Yah's Way

If you don’t know where you’re going, you will probably end up somewhere else. – L. Peter

Because of their hard-heartedness, the Israelites wound up in the desert, instead of the Promised Land. OUCH!

One thing about life is there are plenty of options to choose from. We have a great menu listing that we can peruse and select from, but we must always keep the end result in mind. If heaven is your goal, then there is only one way – GOD’S WAY. The road HE places us on may not seem right to us, but only HE knows the directions to HIS place. The path may not be the most popular, the easiest, or most scenic, nor get you much notoriety, but it will get you to the destination. He’s hoping we’ll let Him lead today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.” – Psalm 27:11

A Legacy Worth Leaving

Most people simply accept their lives - they don't lead them. - Anon

Until God called him 'mighty warrior' Gideon was content to hide in the winepress. Hmm!

Most of us know the frustration of driving or walking behind someone who's just plodding along aimlessly, purposeless, just plain in the way. It's aggravating. In reality, most people live this way. They seem to have no purpose, no sense of direction or a path to follow, and worse, no thought for those coming behind them, or those looking up to them. Every one of us will leave some sort of legacy or lasting impression in all our relationships be it good or bad. The key is to know what kind of legacy you want to leave and begin to live it now. Life is the most precious gift of God, and His expectation is that we will live to influence and lead others to Him. Today is a gift from God, how we use it is our gift to Him and others. Live On!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord......bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God...." - Colossians 1:10

Navigating the Course

Neither Broadway, Main, nor Easy Street lead to God’s place in heaven. Hmm!

Maybe those ‘noble Bereans’ who searched the scriptures daily were on to something. Hmm!

Long before the days of satellites and GPS systems, ancient seamen used a device called a sextant to chart their course on the seas. They used the stars as satellite positions and the horizon as the basis of their navigation. They would check these positions several times day and night to make sure they stayed on course. A slight drift of even 1-2 degrees could throw them off course for hundreds of miles. Whoa! God’s Word is given to us as a ‘lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.’ But how often do we ‘sleight’ time in the Word of God for TV, more sleep, social media intrusions, or just plain laziness. And then we wonder why it seems our lives are stress filled, overburdened, or not giving us a sense of purpose. If we want God to be the director of our lives, maybe we should be like the ancient mariners and check in a bit more often each day. It really couldn’t hurt!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“We must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1

Going Along with God

The person who tries to lead himself has a fool for a follower. – Anon

The Prodigal son knew in his heart he was ready to take on and conquer the world. Thank God he came to his senses later. PHEW!

It’s a strange picture – a dog chasing his tail – but it paints a vivid picture of reality oftentimes. It’s a picture of lost purpose, no direction, wasted energy, and plain silliness. Yet, when we get right down to it, many people are just like that, maybe some of us. We give half-hearted attention to God’s ways or completely shun them, thinking we truly know what’s best and how to work things out. But this world and its ways were already a going concern when we were born and came of age, and likely will be a going concern long after we’re gone. The only constant is a loving God who is working things out to his perfect design. And it’s easier to go along with him than to kick against the pricks.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:20-21

Let Your Life Do the Talking

The good and the wise lead quiet lives. Euripides

The moment Eve started ‘debating’ God’s word with Satan she lost, and eventually so did we. Thank God for redeeming love in Christ Jesus.

It’s often been said “many an argument is sound – and just that, SOUND!” When you step back and think about it there is a lot of truth to that. Often if we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves with raised voices and raised heart rates being argumentative to ‘prove’ our point, or case, or situation. But the best argument we could ever present for Christ and His church is not by our vocabulary but by how we live our life. It’s true that sometimes it’s hard to keep our words edifying, encouraging, and fragrant; however, Jesus said they will know we are his disciples if we show “LOVE for one another.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18

The Secret of the Path

Trust starts with and ends with truth. - S. Kalwar

God sent Moses to bring the people out of bondage unto Himself on the mountain. AMEN!

When God led the Hebrew nation into the Promised Land He promised to give them all the land where their feet would tread, meaning no matter the condition of the soil He would make it 'firm' for them to be victorious and successful. Like our ancestors our paths in life are rarely straightforward and surefooted. We must learn, like them, the secret. On any pilgrimage or journey, it's not so much a trek to FIND God as it is a time to WALK WITH Him in the moment. None of us are ever sure how firm the path will be from day to day (soft, mushy, wet, hard, etc.) but we can trust God to lead the way. His sole purpose is to guide us home to Himself, and isn't that our desire?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life..." - John 14:6

THIS Is The Way

Though hindsight is 20/20 vision, most people would prefer not to exercise it. - Anon

Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25, there has to be a reason God had this sentiment recorded twice. Hmm! [There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.]

You see it almost daily. Little children being held by the hand of their parents. But yet they tug, squirm, and pull trying to break free. To exercise their independence, confident that they can navigate this world on their own. We smile knowingly, but in truth it's a picture of us with God. As He tries to lead us, we confidently break away -thinking this path/way is better. As He tries to instruct us - we refuse His teaching and foolishly say we know better, often thinking His ways are antiquated and out of touch with reality. But yet, He stands by and patiently waits for us to realize who's WHO! If life has taught us anything it's that 'God the Father Knows Best' and He will never lead us astray. Open arms are awaiting anyone wishing to return to Him.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake...." - Psalm 23:3

Steps and Stops Along the Way

The stops of a good man, as well as his steps, are ordered by the Lord. – G. Mueller

God stopped Paul from preaching in Asia and Bithynia, but then along came Philippi. The results were awesome! WOW.

We ask the Lord to order our steps, direct our paths, guide us along the way; all very noble prayer requests and desires. But it's funny sometimes, for even though we know the “race is not to the swift,” many of us still can’t seem to slow ourselves down or pause to get into God's stride. And so in our “Christian walk” we often end up running into situations God tried to shield us from or divert us around. Maybe it’s time we took a real serious look at who’s doing the leading. If God is still your co-pilot, don’t change seats, get out of the cockpit altogether.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV)

P.S. - I asked yesterday and I'm asking again today. For the upcoming series on Prayer beginning THIS SUNDAY we're asking for your help. Please take a moment to let us know which session you will be attending. They are as follows:


Sunday Session 11:30am (On Campus)
Tuesday Session 6:30pm (On Campus)
Wednesday Session 7:00pm (Zoom)
Saturday Session 1:15pm (Zoom)



PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY TO THIS E-MAIL TODAY!

This Is the Way

If you don’t know where you’re going, you will probably end up somewhere else. – L. Peter

Because of their hard-heartedness, the Israelites wound up in the desert, instead of the Promised Land. OUCH!

One thing about life is there are plenty of options to choose from. We have a great menu listing that we can peruse and select from, but we must always keep the end result in mind. If heaven is your goal, then there is only one way – GOD’S WAY. The road HE places us on may not seem right to us, but only HE knows the directions to HIS place. The path may not be the most popular, the easiest, or most scenic, nor get you much notoriety, but it will get you to the destination. He’s hoping we’ll let him lead today!

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.” – Psalm 27:11

P.S. - Charles Drew University (CDU) now has the opportunity to support individuals 65+ to get the COVID-19 vaccination through a facilitated process and is reaching out to local churches to provide a listing of seniors who would like to sign-up. If you would like to be included please let me know. I would like to forward a listing to them ASAP.

Living Legacy

Most people simply accept their lives - they don't lead them. - Anon

Until God called him 'mighty warrior' Gideon was content to hide in the winepress. Hmm!

Most of us know the frustration of driving or walking behind someone who's just plodding along aimlessly, purposeless, just plain in the way. It's aggravating. Truthfully, most people live this way. They seem to have no purpose, no direction, and no thought for those coming behind them, or those looking up to them. Every one of us will leave some sort of legacy or lasting impression in all our relationships be it good or bad. The key is to know what kind of legacy you want to leave and begin to live it now. Life is the most precious gift of God, and His expectation is that we will live to influence and lead others to Him. Today is a gift from God, how we use it is our gift to Him others. Live On!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord......bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God...." - Colossians 1:10

Going God's Way?

"Going MY way??????" - God

Pharaoh's blindness to God eventually came 'crashing' down on him. Hmm!

It's a gruesome sight to behold - a head on collision. Devastation, destruction, generally nothing but heartache comes out of it. We drive oh so carefully to avoid such tragedies. But yet we think nothing much of it in the way we live our day to day lives running into head-on collisions with God on almost a daily basis. God says 'go-do-speak-serve' and we say NO! Do we really want the God of Heaven working against us? Life is hard enough when we're walking in step with Him, why should we want to go against Him. We know the results - just ask Jonah! But yet, in our quiet strong-willed independence we do it almost every day. God becomes an afterthought to OUR plans. And even when trouble arises and we find ourselves in a jam, we stop to review OUR strategy, revise OUR plans, and test them out. Then, as a last effort we offer a prayer. Why not ask God into our day ahead of time. It's better to meet Him this way and get on the right path than to meet Him otherwise.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." - Proverbs 14:12

Unlock the Door to Wisdom & Happiness

Preconceived notions are the locks on the door that lead to wisdom and happiness. – M. Brown

If Moses had never given the burning bush a closer look…….Hmm!

It’s said that when the ostrich doesn’t want to deal with life he sticks his head in the ground. It’s a coping mechanism. True or not for the ostrich, many of us have a coping mechanism to this life called preconceived notions (ideas). These are not thoroughly investigated and proven out, they are just little ‘safety valves’ we fall back on to keep us from stretching or risking growth, and to keep our world orderly and neat. Sadly, this type of attitude creeps into our lives when we begin to get away from God or try limit what He can do. If we really do some soul searching each of us can look back and see where God – like He did with Moses and the burning bush – tested us and erased some erroneous thoughts we had and stretched our borders. God is still looking to do the same today and everyday. Are you game?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it…….? Isaiah 43:19

The Life of Life

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. – M. W. Edelman

Every battle God sent his people into they won. Not because they were the best skilled warriors, but because they were obedient. Hmm!

“Win at all costs.” It’s a message that gets drummed into our psyche the moment we begin to understand the competitive nature of life. That drive to be the best, the first, the leader of the pack often adds undue stress and strain in our lives. And often we never slow down and take time to see the competitive forces are man made. God has never asked us to compete for his love, mercy, or blessings. He’s not even obligated us to win the victory – its already assured. We're only obligated to tell the story. And the best way to tell the story of Christ is by the way we live each and every day. Life is not a sport, its life; which is to be lived moment by moment and not as a contest. Today’s results are up to us.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – I Thessalonians 4:11-12

Trust the Guide

If faith can see every step of the way, it is not faith. – W. Barclay

At the wedding feast of Cana, Jesus’ mother told the servants to do whatever he asked of them. She didn’t know what he would do, but she knew he would do something. Hmm!

Pin the tail on the donkey – now that was a game we all relished. First they blindfold you, then spin you around and let you loose with a sharp object. And we trusted them to guide us with their shouts of “you’re getting warmer/colder” and generally it worked. As kids we never saw it as a game of faith, but that’s exactly what it was, trusting others to lead you. God asks the same of us as adults, to trust Him to lead and guide the way. But the difference is God is not asking us to go blindly into something, but to go trusting that He will get us there. He’s been there and knows the path. It may not always be safe, secure, and without apprehension, but just as we had no fear from those we played ‘pin the tail on’ with, we should have no fear God will not keep us by His grace. To walk with God is not to see where He’s leading us but to see Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see….” – Hebrews 11:1

White Out

Too many white lies can lead to color blindness. – Anon

Jesus not only called Satan a liar, but the father of lies. I wonder how He really felt about him. Hmm!

White lies - we call them little, we call them insignificant, we call them a fact of life – but in reality when we willingly tell them they are just lies. It’s easy to stretch the truth just a bit so that we don’t look so bad, or have to go the extra mile, or have to be imposed upon, or give someone false hope, but when we knowingly do so and leave others with a false understanding, we’ve lied. And when we begin to make concessions in one area of our life, it usually creeps into other areas as well. That’s just the way sin is. Just as smoke never stays in the ‘smoking section’ sin never stays little or hidden – it grows, and it branches out into all areas of our lives to blur the lines of distinction between right and wrong. In a world that desperately needs the truth spoken and lived out, God is expecting us to lead the way. We must not settle for easy over right.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37

Following God's Lead

If you haven’t learned to follow, you can’t lead. – H.C. Mears

What made Jesus such a great leader was that he followed His Father’s will. Hmm!

King, Prince, Monarch, etc. – they are all born to rule or lead. But the fact of the matter is history has shown us being 'born to lead' does not necessarily make one a good leader. Noble leadership is learned, and learned through the model of servitude – God’s model. To trust someone with such great responsibility, he should be tested with small responsibilities first, to prove himself worthy of the honor. The hardest lesson in life to learn- though it is also the simplest lesson- is to follow instructions. Following God’s instructions is submitting our will to His, then we can lead. God has called us to be leaders in our own way, that we should point others to Christ.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” – I Samuel 13:14

Whose lead are you following?

Though important to know where you are going, better still is to know who you are following. – Sparks

Paul/Saul knew he was a highly dedicated and well-trained man on a mission for God, until he met Jesus on the road. WOW!

Upon reflection, I’m sure most of us can remember a journey or two we took where we didn’t like the end results. And in most cases it was more than likely because we did not know fully the details, we were ‘excited to be invited.’ However, without question; whether it be trend or person the majority of people today will still follow along without question. The common thinking is often that the “consensus can’t be wrong, the excitement can’t be false,” so this must be real.  Though God has given us the church, pastors, teachers, leaders, friends, etc; His call for us is not to them but to Him and His Word. People are fallible and may stray, but God’s Word will always lead us to Him. In circumstances that come upon us the question to ask is ‘whose lead are we following?’

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong…… do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.” – Exodus 23:2

Divinely Directed

The stops of a good man, as well as his steps, are ordered by the Lord. – G. Mueller

God stopped Paul from preaching in Asia and Bithynia, but then along came Philippi. The results were awesome! WOW.

We ask the Lord to order our steps, direct our paths, guide us along the way; all very noble prayer requests and desires. But it's funny sometimes, for even though we know the “race is not to the swift,” many of us still can’t seem to slow ourselves down or pause to get into God's stride. And so in our “Christian walk” we often end up running into situations God tried to shield us from or divert us around. Maybe it’s time we took a real serious look at who’s doing the leading. If God is still your co-pilot, don’t change seats, get out of the cockpit altogether.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV)

Evidence of things not seen

If faith can see every step of the way, it is not faith. – W. Barclay

At the wedding feast of Cana, Jesus’ mother told his disciples to do whatever he asked of them. She didn’t know what he would do, but she knew he would do something. Hmm!

Pin the tail on the donkey – now that was a game we all relished. First they blindfold you, then spin you around and let you loose with a sharp object. And we trusted them to guide us with their shouts of “you’re getting warmer/colder” and generally it worked. As kids we never saw it as a game of faith, but that’s exactly what it was, trusting others to lead you. God asks the same of us as adults, to trust Him to lead and guide the way. But the difference is God is not asking us to go blindly into something, but to go trusting that He will get us there. He’s been there and knows the path. It may not always be safe, secure, and without apprehension, but just as we had no fear from those we played ‘pin the tail on’ with, we should have no fear God will not keep us by His grace. To walk with God is not to see where He’s leading us but to see Him.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see….” – Hebrews 11:1

Life's Legacy

Most people simply accept their lives - they don't lead them. - Anon

Until God called him 'mighty warrior' Gideon was content to hide in the winepress. Hmm!

Most of us know the frustration of driving or walking behind someone who's just plodding along aimlessly, purposeless, just plain in the way. It's aggravating. Truthfully, most people live this way. They seem to have no purpose, no direction, and no thought for those coming behind them, or those looking up to them. Every one of us will leave some sort of legacy or lasting impression in all our relationships be it good or bad. The key is to know what kind of legacy you want to leave and begin to live it now. Life is the most precious gift of God, and His expectation is that we will live to influence and lead others to him. Today is a gift from God, how we use it is our gift to him others. Live On!

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord......bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God...." - Colossians 1:10