Blogs
Burnout
Are you a person who listens well to your friends? Often, countless interactions with "needy" individuals will cause burn-out in the listener. Take time to rest in the Lord in prayer and reading his Word. "The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." - Exodus 33:14. Get enough sleep, eat well, and take time to recreate. -Pastor Mike
Peace
The Holy Spirit brings us a peace that comforts us in the calm times of our lives but also gives us the passion to face the fears that we encounter. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 14:27. Drop the stress...be filled with the Spirit! -Pastor Mike
Dependence
What does depending on God look like? Relying on him, rather than our own efforts, to do the tasks that he puts before us. What are those tasks? Loving God and his people by "being and making disciples who shar god's love, seek his truth, and serve his world." "I am the vine; you are the branches..."- John 15:5. -Pastor Mike
All Things
God works in all things, not just occasional instances, for our good. Not that everything that happens to us is good, but if we let him, God can show us a lesson that will be helpful in the future. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28. -Pastor Mike
Anticipate
Ever dream of a day when you go on vacation, leave the cell phone in the car, and lay on that sandy beach? But wait. The wind picks up, it gets cloudy, and begins to rain. Life happens! "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33. -Pastor Mike
Trust
Ever have trouble trusting someone or something? If we put our trust in God, we can experience real peace. Even if something starts to feel like it could fall apart, know that God can bring good out of every situation. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." -Psalm 23:4 -Pastor Mike
Pain
Managing pain can be hard, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual. When we come to the realization that this world is not all there is, that there is life after death, it helps us to live above the pain. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."-2 Corinthians 4:18. -Pastor Mike
Light
Chris has just worked on the lighting in our Youth Lounge to make it more appropriate for worship. Light makes a whole lot of difference in setting a mood. "...God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."-1 John 1:5. Light represents all that is good and reveals to us all that is in darkness and is evil. Be a light in a dark world! -Pastor Mike
Hoard
"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." -Psalm 29:2. The world teaches us to pursue riches and hoard them. We attain God's riches when we let go, worship him, and give ourselves away. Take time right now to worship God in prayer. Speak to him, but also listen for his voice. -Pastor Mike
Values
So, what do you value? Take a moment to list three things that you value. OK, did you list earthly things? Maybe not your car, house, or job. Even if you chose your family, marriage, or relationships with friends, these all are earthly. Jesus wants us to consider things that are eternal and lasting: Him! "No one can serve two masters..." - Matthew 6:24.
