Job Description

I have been working on the job descriptions of myself and those 4 young adults that I coordinate.  These job descriptions will show what each of us is responsible for and who answers to whom.  Christians have job descriptions given to us by Jesus.  We are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them what Jesus taught. - Pastor Mike

Gifts

When a person comes to Christ, God gives them two gifts.  The first is a seal of ownership to show who our Master is and the second is the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit guarentees that salvation (forgiveness of sins) is ours now.  The "deposit" (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22) guarentees that we enter eternal life now and should become faithful servants. - Pastor Mike

Teaching

Remember the worst teacher that you ever had in school?  Why didn't you like him or her?  Unprepared?  Boring?  Unpassionate?  Just plainly not teaching the correct facts?  Jesus warned his disciples against wrong teaching.  He compared the bad teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees to yeast...a little can "rise" and affect many people. - Pastor Mike

Pizza

When it comes to pizza, it is awesome that there are so many different combinations of toppings. I like mine plain with just cheese, but some people like theirs with many different veggies and meats. Likewise in worship, it is awesome that we can feed ourselves spiritually and praise God in various ways, "plain or loaded". - Pastor Mike

Appointment

I made a point of greeting an employee at Panera Cares.  God had been working on my heart to make an appointment with him to have coffee and talk about our life stories.  I am praying that this conversation eventually leads to a spiritual side and that I will be able to share the gospel with him.  Who does God want you to have coffee with today? - Pastor Mike

Baseball

Yesterday Jonathan and I went to a baseball game.  Both Tony and Brad (CREW Youth Group) had a great game, and DHS won with ease.  Jonathan and I were really busy working at church, but decided to follow Jesus' example (John 2) of taking time to celebrate the achievements of others. This really is our "important" work. - Pastor Mike

Mary

Mary Magdala was an early follower of Jesus who certainly deserves to be called a disciple.  Her life was dramatically changed when Jesus performed a miracle of freeing her from 7 demons.  Mary's faith was not complicated.  It was direct and genuine.  Jesus honored her childlike faith by appearing to her first after his resurrection. - Pastor Mike

Wounds

"Tell me your story, show me your wounds" is a line in a song from "The Story" CD by Mac Powell.  Yesterday I was working with a gentleman I hardly knew.  I shared my 2-word story with him and bared my wounds.  Likewise, he shared his story with me and bared his wounds.  Both of us agreed that Jesus' blood covers our wounds and heals them. - Pastor Mike

Scavenger Hunt

Last night Jonathan and I went on a photo/video scavenger hunt with CREW and 4:12.  Jonathan did a great, creative job organizing the entire event and his reward was a huge group of happy teens!  God rewards us for using our gifts and talents by bringing us great joy, when we bless others.  "Well done, good and faithful servant!" -Pastor Mike

Story

Last night a young adult shared his story with me.  It was heart-breaking.  He had such a tough life and had tried to commit suicide at one point.  I feel honored that he was so transparent with me.  I am so fortunate that God has worked everything out so that I can work with young adults, helping them on their spiritual journey.  Thank-you, Jesus! - Pastor Mike