CREW
Open Signs
The Corvette dealership and a gas station on Michigan Ave always have their "open" signs displayed, even when they are closed. I guess someone just forgets to turn the signs off or put them away. Isn't it good to know that God always has his sign turned on and he is there, right behind it, to help us with our burdens, 24/7? - Pastor Mike
Details
Mies van der Rohe, a famous German architect, once noted that "God is in the details." I do believe what he said is true. Whatever we do, it must be to the glory of God and thus should be our best. A shoddy lesson, a sloppy illlustration, or a misquoted Bible verse is not what God expects from us. He wants us to shine for Him! - Pastor Mike
Transmission
Big Blue, our church van, has been running a bit rough lately. It seems to struggle shifting into a higher gear. When the transmission fluid was checked, it was almost empty. Are you running a bit rough and struggling with sin in your life? Take it to God and asked to be filled up with his Holy Spirit. Don't run on empty! - Pastor Mike
Full Moon
This morning I noticed the huge, glowing, full moon. It's awesome that the moon reflects the light from the sun. We are God's moons. He shines on us and we are to reflect His love back to the world. How can you be ready to reflect? Read your Bible, worship, pray, spend time with fellow Christians, and witness to non-believers. Shine on! - Pastor Mike
Witness
I used to think that evangelism meant turning people into Christians. I don't even want to use the term evangelism any more. Instead, I prefer the term, witness. My witness, or personal story, should be an invitation to "come and see" who Jesus is. (Mt. 11:28). People should see through me, how Christ can carry their burden and change their lives. - Pastor Mike
Unpopped Kernels
Yesterday at 4:12 and CREW Youth Groups we had a movie and microwave popcorn. Soon the unpopped popcorn kernels began to be thrown around at people to annoy/tease/wake them up. Are you an unpopped popcorn kernel? Are you at the bottom of the bowl just waiting to burst into the person that God wants you to be? Time to heat up and pop onto God's scene! - Pastor Mike
Chili
I entered a chili contest where the chefs were not disclosed because the organizers didn't want anyone voting for a friend's chili As a vegetarian, I looked to see which had meat. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out what is inside just by looking at the outside. People are like that. Take time to get to know someone from the inside. -Pastor Mike
Wind
Last night we had very high winds. This morning, on my walk, the winds were still up to 40 mph. I remembered a Dr. (Oz?) who once said that we should exhale as much air in our lungs every so often and refill them with fresh air. After exhaling, a huge wind blew and filled me. Wonder if Pentecost was like that for the disciples? Fresh wind, fresh fire! - Pastor Mike
Simmer
I had to make my chili for the Converge Chili Contest but I knew that my weekend was busy. I asked Lynn's advice. She said, "Good chili needs to simmer for hours. Make it today and let it simmer, keep it in the fridge, and simply reheat it on Saturday". Sound advice for any problem you may have. Take it to God in prayer, and let it simmer for a season. -Pastor Mike
Skunk in Front
On my early morning prayer walk, I often encounter deer, rabbits, opossum, raccoons, and the like. Today, less than 3 feet in front of me, sitting on the sidewalk, was a huge skunk. I froze in my tracks until it skurried away. How silly! Satan is out in front of us every day and often we don't even notice. Stay alert, in prayer, and in the Word. - Pastor Mike
