Reach up

If you want to have a horizontal reach, you need to have a vertical focus. - Robin H.

Paul had great success in his ministry because he 'counted everything loss for the sake of Christ,' which is all he preached. Hmm!

Some things in life are so simple that we often overlook the obvious. We attend programs, seminars, classes, buy the latest bestsellers, trying to learn the latest insight, methodology, or buzz words on how to be successful for Christ. This is all noble and good, but the obvious is overlooked. When we plant a seed the first thing it does is break through the dirt reaching upward to the sky. Then as it grows it begins to spread its branches and leaves outward. That's the key, we need to look up first, and make sure we're hooked up properly. The point is that anything we attempt to do for Christ and His church must begin with Him. Meaning we need to be connected to Him, filled with His spiritual presence, and submitting to His leading. The work of Christ has always been empowered by His Spirit and always will be. If we're struggling with success for Him maybe we need to make sure the connections are in proper order.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

Discovering A New Way to Worship

Nothing in all of humanity had ever “been done that way before” until someone tried it. – Anon

Though God made the seas during creation, no one tried sailing the waters until Noah’s time. Hmm!

Problems…problems…problems. It seems life is filled with them. But God is not so much interested in us solving problems as He is in us being available to Him that He may solve them through us. We’re the hands, feet, heart, eyes, etc. that He works through. And He is as diverse in His ways as the entire color spectrum. Failure is never certain until we stop or give up trying. We’ve all been faced with challenges and obstacles to overcome that seemed insurmountable, but yet by the grace and provision of God here we are today. Why, because we tried doing something and it worked out. The key here is to try, never to give in, but to seek God’s way to see you through. If we’re wrestling with God over something maybe He’s trying to show us a ‘new way’ of doing His will.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” – Isaiah 43:18-19

Opportunities For Investment

Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity! - H. Jackson Browne, Jr.

40 years! That was four decades of wandering in the desert for the Israelites all because they said ‘No’ to God’s offer. Hmm!

The digital photo platform was actually invented by a technician who worked for “Kodak’ at the time. He pitched the idea to the board and they passed on it seeing no future for it. Ouch! The plea for allowing the client to have a say in their investment opportunities was loud and clear. E.F. Hutton missed it. Neither are around anymore. We all sometimes look at our current life and say “If I knew then what I know now….how different might things be!” Well, the question we need to take a bit more seriously is ‘What are we doing with what we know now...to prepare for what may come later?” The gift of TODAY is an opportunity for a better tomorrow, but it depends upon how we invest it. God stands at the ready to give additional wisdom to what He’s already gifted us if we need it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

Diligent Or Disinterested ?

Doing nothing gets exactly that: nothing. – Anon

Ruth refused to just sit idly by and do nothing for herself and Naomi. God rewarded her greatly. Hmm!

Today is here. What do you expect from it? Are you expecting God to do some wonderful things, or are you living with doubt, apprehension, or anxiety. Well, the return of the day will depend on precisely how much faith, energy, and activity we put into the situations God brings our way. For us as believers every day should begin and end with God and His promises. If we’ve greeted the day in God’s presence and asked Him to do great things, then we should be doing all we can to bring those things to fruition. This is not to say we can force God’s hand, because we can’t; but after our prayers we need to work like we believe God is going to answer. Remember, diligently exercised faith gets rewarded.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…” – Matthew 7:7

Clothe Yourself With....

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but our intent of heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

The Accolades of Humanity

Not everything than can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. – Albert Einstein

Peter was the most widely known of the apostles saving 3,000 with one sermon, but it was his brother Andrew that brought him to the Lord. Hmm!

Degrees, awards, titles, plaques, notoriety, etc. – these are all things that help draw attention to us and show others our worth and value. And while nice to have they are still a far cry from the humanity others and God would have of us. The things that really matter in life don’t hang from walls or go on business cards but come from the heart. Things like trust, loyalty, discipline, benevolence, respect; just to name a few; are incalculable in a relationship. The lives we will touch for God will not be because we have great resources behind us but because we have divine resources within us. No one knows how far a touch from God will go.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:2

The Security Superstition

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature. - Helen Keller

Elijah had no idea where he was going when he took off running from Jezebel, but God led him to where he needed to be. Hmm!

Walking by faith and not by sight is how we seek to live, but it is not easy. And if we're honest in times of great stress where major decisions beckon, we tend to walk more by sight than faith. We tend to make 'safety/security' the basis or foundation of our decision. For example, our decisions on where to go to school or buy a home are often made in proximity to relatives and/or friends. It's hard to argue the point that security is one of our most basic priorities. And that's with good reason. But here's a question that we must truly consider: What decision will require us to trust God the most? Think about Abram leaving his family. The Israelites knowingly going into captivity for 70 years. Paul walking away from Judaism for Christ. Security is a basic need but we must realize we can never secure our lives and futures on our own, it takes the will and work of God. He "knows the plans He has for us" and will surely bring them to fruition in good time. Ours is to be faithful and trusting on the journey.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Joshua 1:5

Power to Move

The task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. – Anon

Abraham, he had to leave his homeland, his people, and his father’s house to go someplace God would eventually show him. By God's grace he MADE IT!

Mountains - it seems at times as if life is full of them and they are always in our path. Some of our own making, and others as tests of faith, and each one seems to present a different climate, terrain, and angle to conquer, at times calling on us to make some drastic changes in the way we live before God. Maybe there’s some sin God is continually redressing us on that we need to correct or change, or maybe He wants to develop even a deeper commitment to His kingdom work in us, or maybe He's even trying to move us away from those He knows who are not good for us. Life may seem like an impossibility right now, but we must remember we've made it this far by the power of God, and He's faithful to the end.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” – Matthew 17:19-21

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

Proper Attire

Perhaps no sin so easily besets us so much as a sense of self-satisfied superiority to others. – W. Osler

Rehoboam’s desire to show himself greater than his father Solomon cost him half a kingdom. OUCH!

Often, the reflection that appears in the mirror goes much deeper if we take time to truly ponder it, for it captures not only our look, but the intent of our heart. So it should serve as a reminder that no matter how much God has blessed us, and how far He has brought us, or even how long we have served Him; smugness or pride should never be in our “Christian wardrobe,” that we put on daily. As Jesus pointed out the differences in the heart of the Pharisee and the publican in their prayers, “it’s not who you are and what you do, but what God does for you”. So let us be reminded that a suit of humility and a coat of GRACE makes for a marvelous outfit to wear.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” – Galatians 6:3

Minimizing To Perfection

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Paul said he looked not for profit but considered ‘everything loss’ for the sake of Christ. Hmm!

In the fashion world perfection is a fully matching outfit with all the accessories (shoes, purse, gloves, belt, tie, etc.). And amazingly, we take those same criteria for perfection into our view of life. We seem to believe that with all the proper accoutrements or attachments we will be complete and whole, ready to take on the world. But God’s idea of perfection is quite the opposite and our road to spiritual maturity is not in the acquisition of attachments but the elimination of our carnal habits and sinful nature. Since God is perfection, sin and carnality cannot dwell with Him. He will not wrestle these desires from us, but He gently tries to ‘love’ us away from them. It’s our choice!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then [Jesus] said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Forgetting What Is Behind...

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it. – Confucius

Though Peter scolded him and denied even knowing him, Jesus still gave him Pentecost. WOW!

We live in a fallen world with fallen people. So often we seem to forget this fact. Fallen people tend to do wrong, sometimes intentionally. The truth of the matter is that we will be lied to, lied on, mistreated, misjudged, and flat out hated at times just because we breathe or exist. These are the issues of life that will create excess baggage and emotional instability if we allow it. The example Jesus gave to us is that we just keep moving closer to God, give it all to Him and allow Him to heal it and make us stronger for the fight ahead. Forgiveness is a great gift once we learn how to use it properly and remember God will bring justice as He promised.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10

Education and Common Sense

Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense; sadly, no one thinks he need more of it than he already has. – R. Descartes

Solomon was the wisest man we know but he also surrounded himself with those who kept him grounded and humble. Hmm!

Getting a good education is important – no doubt. It will aid us all in life for the many days that lie ahead. And the more education, the better equipped one will be to be productive in society. The problem we encounter though is when we let book learning replace good ol’ common sense. God gives it to each of us equally, but like most things in life it seems the more obvious or common something is the more it is neglected or ignored. Common sense can save us from a lot of accidents and mishaps, and ‘drama’ in life, if we would not be so prideful and use it. Education may make us employable, but common sense makes us practical and easier to live with.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all your getting get an understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7

God Cares

Not everything that happens is the will of God, yet in the last resort nothing happens outside of his will. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God did not want sin in the world, yet when it entered in the Garden of Eden he had a plan to defeat it. Amen!

Often, we ask God ‘why?’ “Why did this happen to me?” or “Why did this occur?” We are a people who always seek after concrete answers. And though it’s not a bad idea we must realize we cannot trace everything that happens directly back to God. One thing we must know is that many things happen as a result of our own willing and doing, and also because of the pervasive evil in our world. God cannot be the responsible cause of everything, for that would eliminate our freedom of choice and responsibility. But no matter, He IS concerned about everything that happens to us. And because He is Sovereign and His Providence is unchangeable, we can be assured that all things do finally work for the good for those who love Him. The question is: Will you trust Him in the midst of what you’re in right now?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” – Matthew 10:29

The Capacity to Love

Nothing is too much trouble for love. – Desmond Tutu

Even after he wasted all his money and 'soiled' himself with unrighteous living, the Prodigal Son's father quickly lifted his spirits. Wow!

Often, we may feel overwhelmed and alone, like all the problems of the world have come resting right down on our shoulders. When we do feel like this it is only because we have taken the wrong view. When our fate hung in the balance and rested at God's discretion, he showed us the way by exercising love (John 3:16). You may feel your family's plight is unbearable, or your life situation too heavy, but remember when love is added in; even the heaviest of weight is lifted. Ask God for a little more capacity to love and see what a difference it will make in your life.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"....God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." - I John 4:16

Lessons on Nothing

One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say. – W. Durant

When asked to pass judgment on a woman caught in adultery Jesus just kept writing in the dirt. HMMM!

The late longtime Dodger baseball announcer Vin Scully lived by the credo “you can’t announce the roar of the crowd,” noting you can’t do or say anything to improve on it. Often in our lives there are situations presented where there is nothing we can add to it without detracting from God’s purposes or making the situation more intense or insightful. As God brings scenes and situations upon you today remember that deep meaningful spiritual lessons and insights can be learned by observation and silence.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

A New Way of Living

Nothing in all of humanity had ever “been done that way before” until someone tried it. – Anon

Though God made the seas during creation, no one tried sailing the waters until Noah’s time. Hmm!

Problems…problems…problems. It seems life is filled with them. But God is not so much interested in us solving problems as He is in us being available to Him that He may solve them through us. We’re the hands, feet, heart, eyes, etc. that He works through. And He is as diverse in His ways as the entire color spectrum. Failure is never certain until we stop or give up trying. We’ve all been faced with challenges and obstacles to overcome that seemed insurmountable, but yet by the grace and provision of God here we are today. Why, because we tried doing something and it worked out. The key here is to try, never to give in, but to seek God’s way to see you through. If we’re wrestling with God over something maybe He’s trying to show us a ‘new way’ of doing His will.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” – Isaiah 43:18-19

Listening for God's Voice

True, there is nothing new under the sun, but God is new every day. - A. Bierce

When Jesus taught the people from the very scriptures they had known all their lives, they were in a word - Amazed!

Routine is as routine does. For most of us our life is a series of routines and patterns. Rote prayers, rote activities, and rote expectations. What is sad is that we have come to accept it this way often never looking for ways to change or improve upon it, just going through the motions, missing out on new opportunities to grow. Though God is unchanging in His very nature the way He reveals Himself to us each day is not. With Moses it was a burning bush, with Samuel it was a late-night calling, and with Elijah it was a gentle whisper. How about with us today? Here's hoping our hearts are open to see and hear!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"For God does speak - first one way, then another - though man may not perceive it." - Job 32:14

Pick A Side. Take A Stand. Make A Difference.

There’s nothing in the middle of the road but yellow stripes….and roadkill. – J. Hightower

Not only is fence sitting painful, Jesus said it was impractical. Hmm!

Though we as people are often highly opinionated on almost every issue, many of us often try to live our lives in the middle of the road. We don’t really want to hurt or harm anyone. But the truth of the matter is in the arena of principle, morality, and all things righteous no one can remain neutral, nor should we want to; for neutral men are the devil’s allies. God calls for us to take a stand, leave the holy huddle and get in the game. When we try to placate both sides by remaining neutral we’re actually giving the enemy the upper hand, as the only necessity for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. And like cigarette smoke, evil does not know how to stay in its own section, it soon touches all facets of life. God is giving us TODAY with all of its ‘fullness’ to make a difference. Now it's up to us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“No man can serve two masters. Wither he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Matthew 6:24

True Authenticity

People defend nothing more violently than the pretenses they live by. – A. Drury

The Pharisees and religious leaders of His day proudly defended their religious piety before men. Jesus said they forsook God’s law. He called them hypocrites. OUCH!

Things are not always as they seem. We spend a great deal of time trying to convince others that we are people that we are not. We live one way in public and another way at home. We often go out of our way and through a lot of expense to place ourselves in the best positive light, and become upset when questioned or doubted. But just as Jesus could look ‘through’ the woman at the well and know all about her life, He knows the same about each of us. And just as He was willing to forgive her and restore her upon her confession, He is willing to do the same for us. All He asks is that we acknowledge our sins and shortcomings and repent. There is nothing we can hide from the “one who searches every heart.” Ready or not He’s looking in.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” – I Corinthians 13:11