!

At last count we have over 20+ different versions of The Bible in print, in almost any language imaginable. This is phenomenal in itself, but it is also frustrating at times as well. Too often we as people rely on ‘the good book’ more than we rely on the author of it. The bible was given to us that we might come to know AND connect with God personally, not just learn about Him and His word. Reading the book is great, but conversing with the author is far better, as you get insight that’s not on the pages. God is waiting to express Himself in ways we can’t even imagine, now that’s exciting teaching!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5

Viewing the Heart of Man

You can learn a lot just by observation. - Anon

The bible often tells us "Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John." I'm sure the other disciples were pretty close in tow as well. Hmm!

Turn on the news or grab the newspaper and the odds are great that your name won't be mentioned or appear in print. Celebrities get the spotlight for their upcoming events or life issues, politicians for their latest bill, gaffe, or stance on a particularly pressing issue (i.e. - wildfire relief) or some organization highlighted for their latest outreach or sleight. We, as Christians are generally in the minority, behind the scenes, often overlooked. And at times it can get hard to love a world of people like those above when it seems all they care about is themselves. But 'called' to love them we are. And Jesus, our perfect example, shows us how. It is Him we should desire to be like. So our prayers should be filled with requests for patience, understanding, compassion, and conviction to walk like Him. And it should be a comfort to us to know that God neither looks at the news nor reads the newspapers, but that He looks on the heart of everyone and sees the intent of our actions. This is the way heavenly rewards are earned.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - I Samuel 16:7

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

Learning Life's Lessons

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever-evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

Learn the Language of God

Teach your child to PRAY! You won't be around all their life but God will. - Anon

Jesus loved to see the little children at the temple and often used them as examples. Hmm!

It's a human phenomenon. In every culture children don't come into the world knowing the language of their people. But by continually hearing it spoken by their parents and siblings they learn it's meaning and how to speak and converse with one another. And many go on to learn other languages becoming bi-lingual marvels. It gives rise to a question as to why I think many of us don't pray. We've never really been taught or learned the 'language' of God. Even Jesus' disciples pled with Him to teach them how to pray. And Jesus taught them it was not a formula, order form, or monologue, but a heartfelt conversation with the Father. And what better way to have such a conversation than to know something about how the other person thinks or feels. We need to learn the Word of God in order to better converse with Him in prayer. God's Word is written from His heart and fully wrapped up in His love for us. He's never said prayer has to have a minimum word count nor contain certain phraseology, just recognition of Who He is and who we are AND that we are welcome in His presence.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Learning Everyday

The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance – it is the illusion of knowledge. – D. Boorstin

Paul spent a few years in the desert ‘unlearning’ what he knew to learn the truth about Jesus. Hmm!

Osmosis is the ability of one object to absorb or take in all the elements of another object without harm. This is a scientific process, not an educational method or spiritual growth formula. One of the things that often get in our way of knowing God deeper, is our own belief that we know enough already. We have key scripture passages memorized, bible stories categorized, and gospel songs on demand. These are all good in themselves, but sometimes God just wants us to ask Him a question about His heart or maybe take some time and think about what He’s up to. Just as we built upon our early math skills after we learned basics of addition/subtraction, God wants us to build upon those verses, stories, and songs a stronger relationship and understanding of who He is. One thing is for sure, we can never learn all there is about our Great God.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” – Luke 11:52

A Recipe for Rest

If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit! - Banksy

One could almost argue that Jethro's advice to his son-in-law Moses was 'lifesaving.' Amen!

We didn't often like them as kids, but oh my, how good does a nap feel now. The opportunity to rest from the days concerns - Yes! But in truth many of us have not really learned the true meaning of REST, which is why we're so worn out, frazzled, stressed, and stretched thin. Rest is so much more than lying down for a few minutes or several hours. Rest means learning how to say 'NO' in love and mean it to those who try to crowd in on your schedule. Rest means learning how to 'delegate' tasks to others, empowering them to act. Rest means learning how to 'prepare' in advance of pressing situations so they don't stress you out. And finally, Rest means learning how to lay your cares at the altar of God and trust He will work it out. Yes, we are to be busy with the Master's plan, but He never intended to overwork anyone.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." - Proverbs 19:23

Life Reflects Belief

You learn a lot about someone by what they choose to do when no one is watching. - S. Parrish

Though all that time (3+ years) Judas walked with Jesus his heart really wasn't in it. Hmm!

"Who do you say I am?" It was a pointed question Jesus asked his disciples outside of Caesarea Philippi. We all know the answer Peter gave "You are the Christ (Messiah)!" Jesus wasn't really looking for a description or defining term of his life, but more-so an answer to 'Who was he personally to them?' Is He their Christ, their Savior! He asks the same of us every day as well. Does the example of the way He lived have any impact on our daily living? Does the life He 'sacrificed' for us on the cross cause us to sacrifice for Him? It's easy to say "Yes, He's My Lord!" but the proof of this is borne out of how we actually live. Jesus' disciples were known for 'having been with Him' based on their words and deeds. The world really, really, needs to see that today. So, who do YOU say He is, or better yet what does the way you live and talk say He is?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Thus....by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:20

Where Are You Looking?

You can learn a lot just by observation. - Anon

The bible often tells us "Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John." I'm sure the other disciples were pretty close in tow as well. Hmm!

Turn on the news or grab the newspaper and the odds are great that your name won't be mentioned or appear in print. Celebrities get the spotlight for their upcoming events or life issues, politicians for their latest bill, gaffe, or stance on a particularly pressing issue (i.e. - gas relief) or some organization highlighted for their latest outreach or sleight. We, as Christians are generally in the minority, behind the scenes, often overlooked. And at times it can get hard to love a world of people like those above when it seems all they care about is themselves. But 'called' to love them we are. And Jesus, our perfect example, shows us how. It is Him we should desire to be like. So our prayers should be filled with requests for patience, understanding, compassion, and conviction to walk like Him. And it should be a comfort to us to know that God neither looks at the news nor reads the newspapers, but that He looks on the heart of everyone and sees the intent of our actions. This is the way heavenly rewards are earned.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - I Samuel 16:7

Just Admit It

Many people could learn from their mistakes, if they weren’t so busy denying them. – H. Smith

Sapphira later continued with the same hoax her husband had launched and died from earlier. It cost her the same! Hmm.

We live in an imperfect world, and we are imperfect people. Yet, even though we know this to be true, we continually try and mask our shortcomings and failures amongst one another. Life would and could be so much simpler if we let go of the excess baggage we carry around trying to impress others, denying we have imperfections or are capable of miscalculations. Though Christ told us to “be ye perfect,” He realized it’s a lifelong journey that requires daily walking with Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” –Romans 3:23-24

Revisiting The Truth

There may be more to learn in climbing the same mountain a hundred times than by climbing a hundred mountains. – R. Nelson

God commanded the Israelites to gather before him at least 3 times a year in ‘special’ praise and celebration feasts. It was for their good, not His. Hmm!

Déjà vu! Coincidence! Kismet! These are the terms we tend to use for circumstances that seem to continually happen again and again in our lives. But maybe, beneath the surface God is trying to do more with us. Moses climbed God’s mountain several times and each time he came back wiser and more righteous than before, so much that at some point the Israelites could not behold his face. In our quest to learn more, get more, achieve more, be more, maybe we need to stop running all over chasing the latest and greatest revelation and narrow our focus to God and God alone.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”- Psalm 1:2

More Lessons Learned

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed, but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

Roads Not Traveled Again

If you must make mistakes, it would be more to your credit if you’d make a new one each time. – Sparks

Though Peter denied the Lord on that fateful night, as imperfect as he was he never went down that road again. Hmm!

No matter how long we’ve been around “learn from your mistakes,” is a siren call we’ve heard almost all of our lives. And true to the task many of us have learned, albeit the wrong way. We still commit the offense (sin), but we’ve learned how to make it seem plausible, acceptable, even almost necessary; that we may live with the guilt. Our old excuses may work with one another, but God looks on our hearts and no matter how we want to perceive it, with God it is still wrong, and one for which we will have to give an answer. His will is that we learn to avoid the mistakes, not grow to accept them. He knew we were imperfect which is why He sent a redeemer and reconciler. But if we continue in our ways we cannot be His disciples.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” – Romans 6:1-2

P.S. - To access the daily devotional (The Word for You Today) go to mydevoapp.com. The app access code is ISO.

Don't Miss It!

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. – Epictetus

Paul spent 3 years in the desert unlearning Phariseeism, to learn the ways of God; only to realize learning the ways of God take the rest of one’s life. Hmm!

Many of us as Christians have been on the battlefield many years. We sometimes think we’ve seen it all and know all there is to know. But only God knows all His ways and where we are deficient. And often he has to break us in order to reach us. We say things like ‘God does not waste a hurt, heartache, pain, or opportunity;” and if that be true then maybe we should pay attention to what God is trying to teach us. These things come not to teach us what we already know, but to show us God is at work in our lives in a totally new manner. So as situations arise today and later on, remember God is at work, not to reinforce what we think we know, but to show us what we need to know. Stay alert!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” – John 5:39-40

One On One Instruction

I have always felt that the true textbook for the pupil is his teacher. – Mahatma Gandhi

The Pharisees were satisfied with the ‘Law of Moses’ but missed out on connecting with the AUTHOR to Moses. Hmm!

At last count we have over 20 different versions of The Bible in print, in almost any language imaginable. This is phenomenal in itself, but it is also frustrating at times as well. Too often we as people rely on ‘the good book’ more than we rely on the author of it. The bible was given to us that we might come to know God personally, not just about Him and His word. Reading the book is great, but conversing with the author is far better, as you get insight not on the pages. God is waiting to express Himself in ways we can’t even imagine, now that’s exciting teaching!

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5

P.S. - don't forget church clean-up day tomorrow starting at 8am.

Reeducation

"You have heard that it was said....., but I tell you......" - Jesus

After meeting Jesus on the Damascus road, Paul spent close to 3 years learning what he thought he already knew as a 'holy' man. Hmm!

Just like a computer has an operating system to guide and direct it, our mind serves the same role with us. And whatever we allow in becomes part of our operational way of life and thinking. And just as a computer often needs an upgrade to its operational system, so do we. And if we study the teachings of Jesus we see that a great deal of His time was spent on the goal of 'unlearning' with His disciples. Half of spiritual growth is learning what we don't know about Christ, but the other half is 'unlearning' what we think we know. And it is often our failure to 'unlearn' those irrational fears, misconceptions, and ideologies about Him that keep us from becoming truly who God made us to be. And the truth of the matter is 'unlearning' is twice as hard as learning, for the hardest lesson to learn is the one we thought we already knew. It is so much harder to get old thoughts out of your mind than it is to get new thoughts in, which is why Jesus often led with the premise, "You have heard that it was said....., but I tell you......" We should all be alert as Jesus will be attempting to install some new programming today!

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

".....but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...." Romans 12:2

P.S. - Hope you can make it for our monthly Sunday Devotional this Sunday at 9am.

Listen Up

Remember, you can't learn if you're always talking. - Henry David Thoreau

Job had much to say on life's matters, but when God spoke he suddenly went....mum. Hmm!

Though we won't openly admit it, most of us love to talk. We love to talk about ourselves and in addition to this it seems we have an opinion on anything and everything. It's almost as if we've achieved a level of all-knowing (omniscience). Somewhere along the line we seemed to have forgotten that life is an everyday experience and education, and that the first step to learning and being taught is the ability to listen. To quiet ourselves, our hearts, open our mind and listen. Even in silence there are great lessons to be learned. God, the Master Teacher will be at work today, here's hoping we all attend class.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"He who has an ear, let him hear." - Matthew 11:15, 13:9