Primal Pursuit

Christianity doesn’t just lock us into Jesus, it sets us free to pursue God. – Erwin McManus

Jesus told his disciples they would do even greater things than he, because he was going to the Father. They later turned the world upside down. WOW!

It is said that between them, lions are more easily domesticated than tigers. The reason is that lions hunt only for the purpose of eating, so their motivation is hunger. Tigers on the other hand, hunt for the sheer thrill of the chase, which makes them always dangerous. When it comes to our faith, God is not looking for a “domesticated” version, but a more primal faith that is ever seeking to know him better and in different ways. If He is about to do a 'new thing' or open a 'new path' then our pursuit of Him should never grow routine or lifeless. We need be ready, the day is upon us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to you, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’” – Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)

Online Service 1/24/21

Good Morning! The Premier of the 1/24/21 Outdoor/Online Service is coming up at 10am pst. See all the goodness you may have missed like 4 For Christ! Southside Sunday via Youtube

https://youtu.be/ZTVcmOAPUtQ

Child Like Wonder of the Indescribable

Curiosity in children is but an appetite for knowledge. - J. Locke

The heavens 'declaring God's glory' is a hard vision to imagine but it's no less true. WOW!

Awesome! Mighty! Magnificent! These words summon up some colossal thoughts and ideas in our minds, particularly when we try to apply them to our Great God and measure His vast nature. But in truth they are only our definitions to help us and our curious minds. God's nature and character go beyond any description we can come up with. He transcends all of life and its beauty because He Himself created it. And though we can have some vivid imaginations the scriptures tell us He is also able "to do more than we can imagine." If the highest heavens can't contain Him what makes us think we can truly define Him. We should just bask in the truth He is both Great and Good all the time, and seek to know Him in a new and different way today. Now that's a thought worth pondering.

Until tomorrow....

Pastor Botts

".....no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him...." - I Corinthians 2:9

Sermon Pop: This Is The Day #SouthsideSunday

Quietly Premiering right now... SermonPop: This Is The Day SouthsideSunday https://youtu.be/pmq_zzzIq9A via YouTube Enjoy!

The Heart of Character

A man’s reputation is the opinion people have of him, his character is what he really is. – J. Miner

Jesus chided the religious leaders calling them “whitewashed tombs” because their hypocrisy knew no bounds. OUCH!

It’s amazing the lengths we’ll go to at times to make sure we “look” just right to outsiders and other Christian brethren so that they may think highly of us. It is good to be well liked and appreciated, but it is best to be righteous, true, and holy in our character, for it’s all we’ll take with us when we leave here, and this is what God looks for. We should always remember it's easier to acquire a good reputation than to erase a bad one. God is the final judge on what is 'good' and He set those parameters way back in the Garden of Eden and they haven't changed since. He doesn't look at the person we see in the mirror each morning, He looks on the heart of that person we see in the mirror.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.’” – Matthew 7:22-23

P.S. - Have you signed up for the upcoming "You Are Not Alone" series? It starts February 6th!

The Praise Connect

We praise God not for His benefit, but for our own. – Richard Murray

In the throes of all his woes Job refused to let go of God. He knew God was all he had left – and God richly rewarded him. Hmm!

Though God needs nothing from us He ‘covets’ our praise. Not because He needs them but because He is worthy of them. He will continue to exist and be God whether we praise Him or not. As we give God - the ‘Audience of One’ - our allegiance, worship, and praise; it bears noting that the major benefactor in all of this is we ourselves. Praise allows us to come closer to God, get connected to him, hear what his heart is beating for. To live our lives any other way is to live dis-connected from the very God who gave us ‘the breath of life.’ And as we praise him, and the more we praise him, the more we will have our eyes opened to see how he has blessed us in abundance already; which will in turn lead to more praise. AMEN!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will comment your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” – Psalm 145:3-4

Be An Overcomer

The only difference between a stumbling-block and a stepping-stone is in the way you use them. – Anon

In the parable of the talents, the first 2 stewards saw it as a great opportunity, the other steward saw it as a liability. Hmm!

Abraham Lincoln. Thomas Edison. Joseph. Paul. Just a few names from history that if you researched you would find overcame many obstacles to be a great benefit to God and contributor to society. We’ve been gifted with the same tools and insight, and God gave and continues to give to everyone generously. We’ll have similar challenges and situations as well. The difference we make will be in our determination and perseverance. Will we allow life’s trials or storms to trip us up, knock us down, or stall our efforts, or will we step up to a higher calling for God.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God..” – I Corinthians 1:22-24

Truth: Friend or Foe?

Truth is either the greatest of friends or an unbeatable foe. – Anon

As Jesus stood before him, Pilate had a major decision to make about the truth. We know how it ended with him. WOW!

TRUTH – Courts of law search for it; we demand it in our daily interactions. Yes, truth is something we are to seek after, embrace, and affirm. Yet it is not so much a matter of us finding the truth as it is us surrendering to it. Jesus said “You shall know the truth and it will set you free.” To know means to understand, accept, and abide in. Our surrender to ‘truth’ is what establishes our foundation for a life of integrity, honesty, and righteousness before God and others. The point we often overlook is that when we find the truth and refuse to surrender it no longer remains our friend but actually becomes the foe that condemns us. God leaves the choice to us.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice…” – Proverbs 21:3

Online Service 01-17-21 #SouthsideSunday

Take a Lunch break with us for the Premier of the 01/17/21 Service and see what you missed...like singing sensation Sabrina Barnes! 12pm pst via YouTube Southside Sunday

https://youtu.be/AiEbP6yj7dU

Strive For The Target

"Stay on target..." Gold Five- Star Wars

God was exact in all His measurements. I wonder if we should take a lesson there. Hmm!

Bullseye! Everyone is familiar with the term. It's the center of the target - dead aim center; what we all shoot for. The mark of perfection. Now when it comes to our profession of Christ it brings up a question. Are we ourselves moving towards it in a way others can see and praise or are we moving away from it, tarnishing the glory of the God we serve. One of the harshest words Jesus used for the 'religious right' of His day was hypocrite, as they were actually making it almost impossible for the people to see and witness God's presence. We will all struggle from time to time in our walk, that's not the issue, the issue is whether those around us who really know us would be able to say with certainty that we are still striving for the target or actually doing a disservice to the Lord. Since the target has not moved or changed the answer lies within us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind..." - Matthew 22:37

Sermon Pop: The Stress Test #SouthsideSunday

Just in time for Lunch! The newest Sermon Pop: The Stress Test premiers today at Noon PST via YouTube. Get it while it's Hot! Southside Sunday

https://youtu.be/2qhgHkl5phI

A Refreshing Turn

You cannot repent too soon, because you do not know how soon it may become too late. - T. Fuller

Elijah ran for 40 days and nights only to hear God tell him "go back the way you came." OUCH!

Anyone who drives has probably had the experience of missing their off ramp on the freeway or passing their designated turnoff on the boulevard. Such a pain or inconvenience to have to turn around and go back. But back we go. Oh, if our daily living were true to this form. Often, we think we can overcome a mistake/sin without God's help, but then find ourselves moving further away from God. We mean well in our attempts but still fall short. Unless God is with us to help navigate the correction, we'll continue off course. If the saying is true: 'The road to Hell is paved with good intentions...' then it is equally true: 'The road to Heaven is paved with repentance...' I guess the question we should ask is what destination are we really trying to reach?

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord...." Acts 3:19

Protection from the Elements

Small impressions can have a large and lasting impact. - Anon

There's a reason Jesus got up early in the morning to pray. Hmm!

Mosquitoes, fleas, ants, bees, etc,. Small creatures created by God, but they pack a punch when they bite into us. One small bite/sting is annoying enough, with its constant irritating itch or sting, agitating us as the day wears on, taking away our ability to fully enjoy the moment. Could you imagine 3, 4, or 5. NO - it's why we put on the repellants, long sleeves, socks, etc., to keep them at bay. Knowing this and also knowing we have an enemy that's ALWAYS on the prowl looking to attack our spiritual well-being, here's the greater question we need to ask ourselves each day: Have I put on any repellant/armor for his tricks and attacks? A word to the wise is sufficient!

Until tomorrow.......

Pastor Botts

".....therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...." - Ephesians 6:13

Eternal Purpose Starts Here

Most people have no idea what to do in their life, yet they want it to last forever. – M. Kennicott

Esther went from a virtual nobody to Queen and relished it. Mordecai had to remind her that maybe God made her “for such a time as this.” Hmmm!

We live in a world where the majority of people do not like what they do for a living. We live in a world where a great number of people have no idea what they will do with an education. And we live in a world where the average person has little hope for a successful future. The common denominator in all of this is that of these groups all of them want life to go on ad infinitum. But we serve a God of purpose, a God of hope, and it is never too late to be what you might’ve been. The bottom line is God did have a purpose in mind when you were created, a character profile He wants to develop in you, one that will live forever. Why not start TODAY!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

Sermon Pop: "Revival Takes More"

It's Bonus Sermon Pop Premier time! Catch "Revival Takes More" via Youtube today at 10am & be ready to come out of the balcony! Southside Sunday

https://youtu.be/Xd1qh_e8EMk

Constant In the Trial and the Change

The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there. – Vince Lombardi

David was Israel’s greatest king, but he had many battles before AND after he took the throne. AMEN!

We like to think life should remain constant and our situations should never change, but change is really the one constant in life. We’re up today and down or under attack the next, and wonder why. God never promised us an easy or comfortable life, he promised us a life filled with His presence. If we stop and think about it; life would be pretty boring without any battles or friction to help smooth out our rough edges and remind us we can’t do it alone. If we truly expect success or significance in our life the only way is by dedicated effort and obedience to God’s will.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” – Daniel 2:20-21

Online Service 01-10-21 Southside Sunday

Good Morning! Catch the replay of this past SouthsideSunday Online Service 01-10-21 this morning at 10am via YouTube and see what you missed!

https://youtu.be/6viunYeNAkU

New Growth Healing

Health is a trust from God. - Anon

James letter declares that 'the prayers of faith will make a sick person well.' Hmm!

Look at any burned out forest closely after a few weeks and you can spot them. Tiny little buds and sprigs of green. New growth occurring. Healing taking place. It's a slow but ongoing process. Our lives follow suit. When devastating, tragic events occur and seem to cover us in darkness, and deaden our senses, spirits, or emotions, God gets busy with new growth. He does so to give us hope and strength to hold on. All we need do is just look closely to see the evidence. An unexpected call from a friend offering reassurance and prayer, a long forgotten memory recalled to lift our spirit, or even a new connection with someone we never thought we had anything in common with. These are all signs of God quietly asking us "Do you want to get well?" Well, do you? Look closely, healing is in abundance for God is at work.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Proverbs 16:24

Sermon Pop: God's Forgiveness Brings Recovery

Catch the Latest YouTube Sermon Pop Premier: God's Forgiveness Brings Recovery today at 10am! Be Inspired SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/hX8IimJl5Uc

Turning Down the Heat

When words are 'heated' they lose their sweetness! - Anon

When they brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus, he thought long and hard before he spoke. Hmm!

Coffee! Cocoa! Chili! Some things are good served piping hot. It adds to their overall presentation and enjoyment. We couldn't imagine receiving it any other way. But when it comes to conversation our words are not one of them. The bible tells us 'practice self-control', 'be slow to speak, slow to get angry', and 'in your anger do not sin'! Why, because in our anger not only do our tempers rise (think temperature) but our desire to inflict hurt, harm, and pain on others also increases. It's a mixture of self-presentation combined with pride, and everyone knows that not a recipe to help build community. It's true, there are times we need to 'say what we need to say', but it should always be thought through and said constructively and in love. Sometimes silence sends an even greater message.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6

Burn Brighter Together

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. – Anon

What would have happened if Andrew had not told his brother Simon about finding the Christ? I can’t imagine Pentecost any other way. WHEW!

A burning candle is useless if no one is around to enjoy it, its heat and radiance goes unnoticed, and its purpose goes unfulfilled. The same is true of us when we try to exist in solitude and singleness of purpose. We were made to be interdependent upon one another. That’s where our strength, stamina, and resiliency come from. Anyone who has ever tried to blow out candles on a birthday cake knows it takes a lot of effort, and the more candles lit, the more effort required. God has indeed called us to be light in a dark world. Imagine how our lives could be strengthened and burn brighter with others like us in a small community of believers. Are you in or out?

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“…..In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.” – II Corinthians 7:13

Eternal Security

Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God no matter what. – Anon

Daniel knew it was dangerous for him to offer prayers to his God, but he knew without prayer he was without his God. Hmm!

When we were younger we played games like hide-and-seek, chain-tag, freeze-tag, etc. Games that had the advantage of a home base where we were safe. No matter how close the enemy came to us as long as we were at ‘home base’ we were safe and secure. Looking back on it now the idea seems strange – home base – but the concept is true. God offers us security. Not so much from the harsh realities of life – we need them to shape our character – but from the hopelessness and despair they can inflict on us if left alone. Without God we don’t stand a chance against life. And in the end He gives us eternal security. AMEN!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way…” – Psalm 46:1-2

Taking Your Stand

Sooner or later even the fastest runners have to stand and fight! - S. King

Even though Jonah ran away from the 'battle' God brought him right back to it. OUCH!

Jab and move! Jab and move! It's one of the first things a boxer learns. It seems anti-productive to the sports profession, where you get into a ring to try and out-punch or knock-out your opponent. But the idea of 'jab and move' is to be patient and wait for your opportunity. Eventually you will have to fight toe-to-toe but you want it to be on your terms. That's why they train for months at a time for a particular opponent. We all have a common opponent - Satan, who pursues us daily, and he knows how to cut the ring down to size to gain an advantage. Many of us are trying to defeat him by the simple 'jab and move' (half-hearted service, spotty attendance, little prayer time, etc....) but to truly victorious there comes a time we must stop, stand our ground and fight. Many times Jesus went into prayer (training) for what He knew lay ahead of him. The question we must all answer is 'are we in it to win it?' If so, let's prepare for the battles ahead.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand..........and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then...." - Ephesians 6:11-13

Online Service 01/03/21 #SouthsideSunday

Happy New Year! Catch 2021's first Online Service today at 10am via YouTube SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/CP39Gz8VOyM

Costanza or Can't Stand Ya?

It’s important that people know what you stand for, it’s more important they can stand you. – Anon

Job called his three friends ‘miserable’ comforters for their advice, but they were still his friends. In the end he got to pray for them. Hmm!

By way of definition – conversation – means a two-way pleasant exchange of ideas, ideals, or information. But sometimes all to often in our conversing we go off pontificating, or belittling, or even being downright obstinate with those who don’t agree with us; creating such a stir and fuss it creates alienation and hard feelings. God expects us to stand up for truth and morality and all things righteous and holy, but not at the expense of ‘crucifying’ others who disagree. Jesus’ way was to show care and concern for the individual and then illuminate them on the truth. True, not everyone accepted it, but they all marveled at his teaching, so the more we’re around others the greater the opportunity we'll have to impact their lives. Opportunities will be plentiful today.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…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

Sermon Pop:The Aftermath: Let Your Light Shine

Catch the latest Sermon Pop premier:The Aftermath: Let Your Light Shine by Bro Jimmy Parmes at 10am PST via YouTube it's a Pop of Power!

https://youtu.be/xqPZrVug3ys

Love Takes Surrender

Christianity is not the act of man finally submitting to the power of God, but rather man fully surrendering to the love of God. – W. Barclay

Peter thought he loved Jesus until that fateful night. After that he really learned what love meant. AMEN!

“Stubborn!, Obstinate!, Hard-headed!” All adjectives that have possibly been applied to us sometime in our life. Those situations where we were unwilling to bend or submit for another. It’s actually a carryover from our infancy when we were shaping our personality. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is often what keeps us separated from God. We think He wants us to ‘knuckle under’ His all encompassing power and we refuse to give ourselves up. Actually, all God wants to do is love us, but for that it takes surrender. God never forces himself on anyone, but anyone who has truly found Him often wonders what took them so long to surrender.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

Take the Limits Off

Your limitations become your prison only when you treat them as such. – Anon

The Israelite army felt powerless against Goliath and the Philistines, letting him severely taunt them for 40 days. Then David and his GOD came along. VICTORY!

For most of us as Christians or children of God there are many things we draw the line at saying “I just can’t do it.” It’s not that we think the task unworthy, we just don’t think it’s in us or we possess the ability. But we serve a God who has always equipped His children in their ‘hour of need’ as they sought Him out. The scriptures are chock full with accounts of men and women who did ‘great’ things in God’s strength. In reality our limitations are God’s opportunities. We should just give ourselves over to God and watch the miracles unfold.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Ah. Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17

Just Reach

It's only in our 'reaching' for God that we see He has been reaching for us! - Anon

When Peter's faith faltered and he started to sink into the water, Jesus' hand was already extended. WOW!


Nobody I know, including myself, likes to eat humble pie. Just the mere thought of it (not the taste) idles our tongue in confession, stiffens our resolve in apologizing, and puts cement in our feet as we approach our confessor. The idea of admitting we of all people were wrong, or need to repent and come clean is seen as a great weakness, and we can't be weak! But here's the picture the bible paints for us. When the Prodigal Son returned to his father I'm sure the last thing he expected was his father to come running/crying out to him. He had rehearsed his speech and was ready to take the heat afterwards. His father's actions had to be a complete surprise. But that's the way our Great God operates. We find it hard to reach out to Him in our time of need, but if we only open our eyes in faith the view is quite beautiful.


Until tomorrow.....


Pastor Botts


"[The Lord] lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." - Psalm 40:2

The 2021 Plan

Yes, God knows we have plans, but He planned for us, and He outranks us! - Anon

Jonah had made up in his mind that Nineveh was not his concern nor his work, but God had other plans. Hmm!

Admittedly, we are all the same in one regard – we seek answers to gain direction and insight in our career and life choices. Yes our natural abilities, gifts, and desires all play a role in our decision, but they also lead to questions like: ‘What am I really good at?’… ‘What is really worth doing?’….What about advancement, compensation, etc.?’ But the question ‘What does God want me to do?’…. rarely comes into play, or if it does, it’s near the end of all the other considerations. But if God made Esther for ‘such a time as this,’ or saw king David when he was a ‘ruddy kid,’ or ordained the ‘Pharisee of Pharisees – Paul,’ to preach to the lowly Gentiles; maybe He has purpose for each of us in spite of our self-qualifying success measures. When we’re asking God to ‘use me’ maybe, just maybe we should let Him. Welcome to 2021!

HAPPY NEW YEAR….

Pastor Botts

“…Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” – Isaiah 6:8

Online Service 12/27/20 #SouthsideSunday

Happy New Year! Start 2021 off with the Lord as our 12/27/20 service premiers at 10am via

https://youtu.be/t8s_oIrVzHE