CREW
Critisism
When we criticize or complain to God, we are saying that we can run our lives better than he can. God knows our future and we don't. "We live by faith and not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5;7. We need to acknowledge God's soverignty by giving him thanks in all circumstances, realizing that his timing and methods may be different from what we are expecting. -Pastor Mike
Salvation
The law of God was not intended to save people, but simply to point out sin and point people to Christ. Salvation (the forgiveness of our sins by God) comes through Jesus dying on the cross as a sacrifice for us. We don't earn forgiveness by what we do. It is a free gift from Christ when we accept him as our Savior. Read Hebrews 7:18-19. -Pastor Mike
Trust
Sometimes I find myself lacking in trust. Especially when I ask someone to be in charge of a task or activity. I sometimes think that it would be easier to simply do the task myself, knowing that it would get completed. You can always trust in God to get things done in his way and in his time. "But I trust you, O Lord; I say, You are my God." -Psalm 31:14 -Pastor Mike
Direct
I hate it when I call a company and get a machine that gives me choice after choice of pressing a number only to hear another message about pressing another number? At one time God's people had to go through a priest in order to approach God, but not since Christ's victory on the cross!. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood..." - 1 Peter 2:9. -Pastor Mike
Leaders
Ugh! I hate this time of year when political ads begin. They get nasty. Human leaders often change. It seems like many get corrupt after being in office for a while. Christ is our ultimate leader. He never changes. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." -Hebrews 13:8. Praise God for his stability! -Pastor Mike
Purify
Scouts purify river water for camp-outs. GrouPeru! has our water purified when we go on mission trips each year. The most important purification is that of Jesus' blood purifying us from every sin. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one anther, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." - 1 John 1:8. - Pastor Mike
Refreshed
A buddy of mine is going North today to spend time becoming refreshed. We all need to get away with God and spend time in full conversation. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restore my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." -Psalm 23: 2-3. Pastor Mike
Talk
Talk and listen to God every day, multiple times. Remember that your ultimate goal is not controling or fixing everything, it is communing with God. Consider it a successful day if you stay in touch with God, even if other things remain undone. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3:6 -Pastor Mike
Fences
We build fences around our homes, fences around our "stuff", and even fences around our God. People tend to want to restrict God's blessings to their own group, but Jesus refuses to be limited. "I am the good shepherd...and i lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also..." -John 10:14-16 -Pastor Mike
Trust
When everything seems to be going wrong, say, "I trust you, Jesus!" Remember the "trust" exercise that you did in youth group? You closed your eyes and fell back into the arms of a couple of other youth. Do the same by falling into the arms of Jesus. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5. - Pastor Mike
