The Hardest Thing to Conquer

To many, total abstinence is better than perfect moderation, but neither gets practiced! - Augustine

Many of the godly kings of Judah destroyed the temples of Baal and Ashtoreth but neglected the high places. Hmm!

As those made in the highest order of creation, we are by far the more intelligent beings, able to ‘subdue and control’ the earth. But in all our conquering the hardest thing for us to learn is to temper our appetites, control our desires, or restrain our impulses. After all, nobody but nobody knows what’s better for us than we ourselves is our way of thinking. But God really does know better, He created us, knows what we can withstand, knows how He wants to bless us, and knows how He wants to use us in His service. Moderation is difficult, of course; but the rewards are numerous and long-lasting. To improve our finances, health, or general well-being; wisdom and moderation must be close traveling companions. God will leave the decision up to us, but then so are the consequences.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…Better a patient man that a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city..” – Proverbs 16:32

What's the Plan?

You’ll never achieve the goals you don’t set. – M. Batterson

Moses always wanted to help his people, he just had to wait 40 years to learn to do it God’s way. Amen!

“How did this happen to me?” It’s a question we sometimes ask ourselves in life when things look bleak or failure occurs. The hard truth of the matter is though most of us don’t plan to fail, we often fail to plan. Hence our finances are askew, our homes or autos are in disrepair, our education is incomplete, and our lives are nowhere near where we dreamed or envisioned them to be at this stage. The God we serve is a Master Planner. He had our redemption worked out the moment sin entered in the Garden. And as we are made so wondrously in His ‘creative’ image we should be able to, with His help draw out and achieve goals for our good and His glory. Instead of letting things happen, goals help us make them happen. Instead of living by default (whatever happens), plans help us live by design. Plans or goals are ‘dreams’ with deadlines, and they give us traction, direction, and inspiration in our prayers; and who knows, with God you can’t never always sometimes tell. Here’s hoping today we’re all one step closer to our goal(s).

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..Where there is no vision, the people perish…..” – Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Life According to The Master's Plan

Our task is not to do the master planning, but the planning of the Master. – Richard Murray

God gave Noah exact measurements on the ark, it worked. Jesus gave two of the disciples exact instructions on preparing for the last supper, it was just as he said. Maybe we should just listen and obey. Hmm!

Midlife crises! Biological clocks ticking! Lifetime achievements. It’s truly amazing how many lives are impacted by such events, and the great strides we take and hurdles we leap to make such inroads to the life we dream about. Dreams and aspirations caused by our own man-made thinking and desires, often cause us to cast aside the purposes of God for our own. True, life as it is now may not have panned out the way we planned it, but it may be going just the way the Lord planned it. The great thing is our life is still going, so the sky is still the limit and untold blessings are still possible. When it comes to God’s plan maybe we need to try it His way, on His terms. History has proven Him right every time.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.” – Psalm 37:23

You Must Master It

Following the path of least resistance is what makes most rivers and men crooked. – Anon

Even after getting counsel directly from God, Cain went his own way. We all know where that path led him. Hmm!

There exists within all of us the desire to do wrong, and the need to ‘master sin’. Paul lamented about his inward struggles that were such that even when he wanted to do good evil was still right there with him. Discipline and dedication truly are very hard things, but it is something God requires of us on a consistent basis nonetheless, if we are to be obedient. The key is learning to let Christ live in us and through us. He’s the one who has defeated sin and will bring us to victory as well if we so desire. I pray He orders our steps today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” – Genesis 4:7

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

Ready Or Not

For those playing hide-and-seek with Jesus, remember it's "ready or not here I come!" - Anon

The foolish virgins were banging on the door to get back into a fellowship they previously had. Hmm!

Discovery! We all like to find new things. We will often go out of our way to find and try something new and exciting. We plan outings and trips to discover. And often these adventures interfere with our worship, giving, serving, and attendance of the things of God and kingdom. If truth be told many of us play games like the 'hokey-pokey' or 'hide-and-seek' with our attention to Jesus and His commands. The parable of the 'foolish virgins' wasn't told just for entertainment, it's purpose was to instruct us to ALWAYS be ready for the Master's return for it could come at a moment's notice. And when Jesus does return to call us before Him, we want to be discovered in a READY position. Now is the time to do so.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"......However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" - Luke 18:8

Gratitude For What We Have

Whoever does not regard what he has as most ample wealth, is unhappy, though he may be master of the whole world. - Epicurus

Though she was queen of the land, Jezebel conspired to get Naboth's vineyard for her husband, king Ahab. Ouch!

Greed! Comparison! Jealousy! When you think about it, there really is nothing good that can come out these words when we practice them in life. They all point to never being satisfied. Greed=wanting more and more. Comparison=measuring myself by others. Jealousy=unhappy because someone else exists. These KILL our joy. To live unsatisfied is to live with an unquenchable desire for more, always more. This desire chokes out the spark of gratitude needed to ignite the joy life's blessings bring to us, for it is not joy that makes us grateful, it's gratitude that makes us joyful. That's how Paul learned to be content no matter the situation - gratitude. We will NEVER have everything we want in life and life will NEVER be completely about us, for God's redemptive story is far grander than we could ever imagine. But, we should be grateful it includes us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" - Hebrews 13:5

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

Strange Math

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. – E. Hoffer

David had the kingdom and wanted more (Bathsheba). The widow gave her all (mites) and was satisfied. Strange math. Hmmn!

Often, because we don’t have unlimited resources or palatial residences, we feel we’re on the short end of life. We tend to look only at what we can physically put our hands on – materialism – as blessings from God, but this is such a narrow view. Life itself is the greatest blessings one can have, whether healthy or with a few ailments. Family and friends who care about us is another great blessing. The country we live in, the freedoms we have, the opportunities before us – all great blessings that take not a cent to purchase or enjoy. Our ancestors were led to the Promised Land ‘flowing with milk and honey’ and we’ve inherited far greater. We need only open our eyes to see what God has wrought.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers…a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant – then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord who brought you out of Egypt out of the land of slavery.” – Deuteronomy 6:10-12

Here's Where You Come In...

‘Some assembly required’ means the only missing piece is YOUR obedience. - ANON

God gave the Israelites a land that had all the blessings they needed at their ‘fingertips,’ and they still soon forgot He was God. Hmm!

We live in a world where everyone wants it easy, and, if possible, they want it done FOR them as well. Which is why it’s truly amazing that the majority of people reject Christianity – it’s the easiest religion in the world, if you will, because God does it all for us. God saves us, He purifies us, He provides for us, He heals us, He changes our hearts, He places us in fellowship, and loves us relentlessly. But in truth, Christianity is also the hardest religion there is as well, not because of God, but because of US, for we so refuse to give up being autonomous or independent, often thinking we know better than God. If you’re finding it hard to live the faith, maybe you need to ease up on the ‘control’ issue.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master……Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – John 13:16-17

What's the Master Plan?

If you have no idea where you want to go, then any old road will take you there. – D. Swanberg

The bible is God’s love letter to us on how to reach His house. Based on the way we’re living apparently not many people want to go. Hmm!

It’s a common maxim but with a lot of truth: “Ready, aim, fire.” The truth of it is we’re more likely to hit the mark if we’re looking at the target and aiming for it. It’s the same in life, but it’s called planning. If our lives seem out of control it’s possibly because we have no plan to guide or direct us. Many of us flounder about in life because we have no stated or intended purpose or plan. Before it is possible for us to achieve anything we must chart a course or plan of attack to help keep us in line and measure our progress, otherwise we’ll never know how we’re doing or where we’re headed. The key thing in all of this though; is to make sure our master plans line up with our Master’s Plan.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3

Master it!

Following the path of least resistance is what makes most rivers and men crooked. – Anon

Even after getting counsel directly from God, Cain went his own way. We all know where that path led him. Hmm!

There exists within all of us the desire to do wrong, and the need to ‘master sin’. Paul lamented about his inward struggles that were such that even when he wanted to do good evil was still right there with him. Discipline and dedication truly is a very hard thing, but it is something God requires of us on a consistent basis nonetheless, if we are to be obedient. The key is learning to let Christ live in us and through us. He’s the one who has defeated sin and will bring us to victory as well if we so desire. I pray He orders our steps today.

Until tomorrow..…..

Pastor Botts

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” – Genesis 4:7

It's Really No Secret

No one is free who is not master of himself. – Claudius

Joseph would not let himself stoop to levels of sin and indecency before his master and God with Potiphar’s wife. He considered the whole idea “wicked.”

One of Satan’s lies is that you can do things in secret that no one will know. It’s a clever little ploy to keep us in bondage to sin. Temptation to sin comes to all of us, but for us as Christians so does the power and opportunity to escape the sin. We must remember in all situations that it is not about us and our desires, but our heavenly Father and His will for us. God will not withhold any good thing from His people. I pray we will rise above all selfish desires today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Therefore I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:26-27

No Immunity but it can be Mastered

The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues. – R. Descartes

Though David was ‘a man after God’s own heart’ he had great trouble controlling the desires of ‘his own flesh.’ Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to discipline themselves knows that saying and doing are 2 different things. Whether it be saving, praying, dieting, etc. it’s hard to be disciplined and gain success. Such is true with our faith walk as well. No matter what age we attain or how long we have been with Christ and His church, we are all susceptible to sin or vice. There is never a time in our lives when we become immune to it, get away from it, or become too good for it. But we can master it, and we should; just as God told Cain. Giving in to sin and asking forgiveness later is really a cop out, for we serve a God who has already promised us He would “help us out” of any situation IF we ask. What we must do is decide in our hearts and mind to be people of noble character in all situations, and even then still PRAY.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! – I Corinthians 10:12

It just doesn't add up

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. – E. Hoffer

David had the kingdom and wanted more (Bathsheba). The widow gave her all (mites) and was satisfied. Strange math. Hmmm!

Often, because we don’t have unlimited resources or palatial residences we feel we’re on the short end of life. We tend to look only at what we can physically put our hands on – materialism – as blessings from God, but this is such a narrow view. Life itself is the greatest blessings one can have, whether healthy or with a few ailments. Family and friends who care about us is another great blessing. The country we live in, the freedoms we have, the opportunities before us – all great blessings that take not a cent to purchase or enjoy. Our ancestors were led to the Promised Land ‘flowing with milk and honey’ and we’ve inherited far greater. We need only open our eyes to see what God has wrought.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers…a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant – then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord who brought you out of Egypt out of the land of slavery.” – Deuteronomy 6:10-12

Trust the Process

Our task is not to do the master planning, but the planning of the Master. – Richard Murray

God gave Noah exact measurements on the ark, it worked. Jesus gave two of the disciples exact instructions on preparing for the last supper, it was just as he said. Maybe we should just listen and obey. Hmm!

Midlife crises! Biological clocks ticking! Lifetime achievements. It’s truly amazing how many lives are impacted by such events, and the great strides we take and hurdles we leap to make such inroads to the life we dream about. Dreams and aspirations caused by our own man-made thinking and desires, which cause us to cast aside the purposes of God for our own. True, life as it is now may not have panned out the way we planned it, but it may be going just the way the Lord planned it. The great thing is our life is still going, so the sky is still the limit and untold blessings are still possible. When it comes to God’s plan maybe we need to try it His way, on His terms. History has proven Him right every time.

Until Monday……..

Pastor Botts

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.” – Psalm 37:23

Specific Instructions

Our task is not to do the master planning, but the planning of the Master. – Richard Murray

God gave Noah exact measurements on the ark, it worked. Jesus gave two of the disciples exact instructions on preparing for the last supper, it was just as he said. Maybe we should just listen and obey. Hmm!

Getting in the 'right' school. Living in the 'right' neighborhood. Marrying into the 'right' family, etc. It’s truly amazing how many lives are impacted by such events, and the great strides we take and hurdles we leap to make such inroads to the life we dream about. Dreams and aspirations caused by our own man-made thinking and desires, which cause us to cast aside the purposes of God for our own. True, life as it is now may not have panned out the way we planned it, but it may be going just the way the Lord planned it. The great thing is our life is still going, so the sky is still the limit and untold blessings are still possible. When it comes to God’s plan maybe we need to try it His way, on His terms. History has proven Him right every time.

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.” – Psalm 37:23

Who do you love?

When money is in your hand, that’s good, when it’s in your heart, that’s bad. –W. Smith

The rich young ruler came oh so close to salvation and missed it only because he didn’t know what ‘riches’ truly were. Hmm!

Resource or lifesource? Tool or trademark? Oftentimes, for many of us we get the 2 issues confused, particularly when it comes to money. Money and wealth in and of itself, is not a bad thing. God wants of all people his children to enjoy His blessings, however when money captures our heart, is our only motivating factor, and we will stop at nothing to have more of it; it replaces the very God who gave it as our 'lord and master.' And God said, “thou shalt not have ANY other gods before ME!” I pray you master it before it masters you.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food, and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” – I Timothy 6:6-10

Web of Deception

When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion, roar and all. – Ethiopian Proverb

The great nation of Israel – God’s people – were routed in war because of Achan’s little secret sin. Hmm!

If you’ve ever given thought to a spider’s web you’ll see most are intricate patterns of beauty, convenience, and often hard to see, until it’s too late. The spider spins or repairs his web every day because he knows someone will get comfortable with themselves and not look out. Sin is just like that friend. It presents itself as an invitation that you just can’t seem to refuse. Starting off small and unassuming, they may not seem like much those ‘little’ sins we allow, even make excuse for in our life – after all we’re not as bad as ….   But enough of those little ‘pet’ or ‘respectable’ sins in our life can bind us and silence us as effective witnesses for our Lord, and in truth even 1 pet sin is too many. The bible calls on us to “resist the devil” and that would include all inclinations and invitations to sin, which is his basic calling card. Today is a gift to start unraveling our life. Are you game enough to ask God how?

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“….a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” – II Peter 3:19

A Friendly Walk

What a friend we have in Jesus…..’ – song refrain

Enoch and God were such good walking buddies God just took him home one day and kept him. Hmm!

To many Christians, ‘faith’ is a verbal profession or confession, but not really a way of life. Jesus is looking for the latter rather than the former. He knows those who ‘profess’ him with their lips but their heart is far from him. The question we must continually ask ourselves is whether our acquaintance with the Master is a passing fad (something to do like everyone else) or rather the very touchstone of our lives. Jesus doesn’t want us to be run-of-the-mill, follow the crowd kind of people, We’re to be “new creations” each and every day. Just as we know that it’s hard to be friends and hang out with someone you don’t have a lot in common with, Jesus knows it too. Are you willing to walk with him wherever He chooses to lead, or will you only allow Him to lead you in the direction you’ve already decided to go? He’s waiting!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23