2012
Compassion
Compassion seems to be a dying art. Rather than "walking in another's shoes", some people are judgemental about why a person is in a certain circumstance. God is faithful and is compassionate. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. -Lamentations 3:22. -Pastor Mike
Running
I love going out running each morning very early to talk and listen to God. Sometimes I grow weary physically as I run . Isaiah promised that with God, individuals will spiritually "renew their strength, They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."-41: 31. Hope in the Lord. Just do it! -Pastor Mike
Strength
Don't you sometimes just want to give up? Listen to Paul's advice. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." -2 Corinthians 4:16. Gain inner strength from the Holy Spirit. Like Ramona in "Ramona Quimby-Age 8", be passionate. Be a Whacker and not a Tapper! -Pastor Mike
Discipline
It's hard to be disciplined. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained for it." -Hebrews 12:11. We can accept God's discipline with resignation, self-pity, resentment, or gratefullness. Choose wisely! -Pastor Mike
Not Guilty
Have you ever been accused of doing something that was wrong? Sometimes we are guilty, and we just don't want to face it. "Therfore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." -Romans 8:1 Even though we are guilty of sin, Jesus has declared us not guilty and has offered us freedom from sin and the power to do his will. -Pastor Mike
Critisism
David, in Psalm 141, asks God to give him wisdom in accepting honest, heart-felt criticism from others. "Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head." -v.5. God often speaks through others to help us improve our lives. Though it may hurt our egos, we need to hear and heed it. -Pastor Mike
Listen
How many times has someone said to you, "Are you listening to me?" We need to focus in on God in prayer and listen to what he wants us to do. While planning is a good thing, don't become a slave to planning...it can be an idol of control. "My sheep listen to my voice.; I know them and they follow me." -John 10:27. Listen for Jesus. -Pastor Mike
Mind
The human mind is amazing with the dreams and imagination that can churn out of this mass of molecules! Paul writes, "Those who live according to their sinful nature have their minds set on what nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." -Romans 8:5. Set your mind on what God desires. -Pastor Mike
Storms
My friend has just been diagnosed with cancer and will beat it with her faith in Christ. Storms come in many shapes and sizes in our lives. We can worry and assume that Jesus no longer cares, or we can battle fear with the knowledge that we can trust him. "Who is this, even the wind and the waves obey him?" -Mark 4:41b. It is Jesus, our Savior! -Pastor Mike
Performance
We are often our own worse critics. At times we may feel unworthy of the occupation that we have, our finantcial resources, or even God's love. Our accomplishments as Christians have no bearing on the love that God has for us. "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness." -Jeremiah 31: 3b. -Pastor Mike
