There Is No Competition Cause He Is The Best

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. – M. W. Edelman

Every battle God sent his people into they won. Not because they were the best skilled warriors, but because they were obedient. Hmm!

“Win at all costs.” It’s a message that gets drummed into our psyche the moment we begin to understand the competitive nature of life. That drive to be the best, the first, the leader of the pack often adds undue stress and strain in our lives. And often we never slow down and take time to see the competitive forces are man made. God has never asked us to compete for his love, mercy, or blessings. He’s not even obligated us to win the victory – its already assured. We're only obligated to tell the story. And the best way to tell the story of Christ is by the way we live each and every day. Life is not a sport, its life; which is to be lived moment by moment and not as a contest. Today’s results are up to us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – I Thessalonians 4:11-12

Making A Defensive Stand

A great offense starts with defense. - Anon

Jesus prayed often because that's what usually opened doors for him to minister. WOW!

If you've ever played organized sports or listened to those who coach them you've heard the key to winning is defense. In baseball it's preached 'you can't give the other team extra outs or at-bats (errors, walks). In basketball it's taught get defensive stops. It's easier to run off rebounds and turnovers than when you talking the ball out of the net. In football we know it's field position. Pin them deep in their own territory, or get us started in their territory. The parallel here to our faith walk is that you cannot resist the devil without submitting to God, and you cannot submit to God without resisting the devil. We've all have to make a stand one way or the other. And I might add, doing either one halfheartedly will not get the job done, we must be sold out. Praying your game plan is solid today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you...." - James 4:7-8

P.S. - Hoping you will join us today at 5.30pm on campus for our monthly Prayer meeting.

More Than Just Talent

The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. – Anon

David often sought out God before he went into battle. A wise strategy that often paid dividends. Hmm!

We see it in sports all the time. The great big high-ranking university takes it for granted they can beat the little puny unranked, unknown college and BAM – major upset. We see it in God’s word as Goliath knew the victory was in the bag because of his size and history, however little ruddy David had been preparing his “heart” with God. Many times, in our lives sin gets the best of us and we often settle saying “I guess it was a lesson I needed to learn anyway.” But that’s not necessarily true. Often, it’s just because we were not willing to properly “discipline” ourselves to be alert, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led people of God. To be a conqueror takes more than just talent, it takes a “prepared heart.” I pray in Christ you will be a winner every day.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"As it is written: ‘for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him [Jesus] who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:36-39

And In the Number One Spot...

When we give God second place, we give God no place at all. – Anon

Jesus twice drove the money changers and sellers from the temple area. Seems there was no room for God in his own house. Hmm!

From the time we’re able to understand we’re taught “everybody loves a winner,” that unless you came out on top you’re a loser. And we feed into that worldview. But it is only in God’s economy that we can win by losing. “He who loses his life for my sake will find it” is what His word says. Anytime we place anything or anyone before God – we lose. True there are a great deal of noble causes out there – and the enemy knows this – but our worship and service to God must come first. As circumstances arise this day remember to be economical.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” – Colossians 1:18

The Battle in a New Normal

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. – Douglas MacArthur

David often sought God’s will before he sought his enemy. Hmm!

Reveille! Alarm clock! Sunrise! Whatever the means, we’re all awake for today. It’s here and coming on strong whether we like it or not. As you embark upon your day, remember you are at war. Not only with the fallout from the continuing pandemic but with all the changes it has brought along to our normal way of life, our physical gatherings, and fellowship. A 'new' normal is upon us. But the enemy will be continually targeting your heart and mind, firing away to make you lose your focus or resolve and doubt your faith and purpose. Make sure you dress properly for the battle otherwise you are sure to become a casualty of war.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes….” - Ephesians 6:11

Go Therefore

The Golden Rule is of no use to any of us unless we realize it is our move. – F. Crane

Of the Great Commission passage, it is said the most powerful word therein is not teach, disciple, or even baptize; but GO! For without “going” there would be none of the other things. Wow!

To a man, each of us would more than likely admit we’re glad someone shared ‘the faith’ with us. Even if we grew up in the family and learned it that way, we’re glad our parents took us to ‘church.’ The life we now have we could never imagine without God, and the promise of heaven too – WOW. It’s enough to make us want to shout, almost. But it should make us willing to share, seek out others to tell. And though those we encounter in our daily lives may make it tough and questionable for us to do so, we are still compelled and constrained by love for Christ to “prefer” them. Love is an action word and is known much more for doing than saying. I pray we may have a winning strategy today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be that same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:3-5

Keep Fighting

Moses didn't make it into the 'Promised Land' but he made it into the PROMISED LAND. - Anon

Paul said he 'trained and beat his body' in such a way as not to be disqualified for the prize. Amen!

Every Major Sport has a team or individual that is eventually crowned as champion. They go through seasons or tournaments being tested. They battle opponents, time, injuries, weather, even themselves to prove they are worthy of that 'championship' title and honor. And though it is an achievement of great note, it will always pale in comparison to what God offers us. Make no doubt about it, life is just as tough if not tougher than sports. And in life we must continue the battle daily and here's why. In the kingdom of God as long as you're still fighting, you're winning. Remember, God doesn't hand out awards for performance, He hands out CROWNS for perseverance.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award me on that day...." - II Timothy 4:8

P.S. - Please join us today in the sanctuary at 5:30 pm for PRAYER today!

Love Keeps No Records...

The surest way to win in a relationship: just don’t keep score! - Sparks

Though the disciples failed him many times and even fled, Jesus still entrusted the church to them. They later turned the world upside down for him. AMEN!

Record keeping is good for business matters, but bad for relationships. Relationships are built upon love, and God’s model is best. God is gracious, merciful, and forgiving. No matter the size of the infraction, He willingly forgives and shows mercy if we seek Him. This is not to say we continue in sin and error, it is just God’s way of letting us know He understands our imperfections and is willing to work with us to overcome them. Likewise He fully expects us to demonstrate the same traits in our daily lives (“freely you have received, freely give”) with those we interact with. The goal is not to win the war but to win the person.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – I Corinthians 13:4-7

Blessed Are Those That Don't Give Up

You can win a lot in life just by being the last one to give up! - J. Clear

Because Jacob refused to give up while 'wrestling' with God he got a new name - Israel. And the rest is history. Amen!

Could it be we've missed the point. Life is a gift of God, a most precious gift. When received and used responsibly 'gifts' enhance our being, not make it harder or more repressive. It's in the attitude in which we receive it and purpose it; that the ups/downs, hardships, or stresses begin to take their toll and shift our attitude from seeing it as a blessing to a chore to be done. Jesus lived each day of His life with purpose saying "I must be about My Father's business". Life will have its difficulties, but those are growing opportunities for us where we lean harder on God and trust He will give us what we need to sustain our momentum and eventually move forward with joy.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up....." - Luke 18:1

Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9:30am. Hope you can make it!

Peaceful Living

The way to win an atomic war is to make sure it never starts. – Omar Bradley

To save his life Jacob’s mother sent him away to relatives he’d never met. It was a wise move. Hmm!

If you think about it, war is actually a last resort. It is the result of failed attempts to resolve an issue, and atomic war is a desire to completely annihilate the enemy. Often, if we’re not careful we find ourselves not only in a war, but an atomic one, ruing the birth of our enemy. This should not be, for as people of God we’re called to live at peace with our neighbor. It’s not easy at times, but we must remember God will not accept excuses at the door of heaven. The way to win a fight - keep the peace. The way to win an argument – speak only in love. And the way to best Satan – stay in company with God. Peace, I leave with you!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…” – Romans 12:18-19

When We Lose We Win

There are victories of the soul and spirit. So sometimes, even if you lose, you win. – Elie Wiesel

Peter walked on water, then failed. Peter claimed he would die for Jesus, then denied him. But after each time he came back stronger. Hmm!

Playing ball as a kid against my dad I rarely won the game. But my father was helpful in showing me how to get better and the time we spent together was precious. God works along the same lines. There will be some times when we fail. There will be other times when we just don’t understand or get what God is trying to do ‘through’ us to get ‘to us.’ He has ways we do not fully understand and at times it takes us being beaten or ‘giving in’ before He can teach us what we need to now. So even in times of stern discipline or heartache we are the winners because He is working it out for our good. Don’t bemoan today’s lessons; just know He’s at His work in you.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

Restraint in Freedom

The basic test of freedom is perhaps less in what we are free to do than in what we are free not to do. – E. Hoffer

Paul stated “in Christ he was free to do all things,” but that if “eating meat” caused offense to his brother, he would eat no meat. What a COST to pay!

When you really stop to think about it, the whole concept of freedom is wrapped up in GOD. He is free and able to do ALL THINGS, yet He restrains himself on our behalf. Our sins are punishable by death, yet God chose NOT to condemn us to hell, but save us by grace. And that my friend is a mighty awesome example of true freedom. Happy 4th of July, but better yet, Praise God for your SALVATION!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” – I Corinthians 9:19

Realize Your Potential

You lose with potential. You win with performance! - Bill Parcells

When Peter was miraculously set free from prison, it wasn't because they had a great big church that knew about prayer, it was because the church prayed. WOW!

It should not surprise anyone that all of us have great potential. And we should know this, for we serve an omnipotent God. But untapped and unused it does us no good. Problems and circumstances seem to often overwhelm us because we never realize or utilize the potential within to overcome them. It's good to know God, but until we truly begin to trust Him and live by the faith we profess, we'll never overcome and be victorious. God wants us all to shine today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' His master replied 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' Come and share your master's happiness." - Matthew 25:20-21

Play On

It's why they play the game! - Anon

Gideon and his rag-tag army of 300 were really no match for the vast army of the Midianites and Amalakites. But they fought and won anyway. Wow!

On paper, you don't stand a chance. The odds are mightily against you. The laws are stacked against you. On the field or court, the opponent is bigger, stronger, quicker, and nastier than you. It's like Goliath against little scrawny David. But yet, they still play the game and often the 'expected' outcome is not the end result. Somewhere during the battle, during all the scratching and clawing, the courage, faith, obedience, and willingness to lay it all on the line proved more than enough for the underdog to walk away with the victory. In sports they call it momentum, in our daily walk we call it God fighting our battles. We may not win every time, but we'll never know until we let go and let God. That's how and why we should play the game today!

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up..." - Luke 18:1

We Will Win!

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. – Douglas MacArthur

David often sought God’s will before

he sought his enemy. Hmm!

Reveille! Alarm clock! Sunrise! Whatever the means, we’re all awake for Today. It’s here and coming on strong whether we like it or not. As you embark upon your day, remember you are at war. Not only with the current pandemic but with all the changes it has brought along to our normal way of life, our physical gatherings, proximity, and fellowship. The enemy will be targeting your heart and mind, firing away to make you doubt your faith and lose your focus. Make sure you dress properly for the battle otherwise you are sure to become a casualty of war.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can

take your stand against the devil’s schemes….” - Ephesians 6:11

P.S. - Praying all is well and that you can join us online this Sunday at 9:30am.

The Prepared Heart

The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. – Anon

Goliath knew the victory was in the bag because of his size and history, however little ruddy David had been preparing his “heart” with God. God WON!

We see it in sports all the time. The great big high ranking university takes it for granted they can beat the puny little unranked, unknown college and BAM – major upset. This scenario plays out in our life all too many times as well. Sin gets the best of us and we often settle by saying “I guess it was just a lesson I needed to learn anyway.” But that’s not necessarily true. Often it’s just because we were not willing to properly “discipline” ourselves to be alert, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led people of God. To be a conqueror takes more than just talent, it takes a “prepared heart.” God wants us to master the challenge.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“As it is written: ‘for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him [Jesus] who loved us.” – Romans 8:36-37 

How's Everything Coming Along?

No matter what the game is, there is always a scoreboard! - Anon

When Hezekiah showed off his kingdom to the king of Babylon, Isaiah let him know it was not just a simple gesture. OUCH!

As kids we played games for fun, exercise, and to pass the time. And though they offered all these things the one often overlooked benefit was they taught us rules and conduct. Every 'game' has its own rules and its own definition of what it means to win, whether it be points scored, profits made, course completed, etc. And no matter what the game was there was a scoreboard. To know if your game plan was working and where you stood you had to look at things in light of that scoreboard. Why, because our game plan was what we wanted to happen, but the scoreboard tells us what is happening. God has given us His Word and His Spirit to live by, to be Jesus with skin on, that's our game plan. Godliness and our impact on the world, that's the scoreboard. The question we each need to ask ourselves is 'how are we doing, and can we do better?'

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....But godliness with contentment is great gain...." - I Timothy 6:6

The Life of Life

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. – M. W. Edelman

Every battle God sent his people into they won. Not because they were the best skilled warriors, but because they were obedient. Hmm!

“Win at all costs.” It’s a message that gets drummed into our psyche the moment we begin to understand the competitive nature of life. That drive to be the best, the first, the leader of the pack often adds undue stress and strain in our lives. And often we never slow down and take time to see the competitive forces are man made. God has never asked us to compete for his love, mercy, or blessings. He’s not even obligated us to win the victory – its already assured. We're only obligated to tell the story. And the best way to tell the story of Christ is by the way we live each and every day. Life is not a sport, its life; which is to be lived moment by moment and not as a contest. Today’s results are up to us.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – I Thessalonians 4:11-12

On Display

People will look at your example long before they listen to your advice. – Anon

When Moses tried to advise a Hebrew slave that it was wrong to hit his fellowman, he was reminded he ‘secretly’ killed an Egyptian. Hmm!

In his book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' Carnegie states "people are drawn by example". The thing to remember is people will see what we do long before they hear what we say. The things we do tell all the world who we really are, and there is not a moment when you are not being who you are. Though we may not be aware of it our every action is being watched and observed, whether by strangers, family, or those we’re dealing with at the moment. So whether we’re cursing or caressing, someone is watching our example. The question is are we giving them ‘godly’ advice.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – I Corinthians 11:1

DON'T Set It Off

The way to win an atomic war is to make sure it never starts. – O. Bradley

To save his life Jacob’s mother sent him away to relatives he’d never met. It was a wise move. Hmm!

If you think about it, war is actually a last resort. It is the result of failed attempts to resolve an issue, and atomic war is a desire to completely annihilate the enemy. Often, if we’re not careful we find ourselves not only in a war, but an atomic one, rueing the birth of our enemy. This should not be, for as people of God we’re called to live at peace with our neighbor. It’s not easy at times, but we must remember God will not accept excuses at the door of heaven. The way to win a fight - keep the peace, the way to win an argument – speak only in love; and the way to best Satan – stay in company with God. Peace I leave with you!

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…” – Romans 12:18-19

P.S. - REMINDER, we will NOT be having Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning.