Look What I Can Do

One act of obedience is better than a hundred sermons preached. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though the apostle Paul wrote many letters to the churches he instructed them to look at his life as an example. Hmm!

When we were kids we always wanted our parents, siblings, and anyone else around to watch us when we did something we thought was extra special. Now that we are grown and knowing that we are possibly the only ‘bible’ some folks will ever read we need to ask ourselves do we still have that “watch me” mentality. Example is contagious behavior and often the only way to reach someone. And a sermon isn’t really preached until it is put into action. We need to be mindful that as instruments of God, somebody is receiving a message loud and clear, so we should pray our walk is in line with our talk.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “ – Matthew 7:20

The Key to Daily Renewal

Our bodies may age, but our spirits can be renewed each day. – Anon

At age 40 Caleb was promised Hebron. At age 85 he received it and was ready for battle, and his spirit and strength were still as it was earlier. WOW!

The moment we’re born we begin to age – it’s the way God designed things. All of us I’m sure, are not as agile, adept, or sharp as we used to be. That’s the aging process, to remind us of the body’s physical limitations and mortality. But in spite of this, our spiritual nature and character, which are eternal; are being shaped by what we do each day. The enemy will try to drain the spirit life out of us, but God has promised renewal each day if we so desire it. The key is to make sure we feed our spirit proper nourishment and keep it in a proper environment, then age truly will only be a matter of mind. God can and will work in and through any who make themselves available.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:37

The Challenge of Godly Faith

Living by faith is never convenient! – Anon

The Good Samaritan just somehow knew he should do something. Hmm!

We like safe! We like tidy! We like comfort! And admittedly these are all good things to pursue in life, for no one really likes those who live with reckless abandon, nor seem to care for themselves or others. To walk and live by faith doesn’t call us to live with reckless abandon, but it does put us on notice that a convenient tidy life that is “all about me” is no longer appropriate. Godly faith challenges us to go beyond the norms we’ve set for ourselves. To consider others, to assist, care for, help others in their time of need, not necessarily ‘our time’ of convenience or when it’s not taxing us. Godly faith requires us to think like and let Jesus live through us to love, touch, embrace, edify, encourage, and respect others as the person God made them to be. Yes, actually to live by faith is to let Jesus – the one who died for us – live through us.

I will be taking some time off, so until I return this keyboard will be silent.

Blessings…

Pastor Botts

“Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, a stranger, or naked, or in prison {and minister to 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

Being Thankful for Mercies Extended

Every mercy we receive from God should obligate us to walk closer to Him. - M. Henry

In his prayer, the tax collector desired nothing of God except His mercy. AMEN!

We serve a God who is gracious by nature. He says "ask and it shall be given you." He bestows blessing upon blessing upon blessing on us and in our lives, and by nature most of us are thankful for His benevolence. YES, asked blessings we take note of , but we seldom reflect on His mercies and favor. At our best, we're imperfect, self-centered beings putting ourselves on God's throne, making it all about us. He has the right to be offended, but yet He shows great patience. It's true, grace has saved us, but His mercies sustain us, otherwise we would be 'consumed' by His wrath and life would be unbearable. As we enter today with its situations, as mercy is extended, be thankful and let it pass to others.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.....He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." - Psalm 103:8,10

Play Your Position On His Team

A walk is as good as a hit! - Bro. Artie Salyard (et. al) 

All Aaron and Hur did was 'help' Moses hold his hands up in prayer for Joshua in battle. It was more than enough. Hmm!

The objective of baseball is to get on base and score. Yes, home runs are a grand event, but most runs scored in a game occur without the ball ever leaving the ballpark. Runners get on base by way of a base hit OR walk and are moved around the bases and brought home to score by the batters after them. It's a team effort. It's the same in our work of kingdom building. We all have a part to play in building up Christ's kingdom or church, and no role is too small to be overlooked or thought unimportant. Just as it often takes more than one player to score a run, it often takes many 'touches' from many different disciples of Jesus before a sinner is convinced they need what Jesus offers. So today, as we stand in the batter's box, remember a walk is as good as a hit.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some..." - I Corinthians 9:22

Walk With Him

If a man can have salvation and not know it, he can lose it and not miss it. – A. Rogers

Samson slept hard and not only lost his hair, but lost his strength as well. The LORD had “departed” from him.

It's a truth that 'no one wants to be taken for granted.' People like to feel or believe they can offer something to the relationship - even God. But like Samson, many of us often walk day after day believing our relationship with God is all right, never really taking time to stop and commune with Him. But if we find ourselves committing the same sins over and over and constantly asking forgiveness, it’s a sure sign the LORD has departed from us; for His presence would give us true spiritual power to overcome the enemy or situation, whatever it may be. God is willing to walk with us to get us there, the question is: are we willing to walk with Him? His ways are exacting!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8

Steps in the Right Direction

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step - Chinese proverb

The bible says Jesus 'set his face to go to Jerusalem and the Cross.' That journey still continues today. WOW!

10,000 steps a day! Approximately 5 miles! According to many health advisory boards it's a goal we should aim for every day. Such activity can help lead to a decrease in chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic syndrome issues, and increase one's overall health. A noble task indeed. So we grab the FitBit, Apple Watch, pedometer, or phone-app and off we go. Hooray for us! But this good application of ourselves does beg another question. How many of those steps are in the path the Lord chose for us this day? How many of them took us to where Jesus needed to be to minister through us, to encourage, give help or hope, spread love, show concern, or share in compassion or sympathy? If we're going to walk, why not be like Enoch and walk with God.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

P.S. - Hope to see you tomorrow for Prayer Breakfast!

Moving With Him

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet. – Anon

John in his gospel tells us that many people, after they heard the hard words of what it means to follow Jesus went back and “walked with him no more.” A tragic decision. Hmm!

Often, we forget that ours is a Christian journey; being led by our Lord. We willingly signed up when we accepted His call to “follow me.” Though the path may not seem “wise” to us or even dangerous, we must remember, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me,” we are not alone. He alone knows the path to His Father’s house for “He came from the Father,” and “He goes back to the Father.” We often feel we know our way around down here better than anyone, and that may be true, but it is not “down here” we want to stay if we expect eternal glory one day. So, as Jesus or the Word of God speaks to us, let us move in harmony with the request.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?...the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” – Luke 6:46,49

Go With Us

True safety isn’t determined by our location, but by the trust we put in the ONE who goes with us. – A. Jackson

When Moses told God ‘Unless you go with us, don’t send us away from here’ he spoke volumes. Amen!

Red Sea crossing! Lion’s den! Fiery furnace! Stormy sea of Galilee! If memory serves correctly, these were all harrowing, frightful experiences for the people involved. Almost life or death situations, and possibly the last place you’d want to be. But yet in every case and many others like them, they came through safe, unscathed, and unharmed. Why, because of ‘WHO’ was with them – God. In a world where we try to find safe neighborhoods to live in, safe schools for our kids, safe spaces to recreate, etc., the greater assurance we should strive for is to always be in the presence and company of God. Though God has promised ‘never to leave us’ we must be equally careful never to leave Him, even when we don’t like the present situation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Psalm 23:4

Closet Time With Jesus

A holy life is not lived in the closet, but it cannot survive without one. - Anon

Paul's letters mention how he 'often' prayed for those who came to faith. I'm sure that's not all he prayed for. Hmm!

We wash them in 'Woolite'! We get them professionally dry-cleaned! We hang them properly, sometimes in plastic bags in the closet. What are they, our clothes or garments. Those pieces we always want to look good in, in public. Whether it be clothes, cars, jewelry, etc., we all have things we give much more attention and protection to, ensuring their presentation always draws attention. That should ever be the case with our faith walk with God. It deserves the utmost of care in terms of preparation (study, prayer, fasting) and presentation (avoiding the appearance of sin). It's true that life has a frenetic pace, but it's equally true that we don't have to participate in everything that makes it that way. If our lives are starting to get frayed around the ends, maybe some closet time with Jesus is just what we need.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"......But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen....." - Matthew 6:6

Flights of Faith

"I want to fly like an eagle, til' I'm free, fly like an eagle let my spirit carry me..." - Song lyrics

You ever notice once Abraham 'trusted' God he was NEVER in want for anything. Hmm!

You see them soaring overhead, oftentimes just floating on the wind, looking majestic and proud - birds of the air. It wasn't always that way. There was a day when they were pushed out of the nest to their first flight. Their parents thought they had what it took at that time to fly - and fly they did. Maybe not perfectly, and maybe not a long flight, but long enough to convince them they could. You ever think God works that way with us. Trying to nudge us out of the nest (our comfort zone) into something new and exciting. He knows He's prepared us for it and will walk with us through it, but He just needs us to take that 'flight' of faith. Faith only grows when it's put to the test/trial. We can learn a lot by reading the bible, but to build our faith takes practical exams. God is saying to all of us today: "Welcome to flight school!"

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

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

Walk This Way

“Do this in remembrance of me,” wasn’t only reserved for the communion table. – Anon

Barnabas extended himself to Paul long before any of the other “faithful” brothers. I think he knew something about Jesus. Hmm!

Often, we are very good at keeping the “rituals” or “acts of faith” commanded by Jesus, but not so good at keeping the “heart” of Jesus. Jesus was never caught short or bent out of shape in dealing with people. One thing I’ve learned from life and God’s Word is you can never give what you’ve never received. If we find ourselves short on compassion, mercy, forgiveness, love, etc., maybe it’s time to belly up to the table of GRACE. It has a lot to offer in terms of our ability to live/love like Jesus. I can almost guarantee we will all need to show a little to someone today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

But if any man obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” – I John 2:5-6

No Easy Way

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 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

What a Friend We CAN Have In Jesus

Friendship consists in forgetting what one gives and remembering what one receives. - Alexandre Dumas

Can you imagine all the things Mary - the mother of Jesus - treasured in her heart? Hmm!

Grandma's hands! Grandpa's jokes! Mom/dad's voice! Coach barking out instructions! Amazingly, we can still 'feel' or 'hear' those voices loud and clear in our moments of reflection, and what joy and inspiration they bring. How much more so then, should we enjoy hearing from Our Lord. He said "my sheep hear my voice and a stranger they will not follow." Is the Word of God and voice of the Holy Spirit inviting and pleasing to us, or do we view them as an intrusion and killjoy to all we would want to do? Though God is God and our ultimate judge, He would rather walk and talk with us daily in relationship as a friend. And maybe, out of all the friends we have, we might consider moving Him up on the list. Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend..." - Exodus 33:11

National Day of Prayer 2022

The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. - Anon

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Please pray for our nation and its leaders.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

Colossians 2:6-7 6. Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7. having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. (NASB)

From Preparation Comes Effectiveness

Every time you are not practicing, someone else is. – Boris Becker

Satan never got the upper hand on Jesus because of his practice. He communed with his Father daily. Hmm!

It’s a strange phenomenon, but when we see professional athletes, businesspeople, or friends continuously “handed their lunch” by someone, we say they are weak or need more practice. But we often never apply that logic to ourselves in our Christian walk, suffering the same sins and breakdowns over and over. We know within ourselves that our enemy never takes a break or holiday, but we often never take time out to prepare for his onslaughts, which leave us frustrated. True, we walk by faith, but effectiveness comes from being prepared.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.” – Psalm 119:54-56

"Small" Ball

A walk is as good as a hit! - Anon (maybe Bro. Artie Salyard)

All Aaron and Hur did was 'help' Moses hold his hands up in prayer for Joshua in battle. It was more than enough. Hmm!

The objective of baseball is to get on base and score. Yes, homeruns are a grand event, but most runs scored in a game occur without the ball ever leaving the ballpark. Runners get on base by way of a base hit OR walk, and are moved around the bases and brought home to score by the batters after them. It's a team effort. It's the same in our work of kingdom building. We all have a part to play in building up Christ's kingdom or church, and no role is too small to be overlooked or thought unimportant. Just as it often takes more than one player to score a run, it often takes many 'touches' from many different disciples of Jesus before a sinner is convinced they need what Jesus offers. So today, as we stand in the batter's box, remember a walk is as good as a hit.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some..." - I Corinthians 9:22

Agreeing to Walk Together

Christians may not always see eye to eye, but they can always walk arm in arm. – Anon

Paul & Barnabas didn’t see eye to eye about John Mark, but they saw Christ as one. Hmm!

If pleasing God is our goal, and fulfilling our godly purpose is our motivation, then love is our aim. We must remember “love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, proud, rude, or self-seeking.” God has so made us where we need each other. Interdependence is the very fabric of our lives, and love does not separate but binds us together for the common good. Our goal is to always keep the ‘main thing’ as the main thing.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” – Amos 3:3

P.S. - For the upcoming series on Prayer beginning THIS SUNDAY(6/27/21) we're asking for your help. Please take a moment to let us know which session you will be attending. They are as follows:

Sunday Session 11:30am (On Campus)

Tuesday Session 6:30pm (On Campus)

Wednesday Session 7:00pm (Zoom)

Saturday Session 1:15pm (Zoom)

PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY TO THIS E-MAIL TODAY!

The Security in Faith

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature. - Hellen Keller

Elijah had no idea where he was going when he took off running from Jezebel, but God led him to where he needed to be. Hmm!

Walking by faith and not by sight is how we seek to live, but it is not easy. And if we're honest in times of great stress where major decisions beckon, we tend to walk more by sight than faith. We tend to make 'safety/security' the basis or foundation of our decision. For example, our decisions on where to go to school or buy a home are often made in proximity to relatives and/or friends. It's hard to argue the point that security is one of our most basic priorities. And that's with good reason. But here's a question that we must truly consider: What decision will require us to trust God the most? Think about Abram leaving his family. The Israelites knowingly going into captivity for 70 years. Paul walking away from Judaism for Christ. Security is a basic need but we must realize we can never secure our lives and futures on our own, it takes the will and work of God. He "knows the plans He has for us" and will surely bring them to fruition in good time. Ours is to be faithful and trusting on the journey.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Joshua 1:5