2012
Tape
I pass a signpost each day that has a huge piece of strapping tape stuck to it. High winds and heavy rains have not dislodged it. I removed it today when I was out running and threw it away. That is what Jesus said we should do in the parable of the unforgiving debtor. Throw away the sticky anger you have stuck on your brother and forgive him. - Pastor Mike
Justified
Justified means to be declared not guilty. When a judge declares a person not guilty, all the charges are removed from his record. Legally, it is like the person had never been accused. When Jesus forgives our sins, our record becomes as clean and white as snow. Jesus gave his life for us to purchase our freedom. - Pastor Mike
Faults
When we are not motivated by love, we become critical of others. We see only their faults and then the unity of believers is broken. Rather than focusing on someone's shortcomings, make a list of their strengths. Remember that Jesus commanded us to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22: 39) - Pastor Mike
Irritation
The Israelites did not drive out the wicked in Cannan (Numbers 33:55) as God told them to. Just like the Israelites, we are often hesitant to drive sin out of our lives. Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us to throw off "the sin that so easily entangles" us. We all have idols that will cause serious problems later if we just don't let them go. - Pastor Mike
Titus 2
Self-control is mentioned or implied in Titus 2 at least 5 times. In any congregation, we will have differing opinions about tradtitions, worship, dress, and musical styles that are not addressed in the Bible. Since we are a diverse group, we need wisdom and discernment to be discreet, and to master will, tongues, and passions, so that Christ is not dishonored. - Pastor Mike
Job Description
I have been working on the job descriptions of myself and those 4 young adults that I coordinate. These job descriptions will show what each of us is responsible for and who answers to whom. Christians have job descriptions given to us by Jesus. We are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them what Jesus taught. - Pastor Mike
Control
Rebecca Pippert, in her book, "Out of the Salt Shaker and into the World" says, "We are control freaks. We seek to live our lives calling all the shots instead of answering to God's rule. We've been created to be God centered, and we are hopelessly self-centered. Sin has left us addicted to ourselves." This is a great definition of what sin is! - Pastor Mike
Gifts
When a person comes to Christ, God gives them two gifts. The first is a seal of ownership to show who our Master is and the second is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guarentees that salvation (forgiveness of sins) is ours now. The "deposit" (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22) guarentees that we enter eternal life now and should become faithful servants. - Pastor Mike
Caring
Caring for others is often a task that people shy away from. Galatians 4:13-14 tells about how the Galatian churches welcomed Paul even though he was sick and was somewhat of a burden to them. Jesus has called us to serve the homeless, hungry, sick, and imprisioned. How is God calling you today to help those who are in need? - Pastor Mike
Teaching
Remember the worst teacher that you ever had in school? Why didn't you like him or her? Unprepared? Boring? Unpassionate? Just plainly not teaching the correct facts? Jesus warned his disciples against wrong teaching. He compared the bad teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees to yeast...a little can "rise" and affect many people. - Pastor Mike
