2012
Confidence
Peace is a gift that God gives to us on a daily basis. Just like the Israelites who could not store up manna, we cannot store up peace. It needs to be doled out on a daily basis. This is good, because it makes realize that we are dependent on God. We can be confident that this gift of peace will be given out on a daily basis. Read Hebrews 4:16. -Pastor Mike
Ring!
Cell phones can interrupt our awareness of each other. Have you been with somebody in a face-to-face conversation when their cell phone went off and they felt compelled to answer it? What stimuli interrupts our awareness of God? Listen for God, and not for a ring-tone. "Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live." -Psalm 116:2. -Pastor Mike
Critisism
When we criticize or complain to God, we are saying that we can run our lives better than he can. God knows our future and we don't. "We live by faith and not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5;7. We need to acknowledge God's soverignty by giving him thanks in all circumstances, realizing that his timing and methods may be different from what we are expecting. -Pastor Mike
Trust
I like things that are predictable. That last piece of cherry pie will be there for me. My barber will use a number 4 on top of my head and not a zero. My car will start when I turn the key. Life is not always predictable and that is why we need to rely on God. Isaiah 12:2 reminds us to trust God for our strength. He is our "rock". -Pastor Mike
Salvation
The law of God was not intended to save people, but simply to point out sin and point people to Christ. Salvation (the forgiveness of our sins by God) comes through Jesus dying on the cross as a sacrifice for us. We don't earn forgiveness by what we do. It is a free gift from Christ when we accept him as our Savior. Read Hebrews 7:18-19. -Pastor Mike
Merge
As a child, I remember a friend of mine telling me that, in his mind, he read the traffic sign, "Merging Traffic" to read "Murdering traffic". Merging, when done correctly, can be simple and nearly painless. Jesus tells us in John 15 that, "I am the vine and you are the branches...if you remain in me...you (will) bear much fruit." Merge with God today! -Pastor Mike
Trust
Sometimes I find myself lacking in trust. Especially when I ask someone to be in charge of a task or activity. I sometimes think that it would be easier to simply do the task myself, knowing that it would get completed. You can always trust in God to get things done in his way and in his time. "But I trust you, O Lord; I say, You are my God." -Psalm 31:14 -Pastor Mike
Rejoice!
We have a choice each day to dwell on our problems or to delight in our blessings. Yesterday's corn roast and music fest took such a tremendous amount of effort to put on and had many obstacles to overcome, but was enjoyed by so many, young and old. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:24 -Pastor Mike
Direct
I hate it when I call a company and get a machine that gives me choice after choice of pressing a number only to hear another message about pressing another number? At one time God's people had to go through a priest in order to approach God, but not since Christ's victory on the cross!. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood..." - 1 Peter 2:9. -Pastor Mike
Comfort
I enjoy "comfort meals" that include mac and cheese, cream-based soups, and twice-baked potatoes. With God, we take comfort knowing that we are never alone, as he actually dwells within us. This causes me to be less anxious and allow my problems to melt away. "The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." -Exodus 33:14. -Pastor Mike
