2012
Pity
Ever had a pity party? As we slide down the slippery slope, we approach depression and darkness as we bottom out. Our only hope is to reach up and grab the hand of Jesus. "the Lord delights in those who fear (respect) him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." -Psalm 147:11. Hope and trust is what God desires and what we need. -Pastor Mike
Trust
Are you a planner? I'm almost anal (just ask my wife!). God wants us to relax and trust in him. "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 7:34. Planning ahead is a good thing, but worrying that God won't have you covered is not a good thing! Trust in God! -Pastor Mike
Runs
Every morning I go out for a four mile, 4:00 AM run. It is part of my individual prayer time. I have been doing this nearly 8 months and have not stumbled, turned my ankle, or come down on an acorn or rock the wrong way, praise God. "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm." -Psalm 37:23. Commit to daily prayer. -Pastor Mike
Gift
When you get a gift, do you reply to the giver, "How much do I owe you? No! After receiving the gift of salvation, some Christians try to repay God with good works. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- Not by works, so no one can boast." -Ephesians 2: 8-9. -Pastor Mike
One Way
Most of us like to be considered open-minded. Christians can be open-minded on many issues, but not on how we are saved from sin. Jesus specifically taught that he is the only one who can forgive our sins. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there no other name under heaven given by to men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12. -Pastor Mike
Beacon
In ancient times, idols were simple to expose, because many were within the realm of religion. Goldern calves and household gods nowadays would be easy to spot, but how about modern idols of money, power, and status? Seek God, and he will illuminate these false gods. "You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light." -2 Samuel 22:29. -Pastor Mike
Sacrificial Love
Jesus gave his life for us. While our love cannot possibly match his, there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging, and giving. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." -John 15:13. Reach out to someone today who has a need that you can meet. -Pastor Mike
Choice
God does not force his will on anyone. He lets us decide to follow or reject him. "...love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life..." -Deuteronomy 31:20. Our decision to follow or reject God is a life-or-death matter. Following God, we must in every situation, affirm our committment. -Pastor Mike
Answers
We all seek answers. Who are we and what should we be doing? One day we will have the answers to our questions. Until then we listen to the Holy Spirit to guide us. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." -1 Corinthians 14:12. -Pastor Mike
Purify
When our mission team goes to Peru each year we have to have our water purified, so that we don't get sick from certain organisms. Christ died and purified us from all our sins when we recieved him as Lord and Savior. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9. -Pastor Mike
