Blogs
Decisions
Being a parent or a mentor is sooooo hard! I am both, and sometimes it makes me crazy. While I would like to make all the decisions for those I "coach", I know that ultimately, I need to teach them HOW to make decisions. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." -Proverbs 22:6. -Pastor Mike
Peace
The peace that Christ gives to us transends our intellect. While I spend much of my time trying to figure things out (like today, trying to figure out how to cook mac and cheese for 120 people), my mental energy blocks the peace that God offers. "Now , may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way..." -2 Thessalonians 3:16a. -Pastor Mike
Committed
We need to have a committed time with God each day. This may call for sacrifice in our busy lives. We need to focus on God in order to be strengthened and equipped each day. "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those who hearts are fully committed to him..." -2 Chronicles 16:9a. -Pastor Mike
Immanuel
Immanuel (also written as Emmanuel) means "God with us" and was prophasied by Isaiah (7:14). Jesus came to us as God in the flesh. "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us". -Matthew 1:23. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present today within the life of every believer. - Pastor Mike
Near
We all want to come closer to God. How can we do that? We need to submit to him, resist the devil, purify our lives, confess our sins and repent, and humble ourselves. "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." -James 4:8. -Pastor Mike
New Duds
Even though I hate to shop, I must admit it is nice to get a new pair of jeans or a sharp tee-shirt. As a Christian, we need to be clothed differently. "Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." -Colossians 3:12. Over all of these put on love! -Pastor Mike
Uncertainty
While God created the world orderly and perfect, sin entered and caused uncertainty. God is never uncertain and never changes. "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the Last, the Beginning and the End." -Revelation 22:13. Since as Christians, we have God within us, we can face uncertainty with perfect peace. - Pastor Mike
Quiet
Noise is everywhere. We need to spend some quiet time with God each day. "The Lord God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -Zephaniah 3:17. When we turn to God with our concerns, our burdens become lighter. Praise God for his faithfulness! -Pastor Mike
Actions
Actions speak louder than words. God acts with righteousness, justice, love, and faithfulness. We must exhibit these attributes as well. "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord." -Psalm 89:14-15. -Pastor Mike
Treasures
Ever dream of finding a lost treasure? Wouldn't it be awesome to find a buried trunk in your yard, something the former owners of your house left behind, or a great find at a flea mart? Each day God provides treasures for us, both trials and blessings. "...in order that they may know Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and mystery." - Colossians 2:2b-3.
