Learning Life's Lessons

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever-evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

The Battle in a New Normal

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. – Douglas MacArthur

David often sought God’s will before he sought his enemy. Hmm!

Reveille! Alarm clock! Sunrise! Whatever the means, we’re all awake for today. It’s here and coming on strong whether we like it or not. As you embark upon your day, remember you are at war. Not only with the fallout from the continuing pandemic but with all the changes it has brought along to our normal way of life, our physical gatherings, and fellowship. A 'new' normal is upon us. But the enemy will be continually targeting your heart and mind, firing away to make you lose your focus or resolve and doubt your faith and purpose. Make sure you dress properly for the battle otherwise you are sure to become a casualty of war.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes….” - Ephesians 6:11

Thinking of the Master's Plan

If God uses the resistant and the reluctant, imagine what he could do with the ready and willing? – D. Walter

Jonah didn’t want to go, Gideon didn’t feel qualified to go, Paul “kicked” against Him. God used them all for His glory. Hmm!

Agenda’s, To-do lists, personal goals, etc. Truth be known most of us have one or more of these things that we sometimes allow to dictate into our lives – even if contrary in the face of God’s will. We often let His requests or desires take a back seat to our own ideas or wants, not willing to deny ourselves in any opportunity. And only after trying and failing at our own do we reluctantly obey God’s call. And amazingly blessings always seem to follow. Hmm! Maybe it’s best to just go along with God’s desires, after all; He knows what’s best.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me’” – Isaiah 6:8

A New View

One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his time when it comes. – B. Disraeli

Isaiah didn’t fully know what his role would be, but he did say “here am I, send me!” Amen.

The New Year is upon us. An open road, clear window – however you view it – is present. How about we start it out with a solid foundational point of reference: “I am a beautiful representation of the God who made me!” A start from here should lay to rest any and all ego issues, comparison issues, and/or value issues. We no longer have to try and seek the approval of others, wish we looked like a movie star or other hero, think we’re less than because we’re not worth millions, or feel we can’t tell others about Jesus because we barely know a scripture or two. Just trusting in the God who made us, and resting in the truth that God loves us no matter what should be enough. May we all learn to value and love ourselves better in His sight this year.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14

Long Live the Christmas Spirit!

Next to a circus there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out of town faster than the Christmas spirit. – K. Hubbard

The moment Jesus approached the demon-possessed man, the demons were ready to flee. WOW!

The ‘New Year.’ Only 7 days behind the ‘celebration’ of the birth of the Christ child, but millions of miles apart from “peace on earth and goodwill to all men.” Now it’s back to business as usual – how do we get ahead, what’s our new battle plan, a return to the wars that await. But if the birth of Christ made a difference in the world 2,000 plus years ago, and made a difference in our hearts when we accepted Him personally, should not that ‘spirit’ be alive in us every day, even right now! Yes, the world awaits us as it always has, the problem is we so often meet it far removed from Christ. Let’s try a different approach and let the ‘Christmas spirit’ live in us and through us all the time. We’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain. Happy New Year!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – I Peter 3:15

More Lessons Learned

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed, but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

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

Program, Set, Go!

Do not have your concert first and THEN tune your instrument later! – J. Taylor

David was a victorious warrior king because he often sought God before the battle. -Hmm!

On any given flight, beyond the take-off and landing; most of the flight is controlled by the autopilot. It is pre-programmed with all the flight data; and has many redundant or back-up systems to make sure it stays the course. The important thing to note is that the autopilot is programmed BEFORE the flight takes off. By comparison many of us live our lives on autopilot, doing things by ritual. We try and grab God as we go; or convince ourselves that we’ll take time a little later to get with Him. And then the crisis hits and often we crash –OUCH! If God is truly the pilot of our lives maybe we need to give Him time each morning to program our autopilot feature. After all He knows the weather ahead!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love…..show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” – Psalm 143:8

Ready, Prep, Go!

Goals are dreams with deadlines! - Anon

The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for the return of Elijah. Jesus told his disciples Elijah (John the Baptist) had already come. They weren’t ready and ‘missed’ him. WOW!

Many of us look forward to certain dates (payday, birthday, anniversary, vacation, Christmas, etc.) often marking them on our calendars, making detailed plans and telling everyone we can about it. But in the case of our Savior’s return we do little or nothing in terms of planning and preparation. If the Word of God is true and He could return at any moment; shouldn’t our lives be in order, our relationships set right, and our actions motivated purely by love and not selfish gain? This is not to say that we don’t plan to enjoy life, but if Heaven is our goal and we fail to plan, then we plan to fail. Why not began preparing TODAY!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:39-40

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 14

Today's scripture question: Where might verse 12 apply in your life now?

Ready to go with it

If God uses the resistant and the reluctant, imagine what he could do with the ready and willing? – D. Walter

Jonah didn’t want to go, Gideon didn’t feel qualified to go, Paul “kicked” against Him. God used them all for His glory. Hmm!

Agenda’s, To-do lists, personal goals, etc. Truth be known most of us have one or more of these things that we sometimes allow to dictate in our lives – even if contrary in the face of God’s will. We often let His requests or desires take a back seat to our own ideas or wants, not willing to deny ourselves in any opportunity. And only after trying and failing at our own do we reluctantly obey God’s call. And amazingly blessings always seem to follow. Hmm! Maybe it’s best to just go along with God’s desires, after all; He knows what’s best.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me’” – Isaiah 6:8

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

Are ya Willing?

 If God uses the resistant and the reluctant, imagine what he could do with the ready and willing? – D. Walter

Jonah didn’t want to go, Gideon didn’t feel qualified to go, Paul “kicked” against Him. God used them all for His glory. Hmm!

Agenda’s, To-do lists, personal goals, etc. Truth be known most of us have one or more of these things that we sometimes allow to dictate into our lives – even if contrary in the face of God’s will. We often let His requests or desires take a back seat to our own ideas or wants, not willing to deny ourselves in any opportunity. And only after trying and failing at our own do we reluctantly obey God’s call. And amazingly blessings always seem to follow. Hmm! Maybe it’s best to just go along with God’s desires, after all; He knows what’s best.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me’” – Isaiah 6:8

Still Learning

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed, but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow……..

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

Here it comes

It is dangerous to pray if you are not ready to accept the answer. – R. Murray

Gideon was okay with God answering the prayers to come and help his people, he just wasn’t keen on the idea that God needed him to help out. Hmm!

We’ve all heard the phrase “be careful of what you ask for, because you just might get it.” Well in prayer that phrase is truly applicable. God is a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. Whenever God speaks to us, it will immediately require an adjustment in our life, and our reaction will reflect what we truly believe about Him. We will either be drawn closer to Him, or move further away – but we will not remain where we are. Essentially, each time we read our bible and/or pray to God we must be prepared to either obey or be disobedient, for God will speak into our life. But though He speaks, He will leave the choice, and its consequences solely up to us. So today may be bringing answers to yesterday’s prayers.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me; ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness….” – II Corinthians 12:8-9