2012
Soil
Mark 4 records Jesus' parable of the four soils. This represents 4 different ways you may respond to God's message during different times or different areas of your life. For example, you may respond like good soil to God's demand for worship, yet be like rocky soil to his demand to give to people in need. Be like good soil in all areas of your life. - Pastor Mike
Discernment
As Christians, we must grow to maturity as we learn how to discern good from evil. Can you recognize temptation before it traps you? Hebrews 5:14 says, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." We must train our consciences, senses, minds and bodies to discern between right and wrong. - Pastor Mike
Salt
Paul says in Colossians 4:6, "Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Yesterday a friend of mine hurt another by telling them that they were not a Christian, because they held on to a belief they felt was not sinful. Words can be made tasty with salt, or they can hurt by rubbing salt in a wound. - Pastor Mike
Love
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes about love. God's love is directed outward toward others. This is the kind of love that expects nothing in return. The more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others. Want a tough assignment? Share some love with someone who has recently hurt you. That's what Jesus did for us. - Pastor Mike
Heaven
There is an article in the April edition of Time called "Rethinking Heaven" in which N.T.Wright is quoted as saying that the alleviation of pain and injustice and making the world Godly and just is the beginning of heaven on earth. He states that the Bible makes it clear that God's Space and our space both overlap and interlock. What do you think? - Pastor Mike
Decisions
In 1 Samuel, chapter 8, the Israelites ask Samuel for a king, even though it was not in God's will. It is not that there is anything wrong with having a king, it's the reason they wanted one: because everyone around them had a king. Don't let others values and actions dictate your attitudes and behavior, especially when it goes against God's will. - Pastor Mike
Quake
Just heard about the huge earthquake in Indonesia. While there may be much structural damage, as well as possible loss of human life, we need to give thanks to God that things were not worse than they could have been. "Be joyful always; praise continuously; give thanks in all curcumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Pastor Mike
Full
The boys we visit in Peru are never really full after they eat since they get small portions. Americans on the other hand usually eat too much or have enough extra that they throw food away. Author Greg Easterbrook cites that while Americans have doubled their incomes since 1960, the number that cite themselves as "happy" has not changed. We need repentance. -Pastor Mike
Closed
The sidewalk on Michigan in front of demolished building is closed. To get by you have to walk down a side street and pass the site completely like most people did, or walk on the narrow curb like a few of us did, trying to get by. Reminds me of Matt. 7:14, where Jesus talks about the small, narrow way that leads to life. Only a few will find it. - Pastor Mike
Relay
A few days ago I went to see Bryce run a relay at a Dearborn High track meet and Bryce ran like the wind, beating his opponent well over 1/4 of the track. 1 Corinthians 9:24 talks about winning the race. It boils down to faith, self-control, efficiency, and following the rules to gain eternal life. Run like your life depends on it, because it does! - Pastor Mike
