2012
Spirit & In Truth
How often do you worship? Just on Sundays? Since God is spirit, he is present everywhere and can be worshipped anytime and any place. It's not where we worship, but how we worship that counts. We must worship genuinely, truthfully, and ask the Holy Spirit's help. ""God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth." -John 4:24. -Pastor Mike
Confront & Comfort
If a person is caught up in sin, is confronted, and repents, we must forgive him. Permanently seperating a person from a congregation would give Satan just the advantage that he wants. "If anyone has caused grief...the punishments inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient...Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him..." -2 Corinthians 2:16. -Pastor Mike
Path
Most of us like to plan out our day. Sometimes we get anxious when God intercedes and our plans have to change. We need to let God guide our steps as we allow him to bend our will to his. "(...the rising sun will come to us from heaven) to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." -Luke 1:79. -Pastor Mike
Shield
Spending a scheduled time with God each day is important for your spiritual health. Satan delights in making you feel like this time is a luxury that you cannot afford. Resist thoose feelings! "In addition to al this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can estinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil on." -Ephesians 6:16. -Pastor Mike
Equipped
Rather than fear our limitations or worry about today's demands against our weaknesses, we need to stay connected to God and trust in our dependence upon his limitless resources. "For nothig is impossible with God." -Luke 1:37. Our God is not a careless God. When difficulties come into our lives, he will fully equip us to handle them. -Pastor Mike
Anxiety
Carrying all of our worries, stresses and daily struggles by ourselves shows that we have not trusted God with our lives. Actively turn to God in repentence. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5:6-7. -Pastor Mike
Burnout
Are you a person who listens well to your friends? Often, countless interactions with "needy" individuals will cause burn-out in the listener. Take time to rest in the Lord in prayer and reading his Word. "The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." - Exodus 33:14. Get enough sleep, eat well, and take time to recreate. -Pastor Mike
Peace
The Holy Spirit brings us a peace that comforts us in the calm times of our lives but also gives us the passion to face the fears that we encounter. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 14:27. Drop the stress...be filled with the Spirit! -Pastor Mike
Dependence
What does depending on God look like? Relying on him, rather than our own efforts, to do the tasks that he puts before us. What are those tasks? Loving God and his people by "being and making disciples who shar god's love, seek his truth, and serve his world." "I am the vine; you are the branches..."- John 15:5. -Pastor Mike
All Things
God works in all things, not just occasional instances, for our good. Not that everything that happens to us is good, but if we let him, God can show us a lesson that will be helpful in the future. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28. -Pastor Mike
