2012
Spiritual
Which is more spiritual, to pray in a closet or to serve meals to the homeless? The first emphasizes the need to renounce everything in order to know God and the second emphasizes that God come to us thought many experiences. Should we withdraw or be engaged? Both! Listen to the Holy Spirit for your mission on this day. - Pastor Mike
Gospel
It is difficult for pastors to give a message that isn't too basic or too advanced. That is why relying on the Holy Spirit to lead us is so important. We must trust that the gospel message will be received by non-believers while not being too redundant for long-time believers. "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." -Luke 19:10 - Pastor Mike
Discouraged
Ever feel discouraged? Sometimes when I am coaching or mentoring someone, I feel like all that I have poured into them is not enough to make a difference. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -John 14: 27. That is comforting! - Pastor Mike
Ivy
I was able to secure a 2-3 day landscaping maintainance job for one of the young adults that I work with. He has a yard full of ivy to pull out. It will be a huge job and one that could be overwhelming if a person looks at the whole picture. Sometimes it is better to concentrate on just one square foot at a time. Get the job done inch by inch. - Pastor Mike
Alone
Do you ever fear that you are all alone, with no one to bounce ideas off of? Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Since God is always with us, bounce off any idea that you may have and see if they are in his will. - Pastor Mike
Coffeehouse
Yesterday CREW and 4:12 Youth Groups had their get-together in a coffeehouse setting. The Youth loung was set up in groupings of couches, tables, and chairs with an art center and creative writing area. Jonathan video-taped each teen talking about their mother. God loves it when we build up each other, using the gifts he has loaned us. - Pastor Mike
Unity
Jesus said, in John 17: 11, that he wanted his disciples to be united in harmony and love just as the 3 members of the trinity are united. The evil one wants nothing more than to have Christians begin to dislike each other, gossip behind each other's back and begin to back-stab each other. Are you living in harmony today? - Pastor Mike
Popcorn
Last night at Converge we had a movie night with popcorn. One could pick from cheesecorn, buttered popcorn, plain popcorn, and microwave popcorn. Each of us had a definete favorite. It takes a leap of faith to try something new. Today, try to speak with someone you normally wouldn't hang with. Share your stories. Be Christ to someone new. - Pastor Mike
Missionary
We are all called to become missionaries. Jesus gave us the Great Commission to "Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." You can be a missionary in your home, neighborhood, school, or place of employment. Go! - Pastor Mike
Mark-downs
I have to admit that I love mark-down bins. I love to get 1/2 price cookies and bread, a picture frame that can easily be restored, and cargo shorts at the end of the season. These are items that many see as having little worth, but are priceless to me. God is like that. He sees our value even though we are dirty and tattered sinners. Praise God! - Pastor Mike
