Unexpectedly Packaged

Blessings come in all shapes and sizes just as we need them, but rarely how we expect them. - Anon

Paul wanted a natural ‘physical healing’ until God told him just how “GRACED” he already was. AMEN!

Holidays, birthdays, weddings, graduations; the dates of gift-giving, and often even before the gifts are opened; the giver is somewhat measured by the size or shape of the gift. We often say “it’s the thought that counts” but many times that’s not true – it’s the gift. So we want big packages, expensive wrappings and so forth. But such an attitude begs the question: How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected? He is the giver of “every good and perfect gift,” so it really should not matter in its size or presentation. And best of all God delivers them to us everyday at just the right moment. This should make every day exciting for us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” – Psalm 27:13

Learning Life's Lessons

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever-evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

Anyway You Bless Me Lord

TODAY! What a gift. - Anon

Was the 'ram in the bush' God's gift to Abraham or Isaac? Hmm!

Birthday gifts! Christmas gifts! I'm sure we can all remember a time or two ripping the packaging of all of our presents looking for that 'one' gift we truly, truly wanted only to find it not there. Then we had to make sure our disappointment never showed. You ever wonder how often we do that with God? We ask for the blessings and gifts and expect them to be boxed and bow wrapped to our every expectation and timing. And because of our 'expectations' we often miss the gift or blessing He provides. His gifts are not a deliverance of what we want but what we need. Remember, every gift God gives is perfect, fitting the situation and purpose before us. So, whatever we may be praying, seeking, or asking of God right now don't expect it to come by conventional means. God has a variety of ways to bless and fill us. Just know that His answer will be perfect, and don't forget to praise Him for it.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:11

Education and Common Sense

Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense; sadly, no one thinks he need more of it than he already has. – R. Descartes

Solomon was the wisest man we know but he also surrounded himself with those who kept him grounded and humble. Hmm!

Getting a good education is important – no doubt. It will aid us all in life for the many days that lie ahead. And the more education, the better equipped one will be to be productive in society. The problem we encounter though is when we let book learning replace good ol’ common sense. God gives it to each of us equally, but like most things in life it seems the more obvious or common something is the more it is neglected or ignored. Common sense can save us from a lot of accidents and mishaps, and ‘drama’ in life, if we would not be so prideful and use it. Education may make us employable, but common sense makes us practical and easier to live with.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all your getting get an understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7

No Worries Mate

Don’t worry about the “what ifs”; concentrate on the “what IS…..” – Anon

Noah completed the ark because he trusted in God’s weather report. Hmm!

A hurricane in California – wow! Didn’t see that coming. Life is full of surprises, risks, contingencies and unknowns. But if we take time to think about it, these are exactly the things that make life worthwhile – not always knowing for sure how things are going to turn out. But though we may not know, we should never live in fear of or be ‘paralyzed’ by the thought of not knowing. We have been blessed with enough raw material and resources for TODAY only, God will supply tomorrow if necessary, so we need only to take care of the here and now not worrying about anything else. We’ve already been assured that the great 'what IS', is that God is still on the THRONE, God is still in CONTROL, God is still FOR YOU, and God WILL ALWAYS WIN OUT. What, me worry?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….if God be for us, who can be against us…” – Romans 8:31

Godly Therapy

At times, you need a therapist much more than you need a theologian. - LeCrae

In Old Testament times the kings had prophets, priests, and ADVISERS to serve them. Hmm!

Have you ever thought about your 'circle of influence?' Those who can speak into your life and those whose life you can speak into! There's a reason why God put certain people in our lives. Many times He speaks through them. Just as our parents were the voice of reason when we were kids growing up, though we may not be under their tutelage anymore; we still need reliable, God-fearing people in our lives to help us make sense of things at times. And at times that may include a licensed clinician/therapist. To be able to confide in someone trustworthy and non-judgmental, is a necessity for everyone of us, for life often throws things at us that don't neatly fit into the 'doctrinal' box. If we take a step back and look at the life of Jesus we can see that's pretty much who He was, an approachable friend. He was much more a 'Godly' therapist who 'touched' the lives of folks more so than a hard preaching theologian. It's why they were often amazed at His sayings. May you have/and or be a good 'therapist.' Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....Therefore confess your faults to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

Keep the Faith

To the wrongs that need resistance, to the right that needs assistance, to the future in the distance: give yourselves. - C. L. Chapman-Catt

No matter what he suffered or endured Paul refused to give up or quit on his Jesus. Hmm!

Though it's early in the baseball season, many teams find themselves almost out of the race already. But you know what they're going through this week, practice, practice, and practice some more. The thought of quitting after putting in so much work for so little results has never crossed their mind. One good game can turn a season around. Sometimes in our faith walk we go through such dry spells, a small losing streak if you will, where it seems like God doesn't hear our prayers nor seem to be walking with us. This is not the time to lose faith or consider giving up, it's time to double-up. True faith in God requires consistent, continual practice and commitment. It's not a Sunday only or weekend warrior event, but a daily way of life. By the way, have you made it to practice yet today?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"[Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what had been promised...." - Romans 4:20-21

Friendship With No Boundaries

I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not need to even consult his calendar. – R. Brault

One good thing about Job's friends is that they stayed with him throughout his ordeal. Hmm!

In this era of exponentially expanding social media outlets and apps for this and that, seems we’re all trying to find time to do it all and have it all; and what we wind up with is very often shallow acquaintances and fellowship. The saddest part is we tend to be the same with the ONE who loves us most - God. As we embark upon the New Year trying to prioritize our life maybe it's time we took a closer look at HIS example of friendship where no boundaries exist, and HE sits just waiting for us to come. I pray we'll become HIS 'cherished' friend.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"....You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord..." - Jeremiah 29:13

P.S. - We will be gathering for our monthly prayer meeting tonight at 6:30pm. Hope you can join us!

Forgiveness, Pass It On!

Forgiveness is man's deepest need and highest achievement. - H. Bushnell

Joseph, Esau. Just two men able to forgive great wrongs put upon them by their kin. Amen!

"They make me so mad!" "I can't stand him/her!" We've all heard statements like these... and probably made them ourselves. Why can't we forgive someone? It's only because we feel God hasn't forgiven us! Yes, make no mistake about it, forgiving is hard work, but God's abounding grace makes it totally possible. But it only works to the extent of our belief in God forgiving us. So, the question becomes: how much forgiveness have we received? God freely gives it, but doesn't force it on us, so it's up to us to believe and receive it. True we don't really deserve it, but God gives it freely upon our repentances. And it's only when we truly receive it that we can pass it on to others. So why can't we forgive this/that person? If our heart is clogged with bitterness, anger, resentment, or past hurts, grace abounds to reopen it. Oh, and once again - it's FREE!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If anyone says 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." - I John 4:20

Lessons in Honest Work

Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need. – Voltaire

The bible tells us God worked 6 days creating the heavens and the earth. I think we can take a hint from this!

Though we may not be thrilled with what we do, and though we may not like the hour we have to arise, or the time we spend commuting back and forth, honest work is in itself a blessing from God. Not only from the standpoint that there are many who cannot do it, but from the point of view that it teaches us temperance, self-control, diligence and a hundred other virtues the idle will never know, besides allowing us to provide for our families and the needy. The secret is to find something you like doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain.” – I Corinthians 15:58

More Lessons Learned

I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill

Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed, but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!

The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8

Friendly Therapy

Sometimes we seek theology when what we really need is therapy. - LeCrae

After Satan 'devastated' Job's life God sent him some friends. Hmm!


Hurts, habits, hang-ups, ghosts in the closet. We all have them, if we're human. And often they eat at us as a 'child of God'. They try to steal our position in Christ often whispering something like "You know a real Christian wouldn't _______!" And even though we may have a solid grasp of God's Word, sometimes we just need help or enlightenment to put our current life situation into proper context. Friends, whether personal or professional, are given to us for that purpose. No one is meant to go through this life alone as a 'Lone Ranger.' These friends often help us see not so much the theology of God's Word, but our life in the context of God's Word. These insights help us to realize that in the midst of our pain, struggles, trauma, etc., God is right there with us. He has not abandoned us, and is waiting for us to cast our cares upon Him to bear. The longer we try to bear it ourselves or hide it from others, the stronger the 'shame of it all' grows, and we weren't meant to carry that. Job may have called his friends 'miserable' comforters, but they were therapeutic, they helped him get it all out of his system. May we all be so blessed today.


Until Monday.....


Pastor Botts


"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

All In Need of Love

Those who deserve love the least, need it the most. – Anon

Matthew and Zacchaeus. Tax collectors hated and despised by their own people. Yet Jesus counted them among his ‘friends.’ Hmm!


At any given moment most of us could possibly think of someone who we would deem as unworthy of any grace or love (enemies, murderers/killers, terrorists, insurrectionists, vagrants, etc.). But in reality, we too are never really deserving of God’s love, but yet he extends it freely to all. And his love knows no bounds or limits and covers a multitude of sins – OURS. Acceptance of the gift doesn’t make us better than the next person, it just makes us aware of our own needs. God wants everyone to know of his love and has given us the honor and privilege of sharing it. As you face the day remember his love knows no color or circumstances it cannot touch.


Until Monday……


Pastor Botts


“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful……the grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – I Timothy 1:12,14

P.S. - Don't forget to set your clock ahead 1-hour this Saturday night as we move into Daylight Savings Time.

Called to Be Witnesses

Never let the desire to influence be replaced with the need to control. – Anon

The Sanhedrin Council was the 'religious' right of the time, but Jesus was the 'go to' guy and ANSWERman. HMMM!

The Great Commission was a command given to one and all believers and followers of Christ. We are called to tell the “good news.” But oftentimes the message of grace and love is missed because the messenger has overwhelmed the receiver or overshadowed the message. We must be careful in our zealousness to never try to be the central point (it’s not about us) or “commanding” in our sharing. We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – I Peter 3:15

Max Yield

Our greatest need is not to do all things for good, but to believe all things work together for good. – Oswald Chambers

When Jesus came to town Martha worked herself into a tempest making sure everything was perfectly prepared and placed. Jesus said “good,” but not “great.” Hmm!

Ask any farmer and they'll tell you they don't expect to harvest every seed they sow, but they do fully believe they will harvest a good crop. And so they work to ensure not a perfect yield, but a maximum yield. It is the same with us in our work for Christ. Often, many of us get stuck in our efforts, or don't even try because we feel we can't do it perfectly. We must take care not to develop a “hardcore” Martha perspective. Yes we are saved to good works, but it is not so much the work, but the “faith” behind the works that really matters. It’s a false idea to think we can barter with God for results based on our activities. God looks within and without regarding our actions. The work He gives us today is important - yes - but not more important than the faith we do it with.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” – Acts 24:14-16

Trusting Through Difficulties

Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are. – B.J. Reagon

When Jesus asked the question of him, he knew Philip had neither money nor knowledge of where to buy food for the crowd. It was a test of his faith. WOW!

It’s not hard to notice we are in some very difficult economic times. Jobs are scarce or even in hiding it seems, and even those who are working are asked to sacrifice through wage reductions, reduced hours, furloughs, etc., and yet prices for goods or services just continue to rise. But the essence of our lives rests not on how much we spend, but in how much we give of ourselves. The God we serve asks us to trust He will meet all our needs, therefore we have no need to shrink or pull back from the work He has called us to do. Why not surprise yourself today and see how much you can get for a smile, a few kind words, or a helping hand. God would be pleased!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“….I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty….” – Philippians 4:12

Wonderful Matchless Gift of Grace

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace. – R. Otto

Abraham, Jacob, David, Peter, Paul….the list could go on and on with men like these who knew God lives on both sides of the grace equation. And that’s a good thing. AMEN!

As he so often does; the enemy of God tries to deceive us into thinking we are unworthy of God’s goodness in any case whether good or bad. If sin besets us, he screams “you’re not worthy of His forgiveness or mercy.” If blessings become us, he states “you don’t deserve such favor.” But God looks for opportunity in either case to extend His wonderful matchless grace to us. No matter what comes your way today or tomorrow, always remember “His grace is sufficient.”

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many….But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” – Romans 5:15, 20

An Attractive Christ Walk

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching? – Anon

John the Baptist and 2 of his disciples were intrigued by Jesus and asked “where are you staying?” Jesus said, “come and see!” They spent that whole day with him. Hmm!

It is often said “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” In other words you must be able to attract them. The same idea is true in our faith walk each and every day. What attracts or draws us to those we associate with? The best way to attract people to Christ (who draws all men to himself) is not so much to ‘act’ like a Christian, but just live as we truly believe. A Christian has hope in all situations and circumstances so life is never bleak and we shouldn’t wear long faces. Our life should eventually impact those we walk with. If we’re not attracting anyone maybe it’s time to get re-focused on who we’re following.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit…..” – I Corinthians 16:17-18

Answers in The Word

If God should descend from heaven a hundred times, he would reveal nothing we need to know in addition to what he has already said. – John Calvin

Jesus once fed 5,000 plus and 4,000 plus. Yet when he died there were maybe only 300-400 true believers. Hmm!

Man has made many trips to the moon and thus far what have we learned. Well, it’s not made of cheese, it is presently uninhabited, and oh yes, IT’S REAL! Pretty much what God said all along in His Word. We tend to think there is more to things that we can’t see or touch or feel – showing our need or desire to control them – than there really is. The moon is just the moon, the wind is just the wind, etc. And truthfully, though there is more to God than we could ever imagine, all we need to know about Him to love and acknowledge Him is given to us in His Word. Were we to truly get the Word into our hearts we would most definitely see more of God than we ever imagined to begin with. Today’s a good day to start.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man….....the Lord God Almighty is His name.” – Amos 4:13

The Sense to use Common Sense

Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense; sadly, no one thinks he need more of it than he already has. – R. Descartes

Solomon was the wisest man we know but he also surrounded himself with those who kept him grounded and humble. Hmm!

Getting a good education is important – no doubt. It will aid us all in life for the many days that lie ahead. And the more education, the better equipped one will be to be productive in society. The problem we encounter though is when we let book learning replace good ol’ common sense. God gives it to each of us equally, but like most things in life it seems the more obvious or common something is the more it is neglected or ignored. Common sense can save us from a lot of accidents and mishaps, and ‘drama’ in life, if we would not be so prideful and use it.  Education may make us employable, but common sense makes us practical and easier to live with.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all your getting get an understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7