The NEW spot for Southside's Thoughts for the Day as penned by our pastor Herbert Botts
Friday, February 28, 2025
The Security Superstition
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Today's Outlook Is Up to You
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
The Security in Faith
Elijah had no idea where he was going when he took off running from Jezebel, but God led him to where he needed to be. Hmm!
Walking by faith and not by sight is how we seek to live, but it is not easy. And if we're honest in times of great stress where major decisions beckon, we tend to walk more by sight than faith. We tend to make 'safety/security' the basis or foundation of our decision. For example, our decisions on where to go to school or buy a home are often made in proximity to relatives and/or friends. It's hard to argue the point that security is one of our most basic priorities. And that's with good reason. But here's a question that we must truly consider: What decision will require us to trust God the most? Think about Abram leaving his family. The Israelites knowingly going into captivity for 70 years. Paul walking away from Judaism for Christ. Security is a basic need but we must realize we can never secure our lives and futures on our own, it takes the will and work of God. He "knows the plans He has for us" and will surely bring them to fruition in good time. Ours is to be faithful and trusting on the journey.
Until tomorrow....
Pastor Botts
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Joshua 1:5
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Sweet Sovereign Silence
Monday, October 31, 2016
Room for Improvement
There's always room for improvement, you know - it's the biggest room in the house. - L.H. Leber
John the Baptist told his disciples if they wanted something better they should try Jesus. What a difference it made. WOW!
After winning many Grand Slam events and being on top of her game, Serena Williams changed her coach. Why, because she wanted to be even better. She had made it up in her mind she wanted to improve and she did something about it. It paid off, not only did she win many, many more Slams, she ranked #1 in the world for over 3 years. Within everyone of us, in our walk with God, is a longing for something greater, and the ability to get better. Better at prayer, worship, attendance, serving, giving, leadership, memorizing scripture, controlling our tongue; I could go on and on. The key is not just to desire it, but to do something about it. Maybe we need to 'fire' ourselves as coach and hire someone else to make us accountable. God always wants us to change for the better or greater good, and not remain complacent and satisfied with yesterday's results. By way of the Holy Spirit God will provide the means of our improvement if we will provide the initiative.
Until tomorrow.......
Pastor Botts
"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." - Galatians 5:17-18



