Some Scripture is easy and some is hard.  Some I can obey without even trying, some I have to really work at and some seems almost impossible!  I believe that it is all God’s Word and that it has powerful implications for our life here on earth and eternity and that is why I take time to read and try to apply it to my living everyday!

Yesterday I started a blog conversation about the Scripture where Jesus tells us to love our enemies!  It is one of those passages of Scripture that in our mind, we almost have to argue with, even though we know better!  It is found in the New Testament book of Matthew 5:44-45!

“‎44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Jesus is changing the rules here!  He is saying:  If you really want life to be different, then you have to play by a different set of rules.  The normal rules of everyday living that everyone else lives by, simply will not do!

Instead of having hate for your enemy, have love.  Instead of trying to get even with your enemy, pray for them.  This not only changes you, but has to at some point make a change in your enemy.

But the motivation to do this is not what it does for you or to your enemy.  The motivation is what it does for God.  He says that we are to do this, that we may be children of our Father in Heaven.  In other words, when we live by this different set of rules, we bring glory to God – Who is clearly in control, causing the sun to rise and the rain to fall on the righteous and the unrighteous!

Bottom Line:  Our lives are to be lived for the GLORY of GOD and here is one step that we can take to live a life that G3!  (GIVES GOD GLORY!)

‎44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:44-45

Let’s be honest – this is a whole lot easier said than done!  But we have this Scripture that tells us how to live.  And just because it is hard, does not give us an excuse not to try!  And if we don’t try, then we can never succeed!

We will spend a little time thinking about this one this week.  For now, read the verse again and just think about it!

Twelve years ago today, I had the great privilege of becoming Pastor of Northwood Baptist Church.  It was the first Sunday in May of 1999 when a very young thirty year old began his third pastorate and was installed as the Pastor of a congregation of around 90 very sweet and caring people.

Northwood had been through a lot of ups and downs since it’s start in the 60’s and found itself at a place of looking forward to what could be.  We all jumped in, got to work in fulfilling the dream of Northwood becoming a place of “Right Direction”, and saw God bless almost immediately!

We have been through a lot in the past 12 years.  I have had some very dear friends that I count as family to come into and walk through my life.  I am a better husband, father, friend and pastor because of my time with such a special congregation.

I have probably preached or taught close to two thousand messages to this congregation over the past 12 years.  We have walked verse by verse through large portions of God’s Word.  We have journeyed through good and bad times and have seen the faithful hand of God come through on our behalf on more occasions than we can number.

We paid off the debt on the Family Life Center.  We have renovated and re-renovated more buildings and spaces than I can keep count of.  We have built a new Worship Center, which we enjoy each and every week and paid a very large chunk of that debt.  We have bought, renovated and paid for a new office complex.  We have added staff and given them the opportunity to join us in the influencing of lives of children, youth and families.  We have started and maintained a satellite worship service.  We have begun a brand new ministry called Grace Place that is helping people from all over and challenging others to get out of their comfort zones.  We have impacted the way that ministry is done all around our community.  We have seen many people saved and enjoy watching many continue the journey of daily growth, even as the struggles of life increase!

I just want the family of Northwood to know that I love each and every one of you very much.  I want you to know that I have a greater passion today, than at any other time during the twelve years that God has allowed me to lead this congregation.  I am more excited today about what I believe God is up to, than at any other time than I can remember.  I love this community, am priviledged to be a part of it and honored to have the opportunity to serve it in the various ways that I am allowed!

I believe that the message I preached this morning is one of the most important messages that I have ever preached and I really believe that we are on the verge of God wanting to do something amazing in our midst.

Thank you so much for allowing Me, Joy, Grace & Hope to serve you!  It fulfills me, grows and strengthens our family and hopefully blesses you!  I love you and I am praying that we catch this wave and learn to “Soul Surf” for God’s glory!

God Bless & Press On!

Pastor Michael Joe ><>