Happy MusicMonday to you! Here's the next MusicPops to help you find what you need: MensDay21- The Music "In The Word" Premiering today at 10am on YouTube
https://youtu.be/JCR9J5RZwIU
Monday, May 31, 2021
Friday, May 28, 2021
Life As An Influencer
Every life is a profession of faith, and exercises an inevitable and silent influence. – H. Amiel
Not much detail is given, but Naomi had a deeply profound effect on her daughter-in-law Ruth, who left all to follow her. And the rest as we know it is HIS STORY!
What we think! Our opinions! Our outlook on the world! Believe it or not many people have helped shape these values in us. From our parents, to our teachers, to our friends, our psyche has been impacted by them. So, no matter how much we want to believe our life is ours to live alone, the truth is it will in some way impact others, and often in very profound ways that we’re not even aware of. Most of us are our parents children. Having said such, remember the old adage: “you get from people what you give them.” Remember your faith is on trial today.
Until Monday…..
Pastor Botts
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:5-6
Not much detail is given, but Naomi had a deeply profound effect on her daughter-in-law Ruth, who left all to follow her. And the rest as we know it is HIS STORY!
What we think! Our opinions! Our outlook on the world! Believe it or not many people have helped shape these values in us. From our parents, to our teachers, to our friends, our psyche has been impacted by them. So, no matter how much we want to believe our life is ours to live alone, the truth is it will in some way impact others, and often in very profound ways that we’re not even aware of. Most of us are our parents children. Having said such, remember the old adage: “you get from people what you give them.” Remember your faith is on trial today.
Until Monday…..
Pastor Botts
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:5-6
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Friends: A Gift From God
You do have a right to pick your friends, but not to pieces – Anon
When the people of a small Samaritan village didn’t show themselves friendly and open to Jesus and His message, the disciples were ready to call down fire and destroy them. OUCH!
"Shooting the messenger!" "Crucifying the one closest to us." We've all done it before, often without forethought when life stacks up against us. Even still, we must be careful to keep our heart, minds, and EGO’s in check. When friends disagree with us or disappoint us, it does not declare them “open for hunting or hurting.” We need to remember that true friends are a gift from God, to help us make it through this thing called life. Yes, family matters greatly, but those you don't get to choose. God gives us the opportunity to choose those we call friends. I pray you will reconcile an old friendship today.
Until tomorrow…
Pastor Botts
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:31-32
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Physical Limits
We can only give what we are, not what we would like to be. – C. Ringma
When the disciples could not heal the demon possessed boy, Jesus reminded them that sometimes prayer and fasting is necessary. Hmm!
Although the scripture tells us “we can do all things through Christ…..” we must realize we cannot be everything to everybody. We are limited, and not just in terms of our human frailties. God has given us all certain gifts and talents to aid in our walk of faith, but to actually think we can do anything and everything is really a presumption upon His will for our lives. Yes God expects us to love and serve others in ways that express who we are, but also to remember where we end and He begins. Hopefully others will see Him in plain view through us today.
Until tomorrow…
Pastor Botts
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” – Romans 12:11
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Expecting A Terrific Tomorrow
The great thing about the future is it is written one day at a time. - Anon
The ‘Prodigal Son’ lost it all and was subsequently restored. God still works the same way? Hmm!
God has already told us His plans for our life – and they are GREAT! We also know that He does not and cannot lie, nor desire to withhold any good thing from us. The question is how bright and pleasing do we believe our future to be? In spite of what we see happening around us, dire economic predictions and forecasts, and even our own current limitations; how much faith and trust will we put in God. The way we think about our future will be a powerful driving determinant in how things turn out. Yes we pray like everything depends on God, but we also work like everything depends on us. God loves it when His people are willing to work as they pray, for it gives Him great latitude in the ways which He can work. So really, the only way we can’t be expecting a terrific tomorrow is if we’re not working and trusting in God. So our lives or ‘fortunes’ will unfold just as we help to determine it.
Until tomorrow...
Pastor Botts
“….For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future….” – Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, May 24, 2021
Refreshment From the Source
When we cannot find contentment within ourselves, it’s useless to seek it elsewhere. – Francois de la Rochefoucauld
Saul didn’t hear from God so he consorted with the Witch of Endor. He still didn’t like what he heard. OUCH!
Often, if we’re not careful we’ll find ourselves taking on the characteristics of the world in our faith walk. For instance, when teams have a losing streak they call it a dry spell. Sometimes we say the same when we feel we’ve not heard from God or experienced Him working in our lives. But how can that be if the “fountain of living water” (Jesus) resides within? There should never be ‘dry spells’ in our Christian walk. When we hit those arid moments it should provoke us to look at what we’ve become focused on other than Jesus. Spiritual dryness occurs when we supplant our relationship with Christ with activities and busyness. Sometimes it just takes coming back to the ‘heart’ of worship.
Until tomorrow…
Pastor Botts
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” – Jeremiah 2:13
Friday, May 21, 2021
Hallelujah Fresh
True praise is NEVER an obligation - it's always a delight! - C.S. Lewis
The psalmist said he could hardly wait to go into the house of the Lord. I wonder why? - Hmm!
Imagine yourself at a championship ballgame. Your team is doing well, everything is falling into place for them to win it all. Big plays are being made again and again right before your very eyes. Now, imagine you're not allowed to express any type of response. You have to remain calm and composed. You're not allowed to even 'ooh and aah', or say 'wow', or cheer, or clap. Wouldn't that be totally frustrating! But often we do it Sunday after Sunday at worship. The bible actually commands us to praise profusely (Psalm 150) giving our 'Hallelujahs' to God. One way to define hallelujah is 'breath of praise to God!' And in Revelation 19 that 'breath' of praise is a rather loud 'roar' gushing forth. So ask yourself, when was the last time you actually 'gushed' over God?
Until Monday...
Pastor Botts
"Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him." - Psalm 33:1
Thursday, May 20, 2021
The Work of the Faithful
Things begun in prayer usually end in power. – Anon
The early church prayed for power to speak the truth ‘boldly’ and caused an earthquake. WOW!
When you get right down to the nuts and bolts of what we do and how we do it, we all want and look for things to end well, with pizzazz, fireworks, crescendos, flair, or just plain ol’ great success. That’s just human nature. But the end result is often predicated on the start and follow through that we put into it. This is particularly true in the ways of God. There is nothing we should ever attempt to do for Him without consulting Him first, even when it comes to our daily living. And when He answers, whether big or small request; it’s not hard to see His hand in the process. But we must remember it is not titles, awards, past performance, or special recognition that guarantees such results, it is by prayer. Prayer accomplishes much and it is the ‘work’ of the faithful. The key to an effective prayer life is to value that which we know brings glory and honor to the Father.
Until tomorrow…
Pastor Botts
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” – Colossians 4:2
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Factually Focused Faith
It is not so much a matter of great faith, but faith in a great God. – C. Ringma
The heroes of the bible weren’t perfect bible quoting folks, they just believed God was who He said He was. Hmm!
The boastful! We’ve heard their claims, and often we’ve been the ones making the claims. Claims of what we would or could do if faced with extreme circumstances. In truth, our faith is often fragile, and when sorely tested it often falls short. That’s often because of what we’ve placed our faith in, a fallible being. In our Christian walk we sometimes do the same, we place our faith in faith and not in God. Faith in faith is meaningless, as faith must have a person to be grounded in. God is our Rock. Yes our faith is shaky and incomplete, for God is still ‘growing’ it through life’s circumstances; but it should always be focused on Him who gives grace, forgiveness, and strength for the journey. True faith looks to God’s keeping power rather than its own ability.
Until tomorrow…
Pastor Botts
“…..If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it….But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 4:17-18
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
More Lessons Learned
I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill
Jesus questioned Peter 3 times about his love for him. Each time Peter squirmed, but answered truthfully. Pentecost says he PASSED the test!
The book ‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ sold thousands of copies in the stores. It was a bit misleading as it only talked about basic premises for life, not that our education was through at this level of schooling. Sadly, many people feel they are through learning when their prescribed course of education is completed. But life is an ever evolving educational process. Our education begins the day we are born and ends the day we die. God knows exactly how much time He’s allotted for us and He will use each and every moment to bring us into a deeper understanding of who He is. At times some lessons are more painful than others, not because of God but because of our own schemes. As you go through the day remember God is the Master of the pop quiz.
Until tomorrow...
Pastor Botts
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves….” – Hebrews 12:7-8
Monday, May 17, 2021
Certain It Will All Work Out In The End
Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. – V. Havel
The Hebrew children standing before the fiery furnace didn’t know what God would do, but they knew God. AMEN!
Too often we as Christians soft peddle the gospel. We often try to make it appear to everyone that God works everything out to our joy and satisfaction, there’s no pain or suffering, no down moments in life, and that all is hunky dory. That kind of faith and hope is shallow and unscriptural. The faith and hope God searches our hearts for is where we trust Him no m
atter what the outcome may bring because He’s secured us already through Christ. This understanding allows us to have joy no matter what circumstances we’re in because we know in the end it will work out. The reason it hasn’t worked out just yet for us is because this isn’t the end.
Until tomorrow….
Pastor Botts
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2
The Hebrew children standing before the fiery furnace didn’t know what God would do, but they knew God. AMEN!
Too often we as Christians soft peddle the gospel. We often try to make it appear to everyone that God works everything out to our joy and satisfaction, there’s no pain or suffering, no down moments in life, and that all is hunky dory. That kind of faith and hope is shallow and unscriptural. The faith and hope God searches our hearts for is where we trust Him no m
atter what the outcome may bring because He’s secured us already through Christ. This understanding allows us to have joy no matter what circumstances we’re in because we know in the end it will work out. The reason it hasn’t worked out just yet for us is because this isn’t the end.
Until tomorrow….
Pastor Botts
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2
Friday, May 14, 2021
Your Sin Will Find You Out
Those who would play with kittens must expect to be scratched. – Cervantes
The Israelites gave their daughters in marriage and took other nations daughters in marriage in direct violation of God’s word. Though marriage was honorable in this case it was wrong. They later felt God’s wrath. Hmm!
Often in life, the easiest choices carry heavy consequences that can mar and scar our lives deeply. Our choice of friends, entertainment, and recreation will impact the way we think and act. Our choice of intellectual stimulation, lack of continued disciplined spiritual development will impact our morals, values, and contribution to life. In essence, what we take in will most definitely make an indelible mark on our conscience. Satan often presents sin as something rather glamorous, adoring, and necessary. It is only after we’re entangled that we realize it’s not for us. The good news is that God is willing and able to forgive us of such transgressions, but he expects us to knowingly avoid such temptations. Actions and decisions have results, and life is full of both, but our ultimate aim should be to please God in all we do.
Until Monday…..
Pastor Botts
“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23
The Israelites gave their daughters in marriage and took other nations daughters in marriage in direct violation of God’s word. Though marriage was honorable in this case it was wrong. They later felt God’s wrath. Hmm!
Often in life, the easiest choices carry heavy consequences that can mar and scar our lives deeply. Our choice of friends, entertainment, and recreation will impact the way we think and act. Our choice of intellectual stimulation, lack of continued disciplined spiritual development will impact our morals, values, and contribution to life. In essence, what we take in will most definitely make an indelible mark on our conscience. Satan often presents sin as something rather glamorous, adoring, and necessary. It is only after we’re entangled that we realize it’s not for us. The good news is that God is willing and able to forgive us of such transgressions, but he expects us to knowingly avoid such temptations. Actions and decisions have results, and life is full of both, but our ultimate aim should be to please God in all we do.
Until Monday…..
Pastor Botts
“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” – Numbers 32:23
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Good Leaks
Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it. - A. Smith
Jeremiah was called a 'weeping' prophet. David believed God kept his tears in a bottle. Paul served in humility and tears. Hmm!
Tears of joy/exhilaration, tears of sorrow/grief, tears of frustration/pain, tears of humiliation/hurt, tears of repentance/renewal. Wow, so many life events that can bring tears, yet we seem to hold on to them like they're gold. Granted no one likes a crybaby, but life at times kind of demands such a response from us depending on the circumstances. It's not a sign of weakness as some would have you think, it's a sign of our humanity - our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical being. You do have to sometimes wonder why God made us with eyes that 'leak.' Could it be because He knew there would be no more tears in heaven.
Until tomorrow....
Pastor Botts
"....And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes..." - Revelation 7:17
Jeremiah was called a 'weeping' prophet. David believed God kept his tears in a bottle. Paul served in humility and tears. Hmm!
Tears of joy/exhilaration, tears of sorrow/grief, tears of frustration/pain, tears of humiliation/hurt, tears of repentance/renewal. Wow, so many life events that can bring tears, yet we seem to hold on to them like they're gold. Granted no one likes a crybaby, but life at times kind of demands such a response from us depending on the circumstances. It's not a sign of weakness as some would have you think, it's a sign of our humanity - our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical being. You do have to sometimes wonder why God made us with eyes that 'leak.' Could it be because He knew there would be no more tears in heaven.
Until tomorrow....
Pastor Botts
"....And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes..." - Revelation 7:17
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Praise to Set Your Heart Free
Praise is the song of a soul set free. - Anon
Though David's wife Michal didn't like his dancing, God was pleased. Hmm!
It happens every so often. Just a few notes of a tune from our past and our hearts go aflutter - it's our 'JAM' - that song or melody that takes us back in memory to a time where our hearts were light and seemingly no troubles or trials existed. For a brief moment we're free of care. Wow, it seems like God knew we would need our hearts set free from time to time long before we did, and in a way that would be much more meaningful. How so? Well, when you think it through our 'jam' never did anything for us specifically, only offer a momentary respite; but God does everything for us and is a constant presence and source of peace. And I think we'd take that any day, anytime, and anyplace. Just think of Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail. If we can't praise, maybe we're not as free as we think.
Until tomorrow...
Pastor Botts
"Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise....." - Psalm 48:1
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Just Let Your Soul Grow
Life is just a chance to grow a soul. – A. P. Davies
Before Jesus laid down his life for us, he impacted 11 others who did pretty much the same thing. That’s growth. Hmm!
We spend a great deal of our life dealing in cryptic clichés; ‘trying to figure it all out,’ ‘asking what does it mean,’ and ‘how do I make the best of things.’ But God in His infinite wisdom has granted us purpose and provision to fulfill that purpose in a meaningful way. The end result of this life as we know it is to properly mature our soul for the next life. We’re not to get so bogged down or tied up in the affairs here that we ‘can’t’ or ‘won’t’ leave, but we’re to make this place somehow better by our being here. It’s not the situations or circumstances that we endure or overcome so much that help us grow, but the lives we impact in those situations and circumstances, and the amount we give of ourselves. Just like a seed grows from the inside out, so do we. That’s the way God designed it.
Until tomorrow...
Pastor Botts
“For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son – both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.” – Ezekiel 18:4
Monday, May 10, 2021
The Necessary Provisions
God does not offer us a way out of the adversities of life. He offers us a way through, and that makes all the difference. -W.T. Purkiser
God ‘parted’ the sea for the Israelites to walk through, he didn’t magically make it disappear, nor did He make them superhuman. Hmm!
Some years ago the Temptations recorded a song ‘Ball of Confusion – That’s What the World is Today.’ For many it still is. For we who belong to God, it can be when we begin to try and see it through our own eyes and conquer it in our own strength. One thing is certain whether we trust God or not - we will certainly see and experience adversity firsthand, and if we are not prepared it can often be quite confusing and impede our efforts. The instinct of a Christian is that we know adversity is a part of life, but we also know and trust that God will see us through it. So our prayers are not so much “Lord, get me out of this mess,” but moreso “Lord, I trust you will provide all I need to persevere, and I pray I will gain insight from this to give greater glory to you.” Knowing this makes any day bearable.
Until tomorrow…
Pastor Botts
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Music Pops: Southside Choir Singing "Grateful"
Here's the latest for your Music Monday vibes. It's the Premier of Music Pops: Southside Choir "Grateful" today at 10am via YouTube What are you grateful for today?
Friday, May 7, 2021
Temples of God
Unless love is written on the heart it is merely just a word. - Anon
The Good Samaritan acted because of a heart condition. Hmm!
In Old Testament times the 'Book of The Law' of God was kept in the temple and read to the people by the priests. Every so often because of war or sinful leadership it was lost or misplaced so there was no reading of it. No keeping of the commands of God. Hence, God's decision under the New Covenant to put His Word in the hearts of the people, therefore we are now the temple of God (our hearts) and the Word of God should reside within us, so it can never be lost or hindered in its power to work. That's why it is imperative for us as Christians to set aside time to study, meditate, pray, and commune with God that His Word will become more ingrained in our hearts. It takes more than just sporadic Sunday church attendance, it's a pining in the heart for connection, which then translates to action. After all, love is a word of action.
Until Monday...
Pastor Botts
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?..........God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple" - I Corinthians 3:16-17
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Lay Your Fears To Rest
To fight fear - act; to increase fear - wait. – D. Schwartz
In the parable of the talents, the servant given one talent not only feared when his master was away, but cowered before him when he returned. OUCH!
Remember the things you feared as a child? Eventually as we grew older and wiser we overcame such silliness, hopefully. But fear is still a great tool of the enemy to keep us enslaved. We tend to fear those things we’re unsure of. But God has told us in His word we need not fear the enemy or any of his schemes if we put our faith and trust in HIM, for HE is the ‘great overcomer!’ There is nothing and no one greater than God. And, He’s still the same God today that He was yesteryear. Let Him put all your fears to rest.
In the parable of the talents, the servant given one talent not only feared when his master was away, but cowered before him when he returned. OUCH!
Remember the things you feared as a child? Eventually as we grew older and wiser we overcame such silliness, hopefully. But fear is still a great tool of the enemy to keep us enslaved. We tend to fear those things we’re unsure of. But God has told us in His word we need not fear the enemy or any of his schemes if we put our faith and trust in HIM, for HE is the ‘great overcomer!’ There is nothing and no one greater than God. And, He’s still the same God today that He was yesteryear. Let Him put all your fears to rest.
Until tomorrow...
Pastor Botts
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – I John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – I John 4:18
Reminder: Today is the National Day of Prayer. May you add this to your prayer time. The theme for this year is “Lord, Pour Out Your Love, Life, and Liberty,” taken from 2 Corinthians 3:17.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Seeing the Best
I always try to believe the best of everybody – it saves me so much trouble. – Rudyard Kipling
God so loved the world that He gave His Son simply because He believed in mankind. He still does. WOW!
One of the great problems we face in life is seeing it through our own eyes. When we do, we tend to bring everything down to our own level, our own way of thinking; our own beliefs. We begin to think no one is perfect, or no one can live up to the standards God requires, not even Jesus. But life is not limited to what we see or think, people are not limited to our own personal faults or shortcomings. That’s the whole foundation of change. God accepts us just as we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way. He can see far grander and righteous acts in our lives. And when He’s at work in our lives we can then see the beauty in the world and the people around us. How’s your vision today?
Until tomorrow…
Pastor Botts
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” – Genesis 1:31
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Meditation 101: How Much?
Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. – St Francis de Sales
That Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray, that his disciples went to the temple at the hour of prayer seems important.
Early morning, late afternoon, 5 minutes, 1 hour or more – these are all variables bantered about when it comes to prayer and meditation with God. The truth of the matter is there is no secret formula or one-size fits all. What is important is that we take time from our busy lives each day to spend with God, talking to and LISTENING to Him. The One who planned the day surely knows how it will pan out and the direction He has purposed for us. It is important to note that the more time we spend with God the more we hear and understand His heart and the less inclined we are to go off on our own path.
Until tomorrow……
Pastor Botts
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6
That Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray, that his disciples went to the temple at the hour of prayer seems important.
Early morning, late afternoon, 5 minutes, 1 hour or more – these are all variables bantered about when it comes to prayer and meditation with God. The truth of the matter is there is no secret formula or one-size fits all. What is important is that we take time from our busy lives each day to spend with God, talking to and LISTENING to Him. The One who planned the day surely knows how it will pan out and the direction He has purposed for us. It is important to note that the more time we spend with God the more we hear and understand His heart and the less inclined we are to go off on our own path.
Until tomorrow……
Pastor Botts
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6
Monday, May 3, 2021
Opportunity to Start Fresh
If you don't fail you're not even trying. - Denzel Washington
Even though the disciples couldn't drive the demon from the little boy, they at least tried. Hmm!
Learning to walk, ride a bike, tie our shoes - not a one of us succeeded the first few tries. But we kept at it and look at us now! What pushed us - determination! The desire to do what we believed we could do. Though it took a few tries we were not ashamed to keep at it. Those early lessons of failure were a precursor for the life ahead of us. The shame is not in failure. We all fail from time to time. It's a fact of life. The shame is in not learning from or moving on from it. Is it necessary at times to grieve over our failures? Sometimes yes, most times no. But whether we grieve or not, we cannot let that failure hold us hostage or paint our future with the same hue. Just as life moves on we must too. And each new day God grants us is full of opportunity to start fresh. So remember, Today is not yesterday, that's gone, today is waiting for a tryout!
Until tomorrow...
Pastor Botts
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." - Luke 22:31-32
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