Worthy Conduct

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, our response is ours. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit..." - Philippians 1:27

Go Therefore

The Golden Rule is of no use to any of us unless we realize it is our move. – F. Crane

Of the Great Commission passage, it is said the most powerful word therein is not teach, disciple, or even baptize; but GO! For without “going” there would be none of the other things. Wow!

To a man, each of us would more than likely admit we’re glad someone shared ‘the faith’ with us. Even if we grew up in the family and learned it that way, we’re glad our parents took us to ‘church.’ The life we now have we could never imagine without God, and the promise of heaven too – WOW. It’s enough to make us want to shout, almost. But it should make us willing to share, seek out others to tell. And though those we encounter in our daily lives may make it tough and questionable for us to do so, we are still compelled and constrained by love for Christ to “prefer” them. Love is an action word and is known much more for doing than saying. I pray we may have a winning strategy today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be that same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:3-5

Attractive Gospel

Would you follow yourself on social media? - Anon

The bible says Jesus often drew crowds wherever he went. Hmm!

Pheromones! It's what insects emit to attract mates. You can't really see them with the naked eye, but yet we know the process works. It made me think of how the Holy Spirit works within us. We're tasked with making the gospel of Christ 'attractive' and really the only way that can be accomplished is through the Holy Spirit living in and through us. He has the power to draw others to Himself. Who He draws may not look like us or even sound like us, but that is how God builds His house to include every nation, tribe, and tongue. The Holy Spirit is the unifying presence that makes us all work together as one in Christ. Hopefully, we all smell good enough to attract someone.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." - Ephesians 4:3

Seeing the Hidden Opportunities

We are all continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. – J. W. Gardner

Moses as leader of the Israelites, is the prime example of developing faith on the job. AMEN!

The internet. A great tool of invention that opens us up to a host of opportunities to communicate, research, do media, and even do commerce. However, it is also a tool fraught with pitfalls and danger. It requires a little work to “surf” the web successfully. Similarly, every day and moment God grants us is an opportunity to bring glory to Him. Every individual we meet is an opportunity to share Christ’s love with them. Yes, opportunities abound, but like the internet they require a little effort or “work” to be beneficial. That’s how we grow.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” – I Corinthians 16:8-9

Certain It Will All Work Out In The End

Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. – V. Havel

The Hebrew children standing before the fiery furnace didn’t know what God would do, but they knew God. AMEN!

Too often we as Christians soft peddle the gospel. We often try to make it appear to everyone that God works everything out to our joy and satisfaction, there’s no pain or suffering, no down moments in life, and that all is hunky dory. That kind of faith and hope is shallow and unscriptural. The faith and hope God searches our hearts for is where we trust Him no m

atter what the outcome may bring because He’s secured us already through Christ. This understanding allows us to have joy no matter what circumstances we’re in because we know in the end it will work out. The reason it hasn’t worked out just yet for us is because this isn’t the end.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2

Music Pops: Ms. Sabrina Barnes "We've Come This Far By Faith"

Catch the first Official #MusicPops premier: "We've Come This Far By Faith" by Ms. Sabrina Barnes today at 10am via @YouTube! #SouthsideSunday #MusicMonday

https://youtu.be/uYlhpKaXL58

Deadly Beauty

What is beautiful is not always good, but what is good is always beautiful. – Anon

Samuel wanted to anoint Jesse’s son Eliab because of his stature and appearance, but God told him to anoint ‘little ruddy David’ because of his heart. Hmm!

If there is one lesson we learn from nature it’s that beautiful can be deadly. Many plants and animals are very colorful, vibrant, and inviting – but deadly. In fact it is often their beauty that aids them in self-survival. We have an enemy that often operates in the same manner, masquerading as that which is beautiful but with evil, harmful intentions. But everything God brings to us is for our good, everything He brings us through is for our good. It may not look appealing or inviting at the time of occurrence but its purpose is designed for our good – that in the end we may bring glory to Him - and that is a most beautiful picture.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.” – Galatians 1:6-7

Set an Example

Preach the gospel, and if necessary use words. - St. Francis of Assisi

God spoke very highly of Job not because of his words and sacrifices, but because  of his heart and deeds. AMEN!

If it is true that 'a picture is worth a thousand words', (and I believe it is) then the message we preach by what we do comes through loud and clear to all those around us. Though most of us would rather speak of our 'Christianity' most people prefer to see it in action, and God most of all. The deeds we do today may be the only sermon some people will hear this week. The setting God has placed us in today is just perfect for the occasion.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God.....Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." - I Corinthians 10:32

Handling Ourselves

The smaller we are the more room God has. - Anon

Though Jacob was deceived with Leah after working 7 years for a wife, his love for Rachel kept him tempered. Hmm!

The world has win/lose standards, and we're expected to measure up and carry ourselves by these standards. It can be a major task and stress inducer, leading us into actions we may want to reconsider. Why, because in Christ, it's not win/lose, but 'worth'. No matter the game, circumstance, tone of conversation, etc., the question is did we conduct ourselves worthy of the one who lives in us. Yes, the situation or person before us may perplex or frustrate us, may even get the better of us, but what about our response. Though it may be fueled by our bruised ego, insulted intellect, or stance on the truth; is it worthy of the Jesus we died unto and who now lives in us.

Until tomorrow.....

Pastor Botts

"...whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that  you stand firm in the one Spirit....." - Philippians 1:27

Pray. Listen. Minister.

Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still. – E.M. Bounds

Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray and ask His Father for insight on what to do and say. Hmm!

Moody, Spurgeon, Evans, Stanley, Swindoll, Warren, your local pastor. All great men past and present who make known God’s will to men and women with great clarity and conviction. But I would dare say to you that none of these men would ever try to talk to men about God, without talking to God first. In fact, talking to God first is the only thing that gives them the utmost confidence to talk to man. May we all take a lesson here today.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…” – Ephesians 6:19

Happy Day

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. – J. Wooden

The apostle Paul said ‘his chains actually helped him advance the gospel.’ Go figure!

Happiness! For most it’s a commodity they believe they deserve, or have somehow earned with all their hard work and toil. But in truth it is not a ‘commodity’ that can be purchased like food or clothing, it is rather an attitude. When we pursue it in our endeavors it becomes even more elusive, for it is really a by-product of right thinking and right behavior; or godliness. It is the by-product of a life that is lived in the will of God. And being in the will of God we know not everything will turn out the way we expect, but God will leave us with opportunity to rejoice. And that’s really not a bad thing.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12

Bearers of the Good News

The word #Angel simply means “#Messenger.” If angels are messengers, then someone, somewhere must be sending a message. – D. Schaeffer  

Jesus told the religious leaders the very scriptures they read ‘testified’ of his coming. They completely missed the point. WOW!  

Texts, E-mail, snail-mail, voice-mail, etc, etc. etc.! We all like receiving these when the news or message is good. We also like to tell or share with others good news or fortune. God has given us the GREATEST NEWS to share – The Gospel – and He needs as many ‘angels’ as possible to share it with others. We may not have wings, but we’ve got hands, ears, eyes, voice, and feet to express the message. God has granted each of us TODAY! We’re ambassadors for His grace. The question is what will your message be to those God sends your way today?    

Until tomorrow….  

Pastor Botts  

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared 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