Converge
Faith
Most people like to wait to do something until they have completely and successfully mastered it. Sharing your faith is different. Like Levi (Matthew) in Mark 2:13-17, we should begin to share our faith the minute we have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Use whatever knowledge, skill, or experience that you already have. More will follow! - Pastor Mike
Control
Jesus came to forgive us for wanting to control our lives. Like the woman at the well (John 4), we often look to God to make our lives easier. When Jesus was talking about "living water", the woman thought her life could be easier. Jesus was talking about spiritual thirst, which challenges us to step out of the box and let God control our lives. - Pastor Mike
Cross
So what's up with the phrase, "Take up your cross, and follow me", said by Jesus? It means to publically identify with him, to experience almost certain opposition, and to be committed to suffering, all for the sake of glorifying our Savior, Jesus Christ. Never be ashamed to say that you pledge your life to the one and only God. - Pastor Mike
Visitors
Last night at Converge we had 11 visitors. 10 were Moslem women and children. They asked to pray in our Sanctuary for one of the gals' father who was ill. They had prayed a year ago in the Sanctuary for a friend who had cancer and is now healed. Praise God that he is bringing in those who need to know Him and know where to find Him. -Pastor Mike
Sour Notes
When witnessing to a person, listening is of utmost importance. When you listen intensely, you show that you are interested and really care about that person's thoughts and ideas. If you hear a sour note, a statement that is contridictory or one that is based on feelings, question that person in a kind, respectful way to help them discover the discrepancy. - Pastor Mike
Earth
Sunday is Earth Day. As Christians, we are reminded of our responsibility to care for all of God's creation. Psalm 8:6 says, "You (God) made him (humans) ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet." We need to use our earthy resources wisely because God will hold us accountable for our stewardship. -Pastor Mike
Deacons
Last night at our Wednesday evening gathering called FISH, the deacons served the meal. Deacon means, "one who serves". This position was begun by the apostles (Acts 6: 1-6) to care for the physical needs of the congregation, especially the widows. It's refreshing to see that our deacons are continuing the grand tradition, 2,000 years later! - Pastor Mike
Breakfast
Yesterday I had breakfast with a close young adult friend and another young adult that I hadn't seen in a while. It was great to see the friendship begin to grow between these two. God has been directing me to be a bridge-builder between those who don't know each other well and with those who don't want to have a relationship with the other person any more. - Pastor Mike
Meeting
I met with a young adult who had been scarred by another's words. She was told that she was not a Christian, because she believed that a person could be gay and still follow Christ. Actually, they were both correct. To be a Christian, repentence must come into play. God loves us all, but we must turn 180 degrees from all sins in order to follow Christ. - Pastor Mike
2 Word Story
As a part of my sermon yesterday, Don, a young adult friend from Converge, shared his 2-Word Story. It was an amazing witness of his life before Christ, and his life since accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. Afterward he received a hearty round of applause for being so transparent. Praise God that he allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through him! - Pastor Mike
