The Accolades of Humanity

Not everything than can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. – Albert Einstein

Peter was the most widely known of the apostles saving 3,000 with one sermon, but it was his brother Andrew that brought him to the Lord. Hmm!

Degrees, awards, titles, plaques, notoriety, etc. – these are all things that help draw attention to us and show others our worth and value. And while nice to have they are still a far cry from the humanity others and God would have of us. The things that really matter in life don’t hang from walls or go on business cards but come from the heart. Things like trust, loyalty, discipline, benevolence, respect; just to name a few; are incalculable in a relationship. The lives we will touch for God will not be because we have great resources behind us but because we have divine resources within us. No one knows how far a touch from God will go.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:2

Selling Out Should Not Be An Option

I detest millionaires, but it might be dangerous to offer me the position. - Mark Twain

The Jews hated being under Roman rule, but the position of tax collector was one they all coveted. Hmm!

A common cliché is that every man has his price, that for which he would sell out or compromise his values. And in the schools of negotiation it is often taught that “he who mentions price first – loses.” But what is uncanny is though we live in a world where our enemy is always the first to ‘offer’ (and he never offers full price – he can’t) people are often quick to compromise. Temptation is a fact of life for all of us each and every day, but God has guaranteed a way out if we so desire. In regards to sin our ‘NO’ should always be ‘NO’ and never ‘MAYBE’

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37

Offerings From the Heart

A picture is worth a 1,000 words! Anon

It wasn't the poor widow's money (2 coins) that astonished Jesus, it was her heart when she gave it. WOW!

They cover refrigerators all over the world. Drawings of 'stick figure families', not quite perfectly shaped hearts, crooked houses with stumpy trees, etc. Drawings by children, and though they are not a museum masterpiece, they are a heartwarming offering of love to a parent. In the same way, God loves our imperfect offerings and delights in them when they are offered from our hearts like those childhood drawings, for it's not so much the finished product that He sees, but the heart, devotion, and intent (love) we put into it. So, what rendering will you present to Him this day?

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - I Peter 4:8

Hope to see you tonight at 6:30pm for our Good Friday service.

Laws of Attraction

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching? – Anon

John the Baptist and 2 of his disciples were intrigued by Jesus and asked “where are you staying?” Jesus said, “come and see!” They spent that whole day with him. Hmm!

It is often said “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” In other words you must be able to attract them. The same idea is true in our faith walk each and every day. What attracts or draws us to those we associate with? The best way to attract people to Christ (who draws all men to himself) is not so much to ‘act’ like a Christian, but just live as we truly believe. A Christian has hope in all situations and circumstances so life is never bleak and we shouldn’t wear long faces. Our life should eventually impact those we walk with. If we’re not attracting anyone maybe it’s time to get re-focused on who we’re following.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit…..” – I Corinthians 16:17-18

P.S. - Don't forget the 'Christmas Sweater contest' and our 'Afternoon of Comedy' events are this Sunday (12/15)

El Roi- The God Who Sees Me

God even keeps a running inventory on the little sparrows. – Luke 12:6

Hagar thought she was unloved and alone, ready to die – until God spoke up. Hmm!

No doubt about it, it is a big, big world! Over 9 billion people and counting. And on top of that all the issues that come with life, all it’s pressures, problems, and indignities. It can often become overwhelming to the point we think no one cares, no one sees the ‘real me’ and no one understands where I am, what I need. But God tells us often how ‘precious’ we are to Him. And if He does a daily count on sparrows you have to believe and trust He knows exactly where you are and what you’re into or facing. And He stands ready to lend a hand, give strength, encouragement, and victory. All is needed is an invitation by us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Luke 16:7

Purposeful Work

You may not get all that you work for in this world, but you must certainly work for all you get. – Frederick Douglass

Even in the ‘Parable of the Sower’ Jesus tells us he didn’t reap everywhere He sowed, but He did sow. Hmm!

We live in a world that is changing rapidly. People no longer extend their hands to shake in friendship but with palms up to ask in expectation. There is almost a sense in some that the world ‘owes’ them something. How often we forget that all of us come by our resources the same way - WORK. Work is in itself a virtue God has allotted to us to provide for our needs, His church, and the poor we have amongst us. We all believe that anything worth having is worth working for, so there should be no griping or complaining on our part, but a gracious sense of joy that we can fulfill our purpose in the work God has given us this day, and rejoice in what we receive from it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Know Your Worth

If you put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. – Anon

Even in captivity, Daniel never forgot who he was nor whom he belonged to. Hmm!

One of the great parodied events of our country's storied history is the “purchase” of Manhattan from the Indians for some ‘trinkets and beads,’ the obvious point being the Indians had no idea of the value of the land they possessed. Often in life, we are somewhat like these fabled Indians, forgetting that we are of the greatest value to our Heavenly Father and His Son. Our worth to God is of much more value that pure gold. We are the children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are royalty. Let no one sell you short today.

Until tomorrow…

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

True Value Discrepancies

Price is not the same as value! - Anon

Don't ask Esau the value of a birthright. OUCH!

Price! So many different terms (wholesale, retail, discount, sales, MSRP, etc.) it's hard to truly determine worth. And worth itself is somewhat subjective depending on the individual. And what's worse is we've confused all of this with value. Example, we'll pay a star athlete or top-movie star millions a year to excite or entertain us for a few hours, but teachers and educators almost pennies on the dollar (comparatively) to educate us and help prepare us for life. Go figure! God referred to Esau as 'godless' for selling his birthright for a bowl of stew; meaning he did not know the true value of what he possessed. As a society often we're not far behind. God is not against fame or fortune, He just wants us to realize in the grand scheme of life they are not that important. What we add to life by way of the blessings He gives to us is the key. Don't miscalculate the value of your life or your contribution to God's work. We will all give an account one day.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

",,,.the Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight." - Proverbs 11:1

Worthy Conduct

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, our response is ours. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit..." - Philippians 1:27

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

God Sees You

Laser vision is great but I trust more in a God who never loses focus. - Anon

Hagar thought no one cared for her and her son Ishmael, until the 'God who sees' spoke to her in the desert. Wow!

Pigeons, crows, gulls, chee-chee birds - what a nuisance! We see them all the time and rarely give them any thought - other than to curse them for messing up our cars. But to see a flock of ducks/geese flying overhead in that familiar V-pattern we give a more focused view and even regal thought to. Life at times may make us feel like a nuisance or pest, or even non-existent or unworthy of others time or interest. It's in these moments we need to remember the most important truth of all time: Christ died for us too! And that means we have immeasurable worth and value. So even when others don't see us - God does.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God......Don't be afraid, you are worth much more than many sparrows." - Luke 12:6-7

Your Life: Take 1: Action!

One day your whole life will flash before your eyes. Now’s the time to make sure it’s worth watching. – Anon

God was pleased with Hezekiah’s life story enough to extend his life fifteen years. Hmm!

We’ve all seen movies or shows that we vowed we would never see again. Whether it was bad acting, a bad plot, gratuitous violence or language etc., or just plain silliness it somehow left a bad taste or memory with us that we don’t want to revisit. It would be a complete waste of time. Though this is on the big screen it should evoke some thought as to how we live our daily lives before God. The truth of the matter is we will all one day have to give an account of what we’ve done, and nothing in all creation is hidden or can be hidden from Him. The idea of having to stand there and watch our lives flash before our eyes in God’s presence should be a wake-up call. And yes, His grace goes a long way to cover a multitude of sins, but He did say something about us personally paying for willful sin. Let today be a day of repentance and a new beginning.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:12

Qualified, Accepted, Loved

Don't waste a second of your time convincing other people you're worth loving. - Atticus

Jesus let the disenfranchised know they really weren't disenfranchised. Wow!

MENSA: an organization with world-wide name recognition and prestige, not to mention high qualifying standards. But, here's a question to ponder. Are clubs and organizations like these really established to group together like-minded, like skilled people and build upon them, OR are they really established to keep people not like them out? I'll let you be the judge, but here is a truth that we should all hold dear. Despite our imperfections (and they are many) God never casts us aside or kicks us to the curb. He never even says there's a 'special section' for you in heaven. Everyone is loved by Him as if they were His only son or daughter. Race, creed, color, language, shape, size, etc., none of it matters to Him. He has opened His home (heaven) to all who are willing to accept His grace. I think we might all qualify.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - II Timothy 4:8

Price Value Worth

Price is not the same as value! - Anon

Don't ask Esau the value of a birthright. OUCH!

Price! So many different terms (wholesale, retail, discount, sales, etc.) it's hard to truly determine worth. And worth itself is somewhat objective depending on the individual. And what's worse is we've confused all of this with value. Example, we'll pay a star athlete or top-movie star millions a year to excite or entertain us for a few hours, but teachers and educators almost pennies on the dollar (comparatively) to educate us and help prepare us for life. Go figure! God referred to Esau as 'godless' for selling his birthright for a bowl of stew; meaning he did not know the true value of what he possessed. As a society often we're not far behind. God is not against fame or fortune, he just wants us to realize in the grand scheme of life they are not that important. What we add to life by way of the blessings He gives to us is the key. Don't miscalculate the value of your life or your contribution to God's work. We will all give an account one day.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"...the Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight." - Proverbs 11:1

Imperfect Love Offerings

A picture is worth a 1,000 words! Anon

It wasn't the poor widow's money (2 coins) that astonished Jesus, it was her heart when she gave it. WOW!

They cover refrigerators all over the world. Drawings of 'stick figure families', not quite perfectly shaped hearts, crooked houses with stumpy trees, etc. Drawings by children, and though they are not a museum masterpiece, they are a heartwarming offering of love to a parent. In the same way, God loves our imperfect offerings and delights in them when they are offered from our hearts like those childhood drawings, for it's not so much the finished product that He sees, but the heart, devotion, and intent (love) we put into it. So, what rendering will you present to Him this day?

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - I Peter 4:8

Know Your Worth

Your true value depends entirely on who or what you are compared with. – B. Wells

Potiphar’s wife thought the slave boy Joseph would be easy prey. She didn’t know he served a high calling before God. Wow!

Keeping up with the Jones' has been a lifelong tradition. For many of us it was something almost inbred in us by our parents or peers, and we just can’t seem to identify ourselves any other way. It’s the way of the world and its expectations – you are what you drive, eat, wear, where you live, etc. When we allow these comparisons to shape us it brings undue stress and strain in our lives, impacting our emotional and spiritual well-being. God has told us we are worth everything to Him (He gave His Son for us) and it doesn’t matter what our lot in life is, He loves us just the same. When we look at the saints of old, we will see how even with their flaws God used them, shaped them, loved them, and saved them. Need we any other comparisons to see how much we are valued and loved.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” – II Corinthians 10:12

An Attractive Christ Walk

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching? – Anon

John the Baptist and 2 of his disciples were intrigued by Jesus and asked “where are you staying?” Jesus said, “come and see!” They spent that whole day with him. Hmm!

It is often said “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” In other words you must be able to attract them. The same idea is true in our faith walk each and every day. What attracts or draws us to those we associate with? The best way to attract people to Christ (who draws all men to himself) is not so much to ‘act’ like a Christian, but just live as we truly believe. A Christian has hope in all situations and circumstances so life is never bleak and we shouldn’t wear long faces. Our life should eventually impact those we walk with. If we’re not attracting anyone maybe it’s time to get re-focused on who we’re following.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit…..” – I Corinthians 16:17-18

Bear Witness of God's Holiness

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

Set an Example

Preach the gospel, and if necessary use words. - St. Francis of Assisi

God spoke very highly of Job not because of his words and sacrifices, but because  of his heart and deeds. AMEN!

If it is true that 'a picture is worth a thousand words', (and I believe it is) then the message we preach by what we do comes through loud and clear to all those around us. Though most of us would rather speak of our 'Christianity' most people prefer to see it in action, and God most of all. The deeds we do today may be the only sermon some people will hear this week. The setting God has placed us in today is just perfect for the occasion.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God.....Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." - I Corinthians 10:32

Calculating Life

Price is not the same as value! - Anon

Don't ask Esau the value of a birthright. OUCH!

Price! So many different terms (wholesale, retail, discount, sales, etc.) it's hard to truly determine worth. And worth itself is somewhat objective depending on the individual. And what's worse is we've confused all of this with value. Example, we'll pay a star athlete or top-movie star millions a year to excite or entertain us for a few hours, but teachers and educators almost pennies on the dollar (comparatively) to educate us and help prepare us for life. Go figure! God referred to Esau as 'godless' for selling his birthright for a bowl of stew; meaning he did not know the true value of what he possessed. As a society often we're not far behind. God is not against fame or fortune, he just wants us to realize in the grand scheme of life they are not that important. What we add to life by way of the blessings He gives to us is the key. Don't miscalculate the value of your life or your contribution to God's work. We will all give an account one day.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

",,,.the Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight." - Proverbs 11:1