Responses to Life

What life does to us depends on what life finds in us. – Richard Murray

In all that Joseph went through, he never lost his composure or his God. Hmm!

Insurance – most people that buy it hope they never have to use it but are glad they have it when they need it. Our faith on the other hand is a definite must-have and use daily requirement. Faith is what allows us to overcome the most difficult setbacks, hurdles, and heartaches. You or I cannot always change or control the world around us, but we can always control what happens within us. If we truly want to gauge how strong our relationship with Christ is all we need do is look at our responses to the everyday circumstances of life. The question is does life make us bitter or better, we know with Jesus it was the latter.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

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

When Times Get Tough...

Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God no matter what. – Anon

Daniel knew it was dangerous for him to offer prayers to his God, but he knew without prayer he was without his God. Hmm!

When we were younger we played games like hide-and-seek, chain-tag, freeze-tag, etc. Games that had the advantage of a home base where we were safe. No matter how close the enemy came to us as long as we were at ‘home base’ we were safe and secure. Looking back on it now the idea seems strange – home base – but the concept is true. God offers us security. Not so much from the harsh realities of life – we need them to shape our character – but from the hopelessness and despair they can inflict on us if left alone. Without God we don’t stand a chance against life. And in the end He gives us eternal security. AMEN!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way…” – Psalm 46:1-2

Living in the Today

Best exercise for stress relief – release your grip on tomorrow. – M. Barroso

Jesus told his disciples he didn’t even know where he would lay his head to sleep. But you know, that didn’t bother him one bit. Hmm!

Tomorrow! A simple word meaning ‘the next day.’ Doesn’t sound ominous, overbearing, or threatening in any form of fashion. But yet it brings great anxiety to us. Why? Simply because we try to bring all of its anticipated cares, issues, and needs into today. We begin to worry if we’ll have enough strength, resources, ability, etc., to meet the needs of it, often forgetting that tomorrow is not even promised to us. We need to relax and remember that if indeed it does come we have a God who promised to meet our needs for the day. And He’s never failed us yet, for it’s an impossibility for God to fail. So, it’s far better for us to just live in the TODAY God has granted and do all we can leaving the rest up to Him.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

P.S. - Please join us on campus today at 5:30pm for our monthly prayer gathering.

Lighten Your Load Today

There will always be enough for today, without taking on yesterday or tomorrow. – Richard Murray

God rained down manna on a daily basis for the Israelites to eat. In their craftiness they tried to save some of it for the next day. It only created other problems. Hmm!

It has often been said that “worry is the interest paid on tomorrow’s trouble - today.” Yet even knowing this we still have a habit of carrying this excess weight with us, and it impacts our lives and testimony for God. The truth of the matter is when we agonize over yesterday’s decisions or fret over tomorrow’s possibilities, we show a lack of trust and faith in our Heavenly Father. He is so willing to forgive us our past mistakes, and He is so willing to help us with tomorrow when it comes. What He wants though, is for us to just live for Him in the current moment. As 'His mercies, grace, provisions, are new every morning' today is our turn to represent Him as light and life in a dark world.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” -Matthew 6:34

Don't Worry, Trust

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. – G. Muellar

The moment Peter took his eyes off Jesus he started sinking in the water. Hmm!

Well, it's here – Morning! Today is that tomorrow you worried about so incessantly yesterday. It came anyway. If you don’t have an action plan yet, I would suggest you give it over to God right now! We shouldn’t live life so worried about future events that we can’t enjoy the present, that’s why God wants us to ‘cast our cares on Him.’ The more we lean on Him and learn to trust in Him, the less we’ll have to worry or fret about. True, in this game of life we’ll win some and lose some, but when we look back over our life we can see in all things God has been completely trustworthy, and stuck with us through it all, making the best of every situation. And He’ll do the same with our current worries or fears if we give them over to Him. As the day unfolds, I hope we don’t take too long to make up our minds.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34

Bitter to Better

The fruit of the Spirit does not include sour grapes. – S. Stone

When Martha complained about the ‘lack of support’ from Mary in preparing dinner, Jesus reminded her who chose what! Hmm!

One of the first things you learn in your faith walk is ‘it is not about you,’ it’s about God. With a good understanding of that we should get along just fine, knowing that things are not going to go the way we want them to all the time, they’ll go the way God wants them to. Now generally, when you know what’s coming, even if it’s not what you would have wanted; you don’t get upset or bent out of shape. But with us it’s sometimes amazing how we go on griping and complaining about the troubles in our life when the one we live for told us we would have them, "in this world you will have troubles". The idea is not to become bitter by our trials but better by them. To gripe and complain is like adding more fuel to an existing fire. Sour grapes will only ruin the rest of the fruit.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another…” – Ephesians 4:30-32

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

The Capacity to Love

Nothing is too much trouble for love. – Desmond Tutu

Even after he wasted all his money and 'soiled' himself with unrighteous living, the Prodigal Son's father quickly lifted his spirits. Wow!

Often, we may feel overwhelmed and alone, like all the problems of the world have come resting right down on our shoulders. When we do feel like this it is only because we have taken the wrong view. When our fate hung in the balance and rested at God's discretion, he showed us the way by exercising love (John 3:16). You may feel your family's plight is unbearable, or your life situation too heavy, but remember when love is added in; even the heaviest of weight is lifted. Ask God for a little more capacity to love and see what a difference it will make in your life.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"....God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." - I John 4:16

Weathering the Storms

A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. – W. Shedd

David, Israel’s greatest king; loved the battlefield more than the throne room for he was a warrior at heart. Hmm!

Safe – a word that means a lot to us. But often we take it in only one manner, that being safe or away from harm. But it also means ability to withstand certain levels of stress, or ability to provide certain conveniences or needs. To many, the Christian life is seen as one cocooned about with other saints at all times (the holy huddle) and never venturing out into uncharted waters where some danger may lurk. But God has promised to go with us through every Jordan (trials) we face. And though we may be tousled a bit, we can weather any storm for He is with us. We were never called to just sit still and watch, but to be prepared to go. So when the storms come or even if they are here now – sail on!

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 that God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

Temper Temper

Temper is what gets most of us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there. – Richard Murray

Cain was so upset with how God perceived his offering; he went out and killed his brother Abel. WOW!

There’s no denying that we are emotional beings, God made us that way. But he also made us with the ability to overcome our emotions with sound, rational, thinking and spiritual wisdom. It’s when we refuse to engage in the latter that we find ourselves in more trouble than we often bargained for. It’s not a sin to get angry or upset, but it should never result in sinful behavior. The problem is it is so easy to cross the line, then feel compelled that we must prevail for the sake of ‘principle.’ We must remember our calling is not so much for the sake of principle as it is for righteousness and holy living.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

Buried or Planted

Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think you've been buried, but in actuality you've been planted by God. - Anon

I'm sure it wasn't the life Joseph 'dreamed' of but it was the one God brought him through to reign. Hmm!

No doubt about it, to the faithful God is a prayer answering God. Sometimes it's YES, sometimes NO, and other times it's WAIT. And often, in those wait times we wonder and question why? We become perplexed and stressed by not getting an answer, God not doing what we've asked, not changing our life or situation. But if you take a step back and look things over, it's funny how often we're asking God to change our situation being completely unaware that He put us in the situation to change us. And God always aims to finish what He's started. Maybe our answer is staring us right in the face and we just need to see the 'light.'

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me." - Psalm 138:7

A Recipe for Rest

If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit! - Banksy

One could almost argue that Jethro's advice to his son-in-law Moses was 'lifesaving.' Amen!

We didn't often like them as kids, but oh my, how good does a nap feel now. The opportunity to rest from the days concerns - Yes! But in truth many of us have not really learned the true meaning of REST, which is why we're so worn out, frazzled, stressed, and stretched thin. Rest is so much more than lying down for a few minutes or several hours. Rest means learning how to say 'NO' in love and mean it to those who try to crowd in on your schedule. Rest means learning how to 'delegate' tasks to others, empowering them to act. Rest means learning how to 'prepare' in advance of pressing situations so they don't stress you out. And finally, Rest means learning how to lay your cares at the altar of God and trust He will work it out. Yes, we are to be busy with the Master's plan, but He never intended to overwork anyone.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." - Proverbs 19:23

Weathering the Storms

Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is the perfect security in storms. – K. Troccoli

When the storms raged against the ship, the disciples were amazed at what Jesus did to calm it down. Hmm!

Rainstorms, snowstorms, blizzards, hurricanes, etc. All the work of nature, and all beyond our control. The best we can do is prepare for them for we know they will come, so we buy special clothing and other gear to help us muster through them. But often in matters of faith, many of us treat or think of our faith as some sort of magic shield that will keep trouble or the storms of life away from us, or that we won’t have heartache, pain, or problems because we’re protected by Jesus. We forget that ‘Jesus was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin.’ This tells us he suffered in “human flesh” just as we do, yet He did not give in to the sinful nature, which should give us strength and encouragement when the storms of life assail us. So as life unfolds, and it will, just remember to put on Jesus to weather the storm.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Behind the Scenes Work

One day OR day one. You decide! - Anon

Paul went from Pharisee to apostle. But what a difference it was. Amen!

Before/After photos. Generally they show the beautiful change in the person, building, item, etc., that was worked on. What they don't show is the behind the scenes work that took place, nor the time it took to do it. To strip away what's not needed to get to the point when you can start over or refinishing is hard work and time consuming. That's how God is with us. He alone knows the perfect beauty that is within us, who He created us to be and how we should shine. He alone knows what to strip away. Oftentimes, He has to go deep to the initial bare-bones structure to start, but He ALWAYS brings forth a thing of beauty. If your 'before' photo hasn't changed much, maybe you need a little more of God and a little less of you in the processing. Remember, only He can make all things NEW!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." - Galatians 6:17

Nip It in the Bud

The trouble with little sins is that they don’t stay little. – Anon

Cain, Achan, David, the woman at the well. These people thought their sin was well concealed, but somehow it got bigger than them. OUCH!

It happens in almost every family where the firstborn son is named Junior. He normally turns out to be several times as big as his father. Sin has a lifecycle like that as well. Starting small with maybe just a thought or hint, but left unchecked it grows into a massive slave owner. At first, sin does fascinate, but in the end, it assassinates. Often, we feel we’ll be the one to beat it, to get away with it and keep it secret, but God sees all we do, and “the wages of sin is still death.” But God’s “mercies are new every morning,” and with each new day He gives us a new opportunity to “go and sin no more.” HALLELUJAH!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"You may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Deuteronomy 32:23

P.S. - if you haven't done so, don't forget to register for our Good Friday Service tomorrow night beginning at 6pm.

The Fullest Day

Putting off plans doesn’t put off life. – Anon

The people scoffed at Noah when he was building the ark, but the rains did come. OUCH!

PROCRASTINATION: it offers us a very comfortable place or way to live – for today. But also, with today we’re a day older and closer to meeting with eternity. Our dreams of love, life, adventure, etc. all come with an expiration date, and the reasons we often put forth as to why we shouldn’t pursue them are shallow at best. Things may or may not work out, but we will never know until we at least begin the attempt, inviting God into the mix. Today is the gift God gives us, and no, we don’t try to live all of life in this one day, but in this one day we should live life to the fullest.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’” – Ecclesiastes 12:1

On the Brighter Side

No man has ever injured his eyesight by looking on the bright side of things. – T. T. Crabtree

Though sold in into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten by man, Joseph was never down in Spirit. He knew God was still at work. Hmm!

Bad Weather, bad news, sickness, family problems, you name it; we’ve all had it at one time or another in our lives. And we’ll have it again in the future. Jesus said “in this life you will have trouble.” Our challenge is not so much the ‘trouble’ itself but how we respond to it. Maybe God wants us to learn to look at these situations and circumstances for the opportunities they bring to deepen our faith, and increase our praise and worship of Him. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain by looking at it this way, and it does make life more bearable.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you..." I Thessalonians 5:18

In This Life You Will Have Troubles...But They Can Be Overcome

Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records. – W. Ward

In the most adverse circumstance Samson still brought down ‘the house’ for God. Hmm!

One thing in our life is certain, everyday will not be sunny, healthy, or easy; there will be storms and trouble. But we cannot abandon life because of it storms. The strongest trees are not found sheltered in the safety of the forest, rather they are often in open spaces – bent and twisted by the winds of all seasons. God knows that times of trouble can be useful. They can show us who we really are, and what kind of character and integrity we have, and help us grow stronger. When Jeremiah questioned God because of the trouble he faced, God asked him how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones tired him out. We should take time to understand the troubles we face today are training us for more difficult situations we’ll face in the future. Trust in God and you’ll stand firm.

Until Monday…

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

The Necessary Provisions

God does not offer us a way out of the adversities of life. He offers us a way through, and that makes all the difference. -W.T. Purkiser

God ‘parted’ the sea for the Israelites to walk through, he didn’t magically make it disappear, nor did He make them superhuman. Hmm!

Some years ago the Temptations recorded a song ‘Ball of Confusion – That’s What the World is Today.’ For many it still is. For we who belong to God, it can be when we begin to try and see it through our own eyes and conquer it in our own strength. One thing is certain whether we trust God or not - we will certainly see and experience adversity firsthand, and if we are not prepared it can often be quite confusing and impede our efforts. The instinct of a Christian is that we know adversity is a part of life, but we also know and trust that God will see us through it. So our prayers are not so much “Lord, get me out of this mess,” but moreso “Lord, I trust you will provide all I need to persevere, and I pray I will gain insight from this to give greater glory to you.” Knowing this makes any day bearable.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33