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

First, Best and Thoughtful

Give not from the top of your purse, but from the bottom of your heart. – Anon

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of the law often for their traditions of men which adhered to the 'letter' of the law but ignored the 'spiritual intent' of the law. He said they should do both. Hmm!

Often, in terms of what we give to God; whether it be praise, worship, offering, service, etc.; is done without much thought and preparation, but out of a sense of duty or obligation. God wants neither. He is seeking our love for Him, and our respect for His will. Just as we would never really want to be an 'afterthought' in people's dealings, God should not be in ours. If He is truly KING of Kings and LORD of Lords then only our best, as we have prepared ourselves will do. Remember you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. As we embark upon today may our God led heart be our guide.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord says; These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13

Embracing Change

The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there. – Vince Lombardi

David was Israel’s greatest king, but he had many battles before AND after he took the throne. AMEN!

We like to think life should remain constant and our situations should never change, but change is really the one constant in life. We’re up today and down or under attack tomorrow and wonder why. God never promised us an easy or comfortable life. He promised us a life filled with His presence. If we stop and think about it; life would be pretty boring without any battles or friction to help smooth out our rough edges and remind us we can’t do it alone. If we truly expect success or significance in our life the only way is by dedicated effort and obedience to God’s will.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” – Daniel 2:20-21

Constant In the Trial and the Change

The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there. – Vince Lombardi

David was Israel’s greatest king, but he had many battles before AND after he took the throne. AMEN!

We like to think life should remain constant and our situations should never change, but change is really the one constant in life. We’re up today and down or under attack the next, and wonder why. God never promised us an easy or comfortable life, he promised us a life filled with His presence. If we stop and think about it; life would be pretty boring without any battles or friction to help smooth out our rough edges and remind us we can’t do it alone. If we truly expect success or significance in our life the only way is by dedicated effort and obedience to God’s will.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” – Daniel 2:20-21

More Than Talent

True the 'cream' always rises to the top, but it spoils just the same if not cared for. - Anon

Saul was an 'impressive young man without equal' among all his peers, but when he became king he 'soured' over David. Hmm!

Natural talent is one of life's greatest gifts, but the advantage it gives only lasts a short time. Talent stands out, it will get you noticed, and give you a head start on others, but talent alone is never enough. The world is full of talented people, many of them we know personally; sitting on the sidelines, because they tried to get by on talent alone. Success requires drive, determination, desire, and devotion in much greater quantities than natural talent alone. Just as the apostles did not rest after Pentecost gained 3000+ souls, God does not expect us to rest on what we did yesterday, last week, or years ago. And though we may not be bringing 3,000 into the kingdom today, the strength God gives today is to empower the gift/talent He's instilled in us to be a success for the kingdom.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...for this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness...., knowledge....self-control....perseverance....godliness......brotherly kindness......love." - II Peter 1:5-7

Top Priority

Don't lose something important fighting for something that isn't! - Y. Chou

It wasn't until he lost every

material blessing he had, that the Prodigal Son realized what was most

important. Hmm!

"If I were to do it all over

again I......" How many times have we all uttered that expression in our

lifetime? It usually comes when we arrive at a point in life where the reality

of our situation or circumstance is not exactly what our expectations were. We

thought we'd be married by now....have a better job/car/home by now......be in

better shape by now, and on and on and on. We realize our actions have not

produced the 'dreamed about' results. This is a normal occurrence when God is

not our point of reference. The truth is no matter our giftedness, talent,

resources, or connections, be they small or great; we were made for God's

purposes to bring Him glory. And when all the dust settles anything short of

this is a wasted life. So who's top on your agenda today?

Until Monday.....

Pastor Botts

"But whatever was to my profit I now

consider loss for the sake of Christ." - Philippians 3:7

P.S. - Don't forget Prayer Breakfast tomorrow at 9am, Men's Bible Study Sunday at 9:15am AND Women's Day Sunday as well!

Not an Afterthought

Give not from the top of your purse, but from the bottom of your heart. – Anon

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of the law often for their traditions of men which adhered to the 'letter' of the law but ignored the 'spiritual intent' of the law. He said they should do both. Hmm!

Often, in terms of what we give to God; whether it be praise, worship, offering, service, etc.; is done without much thought and preparation, but out of a sense of duty or obligation. God wants neither. He is seeking our love for Him, and our respect of His will. Just as we would never really want to be an 'afterthought' in people's dealings, God should not be in ours. If He is truly KING of Kings and LORD of Lords then only our best, as we have prepared ourselves will do. Remember you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. As we embark upon today may our heart be our guide.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“The Lord says; These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.” – Isaiah 29:13

Why Be 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. We base our laws and government on "what's best for the average person." 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. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. 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

P.S. - I need all Ministry/Outreach reports by this Friday, January 11th.

God: The Agenda Issue

We must remember each day the top agenda item is God and His glory, not me and my comfort. - Max Lucado

Paul told the Corinthians he was 'determined' to know nothing else among them other than Jesus Christ. I think he had it right. AMEN!

It's Monday again. Sunday, with all its spiritual pleasantries has come and gone. And though we have jobs to tend to, family to care for, school and activities that require our involvement; we can never get away from the business of kingdom building. Today is the day God has given us to be about His business, and we truly can't find a greater calling. So as the needs arise, the requests come, remember God is the agenda issue. He expects us to make progress on it today!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." - Colossians 3:23

Not Easy but that's okay

True, it’s easier to walk down a hill than up it, but the view is from the top! – Anon

The rich young ruler who came to Jesus wanted an easy way into God’s kingdom, but Jesus’ answer cost him a little too much. Hmm!

We live in a society that continuously looks for the easy way of doing things but still expecting grand results. They think microwave dinners should taste like 5-star restaurant cooking, or a few months or years on the job should put them in the top position, or even reading a chapter or two of God’s word should make them intimate friends. And often we get caught up in such thinking as well. But in reality we must be willing to give in to discipline and apply ourselves to the task for the long haul if we want to reap the rewards that are truly satisfying and life fulfilling. If God truly does have blessings that “eyes have not seen nor ear heard” maybe a little bit more patient toiling can’t be all bad.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life…” – James 1:12

Called to be more than 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. We base our laws and government on "what's best for the average person." 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. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. As you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

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