God’s Gift! When I came to Northwood, God gave me a bold vision and a very big dream.  I have seen some parts of the vision accomplished and a little bit of the dream grow into reality.  I have thought and prayed a lot in recent days about why God would put something in my head and heart and then not allow it to become reality.  And have realized that it is not God that has gotten in the way, it is man – sometimes myself and sometimes others!

My Concern! I don’t have any doubt about what God showed me over ten years ago about His plans and future for a church called Northwood.  But I do have some concerns about some of the people, who tell you to your face that they believe, support and are willing to do “whatever it takes” and then end up going behind your back with a totally self-serving message.  Come on people (church people everywhere) don’t you realize that we are all in this thing for God’s glory!  It is so much bigger than our personal preference and agenda!

With God All Things Are Possible! God is great at giving big visions and dreams to His leaders, and a lot of church people are great at killing those big visions and dreams.  It seems that today, there are a lot more people shouting the reasons why it can’t be done, than there are people shouting that with God all things are possible.

Reality! Let’s face reality:  Most people are selfish and the number one reason that most people who don’t support the “Big Dream” of God, will not support the “Big Dream” of God is because they are afraid that the dream will require them to step out of their comfort zone.  It is hard, almost impossible to start a fire with wet wood!

On The Lookout! I am at a place in my life and spiritual journey, where I am looking for some men, women, boys and girls, who will encourage me to dream the “Big Dreams” of God.  I am looking for some people who will say:  “We can and we will!”

My name is Michael Joe Harvell and God has given me a dream.  A dream for His Church to really matter and make a difference – today and for all eternity.

My prayer is that God will put me with other big dreamers or bring big dreamers to me, so that together we can give God the glory that He deserves!

I just had to get that out – now I feel much better!  Thanks for reading!

We All Got Troubles! Everyone has a battles and struggles in life.  If you don’t, then you are most likely not living.  Don’t let the battles and struggles get you down, instead let them build you up and grow you into what God desires for you.

A Word From The Word! “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20

Spiritual Growth! I have for the biggest part of my life been very serious about taking care of my spiritual body by making sure that I have daily taken time to feed on the Word and by taking time to have nourishing conversation by listening to and talking with my God.  Spiritual discipline is a priority and I know that there are great benefits.  Spiritual discipline comes easier for me because of the benefits that I know and trust that they will give.

Physical Fight! Physical discipline has never been easy for me.  It is a huge battle to make myself eat the right things.  And keeping myself committed to any exercise program is really a challenge.  I know that there is value, but I value the comfort of the food and relaxation over the discipline and work, and so I tend to let my self slip in the physical department.

God’s Dealing! A few months ago, God really began to deal with me in the area of physical discipline.  He helped me to see that I was overweight and out of shape.  I know most of you think I carry it well and so did I, but God really got a hold of me.  I have always been blessed with very good health, but God helped me to see that I was taking advantage of this very precious gift, so I set out on a journey to do something about it.

Holiday Diet! Right before Christmas hit, I changed my eating habits and amped up my exercise.  And over the holidays, I actually lost 15 pounds.  I have at least 40 more pounds to go.  I am sharing this with you, because we all have our battles and struggles.  I don’t know what your battle is, but I know that you have one.  I also know that God is talking to you about it.  The question is:  ARE YOU LISTENING?

Victory! Whatever your battle or struggle – know this:  GOD WANTS YOU TO BE VICTORIOUS!  When you are victorious, it brings God glory and everyone blessing.  So take some time to listen for God’s voice and then make sure that you are obeying by doing your part!  You are His temple and you matter.  Here is an amazing truth:  God wants us to get it right.  God wants us to live in blessing.  God is not against you!  God is for you and don’t you forget it!  Enjoy your victory!

Amazing! It is amazing to me that God would love me!  I have to admit that there have been many times in my life when I have taken His love for granted.  A couple of weeks ago, I was sharing with a friend about the love of God and I took a few minutes to walk with them down what we church folks like to call the “Romans Road”.  And so I thought I would walk down that road today, so that we can all get a good reminder of God’s awesome love for us!

Everyone Is A Sinner! Romans 3:23  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are all sinners!  Everyone of us, no matter how good we think we are – have done things that we should not do and failed to do things that we should.  These things are sin that get in the way of our having a relationship with our Holy and Perfect Creator God!

We Deserve Punishment! Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is everlasting life in Christ Jesus my Lord.” Because of our sin, we deserve death.  We deserve to be separated from God and His blessing forever and for always.  But God offers us a gift – everlasting life and the blessing of living in relationship with Him and His blessings.  God offers us the gift.  He does not force us to take it.  It is up to us!

God’s Great Love! Romans 5:8  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Out of His great love for us – God gave us the most precious gift that could ever be given.  God did not wait for us to become perfect, but while we were still sinners – He sacrificed His Son for us.  Jesus came to do for us, what we could not do for ourselves!

Believe And Confess! Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This is how we receive the gift of Jesus and enter into relationship with God.  We believe in our heart that God did this for us and that Jesus paid the price that we could not pay.  If we believe it in our hearts, then we will confess it with our mouths and the actions and reactions of our lives!

Amazing Love! John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” What an amazing love and what an amazing gift.  May we all live in the power of right relationship with our Creator and Sustainer God!  And if I can help you in any way to grow in this relationship, then please feel free to call on me!