Living With Enthusiasm

Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles around to watch you burn. – John Wesley

The ‘change’ in the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well was so stark, it excited the whole town to come see this Jesus. Wow!

We’ll drive great lengths, we’ll wait in long lines, even sit in not-so-great seats just to have a chance to see ‘our’ team, to cheer them on, scream and yell with exuberance our support, proudly wear the ‘uniform, and talk them up. But when it comes to matters of faith it’s sad that so many of us have a ‘form of Christianity’ that just seems to drain us, tire us out, take our joy, and leave us flat and unappealing to others. Jesus actually said, “I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” That sounds like exuberance and enthusiasm. To be enthusiastic for Christ is not just reciting bible verses to people, handing out gospel tracts, or just telling the lost Jesus loves them. To be enthusiastic is to be active in showing others the love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, grace, humility, and help Jesus would show them if He were present (actually He is in us) in such a way that they could not mistake it for anything else but the favor of God reaching out to them. May we all have fun for Christ today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…..” – Matthew 5:14

Free to Walk in the Light

Being on a guilt trip is no way to travel. -Anon

She came to the well at mid day trying to avoid everyone, but Jesus knew her schedule. Hmm!

Crowd avoidance. Skipping fellowship opportunities. A taciturn conversationalist. Though we are fully alive and moving about many of us live our lives in darkness and covert ways, fearing we'll be found out, our secret will come to light, and we'll be destroyed. The truth is all of us have a past, stained with sin, and though it's not a badge of honor, it should not be a veil of shame, guilt, or disgrace either. For those of us who have confessed our past to Christ and repented of our sins, it stands as a marker of forgiveness and redemption - our wholeness. Christ doesn't actually change what happened in our past, but He takes away the power and penalty it held over us, freeing us to walk with our head held high and our heart rejoicing, enjoying our new found life in the light of truth - His truth!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, I will confess....and you forgave the guilt of my sin." - Psalm 32:5

Not Your Average...

When you are "average" you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top. - Anon

God calls us to "stand out" not stand in. Hmm!

One of life's false assumptions is that everybody should fit in and follow the norm. That would be great if we based it all on God’s Word and His way for us, but we don’t. We base our laws and government not really on what is right and just, but on "what's best for the average person." And what’s even more saddening is that most of us at times don't even mind being an average Christian. But average is just that - average. God calls us to a better way of life, a purposeful life full of meaning, with edification (making things better not worse) being our goal. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. So, as you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:16

All for His Glory

If you wanna' play the game, you gotta' put in the practice time. - S. Barlow

Daniel was known as a man of prayer because at least 3 times a day he put in the 'work.' - Hmm!

In sports parlance they're called 'gym rats.' Those who are always putting in extra time in the weight room, on the court/field, reviewing video; doing all they can to improve, get better, increase their effectiveness. It's not just a game to them, it's a passion, a desire to almost be synonymous with their craft. You think of that sport and their name pops up. Isn't that the heart of Christianity - you automatically think of JESUS! Maybe there's a lesson for us here. It's true, our lives and livelihood are important, but we must remember they are a gift from God to be used in a way that reflects or brings glory to Him and His Son. So as we live out our passions today, let's make sure 'we're in it not just to win it' but to point others to the reason we live - JESUS!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds AND praise your Father in heaven." - Mathew 5:16

Hope to see you tonight at 5:30pm for Prayer Time.

The Light That Shines Through

Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light. – Anon

Job questioned but never doubted God. We know his story ended well. Amen!

You look out on a bright sunny day and you see them. What are they – shadows. And they grow in size and shape as the light begins to shift or fade. Sometimes big and foreboding, other times just a sliver. But the reason behind them is the same, the presence of light. Shadows only occur with the presence of light. It’s a great analogy for our lives as well, as sometimes the issues of life (health, finances, grief, relationships, etc.) can overshadow us with a sense of foreboding doom. It would behoove us then to remember though there may be a shadow, the ‘light’ of God is still present. As the scripture tells us God is the light that shines in darkness. His grace, mercy, and favor can still shine on us if we but turn and look for Him. He’s always there and ready to shine to show us a way through. Just give Him a call.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

P.S. - For those who have not been able to attend this week's Purpose Driven Life study, we will be meeting this Sunday at 8am on campus in Room 304.

Which Door Will You Open?

Opportunity knocks sparingly, but temptation beats at the door every day. – Anon

Every time the angels came to present themselves before God, though he was not invited; Satan showed up anyway. Hmm!

We all know everyday life is filled with choices and decisions. It’s the stuff that makes it exciting and even daring at times. The key is to determine which are true opportunities versus urging temptations. Sometimes we might be perplexed as to which is which, however if we listen to the Spirit within us, He will lead us to understand that ‘opportunity’ ALWAYS allows us to do what is right and honorable; whereas temptation loves to hang in the shadows of darkness and concealment and uncertainty. Remembering we’re called to ‘let our light shine’ the choice or decision really then shouldn’t be that hard.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5

The Foundational Stake for Faith

The thing about faith is there is enough light for those who want to believe, and enough shadow to blind those who don’t. – B. Pascal

The Philippian Jailer and his family and King Agrippa heard the same message of the good news of the gospel firsthand from Paul. One was enlightened, one almost enlightened, but lost. Hmm!

When it comes to the word of God the average Christian will say they want to believe it, but they want to believe it in light of their own finite circumstances. This type of thinking will always cast a shadow on things. God is searching for those who will take Him solely at His word, sight unseen, because they truly love Him. Love is a foundational stake for faith, and faith is what brings the light. Shine on!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.” – Psalm 119:105-106

Purposely Good

Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something. – Henry David Thoreau

Joseph had many trials “hoisted” upon him and his character. But he rose above each one. WOW!

Most of us would probably say in all of God’s creation we could do without flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, etc., that they seem to serve no purpose at all. But they must for God Almighty himself made them and we’ve all experienced in one way or another their handiwork firsthand. The same is true of us; we were made for this day to do more than just exist. The world is to come to know Jesus through the love we show to one another and them. We were made to be God’s ambassadors to the world. As the day unfolds with its many requests, issues, and urgent needs, remember you are a part of His labor force. May the light shine within!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…..let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

Reaching Out With Hope

You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-lost record of the referee. – J. Holcomb

Andrew brought one to Jesus who helped feed thousands and one who helped save thousands. You never know what one act can do. Hmm!

Often in our Christian walk we tend to spend vast amounts of time making sure we keep our life encapsulated within the “parameters” of God’s word (thou shalt not’s) that we seldom reach out to others for fear it may cause us to come in contact with those not like us. But the fact of the matter is that is exactly what God wants from us, to reach out to others for the sake of His kingdom. Not others like us, but others unlike us. Our goal is not to impress our fellow Christian brother or sister with our piety, but to reach out to the one no one seems to care about to give them hope. May your light give direction.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 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 25:37-40

Like Jesus or Waldo?

Christians are useless if they are fruitless. - H.C. Mears

Jesus told us to let our light "so shine" that others may see it, not have to go looking for it. Hmm!

The whole idea behind 'Where's Waldo' is that he is always deeply concealed within the masses. You have to look long and hard to find him. That was not the case with Jesus. He came to serve and not be served, and you didn't have to look hard to figure it out. You could easily find Him in some of the most menial jobs (foot washing, cooking breakfast, etc.) and there never was a question of who was really in charge, He stood out like a 'sore thumb.' Though he had no outer beauty of His own, He was truly one who made a lot of heads turn, attracted crowds, and made leaders contemplate their actions and words carefully. Here's the question of the day: when it comes to our daily living would we be considered more like Jesus or Waldo?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....[Jesus said] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master..." - John 13:13-14

Bright Shining Examples of Christ

The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion. - Paulo Coelho

Though wrongly accused and imprisoned, Paul said his 'chains' helped bring people to Christ. Hmm!

Movie critics! Talk-show hosts! Armchair quarterbacks! And on and on it goes. We have a litany of those who offer opinions on everything in life, as they say from 'soup to nuts!' And as is often true, their opinions are rarely based on facts or actual experiences, it's just their way of thinking. But life is not lived by opinion, it's lived in real time actual events. And when we can experience it with those who have 'been there, done that, got a T-shirt' folks, it makes our decisions somewhat easier. God did that for us through Jesus. He was 'tempted/tested' in all things like us but was found without sin. As we live day to day and see the worlds offerings and people looking for answers on how to improve it, let us remember the example of Jesus, where He didn't give us His opinion, He gave us His life. Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let YOUR light shine before others, that they may see YOUR good deeds, and glorify your FATHER in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Radiant People

You are the light of the world, but the switch must be turned on. - A.A. Lewis

When God blessed Solomon with the 'spirit of wisdom' people travelled far and wide just to hear him speak. WOW!

The bible tells us that when it came to looks and appearance Jesus had nothing that would really draw you in. But yet the people thronged to Him, went out of their way to get a glimpse of Him. What did He possess that made this so - RADIANCE! It is true that beauty is only skin deep, but radiance is a completely different matter. Physical beauty is observed with our eyes, but radiance is recognized with our spirit. Just think of how many people you know personally, who the moment you see them or even just hear their voice it lifts your spirits, renews your hope. That's what Jesus possessed. And the great thing is God wants that same radiance to come from us. He did not create us just to be seen from the outside. He created us to be a 'jar of clay' for His radiance to seep through, that people may see, hear, and experience Him and have their spirit lifted. So as you look around yourself today, how's that working out?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For God......made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us." - II Corinthians 4:6-7

True Test of Faith

When you get to the end of all light and reason that you know, and it's time to step into the realm of the unknown, faith is knowing that 1 of 2 things will happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly. – E. Telle

Abram had no concrete reason to leave his family, country, and kindred; but because God said so he did. It worked out better than he imagined. Hmm!

Columbus sailed to prove the world was round, he wasn’t completely sure but had faith it was. The Wright brothers risked life and limb because they had faith that man could one day fly across the sky. Men and women like them have often come before us and with nothing but faith in God and faith in themselves, have made great lives for themselves and others. The true test of faith is not having everything in hand or life completely ordered before stepping out, it’s stepping out fully trusting God will make a way, and with whatever He provides it will be sufficient for the task. God can still do the impossible, but we have to have the faith to attempt it first.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

Do You Know Who You're Following?

Worship changes people. We become like whatever it is we worship. - W. Harty

The people were cold-hearted toward God because the idols they worshiped had no heart. Hmm!

The refrigerator. What's in yours? It's a throne we worship at 3 - 4 times a day, yet we often don't know all that's in there nor it's condition. It is any good? Is it spoiled? It's easy to forget. How much easier then is it to forget God's laws, commands, statutes, or promises if we don't assemble ourselves before God's Word and His presence at least daily, and then not with rapid reading but with time for contemplation, meditation, and prayer. He does not expect us to remember every passage and word, but He does expect us to at least take time to read it and talk with Him about it. He longs to be known and wants to 'refresh' our spirits at all times. And here's the good thing about spending this time with God, unlike looking in the refrigerator; He will never give us 'leftovers'!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws..." - Psalm 119:105-106

The Right Guide

Stop asking people who have never been where you're going for directions. - Anon

Abram left home trusting God. He eventually 'found' a city not made by hands. Wow!

Traveling? We're quick to get a map and plot our course. Somewhere exotic? We're quick to get a tour guide or someone who knows the terrain, customs, etc. The reasoning: we want to ensure we enjoy the journey and well as the locale when we get there. But strangely enough many Christians don't apply the same logic to their faith walk. Bibles are rarely read, and often even with the reading it's for quantity (just to check off their 'To Do' list) rather than quality (time to spend with God and meditate/pray over it). Or they tend to follow charismatic leaders/speakers never giving any thought to how their character never seems to measure up to God's Word. If we truly seek heaven as our goal, then maybe more time with God Himself should be where we start on a daily basis. It couldn't hurt.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have take an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws." - Psalm 119:105-106

The Master Artist

The beauty of God may be copied but never fully captured. - Anon

I imagine Moses' 'glimpse' into the Promised Land was a vision he couldn't forget or even tell the people about. Hmm!

It happens with every I-Phone upgrade. More camera lenses to try and help you maximize your pictures or video. Thinking on this makes me realize a truth of God. The beauty we see through the lens -no matter the magnification level - can never be translated to the finished product. No one makes a sunrise/sunset like God, no one captures a spontaneous smile/smirk like God, it's always there in the moment. Our photos or videos are great but in truth they lose a little of the 'oomph' factor. God is the master artist, who continually designs those moments we try to capture forever reminding us of His presence. And when we stop and notice it as such He is well pleased. So whether it's an April shower, June gloom, or snowy winter day his glory is still awesome.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings?" - Job 38:19-20

Don't Get Duped!

Don’t throw away the old bucket until you know whether the new one holds water. – Anon

The Israelites asked for judges and then a king to rule over them, never realizing they had God all the time. OUCH!

We live in a disposable world, where if you don’t like what you have or who you are just start over. We do it with our stuff, our friends, our bodies, even our ‘faith.’ Nothing is off-limits it seems. We jump from one trend or friend to another, without so much a thought of what we’re leaving or where we’re going. And all too often we later find that what we had in the beginning was much better than what we are now stuck with. It’s okay to move on to better things in life, but we need to make sure they really are better. Our enemy is the master of deceit and subtlety, and he never tires. God’s ways are tried and true and never change. The choice is ours.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” I Corinthians 11:14-15

Shine Brightly

Jesus is still the 'light of the world' isn't he? - Anon

Peter & John's testimony was so great before the Sanhedrin, all the council could say was "these men had been with Jesus". Hmm!

Electricity! Flip on a light. Start a car. Power up a computer. Man's discovery of electricity was a God given gift. His ability to re-create it, conduct it, and bring forth all of the mind-boggling ways in which we use or benefit from it today is simply astounding. But yet, none of it surprises God. We must remember, man discovered what God created! Man used his god-given gift to think creatively to develop the ways in which we now use God's creation. I often wonder if we can put to use this power source of God in so many helpful ways, imagine what the true power of God's Holy Spirit working through us could really do to benefit not only our home, church or community, but the entire world. And then I think that's what God was after from the very beginning. May your 'spirit' shine brightly today!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Finding the Daily Joys

If you’re not enjoying the journey, you probably won’t like the destination. – J. Tye

The apostle Paul 'boasted' about what his life of suffering for Christ was achieving for him in glory. Hmm!

It goes without saying that we should be enjoying life each day just as it comes. Amidst all the “Monday Mornings” and the daily trials we should be able to find the abundant life Jesus promised, providing we see it through His nail pierced hands and feet. Though God has promised to care and provide for us He never said everyday would be a breeze nor all of life cozy and comfortable, just that He would be there with us. So, it's His company we should enjoy daily. Take time out to find the joy in your daily walk, it’s there if you look upward.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"...for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - II Corinthians 4:17

Imitating Christ

Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. – James Baldwin

Isaac, like his father Abraham, was willing to call his wife his sister when it was convenient. Oh, thank God for grace!

Were we all to take a moment and look back over our life, I’m sure we’d find a high percentage of truth in the above statement. In a lot of instances good, bad, or indifferent we have become ‘like parent, like child.’ The phrase “don’t do as I do, do as I say,” carried very little weight, if any at all. I think that is why the Word of God continually commands us to be "light," or "examples" of righteousness not only for our children but for the world, as many will not hear our testimony but they will see it if we live it. May we all imitate Christ today.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2