Life As Advertised

Make yourself an honest person, and then you can be sure there is one less rascal in the world. – T. Carlyle

Paul said he was ‘determined’ to know nothing among those he fellowshipped with except Jesus Christ. His life proved his point. Hmm!

“Betcha can’t eat just one!” That was the Lay’s Potato Chip ad slogan from years ago. It was good advertising, deceptive; but still good. Mind you, you had to buy a whole bag to try and best the slogan, and that meant sales. We are in a sense all in sales, advertising for our Heavenly Father through our lives. And our story, just like everyone else’s, has a few dark spots or less-than-desirable chapters. But God doesn’t want us to be deceptive in our presentation, nor does He want us to hide behind the dark moments. His desire is that we treat them as any good marketer would, in a positive light. Tell others how we’ve become wiser, more disciplined, mature, experienced, and of course more dependent upon Him who forgave us and restored us. Good trustworthy advertising makes good sense and good business, and God is still in the people business.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God….” – Genesis 39:9

Enjoying the Ride

A truly joyful person enjoys the scenery on a detour. – Anon

Though the Israelites had to wander 40 years in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land, it was worth it to Caleb. Hmm!

SigAlerts, accidents, road closures, one-way streets. Oftentimes things of this nature take us out of our normal “driving” patterns and cause us to map out different strategies and routes, and even with GPS it still often gets under our skin. Life is very similar in that oftentimes we must make detours or put off until later things ‘we’ deemed needful and necessary now. Just consider this current ‘pandemic.’ It has caused some major changes to all of life. It seemed Joseph’s life was one detour after another, but in reality it was all God’s plan to bring him before Pharaoh and to eventually save his people. Perhaps God has a plan for you in your detours, so maybe you should relax and enjoy the views.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“But Joseph said ………You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:19-20

Ripple Effect

When one person sneezes, everyone around is in danger of a cold. – Anon

Achan’s one little act of deceit had mighty repercussions. OUCH!

We all know the teaching about dropping a pebble in the water and watching the ripples expand outward – with the understanding we never know how far one good deed will extend out. That’s true, but it is equally true for one bad deed or moment of anger as well. We never know how far that ‘ripple’ will extend out. Life is not perfect and no matter how much preparation we do in advance, dotting all the ‘I’s’ and crossing all the ‘t’s, systems crash, people are late, things get misplaced, and people forget. It’s in these moments we’re tasked with representing Jesus or ourselves. We must remember the person in front of us or on the phone is not our enemy for ours is always a spiritual battle. When things go awry today or tomorrow we must let the ‘Christ’ in our heart lead and not the ‘anger’ in our attitude. It’s important because the ‘ripple’ will travel outward from there.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.’ – Ecclesiastes 7:9

The Proper Mindset

A person who is always finding fault seldom finds anything else. – Anon

Nathanael thought nothing good could ever come from Nazareth. Jesus changed his heart and mind on that. Hmm!

Truth is we live in a fallen world. It’s easy to look around and see the wrongs of mankind. What’s more, the media of today’s world tends to glorify the ills and failures of mankind all too frequently with little or no regard given to successes. It’s enough to make one become a cynic. But we have “freedom” of choice in terms of what we dwell on or how we perceive the information or events of life that impact us. The proper mindset can change your attitude and outlook. Here’s hoping you have a thoughtful day.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, ...noble, ....right, ...pure,.....lovely, ....admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Philippians 4:8

Because YOU...

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

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

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

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Faith In Action

The world cannot always understand a person’s profession of faith, but it can understand service. – I. Maclaren

In the bible we find it very often that people followed Jesus not because of who He said He was, but because of what they heard Him say and saw Him do. Many of them He won. WOW!

When it comes to our living and professing the ‘Christian’ life it seems everyone we meet is from the “show me” state of Missouri. They would rather see it in action rather than hear it in words, and in actuality; as Children of God it’s what we are called to do. People really don’t care how much you know or profess until they know how much you really care. So whether you practice ‘random acts of kindness,’ or ‘remember the poor,’ or just go about doing ‘all the good you can,’ do it from a cheerful heart and just know that you are being observed.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” – I Peter 3:9-10, 13-14

Battles In The Mind

When you fix your thoughts on God, God fixes your thoughts!" - Anon

After his encounter with Jesus, people found the once demon possessed man sitting at Jesus' feet in his 'right mind.' Hmm!

Anxious thoughts! Troubling thoughts! Rebellious thoughts! Evil thoughts! The list can go on and on and on. Believe it or not our 'thought' life is central to our actual life. As Emerson truly said, "a person is what they think about all day long." God gave us a mind to think, and if we're not careful it can run us crazy. Which is why Paul tells us to think on 'heavenly things' (Phil. 4:8). Since we know the battle is for our mind/(heart) we should be very, very careful what we allow into our thought process. The enemy knows that our eyes and our ears are the portals to our thinking and he blitzes us every day with ads enticing us to fix our thoughts everywhere but on God. And though we may not act on our 'evil' thoughts, let us remember Jesus still knows what we're thinking in our hearts. The key is to learn how to keep our thoughts and hearts pure. And for that there is only 1 remedy. More time with God and His Word.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." - II Corinthians 10:5

P.S. - Don't forget to set your clocks FORWARD 1-hour this Saturday night.

Misfortune or Opportunity?

Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting a hungry bear not to charge you because you're a vegetarian. - S. Barr

For all the good he did for Saul, David couldn't understand why Saul wanted him dead. The kingdom maybe. Hmm!

Live long enough and you will find that bad things do happen to good people - OFTEN! We seem surprised at times that the hardships or misfortunes of life come home to implode on us. We even sometimes become indignant about it, as if we have a free pass because we're good people, we do everything right, we play fair and by the rules. But the issues of life apply to all, no one is above hardship or exempt from misfortune. These are often learning and growth opportunities for our faith and maturity. If we trust "that in all things God works for the good..." in perfecting our faith, then we must have a few of these events in our lives for Him to work through. So as these situations arise in our lives we shouldn't look for an escape clause but for God's purpose and an opportunity to grow closer.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

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

P.S. - Don't forget we will hold our Annual Business meeting promptly after services this week. Hope you can make it!

Going Along with God

The person who tries to lead himself has a fool for a follower. – Anon

The Prodigal son knew in his heart he was ready to take on and conquer the world. Thank God he came to his senses later. PHEW!

It’s a strange picture – a dog chasing his tail – but it paints a vivid picture of reality oftentimes. It’s a picture of lost purpose, no direction, wasted energy, and plain silliness. Yet, when we get right down to it, many people are just like that, maybe some of us. We give half-hearted attention to God’s ways or completely shun them, thinking we truly know what’s best and how to work things out. But this world and its ways were already a going concern when we were born and came of age, and likely will be a going concern long after we’re gone. The only constant is a loving God who is working things out to his perfect design. And it’s easier to go along with him than to kick against the pricks.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:20-21

True Gifts

The person who is truly blessed is somewhat blind to ‘dollar’ signs! – Anon

Paul said even when he ‘lacked everything’ he was still greatly blessed. AMEN!

“I want this, I need that!” Familiar refrains that we all seem to utter endlessly, often not conscious of just how chock full of God’s blessings we already are. Consider, the gentle touch of a friend. A wonderful meal. Stimulating conversation. A breathtaking sunset. A moment of solitude. Refreshing hilarity with friends. A rewarding word of ‘thanks.’ Here and there are the marks of love, the signs of goodness, and the indications of grace. True gifts of compassion, hope, and blessings undeserved that God puts in our lives time and again to show His great unfailing love to us. Gifts that should amaze us, cause us to really take time and realize how awesome the ‘GIVER’ is. When we truly realize the many gifts we receive from God we should always live with a sense of amazement that so much has been placed into such undeserving hands.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights….” – James 1:17

Growth Through Persecution

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at them. – D. Brinkley

Even as he hung there dying on the cross the people continued to insult Jesus. He never said a word but yet built the firmest foundation a man can have – SALVATION!

If there is one thing we know as a certainty, it’s that we will be persecuted. It matters not whether it be family, co-workers, church members, or even our friends; persecution seems to come in abundance at times. But the desire of God in all of this is that we take these opportunities to grow our character in a way that lets the light of Christ shine forth in our lives. The greatest success is not to get back at our opponents but to “shake off” the dirt they throw upon us and “step up.” Done enough we’ll rise as more and more dirt falls to the ground to build upon. True, it’s hard work; for nothing worth having ever comes easy, but the rewards are much sweeter.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings – what kinds of things happened to me…the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” – II Timothy 3:10-11

Compassionate Participation

A forgiven person forgives, a loved person loves, a nurtured person cares….you get the idea! – Henry Nouwen

On his way to being Savior of all mankind, Jesus never forgot to relate to mankind. Hmm!

Truth be told, we are good at critiquing others and even better at giving advice. We often assume we know what is best for others, particularly the more unfortunate members of our society or circle of friendship. But we are not so good at what Jesus asks of us, and that is compassionate participation. We often fail to draw close to others and pass on what we have freely received ourselves from the Master. Compassionate participation is seeing people where they are, no matter who they are, and extending to them that same grace, mercy, love, etc. that we receive daily from the Lord. It may require us to go the extra mile with them, but isn’t that what Jesus actually said we should do anyway?

I'll be taking a vacation for now so until I return this keyboard will be silent.

Blessings!

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – I John 4:11

Your Reflection

A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Your world is a mirror of yourself. – K. Keyes Jr.

The Apostle Paul is a great study on the concept of polar extremes. From hateful arch-rival to loving die-hard friend. Why – because of Jesus – that’s all!

It’s true the world is not perfect, and people don’t always receive us the way we want, but the world and the people were made by a loving God, who still loves them; and we are called upon to love them as He does. One thing the bible teaches us over and over again is that you reap what you sow, so our world around us, the people in our inner circle (family, close friends, associates) are a reflection of who we are and what we give. Remember, for the Christian love is not a feeling but a COMMAND. So if our individual world is 'hostile' maybe a little more prayer is needed.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For out of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” – Matthew 12:34-35.

If You Stay Ready...

A ready person never needs to get ready. - Oswald Chambers

Thomas with his doubts and the other disciples were in the house when Jesus just 'showed up.' WOW!

We rarely worry about people who predict they know when Jesus will return to the earth. So many have tried and failed, besides the bible says 'no one knows the day or the hour.' But there is a phrase we use to describe a completely unexpected event or action that occurs. We say "all of a sudden,,,." But here's a twist, Jesus said His return will be 'all of a sudden', and yet most of us aren't prepared. The certainty of His coming is sure, the exact time though is uncertain, but it will be 'all of a sudden.' Here it is today and 'all of a sudden' we're a day older, but are we any closer to the Lord? In closing out the book of Revelation Jesus proclaimed "Yes, I am coming soon", and John added "Amen, come Lord Jesus!" Are we ready to make that statement as well. For it could happen 'all of a sudden!'

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." - Matthew 24:27

By Faith Do Your Part

One person with a belief is greater than a force of 99 who only have interests. – Plato

Jonathan, with one sword and only his armor bearer slew some 20 men, while his father and 600 soldiers caroused under a tree. Hmm!

Most of us as Christians will say we have faith and mean it. The problem is sometimes we don’t understand it. Faith is not a noun or adjective, but a VERB. That means it takes more than lip service, it takes or requires action or our part. We often refer to the 11th chapter of Hebrews as the "Hall of Faith" as it bears out what our ancestors DID in their lives announcing “by faith they did…… . whatever their part.” God doesn’t expect us to do it all, He only expects us to allow Him to work through us to accomplish His purposes, or in other words do our part to continue in writing HIS-story. We were made for a purpose – HIS. Charge!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – I John 4:4

Pursuing True Greatness

Try not to become a person of great success, but rather try to become a person of virtue. – Albert Einstein

We read often of men like Abraham, Joseph, and David who had great success in their lifetimes. Not because they pursued it, but because they pursued God, and he granted it. Hmm!

It’s true we live in a world that measures you by your professional title, wallet, possessions, education, etc., however it’s important to remember we are not ‘of the world’ but called of God to make a difference in the world. There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to do well in our social endeavors, but NOTHING should impede our ability and opportunity to serve Almighty God. I pray we will be zealous in all our endeavors for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these….But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:28-29, 33

Detour Views

A truly joyful person enjoys the scenery on a detour. – Anon


Though the Israelites had to wander 40 years in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land, it was worth it to Caleb. Hmm!


SigAlerts, accidents, road closures, one-way streets. Oftentimes things of this nature take us out of our normal “driving” patterns and cause us to map out different strategies and routes, and even with GPS it still often gets under our skin. Life is very similar in that oftentimes we must make detours, or put off until later things ‘we’ deemed needful and necessary now. Just consider this current ‘pandemic.’ It has caused some major changes to all of life. It seemed Joseph’s life was one detour after another, but in reality it was all God’s plan to bring him before Pharaoh and to eventually save his people. Perhaps God has a plan for you in your detours, so maybe you should relax and enjoy the views.


Until Monday……


Pastor Botts


“But Joseph said ………You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:19-20

Keep At It!

You just can't beat the person who never gives up. - Babe Ruth

Through many conflicts, persecutions, and even imprisonment Paul never quit proclaiming Jesus. Amen!

The Grand Canyon. Without question it is one of nature's greatest miracles to behold. In trying to describe it, someone once said "the Colorado River has shown what can be done just by 'keeping at it.' It was the constant flow of that river that carved such a masterpiece." Are you 'keeping at it?' We must realize our lives are not a sprint, relay, nor a lap or two around the track, but a marathon to be run with perseverance. The greatest thing that can be said of any of us after we've gone on to glory, is not the achievements or awards we collected, nor the great discoveries we may have made, but the fact that we 'plodded on' or kept at it no matter what. None of us know where our race will take us, how many hills, valleys, deserts, or mountains we'll have to endure even in sickness or dire circumstances, but hopefully they will be able to say, he/she was a 'plodder', they never gave up, even when it seems they were beat, they kept at it. That's a life Jesus will one day call "good and faithful servant...."

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain." - I Corinthians 15:58

P.S. - I'm still looking for volunteers to facilitate our Wednesday Night Studies for September beginning with this week. Let me know ASAP.

Love Intended

To truly love a person means to see them as God intended them to be. – G. Dostoyevsky

When Jesus first called Simon by the name of Peter, he had a vision of who Peter would become one day, and then he helped him get there. WOW!

We all can look back and see where we’ve come from and how we’ve changed; and generally we like the changes that have occurred. We can see the habits we’ve broken or overcome by God’s grace. God did not condemn us in our sin, but loved us through them. God does not accept our sin but loves us in spite of it. As those made in His image we are called to display the same grace with others – to love them through their shortcomings, no matter what they may be; for in doing so we will aid them in achieving their godly purpose. As God directs people our way today, may our eyes look to the heart.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not consider his appearance or his height….The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – I Samuel 16:7

Called Out

The person who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back to the crowd. - Max Lucado

Ruth left her 'family' of people to find the God of family. - AMEN!

"Get in where you fit in!" It's a phrase we toss about mainly to portray there's a place for any and everyone who wants to be a part of what's going on. Just jump on the bandwagon, join the team. But that's not our calling when it comes to Christ and His church. We're actually called 'out from among them.' to be counter-cultural. And admittedly, that's a tough assignment to try and live out. But it's only because we like being attached to the crowd, a part of the big scene. Jesus'

call is to follow Him. It might bring a little suffering, hardship, or pain -but He promises joy, in this life and the life to come, and after all isn't that what we seek from the crowd.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But

small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14