2012
Transmission
Big Blue, our church van, has been running a bit rough lately. It seems to struggle shifting into a higher gear. When the transmission fluid was checked, it was almost empty. Are you running a bit rough and struggling with sin in your life? Take it to God and asked to be filled up with his Holy Spirit. Don't run on empty! - Pastor Mike
Full Moon
This morning I noticed the huge, glowing, full moon. It's awesome that the moon reflects the light from the sun. We are God's moons. He shines on us and we are to reflect His love back to the world. How can you be ready to reflect? Read your Bible, worship, pray, spend time with fellow Christians, and witness to non-believers. Shine on! - Pastor Mike
Recycled Canvases
I painted over 7 canvases last evening, preparing them for an art class that will begin for young adults this Saturday at Converge. We are God's canvases. We take on the colors and shapes of this sinful world but when we turn our lives back over to Him, God makes into blank canvases that can be repainted in His image. Remember, He is the Master Artist! -Pastor Mike
Witness
I used to think that evangelism meant turning people into Christians. I don't even want to use the term evangelism any more. Instead, I prefer the term, witness. My witness, or personal story, should be an invitation to "come and see" who Jesus is. (Mt. 11:28). People should see through me, how Christ can carry their burden and change their lives. - Pastor Mike
Interruptions
How crazy-busy is your schedule? Do you feel that you can't fit in another appointment? I used to say, "Life is full, and that is a good thing!" I don't believe that anymore. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian once said, "We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God." Do you have room in your schedule for God today? - Pastor Mike
Unpopped Kernels
Yesterday at 4:12 and CREW Youth Groups we had a movie and microwave popcorn. Soon the unpopped popcorn kernels began to be thrown around at people to annoy/tease/wake them up. Are you an unpopped popcorn kernel? Are you at the bottom of the bowl just waiting to burst into the person that God wants you to be? Time to heat up and pop onto God's scene! - Pastor Mike
Falling Veneer
A building on Michigan Ave. is loosing more and more of its brick veneer with each passing day. On my walks I have to step aroung thin slabs of brick each morning and afternoon. Yesterday I met with a young adult who is doing the same. He is loooking at his life and allowing God to stip away the false facade that is covering up how God really created him. Praise God!
Chili
I entered a chili contest where the chefs were not disclosed because the organizers didn't want anyone voting for a friend's chili As a vegetarian, I looked to see which had meat. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out what is inside just by looking at the outside. People are like that. Take time to get to know someone from the inside. -Pastor Mike
Prayer Stations
Last night at Converge my message was on prayer. After the message, participants silently went through 5 different "prayer stations" that utilized different senses. People offered up participatory prayers that included lighting candles, writing, anointing, communion, and studying a huge Peruvian cross. Plan out your day to pray creatively several times. - Pastor Mike
Pussy Willow
Pastor Dave asked me to check on buying some saplings to use in an upcomming sermon. On my walk I noticed pussy willowbranches that had been put by the curb. Knowing how quickly they root, I cut off 25 stems or so and placed them in water. Today I noticed roots sprouting. Have you taken time to "root" in some ministry or are you always moving around? - Pastor Mike
