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

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

The God Experience

You can’t live by expectations, life must be experienced! – Anon

In Jesus, the people expected a great earthly king. Those who knew Him experienced something far greater. Hmm!

“Chip off the old block!” “That’s my boy!” “You are your mother’s daughter!” We often use these terms of endearment for our children when they do things we approve of and/or expect them to do by virtue of their ‘bloodline.’ Admittedly, we can have reasonable expectations of them that they adopt the same principles, beliefs, and life goals that we have, but in truth we cannot expect anyone to live or experience life the way we want them to. No one can live up to our expectations because expectations are founded upon our own personal experiences and beliefs. Our children have not reached this plateau and won’t as their experiences will be quite different and filtered through their belief system. This is crucial in our understanding and walking with God. Though He has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us, His only ‘expectation’ is that we EXPERIENCE Him. That’s when life truly begins.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him…” – Psalm 34:8

Depend On Him

Don’t just believe in miracles, depend on them! – L. Peter

At the wedding feast in Cana, after speaking with her son, Jesus’ mother KNEW they would have a good batch of wine.

It is a sad commentary for us as Christians but often we challenge God to show himself to us through various avenues (miracles) to PROVE Himself and His love to us. But the truth of the matter is we are all walking breathing miracles. Anytime the supernatural (God) connects with the natural (us) it is a miracle. Our prayers to God and the life we live after such prayers should show us not expecting God to act out in miraculous ways but DEPENDING on Him to do so, for all of life really is a miracle; and because we can do “nothing outside of Him.” He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4

Tremble at His Awesomeness

"Perish the thought!" - Anon

When Job's wife told him to 'curse God and die..." he pretty much said "NO WAY!" - Hmm!

Does the name of God, the thought of God, or the mention of His name cause us to adjust our lives at all? Does it cause us any spiritual or emotional reaction at all, like the mention of other names might? Honestly, if you're like me you sometimes get a little too comfortable with God, forgetting He is not only the Creator of the Universe, but the Very One who gives life and breath to you, sustains you, and keeps you. Though we do want to be intimately connected to Him, we should never forget who He is and what He's done. Maybe we need to remind ourselves of the song we sang as children: "Were you there when they crucified My Lord, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble....." May we remember His presence always requires a certain decorum on our part. TREMBLE indeed!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." - Psalm 34:7

 

The Secret to Being...

Recipe for contentment: Remember the day’s blessings, quickly forget the day’s troubles. – Anon

The apostle Paul said he ‘knew’ the secret to being content in all things. It was his new attitude in Christ. Hmm!

We spend a great deal of our time, resources, and efforts chasing after the seemingly elusive ‘zone of peace.’ The bible does tell us to seek peace and pursue it, but it never said it was in the things made by man. The only true peace comes from being rightly related to God and not straining or taking the relationship for granted. Since we alone choose what to allow our hearts and minds to dwell on, in Christ; contentment, peace, and happiness are just a mindset away. As the day unfolds what it cooks up will be up to us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

The Impossible Belongs to God

It's going to be a GOD did what I couldn't do kind of day! - Anon

Moses led the people out of Egypt but God led them into the Promised Land. Amen!

McGyver! There was nothing he couldn't do. No situation he couldn't get himself out of, no threat he could not put down. You know the type - it's me and you. We all have that mentality. We're gonna see it through no matter what. But yet, here we are, still on the wrong side of the equation - tired, exhausted, and growing in our frustration. Well, if I can paraphrase God's word here: "When you've done all you can do, now might be a good time to remember that not everything was meant for you to handle." The 'impossible' always was and will belong to Him. So, whatever it is that may be getting the better of us is something we should give over to Him, and patiently wait and watch as He goes to work to rescue us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned." - Psalm 34:22

Moving God

Praying people are the deputies of God. They seek law, order, peace AND unity! - Anon

The walls and gates of Jerusalem were rebuilt on the prayers of Nehemiah and the people. AMEN!

It should not be a secret that God is moved by prayer, and earnest conversation with His people more than anything else. And as we search the scriptures, we realize it doesn't have to be a long drawn-out diatribe, nor a 'fill in the form' correctly submission. Just a reverent, honest confession of the heart. In the midst of a rebellious nation God was often 'moved' by the remnant that remained faithful and showed mercy. He seeks the prayers and solicitations of His people and is overjoyed when we invite Him into our lives, activities, and relationships. So, if we truly need action in our life, mountains moved, or any other favor of God, His ear is open.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry." - Psalm 34:16

Just Worship

"Praise is who I am, I will praise Him while I can....." - song refrain

After being beaten and cast into prison all Paul & Silas could do was - PRAISE. Hmm!

Have you ever considered Job's resumè? What made God give him such rave reviews in the presence of Satan..."have you considered my servant Job..." He often offered sacrifices for his children 'just in case' they sinned. And then, on what has to be the worst day of his life, where he lost everything, he grieved AND then worshiped God. No finger-pointing, no plots of revenge, or even self-pity. Just worship. Maybe there's a lesson for us here. Maybe instead of anger, bitterness, outrage, or self-absorption in some of our worst moments, we just stop and praise/worship God. It could make life a bit easier to bear, reduce the heartache, and bring the hope we have back into clear view. God is still in the restoration business, and just as He restored Job, I know and believe the 'plans' He has for us are far better than what we presently see. So whatever the struggles of life might be right now, let's put praise at the top of each day.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

Praise for All That's Good

It’s just as easy to look for the good things in life as the bad. - Sparks

In all that Joseph went through (abandonment, prison, etc.) his attitude seems to say he never had a bad day. Hmm!

The alarm doesn’t go off and you wake up late. The sun is shining. You spill coffee on your clothes on the way to work. You have a job. The boss doesn’t like your report. You still have a job. You work through lunch to fix the report. You actually have food to eat. It can go on and on like this in work, life, relationships, you name it. The issue is we are so bent on seeing all the ‘wrongs’ or ‘bad things’ that occur to us that we seldom see or think about all the good that happens. We’re not hard-wired that way – for God wants us to see His beauty and splendor – but somewhere along the road of life we seem to have picked up blinders to all that is good and can only focus on what isn’t, and we gladly tell others about it. God never said life would be perfect, but that life would help perfect us, if we see it properly for what it is, a training ground for our character – which is the only thing we can take into eternity. So today, why not try to see all the good God brings your way and praise Him for it – for you need remember, you are a ‘piece of work’!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be on my lips…..” – Psalm 34:1

Blessings Available Right Now

The future depends on what you do today. - Mahatma Gandhi

Though Job was in misery and wanted an audience with God, he didn't try to rush things. Hmm!

We count them down. "Only 6 more weeks of school, only 5 more treatments, only 14 days to my birthday, vacation, etc." Yes, we cross the days off the calendar looking forward to our day of freedom, joy, relief, whatever. Mind you, it's not wrong to celebrate such achievements, but often when we get so focused with tunnel vision on 'that date' in the future we tend to miss the blessings God provides each day. Each day is a gift from God filled with His glory, grace, favor, and mercy. Add to that family, friends, daily provisions, purpose - it's overwhelming when you consider how much we have to enjoy right here today, right now - that we put so much expectation on something afar off. Wow, maybe praise is in order right now.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips...." - Psalm 34:1

Hard Pressed But Not Crushed

The heart, like the grape, is prone to delivering its harvest in the same moment it appears to be crushed. - R. Houseden

Stephen, when on trial for his faith, preached a great message on redemption to the Sanhedrin Council. A guy named Saul (Paul) heard him. Hmm!

One thing for certain in this life is we will all have times of suffering and persecution. But out of persecution and suffering come our greatest moments of growth, testimony, and increased trust in the Master. Though God puts us in the presses to "squeeze" us, He will keep His hand on the lever and His eye on our heart that we be not completely overwhelmed. If your current situation seems hopeless, take heart. God is working on you, and that's good news.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." - Psalm 34:18-19

Timely Gratitude

Silent gratitude isn’t of much use to anyone! – Gertrude Stein

The Pharisees wanted the crowd to stop praising Jesus at the triumphal entry. He replied “if the people were silenced the stones would cry out.” WOW!

The ‘Didache’ community has a saying of “whether receiving or giving, it involves the action of stretching forth one’s hands,” meaning there must be specific intent made. How much moreso then, with an expression of gratitude. If it is not uttered in a timely manner it is wasted and lost forever. We should not take today for granted or the events or people that bless our lives, nor should we assume they know how we feel. We should just tell them. We cannot thank God enough, but we can thank Him!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” – Psalm 34:1-2 (KJV)

No Reason To Doubt

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

With the help of God scrawny little David fought off bears and lions as a shepherd boy, so he knew Goliath stood no chance before him! Hmm!

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

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

P.S. - We will be gathering tonight at 6:30 for prayer. You are welcome to come OR send in a request!

Glorious Intersections

Talk is cheap, at least that’s what you think until you get the phone bill. – Anon 

When God finally answered Job it was much more than he bargained for, but he was blessed as well. Hmm!

It is often said that no good deed goes unpunished. For example, how often is a friendly offering of “how are you?” commandeered into a blow-by-blow account of someone’s recent surgery or illness; or a smile you give is enough to have some stranger open up to tell their life circumstances to you. That’s because people are hurting in this world, and they’ve found very few people actually care, so a simple “how are you?” is all they need to hear. Instead of getting upset or thinking “oh my gosh” maybe we should think like Jesus. God’s desire is for us to make these intersections ‘moments of glory’ for Him and His kingdom purposes, so either we spread a little heavenly cheer to them, or we slow down and hear His voice through them. In either case the key is to open up your heart’s pocketbook.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips….” – Psalm 34:1

Worship: Remembering What's Good With God

"Praise is who I am, I will praise Him while I can...." - William Murphy Shekinah Glory

After being beaten and thrown into prison, all Paul and Silas could do was worship God. And boy was God 'moved'. Amen!

Life does get burdensome at times, and often brings pain and bruises. But don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. So often in our "all about me" way of thinking we forget what worship is all about. Worship is forgetting about what's wrong with you, what's wrong with the world around you, and remembering what is right with God. It's like hitting the refresh key on your computer screen. Worship brings focus where it should be, on God. It brings restoration to the spirit, gives vitality to the heart, renewal to our mind, and strength and encouragement to our very being; reminding us that we are not facing this thing called life alone - God is beside us. Mark Batterson says "worship not only changes the spiritual atmosphere, it RECHARGES those involved." Why, because God is there, and where God is it's never plain and ordinary. God is ready to be moved and move today!

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"I will bless the Lord at all times.....his praise shall continually be on my lips." - Psalm 34;1

Prayers of the People

Praying people are the deputies of God. They seek law, order, peace AND unity! - Anon

The walls and gates of Jerusalem were rebuilt on the prayers of Nehemiah and the people. AMEN!

It should not be a secret that God is moved by prayer, and earnest conversation with his people more than anything else. And as we search the scriptures we realize it doesn't have to be a long drawn out diatribe, nor a 'fill in the form' correctly submission. Just a

reverent, honest confession of the heart. In the midst of a rebellious nation God was often 'moved' by the remnant that remained faithful and showed mercy. He seeks the prayers and solicitations of His people and is overjoyed when we invite Him into our lives, activities, and relationships. So if we truly need action in our life, mountains moved, or any other favor of God, His ear is open.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry." - Psalm 34:16

Tax Free Prayer Rewards

Yes, the requirements of prayer tax the heart, but the answers and rewards are all tax free. – Anon

Hannah, Hezekiah, Jonah, Paul. Just a few prayer warriors who seemed to know how to move God in a mighty way. Hmm!

Anybody who has ever worked in the United States remembers the shock of their very first paycheck. The long, hard, arduous hours of work and then WHAM-O, after 'taxes' net pay far from what we thought. But God is truly awesome and amazing. No agency or person can stop us from seeking Him, nor Him answering in a mighty way to bring into our lives all He desires for us. And as he answers there is no middle-man or agency to ‘take a cut.’ His blessings are full and overflowing, and what’s more when we share them they double. The key is to learn in our quiet times what God’s heart is and ask for the world. He’s already promised to give it!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” – Psalm 34:6-7

Connection Issues? Count Your Blessings!

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 Monday…..

Pastor Botts

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

First Hand Experience

You can’t live by expectations, life must be experienced! – Anon

In Jesus, the people expected a great earthly king. Those who know Him experience something far greater. Hmm!

“Chip off the old block!” “That’s my boy!” “You are your mother’s daughter!” We often use these terms of endearment for our children when they do things we approve of and/or expect them to do by virtue of their ‘bloodline.’ Admittedly, we can have reasonable expectations of them that they adopt the same principles, beliefs, and life goals that we have, but in truth we cannot expect anyone to live or experience life the way we want them to. No one can live up to our expectations because expectations are founded upon our own personal experiences and beliefs. Our children have not reached this plateau and won’t as their experiences will be quite different and filtered through their belief system. This is crucial in our understanding and walking with God. Though He had given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us, His only ‘expectation’ is that we EXPERIENCE Him. That’s when life truly begins.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him…” – Psalm 34:8