Eyes On the REAL Prize

Gaze at God, glance at life. - Carlos Whittaker

After all his great feats, accomplishments, and life projects, Solomon set his eyes back firmly on God and His commands. Hmm!

In school we make a plan, we plot our courses, electives, and time such that we come out with our preferred degree objective BA, BS, MBA, Doctorate, etc. This is great for our earthly existence, but what about our spiritual growth? Do we ever make a plan, plot out prayer/study time, seek opportunities/classes to help us grow in our spiritual disciplines. It is a proven fact that the way to get better at anything is through study and application. The bible tells us the undisciplined life is the way of a fool. It's not that God is trying to force us into a structured way of ritual living, but more of a communal way of walking with Him more closely like Enoch. And hey, that had a great ending!

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"[Abraham] was looking forward to the city without foundations, whose architect and builder is God." - Hebrews 11:10

What's the Plan?

You’ll never achieve the goals you don’t set. – M. Batterson

Moses always wanted to help his people, he just had to wait 40 years to learn to do it God’s way. Amen!

“How did this happen to me?” It’s a question we sometimes ask ourselves in life when things look bleak or failure occurs. The hard truth of the matter is though most of us don’t plan to fail, we often fail to plan. Hence our finances are askew, our homes or autos are in disrepair, our education is incomplete, and our lives are nowhere near where we dreamed or envisioned them to be at this stage. The God we serve is a Master Planner. He had our redemption worked out the moment sin entered in the Garden. And as we are made so wondrously in His ‘creative’ image we should be able to, with His help draw out and achieve goals for our good and His glory. Instead of letting things happen, goals help us make them happen. Instead of living by default (whatever happens), plans help us live by design. Plans or goals are ‘dreams’ with deadlines, and they give us traction, direction, and inspiration in our prayers; and who knows, with God you can’t never always sometimes tell. Here’s hoping today we’re all one step closer to our goal(s).

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..Where there is no vision, the people perish…..” – Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Just Plant. Results Will Follow

Happy people plan actions, they don’t plan results. – D. Wholey

The little lad packed a lunch for the day. He just didn’t know it was enough for 5000 plus. AMEN!

It’s a true saying that if you plant tomatoes you will get tomatoes – not carrots or peas, etc. But the fact of the planting is you won’t know how many tomatoes you’ll get or what size they will be, or if they will be flavorful. You just plant and let God do the rest. Too often we begin with the end result or expectation in mind and grow frustrated when it doesn’t work out the way we planned. All we can be responsible for is what we do. It’s the only arena of life we can control. Now we may expect results, but we can’t demand them. We must leave room for God to operate in our lives to bring about His purposes. After all, any results He brings are always for our good.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” – Acts 20:22.”

Enjoying the Ride

A truly joyful person enjoys the scenery on a detour. – Anon

Though the Israelites had to wander 40 years in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land, it was worth it to Caleb. Hmm!

SigAlerts, accidents, road closures, one-way streets. Oftentimes things of this nature take us out of our normal “driving” patterns and cause us to map out different strategies and routes, and even with GPS it still often gets under our skin. Life is very similar in that oftentimes we must make detours or put off until later things ‘we’ deemed needful and necessary now. Just consider this current ‘pandemic.’ It has caused some major changes to all of life. It seemed Joseph’s life was one detour after another, but in reality it was all God’s plan to bring him before Pharaoh and to eventually save his people. Perhaps God has a plan for you in your detours, so maybe you should relax and enjoy the views.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“But Joseph said ………You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:19-20

Step To The Plan

God will always order your steps.......but you still have to move your feet! - D. Washington

It didn't make much sense at the time, but Jericho's walls fell because of some orderly 'walking'. Hmm!

Hopscotch! How many of us remember this childhood game? Jumping, leaping squares to land in the appropriate box. The diagram was there right in front of you but as you progressed more effort was required, and if you weren't careful - you're out. Admittedly, it was fun even for some of us guys. The game bears some similarity to our faith walk. The way of the Christian is plainly laid out before us in the Word of God. This life we live is an open book test, and that book (bible) has great wisdom and direction to stay on target or even correct our course. Life only becomes fraught with obstacles to put us 'out' when we take or eyes off God. So why not add a little childhood flair to your steps as you walk with God today.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." - Proverbs 10:9

What Do You Desire?

The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. – Ben Stein

All Solomon wanted was wisdom to rule God’s people righteously. He got that and more from God. AMEN!

The story of the dog who starts out on a foxhunt and ends up chasing his tail fits a lot of people. We are often distracted by what we see others enjoying and sometimes we begin to secretly covet. The fact is most of us really don’t know what we truly want. We say we want happiness, joy, peace, etc. but yet we refuse to come to the only one who can give it – Christ. The more we try to achieve the things of life our way, the more frustrating our life will become. To have the things we truly want, we must decide what they are and then be willing to sacrifice all other things to have them. The key to remember is if God is not in the plan our decisions are essentially empty.

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, 16:25

God Knows Best

God’s best for you today may not be your preference. – Anon

I'm sure Paul didn't want to be imprisoned, but he made the best of it. Amen!

Castor oil, hog hoof tea, vapo-rub, cod liver oil, etc. – I’m sure we can remember these and other home remedies from our early childhood. Though we would have preferred a visit to the doctor, maybe a few days off from school and so forth; our parents ‘forced’ these remedies on us. And you know what; we are so much the better off today because they did. In truth, their intentions were right in line with the way God deals with us. Just as medicine is not always pleasant and easy to deal with, it is what is best for us when we are ill. The situations or circumstances God allows into our lives may seem harsh, unappealing, and distasteful to us; but He is always working in our best interests. So though we may not like the ‘state of things’ as they are right now, remember God knows what is best and has a plan for how it will all turn out for good.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:18

Time for Some Action

Thinking will never overcome fear. But action will! - Anon

When Daniel heard about the king's new decree he just went home and prayed on it. Amen!

Make no mistake about it friend, it is good to plan, strategize, map out our intended progress. But there comes a time when we must take action. Good intentions are just that - intentions, until we begin to act on them. In every well-planned war, game, or contest, changes in your enemies strategy results in instant changes in yours. And when time is of the essence you must be willing to act in faith (trusting God) to overcome. Our trust and reliance on God in these moments is crucial for the battle is His alone. He will give the perspective, courage, insight, and strength we need to be victorious. All we need do is be ready and available. Eventually, we will be singing a new song of praise to Him. Welcome to the New Year!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." - I Samuel 14:6

Check In and Listen

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. – B. Hybels

Jesus once asked his disciples ‘who do you say that I am?’ to make sure they were getting the message he was conveying. Peter knew the answer. AMEN!

Product surveys, town-hall meetings, suggestion boxes, etc. – what do they all have in common – they are ways people solicit feedback to see how they are doing and what they can do better. They go directly to the source – you. Jesus did it often with his Father as an example for us to follow. The best way to ensure we’re carrying out God’s plan and not our own is to check with Him often and take time to listen to what He says. He’s already assured us in His book of the victory.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20

Moving Forward

I'll go any direction as long as it's forward. - Anon

Even though the Israelites were 'armed for battle' when they left Egypt, God detoured them around the Philistines. He knew why. Amen!

Detour Ahead! Ugh. No one I know likes to see this sign on the open road. And usually it is a long, time-consuming way around your original mapped out plans. And even though it may be scenic, because it was forced upon us our spirit and minds-eye refuses to enjoy the views. It's the same way in life, it too has detours. Some of us are in one right now wondering when will it ever end. The point though is for us to adjust our spirit and pace to see/hear what God is trying to say to us. That 'intended' destination, relationship, job, etc., may not be good for us. He knows the plans He has for us -right! So, if it seems like you're traveling in circles now may be a good time to slow down and get in step with God. Lest we forget, at one time it took the Israelites 40 years of wandering before they could move forward.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Enjoying Today

Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren’t enjoying today’s sunshine. – W. Feather

Martha was so busy making preparations for Jesus’ visit to their home, she never really got an opportunity to visit with him when he came. OUCH!

Though the calendar on the wall or in our pocket may show a 7-day weekly period, or 30-day month, today is all we have. All the other days have either disappeared into oblivion or darkness, or not yet emerged from it. It is wise to plan for the future ahead of us but never at the expense of sucking all the joy out of right now. We cannot fully experience or praise God unless we take time out to enjoy Him and His creation right now. The ability to ‘earn our keep’ by the work we do is a grand opportunity to experience God working through us. Rainy days or hardships may come or may already be upon us, but nevertheless, today is still all we have. If we live by the Spirit we will find opportunity to enjoy what God is doing right now and give Him praise.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

What's the Master Plan?

If you have no idea where you want to go, then any old road will take you there. – D. Swanberg

The bible is God’s love letter to us on how to reach His house. Based on the way we’re living apparently not many people want to go. Hmm!

It’s a common maxim but with a lot of truth: “Ready, aim, fire.” The truth of it is we’re more likely to hit the mark if we’re looking at the target and aiming for it. It’s the same in life, but it’s called planning. If our lives seem out of control it’s possibly because we have no plan to guide or direct us. Many of us flounder about in life because we have no stated or intended purpose or plan. Before it is possible for us to achieve anything we must chart a course or plan of attack to help keep us in line and measure our progress, otherwise we’ll never know how we’re doing or where we’re headed. The key thing in all of this though; is to make sure our master plans line up with our Master’s Plan.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3

Detour Views

A truly joyful person enjoys the scenery on a detour. – Anon


Though the Israelites had to wander 40 years in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land, it was worth it to Caleb. Hmm!


SigAlerts, accidents, road closures, one-way streets. Oftentimes things of this nature take us out of our normal “driving” patterns and cause us to map out different strategies and routes, and even with GPS it still often gets under our skin. Life is very similar in that oftentimes we must make detours, or put off until later things ‘we’ deemed needful and necessary now. Just consider this current ‘pandemic.’ It has caused some major changes to all of life. It seemed Joseph’s life was one detour after another, but in reality it was all God’s plan to bring him before Pharaoh and to eventually save his people. Perhaps God has a plan for you in your detours, so maybe you should relax and enjoy the views.


Until Monday……


Pastor Botts


“But Joseph said ………You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:19-20

Always Have The Master's Plan

A man without a plan for the day is lost before he starts. – L. Bendele

The bible tells us Jesus often started his day

very early in the morning meeting with his Father. He never once lost HIS WAY! Hmmm.

Most, if not all of us would say we always have plans. And we’ve got our schedules on our phone, I-pad, PC, wall/desk calendars to remind us. We’ve also got, agendas, to-do lists, and errands to work on to keep them in order. But if we truly believe we were made for God’s glory and God’s purposes then we must realize nothing on our horizon should supplant his desires. To start our day without seeking his will, direction, guidance, and protection, is to start without a plan, and failure is imminent. Did you REALLY stop to pray this morning?

Until Monday…….

Pastor Botts

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”

– Proverbs 3:5-7

Work on Far Greater Things

To be physically fit, one has to actually get ‘physical.’ - Anon

David was a valiant warrior because he

trained himself to be one, just ask Saul. OUCH!

Whether we want to believe it or not, this

great God we serve has a plan for every aspect of our lives, and that actually includes provisions for our physical well-being. True, most of us work hard at work, but we seldom work hard on our health. But God expects us to do so “bodily exercise is of value.” (I Tim. 4:8). Our culture and society is one where leisure is glorified and mass consumption is worshiped. But God did not create us to live lives of gluttony or laziness. He created us to do far greater things. The truth is the more we exercise and learn to say ‘no’ to those times of temptation to just skip it or give in, the stronger we also grow in our battle to resist the enemy in his other deceptive tactics upon our lives, and in both cases we become better fit to serve.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“….so, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God…” – I Corinthians 10:31

Ready, Prep, Go!

Goals are dreams with deadlines! - Anon

The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for the return of Elijah. Jesus told his disciples Elijah (John the Baptist) had already come. They weren’t ready and ‘missed’ him. WOW!

Many of us look forward to certain dates (payday, birthday, anniversary, vacation, Christmas, etc.) often marking them on our calendars, making detailed plans and telling everyone we can about it. But in the case of our Savior’s return we do little or nothing in terms of planning and preparation. If the Word of God is true and He could return at any moment; shouldn’t our lives be in order, our relationships set right, and our actions motivated purely by love and not selfish gain? This is not to say that we don’t plan to enjoy life, but if Heaven is our goal and we fail to plan, then we plan to fail. Why not began preparing TODAY!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:39-40

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 14

Today's scripture question: Where might verse 12 apply in your life now?

Spiritual Discipline

Gaze at God, glance at life. - C. Whitaker

After all his great feats, accomplishments, and life projects, Solomon set his eyes back firmly on God and His commands. Hmm!

In school we make a plan, we plot our courses, electives, and time such that we  come out with our preferred degree objective BA, BS, MBA, Doctorate, etc. This is great for our earthly existence, but what about our spiritual growth? Do we ever make a plan, plot out prayer/study time, seek opportunities/classes to help us grow in our spiritual disciplines. It is a proven fact that the way to get better at anything is through study and application. The bible tells us the undisciplined life is the way of a fool. It's not that God is trying to force us into a structured way of ritual living, but more of  a communal way of walking with Him more closely like Enoch. And hey, that had a great ending!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts 

"[Abraham] was looking forward to the city without foundations, whose architect and builder is God." - Hebrews 11:10

Good for What Ails Ya

God’s best for you today may not be your preference. – Anon

Though there were

cleaner pools of water near his home, Naaman had to dip in the ‘muddy’ Jordan

to be cleansed. HE DID!

Castor oil, hog hoof

tea, vapo-rub, cod liver oil, etc. – I’m sure we can remember these and

other home remedies from our early childhood. Though we would have preferred a

visit to the doctor, maybe a few days off from school and so forth; our parents

‘forced’ these remedies on us. And you know what; we are so much the better off

today because they did. In truth, their intentions were right in line with the

way God deals with us. Just as medicine is not always pleasant and easy to deal

with, it is what is best for us when we are ill. The situations or

circumstances God allows into our lives may seem harsh, unappealing, and

distasteful to us; but He is always working in our best interests. So though we

may not like the ‘state of things’ as they are right now, remember God knows

what is best and has a plan for how it will all turn out for good.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Give thanks in all circumstances

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:18

God: Still Meeting Needs

God has a solution ‘planned’ before we even know we have a problem. – Anon

The angel Gabriel told Daniel answers to his prayers were given as soon as he began to pray. God didn’t have to think things over. WOW!

In mass production companies one of the ways to keeping costs low is just-in-time inventory management. This means parts arrive at the plant at just the proper time to go into production. Money is not tied up in inventory lying around waiting to be used. The key is to have ample suppliers in case of problems with one supplier. God has been to tomorrow and knows what lies ahead for us. He’s perfectly prepared to meet all our needs and circumstances without surprise. But often what God has ‘planned’ for us is interrupted by us. Our stubbornness, disobedience, and lack of faith often get in the way of His plans. We don’t change them we just often delay them; for no plan of God’s can be thwarted. The key is to make sure we stay in touch with The Master – this will reduce problems and increase blessings.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

Just do YOUR part

Happy people plan actions, they don’t plan results. – D. Wholey

The little lad packed a lunch for the day. He just didn’t know it was enough for 5000 plus. AMEN!

It’s a true saying that if you plant tomatoes you will get tomatoes – not carrots or peas, etc. But the fact of the planting is you won’t know how many tomatoes you’ll get or what size they will be, or if they will be flavorful. You just plant and let God do the rest. Too often we begin with the end result or expectation in mind and grow frustrated when it doesn’t work out the way we planned. All we can be responsible for is what we do. It’s the only arena of life we can control. Now we may expect results, but we can’t demand them. We must leave room for God to operate in our lives to bring about His purposes. After all, any results He brings are always for our good.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” – Acts 20:22.”