True North

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like God is testing you? God has tested the faith of people like Abraham, Job, and Daniel in the Bible. But what were some of the qualities

that these people shared? Unwavering faith and predictable excellence. In today’s message, Pastor Gary explains to us that these are qualities that God wants us to have. When the day arrives, our faith will be tested not for God’s well-being but for ours. By achieving these qualities, we can strive for a better life in God’s purpose.

What does it mean to be spiritually excellent? Being spiritually excellent signifies a fully devoted heart and mind to God. God not only requires spiritual excellence but also predictability in our spiritual pursuits. “How can I achieve this?” “How can I be predictable in excellence?” Today, Pastor Gary reads from the Book of Daniel and shows us a true example of spiritual and predictable excellence. Only through the Word and the Spirit of God can you obtain these gifts and learn to serve him to your fullest extent.

We can learn the most from the mistakes we make. That first-hand experience is often the best teacher. But, as Pastor Gary shares, being constantly reminded of those mistakes and shortcomings can be damaging…especially when it comes from someone you look up to like a parent. The negative, critical communication can also become a habit that you passed down to your family. So, while correction is important so is encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Do you FEEL blessed? If you do, it may be because your finances are in great shape or you’re in great shape physically. And while there are these and other reasons for you to feel blessed, THESE blessings can come and go. As Pastor Gary shares, true, lasting blessings come from God. And blessings that come from God are constant and are present despite your feelings. So whether you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, God’s blessing is always with you…He promises.

Do you know how hard it can be to learn something new? Like a new skill at work or maybe how to play an instrument? You start out slow and awkward at first but after lots of patience, focus, and practice you improve…and can become quite good. Well, as Pastor Gary shares, the same can be said about your Christian life and witness to those around you. With patience, focus, practice…and help from the Holy Spirit…you can become more proficient in sharing the Good News with others.

Could you imagine building a house with no hammers, saws, or nails? Well, needless to say, the house would probably not get built. Your God-given purpose in this world is much like building a house…and God has given you all the tools you need to build it. As Pastor Gary shares, your job is to not only use the tools and talents God has given you but also keep working and staying on track until the job is done. And when is the job done? When you hear the words “well done good and faithful servant”.

The world tells us we need to find the perfect career and then we’ll be happy. Or buy this or that and your life will be easier and then you’ll be happy. But the things of this world never truly satisfy, do they? As Pastor Gary shares there is only one person who can meet all your needs…His name is Jesus. Your emotional, physical, and spiritual needs are satisfied when you put your faith and trust in Jesus and seek after Him daily. Focus on Him and the cares of this world will fade away.

There’s a powerful scene in the movie Facing the Giants where a high school football player goes farther than he ever thought possible. While carrying a teammate on his back, he crawls the entire length of the football field! He had no idea he had made it that far until his coach took off his blindfold. As Pastor Gary shares, you should desire to reach the lost and unchurched with the same desire and determination. You may feel inadequate…but with faith and reliance on God, you can do the impossible.

If you’ve ever traveled a far distance for a vacation, you know the last few miles before you reach your destination can be the hardest. The long journey and anticipation of much-needed rest can be stressful in and of itself, right? But you would never consider turning back, would you? You are almost there! And as Pastor Gary shares your spiritual journey with Christ can be the same. No matter how long you’ve been traveling with Him, keep going… there are new adventures and blessings ahead.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a mountain climber? In many ways, we have all climbed a mountain or two or three in our life. Mountains of depression, financial hardship, and physical illness just to name a few. And as Pastor Gary shares no matter the mountain you find yourself climbing God’s blessing is waiting for you on the other side. God is also with you every step of the way and helps you keep going. As it states in Hebrews 13:5, He promises to never leave thee, nor forsake thee.