Southside's Blog

No discovery will disillusion him. No rebellion will dissuade him. He loves you with an everlasting love. God’s love – never failing, never ending.

From Mike: When we are going through our most difficult times, maybe we question God's love. We may ask Him, "Why God?" We may never understand but I believe Max's message to be true.

"John 13:12 says, “When he had finished washing their feet…” Please note: he finished washing their feet. That means he left no one out. Why is that important? Because that means he washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. That’s not to say it was easy for Jesus. And that’s not to say it’s easy for you. That is to say God will never call you to do what he hasn’t already done."

From Mike: To forgive those who have hurt us so deeply is one of the most difficult things to do! I do not want to stand before God on judgement day to answer why no forgiveness was extended to someone when He forgave so much in my life.

In every aspect of our lives we have relationships: family, at work, friends, fellow church members, neighbors, school and others. We cultivate those in which we hold value. Other relationships just exist and we do not spend much time in nurturing them. That’s life!

What about with God? Actually, I believe there is a relationship to be built with the God head: God, Jesus the Christ and the Holy Spirit. Absolutely the most significant relationship we can have and develop. How much effort is spent in development and cultivation of our relationship with HIM? Perhaps an hour or two per week sitting in a pew?

This writing is created from three writers; Allen Jackson, Max Lucado and F. LaGard Smith. Each of these men have much to say about our relationship with God.

In his book, Standing Firm, Allen Jackson writes:

“How do you become a participant in the Kingdom of God? Perhaps you think you must have inherited Christian faith from your parents, like your eye color, or because you visit a church on Easter and Christmas and know all the songs. Actually, none of these things make you a part of God’s Kingdom. Unlike other faiths, the Christian faith is intensely personal---the decision to make Jesus Lord of your life is yours alone. It is about your relationship with Jesus of Nazareth. Mr. Jackson asks this question: “Is your relationship with Jesus one you feel you inherited, or is it one you have established yourself?”

He adds in another chapter that the Pharisees and Sadducees were religious but did not recognize the Messiah because he did not fit their preconceived notions. “We too can be outwardly religious and not believe in God. We can sit in church, carry a big Bible, and know every song, and yet have no relationship with Jesus. Let’s examine our hearts to ensure our desire is not to put on a religious show, but to be a friend of Jesus.”

Max Lucado also points to our relationship with God: “God rewards those who seek Him. Not those who seek doctrine of religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for these lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus himself. And what is the reward? What awaits those who seek Jesus? Nothing short of the heart of Jesus.” ― Max Lucado, Just Like Jesus: Learning to Have a Heart Like His

In his book, On the Anvil,  Nr. Lucado writes about Judas, the man who never knew Jesus. “We learn this timeless lesson from the betrayer. Satan’s best tools of destruction are not from outside the church, they are within the church. A church will never die from the immorality in Hollywood or the corruption in Washington. But it will die from corrosion within—from those that bear the name of Jesus but have never met Him, and from those that have religion but no relationship.  Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Jesus. Let’s make it our goal to know….deeply.”

In Meeting God In Quiet Places, F. LaGard Smith writes a chapter he labels Nettles. He writes that nettles look so harmless but are quiet prickly. His story is about the rich young man who was unwilling to surrender his possessions to have a relationship with Jesus. Mr. Smith writes: “Surrendering to God is the most difficult decision we will ever make. The prophet Joel reminds us that we are not alone when we face the moment of choosing: ‘multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision. For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.’ What Joel really means is that most of us live an entire lifetime in the valley of in decision. To surrender or not to surrender---that is the ultimate question of life.”

“Through His complete surrender on the cross, Jesus has already grasped the nettle for us. He has taken away the sting of death. All we need to do is to put our hand in His—to feel the softness of His love and never let go!”

Each writer has written in his own style about the importance of a relationship with Jesus. Jesus the Christ allowed his body and blood to be the sacrifice for our sins so we have the hope of heaven. Why would we not cultivate and develop a relationship with Him? God does not take our relationship with Him lightly so we shouldn’t either!

We spend the majority of our waking life on our relationship with others and so little about Him. If we are not praying, studying and trying to encourage others, our relationship needs improving. Remember that our relationship with Him should be our priority!

Thanks!

Mike   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Standing Firm – Allen Jackson – 2018 – Intend Publishing – Used with permission

Just Like Jesus - Max Lucado – 1998 – Word Publishing – Used permission

On The Anvil – Max Lucado – 1985 – Tyndale Publishing – Used with permission

Meeting God In Quiet Places- 1992 – Harvest House Publishers – Used with permission

Bold emphasis is mine

If you’re asking what Joseph asked, let me urge you to do what Joseph did – obey. He didn’t let his confusion disrupt his obedience. What about you? You have a choice: to obey or disobey. Because Joseph obeyed, God used him to change the world. Can he do the same with you? Will you be that kind of person? Will you serve, even when you don’t understand?

A friend, Ron, in the Memphis area sends several of his friends emails from time to time with attachments. Most are humorous but this one was very thought provoking.

I admire Clint Eastwood as an actor and a conservative. While making the movie, The Mule,  fellow actor and musician, Toby Keith, asked him how he could remain so active at 88 years old. Eastwood’s reply was “don’t let the old man in”. Keith was so impressed that he wrote a song:

“Don't let the old man in I wanna leave this alone

Can't leave it up to him He's knocking on my door

And I knew all of my life That someday it would end

Get up and go outside Don't let the old man in

Many moons I have lived My body's weathered and worn

Ask yourself how would you be If you didn't know the day you were born

Try to love on your wife And stay close to your friends

Toast each sundown with wine Don't let the old man in

Many moons I have lived My body's weathered and worn

Ask yourself how would you be If you didn't know the day you were born

When he rides up on his horse And you feel that cold bitter wind

Look out your window and smile Don't let the old man in

Look out your window and smile Don't let the old man in”

Application: I’ve let the “old man” in lately. Writing my own thoughts on the blog has become much more difficult. Mental capabilities have diminished. Typing has become a challenge because these old fingers can’t seem to find the correct keys. To copy and paste Max Lucado’s material has become the easy way for the blog. Some are not Lucado fans but he does make me think and can do it in a couple of paragraphs. I do have permission from other writers to use their material but I must type it myself. The blog will use more of their thoughts.

For those who understand the meaning of “don’t let the old man/old woman in “ pray about this daily!

Application: For those of you who have no idea what “don’t let the old man in” means, think in terms of Satan. Every thought and desire he has for us is to not be active for the Lord whether you are young or old so “don’t let Satan in!!”

We need to practice both “don’t let the old man/old woman in” and ”don’t let Satan in”.

Thanks for the email, Ron!

Mike  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BTW: This writing drove the “Editor” feature on Microsoft Word nuts.

From Mike: I admit that it is really difficult to think of Jesus the Christ in the terms that Max describes Him. He's the Son of God who preformed all types of miracles, healed people and raised them from the dead. Max gives Him many of the same human qualities as me. Yet if I don't believe in His human side it's more difficult to think He can understand where I've been and am now. How could He understand if He wasn't as Max describes Him? Maybe it's more irreverent not to see Him as Max describes Him!

"So people came to him. Not one person was reluctant to approach him for fear of being rejected. Remember that the next time you find yourself amazed at your own failures. Or the next time you hear a lifeless liturgy. Remember, it’s man who creates the distance. It’s Jesus who builds the bridge."

"Jesus gives us this challenge: “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:32-33 NLT)."

"Take your anxieties to the cross—literally. Next time you’re worried about your health or house or finances or flights, take a mental trip up the hill. Run your thumb over the tip of the spear. Balance a spike in the palm of your hand. Read the wooden sign written in your own language. And as you do, touch the velvet dirt, moist with the blood of God. Blood he bled for you. The spear he took for you. The nails he felt for you. The sign he left for you. He did it all for you. All of this. Knowing this, knowing all he did for you there, don’t you think he will look out for you here?"

May I remind you? So does God. How else do you explain what he did? Between him and us there was a distance—a great span—and he couldn’t bear it. He couldn’t stand it. So he did something about it. Philippians 2:7 reminds us, “He gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.”

So exhibit God with your uniqueness. When you magnify your Maker with your strengths, when your contribution enriches God’s reputation, your days grow suddenly sweet!

From Mike: We have too many people in the world today who don't even come close to 1 Peter 4:11 especially our leaders. They seem more interested n glorifying themselves. It's up to us as everyday Christians to make 1 Peter happen! You say that's not your responsibility or that's not your talent. You do not have to be a pulp preacher to minister to others so think about that when it's your turn to stand before God and give an account!

Thanks Mike   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kay and I had a chance to witness God's grace in action yesterday afternoon. We were on I-840 head to Franklin to pickup items she bought at an online auction. About 5 miles from the I-65 exit, a pickup truck pulling a sixteen foot trailer passed us traveling probably 85-90 miles per hour. I pulled out to pass a much slower car placing us about fifty yards behind the trailer when it started weaving. It looked as if the trailer was going to jack knife. I started braking immediately then the trailer broke free from the truck running into the median. It continued through the media into the east bound traffic lanes. The traffic was heavy! Our reaction was to holler NO! It came to rest up against a mound on the other side after crossing both lanes. It was still upright on all four wheels. The trailer hit no car nor did a car hit it. Our stomachs were doing summersaults. The pickup driver was probably stunned!

We were amazed that there was no accident. If there had been a collision, some people would have been seriously hurt maybe even killed. I commented that how that happened without a wreck was amazing. Kay's comment that there was no wreck because of God's grace. We returned home via the same route looking for the trailer and pickup but they were gone.

We both prayed silently the remainder of the trip praising God. The first thing on my mind this morning was God's goodness to all of us on that section of I-840 yesterday afternoon. He is good!

Thanks!

Mike     This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"Don’t be afraid. God even knows how many hairs are on your head."

"He knew you’d face pain. If not the pain of the body, the pain of the soul—pain too sharp for any drug. He knew you’d face thirst.  If not a thirst for water, at least a thirst for truth, and the truth we glean from the image of a thirsty Christ is—he understands. And because he understands, we can come to him!"

From Mike: Max's title of the devotion in many ways is comforting but at the same time is uncomfortable because my heart is not always as it should be. The best thought is that I've not experienced anything that Christ does not understand! He understands because He's been there. He's not going to wave His hand and make it all better but just to know He has God's ear on my behalf causes great hope.

Courteous conduct honors Christ. It also honors his children. When you make an effort to greet everyone in the room, especially the ones others may have overlooked, you honor God’s children with a love worth giving.

From Mike: Romans 14:12  "So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God." This verse is somewhat confusing to me because God already knows everything. There are two questions He could ask that bother me: Who is a Christian because of you? Who is not a Christian because of you?

Read Colossians 4:5-6 again and think about it.

Thanks!

Mike       This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wonder how many of us the following of us this descibes? Be honest with God and yourself!

Adapted from Help Is Here

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

Somewhere in my midthirties I ran out of fuel.

While serving churches in Miami, Rio de Janeiro, and San Antonio I resolved to study hard, counsel wisely, solve problems, organize committees, and satisfy each cranky member. But after three or four years, I lost my energy. Suddenly I could not sleep. How does a person lose the ability to sleep? When my head hit the pillow my mind would race. I thought of members to be called, decisions to be made. On more than one Sunday morning, I stood before the church having had little, if any, sleep. I was desperate.

In those late-night hours while I was still awake, I would climb out of bed, pad down the stairs, and kneel at our couch and pray. Dejected figure I was. Not Max the pastor. Not Max the church leader. That fellow in the crumpled pajamas was Max the depleted, confused disciple.

My prayers were moans. My faith was a frazzled thread. I couldn’t even summon the energy to fake it. I was honest. Honest to God, I was. Turns out God has a soft spot for an honest prayer.

Little by little I began to sense the Spirit. He led with a kind touch. He wooed with a whisper. Mysterious? By all means. But figment of my imagination? No. Not at all.

I requested strength. He gave it. I asked the Spirit to heal the sick. More than once he did. I prayed for vitality and joy. Both returned.

Why? Because the Holy Spirit comes with power.

Jesus told his disciples, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJV).

Mark it down. Power. Power to make good choices, keep promises, and silence the inner voices of fear and failure. Power to get out of bed, get on with life, get busy about the right things in the right way. Power to face the unexpected, unwanted passages of time. This is what Jesus promised then, and this is what Jesus promises still.

How is your power level?

Maybe today you find yourself lacking energy, enthusiasm, or strength. Your step has lost its spring; your voice has no song. You want to be a joyful, empowered person, but you are weary from life’s chaos.

Friend, I want to encourage you that the Spirit of God longs to give you His great power. He will guide, teach, and energize you. He will shoulder the burdens you were never intended to carry.

Help is here.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving me the precious gift of your Holy Spirit. Teach me how to experience the Spirit’s power so that my life is filled with purpose and strength for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

In other words, speak up. Do you feel ill equipped to do so? That’s okay. You have God’s Spirit to help you. And God’s plan is reduced to one strategy: ordinary folks telling the extraordinary story of Jesus with the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit.

From Mike: Do you spend time and effort tell others about your "only God" moments or complaining? No one really wants to hear our complaints especially God. So make God and others feel good about your "God moments".

Thanks

Mike   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The promise of Pentecost: the Spirit turns common folk into uncommon forces and turns those who are lost into those who are saved. Might the Spirit do the same with us?  With you?

From Mike: How many of us have the confidence and boldness of Brenda? How many of us would say: I'm not comfortable doing what she did because I might offend Dr. Pete?  How many would say: I don't have that talent inspite of what Matthew said? We need to pray about our boldness and confidence then take Matthew 10:19-20 to heart!

Thanks

Mike    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

From Mike: I receive John’s material through Facebook. It’s been sometime since any of his writings have been posted but it seems especially pertinent to our society now. Christianity is more under attack than I can remember. With elections just a short time away, we need discernment to vote for God fearing candidates who demonstrate discernment!

By John Gray from Preaching Ideas

Spiritual discernment is the quest to discover God’s will for us so that we can follow that will.

GRANDPA SAYS – “THINK ON THESE THINGS”: “Discernment is not just a matter of telling the difference between right and wrong, truth from falsehood; rather discernment is avoiding deception by being able to tell the difference between right and almost right.

“GOD MUST BE ‘THE’ SOURCE OF TRUTH AND WISDOM THAT DWELLS AT THE CENTER OF THE CHRISTIAN’S BEING. THEREFORE, ANY THOUGHT, EMOTION, OR ACTION THAT MOVES A CHRISTIAN AWAY FROM THEIR ‘CENTEREDNESS’ ON GOD CAN BE NEITHER TRUTHFUL, NOR WISE.”

Focus Scriptures

 “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12).

 “But solid food is for full grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.” (Heb 5:14). [Note: Experience will thus enable one to discern what is suited to the soul of man; what elevates and purifies the affections, and what tends to draw the heart near to God.]

Commentary

           Wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or in attempting good deeds. Discernment is similar to wisdom, but offers a more specific focus. The primary difference between the two, lies in the distinction of discernment being able to help us to decipher right from wrong, truth from falsehood and avoiding deception by being able to tell the difference between right and almost right. Discernment is something that we should all desire because it is necessary to help us to grow in our faith and keep us from being deceived.

Aside: It is hard to gaslight someone with a Godly spirit of discernment.

          Discernment is something we need to ask for and seek if we truly want to live righteously and free from deceptions and gaslighting. Hosea 14:9 says --- "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them." We cannot follow the ways of the Lord without discernment because deception dresses and masquerades in the garments of truth. The Scriptures make us wise, but this can't happen unless we have the discernment to understand them --- “For everyone that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food is for full grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.” (Heb 5:13-14).

          Folks, Proverbs 3:21-24 gives us all some good advice --- “My son, let them [wisdom and discernment] not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discernment: So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”

______

“A Poem of Discernment” | Author: Gracie Jane, 2016

"Lord, give us discernment in the coming days, false teachers on the rise who try to amaze, with signs and wonders that don’t hold true, the only real miracles come from You.

You taught us to test every claim against Scripture. It’s as simple as that, why don’t some get the picture?

Your Word, absolute truth, but some continue to deny, they laugh and they scoff bought into Satan’s lie.

Christians, stay strong for temptations will come, but rest in the knowing that to Him you belong."

Thanks

Mike  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

John Gray from Preaching Ideas – used with permission

"God doesn’t want us to give him our best effort. We don’t try our hardest and then turn to God; we turn to God and trust him to do the work for and in us. The greatest force in the universe will work within you to give you the power you need to become more and more like him. He will make you holy, in an instant, and make you holier over a lifetime."

I read and reread Max's last paragraph. Coming from a background of encouragement to give it your best effort and ask God to bless the effort, Max's encouragement causes me to think. More thought is needed!! Maybe it's semantics.

I've posted on this blog for a number of years and hoped for your thoughts about the subjects. To date, the only thoughts received from a  couple of years ago were from a reader whom I don't know.  I don't remember the subject but he thought that I was too lenient. 

Please give me your thoughts so I may share them with others. 

Thanks!

Mike   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.