Staying Faithful

When you’re unable to pray, count your blessings. – Anon

King Saul sought out a medium or spiritist in his turmoil. David continued faithful and waited on God for his answer. We know which one was God’s man! Hmm.

Prayer is our most important communication link with God. He covets it and there is never a time when He does not hear us. But there are times in life when it seems like our prayer link to God is broken, we just can’t seem to get through when we really need Him most no matter how often we call. In truth, there are times that God is silent not because of our sin or distance, but because He has already “graced” us with blessings that fulfill all we need. Just try counting, I’m sure you’ll find you won’t be disappointed.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; BLESSED is the man who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

Not Your Average...

When you are "average" you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top. - Anon

God calls us to "stand out" not stand in. Hmm!

One of life's false assumptions is that everybody should fit in and follow the norm. That would be great if we based it all on God’s Word and His way for us, but we don’t. We base our laws and government not really on what is right and just, but on "what's best for the average person." And what’s even more saddening is that most of us at times don't even mind being an average Christian. But average is just that - average. God calls us to a better way of life, a purposeful life full of meaning, with edification (making things better not worse) being our goal. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. So, as you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:16

Loving Through Imperfection

"We come to know love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." – Anon

Gomer would not have been Hosea’s first choice for a wife, but with God’s help he loved her deeply. WOW!

When it comes to love most everyone is always looking for Mr./Mrs. RIGHT, which in our mixed up worldview equates to perfect. The person for us must be perfect in every way we deem necessary. Such standards are lofty and foolhardy, for each time we look in the mirror we never see perfection looking back at us. God gave us the greatest example of how we can come to know love, when He looked beyond all of our faults and saw we were still worth saving and loving. He sees us quite differently than we see ourselves. His example doesn’t mean we throw caution to the wind, but it does show us we may need to look inwardly a bit more before we launch our great search for friendship and love. Remember, every creature of God has some worthwhile value.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Just Take His Word For It

Tell a man that there are 500 billion stars in the universe and he’ll believe you. Tell him the fence has just been painted and he has to touch it to see if it is so. – H. Cohen

Gideon believed the Lord was the God of the Universe when he spoke, he just wanted some 'proof'. Sound familiar?

It’s very true that experience is a great teacher, but often the lessons come with painful, expensive, or long-lasting costs. God in his Divine Wisdom has given us of His Word to help us avoid many of these ‘lessons,’ knowing our frailties and what we can bear, but often we seem intent on getting that first hand knowledge. Rather than looking back with regrets maybe we should just learn to take God at His word. It’s never failed yet and when you think about it, isn’t that a great comfort! As life ‘happens’ all around you today why not just try trusting in God’s Word.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“….What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” – Isaiah 46:11

Unexpectedly Packaged

Blessings come in all shapes and sizes just as we need them, but rarely how we expect them. - Anon

Paul wanted a natural ‘physical healing’ until God told him just how “GRACED” he already was. AMEN!

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, graduations; the dates of gift-giving, and often even before the gifts are opened; the giver is somewhat measured by the size or shape of the gift. We often say “it’s the thought that counts” but many times that’s not true – it’s the gift. So we want big packages, expensive wrappings and so forth. But such an attitude begs the question: How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected? He is the giver of “every good and perfect gift,” so it really should not matter in its size or presentation. And best of all God delivers them to us everyday at just the right moment. This should make every day exciting for us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” – Psalm 27:13

Whatcha Lookin For

You'll never see the sunrise by looking westward. - D. Burraloe

The Jews could not see Jesus as the Promised Messiah because they were looking for a king. Hmm!

It's a given that you always find what you're looking for in the very last place you look. And often what we're looking for is right in front of us, but that's the last place we look, for it just seems too easy. That's true with most of us in our spiritual lives as well. We seem to search for God in some of the strangest places at times. When trials, temptations, tribulation, trouble, heartache, etc., comes upon us we get so bogged down in despair looking at the problem, analyzing it from all sides, trying to figure out the best outcome for ourselves, we often forget to look for The One who said He would never leave or forsake us. God is right there with us; we have no need to run off and try to find Him. The issue is not the interruption, but can we still see God in spite of the interruption. Remember God never moves...

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13

God At Work

What we see depends truly on what we're actually looking for! - Anon

Many folks saw Noah working on the ark but none of them believed God was with him. Hmm!

Jesus said "my Father is always at His work!" So the question I guess is how often throughout the day do we actually see God working? It's all a matter of perspective and understanding. Many people look at a tree and just see a tree. A person of faith sees 'God at work' with all that the tree provides - homes for birds and other animals, shade/shelter, food - not to mention greenery for beauty and to aid in the production of oxygen for us. Many people see children at play and that's it, but a person of faith sees 'God at work' reminding us to choose joy and happiness in the midst of an imperfect world. Our perspective is shaped and informed by what we know. So the more we know of God and His Word the more we will see Him 'at His work' in and around our lives. Praying today may be eye opening and breathtaking to us all.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13

Perceiving the Potential

Where we see a block of cement a sculptor sees a work of beauty to unveil. - Anon

The disciples saw nothing good or worthwhile in Paul until Barnabas put him under the light of Christ. Hmm!

There is one profound truth we must all accept: the truth that God loves us more than we love ourselves. Being made in His image, He always sees the 'true' person we can become. He works in our lives through trials to strengthen our faith and trust in Him, struggles to help us fix our focus and dependence on Him, and oppositions to help us realize no one is greater than Him. He allows sickness and pain to remind us He is a healer and comforter, and even allows us to face sorrow/grief to remind us He is greater than death. The reason for all this is He sees in us the same 'character' traits that were in His Son Jesus, and He wants to perfect them in us. Why? That we may be like Jesus and help 'turn' others to Him to be saved. In this New Year, let's not waste any opportunities, let's remember that no matter what is happening in and around us God is at His work, because He knows us and loves us more than we love ourselves.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst." - I Timothy 1:15

The God Experience

You can’t live by expectations, life must be experienced! – Anon

In Jesus, the people expected a great earthly king. Those who knew Him experienced something far greater. Hmm!

“Chip off the old block!” “That’s my boy!” “You are your mother’s daughter!” We often use these terms of endearment for our children when they do things we approve of and/or expect them to do by virtue of their ‘bloodline.’ Admittedly, we can have reasonable expectations of them that they adopt the same principles, beliefs, and life goals that we have, but in truth we cannot expect anyone to live or experience life the way we want them to. No one can live up to our expectations because expectations are founded upon our own personal experiences and beliefs. Our children have not reached this plateau and won’t as their experiences will be quite different and filtered through their belief system. This is crucial in our understanding and walking with God. Though He has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us, His only ‘expectation’ is that we EXPERIENCE Him. That’s when life truly begins.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him…” – Psalm 34:8

Recognize That Signature?

The question is not what you look at, but what you see! – Henry David Thoreau

Paul often spoke of how the faithful actions of others caused him to give thanks to his God. Hmm!

During my earlier service as the financial secretary for the church for a number of years, I learned to recognize the handwriting of almost everyone. No matter the flair, style, or brevity, when names are missing or information was incomplete I knew who to seek out. And every time it was a joyful, thoughtful moment shared. It makes me think how often do we recognize the ‘handwriting’ of God each day? If “the heavens continually declare His glory, day after day after day” do we often fail to recognize His signature on a new day? With flowers budding, trees wafting in the breeze, the sun radiating light and warmth, a reasonable health and life purpose, do we take these for granted, as our just due, or do we truly recognize these as signature gifts of God’s great love for us? If asking someone to clarify their intentions on an envelope or slip of paper brought a moment of joy and thoughtful reflection, just imagine what it might bring if that moment were shared with God. It couldn’t hurt!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

PS. - Hope you can make our Prayer Meeting tonight at 5:30PM. We'd love to see you!

For our campus study tonight we'll be looking at Joshua, chapter 6!

True Faith Acts

Just as mirrors only reflect what they see, our lives only produce what we believe. – Anon

God often brought unpleasant circumstances before His people just to see what was in their heart. Hmm!

No doubt about it, we all would like the world to be a better place. That’s a great sentiment, and a noble desire. But the question we need answer is: ’What can we do to make it a better place?’ We all know the ‘Golden Rule’ – treat others in the same way you want to be treated – but do we really believe and practice it as Jesus commanded? To go the extra mile. To be kind in spite of others. To love expecting nothing in return. To go beyond our comfort zone. True faith never asks whether good works are to be done or even considered. Faith just acts on impulse for the works are its lifeblood, faith without works is dead. Everyone wants to change the world but no one wants to start with himself. So we often leave it to others ‘greater’ than ourselves. God will not ask us why we weren’t more like Paul, Esther, David, etc., He’s just going to ask were we faithful and true. Hopefully our answer is already being written in the affirmative, and we’re doing all we can to confirm it each day.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12

New Point of View

We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are. – Anais Nin

Mary & Martha believed Jesus as the son of God but could only see him as human like them. When Lazarus died, their “eyes” were opened! Wow!

Often, the hardest thing to see is what is right before us. Why, because we often have a fixed or made-up mind of what it should be. We live most of life this way. But God is asking us to trust Him, have faith that He knows what He is doing though it may not appear so to us. We must remember just as God is not through with us, He also is not through with those around us and those in our lives. Our call is not to make or pass judgment on them based on our flaws or imperfections but to see every bit of God at work in their life as much as possible, and help it along.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Peter replied, ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." - Acts 10:14-15

"Sees" the Day

There is none so blind as they that will not see. – Jonathan Swift

God parted the Red Sea, rained down manna, and brought water from a rock to show Moses and the Israelites He was with them and for them. The people didn't get it. Hmm!

As believers we habitually seek to hear God’s voice through prayer, His Word, or His messengers. Yet, often we fail or miss hearing God speak through His activity. We are so set on ‘seizing' the day we often give very little thought to 'seeing' what it brings. Sensing God’s activity gives us a significant revelation about His heart and will, and our ability to discern what He is up to allows us to work faithfully with Him. The apostle Paul at one time sensed that “a great door” had been opened for him to preach the gospel. If we’re not hearing directly from God through His Word, or His people, maybe He’s speaking through the activity in our lives. Listen up!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Look among the nations and watch – be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.” – Habakkuk 1:5

Days of Future Beauty

Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. – Richard Murray

Through a ‘harsh’ vision God let Peter know that Gentiles were just as acceptable as the Jews were in His sight. Hmm!

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!” How true, but how misapplied. We give the right to determine what is beautiful to imperfect individuals like ourselves. It was God actually, who created everything and called it “good,” (beautiful) the highest honor that could be bestowed upon the creation. And everyone created in His image is still beautiful to Him. He sees us very differently than we do ourselves. And though He loves us just as we are right now, His perfect love will not allow us to remain this way forever, for He sees a far more glorious person in us than we could ever imagine, and He will work to bring it about. Our lot is just to admire His handiwork in ourselves and others around us. So, in truth there really are no ugly ducklings.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…He has made everything beautiful in its time…” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Reaching Out With Hope

You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-lost record of the referee. – J. Holcomb

Andrew brought one to Jesus who helped feed thousands and one who helped save thousands. You never know what one act can do. Hmm!

Often in our Christian walk we tend to spend vast amounts of time making sure we keep our life encapsulated within the “parameters” of God’s word (thou shalt not’s) that we seldom reach out to others for fear it may cause us to come in contact with those not like us. But the fact of the matter is that is exactly what God wants from us, to reach out to others for the sake of His kingdom. Not others like us, but others unlike us. Our goal is not to impress our fellow Christian brother or sister with our piety, but to reach out to the one no one seems to care about to give them hope. May your light give direction.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:37-40

Don't Hesitate to Reach Out

It's only in our 'reaching' for God that we see He has been reaching for us! - Anon

When Peter's faith faltered and he started to sink into the water, Jesus' hand was already extended. WOW!

Nobody I know, including myself, likes to eat humble pie. Just the mere thought of it (not the taste) idles our tongue in confession, stiffens our resolve in apologizing, and puts cement in our feet as we approach our confessor. The idea of admitting we of all people were wrong, or need to repent and come clean is seen as a great weakness, and we can't be weak! But here's the picture the bible paints for us. When the Prodigal Son returned to his father, I'm sure the last thing he expected was his father to come running/crying out to him. He had rehearsed his speech and was ready to take the heat afterwards. His father's actions had to be a complete surprise. But that's the way our Great God operates. We find it hard to reach out to Him in our time of need, but if we only open our eyes in faith the view is quite beautiful.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"[The Lord] lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." - Psalm 40:2

Walking with God

If faith can see every step of the way, it is not faith. – W. Barclay

At the wedding feast of Cana, Jesus’ mother told the servants to do whatever he asked of them. She didn’t know what he would do, but she knew he would do something. Hmm!

Pin the tail on the donkey – now that was a game we all relished. First they blindfold you, then spin you around and let you loose with a sharp object. And we trusted them to guide us with their shouts of “you’re getting warmer/colder” and generally it worked. As kids we never saw it as a game of faith, but that’s exactly what it was, trusting others to lead you. God asks the same of us as adults, to trust Him to lead and guide the way. But the difference is God is not asking us to go blindly into something, but to go trusting that He will get us there. He’s been there and knows the path. It may not always be safe, secure, and without apprehension, but just as we had no fear from those whom we played the game with, we should have no fear God will not keep us by His grace. To walk with God is not to see where He’s leading us but to see Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see….” – Hebrews 11:1

Seeing What Is

Never spend so much time looking for what isn’t there that you fail to see what is. – Anon

The religious leaders of the day were so deeply engrossed in their own version of the God they thought they were waiting for, that when God in the flesh actually walked amongst them, they were blind. HOW SAD!

Crosswords, Word Search, Sudokus - great challenging puzzles with ready answers. Life is not as fulfilling with answers at times, but often if we’re not careful we become like our predecessors here. Many of us often look long and deep at situations and circumstances in our life trying to make heads or tails out of them and make them more than they are. Some circumstances are just circumstances that happen, not because we didn’t send the chain letter or e-mail on, or we didn’t pray hard enough, etc. We can go stir crazy behind this, but the reassuring truth is that no matter what befalls us, God’s mercy, compassion, forgiveness, grace, and love is always ready and available. He’s standing right in front of us patiently waiting.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you return to the Lord your God and obey Him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers which He confirmed to them by oath.” – Deuteronomy 4:29-31

God IN The Blessing

Good vision consists of being able to see the trees and the forest. Great vision sees the maker. – O. Battista

When Jesus healed the blind man of Bethsaida, he was able to physically see, yet he missed out knowing WHO truly healed him. Hmm!

For the most part we are a grateful people. We often take time to thank God for our blessings and what He has done in our lives, but often we miss the very essence of God Himself within the blessings He gives, or even the understanding of what He is doing in our lives when He is doing it. Just as Jesus stood before Pilate who was so focused on tradition and man-made doctrines he ‘missed’ God before his very eyes; we sometimes get so caught up in the blessing God sends we fail to see the 'spirit of God' in the blessing. Hindsight is 20/20 vision, but we should pray that we will see God often face to face today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went. Even though he did not know where he was going…For he was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God.” – Hebrews 11:8,10

Today's Wonder

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. – K. Kelley

When God spoke to the Israelites from the mountaintop, they were in AWE. Too bad they missed him all the other times. Hmm!

A baby's first steps or first words. A beautiful sunrise or sunset. Gazing into the Grand Canyon. Winning a game at the buzzer. These are all events that are common to most folks, and all with heart-throbbing emotion, and a need for expression. The key is to notice they are events, not things. Events that require us to take the focus off of ourselves and shift it to others. We spend a great deal of life trying to acquire things, but God is found in the interactions with others and his creation. Jesus said, “my Father is always at his work,” and with that truth we can expect to be awed and amazed sometime today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf.” – Psalm 66:5