CREW
Pain
Managing pain can be hard, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual. When we come to the realization that this world is not all there is, that there is life after death, it helps us to live above the pain. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."-2 Corinthians 4:18. -Pastor Mike
Hoard
"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." -Psalm 29:2. The world teaches us to pursue riches and hoard them. We attain God's riches when we let go, worship him, and give ourselves away. Take time right now to worship God in prayer. Speak to him, but also listen for his voice. -Pastor Mike
Abundance
Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of his overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. He promises us eternal life which begins the moment we accept him as our Lord and Savior. "The theif comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -John 10:10. Take Christ's offer of life. -Pastor Mike
Trials
We all will face trials of some kinds. It is never if, but when. Pain helps us to grow. "Considerate 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. We can't pretend to be happy when we are in pain, but we can have a positive attitude. -Pastor Mike
Compassion
Compassion seems to be a dying art. Rather than "walking in another's shoes", some people are judgemental about why a person is in a certain circumstance. God is faithful and is compassionate. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. -Lamentations 3:22. -Pastor Mike
Strength
Don't you sometimes just want to give up? Listen to Paul's advice. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." -2 Corinthians 4:16. Gain inner strength from the Holy Spirit. Like Ramona in "Ramona Quimby-Age 8", be passionate. Be a Whacker and not a Tapper! -Pastor Mike
Not Guilty
Have you ever been accused of doing something that was wrong? Sometimes we are guilty, and we just don't want to face it. "Therfore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." -Romans 8:1 Even though we are guilty of sin, Jesus has declared us not guilty and has offered us freedom from sin and the power to do his will. -Pastor Mike
Listen
How many times has someone said to you, "Are you listening to me?" We need to focus in on God in prayer and listen to what he wants us to do. While planning is a good thing, don't become a slave to planning...it can be an idol of control. "My sheep listen to my voice.; I know them and they follow me." -John 10:27. Listen for Jesus. -Pastor Mike
Storms
My friend has just been diagnosed with cancer and will beat it with her faith in Christ. Storms come in many shapes and sizes in our lives. We can worry and assume that Jesus no longer cares, or we can battle fear with the knowledge that we can trust him. "Who is this, even the wind and the waves obey him?" -Mark 4:41b. It is Jesus, our Savior! -Pastor Mike
Confidence
Peace is a gift that God gives to us on a daily basis. Just like the Israelites who could not store up manna, we cannot store up peace. It needs to be doled out on a daily basis. This is good, because it makes realize that we are dependent on God. We can be confident that this gift of peace will be given out on a daily basis. Read Hebrews 4:16. -Pastor Mike
