Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: The Ministry of Presence

But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.” (2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭6‬ NLT)

Rebecca was missing her soldier-husband, badly. Stationed in Afghanistan, he had told her he had no idea when he was coming home. Then the surprise: “The moment I saw him was just unreal…I saw the boots, the uniform, and then the face. It was just complete joy, disbelief and relief, which is why I fell on the floor and sobbed uncontrollably,” wrote Rebecca. “It was the surprise of a lifetime, me and my girls had missed him soooooo much.”

One of the greatest ministries you could ever accomplish is the ministry of presence. It means to be there for someone, brightening their day by simply showing up! No need for words, gifts, great skills, but just the ability to be their for someone in need. Love is the only ingredient necessary!

During this Christmas season, there will be many that are lonely or depressed for one reason or another. Take moments and be yielded to God’s leading. He knows who needs some love if you’re willing to be there. Your hug, smile, and friendship could be the best gift someone receives this year! You are loved today! Share it!

Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: The Night Hunter Hill Lived His Dream

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ NLT)

Last night, two teams made a little boy’s dream come true. Born with physical challenges, Hunter can’t do everything his classmates can. But last night, at the last game of the season, suited up in full pads, Hunter was the star running back, running for 140 yards, scoring two touchdowns and making his whole town proud!

Sometimes what we do in the Christ Life doesn’t seem all that spiritual, but it does make a difference. Two schools working out the details so that this little man could have a once-in-a-lifetime experience will impact his family forever! But so does providing love, a helping hand, or a generous gift. Nothing done out of genuine love and compassion for the littlest of God’s children is ever a waste!

Hunter’s family will always remember the night that their little boy was the Most Valuable Player of the game. Their gratitude to all involved in Poyen and Glen Rose schools will always linger in their hearts! Imagine God’s heart, then, when we go out of our way to do a random act of kindness for someone every day! Every touch matters! You are loved today! (10/21/14)

Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: Finding The Will To Live Well

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ NLT)

From 2005-2009, 6 pastors in the Carolinas attempted suicide, with at least 4 succeeding. While not everyone with depression attempts suicide, most all suicides are depression sufferers, which according to the AMA is roughly 20,000 per year. Studies also show that chronic depression affects 25% of clergy, as high as the general population.

While some cases of the blues are caused by chemical imbalances in the body, most is just the beat down of daily life. Satan uses our discouragements to his advantage, twisting us up even more. And while it is easy to stay focused on our problems, the Bible points out our way to good mental health: Keeping your mind stayed on the God of our deliverance instead of the circumstances of our bondage!

You’ll never find a life free from turmoils, but you can limit them by living the Christ Life right. Ask God today to help your mind to stay on Him and His words of peace and blessing, instead of obsessing over your issues. Life is better for the living when it’s done right! You are loved today! Enjoy it!

Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: Living As A Bridge Builder

As a result we were showered with honors, and when the time came to sail, people supplied us with everything we would need for the trip.” (Acts 28:10 NLT)

In 1833, French missionary Eugène Casalis went to South Africa to reach souls among the Basuto. With the help of friends, they taught new methods of farming, introduced new species of livestock, and brought domesticated cats to get rid of mice. This caused the Basuto to be grateful and hear the missionary message, which lead many to Christ and established a strong church there.

I’m grateful for those in my life that not only encouraged me to make a personal relationship with Jesus, but modeled it before me with grace and attractiveness, winning me with friendship instead of “preaching”. People still respond to our loving outreach through friendship! They are grateful for those who get out of their own life in order to take the time of getting into another’s.

Be empowered today to live personally as a Christ Lifer, letting God shine through your own life! God doesn’t need more preachers, He needs bridge builders! Find a friend in need and you’ll find an open avenue to share Christ’s love with a newly responsive soul! You are loved today!

Pastor Mike’s Minute Message: Thank You For Making A Difference!

Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.” (Galatians 6:6 NLT)

A few Sundays back, as I was greeting people entering our church for Sunday School, a little girl approached me very shyly, handed me a note, and as a big, toothy grin broke across her face, she darted down the hallway for her class. I opened up the note, looked at the colored hand drawn pictures, and read a simple note that said, “Thank you for being our Pastor! I love you!” Needless to say, my day had been made!

As the scripture tells us, we have many in our lives that encourage us along our spiritual journey, teaching us the vital things that we need to know in order to live this life right. While gladly doing it for nothing, a simple word of gratitude or a small gift of appreciation goes a long way, giving them fuel to keep teaching and training for the kingdom’s sake.

Take a moment this week to send a text or call to someone that has played a role in your spiritual growth: teacher, pastor, mentor, parent, friend… By sharing some love, you’ll make their day! You are loved to love! Pass it on!