Life's On The Way

The greatest thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time. Anon

You know, when you think it through, it really is a good thing God neither wears a watch nor has a calendar. Hmm!

I said once before that photo albums are great nostalgia. Pictures in time we look back on with delight, sometimes disgust, and with a "what was I thinking at the time" ideology. It's a good thing life moves forward. God sees our whole picture, not just a single frame. He created us and knows all of our past failures and successes. And He knows the future He's planned for each of us. That is a daily encouragement when you think on it. For no matter how life is in this current frame, God still has a plan for me. And, it has to be something great and more than we can imagine because God does only the extraordinary. So maybe we should begin to think a little bigger, dream a little more, and walk with more pep in our step. Why, because we know our God is up to something that will be for our good and His glory, and that 'ain't' no way bad!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." - Habakkuk 2:3

Love of the Individual

Love should not only be extended to those who agree with us, but to all who are loved by God. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Though Job did not agree with his friends' assessments of himself, he still respected them. Hmm!

Often, if we’re not careful we get caught red-handed – loving our church and its ways more than people who are lost. We become a clique or denomination unto ourselves. But the scripture says “God so loved the world that He gave His Son” not He so loved the church, and there is not a person alive that God does not love despite their sin. And we are called on to express that love as Christ did. Thus, love in the Christian community should be, first of all not based on principal, commonality, doctrinal unity or common ministry ideologies. It should be a love of the individual who is also loved by God. If we start there, we should be able to find some unity in other areas of life to work together for the good of God’s kingdom.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“….He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – II Peter 3:9

Forgiveness is Just a Prayer Away

Forgiving you is my gift to you. Moving on is my gift to myself. - Anon

When Nehemiah looked over the city ruins, though his heart ached, he saw not retribution but a vision of restoration. Hmm!

There was Peter on that fateful night, denying Jesus and calling down curses when he turned and saw Jesus looking straight at him. Now what he saw when he looked at Jesus made him immediately break down and cry. It wasn’t a look of anger, frustration, or disbelief, but a look of forgiveness. How do I know, because a little later Jesus told Peter “feed my sheep!” This should reinforce in our hearts that when we feel shame/guilt for our mistakes, forgiveness is only a prayer away. God has a ‘look’ in His eyes as well when He looks at us. He looks upon us every day through eyes of forgiveness, and a vision of us in our own small way that He’s provided, helping to build up His kingdom. I don’t know about you, but today I’m going to work.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” – Psalm 51:12

Your Life: Take 1: Action!

One day your whole life will flash before your eyes. Now’s the time to make sure it’s worth watching. – Anon

God was pleased with Hezekiah’s life story enough to extend his life fifteen years. Hmm!

We’ve all seen movies or shows that we vowed we would never see again. Whether it was bad acting, a bad plot, gratuitous violence or language etc., or just plain silliness it somehow left a bad taste or memory with us that we don’t want to revisit. It would be a complete waste of time. Though this is on the big screen it should evoke some thought as to how we live our daily lives before God. The truth of the matter is we will all one day have to give an account of what we’ve done, and nothing in all creation is hidden or can be hidden from Him. The idea of having to stand there and watch our lives flash before our eyes in God’s presence should be a wake-up call. And yes, His grace goes a long way to cover a multitude of sins, but He did say something about us personally paying for willful sin. Let today be a day of repentance and a new beginning.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:12

That Road Less Traveled

Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side. – Anon

After only 2 of the 12 spies reported favorably on their trip into the Promised Land, the people were against going forward. That decision cost them dearly. Hmm!

It’s true we were created for fellowship, however we must often be careful with whom we fellowship with and what we allow to pass as fellowship; “for what has light to do with darkness.” All too often if we’re not careful we are swept up into the crowd hysteria and mentality. Public opinions and emotions may be strong one way or the other, but we are not to be known by our opinions but by our faith and fruit. In the marketplace of ideas may we not conform but seek transformation. Here's hoping we bear fruit for Him today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

The Miracle of Being Kept

The most important thing is to find out what is the most important thing. - S. Suzuki

Though the Israelites waited 40 years to enter the Promised Land the time was filled with the miraculous. Hmm!

We often hear people or friends say "I'm waiting for my miracle!" Whether it be one of healing, supplication, relationship, etc., they continue to hold fast and true to God waiting for the day of deliverance. Time and again you ask them and they reply "I'm still waiting!" It's both admirable and praiseworthy. In spite of their present and seemingly unchanging conditions they still seek God. But, maybe there's a secret or two along the way that was missed. God says He will always "uphold us with His righteous right hand." Maybe that in itself is just the miracle they're seeking. It should be pointed out that sometimes God just 'keeping us' is the miracle! Through it all, others may have fallen away or pulled back but God has never left our side. Maybe in the midst of what we're seeking, just knowing God is there is miracle enough!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

Knowing is STILL only half the Battle

Knowing and not doing are equal to not knowing at all. – Anon

Peter and John were arrested and charged not to “preach in the name of Jesus” anymore. It was the only NAME they knew. And boy did they preach!

It’s never a minor thing to know God’s will and not do it. The bible calls this sin. We can make excuses for our lack of obedience, “I’m just not ready yet,” or “I’ll do it later,” or “I can’t afford to,” etc. Other times we may even deceive ourselves into thinking that good intentions equal obedient actions. But good intentions without corresponding action is still disobedience. God has granted us TODAY with its host of opportunities to get it right, to make a difference. Go for it!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” – James 4:17

Desirable Growth

If man is not rising upwards to be like an angel, he is sinking downwards to be a devil. – S.T. Coleridge

Near the end of his ministry Jesus told his disciples one of them was a devil. And each one had to give it some deep thought. HMMM!

Family reunions are great times to catch-up on old times and bring one another up to date. Often, you’ll eventually hear the phrase “you haven’t changed one bit.” But to say we are the same person today as we were 5 -10 years ago is to say we have wasted a great deal of God’s time. There should be some definite growth in the life we live and the way we view the world. And done in accordance with God’s plan our growth will create a desire for even greater growth and closeness to God. God is testing us in this life to ensure our eternal desire is for Him alone, for if we don’t love to praise Him in all things here, heaven is not for us.

Until Monday…

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

No Need to Broadcast

Beware every time you notice yourself doing a good thing because you ruin it by the notice. – Oswald Chambers

Jesus said the actions of the 'righteous' Pharisee went for naught because of his attitude and bragging in doing them. OUCH!

There is a lot of truth to the cliché “a good deed is its own reward.” Sure, we all appreciate a good pat on the back, a kind “thank you,” or acknowledgement of our actions, but when we come to expect such a response for what should be our Christian duty, or we talk them up like we just saved the world, we come dangerously close to being like our Pharisaical friend. Good deeds should just naturally flow (holding open a door for someone, helping out when needed without being asked, etc.) without any expectation of thanks or repayment. In so doing we are becoming more like Christ.

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. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” –Colossians 3:23

Tell the Lord About It

The complaint department is NOW OPEN! – God

Every time Moses cried out to God about these “stiff-necked, hard-hearted people” God had a ready and workable solution. WOW!

It’s a truth in life that we are not going to be happy with all that happens, that sometimes we might feel short-changed, or even get angry and upset with those we love, making us want to complain, complain, complain. But rather than complaining to friends who may form a ‘jaded’ opinion of us or even worse, spread our unhappiness to unwanted ears, why not just let our Heavenly Father know all about it. He’s big enough to bear the brunt of our charges, hear us out without making any judgments, and keep it just between us. Not only that, other than we ourselves, He’s the only other party that can do anything about it. And judging from what He says in His Word, He’s just waiting for the chance. The next move is ours!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because He cares for you…” – I Peter 5:7

Timely Gratitude

Silent gratitude isn’t of much use to anyone! – Gertrude Stein

The Pharisees wanted the crowd to stop praising Jesus at the triumphal entry. He replied “if the people were silenced the stones would cry out.” WOW!

The ‘Didache’ community has a saying of “whether receiving or giving, it involves the action of stretching forth one’s hands,” meaning there must be specific intent made. How much moreso then, with an expression of gratitude. If it is not uttered in a timely manner it is wasted and lost forever. We should not take today for granted or the events or people that bless our lives, nor should we assume they know how we feel. We should just tell them. We cannot thank God enough, but we can thank Him!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.” – Psalm 34:1-2 (KJV)

The Thought That God Delights In YOU

Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions. – Albert Einstein

Mephibosheth was taken aback that David would treat him, a descendant of Saul and David’s enemy so royally and invite him to the king's table. Hmm!

You’ve seen the commercial. It starts with them young. He enters, sees her across the room, gracefully strides over to ask for a dance…. Cut to them now older, at home still dancing. He says, “Alexa, play our song AGAIN!” ‘I Only Have Eyes For You….’ starts up and you see it in their eyes – they delight in each other. No place they’d rather be. That’s what God seeks with us. He delights in us. All that He has done, all that He has given us shouts it aloud “I delight in you!” It should be the thought that starts our day and propels us through it – God delights in me. The Creator of this world, the Maker of heaven and earth is with me, and can’t take His eyes off of me, He delights in me. How great and reassuring is that knowledge?

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” – II Samuel 22:20

P.S. - Join us for Prayer Breakfast tomorrow morning at 9:30am in Parmes Hall.

Moving WITH God

You’re now free to move about the country. – Southwest Airlines tagline

God led the Israelites from bondage in Egypt to the Promised Land. Whoa!

Travelling is a great enjoyment of life for most of us. And we live in a time where highways, railways, skyways, and cruise lines can take us anyplace we want to go. Moses told God “don’t send us anyplace without your presence going with us”…! It begs the question of us. Do we or have we ever made the same request of God for our lives? As we move about the hustle and bustle of life, changing jobs, moving from location to location, relationship to relationship; is this our continued request of God? Paul prayed that we might be ‘rooted and established in his love’ so that no matter where we settle, it will be at God’s direction. As we think about making changes this New Year, maybe we need to realize that though we are free to move about, we won’t move unless and until God’s presence goes before us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14

Love Outside the Lines

Patience and fortitude conquer all things – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The book of Judges shows clearly how God just refused to give up on His people. Hmm!

If you watch any sport (soccer, football, basketball, baseball, tennis, etc.) you see them – boundary lines. They dictate the field of play. Fair play is limited to in between the lines. Cross the line and you’re out of bounds, play ends. Though these ‘lines’ are good for sports action and even when we set them in our personal lives for effective relationships; we should be grateful beyond measure that God’s love knows no boundary lines. His love is relentless in the pursuit of our heart, going all out trying to ‘woo’ us. It will go to the farthest or deepest point to reach us with His mercy, compassion, and patience to remind us we matter to Him and that He is for us. Now that is a love too great to pass up, don’t you think?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…” – Ephesians 3:17-19

More For the Asking

The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little. – T. Merton

God’s prophet Elisha was angered because Jehoash was willing to settle for minor victories over his enemies when God was ready to completely destroy them. WOW!

When we actually sit down and look at all the facts, the only difference between us and the great ones of the faith that we admire, is desire. Not economics, education, geography, or race – just desire. The desire to ask ‘big’ things of God, things only God could do, and then to earnestly desire and entreat Him to do them. The disciples were 'unlearned' men according to scripture but yet they turned the world upside down for Jesus. We can too friend. True it may take a little more work on our part (prayer/fasting) but the rewards would be worth it for God has promised it. If the God we serve is truly great then He can do GREAT things.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. According to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

Miraculous Transformations Through Prayer

We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. – Kurt Vonnegut

Though the disciples were ‘unlearned men’ the council took note that they had been with Jesus. Amen!

Prayer changes things! We’ve all heard this truth, even believe in this truth. But if confession is good for the soul often in our prayers we’re asking God to change or fix our circumstances without changing us. We’d rather He fix things miraculously like He did in the bible settings but not change us. We really don’t want to be changed. But being a disciple of Jesus means being transformed in our heart, mind, and attitude by His teachings. This way we can help change this world for the better rather than sitting back waiting on God to do the miraculous. God might not change our circumstances through prayer, but He certainly changes us, and that changes everything. So instead of looking for the miracle we can possibly be the miracle. Hmm!

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room…..Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” – Daniel 6:10

Unlocking the Power of God

When we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon skill, we get what skill can do; when we rely upon technology, we get what technology can do; but when we rely upon prayer, we get what God will do. – R. Leroe

When Peter and John were charged not to preach Jesus anymore the early church didn’t start a letter writing campaign nor go on strike – they prayed. GOD MOVED!

Without a doubt most of us are highly qualified for the work we do. We’ve spent years in disciplined training and vast hours in education. We’ve honed our skills to near perfection and enhanced our life with the latest technological innovations. But often we find in life, when it comes to dealing with people no matter how much education, skill, or technology you have, they are of little help. That’s why it pays to be a praying person. Prayer can do things all these other advantages can’t. Prayer interjects Our God who can change the hardest of hearts – even ours.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1

Sermon Pop: A Liberating New Song

The next SermonPOP: "A Liberating New Song" is here! Catch the premier on YouTube at 10am! Are you Free? SouthsideSunday iSouthsideCC

https://bit.ly/3F4MPoS

Shaped in the Darkness

Some of the sharpest pictures are developed in the darkest rooms. – W. Smith

While Jesus was dying on the cross there was darkness all over the land. But then came The Resurrection. Can you say - Hallelujah!

Photo albums. We all have them. And from time to time we revisit them and reflect on the character and nature of the photo and what we were doing at the time. But have you ever really thought about the fact the albums only have pictures of us in 'good times.' That there are no pictures of us when we were going 'through it,' the tough times, down times. The times that really shook us but yet shaped us the most. The fact of the matter is we’ve all had grief, suffering, heartache, and sorrow in our lives, sometimes more than we think we can bear or deserve. But in truth it is often out of the ‘crucible’ of our dark times we encounter the greatest growth, changed hearts, deeper convictions, or greater appreciation for who God really is, and we are made a little more like Christ. And that’s a good thing!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead……" -I Peter 1:3

Qualified, Accepted, Loved

Don't waste a second of your time convincing other people you're worth loving. - Atticus

Jesus let the disenfranchised know they really weren't disenfranchised. Wow!

MENSA: an organization with world-wide name recognition and prestige, not to mention high qualifying standards. But, here's a question to ponder. Are clubs and organizations like these really established to group together like-minded, like skilled people and build upon them, OR are they really established to keep people not like them out? I'll let you be the judge, but here is a truth that we should all hold dear. Despite our imperfections (and they are many) God never casts us aside or kicks us to the curb. He never even says there's a 'special section' for you in heaven. Everyone is loved by Him as if they were His only son or daughter. Race, creed, color, language, shape, size, etc., none of it matters to Him. He has opened His home (heaven) to all who are willing to accept His grace. I think we might all qualify.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - II Timothy 4:8

A New View

One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his time when it comes. – B. Disraeli

Isaiah didn’t fully know what his role would be, but he did say “here am I, send me!” Amen.

The New Year is upon us. An open road, clear window – however you view it – is present. How about we start it out with a solid foundational point of reference: “I am a beautiful representation of the God who made me!” A start from here should lay to rest any and all ego issues, comparison issues, and/or value issues. We no longer have to try and seek the approval of others, wish we looked like a movie star or other hero, think we’re less than because we’re not worth millions, or feel we can’t tell others about Jesus because we barely know a scripture or two. Just trusting in the God who made us, and resting in the truth that God loves us no matter what should be enough. May we all learn to value and love ourselves better in His sight this year.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14

Long Live the Christmas Spirit!

Next to a circus there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out of town faster than the Christmas spirit. – K. Hubbard

The moment Jesus approached the demon-possessed man, the demons were ready to flee. WOW!

The ‘New Year.’ Only 7 days behind the ‘celebration’ of the birth of the Christ child, but millions of miles apart from “peace on earth and goodwill to all men.” Now it’s back to business as usual – how do we get ahead, what’s our new battle plan, a return to the wars that await. But if the birth of Christ made a difference in the world 2,000 plus years ago, and made a difference in our hearts when we accepted Him personally, should not that ‘spirit’ be alive in us every day, even right now! Yes, the world awaits us as it always has, the problem is we so often meet it far removed from Christ. Let’s try a different approach and let the ‘Christmas spirit’ live in us and through us all the time. We’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain. Happy New Year!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – I Peter 3:15