In The Beginning

As we enter a little deeper into the Christmas season, we are reminded of the importance this time of the year represents. I know we’ll enjoy the giving and receiving of gifts. We will take in a football game or three! We will over indulge in all the goodies placed before us. We will spend time with the people we love most on the face of the earth.

 

But, this is a great time to remember how it all happened in the first place. Usually when we hear, “In the beginning,” our minds race back to the first book of the Bible where God begins speaking earthly things into existence. But did you know there is another, “In the beginning,” in the Bible that has great significance to us? This “In the beginning,” identifies the relationship of the Father and His Son. Just as God started creating in the book of Genesis, his son was right there with him and together they created a plan which includes us.

 

Then thousands of years later, the grace movement took place. That is when God came down to earth himself and became like one of us so he could identify with us. He went through everything we did; only one huge difference…he didn’t surrender to the temptations of the evil one. But, he did take on sin! For that we can be eternally thankful. He took our sins and paid the price for our salvation, as he became the sacrifice for each of our sins.

 

Oh yeah, this Christmas season we can be eternally grateful for the other “In the beginning” as John informs us that the Word became flesh and set up his dwelling among us. This is our time to come and worship the heaven-sent Savior who has rescued us and returned to the Father and will one day come again.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Jesus!

 

Mike

 

 

If Not You???

I ran across this Charlie Brown and Linus story this week and thought I’d share it with you.

 

“Even though Charles Schulz died on February 12, 2000 (the same day his last comic strip was published), his animated classic continues to air each Christmas season.  A Charlie Brown Christmas was first shown in 1965 and became an instant hit.  Included in this televised tradition is that unforgettable sequence where Charlie Brown cries out, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"  In response, Linus walks to center stage, signals for a spotlight, and then recites from Luke chapter 2.  Once he finishes quoting the record of Jesus' birth, Linus says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."  The scene was resisted and producers cautioned against it, but Charles Schulz was relentless.  He stood his ground and said, "If not us, then who's going to do it?"  As a result, that clear statement about Christmas stayed in the show and continues to demand a prominent place on network television every holiday season.  What Charles Schulz said four decades ago about his program needs to be repeated often among Christians when addressing the issue of evangelism: "If not us, then who's going to do it?"

 

This Christmas season may be the time for the church to have a greater awareness of the need of sharing the story of Christmas and the joy of Jesus with someone. What a great reminder of a timeless truth… If not us, then who's going to do it? See you Sunday as we fellowship together around the Throne of God.

 

Mike

 

 

Worth the Trouble

In one of Charles Schulz' classic Peanuts, Charlie Brown is shown talking about the ease with which he was able to prepare Snoopy's dinner.  While walking out to feed his dog, he declares, "This kind of dog food is no trouble at all.  You just pour it into the bowl, add a little water and stir it up."  Snoopy is then seen sitting alone on his dog house with these thoughts reflected in a balloon above his head: "I'd rather be worth a little trouble."  When it comes to relationships, we all long to be "worth a little trouble." (Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul)

 

This week we are bombarded with thoughts of being thankful. We will sit around and eat and then nap—then eat some more and then nap. Then in the afternoon we will eat the leftovers and have the game on while we are taking a—you guessed it, a nap.

 

In the ferocious pace of the day, it is a great reminder for us to remember and give thanks for all the trouble our Father in heaven went to on our behalf. Peter reminds us that it was not with perishable things like silver or gold that we were redeemed from our empty way of life…but with the precious blood of Christ.

 

This week of thanksgiving, may we enjoy our freedom in Christ, because somebody thought we were worth the trouble.

 

Have a blessed week.

 

Your friend,

Mike  

 

 

Just the Beginning

The morning after the elections and some are happy and others upset and disappointed. Well, the job isn’t over after the election, but just beginning. Now the church is to rise up and pray for the Lord God Almighty to protect us and use the people in office as servants to the greatest place in the world to live.

 

The church is similar in some ways. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving and yes, can you believe Christmas; the job isn’t over when those days slip by us so quickly. The church is to rise up and pray to the Lord God Almighty for protection and in light of the big picture, the salvation of lost souls.

 

So, will you please join me in seeking the heart of the Father in heaven for our country and the Body of Christ that can help hold all things together by the power of the Creator?

 

Have a blessed day and get ready for a new series this coming Sunday called, “YES I CAN!”

 

Your friend,

Mike

 

 

The Connection

God moves when we pray! Oh, I know He is not limited to our involvement in prayer, but we are the ones who enjoy the experience and see what God is doing when we seek him. In light of that, let me remind you about a new prayer ministry at FCC. If you want to take a few minutes and join a group of people who desire to see the workings of the Lord come to fruition, then you will want to plan on being in our chapel on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30. Even if you can’t be there the entire hour, you can pop in and spend a few moments listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit as He fills the hearts of those in the room.

 

Last Tuesday was the grand opening of the new ministry and I want to share a short testimony that resulted from the night. Holly Gillespie wrote,

“I had to take a minute and email this morning to tell you the prayer meeting last night was INCREDIBLE!  I couldn't have even imagined it in my head!  There were about 15 people there.  I can't even describe it in words.  15 people were gathered at the front of the chapel sitting on the floor and in front chairs.  Some prayed out loud, some spoke phrases of agreement, some shared scripture, some remained silent.  Some went to others in their pain and wrapped their arms around them and covered them in prayer.  Some prayed with such power and authority for FCC it blew my mind.  I believe with all my heart it will grow.  The people there last night experienced our Living God and were moved... no doubt... and I know more will come.” 

 

I was reminded this morning that God is more than available and we will find him as we seek him with all our hearts. Why not consider giving this new ministry a shot to see if you can get to know the Living Lord just a little bit better.

 

See you all next Sunday. I am going to look at God’s insight for giving. There is not a better time or more desperate scenario than right now to see and try the plan of God. We can trust in many things, and often those things fail us. We can trust in God and know without a doubt He is faithful and we can travel on secure ground.

 

P.S. Please remember to go to your knees before you go to the polls on November 4^th.

 

Have a blessed week.

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the Presence of God

I have the opportunity to read many articles that race across my computer screen each week. Today, I want to share this thought with you and then try to provide a little encouragement.

 

Ella Wheeler Wilcox said, “One ship drives east and another drives west with the selfsame winds that blow; ‘Tis the set of the sails, and not the gales which tells us the way to go.”

 

One of the blessings of the Christ-follower is knowing that Jesus will help us set the sails of life. We have the entire story of Jesus before us and we can learn to love, act and pray like him. We can see the example of God himself, as Jesus came as the exact representation of the Creator. The disciple of Christ has the privilege of enjoying the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort as we attempt to set our sails of life in a manner which will honor our God.

 

So, in the week in front of us, may we cut time into our over packed schedules to sit and be quiet enough to hear the direction of the One who is in charge of the winds that blow. What better time than the present to close the door on the world for a few minutes each day and see what God has in store for you.

 

May you have a blessed week as you spend time with your heavenly Dad!

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Is God to You?

I must tell you this short four-week journey through the life and struggles of Jonah has been a blessing to me. My prayer is that our life-changing God will be given the chance to do His work in all of us.

One of the blessings we receive through the Word of God is being able to identify with His nature and take a closer look at His character. We are reminded of our loving and compassionate Father who is ready and capable of giving every one of us a kick-start into a new journey.

 

I hope we can walk away from Jonah with a new appreciation of the reconciliation God makes possible through Jesus. By the way, how do you view God? How would you describe Him to others? I ran across this little article to help stimulate your thought.

 

A fifth-grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God. Here are some of the results: GOD is like a FORD...He’s got a better idea. GOD is like COKE...He’s the real thing. GOD is like HALLMARK CARDS...He cares enough to send His very best. GOD is like TIDE...He gets the stains out that others leave behind. GOD is like GENERAL ELECTRIC...He brings good things to life. GOD is like SEARS...He has everything. GOD is like ALKA-SELTZER...Try Him, you’ll like him. GOD is like SCOTCH TAPE...You can’t see him, but you know He’s there. GOD is like DELTA...He’s ready when you are. GOD is like ALLSTATE...You’re in good hands with Him. GOD is like VO-5 HAIR SPRAY...He holds through all kinds of weather. GOD is like DIAL SOAP...Aren’t you glad you have Him. Don’t you wish everybody did?

 

Okay…I know that is one of the corniest things you have ever heard, but doesn’t that help us get a better handle on the God we love and the God who saves! Have a great week as you live with and for Jesus. I hope to see you Sunday as we tie up the loose ends in Jonah chapter four.

 

Be Blessed,

Mike

 

 

 

Counting the Cost

I recently read a clip from an article out of the Voice of the Martyrs. The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit organization designed to help Christians around the world that are facing persecution. The article read…“In the second century A.D., Christians in North Africa responded to the Roman Empire’s persecution in a unique way.  They considered martyrdom an honorable way for a Christian to complete his or her commitment to Christ.  To emphasize this conviction, they coined a new greeting for one another: “May you gain your crown.”  It became both a common greeting and a constant reminder of Christ-like commitment.”

 

What a joy to be found living and acting like Jesus. With the freedom we enjoy in this country, it is difficult to imagine being physically persecuted because of our faith in Christ. Do you suppose we might live differently if, when we stepped out our front door, we had to be fearful of our life? As we continue an effort to become more fully devoted to Christ, maybe we can take a serious look at our commitment to Jesus and live with an ancient motto, “May we gain our crown.”

 

Just as we have caught our children doing good things over the years, how it must please our heavenly Father as He watches us and catches us doing good for His name’s sake. Have a fruitful week as you long to bless the Lord.

 

Mike

 

 

From the Mind of A Child

As I sit at the computer today and reflect on the worship times of yesterday, I am so encouraged. Please allow me to share a piece of my excitement with you. If you are a regular attendee here at FCC, you will know that at the end of every teaching time we offer everyone the opportunity to make several decisions. One of the opportunities we make available is for people to come down and have someone pray with them. It is not uncommon for several of our elders and staff to being involved in the lives of people through prayer each Sunday.

 

Well, this past Sunday I caught a glimpse of a little fellow coming right toward me. I immediately recognized him and remembered I just sent him a note about a little buddy he wanted to see come to the Lord. As he came to me and asked me to pray for his friend, my heart was taken back to the time Jesus laid out the open invitation to all the little children. About the time we think we have to be the teachers all the time, God reveals his wisdom to us by the presence of a child. I thank that little boy for granting me the chance to see how much he loves Jesus and how much he wants his friend to know Jesus too. From the mouths of babes we can learn a vital lesson of caring for the lost and hurting people all around us.

 

May you have a Spirit filled week as you walk with the Lord!

See you Sunday.

 

Mike

 

 

 

Keep Watch!

Remember the old song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus?” I can’t remember how old I was when the cords of that tune resonated in my ear drums. It happened at Second Church of Christ in Danville Illinois. Cindy and I were both exposed to that message and received the constant reminder to keep the main thing—the main thing. Over the years, I am sorry to say there were times when I looked away, but I rejoice in the truth that my heavenly Father was ready to have me back. Now, I want to make sure I keep watch and do not allow the big temptations to drive a wedge between God and me. If you are like me, the big challenges are not as big a worry as the little subtle worries that sneak up on me. Think back just a few months with me. Remember how on June 27, 2008 the community of Winfield was flooded when a levee broke.  It had been previously secured by hundreds of townspeople, volunteers, and National Guardsmen.  They spent days bolstering the levee with sandbags but it was all for naught.  A muskrat, which officials said was either digging for food or building a den, burrowed a hole through the levee.  The small tunnel created by this 5-pound creature was just enough for the waters to seep through and then burst the levee.  Sometimes it's the things that seem so small that cause the greatest damage, so don’t overlook their potential danger.

Long ago Solomon warned about the dangers of "little foxes" (Song of Songs 2:15) and the 720 people in Winfield, Missouri know what he meant. 

 

For us this week, may we stand firm in our faith and keep watch over the little and big challenges before us which would love to come in and tear down what the Lord is building up.

Have a blessed Labor Day as you enjoy the company of each other and the Lord.

 

Mike

 

 

 

Be Blessed!

Lifting each other up is the key to finding an elevated countenance coming to rest in our own spirit. The more we choose to look to the needs of other people to see how we might assist them and their day, the more the Lord will bless us beyond measure. For years, my friend Brad has reminded me that one of the things he enjoys doing is to make my role in ministry easier and the burdens lighter. Imagine what life might be like if we carried that mindset into all the places we traveled and with whomever we met.

 

It has been noted that everyone in the world is under-encouraged. I find that to be true. Since that is the case, it would be wise to remember the words of Mother Teresa.  She stated, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are endless." (Men of Integrity, March/April 2007)

 

Why not let today be one of the first days to be the one lifting up the cares and burdens of others, knowing full well the Lord will use you to strengthen those He puts in your path. Then, as we close our eyes at the end of the day, we will be able to reflect on the power of the One who chose us to make a difference in the life of another.

 

Be blessed this week as you encourage others.

Mike

 

 

Total Trust

I know some of you do better with this than others. I know there are times when we win and times we face failure. There are situations where this is so simple; then there are days we can not see any way through. By now you may have figured out I am talking about trusting in the Lord. Scripture enlightens us and even challenges us to trust in the Lord with everything we are and have. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Jesus gives us every reason to trust in him. He said he would never stray away from us. (Matthew 28:20) So, why is it so difficult to totally trust in the Lord? Could it be we would like to test the waters of self-sufficiency? Maybe you are like me and sometimes become impatient? Perhaps we have tried and things didn’t work out like we thought they should? I only know that the true avenue to peace comes by trusting the Truth, Jesus. I heard this song of truth today and wanted to share part of it with you.

 

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, And to take Him at His Word; just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

 

Have a blessed day as you place your trust in the One who is always there, and more than you will ever need.

Mike

 

 

 

 

Listening Closely

How do we find out what God wants us to do? It is true that the Lord has a plan for each of us, so how do we connect to that plan? Well, the key is to connect to the One who has the plan. For generations God has been interacting with his kids. The way we find out what is happening to our own family members is to stay close enough to them to hear their hearts. The same thing is true with our Father in heaven.

 

God uses different ways to speak to us. He used a donkey to talk to Balaam, but that doesn’t mean we all need to go buy a donkey. Peter, James and John had an awesome encounter with God on a mountain, but we don’t have to go to the Smokies to hear the voice of God. But we do have to be still and know who God is and wait to hear the holy voice of heaven come and speak to us. The deeper our relationship, the easier it is to hear what the Designer has to say. The way of the Lord is always the best way; we learn that from Isaiah 55, so what a great day to start finding the plan the Creator has for you.

 

Mike  

 

 

 

Who Cares?

How often have you heard, “Who cares?” All too often we are so captivated with our own predicaments that we fail to look around us and see who is really in over their heads. I found this article and wanted to share it with you.

 

Arthur Gordon in an article entitled "The Rewards of Caring," tells the story of how once, as a small boy, he was witness to a near-tragedy. At the beach, a woman stepped off a sandbar into deep, swift water and panicked. At least 20 adults in bathing suits watched, apparently paralyzed, until suddenly a young man ran up, plunged in full-clothed and brought the woman out. As Arthur Gordon described the episode later to his parents, his admiration for the young man was matched by the contempt he felt for those who failed to act. She was drowning, and they didn't even seem to care. His father looked at him thoughtfully and said, "The world often seems divided between those who care and those who don't care enough. But don't judge too harshly. It takes courage to care greatly."

 

As we keep plugging along in our journey, could I share two thoughts with you today? First, may we not become so busy and hardened that we lose sight of the needs of folks around us. Secondly, aren’t you glad Jesus cares?

 

Mike

 

 

Encouraging Words

Max Lucado, in Facing Your Giants writes of his encounter with a race and the people he rubbed shoulders with…“I discovered the importance of healthy counsel in a half-Ironman triathlon. After the 1.2 mile swim and the 56 mile bike ride, I didn't have much energy left for the 13.1 mile run. Neither did the fellow jogging next to me. I asked him how he was doing and soon regretted posing the question. "This stinks. This race is the dumbest decision I've ever made." He had more complaints than a taxpayer at the IRS. My response to him? "Goodbye." I know if I listened too long, I'd start agreeing with him. I caught up with a 66-year-old grandmother. Her tone was just the opposite. "You'll finish this," she encouraged. "It's hot, but at least it's not raining. One step at a time…don't forget to hydrate…stay in there." I ran next to her until my heart was lifted and my legs were aching. I finally had to slow down. "No problem." She waved and kept going. Which of these two describes the counsel you seek?”

 

You know it is no secret that we will soon become like the company we keep. It is also no hidden thought that the Christ follower is to be lifting up the people around them, not serving as a weight to pull them down.

The Bible lets us know that we are to “…encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13 New American Standard Version)

 

We need to always ask ourselves, “Are my words building others up or pulling them down?”

 

May this be a week filled with the glory of the Living Lord!

Mike

 

 

 

Getting to Know Him!

In 1776 Thomas Paine stirred the land with these words: "These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands now deserves the love and thanks of man and women. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; ‘tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated."

 

Now that summer has officially slipped into our pathway, what better time to recall the freedom we can experience in Jesus. If we carry Thomas Paine’s thought into our connection with God, we can be sure of the price of the gift which supplies our free position in the Kingdom of God. Peter says the cost of our Real Life freedom came from the blood of the precious Lamb, Jesus, on the cross.

 

My hope for us this summer is that the church might become better acquainted with the head of the body, Jesus. This coming Sunday I will be teaching on how we can experience Real Life in the Home. This should be an interesting day as we examine the role of the husband and wife loving each other and caring for the needs of each other. I hope you can be a part of the worship experience this Sunday. Be blessed this week.

Your Friend,

 

Mike

 

 

 

No Time to Lose Your Fizzzzz

Not long ago, I went to the fridge to get a drink. I surveyed the possibilities and made the final choice. The two liter bottle of ‘Mug’ root beer caught my attention and it was about to quench my thirst, so I thought. What you need to know is that in our freezer we keep a mug just for the rare occasion of having a glass of root beer. I pulled the mug from the freezer and opened up the two liter, but much to my dismay, there was no fizzzzzz as I opened up the bottle. Apparently the last time it was used, the cap on the root beer had not been fastened tight enough. I tried it, but it was just flat, no carbonation. Needless to say, it was no longer good to drink.

 

As Jesus was talking to his friends, he told them about the role of the follower. Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Matthew 5:13 NIV)

 

As we talk on Sunday’s in our “Real Life” series, may we continue to press on to a deeper walk with Jesus so that we might not lose our fizzzzz and our excitement about the Jesus who saves us. It is a joy to find new challenges in the study as we journey through 1 Peter. Next Sunday we will be reminded of the joy of being the family knit together in the name of Jesus. I hope you can be here to worship and fellowship with the family.

Have a great week.

 

Mike

 

 

The Right Way

The question of the day is not whether we are young or old or somewhere in between. The question isn’t even how long we have attended church, or how many songs we know. It really is not about knowing all the books of the Bible or how many books there are in the canon of scripture.

The real question is how acquainted are we with the author of the Word of God? If we are in a casual relationship with God, then worship on a regular basis probably will not be a priority. If we are only doing the bare minimum in our connection with Jesus then we are missing out on the joy He is ready to give. If we only speak with the Father in heaven when we need something then we are the ones who are cutting short the blessings He has prepared to give us. The day will come when we will have wished we would have established a greater rapport with the Creator.

 

Grandma was telling her granddaughter all about the many different things she did as a child.  Since she didn't grow up under the spell of television, much of her entertainment came from creative outdoor activities. Some of us can relate to that. She talked of riding horses, swinging from a tire hanging off a tree, skating on a frozen pond, picking berries in the woods, and swimming in a creek.  After listening to all of these exciting adventures, the little girl said, “Granny, I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"  

 

May that not be the case with our connection with God. This Sunday we are going to continue the teaching from first Peter and discuss the “Right Way” to conduct ourselves according to the Word of God which stands forever and can be trusted beyond all other opinions or writings. So, I hope you can join us for worship this coming Sunday for a time of praise, worship, examination and being delightfully amazed with the presence of God.

 

Be blessed this week,

Mike

 

 

"Real Life"

The summer is now upon us and we are enjoying the warmth of each new day as it is created by our Father in heaven. The summer brings so many events to our lives. We can easily find ourselves so busy doing good things in the summer months we run the risk of losing sight of the great thing in life—that of making a positive impact on others as we live for Jesus.

 

For the next eight weeks our Sunday morning study will take us to the book of 1 Peter. We are going to enter into a series of teachings called, “Real Life.” In the crazy culture we live in, we may need to take a break and be reminded of what ‘Real Life’ has to offer.

 

In John Maxwell’s book, ‘Success One Day at a Time,’ he quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson as he says, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.”

 

May this summer be a time of reflection where we find ‘Real Life’ a success. May you have a blessed day!

 

Mike

 

 

My Father's Face

Do you remember the last time you were so angry you just couldn’t see straight? That guy cut you off and caused you to curb your brand new tires. The lady had no business being so short with you. Your friend, for some reason has turned against you and there are no words which seem to lead to reconciliation.

 

Well, the next time that happens, recall the story told by Max Lucado. He writes in The Applause of Heaven about a big, muscle-bound man named Daniel who was swindled by his own brother. He vowed that if he ever saw him again, he would break his neck. A few months later, Daniel became a Christian. Even so, he couldn't forgive his brother. One day, the inevitable encounter took place on a busy avenue. This is how Daniel described what happened:

I saw him, but he didn't see me. I felt my fists clench and my face get hot. My initial impulse was to grab him around the throat and choke the life out of him. But as I looked into his face, my anger began to melt. For as I saw him, I saw the image of my father. I saw my father's eyes. I saw my father's look. I saw my father's expression. And as I saw my father in his face, my enemy once again became my brother.

The brother found himself wrapped in those big arms—but in a hug. The two stood in the middle of the river of people and wept. Daniel's words bear repeating: "When I saw the image of my father in his face, my enemy became my brother."

 

The next time we find ourselves in that unenviable place, may we fix our eyes on the Father who will make a way even when we can not imagine a path. The Bible says in Hebrews 12…

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)

 

May you have a delightful week as you gaze into the face of our heavenly Father.

 

Mike

 

 

 

 

What Will They See and Hear?

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, 'Why is the bride dressed in white?' The mother replied, 'Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.'  The child thought about this for a moment then said, 'So why is the groom wearing black?'

 

We are given the opportunity to educate our children in every realm of maturity. One of the goals of this series, “Family Matters,” is to help us discover a way through the trials of the day and search for the answers God would lead us to through His Word.

 

Living in constant crisis mode is not the original design of our Designer, and at times we just have to step back and look at our situations through the lenses of the Higher Authority who knows the answers to all things.

 

This Sunday Brad is going to talk about showing the way for children to be reared in a positive way in a negative culture. Our pattern as parents is going to be emulated by our children whether we like it our not. The good news is we have the choice as to what pattern they are going to witness. I hope you can be here this Sunday to love the Lord with all your heart and dismiss the crud of the negative environment which attempts to rob us of the joy we have in Jesus. Have a blessed day and join me in keeping our eyes on the Author of life.

 

Mike

 

 

Smile and Love 'Em

It is becoming more apparent to me than ever that families are facing tough times in connection to one another.  We are seeing and hearing about more families than ever going through the struggle of separation and eventual divorce. Subsequently, we are seeing children being reared with different ideals than in previous years. What can the church do to hold on and help others grasp the confidence of living in a dysfunctional society? Well, over the next three weeks, Brad and I are going to attempt to search into the scriptures to see what the Lord might have in store for us. I hope you are able to come and hear something that might benefit you or a friend you know is going through a challenging time.

 

In his regular column for New Man magazine, Dave Meurer humorlessly addresses different issues concerning the family.  In one article about parenting he wrote, “Child-development professionals categorize kids into two main groups: 1) naturally compliant, intrinsically kind, inherently logical children, and 2) your children.”  He goes on to note, “All parents hope to get the children in category #1, but they end up with the children from category #2.” (New Man, May/June 2005)

 

Not only are we called to live a life above reproach as Christ followers, but we are to show our children the way too. This coming Sunday I am going to share a message called, “Living Together Without Losing Your Mind,” as we kick off a series entitled ‘Family Matters.’ May this be a time for us to come and celebrate the joy of Jesus together as we focus our eyes on the One who is the answer for every uncertainty. I pray you may have a blessed week, and I hope to see you Sunday.

 

Mike

 

 

 

Remembering

Remembering is a task that becomes more difficult as we become more “youth challenged.” When we were younger it seemed that we could remember faces and even the names which accompanied those faces. We could remember where we put things so we knew right where to go to find them. When we went from one room of the house to another, we remembered why we were on that journey. But, as we grow older, our memories are not quite as sharp as they once were.

 

This coming Sunday we will be doing some remembering. Being Memorial Day weekend, we want to honor and remember the warriors who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We want to pay tribute to the families who have given the ultimate offering of the life of a loved one. Then we need to remember the greatest gift of all—the gift of God’s Son and the price He paid for our everlasting freedom. I know many of you will be out of town this Sunday, but may we all chose to remember the big picture of living and dying. I hope the following article will help us maintain a proper focus as we celebrate our freedom in Jesus.

 

At the age of 33, professional golfer Paul Azinger was diagnosed with cancer.  Until that time, he was a brash young man who believed he was bulletproof.  While lying on an x-ray table, Azinger's perspective of life changed.  His golfing accomplishments felt meaningless as he realized he could die from this disease.  But then another thought hit him: "I'm going to die eventually anyway.  Whether from cancer or something else, I'm definitely going to die.  It's just a question of when."  Azinger then remembered the words of Larry Moody, a Bible study leader on the PGA Tour.  Moody said, "Zinger, we're not in the land of the living going to the land of the dying.  No!  We're in the land of the dying going to the land of the living." 

 

Have a great week as you continue working out your salvation as we all head toward the land of the living in the name of Jesus, our Savior.

 

Mike

 

 

 

Moving Onward and Upward

Our English dictionary would describe ‘maturity’ as being ‘thoroughly developed.’ We look at children and praise them for actions which display movement toward maturity. We gaze into the mirror and quickly see how God is maturing our bodies, whether we like it or not. We watch years pass by us so rapidly and see others become thoroughly developed by the things we observe. In all the development we and others do in the physical realms, we, the believer, should be able to catch a glimpse of what the Lord expects of us in the spiritual realm as well.

 

Eugene Peterson has written a paraphrase of the Bible and in 1 Peter he puts it like this:

“Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.” 1 Peter 2:1 The Message

 

The New Testament thought of maturing in that passage means to continue on increasing in ways of God so that we might become more like the God who saves us. We are expected to grow and mature in our journey with our heavenly Father. Sometimes I just need the reminder of my God’s expectations, and I need to find a way to accomplish that goal.

 

Could I share one way we can all move that direction? There are times in our growing up that we just have to look back so we can travel forward. We look back and remember God’s faithfulness in the past and His promises in the future. If we will devote the time to thanking God for his power and faithfulness, we will be reminded of His willingness to intervene in our current situations.  Psalm 41:12 lets us know we are always in the presence of God. What a great catalyst to send us on a road to maturity.

 

This week is another opportunity for us to gather our hearts around the faithful, unchanging Word of the Father and see how He is going to move us onward and upward. Have a delightful week in the presence of the Living Lord, Jesus Christ.

 

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

A God Moment!

We have all encountered times when we felt the darkness of the day closing in on us. There are occasions in life when we find ourselves in distress and don’t know where to turn next. You know when the tread on the tires is running thin, and the only thing thinner is the statement in the bank book. The friend you have trusted for years has decided to turn away from you. The only thing running faster than your heart rate is the pace of your day which is the culprit and foundation of the elevated heart rate.

 

So, what do you do? How do you find the peace that it seems everyone else obtains? What needs to happen to cut you some slack in the hectic days of trying to stay ahead? Well, for centuries, the plan of God has not changed.  

 

Paul, the author of much of the New Testament wrote to his friends who were facing challenging times and said, “When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:14-19 New Living Translation

 

It may be time to fall on our knees and ask for help to overcome the trials which attempt to drag us down into the muck of the culture we live in today. Imagine the possibility of experiencing the fullness of the life and power that comes from God? My prayer is that we will come next Sunday ready to be overwhelmed by the power of Jesus as we adore Him together. Have a blessed day as you focus on the Savior of man, Jesus Christ.

Mike

 

 

What A Friend We Have in Jesus

In our current series on Sundays, we are being challenged to change some things—mostly us! How are you doing with your daily discipline? How is the Lord changing you in the midst of your circumstances? What a blessing to have such an open opportunity to reach out to the God who made us and have the Creator of the universe touch our hearts.

 

In an issue of Fast Company, the business magazine noted that American companies spend $70 billion per year on consulting.  Another source noted that AT&T alone spends $1 billion annually for such services.  Numbers of that magnitude seem baffling, but they represent the priority of corporations to acquire the best guidance and direction.  Prayer is a type of consultation that comes not from a fallible individual, but from the Creator and Sustainer of life.  Through prayer we receive perfect guidance and direction, it doesn’t cost anything, and God is always available.

 

Remember this Thursday, May 1st is the National Day of Prayer. Throughout the day we are encouraged to pray for our country and her leaders; to pray for the upcoming elections; to pray for the leaders in God’s church and to pray for the Lord’s hand of protection. God reminds us that if we will humble ourselves and pray, He will hear us and heal our land.  

 

May you be in constant connection this week with the God who loves to hear your voice. My plan this week is to follow the pattern of the psalmist in Psalm 116, where he said, “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2 NIV

 

Have a God-filled week as you keep your eyes turned toward heaven.

 

Your friend,

Mike

 

 

To Change or Not to Change?

Do you ever find yourself resisting change? I never thought I would struggle with this, but I must admit, change becomes harder the older I get. I say, “I can’t believe that is accepted today!” Or, “It just seems like life used to be so much simpler.”

 

In this sermon series we find ourselves in at the time, we are being challenged to change. Change our disciplines; change our thought process; change our outlook on life.

 

Richard Foster, in his book Celebration of Discipline, says, “To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic of our lives. The closer we come to the heartbeat of God the more we see our need and the more we desire to be conformed to Christ…"

How has your week started off? If we will give up a little piece of our time, the Lord will bless our time with Him.

As we continue in this series of lessons on Sundays, could I ask you to think about the one thing that needs changed in your life that might set you free from the past and give you a look to the future? Have a great day in the Lord!

 

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rejoicing With One Another

Lawrence told his family that all he wanted for Father’s Day was a membership to an upscale gym so he could lose weight.  Barb and the kids agreed to his request and let him sign up for six months.  While Lawrence was gone to buy his membership, their teenage son asked, “So, how much do you think he’ll lose?”  Barb quickly replied, “About $500.”

 

We have all lost things from time to time, but rarely are we called to face the trial of losing practically everything. This past weekend was a great opportunity for our church family to assist a couple in the Kingdom who had experienced a tremendous loss. You know the Bible says we are a body, with all sorts of different working parts, and God has arranged all the parts just like he wanted them. It says in 1 Corinthians 12…”If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26 NIV

 

This past Sunday we suffered with the family who had nearly all their possessions stolen from them as they were in the process of moving back to the Newburgh area. But, the church stepped up and rejoices with them as thousands of dollars were given in a love offering to help this young couple get back on their feet.

 

You know, Jesus saw that we were in the process of losing more than our possessions—but our very souls, and we can rejoice with one another and our Savior over the fact that he became the offering that sets our feet on Solid Footing.

 

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

 

Mike