2012
Mission
In John 19: 25-17, Jesus called from the cross to John, to take care of his mother, Mary. Just think about how things would have been if John didn't stay at the foot of the cross or was talking to someone and missed Jesus' words. Are you fully present and listening to what Jesus wants you to accomplish in his name? - Pastor Mike
Pizza
When it comes to pizza, it is awesome that there are so many different combinations of toppings. I like mine plain with just cheese, but some people like theirs with many different veggies and meats. Likewise in worship, it is awesome that we can feed ourselves spiritually and praise God in various ways, "plain or loaded". - Pastor MikeFire
A number of youth and young adults went to the Acquire the Fire event in Lansing on Friday and Saturday. We were able to learn more about what it takes to come to Christ as a new believer, continue to transform as a follower of Christ, and to rededicate ourselves as a believer in Christ. "Normal is not enough" is our battle cry! - Pastor Mike
Appointment
I made a point of greeting an employee at Panera Cares. God had been working on my heart to make an appointment with him to have coffee and talk about our life stories. I am praying that this conversation eventually leads to a spiritual side and that I will be able to share the gospel with him. Who does God want you to have coffee with today? - Pastor Mike
Final Step
Mark 6:45-52 tells of Jesus walking on water. His disciples were afraid because they lacked the faith to believe that Jesus was the son of God, that they were chosen as his disciples, and the purpose of Jesus coming to Earth. Miracles occured 2,000 years ago and still do accure today. Have faith! Miracles happen on a daily basis.- Pastor Mike
Branches
The wind has knocked a bunch of branches off our trees (nature's way of pruning). Jesus has told us in John 15 that God is the gardener who cuts off every branch that does not bear good fruit. We must be productive followers of Christ and show others by our changed behavior (bearing fruit) how Christ has changed us from the inside out. - Pastor Mike
Baseball
Yesterday Jonathan and I went to a baseball game. Both Tony and Brad (CREW Youth Group) had a great game, and DHS won with ease. Jonathan and I were really busy working at church, but decided to follow Jesus' example (John 2) of taking time to celebrate the achievements of others. This really is our "important" work. - Pastor Mike
Mary
Mary Magdala was an early follower of Jesus who certainly deserves to be called a disciple. Her life was dramatically changed when Jesus performed a miracle of freeing her from 7 demons. Mary's faith was not complicated. It was direct and genuine. Jesus honored her childlike faith by appearing to her first after his resurrection. - Pastor Mike
Faith
Most people like to wait to do something until they have completely and successfully mastered it. Sharing your faith is different. Like Levi (Matthew) in Mark 2:13-17, we should begin to share our faith the minute we have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Use whatever knowledge, skill, or experience that you already have. More will follow! - Pastor Mike
Wounds
"Tell me your story, show me your wounds" is a line in a song from "The Story" CD by Mac Powell. Yesterday I was working with a gentleman I hardly knew. I shared my 2-word story with him and bared my wounds. Likewise, he shared his story with me and bared his wounds. Both of us agreed that Jesus' blood covers our wounds and heals them. - Pastor Mike
