An Invitation to Join In

My favorite part of the game is the opportunity to play – Mike Singletary

When the disciples asked Jesus what he was doing, he said “come and see.” Later he said "Go and Do!" Amen.

Plain and simple, God is on a mission to make His story known to all mankind. Man may not believe in God, but God believes in man. And he is inviting each of us to join Him in this great mission. And each day God manifests Himself in some new and awesome manner to show us He cares. And regardless of what we may or may not have done, or the ability we may or may not have He’s inviting us each again today to join Him. And in spite of the economy, in spite of social conditions, and in spite of our own current situation, it’s great to be alive, and though life is not a game, it can and should be enjoyable for us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12

Playing on Team Integrity

If being a team player requires doing what is wrong, you’re on the wrong team. – Chuck Swindoll

Rehoboam and his young advisors conspired against God’s people. Ananias and Sapphira his wife conspired against the Lord and his church. They all lost big time! Hmmm.

We live in a world that says things like ‘winning is everything,’ or ‘win at all costs,’ or ‘just win baby.’ That is the motto for survival of the fittest. It doesn’t matter what it takes to get the win, land the account, get the signature, make the sale, or even get rid of the ‘loser.’ Integrity is passé. Honor is outdated, “just do it.” But God calls us to a higher standard, away from the ways of the world. His ways require us to be truthful in all accounts, go the extra mile when necessary, and show care and concern when no one else will for we are His ambassadors. Rest assured there will be exams today and hereafter in your life.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.” – Job 34:12

Glorious Intersections

Talk is cheap, at least that’s what you think until you get the phone bill. – Anon 

When God finally answered Job it was much more than he bargained for, but he was blessed as well. Hmm!

It is often said that no good deed goes unpunished. For example, how often is a friendly offering of “how are you?” commandeered into a blow-by-blow account of someone’s recent surgery or illness; or a smile you give is enough to have some stranger open up to tell their life circumstances to you. That’s because people are hurting in this world, and they’ve found very few people actually care, so a simple “how are you?” is all they need to hear. Instead of getting upset or thinking “oh my gosh” maybe we should think like Jesus. God’s desire is for us to make these intersections ‘moments of glory’ for Him and His kingdom purposes, so either we spread a little heavenly cheer to them, or we slow down and hear His voice through them. In either case the key is to open up your heart’s pocketbook.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be on my lips….” – Psalm 34:1

Music Pops: "Bless The Lord With Me"

Happy MusicMonday to you! Join the vibe with the MusicPops premier: "Bless The Lord With Me" by The Southside Choir today at 10am on YouTube!

https://bit.ly/3hifWeS

Steps and Stops Along the Way

The stops of a good man, as well as his steps, are ordered by the Lord. – G. Mueller

God stopped Paul from preaching in Asia and Bithynia, but then along came Philippi. The results were awesome! WOW.

We ask the Lord to order our steps, direct our paths, guide us along the way; all very noble prayer requests and desires. But it's funny sometimes, for even though we know the “race is not to the swift,” many of us still can’t seem to slow ourselves down or pause to get into God's stride. And so in our “Christian walk” we often end up running into situations God tried to shield us from or divert us around. Maybe it’s time we took a real serious look at who’s doing the leading. If God is still your co-pilot, don’t change seats, get out of the cockpit altogether.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV)

P.S. - I asked yesterday and I'm asking again today. For the upcoming series on Prayer beginning THIS SUNDAY we're asking for your help. Please take a moment to let us know which session you will be attending. They are as follows:


Sunday Session 11:30am (On Campus)
Tuesday Session 6:30pm (On Campus)
Wednesday Session 7:00pm (Zoom)
Saturday Session 1:15pm (Zoom)



PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY TO THIS E-MAIL TODAY!

Online Service 6/20/21 #FathersDay

Good Morning! Catch the premier of our 2021 FathersDay Online Service 6/20/21 today at 10am on YouTube SouthsideSunday M3N4CHRI5T https://bit.ly/3qsyNHX

Agreeing to Walk Together

Christians may not always see eye to eye, but they can always walk arm in arm. – Anon

Paul & Barnabas didn’t see eye to eye about John Mark, but they saw Christ as one. Hmm!

If pleasing God is our goal, and fulfilling our godly purpose is our motivation, then love is our aim. We must remember “love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, proud, rude, or self-seeking.” God has so made us where we need each other. Interdependence is the very fabric of our lives, and love does not separate but binds us together for the common good. Our goal is to always keep the ‘main thing’ as the main thing.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” – Amos 3:3

P.S. - For the upcoming series on Prayer beginning THIS SUNDAY(6/27/21) we're asking for your help. Please take a moment to let us know which session you will be attending. They are as follows:

Sunday Session 11:30am (On Campus)

Tuesday Session 6:30pm (On Campus)

Wednesday Session 7:00pm (Zoom)

Saturday Session 1:15pm (Zoom)

PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY TO THIS E-MAIL TODAY!

Sermon Pop: Hold Your Peace #SouthsideSunday

The latest SermonPop Inspiration is here! How do you "Hold Your Peace"? Find out at the premier today at 10am on YouTube ! SouthsideSunday

https://bit.ly/3gXFv4F

What's the Master Plan?

If you have no idea where you want to go, then any old road will take you there. – D. Swanberg

The bible is God’s love letter to us on how to reach His house. Based on the way we’re living apparently not many people want to go. Hmm!

It’s a common maxim but with a lot of truth: “Ready, aim, fire.” The truth of it is we’re more likely to hit the mark if we’re looking at the target and aiming for it. It’s the same in life, but it’s called planning. If our lives seem out of control it’s possibly because we have no plan to guide or direct us. Many of us flounder about in life because we have no stated or intended purpose or plan. Before it is possible for us to achieve anything we must chart a course or plan of attack to help keep us in line and measure our progress, otherwise we’ll never know how we’re doing or where we’re headed. The key thing in all of this though; is to make sure our master plans line up with our Master’s Plan.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3

No Partner In Crime

Most people asking for advice are usually looking for an accomplice. – M. LaGrange

The rich young ruler didn’t really want Jesus’ thoughts on eternal life, just his blessing on the way he wanted to obtain it. Hmm!

All of us have family or friends we shy away from in giving advice for we know their intent is to incorporate us into their affairs somehow. This is a noble task on our part, but how often do we turn around and do the same thing to God. Often in our prayers we really are not seeking God’s will, but trying to get God to bless what we’ve already proposed or launched into. This is tantamount to putting God in a box. God will hear and answer the prayers of His people, but He will not be limited in any way to our anticipated responses, nor cover for our overzealous desires and wants. God sees prayer as a time of communion where our hearts conform to His, then the blessings will flow, and since He is holy, He can’t be an accomplice to anyone.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“’Be careful,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

YOUR View from Here

The issue is not where you are, but how you live wherever you are. – Henry Nouwen

Though Paul spent a great deal of his life imprisoned, you’d hardly know it from his writings. Wow!

We frequently think to ourselves “if only my circumstances were different, then things would be better.” And so we begin the merry-go-round of wishful thinking: “if only I had a different job,” “if only I had a different spouse,” “if only I had stayed in school,” “if only, if only….” But such thinking is unproductive and actually blinds us to all that is good that God has placed in our lives and present situation. No matter where we are presently in life, it is good. The view we need to undertake is trying to seek out what God is trying to do through us in our present status or circumstances. What we’ll find often is that it’s not the circumstances that need change so much as it is our inner self and attitude. Remember, with God results count, excuses don’t.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…..” – Philippians 4:11

Music Pops: Hallelujah You're Worthy To Be Praised- The Southside Choir

Good Morning! Join The Southside Choir in praise with the MusicPops premier: Hallelujah You're Worthy To Be Praised! 10am today on YouTube MusicMonday

https://bit.ly/3iMp8Kx

A Timely Gift

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives! - A. Dillard

"And there was evening, and there was and morning - the first day." - Genesis 1:5

Today is June 18, 2021. The 169th day of this year and roughly the 737,469th day since year 1 using the Gregorian calendar system. That's a lot of days but only in the sense man started keeping a calendar. No one knows the actual number of days since creation but God alone. And God has given us a prescribed number of days in His book (Ps. 139:16). Moses asked God to "teach us to number them to gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12). Have you ever done that. I don't mean in a morbid way, but in terms of measurement or progress. We all have an average life expectancy and hopefully we're living it to the fullest. Each day we get is an opportunity to attempt great things for God. And the good thing about it is these great things don't have to be announced from a stage or loud speaker for all to see, they can be as small as a genuine kindness expressed to someone we meet. Well, today is a gift, how will you use it?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"This is the DAY the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24

P.S. - for those who can make it we'll be gathering at the church at 9am tomorrow for our 'Prayer Walk.' We will have groups going to designated areas in Inglewood to pray for our community. We will regroup at the church afterwards for a 'continental' breakfast. IF YOU ARE WILLING AND ABLE we're asking everyone to fast, beginning at 3pm TODAY until we meet for the breakfast tomorrow morning.

Online Service 6/13/21 #SouthsideSunday

Good Morning! Catch the Online Service 6/13/21 premier today at 10am on @YouTube ! Like, Share, Subscribe! #SouthsideSunday

https://bit.ly/3d9rJLh

Finding Your Purpose

A Hun without purpose will never know when they have achieved it. – Attila the Hun

From the day he was born, Samuel knew he would serve before the Lord, and He was faithful til the end. Amen!

Games have end results – FUN! Contests have end results – A WINNER! Tests have end results – PASS or FAIL! Everything God created has a purpose and that includes us. To drift through life aimlessly without direction, goals, dreams, or meaningful purpose is to be separated from God. Life is not a game of survival, but a gift of opportunity to create and contribute to God’s story. The best place to look for purpose is not in our jobs, family, recreation, or social gatherings, but with Our Creator. He knows why we’re here.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.– Ecclesiastes 12:13

Sermon Pop: "How To Win The Day"

Good Morning! Here's a little Inspiration for those who feel the weight of the world is on their shoulders. The SermonPop premier of: "How To Win The Day" by Pastor Botts is at 10am on YouTube

https://bit.ly/2TELnI5

Individual Ambassadors

I found out a long time ago that “I must do something” allows much more freedom than “something must be done.” – L. Hallum

The Good Samaritan didn’t wait until a truce was called, or a law was passed to help his ‘neighbor,’ he just did it! WOW.

We’ve all heard the maxim “actions speak louder than words” – and it’s true, particularly for us as God-fearing people. When we act instead of waiting for others to act we are truly free to express our God-given talents, abilities, and resources in ways to benefit the kingdom and bring glory to God, than if we wait for “someone else” to do it. God often places us in such situations that we may share His love in some form with others. He doesn’t expect us to go beyond our means but will amply supply all that we require. As the day unfolds and situations arise we must each remember that we are the individual ‘ambassador’ God has chosen in this situation, because God only leaves the big jobs for someone important like us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” – Matthew 14:16

Get Off To A Good Start

I always make sure the lid over the keyboard is open before I start to play. – A. Schnabel

Job always started his mornings with a sacrifice offering to God. God said there was no one like him on earth. WOW!

The average person will stretch or warm up before a workout or game, study for an exam, warm up their car, and even prepare for a date. We know the benefits of such advance preparations. But yet we often barge right into God’s creation – TODAY – with no time or thought given to the Creator. If God has filled each day with purpose, and we know He has; it would be wise of us to check in with Him first thing before we go off on the wrong tangent. A day hemmed in prayer won’t soon unravel.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” – Psalm 5:3

No Balance Here

The symbol of the religion of Jesus is the cross, not the scales. – J. Stott

In Luke 18 the Pharisee wanted God to see how well balanced and pious his life was by his acts of service. God was not impressed. Hmm!

All too often we’re like the Pharisee, we’ll do just enough to balance things out, give God just enough time, offering, praise, etc. to cover the blessings He gives. But we miss the boat. The cross represents the symbol of our Lord’s suffering. It is where He was hung and crucified with OUR sins. Nothing we do can atone for His sacrifice or “balance out” the deed. We are forever in His debt. Jesus did not call us to balance the books but to “take up our cross daily” and follow Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat?’ Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink…So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have only done our duty,” – Luke 17:7-10

Music Pops: I Know It Was The Blood #MensDay21

Get hyped up this MusicMonday with the latest MusicPops: "I Know It Was The Blood" Premiering today at 10am on YouTube MensDay21 SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/jycDLeHAfOk

Do Dive Deeper

The bible will always be full of things you CANNOT understand as long as you will not live according to the things you DO understand. – Anon

King Saul couldn’t understand why God would not answer his prayer requests. Samuel had already told him God has taken the kingdom from him because of disobedience. Hmm!

Water pressure has amazing effects on the human body. The deeper under water you go the more ways it affects you: blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, sense of being, etc. The Word of God is the same way. The more we live by it the more it affects and impacts every area of our lives. But the reason we often don’t get the life changing effects and increased faith promised is because we don’t go deep enough nor truly obey what we do know. God’s Word is ‘powerful and effective’ and will work in ways we don’t fully understand, but only if we are obedient to what we do understand. It’s not the knowledge that brings the blessings but the commitment to DO what it says.

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside….” – Psalm 14:2-3

Online Service 6/6/21 #SouthsideSunday

Magnify the Lord! The Online Service 6/6/21 Premier is here! Check it out at 10am on YouTube! Let the praises go up again! SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/gQMjAGsvBtc

Don't Just Chew On This

Chewing gum only proves that you can have motion without progress. – Sparks

The Israelites wandered for 40 years on a trek that should have roughly only taken them 2-weeks or so. WOW!

Merry-go-rounds. You've seen them spinning with the horses going up and down, a lot of motion and activity. But when they stop, you're still in the place you started - no progress made. Often people are just like that in their commitment to God. Many of us sometimes just go through the motions, fooling only ourselves. God is not deceived, for remember “he looks on the heart” and “knows the thoughts and intents of man.” So it is not our keeping of ‘duty’ that stirs God, but our desire for relationship with Him. Out of this communion spring all the details of life’s actions. Our steps truly become ordered, our words truly become seasoned, our time truly invested in others for the sake of the kingdom, and our labor is not in vain. Are you game?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46

Sermon Pop: With God I Can!

What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? Catch the SermonPop premier of "With God I Can!" by Eld. Ron Tatum today at 10am on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/tABI_YD8TQ0

Power to the People...

God votes for you, Satan votes against you, and you cast the deciding vote. – Anon

The greatest freedom God gave us was the right to choose. He was hoping we’d lean His way. Hmm!

Our current Congressional session refuses is 'wavering' on bills to secure the 'basic right to vote' while many state legislatures are making it harder to vote. Go figure! But there is a much more important vote that we make every day in our lives. And that is a vote or determination to make our calling or election as children of God sure. To model those qualities of faith, virtue, steadfastness, self-control, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love just to name a few. It takes a daily commitment to live the way God expects of us. The enemy will put every obstacle in our path, hoping we’ll grow weary and give up. So, today and everyday we must vote that hell will not be our destination, and our deeds and actions should easily fall into place.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“,,,,therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fail…” – II Peter 1:10

No Complaints

Jesus can turn water into wine, but he can’t turn whining into anything. – M. Steele

The Israelites grumbled against God in the desert and it cost them dearly. 40 years to be exact. OUCH!

It’s a given that we will not always like everything that happens to us in life. Adversity, trials, soured relationships, etc. come upon us all. God is testing us, proving us, shaping us for greater work ahead. It’s not so much what happens to us in life, as it is how we respond. God is not expecting murmurings of discontent or grumblings of objection, but OBEDIENCE. Our willful obedience to His will is the sign of growth in The Spirit. If we truly believe God knows what He’s doing in our lives and He can make all things “work together for good” then there’s nothing left to say.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a depraved and crooked generation….” – Philippians 2:14-15

Does It Fit?

If you were given a nickname descriptive of your character, would ‘Christian’ really fit? – Anon

True, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham – the father of many nations, but it took God 25 years to change his character to fit the name. Hmm!

In bible times a persons name represented their character, it was a look into who they were. Big assignments required big characters. Not in terms of stature or size, but in terms of heart and devotion to God. God will give us all responsibility in proportion to our character – the size of which will be up to us and our faith in God. And no matter the desire God will take His time in developing the character size we choose. He sees what we can be from an eternal perspective and not just day-to-day. The great thing is if you’re not happy with your character remember God is still at work.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” – Genesis 12:2-3

Music Pops: Send Me I'll Go by Big Kev #MensDay2021

Enjoy a special Lunchtime MusicPops Premier: Send Me I'll Go by Big Kev today at noon on YouTube! When the Lord calls, will you answer? MusicMonday MensDay2021 SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/_xv0AE4k6QA

MusicPops: Love For God: Flexx Fields #MensDay21

Start your MusicMonday off with some Love For God in our latest MusicPops premier featuring Bro Flexx Fields! 10am Today on YouTube MensDay21 SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/xE38Zam6KEY

Most Likely To...?

There is no saint without a past, and no sinner without a future. – Anon

Paul called himself the “chief of sinners,” yet he was one of the greatest evangelists and missionaries to ever live. Wow!

Most High School Yearbooks carry photos of those voted ‘Most Likely to…..?’ I’m sure if we compare then and now for the most part the pictures were way off base. The same can be said of us in our way of thinking. We often portray people we meet as ‘Most Likely to…? or ‘Most Unlikely to….?, particularly when it comes to being Christian. If we’ll own up to it there are just some people we thought would NEVER belong to God. And the sad truth is when we find out that they do, we often doggedly try to find areas, circumstances, and actions to discredit them. When you think about it, it’s amazing how often we want grace and forgiveness extended to us but we seldom want to extend it to others, but that’s the great thing about grace – it applies to everyone equally. God can take the worst sinner and make him/her a saint, not perfect but saintly, and we should just leave it at that.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?....Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” – Acts 9:21-22

Online Service 5/30/21 #SouthsideSunday

The premier of Sunday's service is going on today at 10am on YouTube! Check out what you may have missed live and be inspired all over again by #VO3 and Mr Ron! SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/bBntTWzSMFQ

Handling the Small Things

To become reliable in the big things, you have to practice it in the small ones. – J. Budziszewski

Mighty Warrior, Mighty King – David. David ended up this way, but we mustn’t forget he started out as a ruddy little shepherd boy for his father. Hmm!

As long as we live trials and tribulation, temptation and trouble will come, no one is exempt. God will test us to build us up, and Satan will tempt us to try and tear us down. The key to overcoming both is the same; doing the right thing at all times, no matter when, where, or with whom. It’s not the big trials or temptations that often topple us. It’s our failure in the little dull, monotonous, repetitious ones that occur each day. If character is not forged here it is not forged at all. God is looking for faithfulness in all things small and great. Today will be full of opportunities to practice.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10

Sermon Pop: I Still Have Wings!

Good Morning! The latest SermonPop inspiration is here: I Still Have Wings! Check out the premier today at 10am on YouTube! SouthsideSunday

https://youtu.be/Br-bUuKIkrA

Oh What A Tangled Web We Weave

When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion, roar and all. – Ethiopian Proverb

The great nation of Israel – God’s people – were routed in war because of Achan’s little secret sin. Hmm!

If you’ve ever given thought to a spider’s web you’ll see most are intricate patterns of beauty, convenience, and often hard to see, until it’s too late. The spider spins or repairs his web every day because he knows someone will get comfortable with themselves and not look out. Sin is just like that friend. It presents itself as an invitation that you just can’t seem to refuse. Starting off small and unassuming, they may not seem like much those ‘little’ sins we allow, even make excuse for in our life – after all we’re not as bad as …. But enough of those little ‘pet’ or ‘respectable’ sins in our life can bind us and silence us as effective witnesses for our Lord, and in truth even 1 pet sin is too many. The bible calls on us to “resist the devil” and that would include all inclinations and invitations to sin, which is his basic calling card. Today is a gift to start unraveling our life. Are you game enough to ask God how?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” – II Peter 3:19

Heart Check!

The condition of our hearts determines the direction of our lives. - L. Woods

Paul's conversion allowed him to help rebuild the church he tried to destroy. WOW!

A tightness or pain in our chest. A numbness in our arm. Dizziness or an irregular heartbeat. When symptoms like these hit us we generally don't play around. It's off to the doctor or nearest emergency room depending on the intensity. We know there is a possible problem with our heart. But what about our 'spiritual heart?' What are the warning signs that would make us realize something is wrong? Truth be told most of us tend to think we're alright because we avoid the 'big sins' - whatever they are. But in the sight of God gossiping carries the same weight as sexual immorality - it's all SIN!. Therefore our backbiting, foul language, selfishness, bad attitude, lackadaisical worship, etc., should all be considered warning signs that we need a heart checkup. And the great thing is the 'Good Doctor' God is always available to see us. Why not make an appointment?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"My heart says of you, 'Seek His face!' Your face Lord will I seek." - Psalm 27:8