2025 One Chapter Closes Another Opens

Another year is dawning…

Abraham got up early in the morning taking Isaac along with him in obedience to God, for an experience that changed them both forever. Hmm!

Though our God is ‘outside’ of time as we know it, He is still the divine keeper and ruler of time and space. He knows exactly when to act and to will His good purposes for us. Just think “at just the right time” Jesus was born. Or “when the time had fully come (Pentecost) the Holy Spirit was poured out” and the church was birthed. If God is truly God, He has it all mapped and planned out. We need not spin our wheels like those we see darting in and out of traffic causing all kinds of mayhem and danger trying to get ‘there’ first -whatever that may be. Our lives may not be where we want or expected it to be right now, but we can pray and trust God will be there at the appropriate time to do what only He can do, and no amount of hurrying or worrying will speed up His arrival.

“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles…” - Psalm 34:6

FYI – After much prayer and meditation, I write to let you know this will be the last post for ‘The Thought for Today’. It’s been 21 years since I began this and I think this season has run its course for me. I pray it has been a blessing in your life for I know it was in mine. What’s next I do not know, but I trust God will guide and direct us all. Thank you for giving me your eyes all these years.

Blessings!

Pastor Botts

Not Forgetting Yourself

Wherever you go in life you always, always take yourself. – J. Graham

Though he was in a foreign land, Daniel refused to defile himself even with the king’s food. AMEN!

People travel to far-away locales, attend extreme makeover camps, or even suffer through intensive ritualistic regimens thinking such activities will change them. A change of scenery may excite the senses, a makeover may make you look better, and a ritual may make you think you are doing better, but true change of who we are can only take place in the heart. It’s God’s domain, and unless we surrender it completely to Him, much of what we do will be lost at the first sign of distress. Joseph had many ‘distresses’ in his life but because of his heart and trust in God he prospered through every one of them. His God is the same one we serve today.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“'How do you know me?' Nathanel asked. Jesus answered, 'I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.'" - John 1:48

Lock In on the Guide

I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward. – Charlotte Bronte

God was a ‘cloud’ by day and a ‘pillar’ of fire by night leading the Israelites. He’s still looking for a few good folks to lead today. Hmm!

As anyone who has ever been on a guided tour knows, you always keep your eyes and ears on the Tour Guide. They know the way, what’s important along the way, how much time should be spent at a station and so on…to lose sight of them is to risk getting lost, getting in trouble, or missing out on the tour’s main offering. Life is very similar to this as we journey each day. To keep looking back is to live with the shame, regrets, pain, and heartache of the past, which drastically lessens our hope and encouragement that things will get better. To keep looking into the future is to run the danger of moving beyond God’s stride and direction, running ahead of His plans and purposes and ending up unfulfilled. That’s why it’s imperative that we keep our focus on God, walk at His pace, never letting go of His hand. He will allow us to take time and enjoy His creation, but also ensure we never get lost, never have need to fear, and never linger longer than necessary at any point.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith….” – Hebrews 12:2

Trust the Invisible To Do the Impossible

It is only the impossible that is possible for God. – S. Weil

When the Israelites needed an escape path (Red Sea), food (manna), water (rock); God was there. He still is today. AMEN!

Looking at it from afar, life seems unfair and impossible to overcome. The challenges it presents seem overwhelming, and our resources meager. And that is our major problem in life, we look at it from afar, and we begin attempting to do what only God CAN do. Life is designed to mature us, and adversity is designed to strengthen us. But this is only possible if we view it through God’s eyes and go at it through God’s strength. If we’re honest we can all count the number of times we’ve tried to ‘move mountains’ and failed on our own only to have God show us how easy it is once we fully gave it over to Him. To overcome the impossible we must trust the INVISIBLE. The choice is ours!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’” – Luke 18:27

Just Take His Word For It

Tell a man that there are 500 billion stars in the universe and he’ll believe you. Tell him the fence has just been painted and he has to touch it to see if it is so. – H. Cohen

Gideon believed the Lord was the God of the Universe when he spoke, he just wanted some 'proof'. Sound familiar?

It’s very true that experience is a great teacher, but often the lessons come with painful, expensive, or long-lasting costs. God in his Divine Wisdom has given us of His Word to help us avoid many of these ‘lessons,’ knowing our frailties and what we can bear, but often we seem intent on getting that first hand knowledge. Rather than looking back with regrets maybe we should just learn to take God at His word. It’s never failed yet and when you think about it, isn’t that a great comfort! As life ‘happens’ all around you today why not just try trusting in God’s Word.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“….What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” – Isaiah 46:11

Forward! March!

Regret is mostly caused by not having done anything. - Charles Bukowski

It made no sense at all to march around Jericho 7 times until it did. - Hmm!

Remember Lot's wife, after receiving God's instructions not to look back she did anyway, and it cost her dearly. Why did she do it? Possibly because she was a little uncomfortable leaving the 'familiar'. It's true, many of us are uncomfortable leaving the familiar, the tried and true. It's what we know, it fits well, and it's easy. One consequence of looking back is it makes moving forward much, much harder than it need be. True, moving forward is uncertain and often calls for us to exert ourselves in new ways we're not sure of. But move forward we must, and the great thing about it is we can trust God to provide all we need as doors and opportunity open up. Remember He prepares the way so we're always in a forward march position. Here's praying we can stay in step.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The [Master replied] well then, you should have put my 'talent' on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest." - Matthew 25:27

Double Double

A blessing shared is not halved but doubled. – Anon

A little boy shared his lunch with Jesus one day and they fed 5,000+ and they took up 12 baskets full of leftovers. Hmmm!

We by nature are greedy people. We are taught survival of the fittest and to look out for number one from a very young age. And we keep these teachings ingrained in our psyche for life. And then we come to God’s economy which is completely different, give to receive, die to live, etc., and we find it a hard transition. But that’s what faith is – totally abandoning your way of thinking, your desire for control – trusting completely in God. And when we do and learn to share this way we realize there is never a shortage in what He supplies no matter how much we give away. Therefore, with every blessing we receive we should seek to pass it on to others, for we must always remember when God blesses us, He has more than us in mind.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Freely you have received, freely give.” – Matthew 10:8

God's Work In Progress

I don’t have it all together, but I have a God in who’s hands I have put it. – Anon

Paul proclaimed He hadn’t attained it all yet, but he continued to press forward and trust the God who promised it to him. Amen!

Life! It happens fast, hits hard, takes no prisoners, and asks no questions. For the common person they may go by the saying “it is what it is!” But for us saints who profess to truly live by our faith the saying is “this is what is….but God and I are working on it. We’re nowhere near being done and we’re enjoying each other’s company as we go along on the journey. The one thing we know and take heart in is that whatever the situation, circumstance, heartache, sorrow, or loss is now – when God and I get through this I will look a little bit more like Jesus.” And that’s okay with me! What about you?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..your love, Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.” – Psalm 138:8

Blessings That Keep On Blessing

When God blesses you, He always has more than you in mind. – R. Jutze

God blessed and favored Joseph immensely in his life not for Joseph’s sake, but for Israel’s sake. Joseph remembered! Hmm!

God is always at his work, and normally he works through those who willingly serve him. He has planned out this very day to give great blessings to those in need. Today is a blessing, a gift from Almighty God. And if it is a gift, He fully expects us to bless someone else with it, someone He has already chosen to cross our paths. He leaves the ‘how’ up to us to determine, based on the individual connections we’ll have today. It is only when we forget about ourselves that we do things that are blessings to others. Here’s hoping you’ve got your blessings all planned out.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore…” – Genesis 22:16-17

The Security Superstition

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature. - Helen Keller

Elijah had no idea where he was going when he took off running from Jezebel, but God led him to where he needed to be. Hmm!

Walking by faith and not by sight is how we seek to live, but it is not easy. And if we're honest in times of great stress where major decisions beckon, we tend to walk more by sight than faith. We tend to make 'safety/security' the basis or foundation of our decision. For example, our decisions on where to go to school or buy a home are often made in proximity to relatives and/or friends. It's hard to argue the point that security is one of our most basic priorities. And that's with good reason. But here's a question that we must truly consider: What decision will require us to trust God the most? Think about Abram leaving his family. The Israelites knowingly going into captivity for 70 years. Paul walking away from Judaism for Christ. Security is a basic need but we must realize we can never secure our lives and futures on our own, it takes the will and work of God. He "knows the plans He has for us" and will surely bring them to fruition in good time. Ours is to be faithful and trusting on the journey.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Joshua 1:5

It Takes Two to Make It Out of Sight

How may I assist you? - Salesperson

What made the battle between little scrawny David and Goliath legendary was that David went to the battle. Hmm!

Assist - to aid or help someone in need. A befitting definition. However, so often our prayers for God's help are actual pleas for Him to do it for us. We pray "Lord deliver me from......", or "Father, bring about a revolution......" and sit back watching and waiting for God to do it all. But that's not how it works. When we ask God for help we must be willing to do whatever we can, using whatever means He has already given us to assist Him in aiding us. God will not do what He knows we ourselves can do, but He will give us strength, provision, inspiration, and motivation to go beyond. His instructions to Gideon were "go in the strength you have.." God was essentially saying "I am your strength and I will work with you and through you" if you are willing. It was a classic test of God asking him will you trust me. Here today, God is asking us the same. So, will you?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...." - Ephesians 3:20

Peace Be Still

It is always darkest before the dawn. - T. Fuller

The Israelites looked back and saw the Egyptians coming, Moses looked up to God and the Red Sea parted before them. Hmm!

Beloved football announcer Keith Jackson had some euphemisms when calling a game. From a 'barnburner' - meaning this will be exciting, to his famed "Whoa Nellie" - meaning lookout, beware, something big is loosed and headed our way with potential to do damage. With the happenings of today in our Nation's capital some of us might feel like saying "Whoa Nellie!" But I think even when confronted with such a scene in our time and lives the words of Jesus still have power and ring true if we remember them: "Peace, be still!" These words calmed a raging, surging sea, and Jesus promised such peace to us. So, no matter what comes upon us from the White House, the economy, world crises, even family disagreements, we can all say "Peace, be still" and trust God to work it out. Just have faith and trust Him and see what He will do. Trust that no matter what we're going through He's already working it out for our good and His glory.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." - Isaiah 46:9-10

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.”

Focusing on Following the Father of Our Future

Most people want a roadmap to their future rather than a relationship with the One who holds tomorrow. – H. Blackaby

The religious leaders and Gentile of Jesus’ day were always seeking signs to follow, while the Way, Truth, and Life stood right before them. Hmm!

Though we say we live by faith very often we are people of certainty. We want guarantees, warranties, and pre-arranged end results in our lives. So for us it often seems easier to follow a ‘plan’ than to cultivate or build a relationship based on trust. We become more concerned with what lies ahead in our future than walking intimately with God day by day. But the same future we’re looking to reach is still in the hands of the One who is with us right now. He holds tomorrow and the day after, so maybe we should focus on knowing Him. He’s promised the plans He has for us are good.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.” – Numbers 14:8

Trust God to Work It Out

Faith does not wonder why, for God has not done anything that needs to be explained. – P. Rosewell

The bible says “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” no questions asked. God called him righteous! Hmm!

By nature we are inquisitive people. We like to know 'why' about almost everything. God knew this as well which is why He created everything we would need to survive and know Him before He created us in His image. The whole idea was that we would look at His creation and all its splendor and go “WOW,” not “Why did you do this….., or why didn’t you do this?" There may be things we don’t understand at times, or situations that seem impossible, or even times where God's Word just doesn't make sense; but that’s where faith comes in, believing God in His sovereignty knows better that we do. If God is in control in our world we must trust Him to work it all out.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” – Deuteronomy 29:29

The Good That Will Come

There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation, create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at creation, he did it at the cross, and he’ll be doing it today. – Handley C. G. Moule

The parting of the Red Sea, water from a rock, manna from heaven, feeding 5,000 - you get the idea here. Amen!

Oftentimes when we’re up against life, and our circumstances or relationships are overbearing and taxing us, or our resources are thread-bare and stressing us, we forget about the God who has brought us thus far, or we feel like He can’t handle this one. But if earth has no problems heaven can’t solve, we must keep trusting Him in all situations, and see things from His perspective and purpose, knowing that His purposes are always for our good.

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

The Power of Change

The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress. - C. Kettering

The Israelites wanted freedom from bondage, yet when God was bringing it about through Moses they sure complained a whole lot. Hmm!

We look forward to it, but yet we abhor it at the same time. What is it - CHANGE! We embrace the idea of new adventures, relationships, opportunities per se, but we hate letting go of existing ties. Like a child going away to college, they know they'll eventually form new relationships and gain new friends, but also the friends and relationships they leave behind will change, or possibly die. But the fact of the matter is God brings change in our lives to grow/mature us and even shows us more of His majesty and purpose for us. In truth, the only constant in life is change. All of us come here as infants, but look at us now, my have we changed! And not just in shape or appearance, but in thoughts and attitudes. If God is truly leading us in our lives, then change should never be feared - even when we don't fully understand if. We should just trust in the One who's leading, that He knows the way ahead. After all, change is a good part of the life God has for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed." - I Samuel 10:6

Seeing Before It's Seen

Believing is seeing before visual presentation. - Anon

Abraham couldn't describe what he was after, but yet he found it - they city of God. WOW!

Inventors! Explorers! Sculptors! Think of a few great creations or discoveries of these folks! Planes, trains, cruise ships, autos - things that defy conventional wisdom. And how about the kinds of places "discovered". America, North/South Pole, the Amazon River, etc. - by folks who risked it all. What do these folks have in common? Faith! A belief in something that was yet unseen. A faith that allowed them to 'see' it before it actually came to be. It's the faith we're called on as children of God to exercise each day. To believe it before we see it. We walk in this life by faith, not sight. We've all benefitted from someone else's faith in this life. From the foods we eat, products we use, and services we subscribe to, because someone had the foresight to see the need and benefit of such, an attribute granted to them/us by the God who made us. We may not see victory right now, but we can trust and believe our God has granted it to those of us who remain faithful.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Without faith it is impossible to please God.......he rewards those who diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

New Point of View

We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are. – Anais Nin

Mary & Martha believed Jesus as the son of God but could only see him as human like them. When Lazarus died, their “eyes” were opened! Wow!

Often, the hardest thing to see is what is right before us. Why, because we often have a fixed or made-up mind of what it should be. We live most of life this way. But God is asking us to trust Him, have faith that He knows what He is doing though it may not appear so to us. We must remember just as God is not through with us, He also is not through with those around us and those in our lives. Our call is not to make or pass judgment on them based on our flaws or imperfections but to see every bit of God at work in their life as much as possible, and help it along.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Peter replied, ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." - Acts 10:14-15

Go With Us

True safety isn’t determined by our location, but by the trust we put in the ONE who goes with us. – A. Jackson

When Moses told God ‘Unless you go with us, don’t send us away from here’ he spoke volumes. Amen!

Red Sea crossing! Lion’s den! Fiery furnace! Stormy sea of Galilee! If memory serves correctly, these were all harrowing, frightful experiences for the people involved. Almost life or death situations, and possibly the last place you’d want to be. But yet in every case and many others like them, they came through safe, unscathed, and unharmed. Why, because of ‘WHO’ was with them – God. In a world where we try to find safe neighborhoods to live in, safe schools for our kids, safe spaces to recreate, etc., the greater assurance we should strive for is to always be in the presence and company of God. Though God has promised ‘never to leave us’ we must be equally careful never to leave Him, even when we don’t like the present situation.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Psalm 23:4