Living the Slower Pace

Sure, the tortoise is slow, but he is surefooted in his progress. - Anon

Noah took 100+ years to build the ark because that’s what God gave him. Hmm!

It’s no secret that most automobile accidents are caused by someone driving to fast. Likewise, it’s also no secret that most lives are destroyed by fast-living. Life is not meant to be fast. It is meant to be lived, experienced, and savored. Haste truly does make waste. When we take the time to actually live life and savor our experiences, then we can begin to determine what is really important and necessary and what is not. If we were to analyze it we would find that most of our life is just busy work – just look at all of our gadgets. If we read through the scriptures we find there is never a time that God or His Son Jesus was in a hurry. No matter how much we want to speed things up so that we can multi-task and experience it all, we can’t change the laws of nature, that’s God’s business. When we continually move too fast we miss opportunities to stop, gaze, and savor the world through God’s eyes. Care to take a look?

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 fall…” – II Peter 1:10

Divinely Directed Decisions

When in doubt, be decisive! – Anon

Moses stretching forth the rod. The Israelites marching around Jericho’s walls. On the surface these things make no sense, but underneath there was God at work. Wow!

Life has its major decision moments, its fork in the road opportunities, and seemingly it’s almost like they happen every day. The key is to not let these times stop our progress or forward motion. Procrastination is the great enemy of progress, and when we can’t make up our minds we tend to make ourselves miserable. So when the time for action arrives, we should act. This is not to say we rush into any and everything, but if our prayer life is alive and well, we’ve been in communication with God already, and He’s promised to guide our footsteps. We just need to relax and listen for our inner voice (spirit) to whisper ‘this is the way.’ There really is no need for us to fear the decisions of life when we truly know Jesus, for His name means Wonderful Counselor.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…an indecisive man is unstable in all his ways…..” James 1:8

What Develops From Difficulties

What seems a hindrance often becomes a way of progress. – Henry Nouwen

Paul said his ‘chains’ (prisoner status) actually aided him in furthering the gospel message. AMEN!

Admittedly, we seldom do well in difficulty. Hindrances and difficulties seem to frustrate us, make us angry with others, even God at times. And because we are self-centered more than we ought to be, hindrances and difficulties often make us feel victimized, “why me?” And our natural response is to try and sidestep them if at all possible. In truth, difficulties can and do tell us much about ourselves, and they are an important factor in change. God knows this and He creatively often uses hindrances and difficulty to get our attention or focus on what’s really important. The truth of the matter is when we take time to pray, be still, and face the hindrance or difficulty head on, we’ll discover that it was not what it first seemed – a hindrance – but in fact a way to a new experience with God. And in the end, isn’t that what we’re after?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance…” – James 1:2-3

God's Work In Progress

I don’t have it all together, but I have a God in who’s hands I have put it. – Anon

Paul proclaimed He hadn’t attained it all yet, but he continued to press forward and trust the God who promised it to him. Amen!

Life! It happens fast, hits hard, takes no prisoners, and asks no questions. For the common person they may go by the saying “it is what it is!” But for us saints who profess to truly live by our faith the saying is “this is what is….but God and I are working on it. We’re nowhere near being done and we’re enjoying each other’s company as we go along on the journey. The one thing we know and take heart in is that whatever the situation, circumstance, heartache, sorrow, or loss is now – when God and I get through this I will look a little bit more like Jesus.” And that’s okay with me! What about you?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..your love, Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.” – Psalm 138:8

The Power of Change

The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress. - C. Kettering

The Israelites wanted freedom from bondage, yet when God was bringing it about through Moses they sure complained a whole lot. Hmm!

We look forward to it, but yet we abhor it at the same time. What is it - CHANGE! We embrace the idea of new adventures, relationships, opportunities per se, but we hate letting go of existing ties. Like a child going away to college, they know they'll eventually form new relationships and gain new friends, but also the friends and relationships they leave behind will change, or possibly die. But the fact of the matter is God brings change in our lives to grow/mature us and even shows us more of His majesty and purpose for us. In truth, the only constant in life is change. All of us come here as infants, but look at us now, my have we changed! And not just in shape or appearance, but in thoughts and attitudes. If God is truly leading us in our lives, then change should never be feared - even when we don't fully understand if. We should just trust in the One who's leading, that He knows the way ahead. After all, change is a good part of the life God has for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed." - I Samuel 10:6

Passionate Pursuit of Spiritual Progression

Learning comes not from having books, writings, or even teachers; but the DESIRE within to know. – Anon

God chose many of His servants not based on what they knew, but WHO they pursued. AMEN!

Pre-school! High School! Colleges, universities, the ‘school of hard knocks.’ All avenues of education, life preparation, and social maturation. Each student has access to all they need to learn, but yet teachers still use grades such as A,B,C… to show their progress, which in truth is a measure of the student’s desire to actually know and understand. Similarly, in our Christian lives we have the same equal access to the bible, spiritual teachers/mentors, and fellowship with other Christians, to help us grow in the faith. And we see the same results, not all of us pursue spiritual growth with the same passion or desire. God is calling us into a relationship to ‘know Him’ not just know about Him. And as gracious as He is, He won’t be using a grading scale like our earthly teachers.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"…One thing I ask of the Lord. This is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” – Psalm 27:4

Taking Life Off Pause

Even if you can’t get over it, get on with it! – R. Gilbert

Esau was infuriated with his brother Jacob for ‘stealing’ his blessing, but he managed to make a good life for himself and his people. It changed his heart too! WOW!

Life is a series of actions, circumstances, and events that come upon us all. And oftentimes the end results are not pleasant or to our liking. But we must remember God is not so much concerned about our ‘comfort’ in life as He is with our character. The things He allows (and yes sometimes He uses our enemies) are to help shape and mold us into what He needs us to be. We injure ourselves and slow our progress when we hold grudges or revenge in our heart – it's just excess baggage. Our lives should not be on hold because of what happened yesterday, we should be continually pressing on toward ‘the prize.’

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw of everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1

Slow Down and Have A Look

Sure the tortoise is slow, but he is surefooted in his progress. - Anon

Noah took 100+ years to build the ark because that’s what God gave him. Hmm!

It’s no secret that most automobile accidents are caused by someone driving to fast. Likewise, it’s also no secret that most lives are destroyed by fast-living. Life is not meant to be fast. It is meant to be lived, experienced, and savored. Haste truly does make waste. When we take the time to actually live life and savor our experiences, then we can begin to determine what is really important and necessary and what is not. If we were to analyze it we would find that most of our life is just busy work – just look at all of our gadgets. If we read through the scriptures we find there is never a time that God or His Son Jesus was in a hurry. No matter how much we want to speed things up so that we can multi-task and experience it all, we can’t change the laws of nature, that’s God’s business. When we continually move too fast we miss opportunities to stop, gaze, and savor the world through God’s eyes. Care to take a look?

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 fall…” – II Peter 1:10

The Times They Are A Changin

The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress. - C. Kettering

The Israelites wanted freedom from bondage, yet when God was bringing it about through Moses they sure complained a whole lot. Hmm!

We look forward to it, but yet we abhor it at the same time. What is it - CHANGE! We embrace the idea of new adventures, relationships, opportunities per se, but we hate letting go of existing ties. Like a child going away to college, they know they'll eventually form new relationships and gain new friends, but also the friends and relationships they leave behind will change, or possibly die. But the fact of the matter is God brings change in our lives to grow/mature us and even shows us more of His majesty and purpose for us. In truth, the only constant in life is change. All of us come here as infants, but look at us now, my have we changed! And not just in shape or appearance, but in thoughts and attitudes. If God is truly leading us in our lives, then change should never be feared - even when we don't fully understand it. We should just trust in the One who's leading, that He knows the way ahead. After all, change is a good part of the life God has for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed." - I Samuel 10:6

Moving Forward

Regret is mostly caused by not having done anything. - Charles Bukowski

It made no sense at all to march around Jericho 7 times until it did. - Hmm!

Remember Lot's wife, after receiving God's instructions not to look back she did anyway, and it cost her dearly. Why did she do it? Possibly because she was a little uncomfortable leaving the 'familiar'. It's true, many of us are uncomfortable leaving the familiar, the tried and true. It's what we know, it fits well, and it's easy. One consequence of looking back is it makes moving forward much, much harder than it need be. True, moving forward is uncertain and often calls for us to exert ourselves in new ways we're not sure of. But move forward we must, and the great thing about it is we can trust God to provide all we need as doors and opportunity open up. Remember He prepares the way so we're always in a forward march position. Here's praying we can stay in step.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The [Master replied] well then, you should have put my 'talent' on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest." - Matthew 25:27

Don't Just Chew On This

Chewing gum only proves that you can have motion without progress. – Sparks

The Israelites wandered for 40 years on a trek that should have roughly only taken them 2-weeks or so. WOW!

Merry-go-rounds. You've seen them spinning with the horses going up and down, a lot of motion and activity. But when they stop, you're still in the place you started - no progress made. Often people are just like that in their commitment to God. Many of us sometimes just go through the motions, fooling only ourselves. God is not deceived, for remember “he looks on the heart” and “knows the thoughts and intents of man.” So it is not our keeping of ‘duty’ that stirs God, but our desire for relationship with Him. Out of this communion spring all the details of life’s actions. Our steps truly become ordered, our words truly become seasoned, our time truly invested in others for the sake of the kingdom, and our labor is not in vain. Are you game?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

No Better Time Than NOW To Get Started

The most important part of any work is – the beginning. – Plato

Noah had never heard of or seen rain when God commanded him to build the ark. Good thing he didn’t wait until he saw the first rain drop.

One of the more convenient tools of the enemy is procrastination. Particularly when it comes to doing the things that help build up and strengthen us and God’s kingdom. Why, because there can never be progress nor a completion of assignment without a beginning first. There can never be perfection attained without a beginning of practice. It sounds simple enough but often more things are put off than started not so much do to lack of desire, but due to an expectation that there is plenty of time. Today is all we’re promised. But Today as it is called is enough of an opportunity to begin again.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Focus Forward

To keep proper focus always remember: From where you came; Where you are going; and to Whom you must give account. – Richard Murray

In all of his misery Job never forgot that “naked I came into the world and naked I shall depart, but the Lord is to be praised.” WOW!

With all that’s going on in the world around us and in our immediate lives sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. The number one goal of our enemy is to get us to take our focus off of God and major in the minor things in our life, our imperfections, failures, our losses. When we get caught up in self pity we leave little room for God to work in us and on us. We can’t wallow in the moment, we must remember we’re on a journey for God. Progress sometimes is slow, but if we keep moving forward we will one day have a good report.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” – Philippians 3:12

Steady Progress

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid of only standing still. – Richard Murray

Jesus was twelve when he stymied the teachers of his day, but didn’t start his ministry until he was 30 – he needed the time. Hmm!

When it comes to change too often we want it now, in the dramatic, miraculous fashion; and grow weary and ready to give up when it doesn’t happen that way. But if we look around and understand God and His nature He always takes His time in developing or growing plans. He made man on the 7^th day, not the first. Christ came as a ‘baby in a manger’ not a full grown man. God is always at work, ‘He neither slumbers nor sleeps,’ so He is working on us. Our role is to be patient, steady, and persevere under the circumstances in which He has placed us. None of us are where we truly want to be maturity wise, but if we look back we should see a steady pattern or progression of betterment in our lives and with that - REJOICE!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Growth Potential

Suffering, while common to us; is NEVER without its potential for growth. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though he was already an example of a righteous man as seen by God, Job still grew closer to God because of his suffering. Hmm!

A bountiful garden is a beautiful sight but hard work, even from the plants perspective. Every seed planted has to die to begin new life, and even then push its way up through the hardened soil before it can stretch forth and blossom. The sufferings we face and endure have the potential and end-goal to help us shine more for Christ. It’s how we progress through it that will tell whether we blossom and become better or wither and become bitter. And though we dislike the process, it is God’s way for us sometime; but if we look over our life we can see it really doesn’t occur that often, that our good days far outweigh our bad days – so why complain?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” – I Peter 4:19

Progress Beyond the Hindrance

What seems a hindrance often becomes a way of progress. – Henry Nouwen

Paul said his ‘chains’ (prisoner status) actually aided him in furthering the gospel message. AMEN!

Admittedly, we seldom do well in difficulty. Hindrances and difficulties seem to frustrate us, make us angry with others, even God at times. And because we are self-centered more than we ought to be, hindrances and difficulties often make us feel victimized, “why me?” And our natural response is to try and sidestep them if at all possible. In truth, difficulties can and do tell us much about ourselves, and they are an important factor in change. God knows this and He creatively often uses hindrances and difficulty to get our attention or focus on what’s really important. The truth of the matter is when we take time to pray, be still, and face the hindrance or difficulty head on, we’ll discover that it was not what it first seemed – a hindrance – but in fact a way to a new experience with God. And in the end, isn’t that what we’re after?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance…” – James 1:2-3

Slow, See, and Savor

Sure the tortoise is slow, but he is surefooted in his progress. - Anon

Noah took 100+ years to build the ark because that’s what God gave him. Hmm!

It’s no secret that most automobile accidents are caused by someone driving too fast. Likewise, it’s also no secret that most lives are destroyed by fast-living. Life is not meant to be fast. It is meant to be lived, experienced, and savored. Haste truly does make waste. When we take the time to actually live life and savor our experiences, then we can begin to determine what is really important and necessary and what is not. If we were to analyze it we would find that most of our life is just busy work – just look at all of our gadgets. If we read through the scriptures we find there is never a time that God or His Son Jesus was in a hurry. No matter how much we want to speed things up so that we can multi-task and experience it all, we can’t change the laws of nature, that’s God’s business. When we continually move too fast we miss opportunities to stop, gaze, and savor the world through God’s eyes. Care to take a look?

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 fall…” – II Peter 1:10

Get up!

It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you have the courage to get back up. – Vince Lombardi

Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and later thrown into prison by his owner, yet Pharaoh made him 2nd in command to all of Egypt. WOW!

Contrary to popular belief the object of football is not just to knock your opponent down but to score. But the action of the game does make a good analogy to life. We spend our life in the pursuit of fruitful things, worthwhile goals, etc. But in our everyday living there will be some big hits, painful blows that knock us down, put us in a daze even. Personal and spiritual attacks from within and without, job issues, health matters just to name a few. But if we really have the faith we profess we’ll be able to pick ourselves up and go on no matter what. Today will give ample opportunity for progress.

Until tomorrow……...

Pastor Botts

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” – II Corinthians 4:8-9

Push Press Progress

To keep proper focus always remember: From where you came; Where you are going; and to Whom you must give account. – R. Murray

In all of his misery Job never forgot that “naked I came into the world and naked I shall depart, but the Lord is to be praised.” WOW!

With all that’s going on in the world around us and in our immediate lives sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. The number one goal of our enemy is to get us to take our focus off of God and major in the minor things in our life, our imperfections, failures, our losses. When we get caught up in self pity we leave little room for God to work in us and on us. We can’t wallow in the moment, we must remember we’re on a journey for God. Progress sometimes is slow, but if we keep moving forward we will one day have a good report.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” – Philippians 3:12

A Garden of Potential

Suffering, while common to us; is NEVER without its potential for growth. – Dietrich  Bonhoeffer

Though he was already an example of a righteous man as seen by God, Job still grew closer to God because of his suffering. Hmm!

A bountiful garden is a beautiful sight but hard work, even from the plants perspective. Every seed planted has to die to begin new life, and even then push its way up through the hardened soil before it can stretch forth and blossom. The sufferings we face and endure have the potential and end-goal to help us shine more for Christ. It’s how we progress through it that will tell whether we blossom and become better or wither and become bitter. And though we dislike the process, it is God’s way for us sometime; but if we look over our life we can see it really doesn’t occur that often, that our good days far outweigh our bad days – so why complain?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” – I Peter 4:19