Pastor Mike @ WU

Today

2010-07-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last night the girls from the Tamesai School in Japan came to Warner. They come here every summer to study conversational english and Dr. Jim Moyer, our acting CAO facilitates this wonderful program. We love to have them on campus, however, there coming actually means the beginning of the end of the summer and the 2010-2011 school year is soon approaching.

I love the slower pace of summer, even though this summer has been rather busy. Two courses, a lot of work around the house (ugh, my back), etc. But I also love new beginnings as new students and returning students gather once again on our campus to renew old friendships and build new ones. Actually, every today is a new beginning. The sun rising in the east reminds us that the clock is ticking and time stands still for noone, of course except for God when he chooses to make it stand still!!! The prophet Jeremiah says that God's mercies are new every morning, and I don't know about you, but I depend upon those mercies every day.

We are living in a world today that is filled with chaos - and God's mercies are needed at every level. The question I must ask each morning is not just, will I receive those merices that God so graciously affords, but will I be a conduit of those mercies with those I come in contact with today? God miraculously works through his people. Teresa of Avila was right we she penned the words: He has no hands but our hands...no feet but our feet...etc.

May we who claim to be Christ Followers be his conduits of love and mercy TODAY!!!!

Mr. Procrastination

2010-07-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

I am learning that I am a procrastinator - Yikes! My wife could have told you that a long time ago :) The summer schedule has caused me to go into a "chillin mode" that makes it worse - Yikers! The Fall will be here before we know it and I must get some things done pronto! C U

Summer 2010

2010-05-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

The semester and year are over and it is summertime in FL! I am making a commitment to blogging more this summer. My reading, my thoughts, and anything else that might be interesting. This past month I have read three books and am on my fourth.

Completed:
"What Is the Gospel?" by Greg Gilbert
"Radical" by David Platt
"The ChristianAthiest" by Craig Groeschel

Finishing:
"Missional Renaissance" by Reggie McNeal

They have all been challenging me to think and rethink some things in my own life and in the life of the Church. I am learning and unlearning (as Reggie McNeal has taught me) some important things. As I said in an earlier blog, I am not interested in those who are simply criticizing the Church and Christianity for the sake of criticism! But I am interested in learning from those who have a great love for God, Christ and the Church and are seeking the Spirit's guidance. We are tuly living in challenging times. We cannot continue things as usual, but must seek the Spirit's movement in a world still loved by God!

Join me on a journey this summer - Blessings, Mike

September 22, 2009

2009-09-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the beginning of Autumn...however, it is 91 degrees in Florida...yikes! Lottie and I often say that what we miss most about KY is the Fall - the cooler weather, the changing leaves, sweaters, etc. However, come Winter we love Florida!!!

I have not been consistent with my blogging, but want to do a better job in the future. We are living in such incredible times that we need to leverage every tool we can to get the Gospel Message out!

I have just started reading "Christless Christianity" and am thoroughly engaged and intrigued. However, I am not interested in reading another book that bashes Christianity and Church! Or that cloaks the message of the Gospel in "left-wing" ideology as opposed to "right-wing" ideology. So far, the author has rejected both and claims that each has misrepresented the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Therefore, I keep on reading!

I will bring issues to the blog for further reflection and dialogue for those who are interested.

Blessings, Michael

Summer 2009

2009-05-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

We are beginning our summer break. Just finished our final Faculty Meeting yesterday at Warner University. I am looking forward to a slower pace, but really want God to do something new in my life this summer. We are living in extrodinary times,which calls for God's people to "step up to the plate" and live out their faith in extrodinary ways!!!!
Just finished reading "The Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Stearns and it is truly a good read. I would recommend it highly. Couldn't put it down. Very challenging.
Later...

February 10, 2009

2009-02-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging lately, as everyone can see. The end of 2008 and beginning of 2009 have been quite hectic...yikes! I know many of you can relate. It seems as though things are just way too busy and going way too fast! I am teaching a Spiritual Practices Course this semester and our text began with the practice of solitude!!! I am finding it more difficult every day to find the solitude that I need to refuel and refresh. However, I am working on making it a priority. I often tell my students that outward solitude is the easiest to achieve...it is that inner noise in my head that I have such a hard time silencing!!! To be continued...

November 21, 2008

2008-11-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

I am reading Brian McClaren's book, Finding Our Way Again and enjoying it! At the beginning he shows how Judaism, Islam and Christianity share relationship with Abraham and also share ancient spiritual practices, such as pilgrimmage, prayer, fasting, etc. It really is fascinating. I am interested in seeing Christ-followers formed, conformed, and transformed into the image of their Savior! Luke 6:40 says: "A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher."(NRSV) What would the world look like if Christians began to look like, act like, live like, actually be like their Savior? Lord, let it be so in me!

God is Sovereign!

2008-11-06T05:17:00.000-08:00

Whether or not Obama is God's choice for our nation or not, I can't say. However, I do know that God is Sovereign! Now, my job as a Christian is to pray for President-elect Obama just as I have been praying for President Bush. I am reminded of a statement by Chuck Colson who said: "The Kingdom of God is not ushered in on Airforce One." The Kingdom of God is realized through God's people praying and living "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10 NRSV). Does that include being involved in the political process? of course. However, the Body of Christ has been given a mandate to love as Christ loved (John 13:34-35). Lord, let it be so!

Warner UNIVERSITY!

2008-10-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today, Warner Southern College officially becomes Warner University. It is a happy occassion and there will be much fun and festivity! Now in our 20th year, Lottie and I have seen wonderful changes on this campus and in this institution. We have a committed Administration, Faculty and Staff who desire to see this University remain focused on Christian values and ministry. We are excited about the future and all the possibilities that await. Oh yeah, we have a great group of students as well!!!! It is truly a privilege to invest in those who are leading today and who will lead more fully in the future. May God bless our efforts as we continue the calling that he has placed on each of us. Congratulations Warner UNIVERSITY!!!

October 6

2008-10-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have blogged! This is new to me and I am not yet in the hang of it. I have been reading an excellent book by Leighton Ford entitled "The Attentive Life". It is giving consideration to Praying the Hours and relating it to our own lives. I am still working through it and actually want to read some of the resources that he alludes to! As I have been reading I am asking myself how attentive am I? I have been exceptionally busy this semester and am very concerned that my busyness is creating potential problems in my own spiritual life and journey!!!! That is my first concern, and then how will this affect my relationship with my wife, family and the students that I am teaching and mentoring? I need to more than anything listen to the voice of God!

September 11

2008-09-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today is a day to remember those lives lost in this tragedy! It is also a day to commit ourselves to the principles that we teach as Christians. Fundamentally, our responsibility is to love God and Neighbor - Mark 12:29-31. May the love of God fill us today to truly love God, Friend and Foe - Matthew 5:44!

Greetings!

2008-09-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

I am Michael D. Sanders, Professor of Christian Formation and Campus Pastor at Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, FL. I am interested in Spiritual Formation. My lovely wife is Lottie and our spoiled pug is Chino!