Rhythms of Grace

"Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand...." - Stevie Wonder

Though he was in prison, Paul said the letter/visits he received often refreshed his spirit. Amen!

Make no mistake about it, the rhythms of grace cannot and will not be forced. Just as we have different tempo music for dancing (cha-cha, line, swing, slow dance, etc.) when God gives us a new song it has its own tempo. So often many of us try to force that 'new song' God is giving us to fit the life situation we're currently in. That's often problematic, for the new song is trying to call us out of it to move forward. As an example, I admit that when I do treadmill or elliptical workouts there are certain upbeat gospel songs I can keep pace with to maximize my workout, so I find myself 'clicking' past a song or two that doesn't fit. Depression, anxiety, stress, anger, and other ailments can be readily cured by us moving in step and tempo with the new song God gives. Yesterday, you may have had the 'blues' but behold today God is doing a new thing.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." - Psalm 42:5

Truth: Friend or Foe?

Truth is either the greatest of friends or an unbeatable foe. – Anon

As Jesus stood before him, Pilate had a major decision to make about the truth. We know how it ended with him. WOW!

TRUTH – Courts of law search for it; we demand it in our daily interactions. Yes, truth is something we are to seek after, embrace, and affirm. Yet it is not so much a matter of us finding the truth as it is us surrendering to it. Jesus said “You shall know the truth and it will set you free.” To know means to understand, accept, and abide in. Our surrender to ‘truth’ is what establishes our foundation for a life of integrity, honesty, and righteousness before God and others. The point we often overlook is that when we find the truth and refuse to surrender it no longer remains our friend but actually becomes the foe that condemns us. God leaves the choice to us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice…” – Proverbs 21:3

Weeping May Endure for A Night...

When you understand God is NEVER late, you wait differently. – Anon

Though it took some years and heartache, Joseph never gave up on the dreams God gave him. WOW!

No matter how blessed we are life does have its painful moments. Times of lament, grief, sorrow happen to us all. And the pain and heartache they cause makes us all very uncomfortable, so we try to rush through the process. But just like there is no ‘cutting corners’ with a good recipe, there is no rushing through the lamenting process, if we want complete healing. Though we may be in the midst of it, and others may not completely understand us like Job’s friends, God is always present. He is always ‘timely’ with us in every step of healing. And the One who will wipe away every tear (Rev. 21:4) will turn our mourning into dancing.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” – Romans 5:6

Hard But Good

Don’t wish it were easier, pray you get better! – J. Rohn

Solomon prayed not for easy guidelines to rule God’s people but for an increase in wisdom to do it justly. AMEN!

Make no bones about it, life at times is hard. But God never promised it would be a bed of roses every day. Often, if we’re not careful we find ourselves wishing life weren’t so hard, problems weren’t so many, even praying to God asking Him to make IT better (easier). But in reality, WE should be striving to get better, become more dedicated to the tasks, asking for strength to endure and understand God’s purpose rather than relief from the situation or circumstance. Taking the easy way out may save face, but it never helps to forge our character. The whole of this life is to prepare us for eternity, when we put on perfection.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….The testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:3-4

Faith In Action

The world cannot always understand a person’s profession of faith, but it can understand service. – I. Maclaren

In the bible we find it very often that people followed Jesus not because of who He said He was, but because of what they heard Him say and saw Him do. Many of them He won. WOW!

When it comes to our living and professing the ‘Christian’ life it seems everyone we meet is from the “show me” state of Missouri. They would rather see it in action rather than hear it in words, and in actuality; as Children of God it’s what we are called to do. People really don’t care how much you know or profess until they know how much you really care. So whether you practice ‘random acts of kindness,’ or ‘remember the poor,’ or just go about doing ‘all the good you can,’ do it from a cheerful heart and just know that you are being observed.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” – I Peter 3:9-10, 13-14

Time to Stop Running

Running towards what we don’t understand, and away from Him who wants to give understanding; keeps us from truly knowing who we are. – Anon

Adam and Eve ran and hid from God in the Garden and it seems as if man hasn’t stopped since. Hmm!

Believe it or not but ‘The Fall’ is still happening…. Though God has called us into relationship we are still in flight. Just think about it. We withhold information, we mask our true feelings, we twist facts, and we love to hide. Actions such as these are not demonstrations of openness or transparency but darkness. In our selfish flight to be free we only entangle ourselves more deeply. God is still in the business of giving enlightenment, discernment, wisdom, understanding, and purpose to life, and He’s willing to do it today. The great challenge for all of us is to stop running long enough to discover the truth about ourselves and God’s love for us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For in Him we live and move and have our being….we are His offspring.” – Acts 17:28

Become Even More "Undignified"

Everybody won't understand YOUR praise because they haven't walked in your shoes. - Anon

David's dancing may have displeased his wife, but it didn't bother God at all. Amen!

The Cha-cha! Electric Slide! Salsa! Waltz! Twist! Wobble.... And many, many more dance styles that have evolved over the years. And most folks have their preferences, usually predicated on a special time/moment/season in their life. The way we praise God is kind of developed along these same lines, again depending on the time/moment/season we're in. And like the dancing where we feel comfortable on the dance floor, we should be equally as comfortable in the Lord's house or wherever we might be, giving praise to Almighty God. He truly is worthy at all times. Our praise may make others uncomfortable at times, but then again, they aren't the audience. Let the glory of the Lord rise among us!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." - I Peter 2:9

Faith for the Questions of Life

Accept what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be. S. Ricotti

It's stunning! On their way to the Promised Land after being in bondage 400+ years, the Israelites often pestered Moses with "why" when things got a little tough. Hmm!

Why? A little 3-letter word that comes with a big, wide-open telescope. We search for reasons and answers to our questions, life situations, hurts, pains, and unfulfilled desires. The question of 'WHY'. And it often brings along its cousin - worry. Nobody really searches deeply for answers or worries about the joy they have, the blessings they receive, or the happiness in their lives, but let things go wrong and that 3-letter word pops up - WHY? It's a 2-fold reminder to us that life is temporal and not always about us, and also that we are not God. He alone knows tomorrow, we do not. There are some questions we have where we will not get the answer to on this side of heaven. And believe it or not, when we get to heaven we really won't care anymore as we put on the perfection God has in store for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." - Job 41:3

Understanding God's Way

The time is always right to do what is right. – MLK, Jr.

Joseph wouldn’t betray his God to sleep with another man’s wife. Samuel wouldn’t betray his God in failing to pray for the people. Though no one else would know – GOD WOULD!

We live in a society that teaches us to “Just Do It.” Wrong, immoral or indecent, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, or everyone’s consenting, or it’s my prerogative, etc. I’ll do it. Even on the positive side we’re continuously asked to ‘cut corners,’ ‘give some slack,’ or “lighten up a bit.” But such thinking makes the concept of right and wrong subjective. It is not. God’s way is the only right way, regardless of how we feel about it or what we think about it. The better question to ask is: What does God think of me doing what I’m doing?”

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” – Hosea 14:9

If A Tree Falls in the Forest...

We need to get a sense of worth of our own selves and understand that no one is more deserving of our best behavior than we are. – R. Pennington

Though Saul sought to slay him, David couldn't even formulate in his mind a thought to harm God's anointed. Hmm!

If a tree falls in the middle of the forest and no one is around to see it, does it make a sound? A somewhat silly question, and one we often answer with “who cares." But the logic of the question is pure. And if we were to apply it to our daily living it sounds a powerful truth. Regardless of where we are or who we're with, how good or bad the situation, the greatest benefactor of our righteous, holy living is US, not God. Why, because we can't make God any holier than He already is, we can only bear witness of His holiness by the way we live. I pray you may appreciate yourself today!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:26-27

Rhythms of Grace

"Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand...." - Stevie Wonder

Though he was in prison, Paul said the letter/visits he received often refreshed his spirit. Amen!

Make no mistake about it, the rhythms of grace cannot and will not be forced. Just as we have different tempo music for dancing (cha-cha, line, swing, slow dance, etc.) when God gives us a new song it has its own tempo. So often many of us try to force that 'new song' God is giving us to fit the life situation we're currently in. That's often problematic, for the new song is trying to call us out of it to move forward. As an example, I admit that when I do treadmill or elliptical workouts there are certain upbeat gospel songs I can keep pace with to maximize my workout, so I find myself 'clicking' past a song or two that doesn't fit. Depression, anxiety, stress, anger, and other ailments can be readily cured by us moving in step and tempo with the new song God gives. Yesterday, you may have had the 'blues' but behold today God is doing a new thing.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." - Psalm 42:5

Understanding God Enough to Trust Him Completely

I do not understand the ‘Theory of Relativity,’ but I do understand my husband. – Mrs. Elsa Einstein

Abram had no idea what God was after or where he was being sent, but he trusted God enough to leave home. Hmm!

We troll on our phones, scour the internet, watch the news, listen to the radio, read the newspapers and magazines, etc., because we want to be in the know. We want to be up to date with all that’s going on, to understand it all and how it impacts our lives. And when we don’t understand it we kind of ‘pooh-pooh’ it thinking it has no bearing or place in our lives. And often, that’s the way we treat the Word of God. That which we don’t understand just can’t apply to us is our way of thinking and living. But if we truly know God, though we may not understand His Word fully, we know it's given for our benefit, security, and salvation. His desire for us is not so much to know how the heavens go, but how to go to heaven. We may not understand all that He brings upon us today or tomorrow, but we can trust He’s at His work perfecting us, and that’s all that really matters.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“All scripture is God breathed and is useful………so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – II Timothy 3:16-17

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

Do Dive Deeper

The bible will always be full of things you CANNOT understand as long as you will not live according to the things you DO understand. – Anon

King Saul couldn’t understand why God would not answer his prayer requests. Samuel had already told him God has taken the kingdom from him because of disobedience. Hmm!

Water pressure has amazing effects on the human body. The deeper under water you go the more ways it affects you: blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, sense of being, etc. The Word of God is the same way. The more we live by it the more it affects and impacts every area of our lives. But the reason we often don’t get the life changing effects and increased faith promised is because we don’t go deep enough nor truly obey what we do know. God’s Word is ‘powerful and effective’ and will work in ways we don’t fully understand, but only if we are obedient to what we do understand. It’s not the knowledge that brings the blessings but the commitment to DO what it says.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside….” – Psalm 14:2-3

Unanswered Questions

Last time it was checked, omniscience belonged to God. It still does. - Anon

Jesus on earth was the ‘truth’ personified. But for many he left a lot of unanswered questions. Hmm!

One of the difficulties of life is that we cannot nicely clear everything up. Some things or circumstances just do not come to a happy resolution, no matter how hard we try. We can pray for resolution and peace, even confess or admit our part in the matter. The truth of the matter is that life does have some ‘loose’ strings that will remain and perplex us no matter what we do, because we live with and work among other imperfect beings like ourselves. We may never fully understand why, in such cases we can only commit these difficult, and maybe painful circumstances to our Heavenly Father who knows best and will give us the peace we seek to continue on. Today would be a great day to do so.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?” – Job 38:33

Responding to Revelation

Any fool can know, the point is to understand! - Albert Einstein

Even though the disciples walked with Jesus daily it wasn't until His death, burial and resurrection that they truly 'got him!' - WOW!

There's a song with the refrain "I wish I knew then what I know now..." intimating that if I had only known these things about life when I was younger, I would've made different choices and been better off. Really! Would we? Nobody gets to live life backwards. There are many things we know right now that are bad for us, yet we continue in them anyway. Habits or vices that are unhealthy, unproductive, or even downright sinful. Revelation is not given to us to review or spotlight the past, but to help prepare us for the future, for that's where we're headed. And revelation is always given at the proper time never before. The question we must answer is whenever it is given, what will be our response?

Until tomorrow........

Pastor Botts

"...forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me...." - Philippians 3:13-14

Open Up!

To understand the bible requires openness; first you open it, then you open you. – Anon

When Jesus taught them from the ‘scriptures’ of old they wondered where did he get such wisdom. Hmm!

The bible is a priceless gift, a tool for Christians to live by. It’s a love letter from God. The reason we so often get ‘love’ all mixed up and confused is because we search for it in every other thing and every other place, not understanding that we can never fully know love until we understand it from God’s perspective, the giver of the gift. And because we often keep this great tool closed and/or out of sight we mutter through life unfulfilled. The world is filled with hungering folks who have exactly what they need at their fingertips. We cannot truly love God and live fully unless we know Him, and He wants to be known. God’s Holy Word is indeed, a priceless, one-of-a-kind treasure. Yes, it needs to be handled with care, but more importantly, we need to handle it every day. Today’s great day to start.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God…” – Matthew 4:4

Show Em

The world cannot always understand a person’s profession of faith, but it can understand service. – I. Maclaren

In the bible we find it very often that people followed Jesus not because of who He said He was, but because of what they heard Him say and saw Him do. Many of them He won. WOW!

When it comes to our living and professing the ‘Christian’ life it seems everyone we meet is from the “show me” state of Missouri. They would rather see it in action rather than hear it in words, and in actuality; as Children of God it’s what we are called to do. People really don’t care how much you know or profess until they know how much you really care. So whether you practice ‘random acts of kindness,’ or ‘remember the poor,’ or just go about doing ‘all the good you can,’ do it from a cheerful heart and just know that you are being observed.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” – I Peter 3:9-10, 13-14

Doing Right. Always.

The time is always right to do what is right. – MLK, Jr.

Joseph wouldn’t betray his God to sleep with another man’s wife. Samuel wouldn’t betray his God in failing to pray for the people. Though no one else would know – GOD WOULD!

We live in a society that teaches us to “Just Do It.” Wrong, immoral or indecent, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, or everyone’s consenting, or it’s my prerogative, etc. I’ll do it. Even on the positive side we’re continuously asked to ‘cut corners,’ ‘give some slack,’ or “lighten up a bit.” But such thinking makes the concept of right and wrong subjective. It is not. God’s way is the only right way, regardless of how we feel about it or what we think about it. The better question to ask is: What does God think of me doing what I’m doing?”

Until Monday……..

Pastor Botts

“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” – Hosea 14:9

P.S. - Hope you can make it this Sunday, it's Men's Day, "NEXT MAN UP!"

Faith to Heal the Nations

Our intense need to understand will always be a powerful stumbling block in our attempts to reach God…. –  Anon

The Athenians who had gods for everything wanted to ‘know more’ about the True God Paul presented before they would believe anything he said. Hmm!

By nature we are a knowledge seeking people. We want to know how things work, how they came about, what happens when… Knowledge is wonderful, insightful, helpful, but it is just that – knowledge. Knowledge of itself tends to breed conceit and self-worth. Academia is wonderful, but when we have come to the point where it is often left up to the ‘scientist’  or ‘academician’ to determine real truth or what is noteworthy – this all too often casts God aside, which in turn leads to a derelict nation. And the gist of all the knowledge in the world could never explain, or purely define ‘love.’ Love is what it takes to live by faith, hope for a brighter tomorrow, and God alone holds the patent on love. In His word He just asks us try not to fully understand Him but to just ‘trust’ Him. As the day unfolds will you question or trust?

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God…” – Hebrews 11:6