Converge
Bowling Ball
Last night the young adult group, Converge, went bowling. I kept searching for a ball that fit my fingers. When I finally found a ball that fit, it was a heavy 16 pounds. By the end of the evening and three games later, my wrist ached. Sin is similar. Even when it seems to be OK and "fits" the occasion, it soon will weigh us down and make us ache. - Pastor Mike
Soil
Mark 4 records Jesus' parable of the four soils. This represents 4 different ways you may respond to God's message during different times or different areas of your life. For example, you may respond like good soil to God's demand for worship, yet be like rocky soil to his demand to give to people in need. Be like good soil in all areas of your life. - Pastor Mike
Salt
Paul says in Colossians 4:6, "Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Yesterday a friend of mine hurt another by telling them that they were not a Christian, because they held on to a belief they felt was not sinful. Words can be made tasty with salt, or they can hurt by rubbing salt in a wound. - Pastor Mike
Heaven
There is an article in the April edition of Time called "Rethinking Heaven" in which N.T.Wright is quoted as saying that the alleviation of pain and injustice and making the world Godly and just is the beginning of heaven on earth. He states that the Bible makes it clear that God's Space and our space both overlap and interlock. What do you think? - Pastor Mike
Quake
Just heard about the huge earthquake in Indonesia. While there may be much structural damage, as well as possible loss of human life, we need to give thanks to God that things were not worse than they could have been. "Be joyful always; praise continuously; give thanks in all curcumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Pastor Mike
Closed
The sidewalk on Michigan in front of demolished building is closed. To get by you have to walk down a side street and pass the site completely like most people did, or walk on the narrow curb like a few of us did, trying to get by. Reminds me of Matt. 7:14, where Jesus talks about the small, narrow way that leads to life. Only a few will find it. - Pastor Mike
Razed
The old President's Tuxedo building on Mich. Ave sideways across the street from Panera Cares in W. Dearborn was razed recently. The building was beyond renovation and will eventually be replaced by a new structure. Much like God's plan for us, we need our sinful self "torn down" and we must be born again, becoming a new creation in Christ (John 3:3) - Pastor Mike
Easter
He is risen, He is risen, indeed! Easter blessings to all my young adult friends from Converge. Your two-word testimonies have been incredible and I have been moved by the way you are reaching out in discipleship. God is moving in this place and I praise Him for the work He is doing in and through you. - Pastor Mike
Crash!
Have you noticed that I haven't blogged for a couple of days? Our computer crashed (talk to Lynn about what I did to break it!) It's really tough to be without something that you depend so much on. I am really glad that God never crashes. You can count on Him being there 24/7, forever. - Pastor Mike
Bikes
Remember when you learned to ride a bike and how proud you (and your loved ones) were? We all have many "bikes" in our lives. Yesterday a close friend of mine conquered a "bike" in his life. Praise God! He was able to do it because of prayer, preparation, and the Holy Spirit. Congratulations Jonathan! Jesus and I are proud of you. - Pastor Mike
