Properly fighting monsters

Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one. – F. Nietzsche  

Though Saul hated and tried to destroy him, David had nothing but love for God’s anointed man. WOW!

It happens time and time again. We come across obstinate, arrogant, defiant, evil intentioned people in our lives, on our jobs, and sometimes even in our homes. It’s an almost constant battle where our righteousness is severely put to the test. A good tactician knows the easiest way to defeat an enemy is to get them out of their normal routine or comfort zone, and strike quickly; which is what our enemy constantly tries with us. And if we’re not careful we soon cross the line into no man’s land. But God calls on us to practice self-control, to respond in righteousness, and not repay evil for evil. Just as we hate to see our child or star pupil act out of character, so does our Heavenly Father. He’s counting on us to show the world what a saint looks like.  

Until tomorrow…….  

Pastor Botts  

“I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified fro the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:27

Tiny Pushes

The #World is moved not only by the mighty shoves of #Heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest #Worker. – #HelenKeller  

Not much is said about Andrew’s ministry, but he did bring his brother Peter to Jesus. WOW!  

Ask any inventor, great writer, super-athlete, etc. and each one will tell you their success came because others hidden or not known or recognized by the public sacrificed to help them. So we can see there is much truth to the maxim ‘many hands make light work,’ and none more so than when those hands are working in harmony for truth and righteousness. To each of us God has given a responsibility, not a work title (man does that) but a responsibility to make the best of where He’s placed us, and make it better for us having been there. We need remember that in all we do the effort we give will either inspire or deflate others, and note that God is watching.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“…Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel….” – Philippians 1:12

Prayer Power

When we rely upon #Education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon #Skill, we get what skill can do; when we rely upon #Technology, we get what technology can do; but when we rely upon #Prayer, we get what #God will do. – #RobertLeroe  

When Peter and John were charged not to preach Jesus anymore the early church didn’t start a letter writing campaign nor go on strike – they prayed. GOD MOVED!  

Without a doubt most of us are highly qualified for the work we do. We’ve spent years in disciplined training and vast hours in education. We’ve honed our skills to near perfection and enhanced our life with the latest technological innovations. But often we find in life, when it comes to dealing with people no matter how much education, skill, or technology you have, they are of little help. That’s why it pays to be a praying person. Prayer can do things all these other advantages can’t. Prayer interjects Our God who can change the hardest of hearts – even ours.  

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  

Note: There WILL NOT be a rally this comng Sunday (9/29) nor will we have a Vesper Service. Blessings!

Prayer: Start well Finish well

Things begun in prayer usually end in power. – Anon  

The early church prayed for power to speak the truth ‘boldly’ and caused an earthquake. WOW!  

When you get right down to the nuts and bolts of what we do and how we do it, we all want and look for things to end well, with pizzazz, fireworks, crescendos, flair, or just plain ol’ great success. That’s just human nature. But the end result is often predicated on the start and follow through that we put into it. This is particularly true in the ways of God. There is nothing we should ever attempt to do for Him without consulting Him first, even when it comes to our daily living. And when He answers, whether a big or small request; it’s not hard to see His hand in the process. But we must remember it is not titles, awards, past performance, or special recognition that guarantees such results, it is by prayer. Prayer accomplishes much and it is the ‘work’ of the faithful. The key to an effective prayer life is to value that which we know brings glory and honor to the Father.  

Until tomorrow……  

Pastor Botts  

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” – Colossians 4:2

The Memory Trap

We cannot change our memories, but we can change their meaning and the power they have over us. – D. Seamans  

Joseph let God erase all the hatred from his heart against his brothers for what they had done. He even ‘cried’ when he saw them again. The reunion was all good. AMEN!  

The thing about life is it throws many events our way, some good; some bad. The things that have happened to us cannot be undone. We cannot go back and change it but we should not fear it either, nor let it hold us prisoner. One can only truly fear future events. And since our future is not set in stone, fear is just a head trip. Oftentimes we get stuck in a way of thinking, in a behavior, or in our expectations because we have been hurt before and we have not truly brought the situation to God. From God’s perspective events from our past (good and bad) are stepping stones to move forward in righteousness and faith, for He can bring good out of any situation. Pain is sometimes inevitable, but allowing a memory to keep us in suffering is a choice. God can adjust our attitudes if we allow him.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him….” – Romans 8:28

A little smile goes a long way!

A smile is a curve that can set a lot of things straight. – R. Murray  

At the initial reunion, the Prodigal Father’s face told his son all he needed to know. AMEN!  

True, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line; but the quickest way to set someone’s heart at ease is with a curve of the lips, or smile. It can change the tenor of a room, conversation, or even an individual. It’s amazing when you truly think about it, but God made us in such a way that when we smile truly from our heart, our whole body feels it. It costs nothing, but gives so much; both to the one to whom it is given; and to the one who gives it, for you cannot give a smile without it warming your own heart. Life may have its ups and downs but never so much to where we can’t smile about it.  

Until Monday….  

Pastor Botts  

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

God at Work

May God use you without consulting you? – W. C. Brumby  

The man born blind, Lazarus being raised from the dead, the man at the pool of Bethesda. All healed for one reason only – to bring God GLORY. Hmm!  

Most of us grew up under the authority of our parents and we marched to the commands they laid down without question or hesitation.  Well, God has a great agenda for this day. He plans to reach out to those in need, lift the spirits of those who are down, help those who seem to need no help, forgive all who need it, comfort those who are mourning, be patient with those who don’t even know Him, have mercy on those who curse Him, and love those who don’t deserve it. The thing about His agenda is there are no specific timeframes, nor any set roles; but He is expecting full cooperation from us. As the day comes upon us may we remember we are His!  

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 to the interest of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4

The Real God

God doesn’t believe in atheists. – Anon  

Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Nature, even His own Son. God sent them for one reason only, not that we may know about Him, but that we may know Him!  

None of us ever saw George Washington cross the Delaware, Harriet Tubman lead slaves to freedom, or General Custer make his famous last stand. But just because we did not see it personally doesn’t mean it did not occur. And though we may not have seen a physical manifestation of God that ‘suits our fancy’ doesn’t mean God isn’t real. He’s as real as you or me, and He fully expects us to live according to His word to show others He is real. No, God doesn’t believe in atheists, nor does he believe in ‘Christians’ who act like atheists. Remember, if we don’t really live the faith, we don’t really believe it.  

Until  tomorrow……  

Pastor Botts  

“No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, know the Lord, because they all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 31:33

God Rolls On!

Knowledge of what the Lord has done should give us great confidence in what the Lord will do! – M. DeHaan  

With the help of God scrawny little David fought off bears and lions as a shepherd boy, so he knew Goliath stood no chance before him! Hmm!
 
There truly is nothing too hard for God. All it takes is just a moment or two of reflection; looking at His grand creation – earth and all that is therein. And though scientists and researchers are still trying to figure it all out, just knowing it works because God made it so is truly refreshing and comforting. And it has been so since time began. Sciences great discoveries haven’t changed a thing. The sun still rises and sets, the rains come and go, winter and springtime happen on schedule, all of which should bolster our faith that it is as God has said it will always be because He makes it so. And with such a proven track record, there should be no reason for us to doubt Him today! So as we walk faithfully we can trust He will fulfill His promises. Game On!  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice…” – Psalm 34:2

Crowd Mentality

Though important to know where you are going, better still is to know who you are following. – Sparks  

Paul/Saul knew he was a highly dedicated and well-trained man on a mission for God, until he met Jesus on the road. WOW!  

Upon reflection, I’m sure most of us can remember a journey or two we took where we didn’t like the end results. And in most cases it was more than likely because we did not know fully the details, we were ‘excited to be invited.’ However, without question; whether it be trend or person the majority of people today will still follow along without question. The common thinking is often that the “consensus can’t be wrong, the excitement can’t be false,” so this must be real.  Though God has given us the church, pastors, teachers, leaders, friends, etc; His call for us is not to them but to His Word. People are fallible and may stray, but God’s Word will always lead us to Him. In circumstances that come upon us the question to ask is ‘whose lead are we following?’  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong…… do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.” – Exodus 23:2

Beyond Suiting Up

Equipment isn’t everything! – D. Swanberg  

David couldn’t wear the battle clothes of king Saul to fight Goliath, he had to go in his own strength. Hmm!  

We’ve seen them, maybe even been them. You know, those who think the equipment makes the man. It’s like the person who buys the off-road vehicle and equips it with every add-on you could imagine and never leaves the confines of the city. Or the person who thinks they must get a PhD in bible study before they can stand up for God. It’s a trick of the enemy to control our minds and hearts that way. This is not to say we shouldn’t prepare our best, but we should realize that no matter how much we prepare or equip ourselves, if God is not in the process and leading the way; we will look somewhat foolish. So sometimes we need to realize like David did, that less is really more.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“…be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” – Hebrews 13:5

Prayer Work

Remember that nothing will run itself, unless it’s running downhill. – Anon

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus exhorted the disciples to “keep watch and pray” and not sleep.  Though they failed on several occasions, they finally got it right later. AMEN!

It’s true the life Jesus promised us is the life we all want, but it’s also true that to have the life we want we must put in the “work” required.  If we were to ever seriously look at the life Jesus lived we would see the first and last order of work is prayer. The reasons our lives are often run down, drained, and without effect is because we don’t do the necessary work in prayer. Prayer is what keeps the life running. It is as vital to the Christian life as food is to the physical life. Without it we cease to exist. I pray yours is effective.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me and answer me. When thou saidst, ‘Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger, thou hast been my help, leave me not neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.’” – Psalm 27:7-9  

P.S. Hope to see you at the picnic. We'll join for prayer around 9:30AM.

Show Love

If we look for opportunities to show love, we’ll overlook many, many opportunities to hate.  – Anon  

The town was stirred with hatred and ready to stone the adulterous woman, but Jesus seized a chance to practice love. Hmm!  

Often, because someone is not of our ilk, or up to our standards, or allowing us the freedoms we want, we shamelessly find ways to “put them down.” But if we’re to “love even our enemies,” then hatred and separation should be the last thing we seek. If God loves us in our imperfect status because he sees what we can be, we should love others the same. Love may not make the world go round, but it does often make the ride worthwhile, and you’ll find life a bit less stressful as well.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17

Got Troubles?

A man without problems in his life should get down on his knees and ask God, “don’t you trust me anymore?”- J. Bainbridge  

Paul, in his rebuke of the Corinthians told of his many sufferings for Christ. He gladly accepted every one of them. WOW!  

"Why me? Why now? This can’t be happening! And so on….."   I’m sure all these refrains sound familiar to us, for we’re often the guilty party. Problems and situations are a part of life for us. God is preparing us for something far greater than what we face here on earth, so this is his proving ground. We grow through adversity, gaining discipline, wisdom, discernment, and faith that God will see us through it all. So no matter how large the mountain may be in front of you now (be it family matters, financial matters, relationship, etc.) be thankful in this situation that God cares enough to test you.  

Until tomorrow…….  

Pastor Botts  

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Little Spiderwebs

When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion, roar and all. – Ethiopian Proverb  

The great nation of Israel – God’s people – were routed in war because of Achan’s little secret sin. Hmm!  

If you’ve ever given thought to a spider’s web you’ll see most are intricate patterns of beauty, convenience, and often hard to see, until it’s too late. The spider spins or repairs his web every day because he knows someone will get comfortable with themselves and not look out. Sin is just like that friend. It presents itself as an invitation that you just can’t seem to refuse. Starting off small and unassuming, they may not seem like much those ‘little’ sins we allow, even make excuse for in our life – after all we’re not as bad as ….   But enough of those little ‘pet’ or ‘respectable’ sins in our life can bind us and silence us as effective witnesses for our Lord, and in truth even 1 pet sin is too many. The bible calls on us to “resist the devil” and that would include all inclinations and invitations to sin, which is his basic calling card. Today is a gift to start unraveling our life. Are you game enough to ask God how?  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“….a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” – II Peter 3:19

Living the Flexible Life

Life is like a 10-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use. – C. Schultz  

James and John wanted to ‘call down fire’ on the Samaritans because they didn’t welcome Jesus. Jesus got them to relax and later on faith won the day. HMMM!  

Look on any freeway at any time and you’ll see them – Porsche’s, Maserati’s, Ferrari’s – built for excessive speed yet limited by the law, sheer pictures of frustration. Most of us live life that way as if we have only 1 speed. It is either a blistering race to the finish line (which we have no idea is where or when), or a scenic snails pace stopping at every turn (not making any progress). The life Jesus calls us to requires us to be very flexible – sometimes waiting and fasting, sometimes stealing away quickly, and sometimes taking long journeys – to experience the ‘abundance’ He promised. The idea is to take it 1 day at a time using all the gifts God has given us at the pace God sets, for He gives ‘grace sufficient for the day.’  

Until Monday…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” – Romans 12:1

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

Real Trust

Sorry looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up! – Anon  

Paul had a laundry list of persecutions and afflictions he suffered personally, but he always looked up to Christ. AMEN!  

Our outlook on life is based on our attitude within. The issues and circumstances of life happen upon us all for the purpose of perfecting our character here on earth. How we respond is based upon what we have within. We can blame the world and everyone else and feel sorry for ourselves, we can cry conspiracy and believe everyone and the system is out to get us, or we can believe God and trust that everything that comes upon us can and will be worked out for our good and His glory. The decision is purely ours.  

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2

How many of us have them?

A good library is a collection of friends. – L. Abbott  

When distress came upon Job his friends immediately came to his side. They weren’t the brightest, but they were there for him. Hmm!  

Batman & Robin. The Lone Ranger & Tonto. Crimefighters yes, but friends as well. No matter how we try to live out our lives we will soon discover it’s much better and easier with good friends than without them. Yes some events call for solitude but God wired us to be in communion with Him and “not to be alone.” Good fellowship with friends helps build up our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. The key to having them is to allow God to place them in our lives, and then enjoy. Why not read a chapter or two today.  
Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.” – Luke 6:12-13

No Complaints

The best years in life are those between birth and death. – Anon  

Through good times and a lot of suffering, Jesus made the most out of his life here on earth so at the last he could profoundly say “It is finished.” WOW!  

Complain, complain, complain! Sometimes it seems it’s all we can do or it’s all we hear from others. It almost makes one think life is not worth the living no matter what age one reaches. But in truth, it really doesn’t matter how young or old one is the best time of life is right now. No matter the circumstances, good or bad, up or down, sickness or health, the joy or misery that comes out of them will be directly proportional to the effort and attitude we attack them with. True we may not like our station in life right now but God still expects us to ‘rejoice’ in it, meaning we can look for the lessons and inspiration He would have us learn from it. Today is a great gift just full of blessings and benefits if we know how to approach it. The choice is ours and ours alone.  

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:16-18