From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Church Family,
       How do  you end a year?  How do you begin a new year? Since the 80’s, I have taken some time at the end of each year to evaluate the year.  I ask questions like:  “What did God ask me to do?” “Did I listen?”  Did I do what He asked of me?”  “How was my Bible reading and study?”  “How was my prayer life?”  “What prayers did I see answered?”  “Did I live a life pleasing to Him?”  “Did I live the right example for others to follow?”  “How did God change me this year?” 
Once I have spent time thinking about these questions, I spend time thinking about the new year.  I pray and ask God for a plan.  I set goals and objections in eight areas: spiritual, mental, physical, social, ministry, life priorities, financial and emotional.  The Bible says our lives aren’t our own, we have been bought with a price.
 I want God to direct my path.  I hope you do, too. If you are not in the habit of reading your Bible, let 2016 be your starting place.  Set a goal, have a plan, pray and ask God to guide you. 
I believe 2016 is going to be a God honoring year at Oakland.  Make a commitment to be here and be involved.  Pray for souls to be saved, and lives to be changed.  Be faithful to Sunday School and worship, giving, telling others about Christ and prayer.

Serving the Savior, 
Pastor Mike