Converge
Step-by-Step
Remember when you were learning to walk? Your parent took hold of your hand and slowly walked next to you as you wernt forward, step-by-step. "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." -Isaiah 41:13. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, as he has mapped out every inch of your journey. -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
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
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
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
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.
Confidence
When we begin to worry, we need to connect with God at a deeper level. That can be done through prayer, Bible reading, reading books by Christian authors, attending Christian retreats or conferences, or spending time discussing our fears with mature Christians. "...my God will hear me." -Micah 7:7b. Listen to God's response in order to restore your confidence. -Pastor Mike
Strength
Yesterday I was watching the DHS boys varsity football team have a scrimmage. Their opponents seemed to have more strength than DHS at this time. Some strength is developed and some strength is given. When we walk with Christ, we can be guaranteed to be given spiritual strength. "The Lord gives strength to his people..." -Psalm 29:11a. -Pastor Mike
Confront & Comfort
If a person is caught up in sin, is confronted, and repents, we must forgive him. Permanently seperating a person from a congregation would give Satan just the advantage that he wants. "If anyone has caused grief...the punishments inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient...Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him..." -2 Corinthians 2:16. -Pastor Mike
Shield
Spending a scheduled time with God each day is important for your spiritual health. Satan delights in making you feel like this time is a luxury that you cannot afford. Resist thoose feelings! "In addition to al this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can estinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil on." -Ephesians 6:16. -Pastor Mike
