2012
Minister
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are a minister for God. In the course of each day, non-Christians observe you and make judgements about your careful or careless actions. "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. -2 Corinthians 6:3. Be an example of the Light! -Pastor Mike
Conversations
I love spending time with God in the early morning as I run. I can hear God's still, small voice without it being drowned out by sounds of "this world". Likewise, I feel that my thoughts are clear and God can hear my requests. "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice..." -Psalm 5:3a. "...and after the fire came a gentle whisper." -1 King 19:12b -Pastor Mike
First
We all have priorities. For some it's extra sleep, for others it is an attractive meal, and for some it's a meaningful job. How about God? Where is he in your priorities? "But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, ans all these things will be given you as well." -Matthew 6:33. Keep God first and allother things will fall into place. -Pastor Mike
Agenda
I sometimes over-plan. I make lists, set time tables, and envision outcomes. Some of that time would be better spent in prayer. Rather than try and figure out the future, I need to consistantly put my trust in God and let him plan my next steps. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." -Proverbs 16:9. -Pastor Mike
Fulfillment
Most of us have our own agendas to make us feel complete. They never seem to work, because we were created to be in relationship with our Creator. "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forsake his soul?" -Mark 8:36. We can only find fulfillment by staying close to Jesus and being transformed into his likeness. -Pastor Mike
Love
Often we feel that we have to earn a person's love. We earn it with gifts and syrupy words. At the best, it produces a thin shell of love, covering an appetite that is never satisfied. Jesus is different. ""Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." -John 15:13. Jesus is unconditional love! -Pastor Mike
Worth
Some boast of achievements as though they created their own strengths. Others feel worthless because their abilities don't stand out. In reality, our worth comes from the Creator of the universe. ""The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." -Genesis 1:7. -Pastor Mike
Judgements
We judge all the time. "He doesn't apply himself". "She could help out more". "They are always excluding people from their group". "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no atttention to the plank in your own eye?" -Matthew 7:3. Judging is not our main function in life...worshipping God and loving his people are. -Pastor Mike
Weapons
As Christians, we fight daily against Satan's "strongholds". We must use God's weapons of prayer, faith, hope, love, God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and fellowship with mature Christians. "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the devine power to demolish strongholds." -2 Corinthians 10:4. -Pastor Mike
Present
When I was young, I always worried about the future. Not that I'm saying that you should not plan ahead, but don't waste your time getting sick over what may never be. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philipians 4:9. Live in, and enjoy the present! -Pastor Mike
