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

Impaired Judgement

Impaired vision isn't only an eye problem. - Anon

Naomi wanted to be called 'Mara' or bitter. God showed her that name didn't really fit. Amen!

DUI/DWI. Acronyms that no one really wants associated with their name. It means being caught operating a motor vehicle while your judgment has been impaired by alcohol, drugs or medications. Though we do all we can to ensure this is not us, we often find ourselves equally guilty of impaired judgment when it comes to others. We see and assume the worst of people just by their appearance (heavily tattooed - must be a gang member, unkempt or dirty - must be homeless, etc.). The fact of the matter is Jesus tells us not to judge anyone, for we all have issues and shortcomings. The good news is God is not finished with us yet. So, ours should not be a comparison game of who's better off, but a prayer moment of "Lord, help us both, that you might be glorified!" As we greet this new dawning called today, may this be our prayer throughout.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....do not judge, or you too will be judged...." - Matthew 7:1

What Does the Heart Say?

When it comes to righteousness, the heart of the problem is always the problem of the heart. - Anon

Paul admitted there was always a battle going on within his heart, but he was ‘thankful’ to Jesus for the victory. Hmm!

HEART. The word has many positive uses in our everyday language. When someone shows courage we say they are ‘lion-hearted.’ When someone shows kindness we say they have a ‘heart of gold.’ When we try to encourage others we say ‘take heart.’ Even in our studies when we learn something well we say we ‘know it by heart.’ There are many others you could attach, some even with negative connotations. But the rudimentary thought is this, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” So, it begs the question – how are WE? Do others place a positive or negative connotation with our name? If we’re ever to live like Christ and be the example of Him to the world today, we must give Him our heart.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30

Enjoy Life!

Life is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be enjoyed. – J. Dooley

Mary, mother of Jesus; saw amazing things in her son’s life she didn’t fully understand – but she ‘treasured’ them in her heart. AMEN!

Most of us go through life trying to “figure it out,” assuming if we do we can then somehow commandeer it and take full advantage. The only problem is it takes a lifetime to figure out life is not the problem, we are. You cannot commandeer something that is already freely given to you – and God gives us life one day at a time. His hope is that we will see His handiwork in all things and live in such a way that we reflect the very image of glory He breathed into us. Yes there are circumstances and situations we must contend with, but they only serve to help shape our character, but God left the enjoyment factor up to us. Hope you enjoy what he sends today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“These are the commands, decrees, and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you…so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God…..and so that you may enjoy long life.” -Deuteronomy 6:1-2

No Worries Here

If you can solve your problem, then what’s the need of worrying? If you can’t solve it, then what’s the use of worrying? – Richard Murray

Even in the lion’s den Daniel never worried, and neither did God. And It all worked out wonderfully. Hmm!

We try to get by saying things like “I’m just thinking about something,” or “I’ve just got a little something on my mind,” or even “I’m just meditating.” But in reality it’s worry – the inability to trust God to work things out in His time and His way. Worry, like fear; causes us to shrink back from action, to limit what we believe God can do or will do in our case. It’s a highly prized tool of our enemy because worry gets us to take our focus off of God, and place it on our finite resources or strength. But if God is God, He’s still in control and knows our every need, and will keep His promise to supply all that we need to serve Him. Worry only comes when God is not truly our choice. The only surefire way to worry about nothing is to pray about everything.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God…..will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

If There Is A Problem, YO! Go Solve It!

The best way to escape from your problem is to solve it. – R. Anthony

The Prodigal Son got remedy to his problem by admitting his error and going back home. Hmm!

When it comes to problems most of us have mastered the art of procrastination, sweeping them under the rug, or just wishing they would go away – they don’t. Life’s circumstances come upon us to sharpen and refine us in our character. The longer we try to hide from them, put them off, or try to get someone else to take them off our hands, the longer we live in torment and actually slow our growth. God alone knows what each one of us can bear and He alone knows what circumstances to bring upon each one of us for the desired growth He has in mind. So as you face the issues of the day, whether in sickness or in health; remember the best way to escape is to go through it.

Until Monday………

Pastor Botts

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

The No Blame Game

In life, try to fix the mistakes – not the blame! – Anon

Back in the original Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve; and we know what the end result of that was. Hmm!

It’s a guarantee that in your life today a problem will arise or a mistake will occur. They will not necessarily be yours but they will impact you. It’s called circumstances. Issues never arise for finger-pointing exercise, but for active responses like healing, helping, loving, forgiving, etc. Like Jesus’ response to the woman taken in adultery, God is expecting us to NOT do the ordinary and selfish but the extraordinary and life-giving. The key to it all is to remember that we too fall short sometimes and need a little grace.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1-2

P.S. - Hope you can make it out to Family N' Friends Gamenight tonight at 6:30pm.

God: Still Meeting Needs

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

Impaired Judgement

Impaired vision isn't only an eye problem. - Anon

Naomi wanted to be called 'Mara' or bitter. God showed her that name didn't really fit. Amen!

DUI/DWI. Acronyms that no one really wants associated with their name. It means being caught operating a motor vehicle while your judgment has been impaired by alcohol, drugs or medications. Though we do all we can to ensure this is not us, we often find ourselves equally guilty of impaired judgment when it comes to others. We see and assume the worst of people just by their appearance (heavily tattooed - must be a gang member, unkempt or dirty - must be homeless, etc.). The fact of the matter is Jesus tells us not to judge anyone, for we all have issues and shortcomings. The good news is God is not finished with us yet. So ours should not be a comparison game of who's better off, but a prayer moment of "Lord, help us both, that you might be glorified!" As we greet this new dawning called today, may this be our prayer throughout.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....do not judge, or you too will be judged...." - Matthew 7:1

Prayer Answers

A most important part of prayer is a willingness to be part of the answer. – Anon

Naaman really wanted to be healed by God’s man; he just didn’t want to have to do anything to receive it. – Hmm!

Prayer is a marvelous venue, to talk things over with the Creator. To seek His will in our lives. But often, because God is all powerful we give Him marching orders, edicts, or demands in our prayer time with Him, expecting Him to fully carry out our desires without any assistance or concern on our part. Prayer changes things because it changes us – our heart. If we refuse to change or allow God to change us we’re in essence saying we’re perfect as we are, and in reality we know that is not true. God works in us, on us, and through us to perfect us and those around us. If we’re not a part of the solution then we’re part of the problem.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me….I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’” – Esther 4:16

Church like Jesus

Most people don’t really have a problem with Jesus, just the ‘church’ that claims to represent him. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Israelites loved being God’s chosen nation, but His laws and commands left a lot to be desired. Hmm!

Things aren’t always as they appear. It's a truth I’m sure we’re all somewhat familiar with, and one we need to make sure does not apply to us. In our proclaiming the relevance of Christ for today’s world, we need to make sure that it is Christ’s message we are sharing and living and not simply our convenient version of it. Yes the world is as sinful today as it was in the time that Jesus walked the earth physically, and though we do ‘hate the sin’ they practice; we must not project that hatred on to them, lest we will never reach out to them. Jesus ate and communed with sinners and looked for every opportunity to mingle with them in hopes to cleanse, purify and save them. Our challenge is not to ‘condemn’ anyone but to try and love them to repentance just as Jesus did. God will be testing us all in some measure today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake.” – II Corinthians 4:5

Problems Solved

When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when God doesn’t solve your problems He has faith in your abilities. – Anon

God did not call Gideon ‘mighty warrior’ just for fun. Amen!

Anyone familiar with the ‘A-Team’ knows their leader’s catch-phrase “I love it when a plan comes together.” And for most of us it’s a truth we live by and fully depend on, trusting God will always work it out. We faithfully believe God cannot and will not fail, and because He is true to His Word He won’t fail. There is nothing God can’t do, but there are many things God won’t do. He has trusted those things to us, and has instructed us, trained us, gifted us, and surrounded us with support for those times. So if times are a bit tough as they can often become, while we’re faithfully waiting on God’s ability, we might want to check to see if He’s not just smiling and waiting on us.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” – John 14:12

The right tool

When your only tool is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. – A. Maslow

Though Jesus was raised as a carpenter's son, he rarely used those tools. Hmm!

The right tool for the job. Although a slogan borrowed by many a hardware store or craftsman, it is a reality born out of God’s word. If you’re still getting results you don’t like, maybe you’re using the wrong tool. We need to sometimes ask ourselves based on what is presently going on in our lives, what tool is God trying to add to our toolbox? A little love, compassion, or forgiveness maybe? Or maybe even some patience, prayer, humility, or wisdom. Remember He’s equipping us for His glory not our own, that the world may know we are His by our “handiwork.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Study to show yourself approved…….that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – II Timothy 3:17

Why Worry?

If you can solve your problem, then what’s the need of worrying? If you can’t solve it, then what’s the use of worrying? – R. Murray

Even in the lion’s den Daniel never worried, and neither did God. And It all worked out wonderfully. Hmm!

We try to get by saying things like “I’m just thinking about something,” or “I’ve just got a little something on my mind,” or even “I’m just meditating.” But in reality it’s worry – the inability to trust God to work things out in His time and His way. Worry, like fear; causes us to shrink back from action, to limit what we believe God can do or will do in our case.  It’s a highly prized tool of our enemy because worry gets us to take our focus off of God, and place it on our finite resources or strength. But if God is God, He’s still in control and knows our every need, and will keep His promise to supply all that we need to serve Him. Worry only comes when God is not truly our choice. The only surefire way to worry about nothing is to pray about everything.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God…..will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

If there is a problem, Yo! He solved it!

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

Solve It

The best way to escape from your problem is to solve it. – R. Anthony

The Prodigal Son got remedy to his problem by admitting his error and going back home. Hmm!

When it comes to problems most of us have mastered the art of procrastination, sweeping them under the rug, or just wishing they would go away – they don’t. Life’s circumstances come upon us to sharpen and refine us in our character. The longer we try to hide from them, put them off, or try to get someone else to take them off our hands, the longer we live in torment and actually stymie our growth. God alone knows what each one of us can bear and He alone knows what circumstances to bring upon each one of us for the desired growth He has in mind. So as you face the issues of the day, whether in sickness or in health; remember the best way to escape is to go through it.

Until tomorrow………

Pastor Botts

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Get down to the heart of the matter

When it comes to righteousness, the heart of the problem is always the problem of the heart. - Anon

Paul admitted there was always a battle going on within his heart, but he was ‘thankful’ to Jesus for the victory. Hmm!

HEART. The word has many positive uses in our everyday language. When someone shows courage we say they are ‘lion-hearted.’ When someone shows kindness we say they have a ‘heart of gold.’ When we try to encourage others we say ‘take heart.’ Even in our studies when we learn something well we say we ‘know it by heart.’ There are many others you could attach, some even with negative connotations. But the rudimentary thought is this, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  So, it begs the question – how are WE? Do others place a positive or negative connotation with our name? If we’re ever to live like Christ and be the example of Him to the world today, we must give Him our heart.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30

Enjoy Life

Life is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be enjoyed. – J. Dooley

Mary, mother of Jesus; saw amazing things in her son’s life she didn’t fully understand – but she ‘treasured’ them in her heart. AMEN!

Most of us go through life trying to “figure it out,” assuming if we do we can then somehow commandeer it and take full advantage. The only problem is it takes a lifetime to figure out life is not the problem, we are. You cannot commandeer something that is already freely given to you – and God gives us life one day at a time. His hope is that we will see His handiwork in all things and live in such a way that we reflect the very image of glory He breathed into us. Yes there are circumstances and situations we must contend with, but they only serve to help shape our character, but God left the enjoyment factor up to us. Hope you enjoy what he sends today!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“These are the commands, decrees, and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you…so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God…..and so that you may enjoy long life.” -Deuteronomy 6:1-2