Converge
Comfort
God comforts us so that we can be equipped to comfort others who are undergoing similiar trials. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have recieved from God." -2 Corinthians 1:3-4. -Pastor Mike
Path
We love choices. Restaurants and fast-food eateries give you a wide variety of items to choose from. In life, we have many paths to choose from. There are paths of self-pity, despair, pride and self-will. Take the path with the one who give you hope; Jesus. "...Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." -Matthew 28:20b. -Pastor Mike
Trials
According to Christian author Tullian Tchividjian, suffering is God's way of setting us free. We tend to want to cling to objects of worship (idols) that we feel give our lives meaning. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance." -James 1:2. -Pastor Mike
Be Still
The world is noisy and active. Sometimes all that loud sound and action blocks out what God wants to say to us. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exaulted in the earth." -Psalm 46:10. Take time to pray, every day, and listen for that still, small voice of God, directing your words and actions. -Pastor Mike
Worship
It's not where we worship that counts, but how. Don't worship how others see you...this is idolatry. Instead ask the Holy Spirit to pray for you, teach you, and tell you how much God loves you. "...true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth..." -John 4:23. Worship God and ask him to allow you to see yourself through his eyes! -Pastor Mike
Direct
I hate it when I make a call and have to go through an endless menu before I talk to the person that I need to speak with. Direct is always better! We can speak to God directly and not have to go through a priest...we are the priest! . "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God..." -1 Peter 2:9a. -Pastor Mike
Technology
Yesterday we lost our TV, phone and computer service (hence no blog yesterday) so I spent the evening pouring over an article on suffering, written by a Christian pastor. It made me realize that we must trust everything, everything to the Lord. ""Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." -Psalm 37:3. -Pastor Mike
Complain
Ever spend time with someone who always complains? Talk about Debbie Downer and draining! Maybe that person sometimes is you. "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. "-Phillipians 2:14. -Pastor Mike
Faith
Remember the term, "Show me the money"? It is embarassing to be taken advantage of, especially if others find out. But what place does faith have? When do we have to rely on what we believe rather than what we see? As Christians, "We live by faith, not by sight." -2 Corinthians 5:19. Experience the freedom Christ has purchased with his life for you! -Pastor Mike
Joy
It is amazing to me to meet Peruvian Christians who live in the most desolate conditions to be so full of joy. Apparently joy is not dependent on one's circumstances. To remain joyful we must remember that God is always with us. "Splender and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place." -1 Chronicles 16:27. -Pastor Mike
