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.

Your Fruit Will Always Tell On You

How we play the game shows something of our character; how we act after a loss shows all of it. – Richard Murray

Saul was happy David had slain the giant Goliath. But when the people praised David ‘more’ than him, all bets were off. Hmm!

Chair throwing, running into the stands after a fan, obscene gestures, etc. We’ve all seen or heard of this behavior in sports and rightly detest it. We make statements like “he should know better,” or “come on, get a grip,” or “it’s not that serious!” But often in our daily living we’re not much better. Minor incidents – we curse or swear like a sailor. Delays or setbacks – we blow our top. Unrequited respect – we burn a hole in them with our glare. As people of the Word, we are not called to always be nice but we are called to be holy and righteous in all we do. The good thing about it is God is a God of second and third chances, so today is another gift.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:20

Don't Go Down In Flames

Most of us keep one eye on the temptation we pray not to be led into. – M. H. Waldrip

David ‘looked’ a little bit too long at Bathsheba on the rooftop, and you know the rest of the story. OUCH!

Fire. We all know its benefits. It purifies precious metals, forges steel and iron for building, as well as warming our homes and cooking our food. In scripture fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit at times – all good stuff. Ironically though, fire is also a destroyer, it destroys buildings and homes, possessions, and figuratively speaking, lives and relationships. And again, scripturally speaking, fire is the agent that makes hell hot. But the one truth about fire whether literally or figuratively speaking is ‘if you get too close you’ll get burned!’ It is not something to be taken lightly. To some extent, each one of us is probably tempted on a daily basis to play with fire knowing the results could be disastrous (flirting, cheating, lying, gossip, etc.), but yet we play; often not even feeling the heat. The enemy tempts us in many ways but the end result is always the same, fire. God asks us to be constantly vigilant in our daily activities for eternity hangs in the balance.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned? Can a man walk on burning coals without scorching his feet? – Proverbs 6:27-28

Growing IN the Game

God has called us to play in the game of life, not to referee and keep score. – Richard Murray

Abraham, Joseph, David, Job; despite what hardships they encountered in life they persevered in faith. AMEN!

When it comes to playing games, if the truth be told; all of us like the rules when they favor us, and dislike them when they don’t. We often take the same attitude towards life as well. We want to stop it, make it fair, get the score (are we up or down), and even change the rules we don't like or agree with. But this is not our right nor our privilege. We were made to bring God glory in all things, period. I say it very deliberately – trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes even defeat, are the very foods that fuel the growth of our faith. We grow through such ‘game time encounters’ when we persevere without looking for the easy way out, and God has promised to pay what is right.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right’.” – Matthew 20:3

An Invitation to Join In

My favorite part of the game is the opportunity to play – Mike Singletary

When the disciples asked Jesus what he was doing, he said “come and see.” Later he said "Go and Do!" Amen.

Plain and simple, God is on a mission to make His story known to all mankind. Man may not believe in God, but God believes in man. And he is inviting each of us to join Him in this great mission. And each day God manifests Himself in some new and awesome manner to show us He cares. And regardless of what we may or may not have done, or the ability we may or may not have He’s inviting us each again today to join Him. And in spite of the economy, in spite of social conditions, and in spite of our own current situation, it’s great to be alive, and though life is not a game, it can and should be enjoyable for us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12

Your Sin Will Find You Out

Those who would play with kittens must expect to be scratched. – Cervantes

The Israelites gave their daughters in marriage and took other nations daughters in marriage in direct violation of God’s word. Though marriage was honorable in this case it was wrong. They later felt God’s wrath. Hmm!

Often in life, the easiest choices carry heavy consequences that can mar and scar our lives deeply. Our choice of friends, entertainment, and recreation will impact the way we think and act. Our choice of intellectual stimulation, lack of continued disciplined spiritual development will impact our morals, values, and contribution to life. In essence, what we take in will most definitely make an indelible mark on our conscience. Satan often presents sin as something rather glamorous, adoring, and necessary. It is only after we’re entangled that we realize it’s not for us. The good news is that God is willing and able to forgive us of such transgressions, but he expects us to knowingly avoid such temptations. Actions and decisions have results, and life is full of both, but our ultimate aim should be to please God in all we do.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23

The Character in a Loss

How we play the game shows something of our character; how we act after a loss shows all of it. – Richard Murray

Saul was happy David had slain the giant Goliath. But when the people praised David ‘more’ than him, all bets were off. Hmm!

Chair throwing, running into the stands after a fan, obscene gestures, etc. We’ve all seen or heard of this behavior in sports and rightly detest it. We make statements like “he should know better,” or “come on, get a grip,” or “it’s not that serious!” But often in our daily living we’re not much better. Minor incidents – we curse or swear like a sailor. Delays or setbacks – we blow our top. Unrequited respect – we burn a hole in them with our glare. As people of the Word, we are not called to always be nice but we are called to be holy and righteous in all we do. The good thing about it is God is a God of second and third chances, so today is another gift.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:20

Lives Lived for God's Win

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

Play On

It's why they play the game! - Anon

Gideon and his rag-tag army of 300 were really no match for the vast army of the Midianites and Amalakites. But they fought and won anyway. Wow!

On paper, you don't stand a chance. The odds are mightily against you. The laws are stacked against you. On the field or court, the opponent is bigger, stronger, quicker, and nastier than you. It's like Goliath against little scrawny David. But yet, they still play the game and often the 'expected' outcome is not the end result. Somewhere during the battle, during all the scratching and clawing, the courage, faith, obedience, and willingness to lay it all on the line proved more than enough for the underdog to walk away with the victory. In sports they call it momentum, in our daily walk we call it God fighting our battles. We may not win every time, but we'll never know until we let go and let God. That's how and why we should play the game today!

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up..." - Luke 18:1

PLAY the game of Life

God has called us to play in the game of life, not to referee and keep score. – Richard Murray

Abraham, Joseph, David, Job; despite what hardships they encountered in life they persevered in faith. AMEN!

When it comes to playing games, if the truth be told; all of us like the rules when they favor us, and dislike them when they don’t. We often take the same attitude towards life as well. We want to stop it, make it fair, get the score (are we up or down), and even change the rules we don't like or agree with. But this is not our right nor our privilege. We were made to bring God glory in all things, period. I say it very deliberately – trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes even defeat, are the very foods that fuel the growth of our faith. We grow through such ‘game time encounters’ when we persevere without looking for the easy way out, and God has promised to pay what is right.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right’.” – Matthew 20:3

"Unless you help to make the laws they'll steal your rights with trumped up clause..." (W.E.B. DuBois) - Remember to VOTE today!

Disciplined Choices

Those who would play with kittens must expect to be scratched. – Cervantes

The Israelites gave their daughters in marriage and took other nations daughters in marriage in direct violation of God’s word. Though marriage was honorable in this case it was wrong. They later felt God’s wrath. Hmm!

Often in life, the easiest choices carry heavy consequences that can mar and scar our lives deeply. Our choice of friends, entertainment, and recreation will impact the way we think and act. Our choice of intellectual stimulation, lack of continued disciplined spiritual development will impact our morals, values, and contribution to life. In essence, what we take in will most definitely make an indelible mark on our conscience. Satan often presents sin as something rather glamorous, adoring, and necessary. It is only after we’re entangled that we realize it’s not for us. The good news is that God is willing and able to forgive us of such transgressions, but he expects us to knowingly avoid such temptations. Actions and decisions have results, and life is full of both, but our ultimate aim should be to please God in all we do.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23

Our Limitations, God's Opportunities

Your limitations become your prison only when you treat them as such. – Anon

The Israelite army felt powerless against Goliath and the Philistines, letting him severely taunt them for 40 days. Then David and his GOD came along. VICTORY!

For most of us as Christians or children of God there are many things we draw the line at saying “I just can’t do it.” Not that we don’t think the task worthy, we just don’t think it’s in us or we possess the ability. But we serve a God who has always equipped his children in their ‘hour of need’ as they sought him out. In reality our limitations are God’s opportunities. We should just give them over to God and watch the miracles unfold.

I will be taking the next week off, so this keyboard will be silent until I return. So until then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pastor Botts

“Ah. Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17

P.S. - Don't forget we start at 9AM this Sunday.

You never know till you try

It's why they play the game! - Anon

Gideon and his rag-tag army of 300 were really no match for the vast army of the Midianites and Amalakites. But they fought and won anyway. Wow!

On paper, you don't stand a chance. The odds are mightily against you. The laws are stacked against you. On the field or court, the opponent is bigger, stronger, quicker, and nastier than you. It's like Goliath against little scrawny David. But yet, they still play the game and often the 'expected' outcome is not the end result. Somewhere during the battle, during all the scratching and clawing, the courage, faith, obedience, and willingness to lay it all on the line proved more than enough for the underdog to walk away with the victory. In sports they call it momentum, in our daily walk we call it God fighting our battles. We may not win every time, but we'll never know until we let go and let God. That's how and why we should play the game today!

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up..." - Luke 18:1

Character: What's in you?

How we play the game shows something of our character; how we lose shows all of it. – R. Murray

Saul was happy David had slain the giant Goliath. But when the people praised David ‘more’ than him, all bets were off. Hmm!

Chair throwing, running into the stands after a fan, obscene gestures, etc. We’ve all seen or heard of this behavior in sports and rightly detest it. We make statements like “he should know better,” or “come on, get a grip,” or “it’s not that serious!” But often in our daily living we’re not much better. Minor incidents – we curse or swear like a sailor. Delays or setbacks – we blow our top. Unrequited respect – we burn a hole in them with our glare. As people of the Word, we are not called to always be nice but we are called to be holy and righteous in all we do. The good thing about it is God is a God of second and third chances, so today is another gift.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” – Matthew 7:20

Just A Little Bingo

A walk is as good as a hit! - Anon (maybe Bro. A. Salyard)

All Aaron and Hur did was 'help' Moses hold his hands up in prayer for Joshua in battle. It was more than enough. Hmm!

The objective of baseball is to get on base and score. Yes, homeruns are a grand event, but most runs scored in a game occur without the ball ever leaving the ballpark. Runners get on base by way of a base hit OR walk, and are moved around the bases and brought home to score by the batters after them. It's a team effort. It's the same in our work of kingdom building. We all have a part to play in building up Christ's kingdom or church, and no role is too small to be overlooked or thought unimportant. Just as it often takes more than one player to score a run, it often takes many 'touches' from many different disciples of Jesus before a sinner is convinced they need what Jesus offers. So today, as we stand in the batter's box, remember a walk is as good as a hit.

Until tomorrow......  

Pastor Botts

"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some..." - I Corinthians 9:22

Play the Game

God has called us to play in the game of life, not to referee and keep score. – R. Murray

Abraham, Joseph, David, Job; despite what hardships they encountered in life they persevered in faith. AMEN!

When it comes to playing games, if the truth be told; all of us like the rules when they favor us, and dislike them when they don’t. We often take the same attitude towards life as well. We want to stop it, make it fair, get the score (are we up or down), and even change the rules we don't like or agree with. But this is not our right nor our privilege. We were made to bring God glory in all things, period. I say it very deliberately – trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes even defeat, are the very foods that fuel the growth of our faith. We grow through such ‘game time encounters’ when we persevere without looking for the easy way out, and God has promised to pay what is right.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right’.” – Matthew 20:3

Enjoying the "Game"

My favorite part of the game is the opportunity to play – Mike Singletary

When the disciples asked Jesus what he was doing, he said “come and see.” Later he said "Go and Do!" Amen.

Plain and simple, God is on a mission to make His story known to all mankind. Man may not believe in God, but God believes in man. And he is inviting each of us to join Him in this great mission. And each day God manifests Himself in some new and awesome manner to show us He cares. And regardless of what we may or may not have done, or the ability we may or may not have He’s inviting us each again today to join Him. And in spite of the economy, in spite of social conditions, and in spite of our own current situation, it’s great to be alive, and though life is not a game, it can and should be enjoyable for us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12

Prepare to Begin

I always make sure the lid over the keyboard is open before I start to play. – A. Schnabel

Job always started his mornings with a sacrifice offering to God. God said there was no one like him on earth. WOW!

The average person will stretch or warm up before a workout or game, study for an exam, warm up their car, and even prepare for a date. We know the benefits of such advance preparations. But yet we often barge right into God’s creation – TODAY – with no time or thought given to the Creator. If God has filled each day with purpose, and we know He has; it would be wise of us to check in with Him first thing before we go off on the wrong tangent. A day hemmed in prayer won’t soon unravel.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” – Psalm 5:3