2012
Smoke Detector
The joke at the Hoffman's house is that if I am making toast, I know when it's ready when the smoke detector goes off. Having a detector is a good idea. We all should have someone in our life that will signal us when we are starting to go up in smoke. This accountibility partner keeps us on a Godly track and warns us when we stray. - Pastor Mike
Moldy Chili
Mike P. forgot about his chili. It started to get moldy in the fridge in the lower level kitchen. Our spiritual gifts are like that chili. If we don't use them they remain stagnant. lose their power to feed others, and may even get moldy and fade away. Rediscover your spiritual gifts and use them to make a difference in someone's life. - Pastor Mike
Cupcakes
Yesterday's cupcake sale was a success. The Peru Mission Team was complimented on the variety of cupcakes and frostings that were offered. How varied is your life? Do you continue to do the same things over and over and expect different results? That's the definition of insanity! Today, start your day with prayer and ask God what he wants you to do differently.
Time Change
Is it hard for you to give up an hour during the spring time change? Most people absolutely despise that they will lose an hour of sleep each March. I look at it as an opportunity to have more day light in the evening to garden, go for a walk, or just sit on the porch with a cup of tea and see what's going down in the hood. Half empty, or half full? -Pastor Mike
2 Word Story
Last night at Converge I shared my 2-word story about my life before totally accepting Christ and my life after accepting Christ. People , more than often, are brought to God by other people's stories. I challenge you today to practice your story, share it with a close friend, refine it, and then go out and tell someone how Jesus has changed your life! - Pastor Mike
Open Signs
The Corvette dealership and a gas station on Michigan Ave always have their "open" signs displayed, even when they are closed. I guess someone just forgets to turn the signs off or put them away. Isn't it good to know that God always has his sign turned on and he is there, right behind it, to help us with our burdens, 24/7? - Pastor Mike
Egg Bake
I make an egg bake for our Bible Study and add different ingredients to each one to mix it up. The strangest one had beets, avacado, and chopped cashews in it ("memory" foods). Try something different in in your study of the Bible. Read through an entire book, use a study guide to read through the Bible in a year, or alternate between the OT & NT. - Pastor Mike
Details
Mies van der Rohe, a famous German architect, once noted that "God is in the details." I do believe what he said is true. Whatever we do, it must be to the glory of God and thus should be our best. A shoddy lesson, a sloppy illlustration, or a misquoted Bible verse is not what God expects from us. He wants us to shine for Him! - Pastor Mike
Bulletin Board
The Converge bulletin board is simply a snapshot of what has gone on at our Saturday young adult movement. It show what we have eaten, discussions unfolding, worship experiences, discipling, gaming, and service projects. But a board cannot speak of new friendships, lives that have become better, and a deepening intimacy with God. Boards are 2-D. Life is 3-D. - Pastor Mike
Vision and Mission Statements
Yesterday I completed a vision and mission statement to share with the Converge Core team. A mission statement answers, "what do we do?" while the vision statement answers, "why are we here?" Jesus has answered those questions for us. He commands us to love God and love our neighbors, and to go and make disciples of all nations. Enough said! - Pastor Mike
