God is so good to us and we need to be good back to Him and to each other!  For the past month at Northwood, we have been learning about giving and receiving.  This morning I was reading in 2 Corinthians and came upon these verses in chapter 9, verses 6-11

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (Pretty simple concept – what you give you get!  And the way you give it – the way you get it!) 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (It’s what you decide in your heart, not in your head!  And the attitude that you give with should be cheerful, not “I have to give”, but “I get to give!”) 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (God will take care of you and he will take care of you better than you can take care of yourself!) 9 As it is written:  “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”  10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (God has given to you, so that you can give to others!) 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (God wants to bless you and God will bless you, if you will simply trust and obey!)

I think we all have some work to do – so let’s get busy!  I’m out to plant some seeds!  God Bless, Press On and G3!

Today was a good day, but a tough day! I woke up with a sinus/migraine headache that stuck with me most of the day.  Hard to have your mind focused and spirit yielded when you are having to deal with constant pain, but God is faithful and got me through small group, and three messages without any major mess ups – I think!  I actually thought about staying home this evening, but drug myself out and finally broke through the haze after the evening service with a quesadilla from Moe’s!

Northwood Is Very Special! I love Northwood and all of the people who help to make it such a special place!  God is really at work and I wish everyone could see it and get excited about join Him in what He is up to.  I really don’t want anyone to miss it!

This morning was great! The worship was energetic, sweet and special – even with a challenge or two.  God has taught us some amazing things about giving and receiving this month.  And He wrapped it up today by giving us an understanding of reciprocity.  We reap what we sow and whatever we sow (good or bad) we are sure to reap in abundance.

Some Of Us Really Get It! I am glad to see that a lot of people have really grabbed a hold of the truth about tithing your time, talent and treasure and are stepping up to be faithful in their attendance, service and giving.  It hurts my heart to see some that I thought had it, not really get it, by allowing any little thing to become an excuse to lay out, not get involved and become satisfied with what they do give.

Faithfulness Or Faithlessness Tells You Something! Someone said that you can tell who loves the preacher by who is there on Sunday morning.  You can tell who loves the church by who is there on Sunday night and you can tell who loves Jesus by who is there on Wednesday night.  Who do you love and how do the actions and reactions of your life prove your answer?

We had a good night! It was nice to see some folks visiting from other congregations that had called off services.  I always enjoy getting to meet new folks – always amazes me how God can bring so much diversity together for His glory!  God spoke a challenging message about what it takes to be a real disciple that has been impacted by Him and that makes an impact on this world for Him!  There is nothing that we can give to God that He can’t give back to us better than how He received it!

Thank You God! I thank God for my spiritual family and for the growth, fellowship and learning journey that He allows us to travel together.  I love you all and look forward to how God will use us this week!  G3!

Our Choir sings a song that reminds us that our God is an on time God!  I woke up thinking about this song!  “He’s an on time God – yes He is!”  (That was me singing in my head!  “He’s an on time God – yes He is!”  “He may not come when you want him, but he’ll be there right on time!”  “He’s an on time God – Yes He Is!”

God has given me the gift of faith and I am to live in faith even when I don’t feel like it!  I am to live in faith especially when I don’t feel like it, because that is when faith is at its most powerful place!  My faith is not exercised in myself, my need or want, but in my God – Who has always proven Himself faithful!

Reid Lehman, President of Miracle Hill Ministry said:  “Faith is doing what God told you to do and not having a ‘Plan B’ to fall back on in case it doesn’t work!”  Faith is moving forward with God leaving the plan a, b or c to Him!  (If there is another plan, then God will make it!)  It is not faith to say that if “A” does not work out, then I will do “B”.  Faith is my taking the next step believing that God’s will shall be accomplished in whatever step He wants it to be and for His glory!

I do not always know God’s will!  I known people and I have been one of them that arrogantly throw that phrase around as if we have some secret access that no one else can have!  There are some things that I know about His will, but truth be told, I am not sure that God ever provides us with the whole picture, because I am not sure that we could handle it.  In the Scriptures He always provided – just what was needed!

I know that it is God’s will to bless me as I live in obedience to Him, but I do not know for certainty the next step that I need to take.  I have an idea of its direction and I believe that it is God that is leading me, but I do not take the step because I have had revealed to me the secrets of God.  I take the next step in faith, trusting that my loving God, Who has an amazing plan for my life will take care of me, guide me and grow me to where I need to be!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1