Following the Right Path

Though hindsight is 20/20 vision, most people would prefer not to exercise it. – Anon

Proverbs 14:25 and 16:12, there has to be a reason God had this sentiment recorded twice. Hmm!

You see it almost daily. Little children being held by the hand of their parents. But yet they tug, squirm, and pull trying to break free. To exercise their independence, confident that they can navigate this world on their own. We smile knowingly, but in truth it's a picture of us with God. As He tries to lead us, we confidently break away -thinking this path/way is better. As He tries to instruct us - we refuse His teaching and foolishly say we know better, often thinking His ways are antiquated and out of touch with reality. But yet, He stands by and patiently waits for us to realize who's WHO! If life has taught us anything it's that 'God the Father Knows Best' and He will never lead us astray. Open arms are awaiting anyone wishing to return to Him.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake...." - Psalm 23:3

A True Treasure and Measure

When saving for old age be sure to put away a lot of good memories. – Richard Murray

As Jesus was growing and maturing his mother Mary ‘stored up’ a lot of his actions in her heart. It served her well at the cross. Hmm!

It’s no secret that life is fleeting. You finish school, work a little while and before you know it the ‘golden years’ are upon you. Those years where we spent time building and raising a family, acquiring material wealth, building a nest-egg, and finding our true self just zipped by. If we’re fortunate we learn the secret of the ‘golden years’ early on. Life is in the living not the acquiring, for what is acquired or accumulated can vanish very quickly. But good memories can never be lost or stolen and are a true treasure and measure of one’s lifetime of achievements. All the money in the world can’t erase a sad, regret-filled life, and God wants us to enjoy the life He’s given so today we need to invest in good memories.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” – Proverbs 10:7

Responses That Reflect Your Calling

What they call you is up to them, what you answer to is up to you. - Anon

Saul once called David a boy, but after the Goliath event he realized David was a warrior. WOW!

Winebibber, glutton, friend of sinners, Beelzebub! Those who despised him had many names for Jesus, most of them unflattering and downright mean. But he never forgot who he was nor his ultimate calling - SAVIOR. People of the world today are not much different than people then, this we know for many of us have had some unflattering names, gestures, and remarks hurled our way. It just goes with the territory. The question is how we respond, if we respond. Remember, you don't have to attend every argument/fight you're invited to. But if and when we do, may we like Jesus remember our ultimate goal - to reflect God in all we do in word and deed.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11

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

Ours for the Asking

Many things are lost for want of asking. – English Proverb

The Syro-Phoenician woman braved redress from the disciples, indifference, and even name-calling from Jesus to make her request. Her faith was rewarded. Amen!

Without a doubt most of us believe God is a prayer answering God, but yet we fail to pray. Often what we call praying is actually just us meditating, hashing the issue out in our mind, but not really asking or talking to God about it. And because of our feelings of inadequacy, we often feel ashamed to even ask. But God wants us to ask “in faith,” and sometimes He will often test our faith to see if we are sincere. Every blessing God prepared, He prepared to lavish on His people and that should include you. Why not ask him today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” – John 14:13

Ambassadors On Duty

We misrepresent God when we wear His name but not His character. - Anon

Jesus' main antagonists actually wore the clothes of holy men. Go Figure!

In sports it's "you play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back!" In law enforcement and the military, it's "you respect the uniform!" The bottom line is you are a representative of the organization, its values, morals, and goals. You promise to uphold and promote them whenever and wherever. It's actually a biblical concept. We are Christ's 'ambassadors' in the world. Our aim is to uphold and promote the values, morals, and building of His kingdom whenever, and wherever we are. Living for God is not a some of the time life, nor a 'when it appeals to me life. It is a completely 'surrendered' life, where others should see/hear the Christ in us at all times. Why not start today.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Make the tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." - Matthew 12:33

Personally Known

God has no grandchildren; either you know Him personally or you don't know Him at all. - J. Ray

Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to the faith, but God 'called' him to the ministry. And CALLED he was. WOW!

It's both sad and true, but for many of us going to church is something we do because mom and/or dad dragged us there while we were growing up and now we've become 'accustomed' to it. We have inherited our parents religion and we're comfortable with it. But if we must stand before God one day and give an account of ourselves, it is highly apparent we must know God and what He requires of us apart from our relationship to our parents. In other words we must know God for ourselves. Mother and father can do great things but getting us into heaven is not one of them.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...Yet, to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12

We Are Somebody To Bring Glory To God

What is man that you are mindful of him....? Angelic question

Gideon didn't rightfully know who he was. God called him "mighty warrior." AMEN!

Isaiah tells us God knows each star by name (Isa. 40:26). And then Paul later adds that each star presents its own glory to God (I Cor. 15:41). Wow! It's sort of mind boggling to dwell on such facts when you consider the vastness of the universe. Billions and billions of stars - yet our Great God knows each one and receives glory from them. Now consider the truth He made each of us on a much higher plane (in His image) and 'crowned' us with glory and honor. So not only are we somebody, we are somebody with a purpose - GOD. He is truly mindful of us, but the greater question I think we need to consider is: are we truly mindful of Him? The day ahead of us, with all its challenges will provide us ample opportunity to bring glory to Him.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" - Psalm 8:1,9

Whose Child Are You?

We honor God’s name when we call Him Father, and actually live like we’re his children. – Anon

Before he started his ministry Jesus was actually known as ‘the carpenter’s’ son. Hmm!

In every family there’s at least one, if not all; of the children, who, when outsiders see or hear them they immediately know this is so and so's child. Every parent loves to hear good things about their children, whether it be about their attitude, appearance, dependability or even their thoughtfulness. It makes their heart joyful. God as our Father is no different. He takes great pride in us when we reflect His character, His nature, and His spirit in such a way others might notice. As the day unfolds before us may we remember to whom we belong!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46

Does It Fit?

If you were given a nickname descriptive of your character, would ‘Christian’ really fit? – Anon

True, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham – the father of many nations, but it took God 25 years to change his character to fit the name. Hmm!

In bible times a persons name represented their character, it was a look into who they were. Big assignments required big characters. Not in terms of stature or size, but in terms of heart and devotion to God. God will give us all responsibility in proportion to our character – the size of which will be up to us and our faith in God. And no matter the desire God will take His time in developing the character size we choose. He sees what we can be from an eternal perspective and not just day-to-day. The great thing is if you’re not happy with your character remember God is still at work.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” – Genesis 12:2-3

Earn A Good Name

Though we are called ‘Christian’, the name we earn as a disciple is what counts. – Anon

Barnabas’ given name meant ‘son of encouragement’, a name he fully lived up to. Wow!

Throughout life we will wear many names. There’s our birth name, possibly a nick-name taken somewhere along the line; even affinity or team names for those associations we may partner with. But the one name we should cherish the most is the one our life becomes because of who we are and how we relate to others. That name should be a source of encouragement, inspiration, hope, and good news to others, a source of refreshment. We encourage others when we speak kind words or offer uplifting insight to them; or when we’re generous with our blessings and possessions with them; or when we take the time to pray with them and remind ourselves that regardless of their position, status, or rank in life, they are a creation of God worthy of respect. When we treat others in such a manner we will in essence be changing the world one person and one moment at a time. Yes, living like Jesus will earn you a name God will not soon forget.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

Identity Thieves

Our parent's may have named us but our life truly speaks who we are. - Anon

In the Garden of Eden, God asked Adam "where are you?" not for his location but for his position -sin had changed his identity. Hmm!

You've seen the commercials - LIFELOCK! Protect your identity. They talk about online identity theft and fraud, and your need to protect your financial/medical/life identity from cyber criminals on the web/internet. Sadly, this is very true. But yet, our identity is being stolen every day - openly. The government chips away at it with legislation and liberal laws, often where we don't even a have a voice in the decision. Society or culture chips away at it with its "all about me" attitude and demands. At times even our own children make us question our rights as their parents. Who are you? It is a lot to deal with. And if we're not careful we give in and even start to 'adapt' to these changes as god-ordained/approved. Here's the question we need to truly consider when it comes to identity, and that is: Does God know who you are? Is your identity unquestionable before Him? Is our walk and talk a great witness to Him and for Him? Or, will He have a 'where's Waldo' moment trying to identify us? Today is a good day to make sure!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 2:10-11 

All In

Becoming a Christian means you give your heart to Jesus. Becoming a disciple means you give Him your life too! - Anon

Joseph, Daniel. Just a couple of guys who let God in every area of their life, and He showed off. Hmm!!

To be a swimmer one must be willing to not only get in the water, but go under the water and go deep in the water; there is no other way. You can talk about swimming all you want, but eventually you have to be 'all in' to do it. The same is true of our life in Christ. Many of us are just happy wearing the name 'Christian', just splashing about in the water. But Jesus wants disciples who are willing to go all in, and all in for the long haul. There are many areas in our lives we tend to try and keep Jesus out of (relationships, finances, recreation, etc.) not to mention our manner of conversation, or way of thinking; but like swimming it's all or none. These areas must get wet or 'washed over' if we're to be made disciples. He'll leave the choice up to us, but He does stand before us proclaiming "come on in, the water's fine!"

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62

Keep it 100

Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do. – D. Galen

Though Judas knew Jesus was talking about him as the betrayer, he still asked, “Is it I?” Hmm!

The consensus is generally no one likes a liar or a person who does not keep their word. We tend to look for and associate with people who honor their words and commitments no matter life’s circumstances. But the greater question of the day is can we be counted on to do what we know we should do and promised to do when no one else is around or will we just say we did or promise to do it later? Faith is faith whether someone is watching or not, and integrity is not a suit of clothing but a heartfelt conviction.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

At the Name

"Perish the thought!" - Anon

When Job's wife told him to 'curse God and die..." he pretty much said "NO WAY!" - Hmm!

Does the name of God, the thought of God, or the mention of His name cause us to adjust our lives at all? Does it cause us any spiritual or emotional reaction at all, like the mention of other names might? Honestly, if you're like me you sometimes get a little too comfortable with God, forgetting He is not only the Creator of the Universe, but the Very One who gives life and breath to you, sustains you, and keeps you. Though we do want to be intimately connected to Him, we should never forget who He is and what He's done. Maybe we need to remind ourselves of the song we sang as children: "we're you there when they crucified My Lord, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble....." May we remember His presence always requires a certain decorum on our part. TREMBLE indeed!

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." - Psalm 34:7

P.S. - Hope you can join us Sunday morning at 9AM for our weekly bible reading discussion time.

Also, we WILL NOT be having Vesper Services this Sunday, but why not pack a lunch and help us set up for VBS - it's here!

A Good Lasting Mark

Life is for one generation only. A good name is forever. – Japanese Proverb

Noah, Abraham, Job, Ruth.  Mary, Lazarus, Peter. No matter the time period, each one only lived a short time, yet their names and life stories are never forgotten. HMM!

“What will it matter 100 years from now?” It’s a common refrain heard throughout our lives. It’s as if to say nothing we do has any eternal value or could possibly offer any one coming behind us anything of import. But the truth of the matter is everything we do has eternal significance. The circumstances and situations we deal with TODAY help determine our tomorrows and our eternal destiny, and will be remembered one way or another. Every action of ours has a rippling effect on our children, friends, acquaintances, and society. The question God leaves for us to answer is "how do we want to be remembered?"

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings." - Hebrews 11:4

Who ARE You?

What they call you is up to them, what you answer to is up to you. - Anon

Saul once called David a boy, but after Goliath he realized David was a warrior. WOW!

Winebibber, glutton, friend of sinners, Beelzebub! Those who despised him had many names for Jesus, most of them unflattering and downright mean. But he never forgot who he was nor his ultimate calling - SAVIOR. People of the world today are not much different than people then, this we know for many of us have had some unflattering names, gestures, and remarks hurled our way. It just goes with the territory. The question is how we respond, if we respond. Remember, you don't have to attend every argument/fight you're invited to. But if and when we do, may we like Jesus remember our ultimate goal - to reflect God in all we do in word and deed.

I will be away for a few days, so this keyboard will be silent.

Until then,

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11

Your Rep

Not only do actions speak louder than words, they actually cause conversation! - Anon

The crucifixion happened over 2,000 years ago. Yet people still talk about it non-stop and wonder. Hmm!

Though we have a given name we are often known by our actions, or reputation as some call it. Those we know see us and the things we do and compare these to the values, morals, and truths we say we hold dear - and voila, reputation is born. Having a reputation is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if our lives are authentic; meaning our actions line up with our beliefs, no matter the time, place, or situation. And it's not a one-time occurrence, it's who we are at all times. There's a lot to be said for authenticity, and the hope and prayer is that it is true of us!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....Simply let your 'YES', be 'Yes,' and your 'NO,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." - Matthew 5:37

Your Earned Name

Though we are called ‘Christian’, the name we earn as a disciple is what counts. – Anon

Barnabas’ given name meant ‘son of encouragement’, a name he fully lived up to. Wow!

Throughout life we will wear many names. There’s our birth name, possibly a nick-name taken somewhere along the line; even affinity or team names for those associations we may partner with. But the one name we should cherish the most is the one our life becomes because of who we are and how we relate to others. That name should be a source of encouragement, inspiration, hope, and good news to others, a source of refreshment. We encourage others when we speak kind words or offer uplifting insight to them; or when we’re generous with our blessings and possessions with them; or when we take the time to pray with them and remind ourselves that regardless of their position, status, or rank in life, they are a creation of God worthy of respect. When we treat others in such a manner we will in essence be changing the world one person and one moment at a time. Yes, living like Jesus will earn you a name God will not soon forget.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional time this week at 9AM. See you there!

More than Me

"Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with YOUR power, and little things as though they were great, since I do them in YOUR name." - B. Pascal

When Paul boldly stated" "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength," he recognized it had nothing to do with himself. WHOA!

Adam in the Garden. Noah and the Ark. Elisha as the prophet. From beginning to end as we read the Word of God it is very clear that each one of us was put here to work, to aid God in His great story of the redemption of mankind. Though we are saved 'by grace' the bible does tell us to 'work out' our salvation, meaning we don't work to be saved, we work because we are saved. It is God's great plan and how He perfects us before calling us home to be with Him eternally. The thing we need remember is no matter the size of the task God assigns us, great or small, it is Him working through us that gets it accomplished. So we need not think ourselves as someone great because we command thousands or lift large loads, nor as someone too important to do the dirty work or small deeds for God, for without His presence we could do neither. So, what are YOU doing today?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"...so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - I Corinthians 10:31