True North

When watching sports, some people will be so invested in their team that they sacrifice their mindset for them. Today, Pastor Gary asks the question, “Will we sacrifice for the kingdom of God?” How do you further the kingdom of God? When we’re disciples of Christ, we’re allowing victory to happen around us. Next time you’re in a situation ask yourself, “Is what I’m doing sacrificial for the kingdom?” When we sacrifice for the kingdom, God’s name will be glorified and people’s eternities will change.

Sometimes in life when we see something great happen in our lives we will count the cost over looking at what Christ did. In today’s message, Pastor Gary says that we usually forget to praise God for what He did because of that mindset. God’s always working and has such a great plan for your life. Sometimes it isn’t the way that you’d think it should be, but God, knowing everything, knows exactly what you need. Next time, give thanks to God for what he’s done and continue to trust Him.

Have you ever been at a crossroads in your life? Sometimes when we are in these places, we can feel like there is no way out. In today’s message, Pastor Gary says that when we feel that way it is important to remember that even when we’re at our worst God is at His best. Next time you’re feeling down, remember that there’s a God that’s on your side. He wants nothing more than for you to succeed and live a happy life. Trust in His provision and you will find that there’s peace and comfort in his loving arms.

Sometimes when we see someone with a highly valued title, we can think of ourselves less. In today’s message, Pastor Gary says that our fame doesn’t come from our title but from God. When we run at the world for our own gain, we’re bound to feel troubled and down, but when we go after people for the gospel, we have a purpose. Next time you’re feeling like you’re less than someone remember that your value is in the name of Jesus. It is because of Jesus you can stand and be confident in who you are.

When we’re corrected about something we’ve done wrong, it doesn’t always feel the best right away. In today’s message, Pastor Gary says that we don’t correct for our own glory but for the glory of the kingdom. When you’re corrected in a community of believers, it should be because they want to further the kingdom of God and solidify the family of the church. Next time you’re correcting someone, ask yourself the question “Am I doing this for my own gain? Or am I doing it for the gain of the gospel?”

When we’re doubting ourselves, it can be hard to be confident in who we are. In today’s message, Pastor Gary says that we should hold tight to the sword of the spirit, which is the Bible. God gave us the Bible so that we can fight off any lie Satan throws our way. Next time you are in a battle, use the Bible as your weapon. The truths in scripture will allow you to be confident in who you are in Christ over who the world says you are. Nothing fights the lies the enemy says better than the word of God.

Sometimes being a Christian in this world can seem lonely and difficult. Thankfully, The Holy Spirit is your Helper as you navigate this life as a Christian. Today, Pastor Gary will be exhorting you to spend intimate time with the Lord in His Word so that you can discern what's of the Spirit and what's of this world. As you walk with the Lord, the Spirit of God will be continually molding you more and more into the image of Jesus. Purpose to imitate the Lord, and not the trends of the world!

When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you become

filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Today, Pastor Gary will be

teaching you the importance of cooperating with the work the

Holy Spirit wants to do in and through your life. It’s possible for

you to grieve and even quench the work He’s trying to do within

you. Don’t allow the enemy to tempt you to become entangled in

the affairs of this life, but instead keep your focus on the eternal.

Remember, your citizenship is in Heaven not on the Earth.

With social media, it’s hard to know the real person. We see only what the person wants us to see…we don’t see the real person. It’s hard to get real in a virtual world. But as Pastor Gary says you don’t have to hide the real you in front of a real God. And there is any place you should be able to be real, it’s in church. In church you have an audience of one… the ONE worthy of all your worship, all your praise…all your joy, and all your love. If you can’t be real church, where can you be real?

Do you like doing the dishes? What about mowing the lawn or yard work? You might not like to do any of these chores, but you do them anyway…and often without the best attitude. When it comes to serving the Lord and God’s people though you must not only serve outwardly but with a heart and spirit that is in alignment with God and His will. Remembering, as Pastor Gary says, you must do the work of the Lord with your heart in the right place and not just your hands.