Converge
Anxiety
Carrying all of our worries, stresses and daily struggles by ourselves shows that we have not trusted God with our lives. Actively turn to God in repentence. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5:6-7. -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
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
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
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
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.
Worry
What good did worrying about something ever do in your life? Worrying is pointless because it cannot fill any of our needs. Only God knows what our needs are and can fill them. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? -Luke 12:25. Bring your needs to Jesus and let him meet them. -Pastor Mike
Flame
What a difference between the flame of a birthday candle and that of a raging, uncontrollable house fire. God, like the house fire, is beyond our control. We cannot force him to do anything, yet he has saved us from sin and eternal death. "...and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire". -Hebrews 12:28-29 -Pastor Mike
Running
I love going out running each morning very early to talk and listen to God. Sometimes I grow weary physically as I run . Isaiah promised that with God, individuals will spiritually "renew their strength, They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."-41: 31. Hope in the Lord. Just do it! -Pastor Mike
Discipline
It's hard to be disciplined. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained for it." -Hebrews 12:11. We can accept God's discipline with resignation, self-pity, resentment, or gratefullness. Choose wisely! -Pastor Mike
