This morning I was reading in the Old Testament book of Malachi and I was reminded that we need to be very careful to make sure that we are giving our best to God.  The priest were offering sacrifices to God that were blemished or second rate.  I am sure they were thinking:  “It’s just being burnt up in a fire – what’s the big deal?”  The big deal was the reason it was being burnt up in the fire – as an offering to God.

Many times in life we think:  “What’s the big deal – I am doing the best I can with what I’ve got for God?”  But stop for just a moment and be honest!  Is what you giving God in the moment by moment daily living of your life – really your best?  I have to admit that I found some room for improvement in my life.  Just something to think about and maybe motivate you to change some things!  Give your best to God – He gave His best for you!

Where are you and where do you want to be in this thing called life?  I hope that each of us have learned to become BETTER and not BITTER during this past month!  Most people that I encounter in life – want to be happy, but many never seem to get to that place.  Is happiness really an elusive place, floating some where out there in space?  I don’t think so!  I think we have to learn to look through different eyes to really see!

I hope you will join me on Sunday morning as we take some time to think about “The Power Of State!”  God will work in our lives – whatever the circumstances!  And God will use our circumstances to grow us into happy, fulfilled and productive Christ Followers!  God has given us RIGHT DIRECTION and that means that RIGHT DIRECTION living is a possibility – so let’s live it together!

One of the things that makes Northwood such a special place is all of the men, women, boys and girls that give of themselves in a volunteer capacity to make this whole thing called ministry to happen week after week.  It is amazing to think about all that God has allowed us to accomplish as we have worked together for His glory.  I am especially thankful for those that continue to give and give and give.  All of us could have a boat load of excuses and reason as to why we can’t, but we are so fortunate to have a select few who are always willing to go above and beyond and make sacrifice after sacrifice for others and the Kingdom!  It is great to have people that you can count on some of the time.  It is grace to have people that you can count on all of the time!

I just want you folks that I can count on all of the time to know that you fill my heart with joy, my spirit with enthusiasm and my life with encouragement!  When the devil attacks and that is often, it is the strength of God and my encouragement from you that gives me victory!  I am so glad that God has brought us together and wanted to say thank you for helping me to do the ministry that God has called me to!

Anyone that is reading that has not jumped on board – what are you waiting on?  We need you and I am looking forward to God continuing to build and grow His Kingdom through our labor together!  So come on already!