What if some of the most important moments of our week don’t look all that important when they happen?

“Carpe Diem.” Seize the day. Robin Williams made the phrase famous. We talk about “striking while the iron is hot” and making the most of every opportunity. Thomas Edison is often credited with saying that many people miss opportunity because it comes dressed in denim & looks like work.

But what if there’s something deeper going on?

In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity.” That’s more than good time management. It’s recognizing that God has entrusted each of us with 86,400 seconds a day. 1440 minutes. 24 hours. Hidden inside these ordinary moments are opportunities that matter far more than we realize.

It’s the conversation you want to avoid.  Maybe a person you almost overlook.

A phone call you keep putting off.   A chance to encourage your kid when you’re just too busy.

Sometimes the moments that matter look most like interruptions.

So here’s your challenge this week: Ask God to help you notice one moment you might normally overlook…. and then do something with it.

Encourage someone. Make the call. Invite someone for a chance to talk. Slow down and listen. Give someone your time.

Then on Saturday, ask yourself: “What moment did God put in my path this week that I almost missed?”

Because some moments don't come with a warning.
Some difficulties don't look like opportunities.
And some moments may never come again.

God has entrusted each of us with 1440 minutes a day. In those minutes are the moments we can use for the Glory of God.

See You on Sunday friend!
Pastor Mike

What If God Put You There for Them?

I read this week that somewhere around 50–60% of people say they feel isolated or alone in life. Someone commented “Maybe all the lonely people should just get together with the other half that isn't?"

It's funny but what if there something to it.

The reasons people feel alone are complicated. We're overworked. We're busy. We can feel overlooked. And while we're more connected digitally than ever, we're often spending far more time looking at screens than looking at faces.

So here's a question: What if God has you where you are right now, in part, for the people around you?

What if that job isn't just a job? What if that neighborhood isn't just where you happen to live? What if that family isn't just the family you were given? What if the people God has placed around you are part of what He has entrusted to you?

Last week, we saw that God is the owner and that He has entrusted us with things like our money, our time, our abilities, and our opportunities.

This week, we're going to talk about another thing God has entrusted to us: people.

Our spouses. Our families. Our friends. The people we work with. The people who sit next to us at church.
Even the people who sometimes drive us a little crazy.

What if they're all part of God's plan to show His kindness through us?

One of my favorite stories is found in 2 Samuel 9. David had made a promise to his friend Jonathan that he would care for his family. Jonathan was killed in battle, David became king, and some time later David asked a remarkable question: “Is there anyone left from Jonathan's family to whom I can show God's kindness?”

They found Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth.  He was disabled, living in fear, and apparently expecting nothing good from the king.

But David didn't forget him. David noticed him, invited him in and gave him a seat at his table.

And I think there's something in that story for all of us.  Maybe showing God's kindness to the people He has entrusted to us begins with some simple things:

1. Notice them. Use their name. Look them in the eye. Put the phone down. Give them your attention.
2. Ask them. Ask questions. Listen. Don't always be waiting for your turn to talk. Sometimes loving someone simply means giving them the space to be heard.
3. Look for ways to help. Help with a project. Make the phone call. Pray with them. Show up. Find a practical way to make someone's load a little lighter.

Because here's what I'm learning: People don't need to be managed as much as they need to be noticed.

And in God's Kingdom, people are the point. It was Jesus who said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40

So here's your challenge before Sunday: Think of one person God has placed in your life who could use a little more of your attention.

Notice them. Ask them. Look for how you can be of Help to them.

You may discover that God didn't just put you where you are for you. He may have put you there for them.

How can I help you, friend?

Pastor Mike

Have you ever wondered why God doesn't move faster?
You pray.  You wait. You ask again. And all of heaven seems eerily quiet.

In John 11, Jesus receives word that His close friend Lazarus is critically ill. The people around Him expect Him to leave immediately.    But He doesn't.  He waits.

It's one of the most confusing moments in Jesus' ministry. Why would the One who loved Lazarus so much choose to wait?

Maybe you've asked the same question in your own life. Why hasn't God answered? Why hasn't He opened the door? Why hasn't He healed the relationship, changed the diagnosis, or provided the breakthrough?

This Sunday we'll wrestle with one of the hardest realities of our faith: What do you do when God seems slow?

Is there a prayer you've almost given up praying? Instead of crossing it off your list, pray over it one more time this week, asking God not only to answer it, but to help you trust Him while you wait.

If you've ever found yourself asking, "God, where are You?" I think you'll find hope in this story.

Join us this Sunday at 9:33 AM. We may not always understand God's timing, but John 11 reminds us that God's delay is not the same as a denial.

I'd love to see you here!

Pastor Mike

PS- Gather up your precious treasures for our HUGE parking lot sale on August 14 & 15. Drop anything you have off here at church Aug 10-13. Can you possibly help for a 2-3 hour block? Sign up or call Tori at church, or let Heather know. All proceeds to benefit our kids min! 

This Sunday we're going to talk about a group of people who almost got turned away from Jesus.

Can you imagine that?  Not because they had done anything wrong. It’s just they didn't belong.

Simply because... they were kids.

Parents were bringing their children to Jesus, not for a miracle, not for a sermon, but simply for a blessing. Yet the disciples saw them as a distraction. An interruption. In that culture, children were expected to be seen and not heard. (Ever wonder where that expression came from?) Surely Jesus had more important people to see and more meaningful things to do.

Then everything changed.  Mark tells us Jesus was indignant. He was HOT. He essentially said, "Time out!" "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Mark 10:14)

Which led me to wonder... Are there people we sometimes assume don't belong?  Who do we quietly decide is too messy, too broken, too different, or too far from God?

Maybe it’s someone you know? Or even…even yourself.

One thing Jesus made abundantly clear: the people others overlook are often the very people He welcomes.

This Sunday, we'll discover why Jesus made room for children and really, for anyone who sincerely comes looking for Him, and why we must do the same.

We'll celebrate everything God did this week through Illumination Station and pray for Ian and our students as they head to camp next week.

Because when we make room for the next generation... when we make room for people... we're following in the footsteps of Jesus Himself. The future of the Church isn't waiting to grow up.

It's already walking through our doors.

So, Bring your family. Bring a friend.  And above all... Bring the Kids.

I'll see you Sunday!

— Pastor Mike