Keeping Your Temper

When you are in the right you can afford to keep your temper; and when you are in the wrong, you cannot afford to lose it.   – Gandhi

The temptation in the wilderness, the false trials, the scourging. Jesus suffered all this and never ‘lost it.’ What a great example!

Patience, long-suffering, self-control. It’s truly astonishing the number of times the Word of God tells us we should perfect these traits in our lives. Not only does it make life a bit more peaceful but it also makes it much healthier and less costly. It’s okay to be angry, we’re emotional beings, but we do not act on emotion or feelings. Just as God exercises great restraint in dealing with us, and Jesus was our perfect example of self-restraint, we too are expected to master such times of adversity. Life will sorely test us  today from every vantage point – job, family, strangers, finances, etc. – because God is out to perfect us. I pray we all pass with flying colors.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship…discharge all the duties of your ministry.” – II Timothy 4:5

P.S. - Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend. Remember to set your clocks BACK 1 hour Saturday night!

Online Service Outdoors 10/25/20 Full #SouthsideSunday

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It's Own Reward

Beware every time you notice yourself doing a good thing because you ruin it by the notice. – Oswald Chambers

Jesus said the actions of the Pharisee went for naught because of his attitude and braggart in doing them. OUCH!

There is a lot of truth to the cliché “a good deed is its own reward.” Sure we all appreciate a good pat on the back, a kind “thank you,” or acknowledgement of our actions, but when we come to expect such a response for what should be our Christian duty we come dangerously close to being like our Pharisaical friend. Good deeds should just naturally flow (holding open a door for someone, helping out when needed without being asked, etc.) without any expectation of thanks or repayment. In so doing we are becoming more like Christ.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” –Colossians 3:23

Wonderful Works of God

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 

Consistent God Work

God still does what God has always done. – J. McDonald

God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, Elijah in a whirlwind, and us through His Son Jesus. Hmm!

The fix-it man’s credo is “the right tool for the right job.” Unbeknownst to him however, is the fact that God has been doing it that way working in our lives since creation. He reveals Himself through dreams and visions, He uses our enemies at times to chastise us, He leaves us alone at times to get our attention, and he puts us on our backs sometimes so we remember to look up. The bible tells us God is going to complete the work He began in us, so maybe what you’re faced with now is His way of working it out. If we read His Word enough to know how God works, maybe we will know WHY He’s at work in that way in our life.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I the Lord do not change…” – Malachi 3:6

Sermon Pop "Forward, March": Pastor Botts

Catch the latest #SermonPop Premier "Forward, March!" today at 10:15am PST for some good #TuesdayThoughts!

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Unbox The Spirit

If God doesn’t belong in a box, maybe we don’t either. - Anon

 

‘Deacon’ Philip had no idea what to say to the Ethiopian eunuch, so he just preached Jesus. Hmm!

 

“Where did that come from?” It’s a question we often ask ourselves. While we may think that we know ourselves quite well, we sometimes surprise ourselves. Hidden within us there are levels of not-knowing or not understanding that can only be revealed to us in our moments of great crises. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit as we give it authority within us to bring new life - dormant gifts come alive, deeply suppressed interests emerge, new abilities begin to develop. Even in areas and abilities where we were once certain, that security begins to slip away as a new more meaningful reality is unveiled. The key is not to grieve over what we may have lost but to rejoice in what we are discovering in how God wants to use us.

 

Until tomorrow….

 

Pastor Botts

 

“…In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 6:11  

Strength to Forgive

The weak can never forgive, as forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. - Gandhi

It took a little time, but even Esau forgave his brother Jacob for what he did. Hmm!

It is something we all like to receive, but rarely do we want to give - forgiveness. And here's the reason why - it's a God thing. Yeah, forgiveness is a character trait of God, and for us to be able to pass it on we have to be connected to Him, strongly and deeply connected to Him. When we hang on to our 'anger' at others saying "I could never forgive them for what they've done" for "the pain/loss they've caused me" we're allowing the enemy to separate us from God. Trying to hide it, or trying to convince ourselves we're okay, only allows it to grow and seep into other areas of our life. God knows pain, He knows loss, and He knows you. He can heal the hurt and bring a blessing or good from it, but we have to be willing to give it to Him. If we truly knew how much God has forgiven us, even on our best days, we should have the strength we need to pass it on.

Until Monday.......

Pastor Botts

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not ALL his benefits - who forgives ALL your sins and heals ALL your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion...." - Psalm 103:2-4

Online Service Outdoors 10/18/20 Full #SouthsideSunday

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Break It Down

A horse must be “broken” before he’ll work. So must some people. – Anon

God at one time made King Nebuchadnezzar ‘unfit’ for society until he acknowledged God’s greatness and sovereignty. Amen!

In the midst of turmoil or struggles in our life we are prone to ask the "why me" question. And though trouble comes to all men equally, there are times when God speaks directly to our situation and relationship with Him. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we often chase our own success, satisfaction, and glory to the detriment of our relationship with God. Often we think we’re giving God His due, but it’s merely ritual platitudes and tokenism. And though it pains Him to do so, sometimes God has to completely ‘interrupt’ or ‘subdue’ us (financial crises, ill health, detached relationships, etc.) to get our attention, to show us the error of our ways. So our question should not so much be "why me," but what is God trying to tell me?

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – Psalm 51:16-17

Blessings on Blessings

The more we thank God for what we have, the more we have to thank God for. – Anon

When Jesus gave thanks over a few loaves and fish it suddenly became enough to feed 5,000+, with leftovers. Hmm!

Count your blessings, name them one by one….so the song goes. The underlying theme is we could never really get to a final tally of just how much God has truly blessed us. We tend to be thankful for only those blessings we can quantify or tangibly note - like family, homes, jobs, etc. - but there is much more. Our freedom, our rights, our government just to name a few. Not to mention all that God through His divine providence put in place and keeps in place – sun, moon, stars, atmospheric conditions, ecosystems, food systems, etc., before we came on the scene. What he asked Job (Where we you when I created......?) still resonates today, and we would be just as foolish to think we can tally up all He’s done for us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life….” – Psalm 23:5-6

Build Up Not Tear Down

Before pointing a finger at someone else make sure your nails are clean. – Anon

In the Garden, Adam blamed Eve, she blamed the serpent, and here we are today. Hmm!

We live in a fallen world, that’s a given. We’re all imperfect beings who sometimes fall short of God’s expectations. What’s amazing though is that, though we know we live in a fallen world we seem to get so much joy pointing out others sins and imperfections rather than working on our own. Constructive criticism is great when it is offered in love and respect to the person, but not when it’s given to tear them down. The God we serve asks us to be loving and forgiving of our brothers and sisters, not condemning or speaking ill of them. Throughout today we can rest assured God’s going to give us ample chances to practice what he expects of us.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her…..At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time…..” – John 8:7,9

Sermon Pop "Rahab Rehab" -PastorBotts

Catch the premier of the latest #SermonPop "Rahab Rehab" by Pastor Botts today at 10:15am! #TuesdayThoughts from #SouthsideSunday

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Learning to let go

Abundance is a process of letting go; that which is empty can receive. - B. McGill

We know Jacob wrestled with God - I'm quite sure he would have taken the blessing of God without the limp. Hmm!

We've all played it at one time or another. The old 'tug-o-war' game, trying to pull your opponents over the dividing line into the mud puddle. It was a lot of fun as kids, But I wonder if we realize we never left the basics of the game behind as we matured. When you think about those periods of restlessness, anxiety. edginess, and even selfishness in our lives, could it not be we are playing the game with God, trying to win Him to our way of thinking or our personal desires. We take our prayer requests and lay them before Him, but yet we kept hold of the rope ourselves (worry, impatience, gloom, etc.) trying to get the exact outcome we wanted. If we would just take a moment and look back we will see that God is true to His promises. Everything in the past He has worked out or is working out for our good. So why not just let go of the rope in this current crisis or situation and let God be God. It's much better this way and you won't get as muddy!

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." - Psalm 55:22

Will or Won't. What will you do?

Most people have will power. It’s won’t power that they lack. -  J. Shedd

 

Paul said if eating meat (which he liked) would cause his brother to stumble, he’d no longer eat it. Hmm!

 

Lay’s Potato Chips original slogan was ‘betcha can’t eat just one!’ It was actually more a test of one’s intelligence moreso than will power (you don’t buy a bag for just 1 chip). Sin operates in much the same way if we’re not careful. Once you get a taste of it, it continually works on your will and better judgment to wear you down. He that knows what he should do and doesn’t do it – sins. The desires of the flesh are strong, and the enemy crafty and wise. You can be sure you will be sorely tested today somehow and someway. Will you or won’t you?

 

Until Monday….

 

Pastor Botts

 

“Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” – I Corinthians 10:23-24

Online Service Outdoors 10/11/20 Full #SouthsideSunday

The Salt Water Cure

The cure for anything is salt water; whether it be sweat, tears, or the sea! - I. Dinesen

An in depth view of Jesus' life shows that He 'served' often, wept at times, and did some of His best teaching by the seashore. Hmm!

God said, "by the sweat of your brow you'll earn your keep!" We say, "never let them see you sweat!" God said, "a broken and contrite heart He will not despise!" We say, "never let them see you cry!" God said, "take a day of rest to enjoy Him!" We say, "learn to multitask and get more done!" Seemingly, all the ways God gave to us to show we're human and frail, we've turned into ways and ideas to show our strength and ability to go beyond. But it begs the question: What are we going 'beyond' to and for whose benefit? Maybe it's no small wonder why we live in a culture of burnt-out, substance dependent, anxiety laden people - our methods just don't work. I'll agree God is not against us being more efficient, but I stand fast on the fact the best lubricant for us is our life is salt water. Why not start with a trip to the seashore for a sunrise or sunset. It couldn't hurt and you might meet God there.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus." - John 21:4

If the trees will sing your praises so will I

Can you hear me now? - Advertising tag line

Once Balaam heard his 'animal' talk I'm sure he had a whole different attitude to the sounds of nature. Hmm!

You ever heard a tree sing? Generally, when we see the leaves shaking and hear the wind rustling through them, we say "it's windy". Rarely do we think it may be their praise to God! Rarely do we think the birds 'chirping on a wire' or 'in a nest' as singing praise to God. We generally consider them a nuisance for waking us up. But if 'everything that has breath' is to praise God maybe we need to 'slow down and adjust our attitude - "be still and know that He is God" - and realize praise is going on all around us at all times. Yes, there is a lot of 'sound' around us, but it's not all noise to distract, often it's praise to invite. Before we let it irk us, maybe we need to listen a little more, that it might inspire us and bless our hearts. May today we listen with new ears and eyes.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"...let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy...." - Psalm 96:12

Joy, Joy, God's Great Joy

Joy is the serious business about heaven. – C.S. Lewis

The Hebrews writer said Jesus ‘endured’ what he went through because of ‘the joy’ that awaited him. Hmm!

People are searching all over for it. They want to know the secret of obtaining it, how to keep it, make it flourish. They read books, attend seminars and conferences in hopes of receiving it. What is it – JOY! And it is as simple as choosing it. Joyful people are joyful simply because they choose to be joyful. In spite of their surroundings, problems, health, needs, or whatever else may try to pull them down or depress them, they realize they are truly rich in Christ who came to bring us joy. All of the issues and circumstances of life are in reality ‘momentary,’ but if we let them they can linger longer and rob us of our joy. That’s why we need to keep our focus on the ONE who died that we may live. If joy is lacking in your life there is a strong possibility that Christ is lacking as well.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11

Identity Thieves

Our parent's may have named us but our life truly speaks who we are. - Anon

In the Garden of Eden, God asked Adam "where are you?" not for his location but for his position -sin had changed his identity. Hmm!

You've seen the commercials - LIFELOCK! Protect your identity. They talk about online identity theft and fraud, and your need to protect your financial/medical/life identity from cyber criminals on the web/internet. Sadly, this is very true. But yet, our identity is being stolen every day - openly. The government chips away at it with legislation and liberal laws, often where we don't even a have a voice in the decision. Society or culture chips away at it with its "all about me" attitude and demands. At times even our own children make us question our rights as their parents. Who are you? It is a lot to deal with. And if we're not careful we give in and even start to 'adapt' to these changes as god-ordained/approved. Here's the question we need to truly consider when it comes to identity, and that is: Does God know who you are? Is your identity unquestionable before Him? Is our walk and talk a great witness to Him and for Him? Or, will He have a 'where's Waldo' moment trying to identify us? Today is a good day to make sure!

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  II Peter 2:10-11 

Sermon Pop: Don't Settle! Pastor Herbert Botts

What Are You Doing Here?

If life is truly a race, are you running or being chased? - Anon

Elijah thought he could outrun his fears, he didn't stand a chance! - Hmm!

Three things the bible teaches us here. First, even in our running away God cares for us. Second, no matter how long or fast we run we will eventually come to stop and rest. And guess what - we meet up again with the very same issue, problem, fear, etc., that we thought we were leaving behind. YES, they too travel. But third, no matter where we run to, God will be there to receive us, revive us, and re-focus us, to show He is greater than anything we could ever face if we're willing to seek Him out. So as God asked Elijah maybe He's asking us: "What are you doing here?"

Until Monday....

Pastor Botts

"...Be still and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10

All of Us All the Time

"All news, all the time!" - KNX 1070 news slogan

When God asked Satan "have you considered my servant Job?" the test was on. What if God put your name there? Hmm!

Because of his great faith and trust in God, and his own self-esteem and self-respect, Joseph could not even fathom the idea of sleeping with Potiphar's wife; and I would dare say or add sleeping with any woman outside of God's covenant of marriage. It was not only a non-negotiable for him, it was "perish the thought!" It begs the question of us: Where in our life does God NOT make a difference, and WHY not? To honor the 'Great Command' (Mark 12:30-31) is to place God before all things, not some things. It is easy to build and live a convenient faith, but that is not what God wants. Faith grows through hardships, sacrifices, trusting God's plan, and walking in His ways. Growing faith refuses to live on yesterday's victories. God wants all of us all the time. In both life and the service of God there is no such thing as a time out!

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church......so that in everything he might have the supremacy." - Colossians 1:17-18

Flight School 101

 "I want to fly like an eagle, til' I'm free, fly like an eagle let my spirit carry me..." - Song lyrics

You ever notice once Abraham 'trusted' God he was NEVER in want for anything. Hmm!

You see them soaring overhead, oftentimes just floating on the wind, looking majestic and proud - birds of the air. It wasn't always that way. There was a day when they were pushed out of the nest to their first flight. Their parents thought they had what it took at that time to fly - and fly they did. Maybe not perfectly, and maybe not a long flight, but long enough to convince them they could. You ever think God works that way with us. Trying to nudge us out of the nest (our comfort zone) into something new and exciting. He knows He's prepared us for it and will walk with us through it, but He just needs us to take that 'flight' of faith. Faith only grows when it's put to the test/trial. We can learn a lot by reading the bible, but to build our faith takes practical exams. God is saying to all of us today: "Welcome to flight school!"

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

Stir Up the Gift

Though the bible clarifies much of the 'mystery of God' it doesn't take away the 'MASTERY of God.' - Anon

At 85 Caleb took the territory promised him by Moses. Well actually he let God lead. Amen!

If you've ever bought flour, sugar, cereal, chips, or other like products and looked closely at the printed information you've probably seen it: 'some settling of contents may have occurred during shipping.' It's their way of letting us know the product doesn't fill up the container. Now truth be told this same phenomenon has happened to a lot of us 'Christians' in regards to the Holy Spirit and our faith! We've settled for "an ordinary, safe, unexciting, God NEVER moves in us life." In a sense we've conquered God and He lives safely and quietly in our heart. This is a lie the enemy has sold us. The truth is God is no less powerful today than He was in bible times, and the Holy Spirit is no less active either. And their passion to do great things in us and through us today is just as dynamic. The problem is we often think we're not in 'bible times.' We are still in bible times and always will be until Christ returns. So if we truly want the blessings and miracles of promise all we need do is 'stir up the gift!'

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"....do not neglect your gift which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you...." - I Timothy 4:14

Lives Lived for God's Win

If you wanna' play the game, you gotta' put in the practice time. - S. Barlow

Daniel was known as a man of prayer because at least 3 times a day he put in the 'work.' - Hmm!

In sports parlance they're called 'gym rats.' Those who are always putting in extra time in the weight room, on the court/field, reviewing video; doing all they can to improve, get better, increase their effectiveness. It's not just a game to them, it's a passion, a desire to almost be synonymous with their craft. You think of that sport and their name pops up. Isn't that the heart of Christianity - you automatically think of JESUS! Maybe there's a lesson for us here. It's true, our lives and livelihood are important, but we must remember they are a gift from God to be used in a way that reflects or brings glory to Him and His Son. So as we live out our passions today, let's make sure 'we're in it not just to win it' but to point others to the reason we live - JESUS!

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

"....let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds AND praise your Father in heaven." - Mathew 5:16