Stay on Target

"Stay on target..." -Gold Five Pilot -Star Wars

God was exact in all His measurements. I wonder if we should take a lesson there. Hmm!

Bullseye! Everyone is familiar with the term. It's the center of the target - dead aim center; what we all shoot for. The mark of perfection. Now when it comes to our profession of Christ it brings up a question. Are we ourselves moving towards it in a way others can see and praise or are we moving away from it, tarnishing the glory of the God we serve. One of the harshest words Jesus used for the 'religious right' of His day was hypocrite, as they were actually making it almost impossible for the people to see and witness God's presence. We will all struggle from time to time in our walk, that's not the issue, the issue is whether those around us who really know us would be able to say with certainty that we are still striving for the target or actually doing a disservice to the Lord. Since the target has not moved or changed the answer lies within us.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

"....Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind..." - Matthew 22:37

The Faith Behind the Works

Our greatest need is not to do all things for good, but to believe all things work together for good. – O. Chambers

When Jesus came to town Martha worked herself into a tempest making sure everything was perfectly prepared and placed. Jesus said “good,” but not “great.” Hmm!

Ask any farmer and they'll tell you they don't expect to harvest every seed they sow, but they do fully believe they will harvest a good crop. And so they work to ensure not a perfect yield, but a maximum yield. It is the same with us in our work for Christ. Often, many of us get stuck in our efforts, or don't even try because we feel we can't do it perfectly. We must take care not to develop a “hardcore” Martha perspective. Yes we are saved to good works, but it is not so much the work, but the “faith” behind the works that really matters. It’s a false idea to think we can barter with God for results based on our activities. God looks within and without regarding our actions. The work He gives us today is important - yes - but not more important than the faith we do it with.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” – Acts 24:14-16

The Relentless Pursuit of Us

The bible is not only a bleeding book but also a pleading book. – HD. Rutherford

Much prayer and concern was offered up for Sodom and Gomorrah, but to no avail. All was lost to God’s wrath. OUCH!

We call them bloodhounds, hunting dogs. They are tracking dogs; give them a ‘scent’ and off they go, and go, tirelessly seeking their prey. In that sense, Our Christ operates the same way. He refuses to be ignored, He never gives up. We have tried for over 20 centuries to escape Him, elude Him, ignore Him, discredit Him, smear Him, and yet after all our endeavors, denials, and put-downs He still pursues us. He won’t turn back. We can try like Pilate to wash our hands of Him, or like so many others to deaden our souls cry for Him through the slumbering offerings of this world, but He still seeks us. The one who bled for us and pled for us still searches for us – with open arms! Why, only to love us and save us before the one day comes when He will have to judge us. Hopefully, we’ll tire of running before that day comes.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him…” – II Chronicles 16:9

Bring on the Love

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

All In for Discipleship

Becoming a Christian means you give your heart to Jesus. Becoming a disciple means you give Him your life too! - Anon

Joseph, Daniel. Just a couple of guys who let God in every area of their life, and He showed off. Hmm!

To be a swimmer one must be willing to not only get in the water, but go under the water and go deep in the water; there is no other way. You can talk about swimming all you want, but eventually you have to be 'all in' to do it. The same is true of our life in Christ. Many of us are just happy wearing the name 'Christian', just splashing about in the water. But Jesus wants disciples who are willing to go all in, and all in for the long haul. There are many areas in our lives we tend to try and keep Jesus out of (relationships, finances, recreation, etc.) not to mention our manner of conversation, or way of thinking; but like swimming it's all or none. These areas must get wet or 'washed over' if we're to be made disciples. He'll leave the choice up to us, but He does stand before us proclaiming "come on in, the water's fine!"

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62

Direct Connect

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 tomorrow……

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

Let it Meditate

Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. – St Francis de Sales

That Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray, that his disciples went to the temple at the hour of prayer seems important.

Early morning, late afternoon, 5 minutes, 1 hour or more – these are all variables bantered about when it comes to prayer and meditation with God. The truth of the matter is there is no secret formula or one-size fits all. What is important is that we take time from our busy lives each day to spend with God, talking to and LISTENING to Him. The One who planned the day surely knows how it will pan out and the direction He has purposed for us. It is important to note that the more time we spend with God the more we hear and understand His heart and the less inclined we are to go off on our own path.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6