Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: But God, I Don’t Want To Go!

Then the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing…which the Lord has made known to us.'” (Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ NKJV)

Have you ever wondered what the Christmas story would have been like if Mary and Joseph hadn’t traveled to Bethlehem, in spite of the official census? What if the shepherds chose to stay in the fields, ignoring the angel’s urging? What if the wise men had better things to do than to chase a star across the desert? Things would have turned out a LOT different!

When God brings a word or revelation to your life, it is useless unless it is acted upon. God’s urging means there is a plan, but it incorporates our commitment of action to create His desired outcome. Our problem is usually that we desire our own convenience over the sacrifice to find the endeavored blessing that awaits us. We don’t like things that cost us something.

As we celebrate Jesus’ advent of salvation for all mankind at Christmas, consider His plans for your life. If you are willing to be obedient and search out God’s best at His leading, you’ll find spiritual discoveries that not only change your life, but that impact those around you too! Come and see! You are loved!

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Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: When God REALLY Doesn’t Make Sense

Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ NLT)

For parents, trying to get your children to trust your judgment is a continuous cycle of frustration. We have a standing rule in our house: You have to actually TRY a food before you can say you don’t like it. I, personally, detest green bean casserole, but I have also tried it. But when my kids were little and extremely squeamish, anything not resembling a french fry or chicken nugget was horrible! What we knew, and they didn’t, was that if they would simply TRY it, they might actually like it.

Joseph was having to trust God when his fiancée turned up pregnant. Yea, that was a new one for the history books. There’s much about what God does that doesn’t make sense to us, and that’s okay. We also can’t see the outcomes of where those decisions lie. By trusting God when things don’t make sense, we are admitting that God knows better and isn’t trying to destroy our life.

If God leads you to a place like this, don’t panic! Everything He does is ALWAYS wrapped around a brilliant plan. Like Joseph, trust that it will make sense eventually. If God isn’t panicking, then neither should we! You are loved today!

Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: How The Layaway Angel Saved Christmas!

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” (Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭20‬:‭35‬ NLT)

According to Fox News, the Toys R Us in Bellingham, MA, is where a kid can be a kid, and a complete stranger can be an angel. Around noon on Wednesday, a woman, dubbed “The Layaway Angel”, walked into the store and told a cashier she wanted to pay off a layaway balance: ALL OF THEM. In total, 154 people benefitted to the tune of $20,000!

When you stop to consider the better moments in life, it usually boils down to two things: Getting something as a gift and what you gave to others that touched their life. Greed feels good for a moment, but that moment passes quickly, usually as soon as you realize that you want more stuff. But to give, especially to those who can’t afford it, a little compassionate generosity goes a long way in your heart! It might even inspire others to do the same!

As you shop this weekend for Christmas things, take the chance to get something for someone in need. It could be an anonymous child through the Salvation Army or your local Angel Tree program, or even someone you know personally that is struggling. But when you take time to give, the blessings that return are always beyond compare to the cost! You are loved today!

Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: The Wonder Of An Unlikely Savior

I did not recognize him as the Messiah…” (John‬ ‭1‬:‭31‬ NLT)

We accuse teens of a lot of things, but heroes?! Two were. Teens Temar Boggs and Chris Garcia were enjoying a summer day in 2013 when they heard that police were outside searching for five-year-old Jocelyn Rojas, who had disappeared from her front yard and had possibly been abducted. With law enforcement and neighbors unsuccessful in their search, the boys canvassed the area on bikes, actually found and pursued the kidnapper, who in turn released the child, allowing the boys to carry her back to safety.

Just as these boys were unlikely heroes, Jesus lived among His peers as an unlikely savior. Even John, His own cousin, had no idea who Jesus really was until this moment at the Jordan River. But when God revealed the truth, everything changed.

There are still those who don’t realize the true identity of the Baby in the Manger, whose birth changed our world forever. Your life is God’s way of revealing Him, allowing others to see Christ in action. Let God use you this week to be an revealer of the marvelous unlikely savior of the world! You are loved today!