Converge
Critisism
David, in Psalm 141, asks God to give him wisdom in accepting honest, heart-felt criticism from others. "Let a righteous man strike me - it is a kindness; let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head." -v.5. God often speaks through others to help us improve our lives. Though it may hurt our egos, we need to hear and heed it. -Pastor Mike
Mind
The human mind is amazing with the dreams and imagination that can churn out of this mass of molecules! Paul writes, "Those who live according to their sinful nature have their minds set on what nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." -Romans 8:5. Set your mind on what God desires. -Pastor Mike
Performance
We are often our own worse critics. At times we may feel unworthy of the occupation that we have, our finantcial resources, or even God's love. Our accomplishments as Christians have no bearing on the love that God has for us. "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness." -Jeremiah 31: 3b. -Pastor Mike
Ring!
Cell phones can interrupt our awareness of each other. Have you been with somebody in a face-to-face conversation when their cell phone went off and they felt compelled to answer it? What stimuli interrupts our awareness of God? Listen for God, and not for a ring-tone. "Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live." -Psalm 116:2. -Pastor Mike
Trust
I like things that are predictable. That last piece of cherry pie will be there for me. My barber will use a number 4 on top of my head and not a zero. My car will start when I turn the key. Life is not always predictable and that is why we need to rely on God. Isaiah 12:2 reminds us to trust God for our strength. He is our "rock". -Pastor Mike
Merge
As a child, I remember a friend of mine telling me that, in his mind, he read the traffic sign, "Merging Traffic" to read "Murdering traffic". Merging, when done correctly, can be simple and nearly painless. Jesus tells us in John 15 that, "I am the vine and you are the branches...if you remain in me...you (will) bear much fruit." Merge with God today! -Pastor Mike
Rejoice!
We have a choice each day to dwell on our problems or to delight in our blessings. Yesterday's corn roast and music fest took such a tremendous amount of effort to put on and had many obstacles to overcome, but was enjoyed by so many, young and old. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:24 -Pastor Mike
Comfort
I enjoy "comfort meals" that include mac and cheese, cream-based soups, and twice-baked potatoes. With God, we take comfort knowing that we are never alone, as he actually dwells within us. This causes me to be less anxious and allow my problems to melt away. "The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." -Exodus 33:14. -Pastor Mike
Play Dough
Remember Play Dough? I loved to fashion items from it and let it harden over night. Ever taste it? It was really salty! God is our potter. When our wills are in harmony, we are allowing God to mold us in the image that he has chosen for us to be. "...We are the clay, you are the potter. we are all the work of your hand." -Isaiah 64:8b. -Pastor Mike
Power
On the outside, human beings are vulnerable. God gives us his Holy Spirit, God's power dwelling in us, to spead the Good News. It is like a fountain, fueled by the passion and gifts that God has loaned us. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." -2 Corinthians 4:5 - Pastor Mike
