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

God had a different idea

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

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 28

Today's scripture reading question: Regarding verse 9, which 'law' is he referring to, God's law, government laws, or both?

Live On and Live Well

Death leaves a heartache only God can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. - Anon

The prophetess Anna lost her husband after only 7 years of marriage, but had God for a lifetime thereafter. WOW!

It happens all around us everyday - DEATH! But when it hits in our personal space and our loved ones, it's especially hard and painful at times to go on. But go on we must for God is at His work still, filling the void and reshaping our life, taking away the bitter sting and making the warm memories more vivid. So as we grieve, it's not overwhelming or as if we have no hope, we trust in the promise of the One who conquered it for us. So though today is 1 more day in life without them, we rejoice because it is also 1 day closer to that great re-union with Jesus and our loved ones. So live on and live well.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate." - Psalm 111:4

All In, No Quit!

Don't let a setback become an upset! - Anon

Moses' 1st conversation with Pharaoh

led to increased labor for the people. By games end it was.....Freedom. AMEN!

'Overnight Sensation!' 'Instant Success!'

We're taken to these ideologies when we hear them applied to individuals who

have 'arrived' or 'made it' seemingly out of nowhere. But a little research

often turns up the hardships and obstacles they overcame and fought through to

achieve their success. The little unknown truth about success or winning is

that it only happens to those who are willing to go all in, not giving up at

the first sign of trouble or heartache, not giving up because resources may be

limited, not giving in because people may be against you, but persevering in

spite of all this because you know God is for you, and with Him on your side

victory is assured!

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

Preparing For Storms

Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is the perfect security in storms. – K. Troccoli

When the storms raged against the ship, the disciples were amazed at what Jesus did to calm it down. Hmm!

Rainstorms, snowstorms, blizzards, hurricanes, etc. All the work of nature, and all beyond our control. The best we can do is prepare for them for we know they will come, so we buy special clothing and other gear to help us muster through them. But often in matters of faith, many of us treat or think of our faith as some sort of magic shield that will keep trouble or the storms of life away from us, or that we won’t have heartache, pain, or problems because we’re protected by Jesus. We forget that ‘Jesus was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin.’ This tells us he suffered in “human flesh” just as we do, yet He did not give in to the sinful nature, which should give us strength and encouragement when the storms of life assail us. So as life unfolds, and it will, just remember to put on Jesus to weather the storm.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Not Always An L

There are victories of the soul and spirit. So sometimes, even if you lose, you win. – Elie Wiesel

Peter walked on water, then failed. Peter claimed he would die for Jesus, then denied him. But after each time he came back stronger. Hmm!

Playing ball as a kid against my dad I rarely won the game. But my father was helpful in showing me how to get better and the time we spent together was precious. God works along the same lines. There will be some times when we fail. There will be other times when we just don’t understand or get what God is trying to do ‘through’ us to get ‘to us.’ He has ways we do not fully understand and at times it takes us being beaten or ‘giving in’ before He can teach us what we need to now. So even in times of stern discipline or heartache we are the winners because He is working it out for our good. Don’t bemoan today’s lessons; just know He’s at His work in you.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

P.S. - Don't forget this Sunday's Panel Discussion at 9AM in Parmes Hall.

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