In it to Win it!

You cannot achieve victory unless you are in the contest! – Anon  

Even though God had promised the Israelites the land flowing with ‘milk and honey’ they still had to fight for it. Hmm!  

VICTORY! What a wonderful state to be in. Many of us say we want victory but we’re seldom willing to do anything about it. But just like we must work to receive a paycheck or attend classes and do the assignments to receive a good grade, we must work to have victory in those areas of our life we seek to change or make new. Just wearing the name of Christ is not a once-for-all automatic inheritance or guarantee of victory in all things. God requires us to show our faith and that means activity on our part. If we’re seeking victory and just waiting on God, maybe God is just waiting on us.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“…..let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1

Clothed with New Life

Christianity is not turning over a new leaf, it’s turning over a new life. – Sparks

Paul, a man of means and status (Pharisee), considered his former life “rubbish” compared to a relationship with Jesus. HMMM!  

Sweatshirts. Rainwear. Sweaters, etc. We often wear these outer garments when the weather dictates it. Often however, we wear our “Christianity” the same way, when situations dictate it. But in reality our relationship with Christ must be an inward change of the heart permeating every area of our life, and not areas we want to pick and choose. Remember, if you don’t LIVE IT, you don’t BELIEVE IT!  

Until Monday…..  

Pastor Botts  

“You were taught, with regard to your  former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24

The courage to begin

The one thing more powerful than the will to win, is the courage to begin. – Anon  

Abram left his father’s house, his people, and his land to go to a place he knew not where. But the key fact is he went. AMEN!  

As adults most of us know how to walk. We just put one foot in front of the other, and we find we can get almost anywhere. But if we were to think back to our infancy we would realize it took a lot of courage then to do what we do naturally now. The fact is that because we wanted to, we did it. Well, we still have wants. We want the best, we want to win, we want to be successful, we want to be loved. None of these desires are wrong, but we must realize that they are just desires or wants. They are obtainable but only if we go after them. Wanting them to happen doesn’t make it so, we must actually begin the journey to make it happen. The same is true in our walk with God. It takes great courage to believe Him unswervingly, follow Him unquestioningly, and serve Him faithfully. It is a lifelong journey but it still begins with the first step everyday. It’s up to us.  

Until tomorrow…….  

Pastor Botts  

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” – Philippians 1:20

Who's the Judge?

God himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should we? – Sparks  

Peter judged all Gentiles to be inferior and beneath him. God put him in a situation with Cornelius that changed his ‘vision.’ WOW!  

Truth be told we are all often quick to play judge, jury, and executioner; and pass final judgment on those we see and meet as if we have the actual keys to heaven and hell. And we do it with little rhyme or reason (looks, impressions, etc.). But God calls us to be witnesses for him, not lawyers OR judges; but witnesses. And like our Supreme Creator we should hold out hope for all mankind to be redeemed. Regardless of where they stand, God wants to use us to make a difference in their lives today, for tomorrow their change just may come. We should remember that whatever ‘measure’ we use will be used on us.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many….” – Hebrews 9:27-28

Conveying the Message

Never let the desire to influence be replaced with the need to control. – Anon  

The Sanhedrin Council was the “religious” authority of the time, but Jesus was the 'go to' guy and ANSWERman. HMM!  

The Great Commission was a command given to one and all believers and followers of Christ. We are called to tell the “good news.” But oftentimes its message of grace and love is missed because the messenger has overwhelmed the receiver or overshadowed the message. We must be careful in our zealousness to never try to be the central point (it’s not about us) or “commanding” in our sharing. We were called to just be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – I Peter 3:15

Active Faith

I do not want merely to possess a faith, I want a faith that possesses me. – C. Kingsley  

The ‘marks’ Paul bore on his body for Christ was because his faith would not let him sit still or be silent. Hmm!  

It’s no secret – life, if given the chance will beat up on us, drag us through the mud or briar patch, make us question our eyesight and our sanity, and leave us cursing the day we were born like Job. That’s why it’s imperative we have a living, active faith that keeps us enthusiastic and hopeful at all times. One thing we should know by now is that life with God is never dull, it’s a continuous unfolding adventure; as He seeks to make Himself known to us in all His creation. So if we’re going to be possessed by something, rather than it being Mastercard, VISA, Freddie Mac, etc., it’s apparent being led by faith is much more adventuresome.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“…just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” – Romans 1:17

Safety IN the Storm

Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is the perfect security in storms. – K. Troccoli  

When the storms raged against the ship, the disciples were amazed at what Jesus did to calm it down. Hmm!  

Rainstorms, snowstorms, blizzards, hurricanes, etc. All the work of nature, and all beyond our control. The best we can do is prepare for them for we know they will come, so we buy special clothing and other gear to help us muster through them. But often in matters of faith, many of us treat or think of our faith as some sort of magic shield that will keep trouble or the storms of life away from us, or that we won’t have heartache, pain, or problems because we’re protected by Jesus. We forget that ‘Jesus was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin.’ This tells us he suffered in “human flesh” just as we do, yet He did not give in to the sinful nature, which should give us strength and encouragement when the storms of life assail us. So as life unfolds, and it will, just remember to put on Jesus to weather the storm.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Cheeeeese!

Smile – it makes folks wonder what you’re up to, and why. – Anon

Paul was so joyful in Christ governor Festus thought he was ‘insane.’ Anyhow, Christ was preached. AMEN!

Cheerfulness, or joy is a gift we can give to ourselves at any time. We’re never really at the need of others to cheer us up or lift our spirit. This is not to say we don’t need others in our lives or that their efforts to help are futile, but simply the attitude to be joyful or cheerful resides within us. And since God has promised to be with us at all times our hearts should always be rejoicing. For if God’s presence here doesn’t cheer us or bring us joy, then having all of heaven at our fingertips will not either since it is the ceaseless praise of God. Jesus took everything that happened to him in stride, even the cross, for the ‘joy set before him.’  Life is not always easy, rosy, or pain-free, but it is still a gift from God, and since He is with us in the midst of whatever we’re going through we can smile.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…an anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” – Proverbs 12:25

Living Laughing and Dreaming

Imagination was given to us to compensate for what we are not; a sense of humor was given to us to console us for what we are. – M. McGinnis  

Sarah’s laughter at God’s prophecy of a child showed her state of mind, God’s fulfillment showed his omnipotence! Amen.   
Dreams, hopes, aspirations, imagination. These are all desires key to our existence. Life itself, is really not worth the living without them. The thing we need to remember about life is that it is not static, it can change at a moment’s notice. And since we know “God is not finished with us yet,” all options are still available to us. Therefore we should not take ourselves too seriously as if we are controlling it all, but just rest in God’s grace day to day, allowing him to work out the desires of our heart.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“I thank my God every time I remember you…..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 1:3,6

That Personal Touch

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world. – R. Otto  

When Andrew found Jesus he went and got his brother Peter. That meeting changed Peter’s world. Amen!  

It’s an amazing fact that is often overlooked by most. We read the Acts 2:38-41 account and often come away feeling that's how the world will be won - with a major miracle event, such as the often seen Franklin Graham or Greg Laurie crusades, tent revivals, or feel-good conferences. These things are well and good and have their place, but it still took someone to personally invite the individuals who pack these events. See, in reality souls are won one by one, PERSONALLY. It takes a Christian to make another Christian or introduce them to Christ, and we know the enemy is not doing it. So, that leaves us. Maybe we should ask God to help us be the one to do so today.  
Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth, and someone would bring him back, remember this, whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” – James 5:19-20

Christmas Perspective

The gift of Christmas leaves none wanting or wishing if it is truly received. - Anon

The Israelites had God as their loving leader,  instead after looking at their neighbors they wanted a king like everyone else. It really cost them. Hmm!

Admittedly, we are imperfect human beings in nature. We know what God says to us in His Word, but yet we go against it anyway. For instance, we know that envy is sin, but sometimes in our human frailness and particularly in this time of the year where we see the blessings, gifts, and fellowships others are enjoying envy can rear its head. Thus, we must guard ourselves against that natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy towards others because of their good fortune. As a believer, we have absolutely no right or reason to be envious of anyone, because we ourselves are already possessors of the greatest gift of all creation: God’s Grace through Christ. Nothing matches it, exceeds it, or compares with it, and it abounds more and more each day. So a simple suggestion guaranteed to keep us satisfied and content is to fill our hearts with God’s love, His promises, and His Son, and that will not leave any room for any bitter activity.

We will be taking a few days off until the New Year, so until then…..
Pastor Botts

“…..therefore, laying aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy……desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” – I Peter 2:1-2

You want the TRUTH?

The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it. – A. Rand  

Pilate could not recognize Christ as the truth because he aldready had his own version. Hmm!  

We sit next to them and wonder. They sit next to us and do the same. We grew up with them and wonder. They grew up with us and do the same. What is it? It’s wondering where were they when this simple truth, whatever it may be, that seemingly everybody should know; was given out or taught. We got it, how come they didn’t, they were there we know – at least physically. In this mixed up world we live in we often forget a few things about the people we live and associate with. First, not everyone is in search of the truth, their own version yes – but the actual truth, no. They will go along with a program until it conflicts with their inner desires. And second, the enemy has blinded some to the truth, they can’t accept it in any form. Their desire is to overturn or discredit any opposition to them. Our quest is to make sure we continually seek the whole truth, not just for understanding but for application into our daily lives for a life that pleases God. It’s a proven maxim that if you repeat anything often enough it will start to become you. So as the day progresses our challenge is to see if anyone would mistake us for Jesus.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“….you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free….: - John 8:32

God (Love) is...Everyday

We may love God too little, but we can never love Him too much. – R. Murray  

How would you answer the question Jesus asked of Peter: “Do you love me?” Hmm!  

In truth at times everyone thinks they’re overdoing it for God. With the time at church, involvement in ministry, serving on committee, etc. While these are all well and good, it does not necessarily correlate to a love for God nor a love of God. It goes without saying that love is an action word. It is expressed in our deeds, actions, and way of life as directed by what’s in our heart, moreso than any verbal expression we can muster. Yes, we show it in our tenderness, our dedication, our discipline, our sharing, and our fellowship among other things. But the key is we want to express it in as many ways as we can and as often as we can. God is not limited to being loved only on Sunday, or at meal time, or just before we lay down at night. Just as His love for us is unrestrained and boundless and shows up in so many different ways, so should our love be for Him. And there should be no cause for us to worry for just as sure as we can’t beat God giving, we can’t out love Him either.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“….and I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge….” – Ephesians 3:17-19

The Ability to Do

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. – C. Sagan 

Paul stated emphatically that “all things were possible only in Christ.” Hmm! 

Most of us can do some pretty amazing things, create some astounding inventions or designs, or even uncover deep-deep truths and wisdom. And it’s no secret most people pride themselves by such accomplishments and feats. While such skills and talents are wonderful, we must never forget they are ‘gifts’ from our Creator. Everything we work with was given by Him. And just as He reminded Job about where he stood in the creation, we must never define ourselves by these skills and talents, be remember to give thanks that they are ours to use for His glory. 
Until tomorrow……. 

Pastor Botts 

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” – I Timothy 6:7

Doing Our Part

 If you don’t do your part, who will? – C. Swindoll

All Andrew gets noted for was bringing his brother Peter to Christ. But still it was a big role to fill. Hmm! 

In this current socio-economic crazed, overpopulated, and impersonal world, it is easy sometimes to underestimate the significance of one deed, act, or kindness. After all, we often feel someone else more important or capable than our self can do it much better. We must remember though, that we serve a God who has always understood the power of one. Think of all the examples given in His word: Moses, the Good Samaritan, or Esther just to name a few. And God still believes in the power of one. Today is a gift granted to each of us that we might make a difference for His kingdom. And we must keep this in mind, with God excuses don’t count, only results! 

Until Monday….. 

Pastor Botts 

“….And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14 

P.S. - It pains me to say this, but due to scheduling conflicts we will have to cancel our monthly Prayer Breakfast this Saturday.