Wonderfully Encouraging Words

“Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life….” – Song Refrain

Jesus’ one on one ministry encounters always left them wanting more. Hmm!


Suicide! It occurs in our world every day. Why, because someone has reached a point where they feel there is no hope, no advantages, no upside to their life and the world is better off without them. In search of hope, meaning, or purpose they found nothing. Jesus came that “we might have life, and have it to the fullest”, meaning we should have enough to offer hope and encouragement to others. You never know just how far one word of encouragement can go, but the bible is full of examples of 1 person changing the trajectory of whole nations. Today, no matter where we are in life, up or down, let us remember our words should always carry the very important message of hope. You will not only encourage yourself and edify Christ, you might just change the course of someone’s life.


Until tomorrow…..


Pastor Botts


“…..But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:32

He'll Be There Right On Time

Time is relative! To what, is your choice. - Anon

No matter the number of years in exile God was always with His people. Hmm!

Flare guns! Often used to send up a signal to denote location or signal for help. Mary and Martha sent up a flare signal for Jesus when their brother Lazarus was ill. Yet, Jesus when he received it stayed put two more days, hence their statement when he finally came: ‘Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.” We are often like them, always praying and expecting immediate answers from God. And as the stress of unanswered prayer wears on we begin to question God’s love for us. We forget God doesn’t answer according to our will or timing, but according to His purposes. Though He may not respond immediately He is always mindful of our needs and will answer in time. After all, it’s His glory on display, not our comfort.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….the Lord you God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Uniquely Loved

The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent upon it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do. – Galileo

When Jesus spoke he not only calmed the sea, he astonished each man there with him. WOW!

This is an amazing feature of God’s nature – yes He is running the universe, keeping the moon and the stars aligned, keeping nature balanced, making sure day follows night, etc – but in addition to all of that God loves each one of us as if we were the only one that matters. We were each uniquely made that He might love us each in our own unique way, and no matter what else goes on in the world God is always there for each one of us ALL THE TIME! And beyond this he still longs to be closer to each of us still. Yes God has time and eternity on His hands for us, the question is do we have time for Him.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem….how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” – Matthew 23:37

SORRY: Yesterday's scripture reference should have been Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25. I had the verses backwards.

THIS Is The Way

Though hindsight is 20/20 vision, most people would prefer not to exercise it. - Anon

Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25, there has to be a reason God had this sentiment recorded twice. Hmm! [There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.]

You see it almost daily. Little children being held by the hand of their parents. But yet they tug, squirm, and pull trying to break free. To exercise their independence, confident that they can navigate this world on their own. We smile knowingly, but in truth it's a picture of us with God. As He tries to lead us, we confidently break away -thinking this path/way is better. As He tries to instruct us - we refuse His teaching and foolishly say we know better, often thinking His ways are antiquated and out of touch with reality. But yet, He stands by and patiently waits for us to realize who's WHO! If life has taught us anything it's that 'God the Father Knows Best' and He will never lead us astray. Open arms are awaiting anyone wishing to return to Him.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake...." - Psalm 23:3

Music Pops: TLC "Shake The Foundations"

Catch the latest MusicPops featuring Southside's own TLC (The Lord's Chosen) singing "Shake The Foundations"! Today at 10am on YouTube SouthsideSunday iSouthsideCC

https://bit.ly/2WN3RHG

Baptism Sunday 8/15/21 #SouthsideSunday

Check out the baptisms from our Welcome back to the Sanctuary service! Baptism Sunday 8/15/21 SouthsideSunday https://bit.ly/3gPNBNd via YouTube