2012
Deacons
Last night at our Wednesday evening gathering called FISH, the deacons served the meal. Deacon means, "one who serves". This position was begun by the apostles (Acts 6: 1-6) to care for the physical needs of the congregation, especially the widows. It's refreshing to see that our deacons are continuing the grand tradition, 2,000 years later! - Pastor Mike
Donation
Our two youth groups went to Fed the Hungry on the streets of Detroit. Jonathan and I made chili, hot-dogs, and chocolate chip cookies. After we were done serving, we took the extra hotdogs, buns, and cookies to donate to the DRMM's soup kitchen. A guy inside told us, "The greatest nation in the world is a do-nation!" Too funny! - Pastor Mike
Breakfast
Yesterday I had breakfast with a close young adult friend and another young adult that I hadn't seen in a while. It was great to see the friendship begin to grow between these two. God has been directing me to be a bridge-builder between those who don't know each other well and with those who don't want to have a relationship with the other person any more. - Pastor Mike
Meeting
I met with a young adult who had been scarred by another's words. She was told that she was not a Christian, because she believed that a person could be gay and still follow Christ. Actually, they were both correct. To be a Christian, repentence must come into play. God loves us all, but we must turn 180 degrees from all sins in order to follow Christ. - Pastor Mike
Wind
The wind yesterday was unbelievable. Made me think about Pentecost. (Acts 2) - "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting...tongues of fire came to rest on each of them...they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues..." Wow! - Pastor Mike
Prayer
After Worship yesterday, Jonathan and I stayed up front to receive people for prayer. We had a few requests for healing, focus, and general well-being. Honestly, when you pray with someone you receive as much blessing as they do. It's like a triangle. Prayer raises up to the Father, back to the receipient, and then back to you. Awesome! - Pastor Mike
2 Word Story
As a part of my sermon yesterday, Don, a young adult friend from Converge, shared his 2-Word Story. It was an amazing witness of his life before Christ, and his life since accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. Afterward he received a hearty round of applause for being so transparent. Praise God that he allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through him! - Pastor Mike
Bowling Ball
Last night the young adult group, Converge, went bowling. I kept searching for a ball that fit my fingers. When I finally found a ball that fit, it was a heavy 16 pounds. By the end of the evening and three games later, my wrist ached. Sin is similar. Even when it seems to be OK and "fits" the occasion, it soon will weigh us down and make us ache. - Pastor Mike
Speaking
James, Jesus' brother and a leader in the Jerusalem church, compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire. Even if we apologize later, the scar remains, perhaps destroying a relationship that took years to build. Before you speak, remember that words are like fire - you can neither control or reverse the damage they can do. - Pastor Mike
Witness
"Can I get a witness?" are the words in a Motown song. Jesus says in John 15:8, "This is to my Father's glory, that as you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Our actions and words bear witness to how close we walk with God. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Can I get a witness? My hope is that it is you! - Pastor Mike
