Precious Little Time

Be kind today because there may be no tomorrow. – Richard Murray

If the Good Samaritan had not helped the man he found on the road…..well!

If we’re honest we often take it for granted that we will be around tomorrow, and the next day and the day after that, and so forth. We presume on God’s graciousness and favor only because it has been so prevalent in our lives. He is a mighty good God. But the truth in fact is tomorrow is not a guarantee for anyone of us. If we really take time to consider this truth, it should really help us put life in proper perspective; that we have so little time to do the will of The Master. Time spent being upset, irate, angry, vengeful, hostile, etc. is really wasted time we can never recoup. Today is the day to make a difference for the kingdom.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1

Living Word. Living God

In the ancient words of the Bible is the gift of ETERNAL LIFE. All that's needed to unlock them is the ever-present Holy Spirit. - Anon

Jesus said 'store up for yourselves treasures in heaven'..... Hmm!

If we look around the house we'll probably find it. An old worn out, cracked binding, dog-earned pages falling out, bible. Yes, it's lost its luster, but not its life. There's something there that won't simply let us part with it. The memories of dad/mom reading from it at night, carrying it to church on Sunday, quoting from it often as they lectured us when we needed it. Yeah, that physical book - Bible - may not have withstood the time, but the words contained within still resonate. Why, because it is the Living Word of the Living God, who is eternal and forever. And from these lessons we've learned that earthly treasures may fade over time (mom/dad, grandparents, etc.) but eternal hearts live on and shine forever. May we all be so empowered today!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." - John 6.68-69

More Than A Show

Church members wear a cross. A Christian bears his. – Anon

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wore modified clothing with wide phylacteries and tassels to be seen. Jesus said they were hypocrites. OUCH!

Look all around you and possibly even on your person and you see it. Designer wear clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. It’s all the rave today, and most folks are not ashamed to let you see the label or tell you what it cost. It’s often that way in the religious world as well. People wearing a name and emblems that don’t fit the lifestyle. On this day some 2000+ years ago, our Lord bore the shame and agony of the true cross for us. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t the rave of the day, but it was expensive – it cost His life. Now’s the time for us to bear the cross for Him.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

Friendly Therapy

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

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


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


Until Monday.....


Pastor Botts


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

Online Service 3/21/21 #SouthsideSunday

Catch the YouTube premier of the 3/21/21 service broadcast today at 10am and get that good word for the first time or all over again! SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/CUq_PXfcxIM

Real or Perceived Emergency?

It’s amazing how quickly an emergency arises the moment you start saving for one. – Sparks


After healing Peter’s mother-in-law and many others, Jesus slipped away to pray. Or so he thought he did! Hmm!


Good intentions –the road to hell is paved with them. We all get started on them and often find ourselves falling short. And it’s truly amazing what things, issues, circumstances, or situations appear when we try to do right by God. These are not by chance, they are designed schemes of the enemy to keep us out of contact with Almighty God. Jobs that take us away from church and/or bible study. Sunday morning doldrums that keep us home or make us late, interruptions that keep us out of the Word or our prayer closet. These are all tools of Satan to keep us from ‘storing up treasure in heaven,’ where we're doing what may be good but not what's best for us. But God expects us to be wise to the deceptive practices of our enemy, and not lose focus. God will never put a hindrance to us coming to Him, so maybe we need to re-evaluate the emergency.


Until tomorrow…….


Pastor Botts


“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:20

Sermon Pop "Everything You Need Right Now"

Catch the latest SermonPop Inspiration "Everything You Need Right Now" premiering today at 10am via YouTube! SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/ZQev_UEDzs0

It's Up To You

You are exactly who you’ve chosen to be! – Anon

Joseph’s character was never in question, and he made sure it stayed that way. Just ask Potiphar’s wife. Hmm!

From the moment we wake up each day until the moment we nod off at night, our life’s tapestry is knitted together by the decisions/choices we make. What to do, what to say, what to meditate on, etc… You can choose to dwell on your health problems, financial issues, or other challenges in your life, or you can choose to remind yourself of the blessings God has brought to you and brought you through. The choice of being bitter or better is not ‘forced’ upon us by life’s situations, it’s a conscious choice or decision we make alone. The one thing that should always remain in our consciousness is that ‘if God is God?’ our every decision should be made in light of His wisdom…… and man o’ man, does God have some answers.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….but the wisdom that comes from heaven, if first of all pure; then peace-loving” – James 3:17

Weathering Criticism

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. – N. DeKalb

Though Job’s wife and friends were critical of him about his faith and position before God, he held fast. God later brought vindication!

It’s record breaking temperatures and we rant. It’s raining heavily and again we rant. It’s foggy, cloudy, cold, etc. and we vent. Isn’t it good to know that no matter what we say there’s always more weather tomorrow, that it doesn’t go away mad never to return. God in His word told us we would often face the same type of persecution; sometimes from those closest to us. But when we’re doing right we will be criticized, for that is the job of wrong – to criticize or eliminate what is right. Criticism may sting at times – not because it’s true – but because our ‘flesh’ wants to retaliate. But remember Jesus, He was hung on a cross and still forgave them.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:12-14

The Security in Faith

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

Much Needed Grace

Skiing is best when you have lots of white snow and plenty of Blue Cross. - F. Wilson

The apostle Paul was 'ecstatic' that God's grace was so reliable and abounding. AMEN!

TODAY is here, God's gift to us. It's a completely blank slate with no errors, mishaps, or injuries to mar the scene. Hopefully we'll talk with God and get our 'bearings' and assignments, and then off we'll go into the day. The desire will be to try and live the day as discussed with God "thy will be done on earth....." The problem will be when we encounter self and others. Not that I 'willfully' sin but I must confess in my 63+ years I don't believe I've lived any one day of those years perfectly or sin free - Sundays included. So like Paul, I too am glad for words like patience, compassion, longsuffering, mercy, forgiveness - all summed up in GRACE. It makes the day all the more conquerable.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....where sin increased; grace increased all the more..." - Romans 5:20

Online Service 3/14/21 #SouthsideSunday

Premiering today at 10am via @YouTube : Online Service 3/14/21 Don't miss it! #SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/ojJOv1IAFt0

No Better Time Than NOW To Get Started

The most important part of any work is – the beginning. – Plato

Noah had never heard of or seen rain when God commanded him to build the ark. Good thing he didn’t wait until he saw the first rain drop.

One of the more convenient tools of the enemy is procrastination. Particularly when it comes to doing the things that help build up and strengthen us and God’s kingdom. Why, because there can never be progress nor a completion of assignment without a beginning first. There can never be perfection attained without a beginning of practice. It sounds simple enough but often more things are put off than started not so much do to lack of desire, but due to an expectation that there is plenty of time. Today is all we’re promised. But Today as it is called is enough of an opportunity to begin again.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22

Sermon Pop: "Happily Holy" -Pastor Herb Botts

Here's some Inspiration heading into your weekend: The latest SermonPop premier: "Happily Holy" by Pastor Herb Botts at 10am via YouTube ! SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/a9BS4klHon8

Learning What We Need to Learn

There are years that ask questions, and years that answer; and sadly, often they are not the same. – Zora Neale Hurston

Esau never questioned why Jacob wanted his ‘birthright’ and lived to regret having that bowl of red stew. OUCH!

Upon reflecting upon life’s decisions, if we’re honest about it most of us have at one time or another “wished we knew then what we know now.” Oh, the heartache we could have avoided, the financial mistakes, the relationship miscues, and all the ‘drama’ we could have done without – if we knew then what we know now. But as much as we complain we must ask ourselves: what is life without such adventure. The real problem we have is not ‘knowing now what we wished we knew then’ but in not learning then what we should have learned then, not being patient and seeking out the wisdom needed. The lessons came to teach us, but often we didn’t get the right answer to the lesson and suffered many repeats and other consequences. The silver lining in all of this is we serve a God who desperately wants us to get all the right answers to His questions, and He allows us an open book test.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

Your Reflection

A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Your world is a mirror of yourself. – K. Keyes Jr.

The Apostle Paul is a great study on the concept of polar extremes. From hateful arch-rival to loving die-hard friend. Why – because of Jesus – that’s all!

It’s true the world is not perfect, and people don’t always receive us the way we want, but the world and the people were made by a loving God, who still loves them; and we are called upon to love them as He does. One thing the bible teaches us over and over again is that you reap what you sow, so our world around us, the people in our inner circle (family, close friends, associates) are a reflection of who we are and what we give. Remember, for the Christian love is not a feeling but a COMMAND. So if our individual world is 'hostile' maybe a little more prayer is needed.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“For out of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” – Matthew 12:34-35.

Pop Love Quiz

Love has a bad habit of giving pop quizzes. – Anon

When Jesus was restoring Peter to the fellowship and His church, He quizzed him no less than 3 times “Peter, Do you love me?” Hmm!

If there is one thing in life we all struggle to understand it’s the concept of love. We all experience the ups and downs and try to get to a place where were 'comfortable' with it. And that's when the problems arise. Why, because love can't be defined as an 'it' or a static situation. Love is always a choice to be made and exercised day in and day out. Love for those close to us (parents, spouse, children, friends, etc.) influences other decisions we make with our time or money and other resources. Pop quizzes always abound, and let us not forget that just as Jesus asked Peter several times in quick succession, we'll be in exams today as well.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (I Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Music Pops: Ms. Sabrina Barnes "We've Come This Far By Faith"

Catch the first Official #MusicPops premier: "We've Come This Far By Faith" by Ms. Sabrina Barnes today at 10am via @YouTube! #SouthsideSunday #MusicMonday

https://youtu.be/uYlhpKaXL58

Sermon Pop "Musical Musings"-Pastor Herb Botts

The Newest Sermon Pop "Musical Musings"-Pastor Herb Botts Premiers today at 10am via Youtube Don't miss the Inspiration! Southside Sunday Mens Day 21

https://youtu.be/SxxQg-plFcU

All In Need of Love

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

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


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


Until Monday……


Pastor Botts


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

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

Online Service 03-07-21 #SouthsideSunday

Catch what you missed with the premier of Online Service 03-07-21 Today at 10am via @YouTube! #SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/K7PDL-iVN4Q

What Proof Do You Need?

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

Follow the Ruler

Don't be satisfied with following the rules. Follow the ruler. - Sparks

The religious leaders of Jesus' day felt they were right because they had the law of Moses and honored the Sabbath Day. Jesus said they had no idea who his Father was. WOW!

The 10 commandments! The Lord's Prayer! Church Allegiance! Many of us are content with knowing the rules and regulations of the church per se. We often feel that because we know them and obey them it makes us right with God. But, it's not what we do or don't do that makes us holy, it's who we are rightly related to that does it - God. He wants to commune with us and be involved in our day-to-day lives in every detail. And that friend, takes relationship - not just obeying the rules.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....One thing you lack [Jesus said], 'Go sell everything you have and give to the poor......then come, follow me." - Mark 10:21

Ineffective Scare Tactics

SATAN: the enemy of Christ who wants to scare the HEAVEN out of you! - Anon

Goliath relied on his size to taunt and frustrate the Israelites. But then a little scrawny kid 'rocked' him to sleep. OUCH!

Growing up there were certain 'invented' individuals that evoked fear in us as children (bogeyman, closet monsters, etc.) that we eventually outgrew. Then there were certain real creatures that evoked fear in us as well (spiders, snakes, hornets, etc.) that we learned to control or stay away from. What's amazing is that in our Christian walk we know we have an enemy who's after our souls and uses scare tactics that seem to intrigue and interest us so much we fail to see what he's up to and where he's leading us. We must realize that he really has no power over us unless we invite him by lowering our guards (no prayer/study/meditation/fellowship), or by lowering our standards (respectable sins?). Like David, we must see beyond what is immediately in front of us, to the God who is always with us and for us. Not only is the road to hell paved with good intentions, but the way to heaven requires sacrifices.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...." - I Peter 5:8-9

Faith of Derring Do

Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may also start a winning game. - Goethe

Andrew brought a small boy with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish to Jesus to feed 5,000. A sensible move – NO! A daring move - you bet!

In business, an 'entrepreneur' is one who has an idea or dream and is willing to risk everything they have to see it come to pass, realizing there is always a small possibility of failure. It's that type of spirit that should empower our faith and deeds. In truth, often for our faith to work or have value we have to step out on the “ledge of risk.” Not every program or every thing we do for God will work, but we will never know until we try, and the bottom line is that God will never be disappointed with our faithful efforts. PERHAPS.....

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…..For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body.” – II Corinthians 4:8-9,11

Love People

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. – W.A. Ward

Jesus not only taught the people about the love of God, he showed them firsthand as our example. Hmm!

There’s a reason our first initial contact with someone new is called an ‘impression,’ for it will form an almost indelible mark in their heart. That’s a serious consideration. And while each person we meet or know may present a different set of circumstances or challenges, our ultimate goal as children of God is to show them some degree of God’s love. A kind word or deed from a heart of gratitude, whether rewarded or not, can go a long way. The surest way to get rid of an enemy is to make him a ‘friend,’ a word Jesus used quite often. Practicing love is sometimes tough and painful, but the rewards always far out weigh the costs, and that’s the heart of God and His desire for us.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…” – John 17:20-21

Online Service 02/28/21 #MensDay21

Catch/ Relive This past Sunday's Online Service 02/28/21 Mens Day 21 Service & Program via YouTube today at 10am! Southside Sunday

https://youtu.be/Ji-0oVcsglQ

If You Stay Ready...

A ready person never needs to get ready. - Oswald Chambers

Thomas with his doubts and the other disciples were in the house when Jesus just 'showed up.' WOW!

We rarely worry about people who predict they know when Jesus will return to the earth. So many have tried and failed, besides the bible says 'no one knows the day or the hour.' But there is a phrase we use to describe a completely unexpected event or action that occurs. We say "all of a sudden,,,." But here's a twist, Jesus said His return will be 'all of a sudden', and yet most of us aren't prepared. The certainty of His coming is sure, the exact time though is uncertain, but it will be 'all of a sudden.' Here it is today and 'all of a sudden' we're a day older, but are we any closer to the Lord? In closing out the book of Revelation Jesus proclaimed "Yes, I am coming soon", and John added "Amen, come Lord Jesus!" Are we ready to make that statement as well. For it could happen 'all of a sudden!'

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." - Matthew 24:27

Sermon Pop: "Walk The Talk" Pastor Herb Botts

Good Morning! Catch the latest Sermon Pop: "Walk The Talk" by Pastor Herb Botts today at 10am via YouTube for a bit of Inspiration! SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/lG7vYwmptj0

God's Story Told Through Us

God created man because He loves storytelling. – Elie Wiesel

Moses went to Egypt not only to free the Israelites, but to tell Pharaoh GOD’S STORY! Hmm.

It’s very true that God is for us, but the bigger picture is God is all about being God. He wants every one to know Him for who He is, what He has done, and what He can and will do in their lives, and He uses ordinary people like you and I to tell His story through. Granted our life may not be like Moses’, Esther’s, David’s or even Paul’s, but God has already told His story through them. He wants to now tell it through us. The daily circumstances and situations in our lives only serve to add color to the story. What is more important is that we make sure the mute is off and the sound is properly adjusted that others may hear.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“[Jesus said to them]…..’But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’.” – Acts 1:8

Live the Changed Life

Be the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

Paul went from Christ-hater to Christ-promoter and church builder. He said we should follow his example as he follows Christ. Hmm!

Dirty politicians. Immoral athletes. Greedy televangelists. Uncaring neighbors. Ungodly co-workers. The list could go on and on and on. Each of us somehow affected by others, but with the know how to make things better. It’s true, we all know how to change the world for the better, but no one wants to start with himself. God never called us to change the world, but to live a changed life in the world. That in itself would be quite an accomplishment and have a deep impact on the world. Let the revolution begin today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14

Open Our Eyes Lord

If all you see is what you see, you do not see all there is to be seen. - Tony Evans

God gave Elisha’s servant ‘spiritual’ eyes to show He was already on the move against the enemy. ..... Hmm!

God is often much closer than we think. He is also at work in many ways that pass right before our eyes that we miss. The answers to our many questions and healing for our hurts are not as far away as we sometimes think. Our difficulty comes when we look in the wrong place, or we are too fretful or anxiety ridden to see what is right there; and still other times when we just plain fail to see Him working because we cannot possibly believe God would be kind enough to care about us in such a small minute issue. We only need to open our eyes. Seeing eyes are eyes of faith, where we can see beyond the problem, see beyond our own unworthiness, and have confidence that He is the God of all grace and mercy. Knowing and trusting God is ever near means our seeds of hope are already present, we just need to water them through faithful obedience and perseverance. He will make the end results known.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” – Psalm 119:18