Fight the GOOD Fight

When it’s time to fight a war, it’s best you know who the enemy is – and who it isn’t. – M. Nappa

During his kingship, Saul spent a great amount of time and energy pursuing David as his enemy. He should have just looked in the mirror for that. Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to do something worthwhile knows it often comes amid battle. Trying to live the righteous and Christian life is no different. However, the battles we fight are often of our own making and against our own ally (God) because of our hardness of heart and selfish desires. Like Paul we often ‘kick against the pricks’ when God is trying to work in corrections or bring blessings in our lives. Life would be much easier if we could get ourselves out of the way!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” – Matthew 16:23

What We Take In

Those who would play with kittens must expect to be scratched. – Cervantes

The Israelites gave their daughters in marriage and took other nations daughters in marriage in direct violation of God’s word. Though marriage was honorable in this case it was wrong. They later felt God’s wrath. Hmm!

Often in life, the easiest choices carry heavy consequences that can mar and scar our lives deeply. Our choice of friends, entertainment, and recreation will impact the way we think and act. Our choice of intellectual stimulation, lack of continued disciplined spiritual development will impact our morals, values, and contribution to life. In essence, what we take in will most definitely make an indelible mark on our conscience. Satan often presents sin as something rather glamorous, adoring, and necessary. It is only after we’re entangled that we realize it’s not for us. The good news is that God is willing and able to forgive us of such transgressions, but he expects us to knowingly avoid such temptations. Actions and decisions have results, and life is full of both, but our ultimate aim should be to please God in all we do.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23

A Little Fellowship Pick Me Up

There’s only one thing more precious than our time and that’s who we spend it on. - L. Christopher

When the Prodigal Son returned home, can you imagine how the father's heart felt? Hmm!

You've probably seen it, possibly experienced it. One car connected to another by battery cables for a jump. Yeah, a jolt to get it started. When you meditate on this scene for a minute or two it shows the importance of fellowship. We all need a jump or jolt every now and then in our spiritual lives. Those times God may seem distant, or like He's not hearing our prayers, and the doubts keep multiplying in our heads. We need a jump to bring us back the reality that no matter the current situation, God is still good and He has not forgotten nor forsaken us. Fellowship with other believers helps recharge/revive our spirit and refocus our vision. So if you're in need of a jump, join the fellowship. And if you don't need a jump, join the fellowship for you may be just the one to give someone else that jolt!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." - Isaiah 40:29

The Choice Is Yours

You are exactly who you’ve chosen to be! – Anon

Joseph’s character was never in question, and he made sure it stayed that way. Just ask Potiphar’s wife. Hmm!

From the moment we wake up each day until the moment we nod off at night, our life’s tapestry is knitted together by the decisions and choices we make. What to do, what to say, what to meditate on, etc… You can choose to dwell on your health problems, financial issues, or other challenges in your life, or you can choose to remind yourself of the blessings God has brought to you and brought you through. The choice of being bitter or better is not ‘forced’ upon us by life’s situations, it’s a conscious choice or decision we make alone. The one thing that should always remain in our consciousness is that ‘if God is God?’ our every decision should be made in light of His wisdom…… and man o’ man, does God have some answers.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….but the wisdom that comes from heaven, is first of all pure; then peace-loving” – James 3:17

Just Worship

"Praise is who I am, I will praise Him while I can....." - song refrain

After being beaten and cast into prison all Paul & Silas could do was - PRAISE. Hmm!

Have you ever considered Job's resumè? What made God give him such rave reviews in the presence of Satan..."have you considered my servant Job..." He often offered sacrifices for his children 'just in case' they sinned. And then, on what has to be the worst day of his life, where he lost everything, he grieved AND then worshiped God. No finger-pointing, no plots of revenge, or even self-pity. Just worship. Maybe there's a lesson for us here. Maybe instead of anger, bitterness, outrage, or self-absorption in some of our worst moments, we just stop and praise/worship God. It could make life a bit easier to bear, reduce the heartache, and bring the hope we have back into clear view. God is still in the restoration business, and just as He restored Job, I know and believe the 'plans' He has for us are far better than what we presently see. So whatever the struggles of life might be right now, let's put praise at the top of each day.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

Identity Thieves

Our parent's may have named us but our life truly speaks who we are. - Anon

In the Garden of Eden, God asked Adam "where are you?" not for his location but for his position -sin had changed his identity. Hmm!

You've seen the commercials - LIFELOCK! Protect your identity. They talk about online identity theft and fraud, and your need to protect your financial/medical/life identity from cyber criminals on the web/internet. Sadly, this is very true. But yet, our identity is being stolen every day - openly. The government chips away at it with legislation and liberal laws, often where we don't even a have a voice in the decision. Society or culture chips away at it with its "all about me" attitude and demands. At times even our own children make us question our rights as their parents. Who are you? It is a lot to deal with. And if we're not careful we give in and even start to 'adapt' to these changes as god-ordained/approved. Here's the question we need to truly consider when it comes to identity, and that is: Does God know who you are? Is your identity unquestionable before Him? Is our walk and talk a great witness to Him and for Him? Or, will He have a 'where's Waldo' moment trying to identify us? Today is a good day to make sure!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 2:10-11 

Running Because...

All men should strive to learn before they die, who or what they are running from, or to, and why. – James Thurber

Paul told Timothy he ‘knew’ a crown of life was laid up for him which Jesus would then give him. WOW!

The atheist says there is no God, but yet he is caught up in this hectic, busy, non-stop world, growing older and striving each day – for what? The same could be said of the agnostic as well. Now for those of us who confess Christ the answer is obvious. But though we may know why and have a hope the others do not, we must make sure our ‘running’ is not in vain. God is exact in His laws and decrees on what He expects of His children. And though He is ‘plenteous’ in mercy, He will not change His word one iota to fit us in. If we’re running to Him we must remember the Cross is the starting point and the Bible is the standard. Anything else is useless and excuses won't be accepted.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 

Our Time in His Hand

He who waits on God loses no time. – V. Havner

While the disciples were waiting for the ‘promise’ of Pentecost, they became avid prayer warriors. AMEN!

The art of waiting may have been lost by man but not by God; He has not changed. He moves not according to the watch we wear or the clock we look at, but according to His own schedule. We say “God is in control” but our actions often reflect otherwise as we try to push, prod, and pull Him into action when we deem it best. All of us have at one time or another been a personal recipient of God’s timeliness, which should serve as a constant reminder that we need to be patient. The world gives the illusion today that it moves faster than it did years ago but we must remember it’s the same world, and He’s the same God. Waiting on Him is one of the greatest acts of trust and obedience.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.” – Psalm 31:15

Be About It

Your theology is who you are when the talking stops and the action starts. – C. Morris

While facing a death sentence Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held fast to their God. In the fiery furnace their God held fast to them. Hmm!

There’s an old cliché that says: “when all is said and done, there’s a lot less done than said.” There’s a lot of truth to this in most lives. People are good at talking and making great and grand promises, claiming to have impeccable character or stout-hearted faith. But despite all we claim, our actual life actions will scream who we are so loud others really don’t have to listen to a word we say. The good thing is we serve a God who is patient and forgiving, however He will not always “hold His peace”. Remember, if you don’t live it you don’t believe it.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“The man who says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him.” – I John 2:4-5

Hope to see you Sunday at 9am for our Bible Reading recap.

Whose lead are you following?

Though important to know where you are going, better still is to know who you are following. – Sparks

Paul/Saul knew he was a highly dedicated and well-trained man on a mission for God, until he met Jesus on the road. WOW!

Upon reflection, I’m sure most of us can remember a journey or two we took where we didn’t like the end results. And in most cases it was more than likely because we did not know fully the details, we were ‘excited to be invited.’ However, without question; whether it be trend or person the majority of people today will still follow along without question. The common thinking is often that the “consensus can’t be wrong, the excitement can’t be false,” so this must be real.  Though God has given us the church, pastors, teachers, leaders, friends, etc; His call for us is not to them but to Him and His Word. People are fallible and may stray, but God’s Word will always lead us to Him. In circumstances that come upon us the question to ask is ‘whose lead are we following?’

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong…… do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.” – Exodus 23:2