Give Some Effort

Success comes neither through the mail or prayer, but through faithful effort. – Anon

Even though God promised victory to him in the prayer before the battle, David still had to fight the battle. Hmm!

If should come as no surprise that life is somewhat an action sport – meaning; that to get anything from it, we must live it out. The things we desire success in, Christian living, marriage, career path, education, etc., will only be achieved through concerted effort. Faith and prayer are the fuels we use to sustain us, but faith and prayer without work is just ‘whistlin in the wind.’ God fully expects us to use the skill sets, gifts, and mental acuity He has blessed us with, and we will have to give an accounting to Him one day about it. And last, we must remember no matter how great we may become, how good we may be at doing things, or the accolades others may heap upon us, God holds the only definition that really matters for success – salvation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things..…….Come and share your master’s happiness” – Matthew 25:21

Walk With Him

If a man can have salvation and not know it, he can lose it and not miss it. – A. Rogers

Samson slept hard and not only lost his hair, but lost his strength as well. The LORD had “departed” from him.

It's a truth that 'no one wants to be taken for granted.' People like to feel or believe they can offer something to the relationship - even God. But like Samson, many of us often walk day after day believing our relationship with God is all right, never really taking time to stop and commune with Him. But if we find ourselves committing the same sins over and over and constantly asking forgiveness, it’s a sure sign the LORD has departed from us; for His presence would give us true spiritual power to overcome the enemy or situation, whatever it may be. God is willing to walk with us to get us there, the question is: are we willing to walk with Him? His ways are exacting!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8

Don't Waste It, Embrace It

If you waste an hour in the morning you'll spend the day looking for it! - Anon

Those 'early morning' prayer times seemed to always keep Jesus on point. Hmm!

The common adage is "if it wasn't for the last minute nothing would get done!" Unfortunately many of us live in that zone - the last minute. Running in haste to finish projects or assignments, make necessary reservations/arrangements, midnight calls to God, etc. An early start seems out of the question for us. But the reality is time is our most precious commodity in life but also the one we waste the most. It's the one gift God grants everyone every day that makes us all equal, no matter our status - 24 hours each day for everyone. He allows us to determine how to use it, but know that once it's gone, it's gone, and it cannot be recaptured. We can perhaps recapture a moment of our youthful vigor or mindset, but not the time. Each morning we wake up the clock starts anew, so with today's gift here's hoping we all make the best of it for the glory of God.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." Romans 13:11

Hope to see you tomorrow morning for Prayer Breakfast at 9:30am.

Yet Praise Him

You cannot make yourself feel something you do not feel, but you can make yourself do right in spite of your feelings. – Pearl S. Buck

Job lost everything he had, including his health. His wife wanted him to curse God. He just couldn’t do it. AMEN!

At times in life it seems like everything we’re involved in is collapsing or going bad. Investments go south, friendships go stale, careers get sidetracked, etc. Difficult as these times are they are good opportunities to stop and examine what is truly important to us; our relationship with our Heavenly Father. In spite of all that is happening He is still worthy of praise. It might not come easily but it should come. Without God we would be totally lost. Our praise for Him does not depend on our success but on His goodness, grace, mercy, and faithfulness. No matter what happens to us in life we can always choose to praise Him.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” - Habakkuk 3:17-18

Downtime

We are so busy doing everything that we have no time to be anything. – V. Havner

Jethro’s advice to his son-in-law Moses, was not only sound, it brought times of refreshing to him and the people. WOW!

From covered-wagon to SUV’s, steam-locomotives to bullet trains, trans-Atlantic ships to around the world flights, one thing is for sure, we have progressed technologically. These are all great God-given ideas to make life easier, but I’m not so sure God meant for them to speed our lives up. We were created to have ‘complete’ cycles of down time as evidenced when He put Adam to sleep to create Eve. We were also created to have ‘complete’ cycles of time alone with Him as evidenced when He and Adam walked alone in the Garden. God offers us a peace that surpasses our understanding, but many of us are moving so fast it can’t catch up to us. We have our Smart-phones/PC’s, Smart-TV’s, Smart-cars, we virtually live on-line, and have apps for every need all at our fingertips – just press and go. But life has a God given pace (it’s not always faster, quicker, right now) which when found is almost worry free. Enoch found it as he ‘walked’ with God, and Paul found it as he learned ‘contentment’ in Christ. Today, God has said “it’s your move.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘in repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it…” – Isaiah 30:15

The People of Today

If you have one eye on yesterday, and one eye on tomorrow, you’re going to miss today. – Anon

On the road to Emmaus the 2 disciples were so concerned with what had happened and what might’ve been, they almost missed HIM WHO IS!

Last minute shopping, making preparations for the holiday, looking back over the years events, making new calendars and agendas for next year. Does any of this sound familiar? Possibly so for most of us! This time of year we lament on how fast the year has gone by and begin to make plans on how we’ll attack the New Year. It’s enough to wear you out. God knows what’s best for us which is why He only promises one day at a time. We should give the bulk of our resources, the bulk of our attention, and the bulk of our time to those people who cross our path today. This is how we spread the Good News and build the kingdom. At the last day God is not going to ask us if we worried about the needs or cares of life, but if we met the needs of those He sent our way.

I'll be taking some time off so this keyboard will be silent for a few days.

Until then...

Pastor Botts

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among all nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – I Chronicles 16:23-24

Today's A New Day

Don't let yesterday take up too much of today! - Richard Murray

When the Prodigal son came to his senses, he 'rushed' right home. Hmm!

"What's the use? Why should I try? It's never going to get any better!" Statements we've heard or maybe even uttered in our lifetime. What do they have in common? Too much emphasis on what has happened (yesterday) and not enough faith in what can happen (today). The remedy! Take the focus off of you, put it on God. Ask yourself, 'Why did God bless me with this day? Just to suffer more - NO.' He blessed me with today to trust Him more, to lean into Him a little harder, and to be a blessing to someone else. Remember, no matter your state or circumstances, the gift of today is for more than just you. When you learn to GIVE your blessing in part or whole to others, amazingly more blessings flow to you. Go figure, but that's how God works it. And maybe, just maybe, that ONE blessing that you need to show you 'What's the use?' is waiting to come to you to show you God heard you all along.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." - Psalm 51:12

Trust and Remain Faithful

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish HE wouldn’t trust me so much. – Mother Teresa

Moses didn’t think he could go and face Pharaoh to free the Israelites. God had to remind him “I’m going with you.” WOW!

In God’s eyes we are SOMEBODY! We’re HIS. But if we’re not careful we will find ourselves lamenting (complaining) over the things going on in our life, as if they will soon overwhelm us, and they will if we try and go it all alone. God has placed us in the particular situations we’re in because He believes we are the best available for the task He wants to work ‘through us.’ He’s trusting we will be available and willing, and He will equip us with the strength, wisdom, or other resources we need when we need it and not a moment sooner. He expects us to remain faithful in all circumstances. Remember what he said in his word, “to whom much is given, much will be required.” We must admit we are richly blessed!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because the take refuge in him.” – Psalm 37:39-40

Along with the Blessings...

Those whom heaven blesses, hell curses. – Anon

Paul had great successes in building and establishing churches but suffered massive persecution, afflictions, and even threats from within and without. Hmm!

In war, it cannot be overstated that one should always know their enemy and his tactics, or it could prove fatal. It’s a simple fact that we often overlook. We tend to forget in our Christian walk that we’re at war, fighting for or working out our salvation. And just as we start off with 'new mercies' every day, the enemy plans new strategies and attacks to upset us. Yes we are ‘marked’ for easy identification by the enemy, but we only need be reminded we carry a powerful cross, not a bullseye. As we seek God's blessings in this New Year let us be mindful, we're always at war. The question we must answer is do we want the blessings?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Forgiveness is Just a Prayer Away

Forgiving you is my gift to you. Moving on is my gift to myself. - Anon

When Nehemiah looked over the city ruins, though his heart ached, he saw not retribution but a vision of restoration. Hmm!

There was Peter on that fateful night, denying Jesus and calling down curses when he turned and saw Jesus looking straight at him. Now what he saw when he looked at Jesus made him immediately break down and cry. It wasn’t a look of anger, frustration, or disbelief, but a look of forgiveness. How do I know, because a little later Jesus told Peter “feed my sheep!” This should reinforce in our hearts that when we feel shame/guilt for our mistakes, forgiveness is only a prayer away. God has a ‘look’ in His eyes as well when He looks at us. He looks upon us every day through eyes of forgiveness, and a vision of us in our own small way that He’s provided, helping to build up His kingdom. I don’t know about you, but today I’m going to work.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” – Psalm 51:12

Dare to Share the Gospel

Find somebody to be successful for. Raise their hopes. Think of their needs. Barak Obama

Little did Andrew know that telling his brother Peter about Jesus would lead to Pentecost. Wow!

The angels didn't shout when man made the radio, for they were already hearing heavenly music daily. There was no heavenly news headline when man learned to fly or travel through air and space, for angels have been sent to and fro to earth by God since creation itself. And when man discovered 'cloud' computing and its vast storage/safety potential, it didn't even bring a heavenly yawn, for Christ, who is the 'Wisdom of God' and has 'all perfect knowledge' and is unhackable, existed before the foundation of the world. But let a sinner repent and 'boy o boy' those angels strike up the band and celebrate! Are you up for planning a heavenly party today? Your kindness, testimony, or act of discipleship could very well be the invitation needed.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances.....Even angels long to look into these things." - I Peter 1:10-12

Using What God Gave Us

Success comes neither through the mail or prayer, but through faithful effort. – Anon

Even though God promised victory to him in the prayer before the battle, David still had to fight the battle. Hmm!

It should come as no surprise that life is somewhat an action sport – meaning; that to get anything from it , we must live it out. The things we desire success in, Christian living, marriage, career path, education, etc., will only be achieved through concerted effort. Faith and prayer are the fuels we use to sustain us, but faith and prayer without work is just ‘whistlin' in the wind.’ God fully expects us to use the skill sets, gifts, and mental acuity He has blessed us with, and we will have to give an accounting to Him one day about it. And last, we must remember no matter how great we may become, how good we may be at doing things, or the accolades others may heap upon us, God holds the only definition that really matters for success – salvation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things..…….Come and share your master’s happiness” – Matthew 25:21

Refresh & Refocus

We should be thankful for our tears, they prepare our eyes for a clearer vision of God. – W. A. Ward

The sinful woman was not afraid to “shed a few tears” on Jesus’ feet. He gave her forgiveness and salvation in return. Hmm!

One of the greatest inventions of our time is the windshield wiper. It wipes away the water and buildup that would normally block our vision and impede our progress. Amazingly, our tears serve the same purpose. Whether they come at the birth of our children, wedding or other special dates, or even at the passing of a loved one; they refresh and re-focus us on what’s important and upon whom we must depend – God. The world and all its contrivances can and will cloud our vision if we allow it, but God gave us a way to see Him more clearly if we’re strong enough. If you haven’t cried in a while, maybe you just need to cozy up to God.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalm 126:5

Light Bearers

There are two kinds of light – the glow that illumines, and the glare that obscures. – James Thurber

Jesus called the Pharisees/Sadducees 'hypocrites,' because their brand of religion focused on them and not God. OUCH!

The brightest light we know is the sun created by God. He placed it right where it needs to be for our survival. We need its light and heat for our well-being here on earth. We've all learned to appreciate a great sunny day and we've also all learned not to stare into the glare it gives for it can lead to major problems. In a sense we are challenged the same way by God. We are called to be “light” in a dark world, but we need to make sure we light the path for others to see Jesus clearly, and not blind them so that all they see is us or a form of religious legalism. I pray Jesus shows up in all of us today.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” – Acts 13:47

Shine It Up Good

Elbow grease is the best polish. – English Proverb

Paul held the Macedonian church up as an example not so much for the money they gave, but because they gave themselves. Hmm!

A beautifully waxed car is a sight to behold. The polished chrome reflecting like a mirror and the paint gleaming like it’s almost wet. And just as important as the wax you select is the amount of effort you put into applying and ‘rubbing out’ the wax. If you want the shine you‘ve got to give the effort. The life we live for Christ is the same, for us to appear like Christ requires that we give the effort to become like Christ. God does not wave a magic wand over us and all of a sudden we’re completely changed. It takes effort to “put off the old man and his sinful desires” and walk in the newness of life. To “put on Christ” actually takes effort. To walk like him, talk like him, love like him takes great effort, but if we want to be a light and shine for him we’ve got to use a little ‘elbow grease.’ Are you game?

Until Monday………

Pastor Botts

“….continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:12-13

Down Time's A Good Time

We are so busy doing everything that we have no time to be anything. – V. Havner

Jethro’s advice to his son-in-law Moses, was not only sound, it brought times of refreshing to him and the people. WOW!

From covered-wagon to SUV’s, steam-locomotives to bullet trains, trans-atlantic ships to around the world flights, one thing is for sure, we have progressed technologically. These are all great God-given ideas to make life easier, but I’m not so sure God meant for them to speed our lives up. We were created to have ‘complete’ cycles of down time as evidenced when He put Adam to sleep to create Eve. We were also created to have ‘complete’ cycles of time alone with Him as evidenced when He and Adam walked alone in the Garden. God offers us a peace that surpasses our understanding, but many of us are moving so fast it can’t catch up to us. We have our Smart-phones/PC’s, Smart-TV’s, Smart-cars, we virtually live on-line, and have Apps for every need all at our fingertips – just press and go. But life has a God given pace (it’s not always faster, quicker, right now) which when found is almost worry free. Enoch found it as he ‘walked’ with God, and Paul found it as he learned ‘contentment’ in Christ. Today, God has said “it’s your move.”

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“….This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘in repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it…” – Isaiah 30:15

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 30

Today's scripture reading question: Using verses 18-19 as a reference: What are 2 or 3 things about God or His creation that are too amazing for you fully understand?

The Good with the Bad

Those whom heaven blesses, hell curses. – Anon

Paul had great successes in building and establishing churches but suffered massive persecution, afflictions, and even threats from within and without. Hmm!

In war, it cannot be overstated that one should always know their enemy and his tactics, or it could prove fatal. It’s a simple fact that we often overlook. We tend to forget in our Christian walk that we’re at war; fighting for or working out our salvation. And just as we start off with 'new mercies' everyday, the enemy plans new strategies and attacks to upset us. Yes we are ‘marked’ for easy identification by the enemy, but we only need be reminded we carry a powerful cross, not a bullseye. The question we have to answer is do we want the blessings?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

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

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 7

Today's question: What does this chapter tell us about the way(s) of sin/folly?

Don't Lose It

If a man can have salvation and not know it, he can lose it and not miss it. – A. Rogers

Samson slept hard and not only lost his hair, but lost his strength as well. The LORD had “departed” from him.

It's a truth that 'no one wants to be taken for granted.' People like to feel or believe they can offer something to the relationship - even God. But like Samson, many of us often walk day after day believing our relationship with God is all right, never really taking time to stop and commune with Him. But if we find ourselves committing the same sins over and over and constantly asking forgiveness, it’s a sure sign the LORD has departed from us; for His presence would give us true spiritual power to overcome the enemy or situation, whatever it may be. God is willing to walk with us to get us there, the question is: are we willing to walk with Him? His ways are exacting!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8

Unchangeable but not Insurmountable

Though the past is unchangeable, it does not have to be re-lived today. - Anon

For the woman brought to Jesus because of adultery, he didn’t change what she had done, he gave her freedom, and a command to leave it behind. AMEN!

There is a mathematic phrase that states ‘the whole is equal to the sum of its parts,’ meaning that the end result will never be greater than what the numbers add up to, no matter how you arrange them. For example, you can slice a pizza in quarters, eighths, sixteenths – but it is still one pizza. It can never be greater than one pizza. That may be true in math but not so in life.  We can be greater than our past. Though we can’t change it, we don’t have to let it limit us or hold us hostage, fearing we can never overcome any limitations it may try to place on us. One of the greatest examples of this is our salvation in Christ. We can never change our past sinful life, but God blots it out, forgets  it, wipes our slate clean and tells us to go forth and prosper in His name.  So we no longer have to be ‘weighed’ down by yesterday, or think we can’t start anew, that’s why He’s given us today – to start anew.  Well, what are you waiting for…..

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“……No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God…” – Luke 9:62

Mad Growth

The more we grow up, the less we blow up. – Anon

Esau at one time wanted to kill his brother Jacob, but eventually he got over it. Hmm!

Tantrums – those times when one gets mad, irate, annoyed, divisive, etc.; when they realize they won’t get their way or that life actually doesn’t revolve around them. Guess what, they’re not just for children. As adults, they show our immaturity because of our inability to deal with real-life situations that may cause us to ‘go the extra mile’, ‘honor someone other than self’, step aside or give up a ‘perceived’ right. The more we realize we are made in the image of God and understand His ways, the less volatile we’ll become. God has a right to be angry with each of us every day (we sin) but yet He chooses to favor us with grace and blessings beyond measure. If everything and everyone still makes you agitated and hostile, maybe you need to grow a little more. There will be a test today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“…..crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation….” – I Peter 2:2