Battle Prep

If God put YOU in it, He put IT in you! – Anon

In the bible it seems everyone God choose completed the task he chose them for. Hmm!

We often look at the heroes of the past, read their stories and testimonies, etc., and marvel at the strength they exhibited to do what they did. The struggles, oppression, opposition or disadvantages they overcame. We wonder if we could have survived such odds. In truth, it’s a moot point. We’re all battling every day to make something of ourself AND this world a better place by God’s standards. And that’s the central thought we must focus on. God gifted us TODAY for a reason and has given us all we need to complete the task. If we follow His lead we are sure to somehow bring glory to His name, and in the end, isn’t that our very purpose? Remember, heroic stories are written after the task is completed, not in the middle of the battle. LIVE ON!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….As long as it is day, we must do the work of HIM who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work.” – John 9:4

Don't Bank on Tomorrow

Sometimes ‘later’ becomes NEVER. Do it NOW! – Anon

You might call Mordecai’s insistence for Esther to speak up life-saving. Hmm!

REGRET! A simple 6-letter easy to spell word. But the definition carries a lot of weight and can often be overpowering in our life. To wish we had opportunity to “do over” something we did wrong or “do” something beautiful we didn’t get a chance to do at all. Those missed opportunities to visit with a loved one before God called them home, missed opportunities to support a good cause, to keep our promises to our children, or honor the promises we even made to ourselves. How we invest our time is our own decision, but we must remember two things. First, our time is limited, and we don’t know how much we have. Second, the enemy plays on it, always telling us “You’ll have time for ‘that’ later, just enjoy my company right now!” God has given us today full of hope, our assignment is to turn it into joyful memories. May we invest wisely!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure….For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter” – Ecclesiastes 8:5-6

Family Day Service LIVE in Da Buildin! 11/27/22 #SouthsideSunday

We missed you Sunday! Our internet wouldn't let us be great, BUT you can check out our Family Day Service LIVE in Da Buildin! 11/27/22 right here Premiering at 9:30am! Southside Sunday http://bit.ly/3uaq7c0 via YouTube

Abundantly Supplied

Gratitude is a great attitude! - Anon

The Israelites had to gather manna everyday to survive. Hmm!

The half-empty pizza box! The half-full bucket of chicken! The turkey platter in the fridge covered with foil! We call these leftovers. The word itself kind of sounds like a back-handed compliment – leftovers! But really, they are great testimonies to God’s goodness to us. That He ‘abundantly’ supplies for our needs. We sometimes need to remind ourselves of this, particularly in this festive holiday season. And not only that, but there is also another blessing as well. The time to reheat and eat is nowhere near the time and labor we used to gather and prepare it. God is good all the time.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” – Psalm 37:25

A Response That Honors God

Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional. – Max Lucado

Upon re-uniting with his brother Esau, Jacob expected a battle that never came. God was in the meeting. Hmm!

It’s a given in life that we will encounter conflict, for everyone is not on our side. Jesus told us we would have troubles, and we see from His life He had continual conflict with the religious rulers of the day. They had made a mockery of His Father’s commands and teachings, and He had come to set things back in order. And of course they resisted. I think we are all familiar with such circumstances whether it be with our spouse, children, siblings, co-workers, or friends. And yes, our anger or ire may rise, but it is in these moments that our faith should direct our response in such a way that it still honors God. God has promised to fight our battles and He is true to His word. There is not a promise God has made that He has not fulfilled, our response is to give it over to Him. Before the words or fists or feathers start to fly, we need to invite God into the battle.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“…..do not be afraid or discouraged because of this great vast army. For the battle in not yours, but God’s.” – II Chronicles 20:15

Just The Sermon The Way Of Prayer 2

Did you miss Sunday's Sermon? Catch the Premier today at 1pm on YouTube!

Just The Sermon The Way Of Prayer 2 #SouthsideSunday

http://bit.ly/3tXIukm

"Thank God" :More than an Expression

What if you woke up TODAY with only the things you thanked God for YESTERDAY? - Anon

Nebuchadnezzar, king one day and wild animal the next. God was trying to get his attention. Hmm!

If you've ever tried it, you know it's true - it is impossible to count your blessings. But for the average person that's not an issue for we very often forget we're blessed, or very often feel we deserve what we've been blessed with. In either case God gets overlooked and slighted, rarely thanked, and even growled at because we don't have 'more.' No one likes to be taken for granted, and that includes God, the giver of every good and perfect gift. And because He is so loving, kind, merciful, and forgiving, it makes His GRACE all the more unsearchable. Maybe today would be a good time to start with a prayer of Thanksgiving and ThanksLiving.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

".....Give thanks with a grateful heart....."

When We Lose We Win

There are victories of the soul and spirit. So sometimes, even if you lose, you win. – Elie Wiesel

Peter walked on water, then failed. Peter claimed he would die for Jesus, then denied him. But after each time he came back stronger. Hmm!

Playing ball as a kid against my dad I rarely won the game. But my father was helpful in showing me how to get better and the time we spent together was precious. God works along the same lines. There will be some times when we fail. There will be other times when we just don’t understand or get what God is trying to do ‘through’ us to get ‘to us.’ He has ways we do not fully understand and at times it takes us being beaten or ‘giving in’ before He can teach us what we need to now. So even in times of stern discipline or heartache we are the winners because He is working it out for our good. Don’t bemoan today’s lessons; just know He’s at His work in you.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

The Currency of Life When Expressed

Time is too slow for the impatient, too swift for the aged; too long for the grieving, too short for those rejoicing; but to those who love, time is eternity. – H. VanDyke

Everyone wanted to know when the end times would be but even Jesus said he didn’t know. He did hint at preparing for eternity. Hmm!

Most of us have heard the saying “only what you do for Christ will last.” There’s great truth there but unfortunately most of us spend a great part of our life and efforts focused on the wrong goal – money. Money is not bad per se, and it is something we need to live, but TIME is actually the currency of life. And God in His wisdom made sure it’s the one thing we each possess in equal measure each day regardless of our station or lot in life. Our goal for God and His kingdom is to invest it wisely that it may pay dividends (treasures in heaven); for though it is spelled TIME, when caringly given to someone else it comes out LOVE. And that is God’s command to us.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35

NOTE: The Youth WILL NOT be meeting on campus tonight.

Patience Required

Everything comes at the proper time to him who knows how to wait. – Anon

When God finally freed the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, not a one of them asked Him ‘what took so long!’ – Hmm!

Though our average life span of 60-70 years may seem short, in the calendar of God it is long enough to accomplish every good and perfect work He has ordained for us, in the way He has purposed it for us, at the time He has established for us. Our attempts to speed life and its processes along so we may ‘enjoy’ life to the fullest only frustrates us, for the only true way to enjoy life in the fullest is through the action and activities of God, and He’s never been in a hurry. Patience is built upon a bedrock of trust, and because God transcends time as we know it, we must learn to faithfully trust Him in all things – hence patience is required.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…..the revelation awaits an appointed time…and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” – Habakkuk 2:3

Handling The Real

We can ignore reality, but we cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality. - Ayn Rand

The Garden of Eden in the presence of God is where mankind started but look at us now. Hmm!

The statement 'results count, excuses don't' will always be true. And the real results of life (reality) stare us in the face every day, but somehow we manage to put them off for another day. The realities of our unhealthy diets and eating binges and/or not getting enough exercise (weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.); the realities of our not budgeting, planning, or being economical with our finances (bad credit, no savings, living paycheck to paycheck, etc.); and the realities of our inconsistent faith practice (sporadic church attendance, little or no prayer/bible study/giving). We often wonder why 'life' isn't better but in truth we know, we just don't want to admit it, accept it, and then apply ourselves to change it. If we're waiting for that 'one day' to make a change, TODAY is the gift God has given.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...Then you will know the truth, and the TRUTH will set you free..." - John 8:32

Life Reflects Belief

You learn a lot about someone by what they choose to do when no one is watching. - S. Parrish

Though all that time (3+ years) Judas walked with Jesus his heart really wasn't in it. Hmm!

"Who do you say I am?" It was a pointed question Jesus asked his disciples outside of Caesarea Philippi. We all know the answer Peter gave "You are the Christ (Messiah)!" Jesus wasn't really looking for a description or defining term of his life, but more-so an answer to 'Who was he personally to them?' Is He their Christ, their Savior! He asks the same of us every day as well. Does the example of the way He lived have any impact on our daily living? Does the life He 'sacrificed' for us on the cross cause us to sacrifice for Him? It's easy to say "Yes, He's My Lord!" but the proof of this is borne out of how we actually live. Jesus' disciples were known for 'having been with Him' based on their words and deeds. The world really, really, needs to see that today. So, who do YOU say He is, or better yet what does the way you live and talk say He is?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Thus....by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:20

Love: The Main Component

Love’s greatest gift is its ability to make everything it touches sacred. - B. De Angelis

Jesus crying out from the cross "it is finished" is one of the greatest acts of love ever. AMEN!

Puzzles! Model kits! Furniture! Toys! You buy them, open them and sort out all the pieces only to find 1 piece missing not allowing you to complete the assembly. Frustrating, to say the least. Without the missing 'vital' piece the end product is basically useless. This same thing happens often in our spiritual life. Paul told the Corinthian believers that though they had spiritual gifts, they lacked the main component - LOVE! It didn't matter what length they went to show/share their gift, if love wasn't the impetus, the act itself was shallow or hollow. God's design for us in sharing is always based on LOVE. It is the very essence of who God is. As we go forth this day may love lead and complete our efforts.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"If I give all that I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." - I Corinthians 13:3

Forgiveness: The Great Medication

Remember that when you forgive you heal, when you let go, you grow!

I’m certain it took Peter at least a few days to fully understand Jesus’ math lesson on forgiveness. Hmm!

Ask any professional pitcher or quarterback and they’ll tell you there were many times in their career where the ‘moment’ the ball left their hand they wished they could have it back. The end result being a homerun given up or an interception thrown. Not a good feeling. But that bad feeling is not limited to sports. How many times in our lives have we wished we could take back our mis-timed or harshly spoken words, correct a mistake or action that hurt someone or caused a negative reaction? And though it's part of being human, that doesn’t make it feel any better. But forgiveness does. It’s a great medication. And like the pitcher or quarterback who plays on, with God we know that His forgiveness always comes with another chance to get it right. So, today is an opportunity to do better than yesterday. WOW!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Sweet Fragrant Memories

We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun. -Winnie the Pooh

Paul often said the visits and gifts he received from others refreshed his spirit. Amen!

We all have them. Those fond memories of certain smells that take us back to warm happy places and times. Whether it was the candy store or the movie theater popcorn, or mom's holiday fare, or just the morning coffee brewing. It's just simply amazing how such an aroma can cause such a positive jolt to our attitude and well-being. Knowing this is a creative design feature of our loving God, shouldn't it be then no matter how hectic, stressful, or anxiety filled our days are with the cares and goings on in the world; that it be just somewhat of a small blip on the radar or our attitudes? Shouldn't just a quick whiff/sight/thought of God's goodness jolt us back to His presence. Throughout the day He gives us many different sights/sounds/touches to remind us He's near. AND if it's true we are a 'sweet smelling aroma' to others then surely we should be attracting some to ourselves as well for refreshment. If it seems your everyday lot is heavy to bear and dark with no light maybe it might be time to invest in some different "smelling' salts.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The memory of the righteous will be a blessing....." - Proverbs 10:7

Righteous Fitting

God never alters the robe of righteousness to fit the man, but man to fit the robe. – Anon

It was 40 years with Moses. It was the shepherding days with David. God eventually got them to where He could use them. Amen!

“You look mah-velous!” It was a humorous comedic saying for a period of time. But it is still nonetheless something we all strive for. So off we go to the seamstress and/or tailor. We all need them from time to time to make our clothes fit best. No one wants to look haggard or disheveled in their clothing or appearance. And God wants the same for us when we work for Him. The difference is He’s got a uniquely and perfectly measured robe and crown for each one of us, which need no tailoring. So He’s working on us – shaping, molding, pruning, and growing us – so that we’ll fit the robe, and not be too big-headed for the crown. So if difficulties arise, circumstances challenge, or discouragement shows up, remember; to be a leading role in God’s production you must fit the robe.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands." - Psalm 138:8

Infectious Joy

You can never give another person the joy you’ve found, but you can make him homesick for what you have. – Oswald Chambers

After talking with Jesus at the well, the Samaritan woman excited the whole town with what she found there. AMEN!

If there’s one thing this present world could use it is joy. Political news, economic news, world news, pandemic news, and even local news all seems to be negative; and often in the home there is little or no peace. We are called to be a light, to be a joyful people – these traits attract others – that we might impact the world around us. We must remember our joy isn’t determined by what's going on around us or by what we have, but WHO we have within. If our immediate sphere of influence is dark and dreary and without hope, we shouldn’t look outward, but inward; and then upward. If our Christian walk is not attracting or impacting others, then we’re really not living for Jesus we’re living for ourselves. May we all be ‘infectious’ today!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11

Get Those Hands Up

Submission or surrender? God's asking! - Anon

In the battle with the Amalekites as long as Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands in prayer Joshua and the Israelites were winning the battle. Hmm!

"Come out with your hands up!" A command or order we hope to never hear issued to us. It's usually barked at someone projected to be on the wrong side of the law and is now cornered and subject to arrest. But, how did an act so beautiful become so negative. When you think of worship before God it's often a 'hands up' in the air experience. When you think of prayer it's often a 'stretching forth' of the hands, and then there's surrender or a 'throwing up of the hands' to release the issue to Almighty God. Times may have changed but the way we come before God has not. And actually, when you think it through, it really doesn't matter what reason we stand before God with our hands raised for we stand to gain. Amen!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." - Psalm 63:4

Refuge in the Storm

Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amidst it. - Anon

People thought for years Noah was crazy to build the ark. I'm sure it kept him sane before and after. Hmm!

In inclement weather times (hurricane, tornado, blizzard, etc.) for those who can't flee before the onslaught hits, they're told to "batten down the hatches" hold on and try to ride it out. Question: what happens when life throws such seemingly harsh events at us, and we're unable to flee? What do you do, where do you go? In this post pandemic world anxiety, depression, stress, racial bias, etc., is on the rise and seems to come at us stronger and stronger almost weekly. We can try and distract ourselves with busyness, comfort foods, or sticking our head in the sand and wishing it all away. But in truth, we need a much stronger source of assurance all will be alright. God is that refuge. Only He can keep us from feeling overwhelmed and alone. He is the perfect place for refuge, rest, restoration, and RESET to keep us on solid footing. If He cares for the sparrows of the field, surely He'll care for us.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge." - Psalm 16:1

Mind Body Soul Sync

It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required. - Winston Churchill

Though Paul was a tentmaker by trade, you often found him in the synagogue or temple. Hmm!

2-a day drills! Daily team practices! Weight-room training! Video sessions! Just a typical day in the life of a professional athlete. To make it in their league and star for their teams it takes this type of dedication. They are sold out! Interestingly enough, Jesus calls for the same from those of us on His team. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind AND with all your strength." That pretty much requires everything of us. Our heart should be His throne, our soul/spirit should be in step with His Holy Spirit, our mind should be fixed on heavenly things, and the very strength we have should be used to glorify Him. Here's the question before us. As we live out our daily lives do these things work in sync or do they stand alone? Do we often 'refresh' our heart and spirit but rarely address how we use our strength or body? Do we use our strength to 'serve' but rarely spend time alone with God? It bears consideration for though we may not be professional athletes we must remember we are still playing for a crown.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." - Colossians 3:23

Take a Rest

Rest has cured more people than all the medicine in the world. – H. J. Reilly

After six days of awe-inspiring work, God; who neither slumbers nor sleeps, did something else miraculous – HE RESTED!

A bygone fitness organization, Bodies In Motion; used the slogan “You can rest when you’re dead!” By the look of things in society it appears the majority of people firmly believe that. Almost everything now can be done 24/7, 365 days a year and we’re busy trying to keep pace with it and becoming worse off. But God COMMANDED, not suggested; that we take time out to rest. He made us and knows our bodies need physical rest and spiritual renewal. To avoid these is a recipe for disaster. No matter how much money we get, or how many ‘toys’ we acquire the best thing for our well-being is rest and spiritual renewal. Make sure you get both this weekend.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it HOLY, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” – Genesis 2:1-3

Necessary Tears

"In my deepest wound I saw your glory, and it dazzled me!" - St. Augustine

Hannah shed a lot of tears, but God refreshed her soul with a son - Samuel. Hmm!

It's the shortest verse in the bible - "Jesus wept!" but yet one with purpose and strength for us. He wept at the death of his friend, Lazarus. For himself and all the others suffering through the grief. It's a sign given to us to teach us tears in grief, distress, or heartache are somehow a balm or soothing agent to our emotional state at the time. They help to wash away some of the heaviness of the moment, and yet help refresh the heart with life giving hope so that we might move forward as life goes on. They are a God-given gift. The bible does promise that someday in glory there will be no more need for tears. Amen! But just as some appliances/toys state "batteries are required" know that in this life tears are necessary, but God keeps score.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"....record my lament; list my tears on your scroll - are they not in your record." - Psalm 56:8

Behind the Scenes Work

One day OR day one. You decide! - Anon

Paul went from Pharisee to apostle. But what a difference it was. Amen!

Before/After photos. Generally they show the beautiful change in the person, building, item, etc., that was worked on. What they don't show is the behind the scenes work that took place, nor the time it took to do it. To strip away what's not needed to get to the point when you can start over or refinishing is hard work and time consuming. That's how God is with us. He alone knows the perfect beauty that is within us, who He created us to be and how we should shine. He alone knows what to strip away. Oftentimes, He has to go deep to the initial bare-bones structure to start, but He ALWAYS brings forth a thing of beauty. If your 'before' photo hasn't changed much, maybe you need a little more of God and a little less of you in the processing. Remember, only He can make all things NEW!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." - Galatians 6:17

Seeking Silence

"Stop children, what's that sound? Everybody look what's going round..." -The Muppets "For What It's Worth" 

On the mount, God showed Elijah a lot of noisy events before He spoke to him in a whisper. Whoa!

Shhh! Be quiet! Hush! Familiar words to us all. It's the request for silence. Generally, the only time we seek it is when we want to be heard or we want to go to sleep. From the moment we wake our days are filled with noise. From early morning TV/Radio checks for news or weather, to cell phones ringing or pinging, even to gospel music filling our ears, we're taking in some input. Then it's off to work/school, etc., with the noises of the day. We're on the go until we return home late, tired and worn out, our minds still trying to sort through all the days noisy inputs. Maybe we need to add more silence to our day - not for speaking or sleeping - but listening for God. The psalmist wrote "Be still and know that I am God!" a reminder that we should willfully and intentionally seek quiet moments with God throughout the day. Thinking along these lines I can see why Daniel did it at least 3 times a day. It's a reminder of who we are and WHO GOD IS, but it is also very refreshing. Pray on!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"But the Lord is in his holy temple, let all the earth be silent before him." - Habakkuk 2:20