2012
Inscribed
Often we see inscriptions on jewelry or fancy silverware, stating a feeling or the first letter of one's surname. Inscriptions show relationship. God desires a daily relationship with us, his children. We can foster this relationship through prayer, Bilbe study, and worship. "See, I have inscribed you on the palm of my hands." -Isaiah 50:16. -Pastor Mike
Service
It is an easy thing to say that you love Jesus, but can you show it? "Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him a third time, "Do you love me?" He said, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my Sheep"'. - John 21:17. Jesus wants us to repent of our sins, turn and walk away from them, and committ our lives to serving him. -Pastor Mike
Holy
Holy means morally perfect, pure, and set apart from all sin. Allowing ourselves the time to enjoy the beauty of nature opens us up to the holiness of it's creator. "...Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty: the whole world is full of his glory." -Isaiah 6:3. Talk a walk in the woods, along the water, or through a garden, and seek the holiness of God. -Pastor Mike
Faith
My good friend Bob is concerned about an upcoming operation. We talked yesteday over coffee about faith and prayed that God would help Bob find that "misplaced" gift of faith that had already been given him. "For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..." -Ephesians 2:8a. -Pastor Mike
Christian
A Christian has a perfect measure of faith and good deeds. "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." -James 2:14,17. Good deeds don't earn salvation, but true faith does result in a new life. -Pastor Mike
Decisions
When the disciples lost Judas, they came together, prayed, then made a "team" decision in a mature way. "Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen...'" -Acts 1:24. Don't be a Lone Ranger when the effect of your decision will impact others. Involve others...be a team player. -Pastor Mike
Hide and Seek
Remember playing "Hide and Seek"? Everyone would hide and one individual would try to find them. We try at times to hide from God, or at least try to hide a sin from him, but he knows everything we do, think, and say. "O Lord, You have searched me and know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thought afar off." -Psalm 139:1-2. -Pastor Mike
Trials
Everyone of us faces trials on a daily basis. We face certain failure unless we are under God's protection. Do you pray, read the Bible, and "hang" with Christian friends on a daily basis? If so, great! If not, then begin today! "...Let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a brestplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." -1 Thessalonians 5:8.
Commandments
Commandments from God are more than suggestions. They are rules that God has given us to order our lives. Keeping them shows God that we love and honor him as well as our fellow human beings. They give our lives purpose. "Make me walk in the path of Your commandments For I delight in them." -Psalm 119:35. -Pastor Mike
Called
When you get called for dinner at the Hoffman house you had better run! Likewise, when one is called by the Holy Spirit to recieve Christ, one needs to move in haste. Tomorrow may be too late! "And we know that in all things God works for good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28. -Pastor Mike
