2023
The Formula for Hope
I have a little “thought for the day” calendar with scriptures, quotes, inspirational sayings, etc. Not too long ago, the thought for the day was: “If God’s will differs from your will, which will you choose?” I’ve read this thought before in the calendar over the years, but it struck me profoundly that day. It was one of those uncomfortable moments with the Lord and myself where I heard this still small voice saying, “Well…?”
Of course I know the answer that most of us would want to spout-off in a moment is, “Yes, of course Lord! I will always choose YOUR will.” But I know from experience, that this is not always true. I don’t always choose His will. None of us do. We consistently battle our own will, our flesh, spiritual influences in the spiritual realm we know very little about…
Lately, I’ve had to beat at and smack at the beast of Discouragement. It’s a nasty little minion of the enemy. And to be honest, I haven’t fought it the whole time; I’ve actually given into it several times, receiving its unwholesome words, letting them surround me and wash over me. I know that there are legitimate concerns attached to the discouragement I feel, but I also know that discouragement is never from the Lord.
It is a pothole on the path. A pothole filled with muddy water. Once you fall into the hole, it can be very difficult to get out. And for me, this has been true. I have genuinely struggled to climb up out of it and have fought to regain footing and have many times fallen right back into the muddy mess.
Only the last few days, in a slow, slow process have I begun to rise up out of the muck. How? The Lord in His infinite kindness, spoke a word to me, reconfirming previous words He had already spoken over my life, and it was something I could hold onto. Not to mention I have felt the constant prodding and reassurance of His Spirit. And God also unexpectedly provided prayer support and gave me encouragement in different ways, but even at that…there was one missing piece.
I had to choose to come up out of that mire. I had to choose His will over mine. You see, it had at some point become uncomfortably comfortable to remain there in that discouragement. I didn’t really want to live there, but the heaviness was so completely dense that it was becoming easier and easier to stay there. I had to consciously choose to throw off its fetters and let discouragement give way to HOPE.
There seems to be a formula in Scripture for HOPE:
Rely on God’s Word for HOPE: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Rely on God’s Spirit for HOPE: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Obey the personal command for HOPE: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Today, if you or someone you know has been battling discouragement, there is HOPE. Grasp onto it and do not let go.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2023
Refresh and Revive
It snowed the other evening. Snow during a school year for a teacher and students means a potential “snow day” where we have the opportunity to miss school for a day because of the likely hazardous road conditions. In truth…though the day is meant to keep everyone safe, we all look forward to the day off because it is an unscheduled reprieve from the hum-drum daily routine.
Just before the snow came, I had been watching (as I’m sure many others had been) the weather progression that night and kept looking out the window. When the first downy flakes began to fall, I felt a surge of excitement and hope…but the longer I stood there peering out the window, the less consumed I was with the thought of the “snow day” and was instead increasingly more captivated with the soft flakes gently floating down. It was so peaceful…so calm. It was exquisite.
The snow fell quietly in lovely and intricate patterns, like a veil of ivory lace delicately draping from the sky. It built pure white mounds on the bare bark of trees, rooftops, and shrubs, and softly covered the lifeless remnants of a faded out fall turned to the cold barren days of winter, and the beauty of it was…everything that had felt distinctly ordinary and unimportant or even empty and desolate became quite beautiful when covered in the life-giving snow and felt almost new, undefiled, and clean. There was a hopefulness about it…
As I stood there, my mind went to the scripture in Isaiah: “’Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 And it made me consider how God took that which was ordinary and unimportant in us, took that which was unclean and sinful in us, and covered it.
Because of Jesus’ blood and atonement, the old and dead man in us has been covered and buried, and we can walk in newness of life: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19,20 Now we can walk in His blessings. In fact, Psalm 32:1 says, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”
And just like the life-giving snow will melt into waters of refreshing and revive the trees, the shrubs and all of life, the same is true with the Lord. Through Him and the watering of His Word and His Spirit, we are refreshed and revived into new life, and we will grow and blossom and produce abundant fruit.
Today, let’s rejoice in the salvation we have received from the Lord. Let’s allow His Word and His Spirit to refresh and revive us and produce fruit in us. Let us share with others the Good News of His forgiveness—how He will cover and forgive their sin just like He did ours and how He will also bring them into newness of life.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2023
Illuminate the Things that “Entangle” You
I gained a few pounds over this Christmas Break…I’m sure most of us are familiar with the overeating pattern during the holidays: eat a little larger portion than usual at one meal, then at the next meal eat a second helping of certain things that are most delicious, and then the time after that there may be a third or fourth helping, and then slowly we make our way into the mindless all-day grazing—leftovers and holiday sweets and snacks…it’s a ritual and tradition, isn’t it?
I followed this exact pattern myself the first week of my Christmas Break. Each part of my downward progression was generously justified with the same old, nauseatingly untrue, self-placating sentences, set on rotate in my brain: “I’ll work out tomorrow.” “I’ll go back to my normal eating routine in a day or two.” “It won’t hurt that much if I go for extra helpings during this meal or if I snack while I watch this movie because I’m normally so good about watching what I eat and it’ll come back off quickly.” “It’s okay; I’ve got this under control.”
This week, though, the whole “I’ve got it under control” nonsense was a sham. I failed more times than I care to admit—and for the record…I did not exercise even once. But even more frustratingly, the blasé, uncontrolled attitude toward my eating spread. Suddenly, I was wasting time, not getting things done, and ignoring my “to-do” list. Not only did I feel the dullness in daily practical ways, I felt it spiritually as well.
“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” I’ve heard this quote so many times over the years, but it still rings true. You may say, “Well, you didn’t really sin by eating too much during the Christmas Break,” and I suppose that is true, but what did happen is that a weakness slowly began to lead me down a path of not being self-controlled and alert, of being instead apathetic, spiritually flat, and a bit lazy—so much so that I even felt the difference in my quiet time with the Lord, and no…that is not okay.
Here are verses most of know: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1,2
It doesn’t really matter what the weight is or which sin it is that so easily entangles us (the Message calls these “spiritual fat” and “parasitic sins”). According to Scripture, these things must be laid aside. So think for a moment what yours might be: certain habits or behaviors, emotional hang-ups, ways of thinking, relationships, etc, things that leave you feeling less sharp spiritually or even sometimes completely compromised.
Today, let’s do some soul-searching. Let’s allow the Spirit of God to illuminate these things that “entangle” us; let’s allow Him to bring correction and redirection. Whatever it is that we are struggling with, let’s get rid of it and start the New Year in a new way. Let’s instead get up, get back in the race and run with endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
With All I Am
I’ve heard so many times over the years at Christmastime the phrase in Christian circles, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” It’s funny because the saying is true, but it seems to have become as cliché as “All’s well that ends well” or “Don’t cry over spilled milk”. I say this to say the following…
I have recently become reacquainted with a worship song I have not heard in years and years and really like. It’s called “With All I Am”. I was listening to this song again today. The first line says, “Jesus I believe in You.” And for some reason, this time, it jolted my heart. In an instant my heart was pierced with this simple truth…and I realized with a renewed revelation—like I’d been hit with a bolt of lightening—that YES, I really DO believe in You, Jesus.
Suddenly, tears stung my eyes. And, as I closed my eyes, it was just me and Him there in the room. We were alone, and the next lyric lilted, “Jesus I belong to You,” and in that moment…such a warmth came over my heart; He was as close to me as my next breath. It was the sweetest most certain thing I have felt and experienced in a long time…I BELONG to Him. I am HIS.
And here it is, the next lines: “You’re the reason that I live…The reason that I sing…With all I am.” Right there and right then, my mind went to, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” In that moment, this phrase wasn’t cliché anymore. It wasn’t just a catchy rhyming statement we say at Christmastime. It wasn’t just something rattled off, it was the TRUTH.
He IS the reason for the season. He IS the reason we celebrate—not just at Christmas, but at every time of the year. HE is the reason that I live, the reason that I sing, the reason that I move and breathe and have my being…it’s ALL because of HIM!! His Word confirms it!
Jesus I believe in you: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Jesus I belong to you: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30
You’re the reason that I live: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” John 1:1-4
The reason that I sing: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5,6
Today, as we contemplate the season, and the reason for the season, let’s not forget who we believe in, to whom we belong, who gives us life, and who is the reason that we sing…His name is JESUS!
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
A Humble Heart Like David
I was reading recently in I Chronicles. Chapter 17 captured my heart. In this chapter, David expresses the desire to build a house for the Lord. Nathan the prophet gives his okay, but that night God spoke to Nathan a word to share with David. The answer to David building the temple was “no”; David was not to be the one for the task. One of his sons would be the one to eventually build the temple.
God reminds David in the word: “I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth.” Wow!
And then, God says, instead of David building a house for HIM, God Himself would build a house for David! Basically, a lineage: “When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.”
Not only is this speaking to what would later be revealed as Solomon’s reign, but it is also prophetic in nature about what would be Jesus’s reign—which is forever and ever.
David’s response is what gets me. David, overwhelmed by God’s favor and promises, provision and protection responds in this way: “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
Already my heart is undone. The humility in David’s response…he understood his own unworthiness and lowliness (Psalm 8:4) and was so deeply humbled by God’s grace upon His life. But he continues: “And as if this were not enough in your sight, my God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You, Lord God, have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men. What more can David say to you for honoring your servant? For you know your servant,Lord.”
I think what captures my heart at every turn is the relationship between God and David. God loved David so very much, and David understood this—that the God of the universe not only loved him but had chosen him and called him out from among men, and David’s heart was melted by this knowledge. He says:
“There is no one like you, Lord, and there is no God but you…” And, “You, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. So your servant has found courage to pray to you. You, Lord, are God!”
Please, if you will, make the time to read I Chronicles 17 in its entirety this week. It is so beautiful. My heart’s cry in reading it this week is, “Lord, please draw me closer to You. I want to know you more…like David knew you. I want to have a humble and grateful heart like he did, and I desire to know you in such a deep, personal, and intimate way like he did. Make my heart so very soft like his.”
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
Dwell in His Love
Last week I made mention of a scripture in Psalm 46, but this week God anchored me to a different scripture found in that same Psalm—one that most of us are very familiar with: “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (vs10)
Generally, I have a pretty calm personality. Being still is not usually a problem for me. I take most things in stride and do not truly get worked up about much. Like anyone, I get frustrated or express concern and even complaint, but most of the time things don’t usually move me from a place of steadiness.
There are, however, exceptions to this, and certain circumstances that undo this in me. I don’t always demonstrate the distress on the outside, but inside I am in turmoil—I’m a mess! Worry and doubt, fear and uncertainty consume and overwhelm me. I have learned over the years to turn to the Lord in these times but there are still some situations that threaten even that!
But the Lord has reminded me in the last week of just how important it is—no matter the situation—to be STILL and KNOW that He is God…not just think about it…not just consider it…but KNOW that He is God with an immovable confidence and belief.
I am to remember who He is. I am to quiet my soul, be absolutely still and remember His character, His unfailing love, His kindnesses to me, His mind-boggling grace, His forgiveness, His tender mercies…and miraculously, in doing this—remembering who He is and fastening my faith to that—a shift in my mindset can occur, a pivoting, a turning of resolve can take place that brings instant and unbridled peace in the midst of the most calamitous, disappointing, or distressful of circumstances. That’s pretty cool…
“Be still, and know that I am God” is not really a suggestion…it’s actually a command and when we submit to and obey a command of God, we are choosing to dwell in God’s love for us (John 15:10).
Today, my friends, let’s obey God’s commands, choosing to DWELL in His love. Let’s shake off our distresses and disappointments and set our minds on the character of God. Let’s be still and not just think about who He is but KNOW who He is and find our confidence in His very character so that we may draw close to Him and rest in His perfect peace.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
What is the Lord Speaking to You?
The other morning, the Lord woke me up to a song flowing through my spirit. Here are the lyrics that kept streaming through my heart and mind: “You are my shield, my strength, my portion, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need.”
I’ve learned that when the Lord wakes me up with a song, I need to make note of the lyrics that are running through my soul in my prayer journal. He chose those particular lyrics for a reason, and I need to remember them.
I’ve also learned to look up the full set of lyrics so that I have context, and I often find there are more blessings embedded in the rest of the words that the Lord wants to share with me. It’s one of those beautiful ways the Lord choses to speak.
This particular song, “Made Me Glad” by Darlene Zschech, is based upon some of the psalms. I did a search and found some of the psalms I believe the lyrics come from: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25,26
The list goes on, I’m sure, but I’m struck just now by the words in Psalm 73…“And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” This truly is where I long for my heart to be! For Earth to have no pull or hold on me. Please don’t get me wrong…family, friends, ministry, etc, are all so very important and amazing blessings, but at the end of the day if I were left with nothing…is Jesus enough?
When I look at the whole song in context, it is an intimate conversation between God the Father and His child. She is looking to Him, being reminded that He is her help and her strength, and He is her protector. She is telling Him that she has no one but Him, and He prompts her to remember who He is—His character—and to remember who He is to her and it makes her glad…joyful, happy.
My heart is full as I think about this because I realize the Lord wants me to consider this song and its deeper meanings or He would not have brought it to my spirit. I am listening to Him and taking it to heart, and honestly, the timing of the song is perfect…
Today, what is the Lord speaking to you—in a song, a scripture, a book, a sermon…what has He caused to “stand out” to you? What does He want you to glean from it? Be sensitive to His Spirit and listen for His voice because He is speaking.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
Remember what He has so Freely done for You
This morning, I felt the Spirit leading me to the book of Psalms. Although He has led me to the book of Revelation the last three weeks for my daily reading, where I have been slowly eating of His Word, today I felt the leading to take a detour. Here is where my heart landed as I read in Psalms:
“But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple.” Psalm 5:7
I could not escape it; it was like a magnet drawing me in. What did this mean? I asked the Spirit to give me understanding, and the thought that came to my heart was this: Because of God’s GREAT love and because He sent His Son—Who came willingly—because of Jesus and what He did through His death, the shedding of His blood, and His resurrection, I can come into God’s House; I can come into the temple—into the Holy of Holies; the veil has been torn; I can partake of His Holy Kingdom, His plans, His purposes, and because of Jesus I can know personal Holiness.
Suddenly, the passages I had read the previous two days—Revelation 4 and 5—came alive. Because of Jesus, I now have access to the Father. Listen to the splendor of the Father and His Holy throne room:
“And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spiritsof God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures…Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.’” Revelation 4:3-6a,8b
Jesus has made the way—the PERFECT and BEAUTIFUL way—for us to be where the Father is someday (John 14:1-4). He alone has done this in obedience to the Father and by the resurrection power of the Spirit, and listen to what Revelation 5 says:
“And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ …And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.’”
My friends, if this doesn’t jumpstart your soul, then your feelers might be dead! Jesus is ALIVE! And He is WORTHY! HE has done the work and brought salvation to our souls and to ALL of mankind! Hallelujah!!
Today, rejoice! Let Jesus fill your heart and mind. Remember who He is and what He has so freely done for you, and give Him praise. He is worthy of it! Amen!
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
Is there some Nineveh in Me?
The Lord has been stirring in my heart for a while certain lyrics to a song called “Nineveh” sung by Brook Ligertwood. The words are based upon the account in the book of Jonah. Every time I listen to the song, the lyrics unsettle my spirit and bring such a soberness to my thoughts…
Take a look: “Nineveh, oh Nineveh, the Lord is turning toward you. Compassion or calamity, will you heed the warning. Fall on your knees, tear down your idols. When you choose surrender, you choose survival. Call on His Name; turn from your violence. Out of the ashes, He will revive you. God have mercy; God have mercy.”
In the first chapter of Jonah it says: “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.’” I did a little research on the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and indeed their violence was prolific and their wickedness abounding. I won’t relate to you here what I read, but truly the things that were done there were heinous.
I think, though, the lyric that captures my soul the most in that song and troubles my spirit is this: “Holy Spirit, help me see where there is Nineveh in me.” Truly, these words linger in my soul…surely, I could not have such abhorrent terribleness inside of me! Compared to a nation that so violently sinned and brought excruciating death and destruction?? Surely not me, Lord. And yet…
Jesus is so specific in the Gospels about what constitutes real sin. He consistently brings it back the condition of our heart. Perhaps we have not committed the actions, but our heart and mind are accountable for the sin that they concoct. If this is the case, then yes, there is Nineveh in me (you cannot see my face right now, but I am cringing…). It is such a hard truth, but here is the miracle of it…
Jonah chapter 3 says: “The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust…When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”
God is so compassionate and gracious (Jonah 4) that when we truly humble ourselves and repent, He will hear and see and forgive us…not just us, but as Pastor Mike mentioned in a recent sermon, even for that person we cannot fathom God forgiving because their sin is so unbelievably great and detestable.
I’m left with these questions: Do we see our own sin as detestable? Even the “little” ones? Are we broken-hearted over our sin like the Ninevites were? Believe me, it is deeply and profoundly convicting that such a violent and terrible pagan nation did repentance better than most Christians…including me. When’s the last time my heart was BROKEN over my sin?
I wish I had some terrific words to leave you with, my friends, but my heart is feeling the impact of this topic right now. I would encourage you to join me in this prayer found in the lyrics I shared earlier: “Holy Spirit, help me see where there is Nineveh in me.”
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
Develop a Relationship with the Lord
Relationship with the Father is so important, but how do we develop a relationship with the Lord? I suppose it is much like any other relationship. It must be cultivated and grown. We cannot get saved and then assume that was it. The Father has such a deep desire to draw us close, and it should be our desire to draw close to Him.
If there is a lack of desire there, it could be that a little too much of the world has crept in. A little too much of this and that has replaced a necessary desire to draw near to God. How do we get rid of the unnecessary and the excess? Honestly, just about like we would do with anything else. We need to do a little deep cleaning.
The Holy Spirit, if we give Him room, will help us with the deep cleaning of our soul. It is difficult because the more that He sheds light on the dirt and gunk, we want to shrink away, and say, “That’s too much work.” Or, “That’s too painful.” Or, “I actually like that thing that’s in the way. Do I really have to give that up?” Or, “I need that! It’s what’s helping me get through such-and-such.”
We like to quote, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24,25
But living that out when the Holy Spirit convicts us of something is a whole other matter. Suddenly the cross feels just a little too heavy and we want to set it down and say, “Well, that was enough for today. Perhaps another day when I’m a little less tired or busy…” “God, I know You really want to dig deep on that character issue, but I’m not ready.” Unfortunately, I’ve personally employed both of those excuses.
What happens, though, when we allow the Spirit to do the work? Is it possible that it will actually clear the way for us to grow closer to the Father? Is it possible when our love of the world diminishes because of the work of the Spirit that we may find that we crave relationship with our God? In case you weren’t sure, the answer is “yes”.
This week, the Father illuminated some scriptures for me, and this was one: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 This scripture speaks to intimate abiding relationship and when I read it, I felt that old longing and tug in my heart to draw really close to Him…to just sit with Him and be content, to wait with Him, to listen for Him, and to allow His Spirit to do the work and surround me with the Father’s immense love.
Today, join me! Let’s allow the Holy Spirit do the work inside of our hearts and minds. Let’s allow Him to dig deep and take care of business, scraping the rotting fragments of the world out of our soul, and let’s allow Him to fill us with the deep desire to draw near to the Father and rest in His Presence, enjoying fellowship and profound intimate relationship.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
The Far-Reaching Compassion of God
Last Sunday at the beginning of our first revival service, Pastor Mike shared with us Psalm 103, something God had spoken to Him and placed upon His heart. God keeps bringing it back to my heart and mind. There is something embedded deep in the truths David lays out in his psalm. To me, again and again, he speaks to the great and far-reaching compassion of God.
We’ve all experienced a sense of compassion inside for another person, or a cause, or a plight. We know what it is to feel that intense tugging of our hearts, a twisting and pulling if you will, that consumes us and often points us in the direction of action and/or encouragement toward another. But sometimes, it can be difficult to imagine that God feels that way toward us.
It’s easy to perceive God as far-off…somewhere in some undisclosed distance, but actually, He is very close and very, very well-acquainted with our every need. He so intimately knows us and our every longing, pain, hurt, joy, fear, and hope, and He not only sees us in our condition, but He is intensely moved with compassion toward us. God’s heart actually feels a tugging, a twisting, and pulling toward us, and longs to give us relief, comfort, and to bless us with good gifts.
As the psalm starts out, David uses some very significant verbs to describe what benefits God’s compassion provides—He forgives us, heals us, redeems us, crowns us, and satisfies us. Take a look at these in context: “…who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (vs 3-5) And He even, “…works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” (vs 6)
Wow! But it doesn’t stop there. David says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” (vs 8-10) In fact in verses 11 and 12, David goes on to describe how great God’s love is and how far His forgiveness goes…
And my personal favorite…verses 13 and 14—especially 14: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” …He remembers that we are dust… He remembers those early moments in creation when He formed Adam…from dust, and He knows just how frail we really are, and yet…the Creator of the universe that merely spoke things into being and they were, and could crush us if He so desired with a single thought,…this same God deeply, deeply loves us and is moved to profound compassion over us…enough to send His One and Only Son to die for our redemption so that we may be where He is someday. What an incomprehensible but Divine and Amazing Love.
Today, take heart. Remember that the God who sees all and knows all loves you so very much. And let’s take the time to ask Him for opportunities to tell others and share with others His beautiful and far-reaching love and compassion.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
What is Revival?
I’ve had revival on my heart for the last several weeks as I know many of you have, too, but I had a moment today where I had to ask myself, “Just what is revival? What is it I’m looking for to happen?”
It’s not that I don’t know what revival is or even what I am asking the Lord for during this time, but…I don’t know…I just had a moment…, “Lord, remind me again.”
I have experienced church revival before, very powerfully—in a life changing way. And though I truly do know what the word means and have experienced it before, I still felt compelled to look it up…the exact definitions.
Here are some of the words and phrases used by dictionaries: restoration to life, an awakening, improving strength, something becoming active again, reawakening of fervor, renewed interest, and more.
Honestly, when I read the definitions, it gave the feeling of death…that something had died or the life had been drained out of it, and that which had died or been drained was being brought back to life or restored.
Then I had to ask the Lord, “Did something die in me? Do I need to be awakened, my strength improved, to become active again in some spiritual ways, reawakened in fervor…?” And truthfully, the short answer is “yes”.
When I did a little digging on scriptures about revival, what I found did indeed seem to be connected to the idea that someone or something was either physically or spiritually dead or they were completely devoid of strength…but mostly…because of sin. Take a look at a few:
“And it will be said: ‘Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.’ For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:14,15
“…revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Psalm 80:18b-19
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation.” Psalm 85:6,7
When you look at these scriptures in context, sin was very much the issue.
Is it possible that we need a time of revival because—whether we are aware of it or not—our strength and fervor for the Lord has been dulled or even squashed because of a lack of repentance on our part? Is it possible that our sins—little, big, or secret—are actually the cause of our “blah” attitude and lack of growth?
Today, as we begin our time of revival services, let’s pray and ask God to reveal our sin to us. Let’s ask Him and allow Him to break our hearts over our sin. If we truly want to hear from God and see things change, we must have repentant hearts, and the blessing is, as Isaiah 57 said, God lives with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
Getting Dirty with Evangelism
When I was a little girl, I struggled with being shy. I’ve always been more quiet-natured, and making social connections growing up was difficult. I was able to be out-going at home with my immediate family, but the moment I went out—or even if someone I did not know well visited our home—the painful shyness would overtake me. In fact, it was my deepest desire in those moments to fade away into the background and just observe, but others would inevitably try to get me to open up and talk (to my chagrin) prompting me with questions or kind comments; my cheeks would fill with a crimson flush and my voice would barely be audible as I fumbled through my responses.
Thankfully, as I grew up, through my teaching career, faithful friends who challenged me to take risks, and learning to “bravely” take-on opportunities that caused me to step out of my comfort zone, I have been able to overcome, to a great degree, a lot of that bashfulness…but there are still moments. When I consider why that was ever an issue (or occasionally still is), I realize it’s a fear thing. Yes, there are naturally quiet personalities, but when it gets to the point that an individual becomes paralyzed and is no longer able to hazard taking a chance, that’s an issue…and actually, when it comes to spiritual matters, it can actually lead to disobedience.
Moses comes to mind when I consider this:
“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’ But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’ Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses…” Exodus 4:10-14a
This makes me laugh. This was Moses’ fourth and final attempt to dodge the mission God was giving him. He kept trying and trying to get out of it and when it didn’t work, he just finally cut to the chase and begged the Lord: “Oh please, please, please send someone else. Please, pllleeeaassee!!!” But the sobering part is that it made God angry. God had ALREADY chosen Moses. It was not a matter of: “Hey Moses…if you happen to be free…would you mind moseying on over to Egypt to run an errand for me?” It was a solemn and holy calling to go to Egypt to lead the captive Israelites to their freedom.
And what about us? God has called us to go down into peoples’ personal Egypts and proclaim the love of Christ, to witness of His Great and Magnificent gift to us, and to watch as God releases them from the Pharaoh of their heart. But are we willing? What holds us back? Shyness, fear, busyness, apathy, spiritual laziness…?
Today, as we consider “Getting Dirty with Evangelism”, let us contemplate what is keeping us from actively going out to fulfill our calling to go into the world and make disciples. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to show us potential blockages in our heart that keep us from walking forward in this and then let’s repent and go out with passion and zeal telling people about God’s wonderful gift.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
The Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast…what have I learned from it? Several things…I’ve learned that my body responds better to healthier food—more fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, etc. I’ve learned that while Dr. Pepper is undoubtedly my favorite beverage, adding more water to my liquids intake has been beneficial and not too bad. I’ve learned that my body needs a period of time to detox…apparently I don’t eat as healthily as I thought…and I’ve learned that, yet again, my flesh is incredibly “whiny”.
I have fasted before with only water and no food for part of a day (or even a few days), and I have (I’m sure like many others) experienced the toddler sensations that occur when fasting like: “I want to have a hamburger RIGHT NOW!!” followed by some ridiculous internal tears…
Note: The toddler sensations that occur when fasting are actually just the flesh rising up again—surprise! It’s still there! Just when we thought we might have conquered it, fasting unearths the flesh’s naughty self yet again.
This fast, though, has been different. This fast does not remove food from my day, but instead forces me to change my lifestyle (believe me, the flesh has had something to say about that, too). I am pushed into a frame of mind where I must consider my food choices and make choices that are better for me and probably closer to what God intended for my body.
I actually have to cook more and read labels for ingredients, and believe me there are some days when it is just difficult, inconvenient, and frustrating, and I think to myself, “If I have to eat one more vegetable, I think I’m going to have a fit!” And there has been some spiritual warfare blocking the way here and there, but truthfully, I wouldn’t trade it. God is doing something inside of me.
Not only is my outer man being cleansed and detoxed, so is my inner man. Granted, I have only been able to enact the fast for lunch, dinner, and the snacks in between for the past week (working my way into breakfast as my body slowly detoxes and acclimates to the changes), but already the difference is remarkable.
I have experienced more conviction and repentance, have heard the Lord’s voice a little clearer; there is less clutter in my soul and I feel less sluggish—internally and externally. God is reminding me of things He has spoken to me before and is stirring up old passions and desires in terms of spiritual giftings, things that I haven’t considered in a while. Basically, the Daniel Fast is helping me to clean house, subdue the flesh, and make room for the Spirit to work in me:
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you…” Romans 8:5-9a
Today, join me…let’s allow God to make room in us for the Spirit to work, and then let’s allow the Spirit to move inside of our souls to bring repentance and change. If we want to see chains broken, strongholds demolished, and experience revival—then we must be willing to do our part and give God room to work.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member
2022
Don’t Forget to “Look Up”
Do you ever look up? I’m laughing a little in my heart because it’s a funny question to ask and, truthfully, the answer for me is, “No, not as often as I should.” Three times this week, the Father has caused me to pause and look up. It’s not that I don’t see the sky or even glance up once in a while, but to really look up and gaze into the sky…not very often. I’m too busy for that. Again, I’m smiling inside at the irony…“I’m too busy”…how arrogant. I’m too busy to stop, look up, behold, appreciate, and just be content in the moment…shame on me.
Today, I reached a pinnacle moment of frustration and found myself retreating to my backyard and taking a seat on the steps of the deck. And as I sat there, the thought crossed my mind (for the third time this week) to stop and look up. As I did so, in an instant I was captivated and my soul calmed. The tall, tall trees lazily swayed their arms in the warm, late summer wind. Their leaves shimmered, shaking their little heads in some happy delight. The sun’s rays poured through the dancing boughs and lit everything with a golden glow. The sky was a perfect shade of azure, not a single cloud to be seen. It was splendid.
And my heart chuckles again because…it was so simple. All the frustrations that had built up over days and so “owned” my thoughts were gone in that moment—instantaneously! The unhurried way of God’s divine creation, and simply taking a moment to observe the work of His hands, well…it was enough. After about 20 minutes, I went back inside and, truly, nothing seemed to be as much of an issue as it had been when I had first stepped outside. I was content.
Consider this passage for a moment: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Though the focus of this passage is money, the heart of it is contentment. There is nothing so important in this world—no situation or frustration, no thing that we pursue (money, jobs, positions, accolades), no way that we fill our time (sports, TV, games)—that can compare to just simply living in the godliness provided through Jesus’ righteousness, a gift from the Father, mixed with genuine and fruitful Spirit-filled contentment.
Today, join me in slowing down. Let’s not forget to “look up”. Let’s remember to consider the Father and His ways. Let’s not forget to allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with appreciation of what the Father has done and what He has so generously provided for us.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member