1.) Enjoy what you have! In John 10:10 Jesus says:  “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly!” God has been good to us and most of us miss His goodness because we are so focused on what we don’t have that we can’t and don’t take the time to enjoy what we do have!

2.) Do good work! In Galatians 6:7 we read: “Whatever you sow (plant), that will you reap (harvest)!” Whatever you do, do it for God!  Always give your very best, because whatever you do here on this earth, realize it or not,  is done for your Creator.  If you always do good, then you will never have to worry about what you’ve done and is it good enough!

3.) Show yourself some respect! 1 Corinthians 6:20 tells us:  “For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body!” You are a creation of the Most High God and He so values you, that He gave His most precious gift, the gift of His Son to have eternal relationship with you!  Respect yourself!  You cannot expect anyone else to respect you and take you serious, if you don’t respect and take yourself serious!

4.) Grow Friendships! Jesus shares the example of John 15:13 when He says:  “No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.” It is sad to go through life all by yourself.  Make the time to start, develop and grow real and meaningful friendships!  You can be a blessing to many and there are many that can be a blessing to you!

5.) Always Hope! Hebrews 10:23 says:  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” There is something better and it is always in front of you.  So no matter how good or how bad this moment is, there is hope that it will be better, sweeter and more meaningful.  God works that way and this is why one of the most precious gifts that He has given is the gift of Hope – enjoy it and you will enjoy living life!

God has an amazing Word for us at Northwood tomorrow!  I want you to get a head start, so here it is:  (Matthew 24:36-44)  I encourage you to read it and then plan to be at one of our two campuses tomorrow, as the Holy Spirit schools us on how to be “RETURN READY!”

Just a warning!  Before you read the passage below, make sure your heart is ready and your Spirit is willing!

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.  42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Are you ready?  Really ready?  Join us and let’s get ready together!

I am thankful for…

Life, family and friends!

God, Jesus and Holy Spirit!

Church, ministry and my Bible!

Home, food and clothes!

Ideas, creativity and sharing!

I am thankful for time, work and play!

I am thankful for you, you and you!

TAKE TIME TODAY TO SAY THANK YOU TO GOD AND HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  G3!