Armor Up!

Ever feel downtrodden?  We battle daily against the powers of darkness and evil. Like a well-trained soldier, we must be prepared to be protected.  Read your Bible, get counsel from mature Christians, and have a daily time of prayer.   "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." -Ephesians 6:11. -Pastor Mike

Faith

We may not remember our first birthday party, but after a few of them, we knew what wonderful experiences to expect.  Faith also contains assurance and anticipation.  Faith is based on our past experiences that God provided, is providing, and will provide.  "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." -Hebrews 11:1. -Pastor Mike

Busyness

God wants us to spend time with him.  Remember the story of Mary and Martha?  Martha thought that Mary was not helping enough.  "Martha, Martha", the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." -Luke 10:41. -Pastor Mike

Your Story

What are your favorite stories about you or your family?

Why do you like those particular stories?

I am inviting you to respond to this blog by answering the two questions above.

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