Guarding Against A Silent Killer

Hardening of the attitudes is the most dangerous disease on the face of the earth. – Zig Ziglar

Pharaoh’s heart was so hardened toward God and his people, that it cost him not only his pride, and his son, but his army in the Red Sea as well. OUCH!

High cholesterol is a silent attacker of the human body. It may take years but if left unchecked it begins to build blockages in the arteries (hardening) restricting life supplying blood flow. Hardening of the attitudes (heart) works in the same manner. If we’re not careful it will silently creep into our nature to where we are completely unaware that we have become hardened. We begin to snap at others, project hateful speech at certain groups, and find it plenty hard to practice grace. That’s why time in the word, meditation, and prayer are so important – not only are they good medicine – but they tend to make a happy heart.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” – Proverbs 4:23

Healing Tears

Sometimes the strongest healing ‘Balm of Gilead’ is when tears trail down our face. – Anon

Jesus wept. Hmm!

We’re told it’s a sign of weakness. We’re told it’s being overly emotional. We’re told a lot of things by people we don’t even really know, and often we buy into it. But there are some truths to life that are at times unexplainable. At times we cry and cry and can’t seem to stop. We think we ought to be ‘stronger than this’ or should be ‘beyond this point’. But in truth, it’s the way God made us. He knows our frame, and He has given us these great healing powers – tears. Yes, they heal. They have a therapeutic effect on our innermost self. The place where you can’t put a band-aid. Just as an oyster covers over a grain of sand with ‘nacre’ producing a beautiful pearl, our God-given tears soothe, cover, and heal deep hurts and pains. AND they lay a fertile covering that in time allows new life to spring up from that area again. God would not have given them to us if they weren’t useful!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalm 126:5

Say Cheese!

If you can't do anything else to help along, just smile. - E. Kirk

God's Word makes it abundantly clear that a 'cheerful heart' causes stress in the face which is called a smile. Hmm!

Smile! It's what we say to the person we're taking a picture of. Why, because no one really likes to see a picture of sadness or frowns. A cheerful face somehow seems to make others perk up. A smile indicates pleasure or a joy deep within. As Christ followers, knowing what God has already done for us and blessed us with should bring joy to our hearts and a smile on our face. AND knowing what lies ahead for us on the other side of this life should always spark that joy within and bring a smile. Yes, life might be tough right now; meager or no supplies, aching/diseased body, strained relationships with family or friends, but none of this is new, God delivered before, and has promised never to leave or forsake us. So all that is left is for us to just trust in Him, look up and SMILE!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....A happy heart makes the face cheerful...." - Proverbs 15:13

P.S. - Hope you can join us for Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9:30am. We'll take a look at Ephesians 6:18-20!

Cheerful Soul Strength

Any idiot can face a crisis; it’s this day-to-day living that wears you out. – A. Chekhov

Elijah threw up his hands and said to God “I’ve had enough! Take my life….” God said “let me show you something Elijah…” He was forever a changed man. Hmm!

Constant demands at work/home! Rush hour traffic! Financial pressures! Daily stress! It’s enough to drive your blood pressure up, put your temper on edge, and suck the joy out of life. We all face such things in life. Yet, notice how some cheerful souls seem to never be fazed, they just seem to roll with the punches and keep on smiling. They have an ability to put a positive spin on every situation or circumstance. They seem able to see the humor in life even when things go way, way wrong. It seems like life never gets a good hit on them to knock them down or steal their joy. Generally, these are the folks who have put their faith and trust in God and don’t take themselves too seriously. They’ve learned that laughter is a great medicine, actually a gift from God; and that faith is the greatest preserver and encourager known to man. So, depending on the situation they can face any fiasco, handle any hassle, find sunshine on a rainy day, and still enjoy the blessing of life. May we all be so blessed!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance….” – James 1:1

Heart Smiles

A smile is a curve that can set a lot of things straight. – Richard Murray

At the initial reunion, the Prodigal Father’s face told his son all he needed to know. AMEN!

True, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line; but the quickest way to set someone’s heart at ease is with a curve of the lips, or smile. It can change the tenor of a room, conversation, or even an individual. It’s amazing when you truly think about it, but God made us in such a way that when we smile truly from our heart, our whole body feels it. It costs nothing but gives so much; both to the one to whom it is given; and to the one who gives it, for you cannot give a smile without it warming your own heart. Life may have its ups and downs but never so much to where we can’t smile about it.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

Choose Happiness

It is not our position that makes us happy or unhappy, it’s our disposition. – Richard Murray

Rehoboam took over the great kingdom of his father Solomon, and immediately got mad at the people. Hmm!

It takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy mixed-up world, unfortunately many are – sad, unhappy, depressed, etc. – and the truth is they don’t have to be that way, it all depends on how you look at life. God has gifted us with that life, but how we live it and enjoy its ups and downs, starts and stops, and sometimes indecipherable events is solely up to us as individuals. Material blessings may make life a bit more comfortable or easygoing, but they can never make one happy; for happiness is an attitude and heart choice. And though God says we should “choose life and its blessings;” He will not force us to do so. So if we’re waiting or looking for happiness, just know it’s been there all along.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

The Power of Tears

Sometimes the strongest healing ‘Balm of Gilead’ is when tears trail down our face. – Anon

Jesus wept. Hmm!


We’re told it’s a sign of weakness. We’re told it’s being overly emotional. We’re told a lot of things by people we don’t even really know, and often we buy into it. But there are some truths to life that are at times unexplainable. At times we cry and cry and can’t seem to stop. We think we ought to be ‘stronger than this’ or should be ‘beyond this point’. But in truth, it’s the way God made us. He knows our frame, and He has given us these great healing powers – tears. Yes, they heal. They have a therapeutic effect on our innermost self. The place where you can’t put a band-aid. Just as an oyster covers over a grain of sand with ‘nacre’ producing a beautiful pearl, our god-given tears soothe, cover, and heal deep hurts and pains. AND they lay a fertile covering that in time allows new life to spring up from that area again. God would not have given them to us if they weren’t useful!


Until Monday…..


Pastor Botts


"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalm 126:5

A Silent Hardening

Hardening of the attitudes is the most dangerous disease on the face of the earth. – Zig Ziglar

Pharaoh’s heart was so hardened toward God and his people, that it cost him not only his pride, and his son, but his army in the Red Sea as well. OUCH!

High cholesterol is a silent attacker of the human body. It may take years but if left unchecked it begins to build blockages in the arteries (hardening) restricting life supplying blood flow. Hardening of the attitudes (heart) works in the same manner. If we’re not careful it will silently creep into our nature to where we are completely unaware that we have become hardened. We begin to snap at others, project hateful speech at certain groups, and find it plenty hard to practice grace. That’s why time in the word, meditation, and prayer are so important – not only are they good medicine – but they tend to make a happy heart.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” – Proverbs 4:23

Put on your Joy face!

Joy is the best makeup! - Anon

In all that he went through Joseph’s countenance never seemed to fall. He always trusted God in all things. Hmm!

In sports it’s called putting on your ‘game face.’ That expression that lets people know you are serious minded and physically ready to play. For those of us in the faith it is not a game face but a heart condition – JOY. A life truly filled with joy will always impact those around it. Why, because in all situations, circumstances, and events; hope is perpetually on exhibit. The trials, pains, and hardships of life don’t change the expression of the heart, and that expression is always evident. As Christians we are not exempt from the problems of the world, we don’t get a free pass; but we have complete confidence in the One who will ensure ‘it will work out for our good.’ Dress appropriately today!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…” – II Corinthians 4:8-9

In face of the everyday

Any idiot can face a crisis; it’s this day-to-day living that wears you out. – A. Chekhov

Elijah threw up his hands and said to God “I’ve had enough! Take my life….” God said “let me show you something Elijah…” He was forever a changed man. Hmm!

Demands at work! Rush hour traffic! Family pressures! Daily stress! It’s enough to drive your blood pressure up, put your temper on edge, and take the joy out of life. We all face such things in life. Yet, notice how some cheerful souls seem to never be fazed, they just seem to roll with the punches and keep on smiling. They have an ability to put a positive spin on every situation or circumstance. They seem able to see the humor in life even when things go way wrong. It seems like life never gets a good hit on them to knock them down or steal their joy. Generally these are the folks who have put their faith and trust in God and don’t take themselves too seriously. They’ve learned that laughter is a great medicine, actually a gift from God; and that faith is the greatest preserver and encourager known to man. So depending on the situation they can face any fiasco, handle any hassle, find sunshine on a rainy day, and still enjoy the blessing of life. May we all be so blessed!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance….” – James 1:1

All for the Asking

Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one bothered to ask.  - Billy Graham

James told the saints of old “they have not because they ask not.” Makes good sense to me. AMEN!

“It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil,” is a phrase many of us remember growing up with; indicating that the one who cried out the most and/or the loudest seemingly got all the attention. That’s a good analogy to use when it comes to prayer. We can’t cry out too loud or too often to God. Oftentimes in our prayer lives we seemingly don’t bother God with various problems or issues thinking them too little or vain or even silly. But with God there is no small, vain, or silly prayer – as He just loves to hear from His children, and He has ‘wonderful things in store’ for those who ask.  You might’ve noticed in some of His answers an abundance of blessing, could it be possibly because He hears from us so rarely He just pours it on? Hmm!

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 I will hear from Heaven…..” – II Chronicles 7:14

Smile Through

If you can't do anything else to help along, just smile. - E. Kirk

God's Word makes it abundantly clear that a 'cheerful heart' causes stress in the face which is called a smile. Hmm!

Smile! It's what we say to the person we're taking a picture of. Why, because no one really likes to see a picture of sadness or frowns. A cheerful face somehow seems to make others perk up. A smile indicates pleasure or a joy deep within. As Christ followers, knowing what God has already done for us and blessed us with should bring joy to our hearts and a smile on our face. AND knowing what lies ahead for us on the other side of this life should always spark that joy within and bring a smile. Yes, life might be tough right now; meager or no supplies, aching/diseased body, strained relationships with family or friends, but none of this is new, God delivered before, and has promised never to leave or forsake us. So all that is left is for us to just trust in Him, look up and SMILE!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....A happy heart makes the face cheerful...." - Proverbs 15:13

Mirror Mastered

Images may appear larger than actual size. - Product warning

Simon the sorcerer held himself out as someone to be seen and beheld. He wasn't. OUCH!

Mirrors! What would we do without them. Getting dressed, combing/styling our hair, taking stock of what we look like. And often we take 2, 3, or more good looks before we're satisfied. Then we head out for the day ready to meet and greet the world. But there's another mirror we need to be concerned with that has an even greater importance than our physical appearance. It's the Bible, God's Word. We need to seek it daily, and many times throughout the day to see if our ways, words, and our heart reflect the image of Christ. After all, if we did indeed 'die to self' then He should live in us and through us. It's okay to dress ourselves up, but let us not overshadow the Christ that needs to be seen and heard.

Until Monday......

Pastor Botts

",,,,Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and.....goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like...." - James 1:23

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School Devotional this week at 9AM in Parmes Hall. Hope you can make it!

Face It

He who loses wealth loses much, he who loses a friend loses more, but he who loses his courage loses all. – M. de Cervantes

Of all the things Judas lost on that fateful night, his courage to seek a forgiving Christ cost him most. Ouch!

Often we don’t want to face the trials God puts before us, meet the challenges His church requires of us, or step out on faith as His word tells us, but we must. For it is in going through the circumstances of life we grow our faith and our courage for the next battle. We need remember, Satan’s best and most used tool is “discouragement,” and he keeps it at the ready. So we must pray that the Spirit will empower us for today, for the challenges, they are a'comin.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” – I Corinthians 16:13-14

Connection Interrupted

Heaven's phone number has not changed but it seems to be getting fewer calls. - Anon

I Samuel 3:1 tells us 'there was a time when God's revelations were rare...' What do you think was the cause? Hmm!

Most of us have had that frustrating cell phone call where the person on the other end keeps cutting in and out. You may be talking while driving (hands-free of course), in the middle of a long story or a funny moment or even a serious problem, only to realize the call was dropped miles back. Don't you hate that? Have you ever thought maybe that's how our communication is with God? We think we are in conversation with Him, but in truth because of our continual practice of sin or unrepentant lifestyle our prayers cut in an out and get dropped. God has told us what it takes from us for Him to 'hear' our prayers, and He has never backed away from His desire to hear from us and commune with us. If we're out of reach or cell coverage it's not His fault but ours. When we place our call we need to make sure of our connections.

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

Reaping Investments

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 and 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

The Problem with Anger

Two things a man should never be angry at: what he can help; and what he cannot help. – T. Fuller

God scolded Jonah for his misdirected anger at “those sinful” people of Nineveh, people God himself was willing to save. Hmm!

It is often said anger is one letter short of danger, and in many instances it is. It is an emotion that if left unchecked can cause serious harm. We may live in a society of the haves and the have-nots, but we are not called by God to judge them; only to love them. The best way to insure we keep ourselves “under subjection” is to physically help those we can in a loving manner, and pray for those we cannot help, again in love.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” – Proverbs 29:22

Finding Happiness

It is not our position that makes us happy or unhappy, it’s our disposition. – R. Murray

Rehoboam took over the great kingdom of his father Solomon, and immediately got mad at the people. Hmm!

It takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy mixed-up world, unfortunately many are – sad, unhappy, depressed, etc. – and the truth is they don’t have to be that way, it all depends on how you look at life. God has gifted us with that life, but how we live it and enjoy its ups and downs, starts and stops, and sometimes indecipherable events is solely up to us as individuals. Material blessings may make life a bit more comfortable or easygoing, but they can never make one happy; for happiness is an attitude and heart choice. And though God says we should “choose life and its blessings;” He will not force us to do so. So if we’re waiting or looking for happiness, just know it’s been there all along.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

How to face a challenge

The way to face a challenge is to be convinced that the challenge can be met. – C. R. Powell

David vs. Goliath. Daniel in the lions den. Jesus feeding 5,000. All these men were convinced GOD could handle what they faced. HE Did. AMEN!

In life we all face opposition, hardship, limited or no resources, unscheduled changes, the desires of the flesh, etc. We call them challenges, trials, tribulations, etc. The key is to see them as training opportunities God has placed before us to prove our worthiness, but also our complete dependence on him for success and deliverance.  There is no problem you will face in your life today or tomorrow that is too hard for God. Convincing proof is all around you!

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things?” – Romans 8:31-32

The Miracle Smile

The world’s best cosmetic and cure-all for what ails you are one and the same – A SMILE! – Anon

Upon their reunion, when Jacob saw the joy on his brother Esau’s face; he too was comforted. AMEN!

None of us would ever think to leave home unclothed. Nor would we neglect to take medicine we knew we needed to get well or maintain health. This is just good sense. Sometimes we need to apply this understanding to daily living. A smile given is a wonderful face and faith lifter, yet we sometimes dole them out as if we were getting charged for them. As our Heavenly Father has blessed us beyond measure and continues to do so, we have much to smile about. And as He works on us through the day, often there are some situations or circumstances that He puts upon us that we just have to laugh about, knowing He’s at His work. Smile!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13