Atlanta Northside Church of God

06/07/2026

06/06/2026

It’s the Heart that Sets Us Apart Psalm 19:8
“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;”
To those unfamiliar with the Christian walk, there seems to be a disconnect in their understanding of what it means to serve the Lord. We are often misunderstood by those who have no concept of Christian service. We do not consider ourselves perfect or view ourselves in a positive light merely because we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We see ourselves as people desperately in need of His help to live up to His standards.
It’s the heart that sets us apart. The Holy Spirit’s indwelling in all believers helps us walk a different path from those who have yet to accept the grace, forgiveness, and assurance Jesus offers.
We do not see ourselves as holier or better than any of our contemporaries, for we remember what it was like to live before He came into our hearts. True Christianity keeps a low profile and maintains an honest assessment of our imperfection. This enables us to accept others with the same grace with which He has received us.
In the Bible, the human heart is far more than a mere organ that pumps blood to sustain life. It is presented as the seat of our emotions and the source of all our actions. When we are saved, we are given a new heart in true fellowship with the Lord. Do you know the joy of a new spiritual heart? Allow Christ to give you a new heart today.
Bro. Bill

06/05/2026

Battling the “Blahs” Romans 8:37
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Eventually, we are bound to experience the battle of the “Blahs.” This is a time when you feel stuck in neutral. Things aren’t good, nor are they bad. This phase of your life seems caught between happy and sad. Where’s the exhilaration of life we see and hear about in our television advertisements? These paid actors tell us that a better life awaits us all if we only buy their products.
It’s only natural to see others enjoying their marvelous lives while we are forced to endure our mundane existence. Truth be told, despite their social media posts, they, too, have their share of ordinary days.
Jesus came to give us a purpose in life. Rather than seeing life as one big disappointment, we find meaning and fulfillment in following His will once we accept Christ. Your life takes on a much more important purpose when viewed through the lens of the gospel. The abundant life He offers was never meant to be a nonstop thrill ride. It is, however, a life that will have its moments, reminding us of the big picture. Live for yourself, and you will find frustration. Live for Christ, and you will know fulfillment.
We can’t avoid the “blahs,” but we don’t need to let those days obscure our view of what Jesus came to give to all who follow Him. Life with meaning and rewards found in this world and the next. So, battle on, and remember you don’t have to surrender to the “blahs.”
Bro. Bill

06/04/2026

”The Walk Away” II Timothy 4:10a ”For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica.”
Is there a more heart-rending testimony in the Bible than Paul’s declaration about the loss of his once-trusted missionary partner? Demas was once counted among his fellow laborers for the Lord. Paul finds himself imprisoned, awaiting ex*****on, with only his faithful companion, Luke the physician.
The reason given for Demas’ departure was his love of this present world, which, in his mind, overshadowed any promise of the world to come. Thessalonica would be the obvious choice for anyone who chooses to abandon their responsibilities in favor of a hedonistic lifestyle. Paul’s path led him to prison, while Demas’ led to a party. With its Greek and Roman influences, it was a city catering to every heathen religion, idolatrous practice, and immoral lifestyle imaginable. It was the Las Vegas of its time.
There were those in his day who looked at the Apostle Paul and considered him a “fabulous failure.” He had given up his station, his wealth, his health, and, very soon, his life for Christ. Demas was convinced that the price of discipleship was too high.
Demas may have enjoyed his new life for a season, but all parties come to an end. Demas would find it difficult to fully enjoy his new life because of the haunting memory of who he once was and what he had been. Whenever you are tempted to follow Demas in surrendering to this world’s enticements, remember the enormous price to pay when you choose temporary pleasures over the timeless treasures God plans. It’s the difference between Heaven and Hell.
Bro. Bill

06/03/2026

You’re Not Getting Older…Just Closer to Home Psalms 16:11
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
There are only two scenarios: 1) You are growing older. 2) You are no longer with us. If you are reading this, I assume you are one of those who are just growing older. Those of us who have seen many winters can certainly identify with the reality of suffering the brutal mistreatment of time. Our hairline recedes while our double chin expands. Without glasses, we might have a one-sided conversation with a lamppost. Our “get up and go” has seemingly gotten up and gone, leaving us lonely for its company. It sounds bad, doesn’t it? But let’s talk about the blessings of a long life and the value of wisdom born of experience. Aging may bring limited sight, but with years of experience, we will surely see many things more clearly.

Advanced age helps us appreciate the wonder of God’s creation. A baby’s smile, the concert of songbirds in the early morning, the beauty of a sunrise, and the love still found in the eyes of the wife of your youth become even more meaningful with time. The young tend to rush through life without appreciating such things. Trusting the Lord with your life opens the door to countless blessings, making the aging process worthwhile. Let’s recommit ourselves in gratitude for the blessings He has given us. Regardless of the tough times and dark days, we know He’s still working on our behalf. Our joy in life’s journey is found in His personalized gift of grace! In God’s eyes, you’re not getting older, just closer to home.
Bro. Bill

06/02/2026

There’s a Road in the Wilderness Isaiah 43:18-19 “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
We rest in the eternal truth that our God is always the same. He does, however, reserve the right to deal with man according to His divine sovereignty. While we wrestle with the challenges of life today, God moves on the scene to bring about wonderful results for His kingdom.
While we live preoccupied with the turmoil resulting from health scares, political upheaval, and bad economic news, He calls us back to the reality of His divine sufficiency. While we fret over limited resources, He invites us to find our way back to the God who promises “Our daily bread.” When reminded of our helplessness in the face of current events, destruction, and disease, He tenderly reaches out and invites everyone with a troubled heart to turn to Him. He wants all to know the peace which passes all understanding. Our Lord is not the source of the problems we are enduring; He is the Solution!
No doubt we are going through tough times in our world today. There is also no doubt that our God is with us and will provide us a road through this wilderness, and a river of much-needed refreshment in this dry land. If our current challenges serve to bring us back to the God of our Fathers in true faith, it may be that these difficult days are merely a turning of the page for better things ahead for His people. Thank You, Jesus!
Bro. Bill

06/01/2026

That Voice John 5:28-29
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has a voice unlike any other. His voice echoed through impenetrable darkness, commanding light to shine forth. He spoke, and the sun, the moon, and the stars responded with unquestioned obedience. By His voice, He separated day from night and land from sea, setting in motion every aspect of our world. By His Word, we were created, and by His Word, we would learn of His plan for mankind.
When Jesus came as God incarnate into our world, He brought His voice of indisputable authority. His critics wrestled with His insights into the Law as He taught all who would listen. They questioned His authority and were left speechless by the miraculous power of His words. Lepers were cleansed, the lame walked, deaf ears opened, sinners became saints, and even the dead were raised.
Those who knew Jesus best stood in awe as they saw Him still a tumultuous sea. The disciples looked at one another and, in utter amazement, asked: “What manner of man is this that even the wind and the waves obey His voice?” (Mark 4:41)
There will come a day when everyone shall hear His voice. It will be a terrible occasion for those who have rejected His gracious salvation, but to those who know Him, we’ll recognize His voice. It’s the same voice we have heard since the day we were saved.
Bro. Bill

05/30/2026

The Last, the Least, and the Lost Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Is it not remarkable that Christ would willingly lay down His life to save people like us? What did He see in us that made us worthy of such magnanimous grace? Most of us came to Him spiritually destitute, riddled with doubts, and painfully aware of our personal inadequacy. Yet even in our most desperate hour, He lovingly forgave, saved, and welcomed us into His family.
In the directory of “Society’s Most Important and Influential People, “we would probably find ourselves last on the list. Should we be evaluated for talent, personal skills, or outstanding abilities, we would probably rank among the least impressive. Before Christ, we wandered through life. That certainly qualified us as a member of the lost, whom He came to restore.
When Jesus entered His earthly ministry, He deliberately began teaching the people the “big shots” had ignored for years. Those with smooth, unblemished hands resisted His divinity and authority, while those with rough, calloused hands gladly received His good news. The humble throngs of spiritually hungry people not only identified with our humble Savior but also gladly received His compassion for the common man.
Jesus offers us acceptance and His personal approval to all who call upon His name. You don’t have to be a somebody to have your name written in “Who’s Who in Heaven.” All you need to do is accept Him as your savior. Once you’ve met Him, you’ll have an eternity to thank Him for coming to save the last, the least, and the lost!
Bro. Bill

05/29/2026

Are You a Fainter or a Fighter? Proverbs 24:10
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”
So, what kind of Christian are you? Are you a pit bull for Christ, or that whiny little pup constantly seeking the comfort of the Master’s lap? You do recognize the difference, don’t you? The old saying holds true: “It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight; it’s about the size of the fight in the dog.” There are Christians who may not impress you with their stature, but the devil knows firsthand the ferocity of those “little guys” for God’s glory.
We’re called to a battleground, not a playground. We take our stand for Christ and resist the enemy’s attack wherever, whenever, and however he plans to invade. Spiritual warfare is not a game. It’s a call to toughness and requires a commitment to endure the hardships of battle. Many are happy to dress in full uniform to march in the victory parade, but only those who have tasted battle and know firsthand the struggle between heaven and hell are worthy to march on that day. The Master’s special commendations are presented to those who served courageously.
Real soldiers don’t faint at the sight of the enemy. Our Commander in Chief provides us with the greatest arsenal, the Spirit’s support, and the ultimate battle plan, assuring a successful conquest. We have been trained not only by studying our field manual (the Bible) but also by learning valuable lessons from earlier skirmishes with the enemy. We follow our Lord’s leading toward the sound of battle. Are you a rock-ribbed, strait-laced, iron-jawed soldier of the Cross? If not, why not?
Bro. Bill