2025 One Chapter Closes Another Opens

Another year is dawning…

Abraham got up early in the morning taking Isaac along with him in obedience to God, for an experience that changed them both forever. Hmm!

Though our God is ‘outside’ of time as we know it, He is still the divine keeper and ruler of time and space. He knows exactly when to act and to will His good purposes for us. Just think “at just the right time” Jesus was born. Or “when the time had fully come (Pentecost) the Holy Spirit was poured out” and the church was birthed. If God is truly God, He has it all mapped and planned out. We need not spin our wheels like those we see darting in and out of traffic causing all kinds of mayhem and danger trying to get ‘there’ first -whatever that may be. Our lives may not be where we want or expected it to be right now, but we can pray and trust God will be there at the appropriate time to do what only He can do, and no amount of hurrying or worrying will speed up His arrival.

“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles…” - Psalm 34:6

FYI – After much prayer and meditation, I write to let you know this will be the last post for ‘The Thought for Today’. It’s been 21 years since I began this and I think this season has run its course for me. I pray it has been a blessing in your life for I know it was in mine. What’s next I do not know, but I trust God will guide and direct us all. Thank you for giving me your eyes all these years.

Blessings!

Pastor Botts

Not Forgetting Yourself

Wherever you go in life you always, always take yourself. – J. Graham

Though he was in a foreign land, Daniel refused to defile himself even with the king’s food. AMEN!

People travel to far-away locales, attend extreme makeover camps, or even suffer through intensive ritualistic regimens thinking such activities will change them. A change of scenery may excite the senses, a makeover may make you look better, and a ritual may make you think you are doing better, but true change of who we are can only take place in the heart. It’s God’s domain, and unless we surrender it completely to Him, much of what we do will be lost at the first sign of distress. Joseph had many ‘distresses’ in his life but because of his heart and trust in God he prospered through every one of them. His God is the same one we serve today.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“'How do you know me?' Nathanel asked. Jesus answered, 'I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.'" - John 1:48

Making It Through

The best way out is always through. - Robert Frost

The only way into the Promised Land was through the nations of people God would help the Israelites conquer. They thought otherwise but finally trusted God's commands and were rewarded. AMEN!

No one likes pain or distress, and when they come we immediately try to circumvent them. But when God engineers situations for us He is shaping, pruning, and perfecting our character for His glory, and our perseverance is the order of the day. To quit, give up, or seek another avenue is to miss out on the blessings and growth He desires for us. True, it may be hard, unpleasant, distasteful, and seem lonely right now; but we must remember what He tells us in His Word "though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death....He is with us." Situations and circumstances in our life may not be the best, but that only means we've not quite made it through yet. We should just trust God and enjoy the journey.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

How to Live with Unfulfilled Desires

If we have not what we desire, we have more than we deserve. – T. Watson

The Prodigal Son may have lost his resources and dignity, but he never lost his father’s love. WOW!

To be alive in this world is to live with unfulfilled desires. This does not mean that God has not given us the ‘desires of our heart,’ nor failed to meet our needs. It simply means that in our humanness, our desires will always outpace our living. It’s a God thing. Unchecked, such desires can frustrate and disillusion us, making us ungrateful and self-centered, when in truth all our desires should be for the things of God and His kingdom purposes. In Christ, our desires or aspirations don’t go away, we continue to pursue them, but we realize it’s God who defines us, keeps us, and provides for us; and in the end that is more than enough.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Philippians 4:11

Pursuing God

If we lose God, it is not God who is lost. – Anon

The book of Judges shows the folly of God's people trying to live without Him in their midst. Time and again they came looking for God to save them. Ouch!

It is said "those who forget history are doomed to repeat it." Could that be us at times. Having the history of our ancestors recorded for our posterity, you would think we should know of a certainty which way to go - God's way. Though He won't forsake us, it is possible we can forsake Him. If you are continually being defeated by everything you face, it's possible you have lost God's favor and your heart has departed from Him; for He has assured victory for His children. Maybe now is a good time to check our life compass.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity...." - Jeremiah 29:13-14

One of the Great Mysteries of Grace

God doesn’t always smooth the path, but sometimes He puts springs in the wagon. – M. Lucas

Joseph’s pathway to prominence as Pharaoh’s 2nd in command wasn’t the smoothest, but God’s hand of favor was always upon him. Amen!

Hardship is as much a part of life as the air we breathe. For if we had no hardship, we really would not know the true experience of joy. Troubles may come and not seem to get better with much prayer and meditation, but God has promised to be with us every step of the way, and where one area of our life may be particularly troubled, God is still blessing in other areas. That’s one of the great mysteries of ‘grace.’ If we count our blessings, we’ll see it’s true.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“There was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘MY GRACE is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”’ – 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Correct Concentration

There may be more to learn in climbing the same mountain a hundred times than by climbing a hundred mountains. – R. Nelson

God commanded the Israelites to gather before him at least 3 times a year in ‘special’ praise and celebration feasts. It was for their good, not His. Hmm!

Déjà vu! Coincidence! Kismet! These are the terms we tend to use for circumstances that seem to continually happen again and again in our lives. But maybe, beneath the surface God is trying to do more with us. Moses climbed God’s mountain several times and each time he came back wiser and more righteous than before, so much that at some point the Israelites could not behold his face. In our quest to learn more, get more, achieve more, be more, maybe we need to stop running all over chasing the latest and greatest revelation and narrow our focus to God and God alone.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”- Psalm 1:2

We're Still In It

When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place. - Paulo Coelho

The exile upended Daniel's 'known' world but it never separated him from God. Hmm!

True, the current political climate and inactivity of Congress has caused great disruption to the world, and forced many changes in the world's operations. It has caused many businesses to downsize or to shutter their doors or close permanently. But it has not impacted God's kingdom at all. No matter what happens here on this earth.....God's kingdom will never be restructured, downsized, streamlined, or whatever other adjective you can think of meaning change. Life's situational changes may leave us on the sidelines but because of God's great grace and love, we'll always fit into His plans. And He will always have a place and purpose for us in His story. So no matter where you are, know that He's not done with the blessings just yet.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"In all of this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." - Job 1:22

Letting God Cook

God gives his very best to those who leave the choice to him. – Anon

King Solomon asked only for wisdom to rule God’s people, and God ‘THREW IN’ everything else. Hmmm!

Often in our prayer lives rather than just opening up and sharing with God, trying to sense his heart, and listening for His response and directions, we wind up directing Him on what we want Him to do or who or what we need Him to bless. This is not necessarily bad prayer etiquette, for God loves when we actually do come to Him in prayer; but we must remember HE IS in charge here. The simple truth is God knows what’s best for us and wants to give His best to us, but we must give Him opportunity to do so in our lives. And as Augustine of Hippo said, “God gives where he finds empty, willing hands.”

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” – II Corinthians 9:8-9

He's the One That Can Make Us Better

The human race has improved everything, except the human race. – Richard Murray

Rehoboam saw God’s favor in his father Solomon’s reign. One can only wonder why he didn’t follow suit. His ways brought ruin on the people. Hmm!

We constantly live in a world of change. Everything around us and everything we use is always being made over new or improved upon. From what we eat, to what we drive, to what we watch, even to how we serve God. The only problem here is we continually look outward to make improvements and rarely look inward. This is why once the novelty has worn off the 'new' product the same old feelings and thoughts of despair arise. The only way to have true peace and inner joy is to make ourselves 'new' from within. God is in the reclamation and restoration business. He reclaims broken hearts and restores them to better than new when He’s done. If we want to be a better human, we have to defer to the MAKER, not His creation. Today’s a good day to start.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.” – Romans 1:25

Staying Faithful

When you’re unable to pray, count your blessings. – Anon

King Saul sought out a medium or spiritist in his turmoil. David continued faithful and waited on God for his answer. We know which one was God’s man! Hmm.

Prayer is our most important communication link with God. He covets it and there is never a time when He does not hear us. But there are times in life when it seems like our prayer link to God is broken, we just can’t seem to get through when we really need Him most no matter how often we call. In truth, there are times that God is silent not because of our sin or distance, but because He has already “graced” us with blessings that fulfill all we need. Just try counting, I’m sure you’ll find you won’t be disappointed.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; BLESSED is the man who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

A True Reflection of His Glory

Some people are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. – Shakespeare

The great heroes of Hebrews 11 were noteworthy not for what they did per se, but for their faith in God. Hmm!

However you want to define it – GREATNESS – is expected of us. God made us not to be mediocre, but a true reflection of his glory IN ALL THINGS! Though we may often think and feel no one notices us, our Heavenly Father does. No matter what comes our way today, large or small, we must be up to the challenge of being GREAT. Our greatness will not be measured by humanistic thinking but only in the eyes of Him who wants to one day look at us and say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” – Psalm 18:35

When It Doesn't Work Out

Huge failures are often divine redirections. – D. Harvey

Paul thought he was cut out to be a Pharisee, but 'Oh,' what a fisherman he became. Hmm!

We sing a song entitled ‘God Never Fails,’ and firmly know that to be true. The scriptures even bear it out that God cannot fail. But we are often heart broken and ready to give up our faith when something we think we’re doing for God goes awry or flat out fails. While God does not fail, it was never promised that all we strive to do for Him would succeed. He himself knows the purpose for which He created each and every one of us, and He will bring it about in His time. So though we may fail at one thing and suffer a little heartache, it is not final. Life is not defined by one or two events, but the sum total of all we do. And God can and will bring it all together for us if we allow Him some ‘wiggle room.’ If things aren’t the way we want them, maybe we should look to God's design.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Discover God

God is actually closer than you think! – J. Ortberg

Elijah, at one time thought God to be in the mighty wind, then in the powerful earthquake and fire, but found Him in the gentle whisper that followed. WOW!

When it comes to life’s lessons the best ones are those we discover on our own. For example, we know fire is hot, not so much because our parents told us so, we discovered it to be true by getting too close to the stove or heater or other open flame. Lessons like these form an unforgettable impression on our mind so we remember how to respond appropriately each time. In the same way God longs to be discovered by us in new ways. Too often we settle for the providential things of God (“His rain falls on the just and the unjust”) and miss out on new discoveries of His nature. If God was a ‘cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night’ to guide the Israelites, if He used a ‘donkey to speak to a man’, and if He ‘cursed a fig tree and it withered’, then surely if anything He is unpredictable. GOOD - but unpredictable, and that’s worth discovering.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” – Acts 17:27

That Unchangeable Truth

Facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored. - Aldous Huxley

Though Adonijah declared himself king with celebrations and such, it just wasn't so. Hmm!

"Face the facts!" Boy, haven't we heard that expression a ton of times in our lives. And deservedly so. It normally happens when we begin to think everything is about us, and for us, and we try to make it so, but the logic just does not apply to our situation. You just can’t change the truth. And often we forget or try to ignore the very first truth of all things: God made the world and everything in it first, BEFORE He made us! So, the world and everything in it operates under His providential design. Even though God put man in 'charge' of it, He never gave man authority to change anything. And if we know anything of the scriptures, we can clearly see life continues to happen just as God ordained it. So now, today would be a good time for us to wise up.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man...." - Ecclesiastes 12:13

Not Your Average...

When you are "average" you are as close to the bottom as you are to the top. - Anon

God calls us to "stand out" not stand in. Hmm!

One of life's false assumptions is that everybody should fit in and follow the norm. That would be great if we based it all on God’s Word and His way for us, but we don’t. We base our laws and government not really on what is right and just, but on "what's best for the average person." And what’s even more saddening is that most of us at times don't even mind being an average Christian. But average is just that - average. God calls us to a better way of life, a purposeful life full of meaning, with edification (making things better not worse) being our goal. He calls us in His Word to excel, and to exalt Christ in our daily living. So, as you enter today, ask yourself - Why be average?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father." - Matthew 5:16

All for His Glory

If you wanna' play the game, you gotta' put in the practice time. - S. Barlow

Daniel was known as a man of prayer because at least 3 times a day he put in the 'work.' - Hmm!

In sports parlance they're called 'gym rats.' Those who are always putting in extra time in the weight room, on the court/field, reviewing video; doing all they can to improve, get better, increase their effectiveness. It's not just a game to them, it's a passion, a desire to almost be synonymous with their craft. You think of that sport and their name pops up. Isn't that the heart of Christianity - you automatically think of JESUS! Maybe there's a lesson for us here. It's true, our lives and livelihood are important, but we must remember they are a gift from God to be used in a way that reflects or brings glory to Him and His Son. So as we live out our passions today, let's make sure 'we're in it not just to win it' but to point others to the reason we live - JESUS!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds AND praise your Father in heaven." - Mathew 5:16

Hope to see you tonight at 5:30pm for Prayer Time.

Music of the Heavens

In the silence behind what can be heard lies the answers we have been searching for for so long. - A. Fransson

The book of Genesis tells us God 'spoke' the heavens into existence; and they haven't been quiet since then. There's a lesson there!

We've all probably witnessed it. Ask a grandmother how are her grandkids, and be prepared to spend some time there. Out come the photos, then come the stories told with much joy and love. It's just a natural response to a beautiful relationship. And so it goes with the 'heavens.' The question I would ask is how much 'airtime' do we earnestly give to God. We live in a world with a video/audio megaport that constantly and loudly promotes anti-biblical themes, values, self-promotion, and ungodly living. But yet, none of these things can really hold a candle to the truth and goodness of God if we would but silence our hearts and listen. We talk about easy listening music - God invented it Himself at creation.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The heavens declare the glories of God......there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." - Psalm 19:1, 3

Flawed But Useful

The best of men are still men at best. – Anon

Peter’s sermon brought 3,000 plus into the church on Pentecost, but he still had a problem with Gentiles. Hmm!

We put a lot of stock and confidence in individuals for their accomplishments, deeds, and contributions to society, and well we should. But we should always remember that God was and is in the plans. The fact that He chooses to remain anonymous does not dismiss us from giving glory to Him. No person yet has accomplished anything by himself (except condemning himself to hell) and without the strength, wisdom, resources, and blessing of God he is no more than mortal and sin driven. Thanks be to God that He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Look up, for today it may just be your turn.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me……Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” – Romans 7:21-25

Reduce Problems and Increase Blessings

God has a solution ‘planned’ before we even know we have a problem. – Anon

The angel Gabriel told Daniel answers to his prayers were given as soon as he began to pray. God didn’t have to think things over. WOW!

In mass production companies one of the ways to keeping costs low is just-in-time inventory management. This means parts arrive at the plant at just the proper time to go into production. Money is not tied up in inventory lying around waiting to be used. The key is to have ample suppliers in case of problems with one supplier. God has been to tomorrow and knows what lies ahead for us. He’s perfectly prepared to meet all our needs and circumstances without surprise. But often what God has ‘planned’ for us is interrupted by us. Our stubbornness, disobedience, and lack of faith often get in the way of His plans. We don’t change them we just often delay them; for no plan of God’s can be thwarted. The key is to make sure we stay in touch with The Master – this will reduce problems and increase blessings.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11