We are studying our way through the book of Romans on Wednesday evenings! Last night we took a look at Romans 6:17-19. Verse 17 says: “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were intrusted.” I really like this verse, because it reminds me of some very important things that I need to remember to remember!
First – It reminds me that I need to be thankful to God! Just stop for a minute and try to push all of the distractions of life aside and think (I mean – really think) about all that you have to be thankful for! God has been and is so good to us! He has filled our lives with many miraculous and wonderful blessings. Even the person who has had a tougher life than usual can find things to be thankful for – if we will just take the time to think about it. God allowed me to sleep last night and wake up this morning! God helped me to get out of bed and gave me a breakfast to enjoy and nourish my body. God gave me today to get closer to Him by serving others and making a difference in life. God did not allow anything to happen to me today – that He did not give me the grace and strength to handle. And the list could go on and on and on!
I know that I am living a truly thankful life, when I begin to live my life for Him! When I take the time to think, I also must make some time to thank the one who gave me all of the things to think that I am thankful for! (Read that one again!) Being thankful is more than just saying a word. If I am truly thankful, I will express my thankfulness with the way that I live my life. I will live my life for God by serving others. I do not serve others because of what I can get! I serve others because of what I have already got!
When I really take the time to think about it – I realize I am not near as thankful as I could be or should be! There is so much that God has done and is doing for me! And there is so much that I should have done and be doing for Him! I hope this helps you, because it has sure helped me! In fact – I’ve got to go, because I got some stuff to do for God!!!
Michael Joe Harvell 
Hey Pastor MJ,
I’ve got to tell you how ecited I am to be at the Wed. night services. I have never be to a church anywhere that I get so much just from the Wednesday night service. I am always so fired up and so ready for life after hearing what God has for us thru you. Thank you for allowing God to lead you. I am really thankful for you and your family. Keep up the strong effort.
Yours in Christ,
Phillip & Family
Amen, Amen, and Amen!!! God has been so good to me in the last 7 months it is just amazing! Recovering so quickly from a broken back, moving into a new house, etc., etc. Keep up the blogging – it’s a good way to stay informed!
Often we fail to support our Pastor as one should do, but I will be grateful for you and your ministry, which seems to me to be based upon the very heart of our Lord, until He calls us home. I will not ever forget my late brother communicating great joy and love when informing me of his new Pastor…it was in fact one of the great joys of my life.. for
God sent you when my dear brother was being tried and tested and you walked with him and escorted him into the loving arms of his Lord. I love to visit Northwood for I know that I will be loved.
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Nice Site.
I just ran across your website and find it very good reading and inspiring ! I am 56 yrs old and have some serious health issues that came out of no where but it has made me wake up and look toward Jesus and God ,funny how when you are down you look up.I will be back for MORE reading.
Best
Steve Dempsey Harvell
Raleigh,NC
Steve, Thanks for the kind words! It is good to run into a Harvell – I have found that most of us are related somewhere along the way! I will be praying for you and your health issues and would love to meet you if you are ever in the upstate of South Carolina! By the way – checked out your web site – cool! I’ve tried to learn to play in the past – just can’t seem to get it! But love the sounds! God Bless & Press On!