Compassionate Participation

A forgiven person forgives, a loved person loves, a nurtured person cares….you get the idea! – Henry Nouwen

On his way to being Savior of all mankind, Jesus never forgot to relate to mankind. Hmm!

Truth be told, we are good at critiquing others and even better at giving advice. We often assume we know what is best for others, particularly the more unfortunate members of our society or circle of friendship. But we are not so good at what Jesus asks of us, and that is compassionate participation. We often fail to draw close to others and pass on what we have freely received ourselves from the Master. Compassionate participation is seeing people where they are, no matter who they are, and extending to them that same grace, mercy, love, etc. that we receive daily from the Lord. It may require us to go the extra mile with them, but isn’t that what Jesus actually said we should do anyway?

I'll be taking a vacation for now so until I return this keyboard will be silent.

Blessings!

Pastor Botts

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – I John 4:11

Heavenly Preparation

If you aren’t going to go all the way, why bother going at all. – Joe Namath

The moment Jesus left heaven He knew an agonizing cross would be his final act. He gladly bore it too. WOW!

“Are we there yet?” Most of us are familiar with this question that often occurs on long trips with impatient children. Though annoying when screamed several times at loud decibels, the question itself is just a reminder that we are on a journey that has an endpoint or destination. The same is true of our lives as well, there is an endpoint or destination, and sadly though many talk of ‘going to heaven’ they make very little progress in that direction, their lives just don’t line up with their ‘confession of faith.’ We must know that Heaven is not a place everyone suddenly winds up in, it’s a prepared place for a prepared people. And God has stipulated what our preparation is to be, no more and no less. The situations that arise today will ask us ‘how far are we willing to go?’

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62

Getting to Intimate Knowledge

A rolling stone gathers no moss; nor anything else. – Sparks

The Israelites continually tried to live like their neighbors and hold on to God; they got neither. Hmm!

We’ve seen it in others lives - The lack to stick with something long enough to make it work, the refusal to invest time into something worthwhile, the life without aim or direction – and often we muse about it. But the same can often be said of us. For just as often we wonder why we have not come to know God more intimately or know His Word more deeply. To do so requires time, patience, and discipline; often in short supply in our busy lives. To know God takes intimacy, which takes time. God has never been in a hurry so why should we be. If we really want to know Him and have Him in our lives, we need to stop casually doing drive-by service and just park for awhile.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” – Psalm 27:4

Choice of Color

Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush – it can color any situation – any color you want it. – Anon

Even after Isaiah pronounced God’s judgment on him, Hezekiah held fast his trust in God. God granted him 15 more years. WOW!

Life, as we know it is a series of responses to Today’s offerings. No matter what the sky above looks like, the truth of the matter is the day presents back to us exactly the color or attitude we give to it. If we are gray and gloomy it will be long and slow. If we’re hopeful and optimistic it will be fast paced and full of opportunity. The choice is ours and ours alone to make. Circumstances may enter, like loss of sleep, little financial resources, strained relationships – but how we respond is clearly our own choice of color. The fact that God has granted us life today begs the question – do we have any reason to be upset or negative?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“[Jonah] said, ‘O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ But the Lord replied, ‘Have you any right to be angry.’” – Jonah 4:3-4

Using Discernment

To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. – Anon

When the other leaders and officials conspired against Daniel, he continued his prayers ‘openly.’ God eventually brought him vindication. OUCH!

We all know what we want and expect out of life and as such we set goals, objectives, and parameters, etc., on ourselves to help maintain focus and purpose. But when it comes to relating to others, though our desires may be noble, we cannot force those same goals, objectives, and parameters on them. One thing God’s patience with us screams very loudly is that the ‘grace card’ can NEVER be overplayed. As He extends mercy, forgiveness, compassion, love, grace, and provision to us each and every day in abundance, so should we in dealing with our fellow man. This does not mean we are completely accepting of others sinful ways - as God is not with us and expects repentance – but that we are not condemning them in their sin, leaving the door of repentance and change open to them. The situations and people God brings before us today will be worked out not so much by what God gives us, but by what we use.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong….” I Kings 3:9

"Small" Ball

A walk is as good as a hit! - Anon (maybe Bro. Artie Salyard)

All Aaron and Hur did was 'help' Moses hold his hands up in prayer for Joshua in battle. It was more than enough. Hmm!

The objective of baseball is to get on base and score. Yes, homeruns are a grand event, but most runs scored in a game occur without the ball ever leaving the ballpark. Runners get on base by way of a base hit OR walk, and are moved around the bases and brought home to score by the batters after them. It's a team effort. It's the same in our work of kingdom building. We all have a part to play in building up Christ's kingdom or church, and no role is too small to be overlooked or thought unimportant. Just as it often takes more than one player to score a run, it often takes many 'touches' from many different disciples of Jesus before a sinner is convinced they need what Jesus offers. So today, as we stand in the batter's box, remember a walk is as good as a hit.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some..." - I Corinthians 9:22

Counting Incomparable Riches

Get rich quick: Count your blessings. – Richard Murray

Paul realized that whether he had little or plenty, he was rich and content as long as he had God. AMEN!

Lotto! The Big Spin! The Annual Bonus! Etc. We tend to look for additions to our portfolios, bank accounts, and personal possessions as signs that God is truly blessing us, and often get frustrated because they don’t grow the way we think they should. But if we ever stopped to count our blessings from God we would see it’s impossible to enumerate what He has done for us and how He’s given to us. And it’s not only what He’s given to us but also what He’s kept us from. It would be virtually impossible for us to count our riches in blessings for just one day, let alone a lifetime. So if we ever feel short-changed all we need do is start counting.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him …..in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:6-7

Living Enthusiastic Lives

Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles around to watch you burn. – John Wesley

The ‘change’ in the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well was so stark, it excited the whole town to come see this Jesus. Wow!

We’ll drive great lengths, we’ll wait in long lines, even sit in not-so-great seats just to have a chance to see ‘our’ team, to cheer them on, scream and yell with exuberance our support, proudly wear the ‘uniform, and talk them up. But when it comes to matters of faith it’s sad that so many of us have a ‘form of Christianity’ that just seems to drain us, tire us out, take our joy, and leave us flat and unappealing to others. Jesus actually said “I come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” That sounds like exuberance and enthusiasm. To be enthusiastic for Christ is not just reciting bible verses to people, handing out gospel tracts, or just telling the lost Jesus loves them. To be enthusiastic is to be active in showing others the love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, grace, humility, and help Jesus would show them if He were present (actually He is in us) in such a way that they could not mistake it for anything else but the favor of God reaching out to them. May we all have fun for Christ today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

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

The Blessing of Quality Work

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. – Aristotle

Though it took him some time and he endured a bit of ridicule, not only was Noah’s ark designed well, it also actually floated. WOW!

It’s a sad truth that many folks don’t enjoy what they do for a living. The bible does teach us that if we are able we should do honorable work to support ourselves, and that it is God who gives us the ability and opportunity to create wealth. In truth, it’s not so much the work as it is the attitude we bring to it. Work is such an ennobling blessing. It is our opportunity to use our mind, body, and time to produce a commodity or service that is pleasing to God. And if what we are about during the day is to be useful and bring glory to the Master, it certainly requires our best efforts. Cheap work is never good, and good work is never cheap. Remember God’s work for us only cost Him His Only Son.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” – Colossians 3:23-24

P.S. - New Class Series on 'Growing In Prayer' begins tonight on campus at 6:30 for all interested.

Opportunities to Give Glory

There is no good arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available for a chilling wind is to put on your overcoat. – J. R. Lowell

Abraham bargained with God over Sodom & Gomorrah, asking him to spare the city if he could find 10 righteous souls there. WE KNOW HOW IT ENDED!

Here it is Monday again, just like clockwork it always follows Sunday. There is nothing we can do to stop it for it is by God’s Divine design it happens this way. But we can prepare ourselves to meet and greet the day as an opportunity to further the kingdom of God, because that’s exactly what it is. We are alive and well for his purposes, so whatever comes our way today (whether positive or negative) can and should be used to give God the glory.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it flourish…..so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:10-11

Just Different

There is no such thing as bad weather; it’s just a different sort. – J. Ruskin

God spoke with Abraham man to man. He spoke to the Israelites from the mountain. He spoke to us through His Son. Different ways – same God! Hmm!

The great thing about life is no 2 days are ever alike. But often in our lives when our circumstances seem to tax us to the 'Nth' degree we say things like “I’m having a streak of bad luck” or “my life is going from bad to worse.” In reality the only thing that has really changed is our outlook on the situation. When we see things as “bad” it means we’ve taken our eyes off of our sustainer – GOD. God is "good all the time." Life may be hard at times, but it is not bad, it’s just different given the situation. But as sure as day follows night God can and often will change our outlook if we just look up.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” – II Samuel 22:29-30

Squad Goals

A good library is a collection of friends. – L. Abbott

When distress came upon Job his friends immediately came to his side. They weren’t the brightest, but they were there for him. Hmm!

Batman & Robin. The Lone Ranger & Tonto. Crimefighters yes, but friends as well. No matter how we try to live out our lives we will soon discover it’s much better and easier with good friends than without them. Yes some events call for solitude but God wired us to be in communion with Him and “not to be alone.” Good fellowship with friends helps build up our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. The key to having them is to allow God to place them in our lives, and then enjoy. Why not read a chapter or two today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.” – Luke 6:12-13

Salty Perfection

As part of humanity, each of us is called to develop and share the unique gifts we are given. - M. Marti

Dorcas' small 'gifts of love' had a very profound impact on the community around her. Hmm!

Think about it, the only time you notice it is by its absence or its overbearing presence. What is it? - Salt! Almost every recipe calls for it, even sweets like cake and ice cream - go figure. Mixed in right proportions salt dissolves and brings out the best of the ingredients around it. It's what Jesus had in mind when He referred to us as 'salt of the earth.' We're to blend in at just the right proportion to bring out the best in others. Could you imagine if The Church held such sway over culture this way. That's our purpose, to transform the 'flavor' of life all over the world for Christ. Let's get cooking!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot." - Matthew 5:13

Mad Truth

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you mad. – Aldous Huxley

The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day were always at odds with Jesus just because he was the TRUTH. Go figure!

Stress. Anger. Anxiety. These words and others like them wreak havoc on our physical make-up. Why, because God made us in His image to be at peace with Him. It is really only when we are confronted with the truth, which we refuse to accept and obey; that we begin to suffer such maladies. We can’t put any more hours in the day, work any harder than we already are, or change anyone’s thinking. WE CAN control ourselves and our obedience to the truth. God’s word is not given to take the fun out of life, but that we may have life more abundantly. So when the truth confronts, don’t get angry, get right!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“In your anger, do not sin! Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold…” – Ephesians 4:26-27

Born Originals

Majestic mountains are not meant to envy. – John Piper

John the Baptist never tried to overshadow the ministry of Jesus, he just prepared the way. Hmm!

The Grand Canyon – it’s a beautiful creation and gift of God that inspires awe. But it was not intended to create a desire for us to dig a hole just like it. Truth be known many folks often wish they could sing, preach, pray, write, etc. like the Great ones; and they envy their skills and talents. But comparisons like this are really a doorway into selfish ambition, it leads us to a place of competition and confrontation rather than God’s design for harmony and unity. Ambition is a great thing, but we should seek to keep it focused on bettering ourselves through the gifts and opportunities God grants us individually, not trying to make ourselves a carbon copy of some other God-gifted saint. For if we fail to be who God made us to be, who will fill in for us?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

In This Life You Will Have Troubles...But They Can Be Overcome

Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records. – W. Ward

In the most adverse circumstance Samson still brought down ‘the house’ for God. Hmm!

One thing in our life is certain, everyday will not be sunny, healthy, or easy; there will be storms and trouble. But we cannot abandon life because of it storms. The strongest trees are not found sheltered in the safety of the forest, rather they are often in open spaces – bent and twisted by the winds of all seasons. God knows that times of trouble can be useful. They can show us who we really are, and what kind of character and integrity we have, and help us grow stronger. When Jeremiah questioned God because of the trouble he faced, God asked him how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones tired him out. We should take time to understand the troubles we face today are training us for more difficult situations we’ll face in the future. Trust in God and you’ll stand firm.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life…” – James 1:12

Online Service 8/1/21 #SouthsideSunday

The Online Service 8/1/21 premier rolls in today at 10am on YouTube! Catch what you missed! SouthsideSunday

https://bit.ly/3ysuU9b

Moving Forward

Regret is mostly caused by not having done anything. - Charles Bukowski

It made no sense at all to march around Jericho 7 times until it did. - Hmm!

Remember Lot's wife, after receiving God's instructions not to look back she did anyway, and it cost her dearly. Why did she do it? Possibly because she was a little uncomfortable leaving the 'familiar'. It's true, many of us are uncomfortable leaving the familiar, the tried and true. It's what we know, it fits well, and it's easy. One consequence of looking back is it makes moving forward much, much harder than it need be. True, moving forward is uncertain and often calls for us to exert ourselves in new ways we're not sure of. But move forward we must, and the great thing about it is we can trust God to provide all we need as doors and opportunity open up. Remember He prepares the way so we're always in a forward march position. Here's praying we can stay in step.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The [Master replied] well then, you should have put my 'talent' on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest." - Matthew 25:27

Shining Through the Shadows

Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light. – Anon

Job questioned but never doubted God. We know his story ended well. Amen!

You look out on a bright sunny day and you see them. What are they – shadows. And they grow in size and shape as the light begins to shift or fade. Sometimes big and foreboding, other times just a sliver. But the reason behind them is the same, the presence of light. Shadows only occur with the presence of light. It’s a great analogy for our lives as well, as sometimes the issues of life (health, finances, grief, relationships, etc.) can overshadow us with a sense of foreboding doom. It would behoove us then to remember though there may be a shadow, the ‘light’ of God is still present. As the scripture tells us God is the light that shines in darkness. His grace, mercy, and favor can still shine on us if we but turn and look for Him. He’s always there and ready to shine to show us a way through. Just give Him a call.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

Alone Time

Sometimes I am better company than anyone else! - Anon

A striking thought: Enoch walked with God everyday and we never see where he asked if he could bring along a friend. HMM!

FOMO – a recently coined contraction. Fear Of Missing Out! It’s innate in all of us. You see babies who don’t want to nap – FOMO. You see kids who despite being sick/injured continue to play - FOMO. You see adults practically tied to cell phones, I-pads, etc. – FOMO. We all desire to belong, to be a part of the conversation or collective group in some fashion, even if we listen from afar. We just don’t like being alone. Why, maybe it’s because we don’t really like ourselves, or possibly we are afraid of being alone with our own thoughts. But Jesus, our leading example teaches us it is good AND necessary to be alone at times – “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – in solitude to connect with the Heavenly Father. He always seemed to come away from those times fully energized. I think this beats a 5-hour energy drink anytime!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"After he [Jesus] had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone….” – Matthew 14:23

Lessons in Honest Work

Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need. – Voltaire

The bible tells us God worked 6 days creating the heavens and the earth. I think we can take a hint from this!

Though we may not be thrilled with what we do, and though we may not like the hour we have to arise, or the time we spend commuting back and forth, honest work is in itself a blessing from God. Not only from the standpoint that there are many who cannot do it, but from the point of view that it teaches us temperance, self-control, diligence and a hundred other virtues the idle will never know, besides allowing us to provide for our families and the needy. The secret is to find something you like doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain.” – I Corinthians 15:58