Reduce Problems and Increase Blessings

God has a solution ‘planned’ before we even know we have a problem. – Anon

The angel Gabriel told Daniel answers to his prayers were given as soon as he began to pray. God didn’t have to think things over. WOW!

In mass production companies one of the ways to keeping costs low is just-in-time inventory management. This means parts arrive at the plant at just the proper time to go into production. Money is not tied up in inventory lying around waiting to be used. The key is to have ample suppliers in case of problems with one supplier. God has been to tomorrow and knows what lies ahead for us. He’s perfectly prepared to meet all our needs and circumstances without surprise. But often what God has ‘planned’ for us is interrupted by us. Our stubbornness, disobedience, and lack of faith often get in the way of His plans. We don’t change them we just often delay them; for no plan of God’s can be thwarted. The key is to make sure we stay in touch with The Master – this will reduce problems and increase blessings.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

Trust God to Work It Out

Faith does not wonder why, for God has not done anything that needs to be explained. – P. Rosewell

The bible says “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” no questions asked. God called him righteous! Hmm!

By nature we are inquisitive people. We like to know 'why' about almost everything. God knew this as well which is why He created everything we would need to survive and know Him before He created us in His image. The whole idea was that we would look at His creation and all its splendor and go “WOW,” not “Why did you do this….., or why didn’t you do this?" There may be things we don’t understand at times, or situations that seem impossible, or even times where God's Word just doesn't make sense; but that’s where faith comes in, believing God in His sovereignty knows better that we do. If God is in control in our world we must trust Him to work it all out.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” – Deuteronomy 29:29

Pull Into the Station

Often! Hmm! For you how 'often' is often? - Anon

When the apostle Paul headed into a new town, usually the first thing he sought out was the synagogue/temple. Hmm!

Mobil! Texaco! Shell! AM/PM! What do they have in common? They are all refueling stations. Stations for the most part we pull into at least once or twice a week to 'fill up' our tanks. After all, with the L.A. traffic and freeways you never really want to get too low on fuel. It begs the question; do we think like this when it comes to our spiritual well-being? How often do we 'assemble' with the congregation in person to be re-fueled? How often do we 'join' in the studies to be re-charged? How often do we 'serve' in the ministry opportunities to be re-energized? When the bible instructs us "not to forsake the assembly.." (Hebrews 10:25), its intent was meant for much more than just the weekly gathering. With that being true, then I think we could all use a few more stops at these stations to keep our spiritual tanks filled.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

The New Disciples of Love

If what the world needs now is love, who will be the example? - Anon

Paul said he 'became' like those he was with to win them to Christ. AMEN!

It's no secret we live in a fallen society. A world where strife, division, and self-centered rhetoric is the menu of the day. Yes, far from perfect but yet still salvageable. It's why Jesus came, to share that message of hope and salvation for all and then give His life to prove it. Then He asked us to pay it forward, be a disciple. We think it a 'tough' go in today's setting, but maybe we just need to look at how Jesus did it and do likewise. The people accepted Jesus because of how He interacted with them. He 'loved' them as they were. Even in His teaching, He showed them great compassion, empathy, mercy, forgiveness, and often times healings. Though He was the promised 'Messiah' He walked amongst them with 'grace' not authority. He was a living/breathing example of God's great love for us. Like the motto of 'New Balance' every one of us should be saying "we got now!" Welcome to the New Year!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"A new command I give you.....As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples...." - John 13:34-35

Trust. Don't Wait

Procrastination is the fertilizer that helps difficulties grow. – J. Maxwell

Because the Israelites didn’t think they were ready to take the Promised Land it cost them 40 years in the desert wilderness. OUCH!

Small projects that have become monumental tasks. Small issues that have become mega problems filled with drama. All because we did not attack them when they first surfaced. The truth is all problems grow if we don’t focus on them immediately and plan some course of action. The first step is always to remember who we are and who we belong to. And since there’s nothing too hard for our God, we should trust Him for the strength, wisdom, knowledge, and other resources we will need. Since tomorrow is not promised today is a good day to start.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Unwrapping Changing Transformation

Complete acceptance is the doorway to transformation. - Eckhart Tolle

It really wasn't until that early morning 'fish' breakfast AFTER the Resurrection that Peter really, really, realized how much Jesus loved him. Hmm!

Look around! you probably have one yourself. A gift someone gave you, still in its original packaging. Oh, you unwrapped it alright, but it just hasn't found its way out of the package and into your use. You'll get around to it someday! Unfortunately, that's the way a lot of folks, even some of us; receive Jesus and the new life He brings. We openly claim the gift of salvation Jesus offers but never really let the Holy Spirit out of the package (into our hearts), so we never experience the life changing transformation promised. Maybe instead of asking God for more of this/that in our prayers we should just let the Holy Spirit out of the package. I'm sure He will not only change our 'perceived' needs but also give us a much clearer view of what we already have in Christ.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."- Acts 17:11

Dare to Share the Gospel

Find somebody to be successful for. Raise their hopes. Think of their needs. Barak Obama

Little did Andrew know that telling his brother Peter about Jesus would lead to Pentecost. Wow!

The angels didn't shout when man made the radio, for they were already hearing heavenly music daily. There was no heavenly news headline when man learned to fly or travel through air and space, for angels have been sent to and fro to earth by God since creation itself. And when man discovered 'cloud' computing and its vast storage/safety potential, it didn't even bring a heavenly yawn, for Christ, who is the 'Wisdom of God' and has 'all perfect knowledge' and is unhackable, existed before the foundation of the world. But let a sinner repent and 'boy o boy' those angels strike up the band and celebrate! Are you up for planning a heavenly party today? Your kindness, testimony, or act of discipleship could very well be the invitation needed.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances.....Even angels long to look into these things." - I Peter 1:10-12

If You Stay Ready...

A ready person never needs to get ready. - Oswald Chambers

Thomas with his doubts and the other disciples were in the house when Jesus just 'showed up.' WOW!

We rarely worry about people who predict they know when Jesus will return to the earth. So many have tried and failed, besides the bible says 'no one knows the day or the hour.' But there is a phrase we use to describe a completely unexpected event or action that occurs. We say "all of a sudden,,,." But here's a twist, Jesus said His return will be 'all of a sudden', and yet most of us aren't prepared. The certainty of His coming is sure, the exact time though is uncertain, but it will be 'all of a sudden.' Here it is today and 'all of a sudden' we're a day older, but are we any closer to the Lord? In closing out the book of Revelation Jesus proclaimed "Yes, I am coming soon", and John added "Amen, come Lord Jesus!" Are we ready to make that statement as well. For it could happen 'all of a sudden!'

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." - Matthew 24:27

Procrastination made it grow

Procrastination is the fertilizer that makes difficulties grow. – J. Maxwell

Because the Israelites didn’t think they were ready to take the Promised Land it cost them 40 years in the desert wilderness. OUCH!

Small projects that have become monumental tasks. Small issues that have become mega problems filled with drama. All because we did not attack them when they first surfaced. The truth is all problems grow if we don’t focus on them immediately and plan some course of action. The first step is always to remember who we are and who we belong to. And since there’s nothing too hard for our God, we should trust Him for the strength, wisdom, knowledge, and other resources we will need. Since tomorrow is not promised today is a good day to start.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Answers to what's puzzling you

A boggled mind needs a bended knee. – Charles Swindoll

Not really knowing what to do after his crucifixion, the apostles thought prayer might help. Boy did it ever. AMEN!

No doubt about it, this world we live in has some awe inspiring, breathtaking wonders. Look at any scenic calendar, natural wildlife, even the birth of a new child and you know it. But it also has some conundrums and seemingly illogical aspects and life issues that utterly frustrate and confuse us. In either case it is mind boggling. But that is one of the great secrets of prayer and praise. Whether it be wonder and amazement at His vast creation, or puzzlement and confusion from the issues of life; God is always open to hear our response. We can never praise Him too much nor call on Him too often. He has so designed life that there really is no way we can ignore His existence, and when we think about it there really is no reason we should want to. May He hear from us all today!

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

Not What It May Seem

If the grass seems greener on the other side of the fence, it only means yours needs fertilizer. – Anon

The “Prodigal Son” couldn’t wait to get away and experience life on his own. He soon found himself back on familiar turf – HOME!

Temptation! Self-indulgence! Evil begetting riches! We live in a world today that appears to reward those who do wrong. It seems as if they have a care-free life and all they need. We may sometimes wonder why our life is not like that, why we can’t have it all. But things are not always as they appear to be. We must remember our enemy “masquerades as an angel of light” (false hope, false security, etc.). Though it may seem appealing it is really only a façade, something designed to shift your focus from God, and his purposes for fulfillment in your life.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said] be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:11-12

Alllll of a Sudden

A ready person never needs to get ready. - Oswald Chambers

Thomas with his doubts and the other disciples were in the house when Jesus just 'showed up.' WOW!

We rarely worry about people who predict they know when Jesus will return to the earth. So many have tried and failed, besides the bible says 'no one knows the day or the hour.' But there is a phrase we use to describe a completely unexpected event or action that occurs. We say "all of a sudden,,,." But here's a twist, Jesus said His return will be 'all of a sudden', and yet most of us aren't prepared. The certainty of His coming is sure, the exact time though is uncertain, but it will be 'all of a sudden.' Here it is today and 'all of a sudden' we're a day older, but are we any closer to the Lord? In closing out the book of Revelation Jesus proclaimed "Yes, I am coming soon", and John added "Amen, come Lord Jesus!" Are we ready to make that statement as well. For it could happen 'all of a sudden!'

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." - Matthew 24:27

Miracles En Route

In order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles! - D. Ben-Gurion

At the wedding feast in Cana, Jesus' mother left it all up to him. Hmm!

It's very true. Every one of us has needs to be met. Those in addition to our daily bread and needs that God supplies without fail. And if we admit the truth we try and try to figure out ways to get God to meet them. We think "maybe God could do it this/that way if I do this....." or "maybe I could help God along with this...." The wrong in this is that we're then trying to manipulate God, and it just doesn't work that way. The source of God's supply, His miracle of deliverance for us never comes from where we think it will, it's always unexpected, it's the way God works. God is in the miracle working business, not us. Our role is to submit it to Him and trust in His ability and decision on the matter. He will work it out in a glorious fashion that allows us to praise Him even more. Whatever the miracle we await now is not the time to give up on it.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." - Matthew 21:22

Been around the world

A man travels all over the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. – G. Moore

When he 'came to himself' The Prodigal son knew exactly where he needed to go. Hmm!

One of our persistent difficulties is that we are always looking to find meaning, purpose, and satisfaction elsewhere than the place where we should be looking, reflecting just how restless we are. We come home and then need to go out. We come to the fountain of life (Jesus) and take small sips rather than drinking deeply, looking for other ways to be satiated. We even come to the truth (God’s Word) and then look for meanin

g elsewhere in the world. We “give” our lives to Christ and then live as if there is something important to be found outside of Him. The reason for this is somewhat geometrical. Yes we are God trusting people, but if He is not the center-point of focus in our lives, we will look elsewhere and be drawn away. The rest we seek, the peace we want, and the joy we desire all up to one person – Christ.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

Seeing Beautiful Change

What a caterpillar calls the end of the world, God calls a beautiful butterfly.  – Anon

Jesus went to the cross not so much to die, but moreso that we might live. Hmm!

For most of us there are things that we say we just can’t do without, that life would not be worth it if we had to give up _________ (fill in the blank). Often we even rationalize with ourselves and question why God would want to keep us from such things. The reason is that He knows what tomorrow holds, plain and simple. Because God is always at His work, there may be some things He is trying to bring to an end in our lives that the new life may begin. Those habits, quirks, ‘needs,’ that we just can’t seem to live without, God is trying to show us the beauty life can bring without them. As the circumstances of life come upon us today and in the near future, maybe we need to pay attention to what God is addressing in us, for there is much more beauty in all of us to behold.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time…” Ecclesiastes 3:10-11