To Encourage You
 By Retha Garten, Pastor

 By Liz Kirby, Office Manager here at NFCC!   

Recently in prayer, I felt the Lord speak to me about the importance of finishing this year, 2011, on a strong note. I tend to start every new year with much zeal and expectancy about what God is going to do for the upcoming year. And true to form, He is faithful to always give me both general and precise directions about what to expect from Him and what He expects from me for the upcoming year. However, what I've noticed about myself is about halfway through the year and after enduring a long hot summer here in Florida, I lose a steam and become a bit weary spiritually and physically. By the beginning of fall, I'm thinking about the upcoming holidays and before you know it, I'm praying about the next new year.

After prayer time with our church here last Wednesday night, the Lord seem to say to me that I need to SEEK HIM for the remainder of this year with GREAT EXPECTANCY for clear and precise directions about the remaining months of 2011. It's important to not grow weary, for He will strengthen me (us) and speak to us as we continue to look to Him with great expectancy and fervor.

The following is a wonderful 'word' that our missionary friend from London, Linda Patton, shared with us that the Lord gave her at the beginning of this year for 2011. I thought it would be encourging to share with you.

"The Lord, your God , will give you thousands of reasons to celebrate -

His MAJESTY above all things,

His LOVE in abundance,

His JOY unspeakable,

His FAITHFULNESS in great measure,

His STRENGTH as steel,

His GREATNESS beyond words,

His ABILITY beyond comprehension,

His POWER to move mountains,

His PROVISION beyond reason,

His VICTORY over all obstacles,

His FAVOUR before all men,

His DIRECTION perfectly clear,

His ALIGNMENT in pinpoint precision!"

For the remaining months of this year, 2011, come into perfect agreement and alignment with God's word, and as you do your part , He will do His part!