CREW
Decisions
In 1 Samuel, chapter 8, the Israelites ask Samuel for a king, even though it was not in God's will. It is not that there is anything wrong with having a king, it's the reason they wanted one: because everyone around them had a king. Don't let others values and actions dictate your attitudes and behavior, especially when it goes against God's will. - Pastor Mike
Full
The boys we visit in Peru are never really full after they eat since they get small portions. Americans on the other hand usually eat too much or have enough extra that they throw food away. Author Greg Easterbrook cites that while Americans have doubled their incomes since 1960, the number that cite themselves as "happy" has not changed. We need repentance. -Pastor Mike
Relay
A few days ago I went to see Bryce run a relay at a Dearborn High track meet and Bryce ran like the wind, beating his opponent well over 1/4 of the track. 1 Corinthians 9:24 talks about winning the race. It boils down to faith, self-control, efficiency, and following the rules to gain eternal life. Run like your life depends on it, because it does! - Pastor Mike
Easter
He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Easter greetings to all of our CREW Youth group friends. Jonathan and I have really enjoyed working with you guys and gals this 2011/2012 year and continue to look forward to a summer of fun. Thanks for reaching out to friends and bringing them along on our journey of faith and mission. - Pastor Mike
Grass
Certain smells take me back to my childhood. Fresly cut grass reminds me of football practice at Stout Middle School. Snuffed candles remind me of the Lutheran church that I was brought up in. Cooked cabbage reminds me of the stuffed cabbage that my mom made in late August. Prayers are like that to God. They are as incense, rising up to heaven. - Pastor Mike
Mentoring
I mentor a second grade boy who is very shy and almost non-verbal. I try to come up with ways to get him to talk. We have done art projects together, created a board game, worked on math, and even written a story. I bet God places situations and activities in our lives to get us to talk to Him. Take some quiet time to pray to God today! - Pastor Mike
Horns
I love to walk in natural, as well as urban areas. One is peaceful and the other is full of movement and noise. The one thing that irritates me are car and truck horns. When people honk, sometimes the noise makes me jump. God honks at us sometimes, but other tiems he whispers in a thin, small voice. Always be attentive and listen for Him. - Pastor Mike
Soups
The soups at the GroupPeru! '12 Fundraiser were delightful. The 11 members of the team are continuing to lower their personal cost of $1800 to go and represent FPC-Dearborn to our friends in Peru. How cool to see the growing congregational relationships at the luncheon forshadowing the growing relationships we will experience with the rescued street boys in Peru! -Pastor Mike
Decision
A young adult that I know is struggling with the decision to accept Christ as his Savior. He is afraid that he will need to make too many changes in his life. I told him that he would need to turn 180 degrees from the way he was headed and would need to start living a less sinful life. He is not quite ready to let Jesus into his heart. Pray for him. - Pastor Mike
Panera Cares
A couple of days ago my friends Bob and Lawrence joined me for a Discipleship class at Panera Cares. It was great to spend time with them in fellowship and learning about God. Matthew 18: 20 tells us, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am also." I wonder how many others noticed that Jesus was there, in the mix? - Pastor Mike
