Minor Earthquakes

We turn to God when our foundations are shaking only to learn it is God that is shaking them. – C. West

After his life was turned upside down king Saul sought the Lord, only to find it was God who was rejecting him as king. OUCH!

Stability, security, firm-footing, insurance. Admittedly, we all seek after such adjectives in our lives. Whether it be financial, educational, in relationships, or other areas; we like to know exactly how everything is going to turn out. We begin to pride ourselves on our titles, achievements, victories, and possessions. We often trust more in our own doings than in God’s provisions. And because He will not take second place to anyone or anything in our lives God often has to shake us to the very core of what we’ve begun to trust in when it is not of His making or plan for us. Yes God blesses us and expects us to plan for our future and so forth, but nothing we come across should usurp His role and authority in our lives, even those blessings He brings to us. So, if there’s a minor earthquake in your life right now you might want to look at your relationship to God.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

We Have Not Because...

Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one bothered to ask. - Billy Graham

James told the saints of old “they have not because they ask not.” Makes good sense to me. AMEN!

“It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil,” is a phrase many of us remember growing up with; indicating that the one who cried out the most and/or the loudest seemingly got all the attention. That’s a good analogy to use when it comes to prayer. We can’t cry out too loud or too often to God. Oftentimes in our prayer lives we seemingly don’t bother God with various problems or issues thinking them too little or vain or even silly. But with God there is no small, vain, or silly prayer – as He just loves to hear from His children, and He has ‘wonderful things in store’ for those who ask. You might’ve noticed in some of His answers an abundance of blessing, could it be possibly because He hears from us so rarely He just pours it on? Hmm!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven…..” – II Chronicles 7:14

Curves Ahead

A bend in the road is not the end of the road - unless you fail to make the turn. - Anon

From the belly of the great fish Jonah suddenly had time to think and repent. WOW!

'Smooth sailin'!' 'Nothing but the open road, baby!' 'Puttin' the pedal to the metal!' All phrases we're familiar with that paint a picture of someone just movin' through traffic (life) with no cares or problems. However, sometimes there are curves to navigate and even turns to negotiate, which when traveling at the appropriate speed are easily manageable. If the curves and turns of life are upsetting to you maybe it's time to slow down a bit, and always remember God does allow U-turns.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." - Psalm 119:133

Our Responsibility

God’s part we cannot do. Our part God does not do. – Richard Murray

God told Moses He would set His people free. All He needed was for Moses to go to Pharaoh, and the rest is HIStory.

The Creation Account tells us God created everything necessary for man’s existence in six days, then He created man. Man was not consulted in the creation account but he was given charge to manage it for God. Regardless of what has happened since then, the fact is we still have a responsibility to God. He has expectations that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is proper for a ‘manager.’ Adam’s sin does not let us off the hook, for God has already provided a redeemer, but He will not force us to accept Him, nor force us to live for Him. That is still our part. Today matters to God so it should matter to us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” – I Peter 3:10-11

Hope you can join us tomorrow morning at Prayer Breakfast 9:30am.

Is Your Prayer Life Suffering?

The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray. No man will be greater than his prayer life. – L. Ravenhill

The unjust judge was so self-centered he even refused to acknowledge God. But a little old widow made his prayerless life miserable. Hmm!

Most of us know prayer is a privilege. Most of us know prayer brings us into intimate communion with God. Most of us know almost all there is to know about prayer. But few of us pray or pray often, as life’s demands beckon. But in reality, we can’t face anything until we have prayed. God has been gracious to us in many things, imagine how much more so if we really took the time to pray. The aim of prayer is not necessarily to get the answer, but to get hold of God. If your prayer life is suffering, it’s time to look at “self.”

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

No Complaints

Jesus can turn water into wine, but he can’t turn whining into anything. – M. Steele

The Israelites grumbled against God in the desert and it cost them dearly. 40 years to be exact. OUCH!

It’s a given that we will not always like everything that happens to us in life. Adversity, trials, soured relationships, etc. come upon us all. God is testing us, proving us, shaping us for greater work ahead. It’s not so much what happens to us in life, as it is how we respond. God is not expecting murmurings of discontent or grumblings of objection, but OBEDIENCE. Our willful obedience to His will is the sign of growth in The Spirit. If we truly believe God knows what He’s doing in our lives and He can make all things “work together for good” then there’s nothing left to say.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a depraved and crooked generation….” – Philippians 2:14-15

A Refreshing Turn

You cannot repent too soon, because you do not know how soon it may become too late. - T. Fuller

Elijah ran for 40 days and nights only to hear God tell him "go back the way you came." OUCH!

Anyone who drives has probably had the experience of missing their off ramp on the freeway or passing their designated turnoff on the boulevard. Such a pain or inconvenience to have to turn around and go back. But back we go. Oh, if our daily living were true to this form. Often, we think we can overcome a mistake/sin without God's help, but then find ourselves moving further away from God. We mean well in our attempts but still fall short. Unless God is with us to help navigate the correction, we'll continue off course. If the saying is true: 'The road to Hell is paved with good intentions...' then it is equally true: 'The road to Heaven is paved with repentance...' I guess the question we should ask is what destination are we really trying to reach?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord...." Acts 3:19

Happily Make the best of Things

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. – John Wooden

The apostle Paul said ‘his chains actually helped him advance the gospel.’ Go figure!

Happiness! For most it’s a commodity they believe they deserve, or have somehow earned with all their hard work and toil. But in truth it is not a ‘commodity’ that can be purchased like food or clothing, it is rather an attitude. When we pursue it in our endeavors it becomes even more elusive, for it is really a by-product of right thinking and right behavior; or godliness. It is the by-product of a life that is lived in the will of God. And being in the will of God we know not everything will turn out the way we expect, but God will leave us with opportunity to rejoice. And that’s really not a bad thing.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12

Start to Break Free

Just where you are – that’s the place to start. – P. Chödrön

Naaman was ready to go back home a leper rather than just try a new bathing spot. Wow!

January 2nd of the New Year, and already we’re probably back into our old routines. Early rising checking our social media hits, or working out, or stopping for coffee at our favorite shop on the way to work. Though not inherently bad, these become RUTS.  A routine becomes a rut when we can’t imagine any other possible way of doing something. If we were to do an analysis of ourselves we would possibly see we are ‘creatures of habit’ in a lot of our daily lives, and potentially in ways that hinder God working in us and through us. As we venture into the New Year, maybe our prayer request should be asking God to break us free of old habits, friends, or recreations that keep us in the rut, and set us on a course to catch the ‘new vision’ He has for us. I’m sure He will make the journey one of great growth, with some interesting insights and a rather glorious experience.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….You have made you way around this hill country long enough, NOW turn north.” –

Deuteronomy 2:2

Today’s scripture reading – Proverbs 2

Today’s scripture question: 

What are the 2 main characteristics of wisdom noted in this chapter?

P.S. - still looking for sign-ups for our upcoming ROOTED campaign.

Called Out

The person who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back to the crowd. - Max Lucado

Ruth left her 'family' of people to find the God of family. - AMEN!

"Get in where you fit in!" It's a phrase we toss about mainly to portray there's a place for any and everyone who wants to be a part of what's going on. Just jump on the bandwagon, join the team. But that's not our calling when it comes to Christ and His church. We're actually called 'out from among them.' to be counter-cultural. And admittedly, that's a tough assignment to try and live out. But it's only because we like being attached to the crowd, a part of the big scene. Jesus'

call is to follow Him. It might bring a little suffering, hardship, or pain -but He promises joy, in this life and the life to come, and after all isn't that what we seek from the crowd.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But

small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

Staying On Course

It’s very hard to take the wrong turn when you’re looking in the right direction. – Anon

Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness on 3 different occasions, each time Jesus looked to His Father and His Word. Hmm!

No one likes to ‘crash and burn’ in life yet it happens very often, when we take our eyes off the goal. And the one thing that’s a certainty in life everyday is our enemies attempt to get us to take our focus off of God and His Word. Our enemy uses every avenue or medium, every subtlety or deception, and every emotional appeal to trip us up, and YES, he even knows our every weakness. That’s why it’s very critical for us to keep God and His Word in the center of our lives. It’s virtually impossible to get off course when we are led this way. We may not like some of the scenery along the way but we can take comfort in knowing God is with us and directing our paths.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“My eyes are always looking to the Lord for help, for he alone can rescue me from the traps of my enemies.” – Psalm 25:15 (NLT)

Navigating and Negotiation the Curves

A bend in the road is not the end of the road - unless you fail to make the turn. - Anon

From the belly of the great fish Jonah suddenly had time to think and repent. WOW!

'Smooth sailin'!'  'Nothing but the open road, baby!' 'Puttin' the pedal to the metal!' All phrases we're familiar with that paint a picture of someone just movin' through traffic (life) with no cares or problems. However, sometimes there are curves to navigate and even turns to negotiate, which when traveling at the appropriate speed are easily manageable. If the curves and turns of life are upsetting to you maybe it's time to slow down a bit, and always remember God does allow U-turns.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." - Psalm 119:133

Looking Forward

Life should not be lived looking through a rearview mirror. The very best days are those yet to be. Hope is always stronger than memory. – A. Ahlgrim

When tough times came upon the Israelites on their journey they often wished they were back in Egypt in bondage. They somehow forgot God was leading them. Hmm!

It’s amazing how often people want to turn back the clock, to go to their former days when “things were better.” The question we fail to answer is: what was better back then – us or God? Well, God has not changed, so…..?  When we continuously long for what’s behind its saying we don’t fully trust God to bring better things into our life, and we have little hope of things changing for the better. We cannot change the past so we must not let it discourage us, we must look forward in eager expectation that we can make the present worthwhile all the while building a better tomorrow by fully trusting in God – that’s why he gave us TODAY!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:17-18

Subtle Shakeups

We turn to God when our foundations are shaking only to learn it is God that is shaking them. – C. West

After his life was turned upside down king Saul sought the Lord, only to find it was God who was rejecting him as king. OUCH!

Stability, security, firm-footing, insurance. Admittedly, we all seek after such adjectives in our lives. Whether it be financial, educational, in relationships, or other areas; we like to know exactly how everything is going to turn out. We begin to pride ourselves on our titles, achievements, victories, and possessions. We often trust more in our own doings than in God’s provisions. And because He will not take second place to anyone or anything in our lives God often has to shake us to the very core of what we’ve begun to trust in when it is not of His making or plan for us. Yes God blesses us and expects us to plan for our future’s and so forth, but nothing we come across should usurp His role and authority in our lives, even blessings He brings to us. So if there’s a minor earthquake in your life right now you might want to look at your relationship to God.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Course Corrections

You cannot repent too soon, because you do not know how soon it may become too late. - T. Fuller

Elijah ran for 40 days and nights only to hear God tell him "go back the way you came." OUCH!

Anyone who drives has probably had the experience of missing their off ramp on the freeway or passing their designated turnoff on the boulevard. Such a pain or inconvenience to have to turn around and go back. But back we go. Oh, if our daily living were true to this form. Often, we think we can overcome a mistake/sin without God's help, but then find ourselves moving further away from God. We mean well in our attempts but still fall short. Unless God is with us to help navigate the correction, we'll continue off course. If the saying is true: 'The road to Hell is paved with good intentions...' then it is equally true: 'The road to Heaven is paved with repentance...' I guess the question we should ask is what destination are we really trying to reach?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord...." Acts 3:19

God-Quake!

We turn to God when our foundations are shaking only to learn it is God that is shaking them. – C. West

After his life was turned upside down king Saul sought the Lord, only to find it was God who was rejecting him as king. OUCH!

Stability, security, firm-footing, insurance. Admittedly, we all seek after such adjectives in our lives. Whether it be financial, educational, in relationships, or other areas; we like to know exactly how everything is going to turn out. We begin to pride ourselves on our titles, achievements, victories, and possessions. We often trust more in our own doings than in God’s provisions. And because He will not take second place to anyone or anything in our lives God often has to shake us to the very core of what we’ve begun to trust in when it is not of His making or plan for us. Yes God blesses us and expects us to plan for our future’s and so forth, but nothing we come across should usurp His role and authority in our lives, even blessings He brings to us. So if there’s a minor earthquake in your life right now you might want to look at your relationship to God.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10