Staying Humble in an Age of Self Glorification

Never make an impression bigger than you are. Remember, shadow boxers never score a knockout! – Anon

When Naaman went to Elisha the priest to be cured of his leprosy, he left mad – and still diseased – because the man of God didn’t make a big fuss over him. Hmm!

Social media posts, blogs, podcasts, etc. We live in the era of 'grand celebration,' where folks announce with fanfare anything they do to the world be it great or small, looking for a stroke of the ego or special recognition. And admittedly at times if we're not careful, we too, like Naaman, often like the great and spectacular to accompany anything we do, for we love to appear larger than life itself. But God has called on us to do the small, holy and righteous tasks day in and day out; and victory is assured. Any aura we give off bigger than ourselves should only point others to the ONE whom we serve.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12

Loved Into the Kingdom

God so loved the world..........what about you? - Anon

Even though his brother Jacob stole his birthright and blessing, Esau learned to forgive and forget. Wow!

Admittedly, we live in a fallen world full of corruption, greed, deceit, selfishness and all other kinds of ills one could imagine. And, we don't have to go very far to see it, for it's all around us, often directly impacting our personal space. We can bemoan the situation, speak evil of it, or even condemn to hell those practicing such things. But the sobering truth is God requires much more of us. Jesus was born into such a fallen world to save "all who would believe" and He loved many of those who practiced such sinful activities into the kingdom, including us. He was not tolerant of their sins, but He loved them 'more' than their sin, and His love won out. Now it's our turn. So before we speak evil or condescendingly of anyone, let's remember why we were actually saved and sent.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick......For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Matthew 9:12-13

Because YOU...

One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary people, but no machine can do the work of one extraordinary person. – E. Hubbard

Jonah and the repenting Ninevites. Peter on the Day of Pentecost. One powerful, spirit-filled message changed many hard hearts. Hmm!

Automation. Assembly lines, Time-motion processes, etc. These are so yesterday. Now it's AI. It's taking over in every realm possible, generating all kinds of content and possibilities. Yes, it’s true in many areas the human element has been curtailed or improved upon to benefit mankind, some good, some not so good. However, no matter how technologically advanced we become; no mechanized or computational process can change the hearts of men and women. Only God working through us can accomplish this great feat, and this happens only in relationship. So, no matter what comes our way may we be extraordinary today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25:34-36

Saying NO to Misery

True enough, misery may love company; but no one said it had to be you. – Sparks

The rich man died and opened his eyes in hell, then wanted the company of Lazarus to ‘wet’ his parched tongue. Abraham said sorry, no can do. AMEN!

There is a big difference between being comforting and just wallowing in misery. One is born of love the other selfishness. Misery is a tool of the enemy that melts the heart. The real reason many of us often wind up in the company of misery is we fail to acknowledge the power of the Spirit within us to just say ‘NO,’ I will not be a part of this. The Word tells us ‘do not quench the Spirit.’ When we do, we’re on our own. We are each responsible for maintaining the inward joy Jesus brings to us, and SHARING that joy wherever we go. Go for it!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22

Be YOU-nique

In the world to come, you will not be asked, "Why were you not Moses, Samuel, David, or Paul? But you will be asked, "why were you not YOU?" – Rabbi Zusya

Paul gave up on being a ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ and a super-apostle just to be a servant. The church is forever grateful. AMEN!

Truth be known, many of us as we read the scriptures often yearn to be like the great ones; to have the strength of Samson, the faith of Paul, or even the prayer life of Jabez. These were all good people of God whose story and life are there to help impact ours, but not to take the place of ours. God has purpose for each one of us and though we are thousands of years removed from these biblical ancestors, God is still in the process of building up His kingdom. And though some like Samuel, David, Paul, and even Moses were mentioned, think of the millions who were not mentioned; but yet lived out their purpose of helping to push the kingdom along. In this day and age God needs each of us in our own UNIQUE ways to reach out and make an impact on the world as our ancestors did. That is being who God made us to be – anything else is a fraud.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…. “I cannot go in these” [David] said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off” – I Samuel 17:38-39

Real Change

Wherever you go in life you always, always take yourself. – J. Graham

Though he was in a foreign land, Daniel refused to defile himself even with the king’s food. AMEN!

People travel to far-away locales, attend extreme makeover camps, or even suffer through intensive ritualistic regimens thinking such activities will change them. A change of scenery may excite the senses, a makeover may make you look better, and a ritual may make you think you are doing better, but true change of who we are can only take place in the heart. It’s God’s domain, and unless we surrender it completely to Him, much of what we do will be lost at the first sign of distress. Joseph had many ‘distresses’ in his life but because of his heart he prospered through every one of them. His God is the same one we serve today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“'How do you know me?' Nathanel asked. Jesus answered, 'I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.'" - John 1:48

Infectious Joy

You can never give another person the joy you’ve found, but you can make him homesick for what you have. – Oswald Chambers

After talking with Jesus at the well, the Samaritan woman excited the whole town with what she found there. AMEN!

If there’s one thing this present world could use it is joy. Political news, economic news, world news, pandemic news, and even local news all seems to be negative; and often in the home there is little or no peace. We are called to be a light, to be a joyful people – these traits attract others – that we might impact the world around us. We must remember our joy isn’t determined by what's going on around us or by what we have, but WHO we have within. If our immediate sphere of influence is dark and dreary and without hope, we shouldn’t look outward, but inward; and then upward. If our Christian walk is not attracting or impacting others, then we’re really not living for Jesus we’re living for ourselves. May we all be ‘infectious’ today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11

He Sees You

“Every move you make, every breath you take….I’ll be watchin’ you!” – song refrain

Hagar tried to hide thinking no one cared until she realized God knew ‘exactly’ where she was and why she was. Hmm!

Just try it for 2-3 minutes. Sit still and watch a group of sparrows (chee-chee birds). The way they flit about, jump around, dart in and out of trees or bushes. You can’t tell them apart, but yet our Great God can. The bible tells us ‘not one of them will fall to the ground outside of God’s care!’ Now if God cares that much about them, imagine how much more He cares for us, His most valued creation. You may think your movements, actions, or current status are of no consequence to Him, but just as He looks in on those birds. He looks in with even greater attention to you. Sometimes it may not ‘feel’ like He’s there, but the One who loves you most knows exactly where you are and the status of things going on. The question is will you trust Him, surrender and allow Him to work it out for your good? Remember, you were made to bring Him glory – let it rise!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you…” – Psalm 121:4-5

Can't Do You

What God called you to do, I can't! - Anon

God could have called anyone to preach to the Ninevites, but only Jonah could get the whole town to repent. Hmm!

Whether it's the bible or a history book, you'll run across the names of people who did great things for humanity's sake. But that being said, history and the world is full of unnamed heroes who were just as important. The reason being is that every individual - and that includes you - has purpose in this life. For us as faithful believers that includes helping to build up and strengthen the kingdom of God. And God has specific things He wants to accomplish through you personally. He has gifted you for it, So neither I, nor anyone else can do it for you. It's your God-given assignment. But know that with God your assignment will always be in line with the greater work He has called the Church - all of us - to do. So, time's a wastin!' Grab your faith and come on.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" - Esther 4:14

All Things Are Possible, But Not Until You Pray

Work as if everything depends on you and pray as if everything depends on GOD. – D.L. Moody

In the battle against the Amalekites Joshua fought for the people, while Moses lifted up his hands in prayer for them. God gave them victory!

Truth be told most of us live by the thought “if it’s going to be, then it’s up to me,” and in a majority of situations we often have no problem trying to do everything ourselves. We often feel no one can do it like us anyway, and we really are Superman or Superwoman. God did call us to serve, but He never intended for us to serve alone or in our own strength. Things that are to be are not solely up to us, for God is in the very details of life. So yes we work, but we work with purpose; remembering we can do all things through prayer but we cannot do anything until we pray!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’” – Nehemiah 6:9

You Matter

Out of billions of people in the world the fly in the room wants you! - Anon

Jesus often went out of His way to reach those nobody wanted. You ever been that person? Amen!

God doesn't need you. That's right, He doesn't! The creator of the universe and all therein doesn't need anyone or anything - He is completely perfect. Within Himself. By Himself. For God to need anything would make Him imperfect. So, He doesn't need you, me. or anyone else. There, it's said. BUT, He wants you. Yes, you, me, and everyone. He wants us for relationship. Not arms length, but intimate, close, one-on-one. To love, cherish, embrace, and to lavish His blessings on. To be there when it seems nobody else is. To give our life meaning, purpose, and understanding. To let you know you really do matter and have great value. And who amongst us doesn't WANT a friend like that?

Until tomorrow...….

Pastor Botts

".....I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people...."- Jeremiah 31:33

To Love A Fallen World

God so loved the world..........what about you? - Anon

Even though his brother Jacob stole his birthright and blessing, Esau learned to forgive and forget. Wow!

Admittedly, we live in a fallen world full of corruption, greed, deceit, selfishness and all other kinds of ills one could imagine. And, we don't have to go very far to see it, for it's all around us,  often directly impacting our personal space. We can bemoan the situation, speak evil of it,  or even condemn to hell those practicing such things. But the sobering truth is God requires much more of us. Jesus was born into such a fallen world to save "all who would believe" and He loved many of those who practiced such sinful activities into the kingdom, including us. He was not tolerant of their sins, but He loved them 'more' than their sin, and His love won out. Now it's our turn. So before we speak evil or condescendingly of anyone, let's remember why we were actually saved and sent.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick......For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Matthew 9:12-13

Helping to Build

You can stand tall without standing on someone, and you can be a victor without having victims. – H. Woods

Jesus said “there is none greater in heaven than John the Baptist,” and all he did was preach and baptize. Hmm!

One of the worldly perspectives we digest early on in life is that there is always a winner and a loser, that someone has to come out on top; and at all costs we’re to make sure that someone is us. And in truth we spend an inordinate amount of time trying to ‘scratch and claw’ our way up the ladder of success, for success requires the type of thinking and action where one must fight for all they get. In the search for significance, however; one seeks how they may best benefit society and those around them. Their way of thinking is not self-fulfillment but the enrichment of others, which is wholly in line with God’s desires, for we never stand taller than when we reach down to help someone else up.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself….” – Romans 15:2-3

Equal Access

No one has more access to God than you! – Anon

The friends of the paralytic man cut a hole in the roof, just to put him before Jesus. He was welcomed and healed. WOW!

It’s funny how we sometimes think others have an ‘in’ with God that we don’t, as if there were some secret to it. Upon Jesus’ death on the cross the ‘veil of the temple’ was torn asunder; giving ALL believers equal access to God. It is true others may be more devoted in their prayer and meditational times with God – but He patiently waits and longs for each one of us to come by and come often. Yes, it’s good, healthy, and scriptural to ask others to pray for you, but God will hear each one of us as if we were the most important person there is. Remember, He shows no partiality!

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God.” – John 1:12

YOU-nique

In the world to come, you will not be asked, "Why were you not Moses, Samuel, David, or Paul? But you will be asked, "why were you not YOU?" – Rabbi Zusya

Paul gave up on being a ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ and a super-apostle just to be a servant. The church is forever grateful. AMEN!

Truth be known, many of us as we read the scriptures often yearn to be like the great ones; to have the strength of Samson, the faith of Paul, or even the prayer life of Jabez. These were all good people of God whose story and life are there to help impact ours, but not to take the place of ours. God has purpose for each one of us and though we are thousands of years removed from these biblical ancestors, God is still in the process of building up His kingdom. And though some like Samuel, David, Paul, and even Moses were mentioned, think of the millions who were not mentioned; but yet lived out their purpose helping to push the kingdom along. In this day and age God needs each of us in our own UNIQUE ways to reach out and make an impact on the world as our ancestors did. That is being who God made us to be – anything else is a fraud.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…. “I cannot go in these” [David] said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off” – I Samuel 17:38-39

Put in the Work

None of the secrets of success will work unless you do. – Anon

Naaman wanted to dip in clean waters to cleanse his leprosy. He remained a leper until he dipped in the muddy Jordan just as the prophet Elisha prescribed. Hmm!

Roger Federer! Bill Gates! All highly successful people not because of luck but because of applying themselves to their profession. The same application holds true for us as children of God if we expect to be successful. The secret to prayer is secret prayer. The secret to walking with God is walking with God. The secret to knowing His Word is reading and obeying His word. It works this way every time. There are no magic tricks or formulas; it just requires discipline and action. Good intentions count for nothing; results only come to those who willingly put forth the effort. God is counting on us today!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God’.” – Luke 9:62

Who ARE You?

What they call you is up to them, what you answer to is up to you. - Anon

Saul once called David a boy, but after Goliath he realized David was a warrior. WOW!

Winebibber, glutton, friend of sinners, Beelzebub! Those who despised him had many names for Jesus, most of them unflattering and downright mean. But he never forgot who he was nor his ultimate calling - SAVIOR. People of the world today are not much different than people then, this we know for many of us have had some unflattering names, gestures, and remarks hurled our way. It just goes with the territory. The question is how we respond, if we respond. Remember, you don't have to attend every argument/fight you're invited to. But if and when we do, may we like Jesus remember our ultimate goal - to reflect God in all we do in word and deed.

I will be away for a few days, so this keyboard will be silent.

Until then,

Pastor Botts

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:11

Like Jesus

Someone will need to see Jesus today, are you available? - Anon

Elisha thought it would be great to be just like Elijah, in life and spirit. Such a noble idea. Hmm!

Growing up we all had someone in mind we wanted to be like (mom, dad, coach, etc.). We were impressed with the way they carried themselves and seemed to make a difference in life. In his life here on earth Jesus was witnessed in all sorts of situations – all pertaining to the spreading of God’s righteousness and love. Feeding/healing the people, both physically and spiritually, rubbing elbows with the common folk and socially outcast, and even challenging the ‘religious right’ of His day regarding His Father’s will. True it led to a lot of suffering and eventually death on a cross, but in truth that is why He came, to die in our place; and in retrospect: if we haven’t found a cause worth dying for, we’re really not fit to live ourselves. Though we rarely face death for our faith these days, a better question to ask ourselves is how often does Jesus live through me?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” – Romans 8:17

Being You

In the world to come, you will not be asked, "Why were you not Moses, Samuel, David, or Paul? But you will be asked, "why were you not YOU?" – Rabbi Zusya

Paul gave up on being a ‘Pharisee of Pharisees’ and a super-apostle just to be a servant. The church is forever grateful. AMEN!

Truth be known, many of us as we read the scriptures often yearn to be like the great ones; to have the strength of Samson, the faith of Paul, or even the prayer life of Jabez. These were all good people of God whose story and life are there to help impact ours, but not to take the place of ours. God has purpose for each one of us and though we are thousands of years removed from these biblical ancestors, God is still in the process of building up His kingdom. And though some like Samuel, David, Paul, and even Moses were mentioned, think of the millions who were not mentioned; but yet lived out their purpose helping to push the kingdom along. In this day and age God needs each of us in our own UNIQUE ways to reach out and make an impact on the world as our ancestors did. That is being who God made us to be – anything else is a fraud.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head…. “I cannot go in these” [David] said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off” – I Samuel 17:38-39