Monthly Archives: March 2010

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Use It Wisely!

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Open And Use!

I have been getting ready for a new series on CHARACTER that will be coming up in April, and I have spent a great deal of time thinking about our BIBLES!  Almost everyone in America has at least one Bible and everybody in America has access to the Bible in some shape or form.  It is easy for us to look at the Bible as just another good book, but it is so much more than that and we need to learn to see it and treat it in that way!

What The Bible Says: This is what the Bible says about itself in Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

It’s More Than That! The Bible is more than just a good book.  The Bible is God’s Word!  God – the Creator and Sustainer of all things, has provided us with a love letter of written out directions that will guide and grow us to live the most incredible life ever, but we often miss out because we are too lazy or distracted to take even five minutes to pick it up and allow God the opportunity to speak into our lives.

Making Life Better! You’ve got problems and the Bible has solutions!  Take a little time today to get your own copy and invest a little time everyday in reading and taking God’s Word into your head and heart.  It is amazing the difference that it will make in your life!

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15 Questions!

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Questions And Answers!

In the message yesterday, I challenged everyone with the scripture from 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” To help you do this I shared 15 Questions! Several of you have asked for a copy of the questions.  These questions grew out of my reading “Crazy Love!”  by Francis Chan.  Specifically out of chapters 4 and 5.  I hope the questions help you to do some self-examination and that the examination helps you to focus on and grow your love for God, His Church and others!

The Questions:

1.  Have you convinced yourself that attending church is enough?

2.  Are you willing to give money as long as it does not mess with your standard of living?

3.  Do you choose what is popular over what is right when in conflict?

4.  Do you want to be saved from your sin or from the penalty of your sin?

5.  Are you watching others do things for God, but never joining in?

6.  Do you share your faith?

7.  Are you comparing yourself to the world to find spiritual satisfaction?

8.  Do you allow Jesus to have all of your life or do you just give Him a part?

9.  Is there a limit to your service?  (Time, money, energy!)

10.  What do you spend most of your time thinking about:  Life here on earth or life there in Heaven?

11.  Do you allow guilt to move you closer to God or farther away?

12.  Are you more interested in how far you can go and it not be sin?

13.  Do you play it safe and fail to take risks for the Kingdom?

14.  Can you see that there is room for growth and improvement in your life?

15.  Are you willing to take the steps?

Take some time to really think through these questions.  I know that I have a lot of work to do.  I am looking forward to what God can do with me and through me as I work on some of this stuff.  I am praying for you and I ask you to please pray for me.  Remember:  We can do this for God’s glory and everyone’s blessing!

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Sunday – Review And Rewind!

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I don’t normally write a blog on Sunday evening, but I just could not resist taking a few moments to share a few thoughts from what God had to say to the Northwood Family today!

Do You Get It? I really hope that each of us are beginning to grasp this amazing reality that God loves us.  I am convinced that when we really get a hold of God’s love, it will get a hold of us and change our lives and the way that we are living them!

God Has Done His Part! He loves us!  He has proved it and proves it again and again – everyday of our lives.  We don’t have to wonder if He loves us.  Just open your eyes and look around, you can see His love all around you.  Just open your ears, you can hear God’s love all around you.  Just open your heart, you can feel God’s love flowing to and through you!

It Is Time For Us To Do Our Part! Our part is loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength!  (Mark 12:30 & Matthew 22:37-38)  We have a choice to make!  It is easy to say that we love God, but it has to be more than talk!  God is not looking for “pretend love”.  God is looking for the real deal!

You Have A Decision To Make! What are you going to do with God’s love?  Do not assume anything and do not take anything for granted when it comes to God’s love!  Most people in our churches are wasting the love of God.  If we really had it and were sharing it, then our churches, communities and world would be a very different place!

Coming Up! Tomorrow I will share some questions that we asked ourselves on Sunday morning.  Questions that help us to examine ourselves to see who we are and if our relationship is real or fake?  Until then, take some time tonight and tomorrow morning to talk with and listen to God – You can hear, feel and know His love in a very real way!  God Bless, Press On And Give God Glory!