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

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

The Power of a Flower

I just called to say…..’I love you!’ – Stevie Wonder

Whenever He was in town, Jesus would stop by the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Hmm!

Roses, carnations, daisies, daffodils, tulips, poppies! Have you ever stopped to wonder why our wise God created flowers? It’s the same reason we send them to one another. Simply to say ‘I love you!’ He broadcasts this message every day. Just look around. Flowers bloom in backyards, front yards, in slum towns, in ritzy neighborhoods, in desert areas, in Communist countries, in free countries, all over the world. One does not have to be well-educated, or highly paid to have flowers grow in their yards – they just grow because of our Great God. Every color and shape, with a fragrant inviting aroma. The world around us can sometimes be a daunting, hurting, hateful place. I think God painted it with flowers just to remind us how much we are loved. So if you can’t get enough hugs today, just ‘consider the lilies of the field….'

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys…..” – Song of Songs 2:1

Flavor of the Earth

As part of humanity, each of us is called to develop and share the unique gifts we are given. - M. Marti

Dorcas' small 'gifts of love' had a very profound impact on the community around her. Hmm!

Think about it, the only time you notice it is by its absence or its overbearing presence. What is it? - Salt! Almost every recipe calls for it, even sweets like cake and ice cream - go figure. Mixed in right proportions salt dissolves and brings out the best of the ingredients around it. It's what Jesus had in mind when He referred to us as 'salt of the earth.' We're to blend in at just the right proportion to bring out the best in others. Could you imagine if The Church held such sway over culture this way. That's our purpose, to transform the 'flavor' of life all over the world for Christ. Let's get cooking!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot." - Matthew 5:13

Something to Draw From

Don’t anticipate your ship coming in to port if you’ve never sent one out. – Anon

Joseph told Pharaoh he needed to prepare for the future for severe famine was on the way. With Joseph in charge the Egyptians never faced want. Wow!

It’s amazing how often people think things will magically work out. They often hold out for the day their ‘luck’ will change, or the day everything will fall into line when ‘their ship’ comes in. But just as we would never go to a bank to withdraw money when we’ve never deposited any or expect a paycheck for a job we’ve never worked, it’s just as foolish to expect our life to be changed by an event that cannot happen because we’ve done nothing to cause it to happen. It’s amazing how we often expect our lives to become more godly and Christ like when we don’t do the things to cause it to happen. To reap the rewards of an investment you must invest. Today is another opportunity God has given us to prepare.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14

Radical Greatness

It’s a sin to be good if God has called you to be great! – T. Ranier

The Apostle Paul bore on his body the “marks of Jesus.” Not because he was good, but because he was pursuing greatness. Amen!

We’re all taught in our upbringing to be good, get along. And unfortunately, we carry that same attitude over into our service for Christ. But Jesus was a radical, He often “bucked” the worldly trends and culture of his day, and He serves as our perfect example. God is not looking for us to be good, this world has seen good and not been impacted by it; He needs us to be great. Great in our attitude, great in our work ethics, great in our praise, and great in our speech bringing forth the good news. Have a GREAT day!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:46-48

Can't Do You

What God called you to do, I can't! - Anon

God could have called anyone to preach to the Ninevites, but only Jonah could get the whole town to repent. Hmm!

Whether it's the bible or a history book, you'll run across the names of people who did great things for humanity's sake. But that being said, history and the world is full of unnamed heroes who were just as important. The reason being is that every individual - and that includes you - has purpose in this life. For us as faithful believers that includes helping to build up and strengthen the kingdom of God. And God has specific things He wants to accomplish through you personally. He has gifted you for it, So neither I, nor anyone else can do it for you. It's your God-given assignment. But know that with God your assignment will always be in line with the greater work He has called the Church - all of us - to do. So, time's a wastin!' Grab your faith and come on.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" - Esther 4:14

Love From Lillies

I just called to say…..’I love you!’ – Stevie Wonder

Whenever He was in town, Jesus would stop by the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Hmm!

Roses, carnations, daisies, daffodils, tulips, poppies! Have you ever stopped to wonder why our wise God created flowers? It’s the same reason we send them to one another. Simply to say ‘I love you!’ He broadcasts this message every day. Just look around. Flowers bloom in backyards, front yards, in slum towns, in ritzy neighborhoods, in desert areas, in Communist countries, in free countries, all over the world. One does not have to be well-educated, or highly paid to have flowers grow in their yards – they just grow because of our Great God. Every color and shape, with a fragrant inviting aroma. The world around us can sometimes be a daunting, hurting, hateful place. I think God painted it with flowers just to remind us how much we are loved. So if you can’t get enough hugs today, just ‘consider the lilies of the field…

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys…..” – Song of Songs 2:1

Earn A Good Name

Though we are called ‘Christian’, the name we earn as a disciple is what counts. – Anon

Barnabas’ given name meant ‘son of encouragement’, a name he fully lived up to. Wow!

Throughout life we will wear many names. There’s our birth name, possibly a nick-name taken somewhere along the line; even affinity or team names for those associations we may partner with. But the one name we should cherish the most is the one our life becomes because of who we are and how we relate to others. That name should be a source of encouragement, inspiration, hope, and good news to others, a source of refreshment. We encourage others when we speak kind words or offer uplifting insight to them; or when we’re generous with our blessings and possessions with them; or when we take the time to pray with them and remind ourselves that regardless of their position, status, or rank in life, they are a creation of God worthy of respect. When we treat others in such a manner we will in essence be changing the world one person and one moment at a time. Yes, living like Jesus will earn you a name God will not soon forget.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

PLAY the game of Life

God has called us to play in the game of life, not to referee and keep score. – Richard Murray

Abraham, Joseph, David, Job; despite what hardships they encountered in life they persevered in faith. AMEN!

When it comes to playing games, if the truth be told; all of us like the rules when they favor us, and dislike them when they don’t. We often take the same attitude towards life as well. We want to stop it, make it fair, get the score (are we up or down), and even change the rules we don't like or agree with. But this is not our right nor our privilege. We were made to bring God glory in all things, period. I say it very deliberately – trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes even defeat, are the very foods that fuel the growth of our faith. We grow through such ‘game time encounters’ when we persevere without looking for the easy way out, and God has promised to pay what is right.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right’.” – Matthew 20:3

"Unless you help to make the laws they'll steal your rights with trumped up clause..." (W.E.B. DuBois) - Remember to VOTE today!

Sinfully Good

It’s a sin to be good if God has called you to be great! – T. Ranier

The Apostle Paul bore on his body the “marks of Jesus.” Not because he was good, but because he was pursuing greatness. Amen!

We’re all taught in our upbringing to be good, get along. And unfortunately we carry that same attitude over into our service for Christ. But Jesus was a radical, he often “bucked” the worldly trends of his day, and he serves as our example. God is not looking for us to be good, this world has seen good and not been impacted by it; He needs us to be great. Great in our attutude, great in our work ethics, great in our praise, and great in our speech bringing forth the good news. Have a GREAT day!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:46-48

Your Earned Name

Though we are called ‘Christian’, the name we earn as a disciple is what counts. – Anon

Barnabas’ given name meant ‘son of encouragement’, a name he fully lived up to. Wow!

Throughout life we will wear many names. There’s our birth name, possibly a nick-name taken somewhere along the line; even affinity or team names for those associations we may partner with. But the one name we should cherish the most is the one our life becomes because of who we are and how we relate to others. That name should be a source of encouragement, inspiration, hope, and good news to others, a source of refreshment. We encourage others when we speak kind words or offer uplifting insight to them; or when we’re generous with our blessings and possessions with them; or when we take the time to pray with them and remind ourselves that regardless of their position, status, or rank in life, they are a creation of God worthy of respect. When we treat others in such a manner we will in essence be changing the world one person and one moment at a time. Yes, living like Jesus will earn you a name God will not soon forget.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“…A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional time this week at 9AM. See you there!

Petals of Love

I just called to say…..’I love you!’ – Stevie Wonder

Whenever He was in town, Jesus would stop by the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Hmm!

Roses, carnations, daisies, daffodils, tulips, poppies! Have you ever stopped to wonder why our wise God created flowers? It’s the same reason we send them to one another. Simply to say ‘I love you!’ He broadcasts this message every day. Just look around. Flowers bloom in backyards, front yards, in slum towns, in ritzy neighborhoods, in desert areas, in Communist countries, in free countries, all over the world. One does not have to be well-educated, or highly paid to have flowers grow in their yards – they just grow because of our Great God. Every color and shape, with a fragrant inviting aroma. The world around us can sometimes be a daunting, hurting, hateful place. I think God painted it with flowers just to remind us how much we are loved. So if you can’t get enough hugs today, just ‘consider the lilies of the field….

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys…..” – Song of Songs 2:1

Don't Miss the Good

Some people miss the silver lining because they’re expecting gold. – M. Setter

Though the ‘agreed upon’ wages were enough to support them and their families, some vineyard workers were upset when the paymaster paid everyone in full. The key is they were paid.

We are truly a blessed people, moreso than we will ever know. We live in a land of plenty with great freedoms, yet we are often upset or angry at life. But everything God allows upon us has a place in His perfect plan – because He’s working it out for our good. So even in the valley of despair we can have hope and joyful expectation that ‘good’ is ours to find for He works ‘all things’ together that way. The key is to see it from God’s point of view and not our own. He never promised our walk would always be easy, but He did promise to walk with us. And besides, all that glitters isn’t gold anyway!

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

Good to Great

It’s a sin to be good if God has called you to be great! – T. Ranier

The Apostle Paul bore on his body the “marks of Jesus.” Not because he was good, but because he was pursuing greatness. Amen!

We’re all taught in our upbringing to be good, get along. And unfortunately we carry that same attitude over into our service for Christ. But Jesus was a radical, he often “bucked” the worldly trends of his day, and he serves as our example. God is not looking for us to be good, this world has seen good and not been impacted by it; He needs us to be great. Great in our attutude, great in our work ethics, great in our praise, and great in our speech bringing forth the good news. Have a GREAT day!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:46-48

Play the Game

God has called us to play in the game of life, not to referee and keep score. – R. Murray

Abraham, Joseph, David, Job; despite what hardships they encountered in life they persevered in faith. AMEN!

When it comes to playing games, if the truth be told; all of us like the rules when they favor us, and dislike them when they don’t. We often take the same attitude towards life as well. We want to stop it, make it fair, get the score (are we up or down), and even change the rules we don't like or agree with. But this is not our right nor our privilege. We were made to bring God glory in all things, period. I say it very deliberately – trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes even defeat, are the very foods that fuel the growth of our faith. We grow through such ‘game time encounters’ when we persevere without looking for the easy way out, and God has promised to pay what is right.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right’.” – Matthew 20:3