The Most Excellent Way

Most Excellent Fellowship

2011-01-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

It may be time for a new camera, but I hope you enjoy the photo's taken at The Most Excellent Way White Elephant Christmas Extravaganza.

9-20-2010 - THE C's OF GETTING OUT OF TROUBLE

2010-09-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

Tonite's message by Pastor Mike, from James 5, included a very wise saying for pilots who are getting into trouble while in the air. It involves memorizing 4 words beginning with the letter "C".

The first is "CLIMB". You need to get up higher than you are, you don't want to be near the ground when you get into trouble. So we want to climb up higher than the problem, we want to get to a place where we have some room to wiggle and to see what the problem is.

The second word is "COMMUNICATE". When a pilot figures out what is going on with his aircraft he usually communicates his problem and possible solution. We must learn to do this with all problems. Once we've climbed out of immediate danger and have a chance to see what is going on, we can communicate to someone else what we think the problem is and a possible solution.

Next is "CONFESS" your error. If you put cheapo gas in the tank or you didn't do a full pre-flight check and missed a few "key items" that are now going bad, you need to confess your error in order to accurately and truthfully assess the situation, identify the problem and move towards a solution.

Finally, you need to "CONFORM" to the solution. Our solution may be we have to crash land the aircraft and we need to resolve ourselves to do this, conform to the standards that are useed in the process and get along with it.

In our non-piloting ordinary lives we may apply these words to our own trouble. First, we need to climb out of the mess we created and give ourselves some room to analyze and take an honest look at the problem. As Christians we definitely need to communicate what is going on to someone who is willing and able to listen and help us (my first go-to person would be Jesus) see clearly what we've done. The next step is hard for anyone...confess whatever you did. Its easy to confess it to the Lord. Now confess it to someone who is going to help you...not so easy sometimes. We become afraid of being wrong, judged, ridiculed etc. because we think in the natural not spiritual. And then when our pastor or counselor or friend gives us a solution we need strength and courage to conform to the answer. It may mean taking a break from visible ministry or apologizing to people you have hurt or many other things which we perceive as embarrassing and maybe not the best idea.

But if we learn from our past, and integrate new solutions into future events, we will become more secure in the knowledge that "ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." We will attempt to behave in a way which will avoid problems, but when they arise, we will be open and willing and honest with each other to help solve any or all future misbehaving.

Monday 7-19-2010

2010-07-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Taming the Tongue

James 3 decides to correct our use of the tongue. How can one of the smallest organs in the body wreak so much havoc? Pastor Mike went on to talk about the various problems the tongue may cause. I felt "tongue-tied". It is one of the Chapters of the Bible which really hits home...how many of us really watch our words? How many of us are constantly choosing our words carefully and/or preferring to keep quiet rather than saying something cutting or demeaning to someone else?

Paul compares the tongue to the rudder of a ship and the bit in a horses mouth. With such small a device you can control a ship or a horse. The same is with our tongue...with the same mouth we bless and curse.

ARE YOU COMING WITH US???

This saturday we'll be meeting in the parking lot of CCMB at 8:30...then we be gone...to GREAT AMERICA!!!!

See you there...hopefully at some point upside down and moving very fast!

Monday, July 5, 2010

2010-07-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mike Continues in James

Faith without works is dead...we used to be one of "those people"...but who cares now...we are to treat all people equally. (Nevertheless it still angers some of us when we are profiled as one of "those people")

Sometimes we look at very rich people and think they have everything. But we have riches way beyond those...

Don't treat someone who has a lot of money any differently...we are all equal IN THE EYES OF CHRIST!

IF YOU HAVE ORDERED TICKETS TO GREAT AMERICA PLEASE REMIT PAYMENT TO MIKE OR MICHELE OR SPEAK TO THEM PERSONALLY. TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT.

Monday June 28, 2010

2010-07-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Mark 1:22-27

How can we be hearers only and not doers of the word.

We need to take the lessons we learn and move into ministry and doing things for others rather than just ourselves.

If we simply read the word and hold it in we will become like the dead sea...water flows in and nothing flows out and the water stagnates.

We are sanctified...called and set apart for the service of God.

Were all sinners saved by grace struggling every day to put off the old man and put on the new.

Its all about methodically putting it all back together.

Monday June 21, 2010

2010-06-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mike continues in James

Today Pastor Mike continued in the Epistle of James, continuing to warn us about trials and how easy it is for us to give up as soon as we face some adversity. When we first came to Christ, how many of us were told that we would soon be fighting some of the toughest battles we have ever fought? Especially when some of us were chained to those life-dominating sins, no one told us how hard it would be do detach from the chain. But the good news is that Jesus will take us through, be with us every moment, and give us the faith necessary to withstand the trial.

Sign ups for SPIRIT WEST COAST

Sign up sheet for Spirit West Coast volunteers was passed around. If you volunteer I believe the cost is $25, but if you work a double shift the day is free!!

Here's a link to the Monterey Schedule (just copy and paste into your browser's address bar):
http://monterey.spiritwestcoast.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=RkLOXhTazcU%3d&tabid=409&language=en-US

Next week:
Worship featuring Bruce Peck on guitar

Monday June 14, 2010 - The Caseys Return!

2010-06-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, our Pastor and wife have returned rested(?) and renewed from their Marathon/Vacation in San Diego.

Worship included a new song about Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans (thoughts) I have for you"
It is not just fun to play but very moving while playing.

Pastor Mike gave us another fantastic message from the Book of James. Pastor Mike reiterated not if but when we go through trials, we must have faith that Jesus will take us through them. He also reminded many of us that when we are in the midst of a trial we press in hard to God, but as the trial eases up so do we. We must not be tricked or duped into believing that we can ease up on our relationship with God simply because a trial has passed.

Thought to ponder: Satan wants us to believe that we can fix our past. But God wants us to know that our past can be forgiven.

Remember to sign up for the Great America Excursion on Saturday July 24, 2010!!

Monday June 7, 2010

2010-06-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mike and Michele on Vacation!!

We had blessed worship .. more traditional songs this week .. but the idea is that we make a "joyful noise unto the Lord".

Harvey gave the teaching from 1 and 2 Samuel, the cave time of David, when the 3 mighty warriors arose. Three warriors whose names translated are "sitting in counsel", "Heard by God" and "Helped by God". Three warriors who were completely abandoned by their troops in the midst of battle, God giving each of them a miraculous victory. Because they had each sat in the counsel of God, they had each been heard by God and they had each been helped by God.

All of us at the Most Excellent Way can be mighty warriors. Those who came to the cave were those in debt, those sick of their current lives and looking for something else. Sound familiar? I know I came looking for something else Freedom from life dominating sin, freedom from the life I've totally screwed up. Now I have been given a second chance to repair, only through the miraculous efforts of Jesus, that life that was lost.

So, be willing to sit under His counsel, to be helped by God and be heard by God (pray) and you also may shed the scales of addiction and sit at the feet of Jesus, seeking the better way.

We will be passing around sign up sheets for Great America. Lets all fellowship!!

What's Goin' On? Monday May 30, 2010

2010-06-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Pastor Mike, once again, gave an excellent teaching in James (why does it sometimes feel like I'm getting slapped and other times like I'm getting hugged when I pick up the book of James?)

Points: When we go through trials we will keep going though these trials until we reach the other side. Our vast experiences have brought us forward to see how far we've come and how far we can go.

TRIALS GROW US . . . THERE CAN'T BE A TESTIMONY WITHOUT A TEST

This weeks question: "What role will humility play in your life?"

MARATHON TIMES:
Mike 4:53 Michele 4:55 Yay and Hooray
You may now have desert!!

Worship guested Bruce Peck and Craig Underwood on guitars...they sound sweet together don't they?

June 12, 2010 if any of you care to give belated birthday blessings to David Davis, Jasmine Humada (worship Team Violinist), Cathy Davis and .... da da da da ... our very own Pastor Mike...there will be a small bonfire at the De Monte Fire Pits.

2010-05-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 24, 2010

Worship: Prior to playing "Save Me", Jodie explained the story behind the song and testified about the suicidal death of someone she knew, and could the words of the song possibly be the last words going through his head before death?

Pastor Mike completed Galatians 6:1-18.
(Have you checked your SUCKOMETER today?)

Pastor Mike made an orthodontal reference to braces...they are tightened in order to straighten your teeth. As the bands of our lives are tightened, can we be lead? References to 2 Cor. 5:17 were repleat . . . why do you want to go back to the old man? We have come to find out we cannot do it on our own, but we can only do it with the help of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. Verse 15 kind of proved pivotal "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision avails anything, but a new creation."

The question of the day: "What role will humility play in your life?"

Next week: Worship Team with Bruce and Craig on guitars.

WHATS NEW AT MEW ?!?!?

2010-05-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Most Excellent Way (Monterey) is on the MOVE . . . upcoming events concerning places to go and people to see will include (but are not limited to):

GREAT AMERICA AND MINIATURE GOLFING (NOT AT THE SAME TIME)

BOWLING AND BONFIRES ON THE BEACH (Definitely not at the same time, balls don't roll well in sand)

Great America:
Saturday July 24, 2010

Miniature Golf & Pizza:
Saturday August 21, 2010

Bonfire and BBQ on the Beach:
Saturday September 25, 2010

Bowling:
To Be Determined

CONTEST CONTEST CONTEST CONTEST

The Most Excellent Way (Monterey) is sponsoring a contest for the best tee-shirt design. The winner will win something FANTABULOUS (a surprise package worth....??). The design will be reviewed by a professional graphics artist and customized for tee-shirt printing. It will become the semi-official, official tee-shirt of the Most Excellent Way (Monterey).

RULES (The Fine Print)
We realize that rules are not easy to follow for those recovering from life-altering addictions so we've made it real simple. . . . please don't draw or copy or cut and paste "stuff" from the old-man's way of life...no needles, joints, handcuffs, crack pipes etc.

The Worship Team is still looking for a PERMANENT Guitarist....preferably one who knows his/her way around a git-fiddle and can transpose and improvise when necessary.

Pastor Mike's message finished up Galatians 5, showing us the pros and cons of the roads we choose. . . flesh or spirit.... the do's and the dont's. Messages available on Calvary.com

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK "What is humility to you?"

Last Nights Meeting

2009-09-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Spaghetti feeding frenzy went well last night, with band on hand to deliver some awesome music and worship. Several testimonies were given, including one from Harvey! Yes, he's back! It was great to see and hear Harvey, along with the other (MEW Moss Landing included) who shared with us. Several others were first timers, and we welcomed them with open arms. Will try to post a couple of pictures later....Happy Birthday, Big Guy!

An another note, we have an update about Scott and Melissa provided by Angela. Following is the text of her e-mail update:

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all doing well. I an personally having a bit of a crisis involving my sister. In the last 5 weeks, Terry's body has been plagued with a few tumors. These tumors are growing and spreading rapidly. She has a great doctor and is a breast cancer survivor, so they have done biopsy's & scans of the growths. Should have results in a few days. Please pray for her and thank you.

The reason that I bring this to you all is that this week is Melissa's friends visiting day, and I usually round up a few friends and we go to see her together. This week I will be going to see Terry instead so I am asking that if the Lord puts a visit on your heart and you are available between 8 and 9 am this Saturday, please go see Melissa. She really needs the encouragement from her friends. All you need to do is bring your id and know her booking # which is 0900315. You can get info @

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/SHERIFF/contact.htm
Thank you and if you can't visit her please try to write and definitely continue to pray for her. It is really not a pleasant place to be and she covets those letters, visits and prayers.

And for Scott, AWESOME NEWS to share and I am just going to use his direct words from his latest letter to me. 8-31-09

"I have some pretty great news! God has answered our prayers for Fire Camp! Medical hold is released and the Dr. says my body mass index looks very good! Lost 30 lbs so far and am running 3 miles around 5x a week. Imagine that! LOL. So anyway, they say I could be sent in 30 to 60 days and I am so grateful to God for this! He is so good, isn't He? This means, God willing, I'll be home to all of you, hopefully in 16-18 months from now! Maybe even learn to be a fireman as a new career choice if the Lord sees fit...

It's starting to feel and seem like that maybe the hardest part is over. Still, not without pain from missing my babies, but I'm learning to thank the Lord for all the hard stuff too. Thanking Him for this trial, for prison and this time of chastening is difficult to say at first, however, I can see even now that I'll be so thankful this happened later cause I'll know the Lord in a closer and more special way because of His walking us through this. So good things, right? Amen!

Please say hi to everyone at the Bridge and Most Excellent Way. Also please give big Harvey a bear hug for me. I am grateful to him and his family. Please send love to Pastor Geoff and Denise and all of the staff at Calvary. I will write them as well. Please let everyone know that I love them dearly and I'm staying dedicated in learning and growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing quite frequently and trying to keep up with all the letters. I'm blessed to have so much support it's a challenge to keep up with the letters. But that is definitely a good thing!

Bobby Gwin is being blessed by the "treats" and having coffee like that is a pretty special thing in here. Our bible study is down to three of us right now but it's kind of nice like that as well. We continue to pray to have God use us in here and now some are coming with prayer requests. I love you guys and thanks for everything".

I will let you all know as soon as I have a new address for him and praise God for His faithfulness in answering your prayers for this family. Please continue to pray that God will provide a place for Melissa and the 4 children when she gets out Nov 20th. She trusts that the Lord will provide but is still a bit anxious over not knowing where she will go when she gets out. If you know of a place or hear of anything please let me know and I will do whatever I can to help this family. Jesus loves us so much. Glory be to God! Until the next update, thanks so much for the prayers, love and encouragement to this family and to me.

Blessings.

In His love,

Angela

Were You Once In A Hole?...

2009-08-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

2009-07-29T01:59:00.001-07:00

This past Monday we had a bitter sweet celebration. We celebrated Charlie,Mike and Sylvia's leaving. They are moving on. Both are relocating to other states.... They will both be missed a great deal. Charlie just celebrated one year clean and sober. He has also been a great drummer while he was here. Charlie shared a few things that have helped him over the past year stay clean and sober.

Mike & Sylvia have been a part of our church for 20 + years. This will be a huge change for them and their family. They are moving to Montana. Mike has had victory over his addiction from sexual sin for 2 1/2 years. Him and Sylvia have been working with two groups dealing with sexual sin. Their marriage was able to be salvaged because they allowed God to do an amazing work in it. The Bible says that in this world we will have trials.............. But, we are to be good of cheer for He has overcome the word. Mike and Sylvia shared a bit about how their marriage and how it has been put back together. Thank you Mike, Sylvia, and Charlie.

July Birthday's and Harvey's Testimony

2009-07-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Praise God for another great night of food, fellowship, worship, birthdays and testimony.
If you didn't get a chance to come last week and had to miss Harvey's testimony, don't be discouraged, look for a video version to be upload to the blog within a couple of days.
Thanks MEW for always blessing us with God's abundance. I hope that you enjoy the pictures.

Another Scott Update

2009-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It has been a busy June and already the second week of July is ending. Time flies! I have received a letter from Scott that includes praise reports and answered prayers, so I wanted to share the good news with you all. God is so faithful to answer prayer; praise the Lord oh my soul!

Some Praise

• “God has been faithful to give me the strength to endure this. I am diving into His word and I am being conscious of other men and how God wants me to be of service to them. God keeps moving me around a little bit and everywhere I go there’s at least one or two really strong Christians to hook up with and make strong bonds with. We are planting the second bible study as of yesterday and there are obviously a lot of men hungry for the Lord. It is good to get outside of myself and help them.”
• “As far as fire camp goes, I am still very much in the running for it, nevertheless, God’s will first. I do pray for His favor here as it should get me home about six months early and you know how much I love and adore my family. I can’t wait to be with them again. I love my kids so much and never wished to hurt them or anybody for that matter.
• “As far as camp goes, honestly I would be close to passing the test today! I’ve been training for 90 days and I am getting in pretty solid shape! I am very confident I’ll pass the P.T. test! The Dr. just had to go by an “old school” chart at 5’ 91/2” I should be exactly 200 pounds. I have lost about 20 pounds so far and I am about 235 now.”
• “ I want to let you know that I include Pastor Nate, Pastor Geoff, all the support team, friends and family in my daily prayers.”

Some Requests

• “If you ever want to send me a prayer need list from the Saturday prayer group, I would love to receive it and pray over it.”
Well brothers, obviously I don’t go to that prayer meeting but if you do and the Lord puts it on your heart, PLEASE meet this request for him. I know that it would bless him and encourage him greatly to have a bit of his church family brought to him while in that dark place. I have found that it is better to put my thoughts and prayers on others than to put them on my self, my circumstances, feelings or emotions.
Scott Nichols
CDC# G60555
N.K.S.P. A-GYM 34L
P.O. Box 5004
Delano, CA 93216

• Scott also asked for some books. I sent him 3 last week, and I don’t know how much longer he will be in reception but I do know that any book sent will be passed on and used by the Lord in some way. Some of Scott’s favorite authors are Chuck Smith, Jon Courson, Greg Laurie, Dr. James McDonald. If the Lord puts it on your heart to bless Scott with a book or two, the books must be shipped directly from a source such as http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.christianbook.com/

Prayer Requests

• Scott still cannot receive or make phone calls and cannot have any visitors yet. Please pray that communications would open for the family and that they would be able to visit Scott soon.
• Melissa’s letters to Scott are being returned so please pray that he would get approval to receive her letters. She is a mess over it so please pray for her to trust God in this area.
• Continue to pray for the Lord’s will to be done regarding fire camp.
• Pray against depression and any spiritual warfare that may oppose what God is doing in and through Scott.
• Pray for unity within the family and for God’s love and grace to fill their hearts to overflow.
• Pray however the Spirit leads you and then pray some more☺

Thank you all for your love and support of this family. I am so blessed to see the Lord working through all of your prayers and love. May God bless you and shine His face upon you.

In His loving service,

Angela

2:42

2009-06-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

I have been a little busy and apologize for not getting the pictures posted sooner. I hope that you enjoy. Guys, sorry about the pink.

Scott Nichols Update

2009-06-22T23:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I hope that you are all well. I just wanted to share with you that we had the garage sale last weekend and raised a total of $600.00. I will put $100.00 on both Scott & Melissa's books and give Bonnie $400.00 to bless the kids. Praise God for such a success and such wonderful helpers and generous givers, oh yea and the buyers too!

The more important news is that Scott has a new address. So if you were inclined to bless him with a note of encouragement this should be the address that he will have until he is processed and moved from reception.

Scott Nichols
CDC# G60555
N.K.S.P. -A-GYM-N34L
P.O. Box 5004

Delano, CA 93216

Also, Scott was denied fire camp because of a weight issue. He is on an exercise and diet regimen so please pray that he would lose the weight safely and that fire camp would become available to him, if it is the Lord's will. It would knock off quite a bit of time from his sentence and that is a good thing, but God's ways are not always ours, are they?

God bless

Angela

Another Scott Update

2009-06-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

I want to let everyone know that I will be having a garage sale on June 20th to raise money for Bonnie (Scott's Mother) and the kids just to help out with the little extras like growing teenagers and 4 year olds, summer fun, etc. If you are interested in helping me out, I could really use you. And if you have any items that were heading for the thrift store and you would like to donate them to this instead, please, please, please do so, soon. Please pray as well.
You can contact me by email @ angelalafalke@gmail.com

Also, if it is on your heart to send Scott any stamped envelopes he really could use them. It takes about 2 weeks for him to get mail, and I'm sure he would appreciate any encouragement that you may send along with those envelopes...(no shame, huh?)

Scott Nichols
CDC# G60555
N.K.S.P. C-2-A #117
P.O. Box 5004
Delano, CA 93216

This quote is taken from a letter that I received from Melissa about Scott's trip to prison and I hope that it encourages you as it did me. God hears the prayers of His saint's!

"On the way to prison, the guard that drove him was a victim of Scott Motors so he gave him a hard time. When Scott got to prison he was so weary and the guard who received him had compassion and put him directly with the "old men" on level 1-2 security instead of level 3-4. That was a miracle because it usually takes 2 weeks to house. God really used the trip up and the guard who received him! He has already had his physical and is in great shape!"
There was also a prayer request for Mike & Amy Daugherty. It seems that Mike has been accepted in to the Bridge Restoration Ministry and his wife is currently in the Door to Hope recovery house in Salinas. Praise God for what He is doing in this season of Scott and Melissa's lives. Our God is an awesome God!

I hope that you are all well and on behalf of Scott & the family thank you for everything.

In His love,

Angela

Scott Nichols Update

2009-06-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I just heard from Melissa and she was able to get a hold of Scotts CDC# and address where you can send letters. She said that this will be his permanent # so when he gets moved from reception the mail will catch up with him.

Scott Nichols
CDC# G60555
N.K.S.P. C-2-A #117
P.O. Box 5004
Delano, CA 93216

Melissa seems to think that the more letters that he receives while in reception, the quicker they may process him. I don't know how any of this stuff works but I do know that he could sure use encouragement so get those pens to the paper and watch God work. Please continue to pray that he will get processed quickly and that if it is the Lords will that he would be accepted in to the firecamp.

Thanks to you all. The family covets your prayers, support, encouragement and love.

In His love,
Angela

Stand By Me

2009-05-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Those in difficult times surely know how critical it is for someone to be by your side. Every time I hear that old song 'Stand By Me' by Ben E. King, I think of how the Lord is always by my side. Through hard times and good times alike, the Lord is always there. Recently, an old friend of mine sent me a video of performers from around the world singing 'Stand By Me', only, they never got the chance to see each other...they only sang together. It's kind of like the church body. Imagine how it will sound when one day we'll be together, all in the same place, with others from throughout time, singing and praising God. Are you down today? Struggling? Take a look at this video and know that the Lord stands by you....

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

May Extravaganza

2009-05-06T22:25:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from the May Extravaganza. I hope that you were able to come out for the awesome worship, food, fun, testimonies and fellowship, and if you didn't please be sure to come out next time. The next one will be June 8th.
I hope that you enjoy.

I Wonder...

2009-05-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wondered what the women do at the women's retreat, here is a sneak peak.

Sometimes, we get caught....

2009-04-26T16:56:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, when we do something, we want people to notice us....sometimes, we don't! Just the other day, on the way home from the men's prayer meetin', someone noticed a familiar scene. Maybe it's because it happened to them, maybe just because it happens a lot. This is a classic scene that might happen to anyone not entirely within the parameters of the law. Speaking of law, aren't you glad that we're not under 'The Law' anymore, but under grace?! The only ones that would be able to identify this particular person are the ones that 'know' him/her. If I could give clemensy for law breakers, all law breakers, then you might think that the law would be useless. But it's not. The Law is a schoolteacher to show us that we need a Saviour. Thank you Lord for the grace that You provide to account for our sins!

Scott Update

2009-04-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't heard from Angela about what's going on with Scott, here is the latest from her visit yesterday. Please continue to hold our brother and sister in Christ up in prayer, and consider writing a letter of encouragement to them.

Hello Everyone,
I am very sorry that I haven't had much news for you about Scott, but I do now. I went to see him this past Saturday and he shared some much needed prayer requests and a few praise reports that I am blessed to pass on to you all.

I'll start with the praise, since it's Easter Sunday and all. Scott is blessed to be teaching 2 bible studies a day with a young brother who is on fire for Jesus. Also, Scott was able to share the gospel and to lead an inmate to the Lord. Scott said that there is a great need for the inmates to be told about Jesus.

So the first prayer request is that more workers would be sent into the prisons, and not as inmates!

Scott has also been immersed in the word and is keeping his eyes where they need to be on Christ. Please pray for Scott to continue to be faithful, obedient and confident in the ministry that the Lord is calling him in to.

Scott might get to visit Melissa before he is transferred so please pray God's favor in that. Praise God that they have been able to correspond by letter.

Scott said that he will be transferring soon. He said it could be today, Easter Sunday, and if not today then next Sunday for sure, so if you want to visit him go this Saturday 1-3 and hopefully he will still be there. When I went there was no line and he came out quickly. He has one hour to visit and only one person at a time can go in but you can alternate people if there are more than one that want to see him. Bring your drivers license or id card, and you can pick up a visitors form at the guard table if you are unable to download it.

The next prayer request was that his paperwork would process quickly and that he would not be stuck in "reception" for too long. He said that "reception" is not a good place to be and it can take up to 6 months to process so please pray for God's favor in this and for Scott's protection while he is there.

Scott will eventually end up at Delano jail in Delano, CA, and I will get the info to you as soon as I know anything. He said that for the next 2 months he will be unable to write or make any calls, so please pray during this time for God's strength to be with him. He will still get letters forwarded to him once he is processed, so please write to him if you haven't already, and if you have God bless you and keep them coming.

Once he reaches Delano they have a program called "Fire Camp" that Scott wants to be in. If he gets in it will cut his time down to 1 and a half years I believe is what he said. So please pray the Lord's will in that as well.

Well, I hope that I didn't forget anything, and if you want info on Melissa, just let me know and I will add you to her updates as well. God bless you all and Scott and Melissa both appreciate all of your love, support and prayers.

In His love,
Angela

The Rib Throw Down!

2009-03-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hooray! I found my camera. I hope that you enjoy the pictures from the rib throw down. Coming soon will be some short video clips of the event.
Well done Pastor Mike. Even though you lost the competition, the event was a hit. Looking forward to the second annual rib throw down, but next time, win!

Well, it's over!

2009-03-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Tony is probably the most relieved of all! The Rib Throw-Down at CCMB Saturday was a complete success! There was plenty of food, fun and family times had by all that attended, and most exciting of all was the crowd pressing in on the scene just after the rib judging. Tony anxiously awaiting the results of the extensive (and indisputable) judging. Integrity being what it should from the ones that model following after our Lord, Mike stepped up to the plate and ate....not ribs, but fish eyes! Toner, you're a good man, along with those that stood by Mike and took one for the team! Good job, guys, and hope there's a better rib-rub next year!

It's Almost Saturday...

2009-03-20T08:12:00.001-07:00

...and the Rib Throw Down will be underway! Mike did one last test of his recipe yesterday with hopes of beating Andy to the ground on Saturday. Here's his secret rib rub:

4 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper; freshly ground
1 tablespoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon mild chili powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon thyme; dried
1 tablespoon rosemary; dried
1 tablespoon cornstarch

But don't let anyone know that he's going to use it on Saturday! He'll kill me if he found out! Good Luck, boys, and hope all the meat is fully cooked!

Let's Gross You Out!

2009-03-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

OK, for those of you who were there on Monday night, you'll know what the picture is all about. For those who weren't, the bottom line is WIN THE RIB THROW DOWN! The running mates of both MEW Monterey and MEW Moss Landing will have to drink a glass of fish eye's for losing the Throw Down! How's that for incentive to win! Anyway, the Rib Throw Down will be @ Calvary Chapel Monterey Bay March 21st. Be there, or you may have to eat fish eyes!

Harvey is Free!

2009-03-07T21:56:00.000-08:00

If you missed Harvey's testimony last Monday, please watch the video and be blessed.

March Madness

2009-03-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

This past Monday at the MEW was awesome. It was the first of the month combined meeting, where we celebrate birthdays, listen to testimonies, and eat delicious food. Pastor Mike also does his usual teaching. He has been going through the book of Hebrews, and this week he taught a few verses out of Hebrews chapter 10. He titled the message "Never again, this is the last time!" He posed a question to the group asking if any of us had ever said this about an addiction or sin in our life, and I think that it was a YES for all of us.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and if you haven't been to the MEW, you don't know what a blessing that you are missing, so come and check it out.

God bless

Another Video Worth Watching....

2009-03-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

OK, so here's another video by that Mike guy...wonder what it is this time? It has to do with what Mike Casey was teaching last night, and also what he was announcing about Scott, and how sometimes, even when we think we know why we're here, we might be here for someone else. Take a look and listen to this video, and tell me that we're not all on the same team! PS - Grab your tissue...

God's Imagination

2009-02-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

Shown here to the right is a fish called 'Macropinna microstoma' or Barrel eyed Spookfish. It is one of many creatures that are right off the coast of Monterey being studied by scientists around the world. Imagine if you had the opportunity to study God's creation and find out the reasons why things work the way they do?! What an amazing God we serve, and one with such an imagination! I always thought that if I were Adam, I might have run out of names for the animals, birds, and fishes in the sea...I'm not sure if this particular species was presented to Adam or not for naming, but God did create this special creature, and for a purpose. Check out the video and narration by one of MBARI's renowned Scientists HERE. I'm not sure how long the link to this video will be up, so I apologize ahead of time for late-comers.

On something completely different, last night was another fine night to spend at MEW. I can't get over the sharing that happens in the men's group, and the words from Mike are always encouraging.

Short VIdeo Worth Watching

2009-02-19T11:37:00.001-08:00

It Wasn't Better...

2009-02-17T08:21:00.001-08:00

Mike reminded us last night about the past. Just writing that makes me think of how it was those days that were worthless for the Kingdom. Hebrews 9 tells us that the only sins that the High Priest could give atonement for were those done in ignorance. What about all the rest that we knew of as we acted out our sin nature?...is there such a word as 'unatoned'?...or how about 'non-atoned'. What a frustrating thing to have a washing machine that would only clean part of your clothes! As we read about the tabernacle that the Hebrews had to cart around for forty years let's think about the day that God our Father provided complete cleansing from ALL our filthiness! Thanks Mike, for faithfully bringing the Word to us again.

You are my son

2009-02-09T23:12:00.000-08:00

Romans 4:7,8
"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."

Once again, tonight's meeting was a blessing. The worship, the message from Pastor Mike, the food, the fellowship and the small groups are all such an important part of why this ministry has been successful in bringing people to know Jesus more intimately.
David Hill is one of those people that has been touched by Jesus through this ministry in a big way. I have been deeply moved to hear David's story of how he has been reunited with his Mother and just returned from a three day trip to meet her face to face. Tonight, as David shared a little about his trip it was as if Jesus spoke right into my heart and I hope others heard this word as well.
David told us that he was a little apprehensive to share with his Mother about his past involvement with drugs and all the other stuff that comes with drug addiction. David called Pastor Mike for advice and Pastor Mike told him if he didn't tell her now, he probably never would. David decided to tell his Mother everything and after he let it all out she said to him, " You are my son and nothing you can do or say will ever take away the way I love you".

As David shared those words tonight, I thought that I heard Jesus say Yes and Amen. I think that this is how Jesus loves each and every one of us that call upon His name. He died on the cross so that we could experience God and His amazing love.

David's Mother also said that "son, your past was all part of the way that God brought you to me." God has a plan for us, and I think that our testimonies are strengthened by the trials, by the backslides, by the mistakes and bad choices that we make. How sweet it is to know that we are loved and forgiven by the Most High God.

Birthday's, Tostada's and Testimonies

2009-02-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

Birthdays

Happy birthday to all of you February babies. Wow, January has flown by and here we are celebrating February birthdays already. By the way, if you haven't been to a first-Monday-of-the-month MEW Birthday/Testimony/Chip Disbursement night, you might want to put it on your calendar and join us for the fun.

Tostada's

Sal spent the whole day Monday cooking up a delicious mexican feast for all of the Mew attendees and I can personally testify that the feast was just as good the next day since I was blessed to join the Bridge bro's for dinner. Thanks again to Sal and to everyone that helped pull this months gathering together.

Bible Teaching

Mike's teaching in Hebrews has been awesome and if you missed it on Monday or just want to hear it again you can listen to past messages right here on the blog. Also, I was informed that very soon Pastor Mike's messages are going to be made available on the CCMB website as well. Moving on up!

Worship & Testimonies

Last but not least the worship was sweet, way to go guys, and the testimonies were a blessing. Thanks Louie, Szody and Jack for sharing what the Lord has done and is doing in your lives.

Acts 10:42
He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.

I hope that you enjoy the photos.

Last Night's Teaching was Great!

2009-01-27T07:37:00.000-08:00

The image you see to the left is, of coarse, a vortex. If you listen to the mp3 of Mike's teaching last night, you will find out why I've put this image up. I won't say anything else about that, but I will tell you that last night Mike had a fantastic message! If you could just take 26 minutes of your time today and listen, you will be blessed.
Mike has such an incredible way of relating life to life. What we've gone through, what we might currently be going through, and perhaps even what we will go through. The book of Hebrews, Mike continues to remind us, is a book that says 'Don't go back!' I want to encourage everyone listening to, and reading this today, don't go back. Whatever you have been through and ever thought that it was better back there, you are wrong. Yield to your loving Heavenly Father today and swim in the Grace and Peace that He offers you this very moment. Don't let today go by without seizing the day!

Incredible!

2009-01-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

"This is just the tip of the iceberg", as they say. The story of David continues to amaze me, as I'm sure it would you if you knew...
Without giving too much detail, I'll let you know that David's life has so radically changed that the only way to describe it is 'Incredible!' It's recently come to his attention that there is family out there he thought was unreachable. David was told things about his family that led him to believe he would never again see or speak to his mother, and yet, God made a way. I plan on getting all the details directly from David himself so that nothing is left to either speculation or ignorance. The way that God is working in this young man is fantastic! I believe that David will spend the rest of his life being a 'fisher of men'. Thanks for sharing about it last night at MEW! God Bless, David

Jeff on The Worship Team....

2009-01-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

Jeff found himself on the Wednesday Evening Worship team this past week! That makes 50% of the team the Bridge guys, Jeff and Elliott. Serving in such capacities are a great testimony of the changed lives that are afforded through surrender to the Lord.

White Elephant!

2008-12-27T13:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who came out and joined us for the White Elephant gift exchange. I think that the pictures say it all.
What a joy it is to witness the generosity of all of those who give their time so freely to bless and to serve others in this ministry. As usual the teaching, the worship, the food/ beverage and the fellowship were exceptional this past Monday night.
All thanks and glory be to God for blessing us with this amazing ministry and all of you who are a part of it. It wouldn't be a ministry without you all.
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Lifehouse Everything Video

2008-12-18T22:20:00.001-08:00

If you have never viewed this video be prepared to be moved by the Holy Spirit. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have.
Blessings

Louie's Testimony

2008-12-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

Szody's Testimony

2008-12-05T11:16:00.001-08:00

Testimonies & Pizza

2008-12-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

1 John 5:5

Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Wow, another month has passed and I think that I can speak for everyone when I say that we were very blessed and encouraged to hear some powerful and awesome testimonies of what the Lord has been doing in so many lives. I am always amazed to see and to hear how the Lord has rescued and is at this very moment rescuing so many of us out of the darkest of pits. And how sweet it is to then see how He turns those lives into lives which honor and glorify Him. Praise be to God for His merciful love.

Also, if you couldn't make the meeting, you missed out on some great food, as usual, and you missed David who did a great job sharing his thoughts and insights on the prodigal son. I am still working on getting the videos uploaded as my camera and computer are not cooperating at the moment. Hopefully I will get them all uploaded soon. Until then I hope that you will enjoy the photos.

Blessings

Monday's Men's Meet

2008-11-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

This past Monday, like every Monday, the MEW Worship team did a great job, Mike had a teaching that everyone could relate to (check out the MP3 to the left), and the small groups met. Not being of the feminine persuasion, I of course went to the men's group. We had half an hour to share what's on our hearts. It was mostly a jovial time, loaded with laughs and a bunch of kidding around. But someone shared something that snapped us back to a sobering attitude.

You know, the joy of the Lord is great, and it should be in us no matter what. I'm not saying that we're happy all the time, but we should have this peace in us that says 'God is on the Throne' and nothing that is in my life has slipped by Him. Everyone that we know has been placed there by our Heavenly Father, and the things that happen to them should affect us. The Word says to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. But remember, we do not mourn as those without hope.

It's because we have hope that there should be joy in our hearts, regardless of what is happening around us. Those that are going through rough times give the rest of us opportunity to be used by the Spirit...to be the flesh and blood of His love towards others. Let's always try to be sensitive to those around us.

Some Photos of the Fund Raiser..

2008-11-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

The Fall Family Festival

2008-10-31T22:41:00.002-07:00

Happy Wednesday

2008-10-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Last night was The Bridge Tuesday evening CCMB sanctioned men's Bible Study. For dinner we had a pot of chili made by Ellie, along with cornbread muffins and salad. David taught out of I Peter, and it was good fellowship all around.

Today is Wednesday. What does Wednesday make you think of? Middle of the week?...Mid Weed Bible Study at the church?...my paycheck gets deposited?...

I'm reminded of what Joshua said in Joshua 24:15 - 'choose you this day whom you will serve'

Today, and all that is in it, is a choice that we make. There are moments in time that come to us that will never be available again. Consider that. Things come and go. Events happen, like The Bridge Fund Raiser, or this Friday's Fall Family Festival, and they'll never be here again....ever. That one chance you get to witness to someone....

Listen to Mike's Monday night message to the left. In it, he tells of a Jehovah's Witness laying on her death bed, and Mike took that opportunity to talk eternal life to her.

It's Wednesday...where do you want to go today?....

Historical Facts and the Bible

2008-10-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

OK, you'll have to bear with me for a bit, but I think this will bolster your faith. To the right is a cylinder that chronicles an event of Cyrus the Great. Here is an excerpt from a web page about Iran's History: On October 12 (Julian calendar; October 7 by the Gregorian calendar) 539 BC, Achaemanid army without any conflict entered the city of Babylon. Cyrus the Great himself, on October 29, entered the city, assuming the titles of "king of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of the four corners of the world". Cyrus The Great, on this cylinder, describes how he conquers the old city of Babylon and how his mighty army in peace marched into the city; his claim that he entered the city peacefully supports the same statement in the Chronicle of Nabonidus. The last king of Babylon, Nabonidus, is considered a tyrant with odd religious ideas, which causes Marduk, patron deity of the city of Babylon to intervene. Cyrus considers himself chosen by a supreme god, is confirmed by Second Isaiah, the chapters 40-55 of the Biblical book of Isaiah. The Cyrus Cylinder then was placed under the walls of "Esagila" as a foundation deposit, following a Mesopotamian tradition.

Now, here is the translation of some of the lines written on the cylinder: (line 12)
12
iŠ-te-'-e-ma ma-al-ki i- Ša-ru bi-bil lib-bi Šá it-ta-ma-a h qa-tu-uŠ-Šú m Ku-ra-aŠŠar ali An- Šá-an it-ta-bi ni-bi-it-su a-na ma-li-ku-tim kul-la-ta nap- h ar iz-zak-ra Šú-[ma- Š u]
he searched; he looked through them and sought a righteous prince after his own heart, whom he took by the hand. He called Cyrus, king of Anshan, by name; he appointed him to lordship over the whole world.

And finally, here is what Isaiah 45:1 says: 'Thus says the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held— To subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut.'

Isaiah was written 100 years before Cyrus the Great stepped foot into Babylon to set free the Jewish captives! Well documented! Listen to today's message from James MacDonald and you'll be even more encouraged!

Pastor Mike's On Line!

2008-10-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just wanted to draw your attention to the new MP3 Player to your left titled ' Mike's Teachings". I've uploaded last weeks teaching and have been listening to it throughout the day...not constantly, but alot. He has a gift for making it real! Grab a cup of coffee, or for you Jesse, a coke, and listen to the way that the Lord has gifted Mike to reach the world around him. Keep this ministry in prayer. Keep praying for those around you that are struggling, and as we heard this past Sunday from Pastor Tim, don't give up!

The Bridge fund-raiser

2008-10-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

So, I believe that a good time was had by all that attended the Bridge fund-raising dinner. I know that I was completely blessed by all of the testimonies, the good food, and how handsome all of the men looked.

Jeremiah 33:8
I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.

I hope that you enjoy the pictures and I wish that I could have taken pictures of everyone but I couldn't be everywhere, after all, only God is omnipresent.

Amanda's Testimony

2008-10-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

Last night Pastor Mike said that God has designed for each of us our own original testimony so that we will be able to touch the lives of the people that God has appointed for us to reach. Sometimes it may be to plant seeds of faith, encourage, or to minister to someone's troubled heart.

Pastor Mike also pointed out that we have no idea how many lives will be touched by Amanda and David's testimony or by yours for that matter. May I encourage you to share your testimony freely with those that God places in your lives, because you never know what God may want to do in that persons heart. There is power in our testimony. There is power in Jesus.

God Bless you all.

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

P.S. David's testimony has been viewed 127 times and Lynnea's testimony 104 times on God tube. Glory be to God!

Sick as a Dog!

2008-10-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Where did that phrase come from? How does anybody know how sick a dog is? Well, I know how sick I can get, and let me tell you, it's not a dogs life! Just this past week I've come down with something that has made me ponder...how is it that Pastor Roger put it?....a good meditation.

I have a cold. I don't think that I have the flu, but the image here is that of influenza. Not very pretty, huh?! I was meditating on how our bodies were not initially made to be the host to a virus like this. We were made perfect, and sin was not in our bodies, but since the fall, it always has been. It's something that we must learn to cope with. Could you imagine having to cope with the flu for the rest of your life?! Some folks have a much more severe diagnosis. But what I wanted to share is this: Sin is like the cold that we get. It happens. It really depends on how we deal with it that makes us effective for the Kingdom or not. If we chose to let it reign in our bodies, we become weak, ineffectual, and we infect others. We'll pull them into it as sure as you please. But if we go to the Doctor for treatment, we'll get better. What would you subscribe for the illness of a cold?...What would you subscribe for the illness of sin? We need a diagnosis first, for sure. And I think that we have it. 'All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.' We're all pretty aware of the sin within. But what about that prescription we need filled? It's God's Word, for sure. I just want to encourage those reading to know the remedy for what ails them. The Bible is the in-errant Word of God Almighty. The holy Scriptures, through the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, will bring us into all truth and knowledge.

So if you're ailing right now, and want to get better? Read the Word. It's the only antidote for what is plaguing mankind!

2008-09-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

The leadership team of The Most Excellent Way met for breakfast to touch base away from the regular Monday meeting this past Saturday morning. Mike shared a great devotion with the group. We had a blessed time eating and catching up and sharing about what's happening in each group. It's such a blessing to see all the people God uses to reach into the lives others. In this picture Amanda & Mike were clearly in agreement on something! Although, I don't remember what it was. Romans 8:28

Thanks MEW leadership and helpers. You are appreciated by us and the Monday night crew that you serve.

2008-09-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

This is such an awesome testimony to the Lord and His power to set us free from addictions and chains. Thank you Lynnea and keep shinning for Jesus!

P.S. Lynnea is going to make an appearance on God-tube and U-tube as well. Please pray that the Lord will use this testimony to encourage and to set others free from their addictions.

P.S. In 3 days Lynnea's testimony has been viewed 74 times on God tube! Praise Jesus.

Our Rock of Refuge

2008-09-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

I hope this encourages you as it did me. Blessings.

Psalm 31:1-5

1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

September Birthdays

2008-09-17T22:34:00.002-07:00

Milestones in sobriety

Wow, I can't believe it has already been a month since the last birthday celebration. So happy birthday to Yolonda and Szody and all of the September babies.

P.S. Pastor Mike isn't fibbing when he says that he can't sing. Check out the video:-)

David's one year sobriety speech

2008-09-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

So at last I figured it out! It was not a simple task for me to get this video uploaded, but after a few experiments, questions and a little reading I finally accomplished the task set before me.

So, watch out if you see me with my camera because you could be on God tube next. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

P.S. 31 people have already watched David's testimony. Praise God and please pray that God will penetrate peoples hearts through David's testimony.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Mike Yap shares the word!

2008-09-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an awesome blessing to have Mike Yap teach the word of God with us this past Monday night. Mike shared on John 13 and his main theme was of love and obedience. Near the end of his lesson, Mike posed a question that I hope left a few of us thinking, and this is not a direct quote but you'll get the idea, "If you knew that you were going to die, what lesson or instruction would you want to leave for your loved ones?

Chuck gets a 30 day token!

Serving the body of Christ

2008-09-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

So, Im pretty sure that everyone had a great time at the Acts 2:42 event. The baptism and worship were awesome. The bbq was a huge success and the food was outstanding.

A huge thanks to the Caseys and the Bridge guys for all of their labor in preparing the food, bringing the props, and all of the fixins as well as setting it all up, serving it up and cleaning it up. Wow, great job team!

Also thanks to all of you from the MEW ministry who came out to serve Jesus style. You all are awesome! I hope the pictures bless you as they have me.

I'll Add Anyone!

2008-09-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

To the left is a counter that I found...simple enough for the page, and it can keep track of the victory we have through Jesus and His power to save. David has been free from addiction for one year and we want to encourage everyone to 'continue in the faith' towards freedom in all areas of our lives.

I also wanted to insert a short video of David at the Acts 2:42 event on Sunday...kinda funny.

ARE YOU ON THE JESUS BOAT?

2008-08-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU ON THE JESUS BOAT? This past Monday I could really relate to Pastor Mike as he spoke on Faith. The scripture that he based his study on was in Hebrews 3:1-2 "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house."

The American Heritage dictionary defines faith as 1 Confident belief or trust in a person, idea or thing. 2 Secure belief in God and acceptance of God's will. I prefer the second definition these days. Pastor Mike shared about his past, and how he was searching in all the wrong places for a power greater than himself that could restore him to sanity.

He said that he once watched an infomercial that stated "Beat your addictions guaranteed! Results may vary. Hmm. Sounds a little suspicious to me! This is just one example, but Pastor Mike was seeking, searching, and looking to everything except the truth. Fortunately his search for faith and freedom from his addictions and chains led him to the cross and into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Way the Truth and the Life.

Kudos to Mike who celebrated 6 months clean and sober this past Monday. Way to go and glory be to God for restoring this man's life.

Some Pics of Monday Night

2008-08-26T10:23:00.001-07:00

Make sure that you take the Blog Poll at the left....Mike wants to know that ya'll are payin' attention to him!!!

Bike and Car Show - Operation 'June Bug'

2008-08-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Here's an advertisement for this Saturday's event in Salinas put on by Cross MC Ministries and Calvary Chapel Salinas. 12:00 to 6:00 pm at the Natividad Creek Park. Free food, music and children's activities. If you're looking for something to do and some great fellowship, stop by and enjoy the day in Salinas! (Thanks for the ad Louie!)

One of the Worshop Songs from Monday Night...

2008-08-26T09:07:00.001-07:00

Counted 200 Seperate Sites!

2008-08-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

I know...I know. We shouldn't really be counting. But I think that it's pretty cool that we can get the word out about some things. It's a birthday of sorts for the MEW Monterey Blog in that, since it's inception, there have been 334 hits on the blog from 200 various 'on-lookers'. (The counter registers new computers to the site, and differnt days, so it doesn't matter if you - 're-load' - your page...it won't count it.)

I'd like the hits to catch up to The Bridge, which just turned 800! Video's, music, teachings....maybe even worship sets! Let me know what you'd like to see, and I'll try to make it happen. Don't forget the 2:42 event happening after the 2nd service. It'll prove to be a great time of fellowship. And really don't forget to come tonight! See you there.

What a testimony!

2008-08-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

If you are wondering about what goes on in the women's group, read on and come for a visit. This past Monday all of the women joined together to hear a powerful and encouraging testimony. The testimony was of repentance, obedience, and the freedom found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our dear friend and sister in Christ had a difficult childhood, one with abuse and neglect. As she continued through her difficult life, she was tormented for years by an eating disorder as well as chemical addictions, cutting, and suicidal tendencies.

If you talk to her today, you would never guess that she had ever been this person that was so lost in her pain, but that is what happens when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. The Lord has set her free of the sins that plagued her life in the past, and He continues to wash and renew her mind daily. What a mighty God we serve.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

A Clip from Monday Night's MEW

2008-08-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Mike finished Hebrews 2 last night! He always seems to have a unique way of making a point. Not in the clip is his explanation of Kimchi/sanctification. You ask him! Anyway, it was another night of great fellowship and spiritual insight. There are also a few pictures of the women's group. Be looking for the postings of his messages, just as soon as I figure out how to post MP3 files of our own. Thanks for looking and listening.

Prayer Wall at GodTube

2008-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hey, if you haven't found this yet, I encourage you to take a look. It's a Prayer Wall on GodTube that let's you post a prayer requests, light a candle, and see the needs of others in prayer. It's something that helped me to put things in the proper perspective, in that sometimes our situations are much smaller in comparison, but we tend to magnify them. We also get very familiar with the prayer needs of those around us, and in our minds, and maybe in our hearts we say: 'Oh yeah, so-and-so needs a job, or so-and-so has this problem they need help with.' These are only a smattering of the prayer requests that Almighty God hears continually....and works on continually. It's a really hard thing for us to get our minds around, but we should always keep in perspective how Big our God is, and His power and compassion....and how really small we are. Yet, He uses us. Take a look at the wall, and maybe even take up some prayer time in your closet for some distant saint that is crying out to the Lord for something big in their lives. Who knows, maybe one day in Heaven, someone will thank you for praying for them. HERE is the link.

Cookies and Cupcakes

2008-08-17T10:06:00.001-07:00

I thought that I would share a few photos from last Monday, and I hope that you enjoy them. I also would like to encourage you to come and join us as we worship the Lord and enjoy the awesome fellowship, teaching, and love found at the Most Excellent Way.

If you have never been to a gathering, I'll explain that we at the Most Excellent Way Love to celebrate milestones in each others lives. Each week we celebrate milestones in sobriety from 30 days up to one year and each month we celebrate all birthdays for that particular month. This month we all rejoiced with Tony as he is approaching the big 30, and don't worry, there are always plenty of cupcakes to go around so no one will feel left out.

One last thing, we don't always have cookies, but there is always something to nibble on during the break time. To learn more about the cookies, read the post from Mike and Ellie below.

God bless you and we hope to see you Monday night at 7pm.

Pastor James MacDonald

2008-08-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

I just want to take a post to encourage you to listen to the messages that I update with James MacDonald. The 'Most Excellent MP3 Player' on the left should allow you to listen no problem. His series recently is called Experiencing the Holiness of God and is taken out of Isaiah 6. He talks about what happens when we see God, and the Glory that fills the Temple, and the change that should take place in our lives when we realize how 'Holy Holy Holy' God is. This should change us. It should make us realize what an awesome, amazing, powerful, majestic, magnificent, glorious God we should be serving. And He sent His Son to die for us. Do you get the distance in that?! Do you understand how far we are from God, and His attributes?! His ways?!...and He sent His Son to die for us.

Take a listen, because we need to hear, and be reminded of the God that we serve and the God that loves us to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Faith as a Mustard Seed

2008-08-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Mike departed from the section of Hebrews that was scheduled. He felt led to talk about 'How much faith does it take?' Everyone in the room raised their hand as he asked ' Who wants to have more faith?' And in return, he had cookies handed out. He then spoke about Matthew 17:20 and that if we had faith like the grain of a mustard seed, we could say the this mountain 'Move from here to there' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.
How much faith does it take? Do you have faith as a mustard seed? The cookie that Mike had handed out was much more compared to just a single grain of mustard seed. Just consider that Jesus wants you to realize that you already have what it takes to overcome the mountains in your life. Let's be people that exercise our faith, no matter how small it may seem.

Hebrews 2:10

2008-08-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

So don't laugh too hard, but I must confess that I am a first time blogger. I try to be cool, I even bought a Mac, but I'm still a slacker when it comes to these "high tech" things. Sweet, the picture showed up! This isn't so tuff.

Tonight at the Most Excellent Way meeting, Pastor Mike taught and shared his thoughts on Hebrews 2:10-18. His wisdom and humor always bless me. Ferrari seats in a 1977 thunderbird. Did I hear that right?

Anyhow, you might be wondering, why the picture of this crazy person on a crazy looking ropes course, high above the ground? And I would say that crazy person is me. Before I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I was terrified of heights. It took all of my courage to look over the edge of a cliff, ride the chair lift up a black diamond run at Squaw Valley USA, or even to fly in an airplane.

As I began my search for God, I realized that the reason for my fear of heights was an underlying fear of death. As the Lord began to teach me of His great love and with His promise and assurance of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ and eternal life spent with God himself, I began to loose that fear of heights and now you can't keep me off of the ropes courses.

Hebrews 2:14,15

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power over death-that is, the devil-15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

I hope this encourages you and that we would all have a deeper understanding that His promises are true and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Tuesday, the Day After

2008-07-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday, and upon the reflection of last night and all that Mary and Eddie had to say, I'm reflecting about a lot of things. I think about Mike and Michele, the life that they have already lived...I think about a friend of ours going through some serious court days.....I think about how Eddie's and Mary's life is affecting many others, and how God has called them to their ministry.

Pastor Roger used to say, and probably still does, "A great meditation" when referring to something that we should be dwelling on. How about the fact that, even though our lives seem to be useless sometimes, and we don't think that we've arrived at all, God still uses us! What a wonderful meditation!

Imagine, that you're putting together a Pro Football team. You have all the money and backing. You have all the coaching staff you'll ever need. You even have the stadium, with concession stands and the Garlic curly fries. The last thing you need is to pick the players. Would you pick you?! God does! Look at the disciples. Next time you're at MEW, take a look around and just try to find someone the Lord doesn't want on His Team....you won't find them....meditate on that....

2008-07-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Monday's Most Excellent Way. What a Blessing!!! Eddie and Mary came and shared about what the Lord has done in their lives, and I'm just amazed at what He can accomplish with a willing heart and a humble spirit.

As Mike mentioned, Ellie and I will be gone for a while, and in the meantime, Jeff and Angela have agreed to get acquainted with 'Blogging' for this site. Hope that all of you enjoy this site, and please, give feedback as to what you would like to see in the future. Maybe some of the worship music can be downloaded, or Mike's messages. We'll see about getting Mary and Eddie's audio on sometime soon! - MP

Tonights MEW...

2008-07-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

There'll be a guest speaker tonight at the meeting. You don't want to miss it! Come on out and hear a powerful testimony.

Some Pictures of Last Week

2008-07-21T07:38:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from last week's meeting. Bard and the band played, and it was excellent! This blog is going to be open to several for posting, and I encourage all to be participants in letting many out there see what Jesus Christ is doing in these lives. What a blessed ministry that takes those once addicted to worldly things, and brings them to a place where all things are made new.

"2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Opening Statement

2008-06-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

“Opening Statement”

• “The Most Excellent Way” is LOVE according to I Corinthians 12:31 and 13:3-8
• “The Most Excellent Way” is a loving group of men and women affected directly of indirectly by drugs, alcohol or other life-dominating sin.
• We utilize Biblical principles to overcome the guilt, frustration, hopelessness, fear and shame associated with addictive behavior, remembering the admonition of the Scriptures:
“Beware lest anyone take you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” – Colossians 2:8 NKJV
• We believe a person can become totally free from addiction and compulsive behavior only by the power of the indwelling Spirit of Christ Jesus.
• “The Most Excellent Way” is to be reconciled to God, the Father, through belief in Jesus Christ.
• We believe that through meetings such as this we will grow in our faith in Christ. We will become healthy, joy-filled and productive children of God with the support of others who understand what we have lived through, and by applying Biblical principles to our lives.
• We gain a better understanding of the sin nature and how to change our attitudes and behavior.
• “The Most Excellent Way” is a personal relationship with Jesus.
Jesus said: “The thief [the devil] does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV