Converge
Haircut
My recent haircut reminded me of the story of Samson. You know, the Biblical character with long hair who was betrayed by his wife, Delilah. She gave him to the Philistines who cut his hair, blinded him, shacked him and imprisioned him. He got vengence by asking God to give him enough strength to pull the temple of Dagon down on them. Defeat became victory! - Pastor Mike
Smoke Detector
The joke at the Hoffman's house is that if I am making toast, I know when it's ready when the smoke detector goes off. Having a detector is a good idea. We all should have someone in our life that will signal us when we are starting to go up in smoke. This accountibility partner keeps us on a Godly track and warns us when we stray. - Pastor Mike
Moldy Chili
Mike P. forgot about his chili. It started to get moldy in the fridge in the lower level kitchen. Our spiritual gifts are like that chili. If we don't use them they remain stagnant. lose their power to feed others, and may even get moldy and fade away. Rediscover your spiritual gifts and use them to make a difference in someone's life. - Pastor Mike
2 Word Story
Last night at Converge I shared my 2-word story about my life before totally accepting Christ and my life after accepting Christ. People , more than often, are brought to God by other people's stories. I challenge you today to practice your story, share it with a close friend, refine it, and then go out and tell someone how Jesus has changed your life! - Pastor Mike
Egg Bake
I make an egg bake for our Bible Study and add different ingredients to each one to mix it up. The strangest one had beets, avacado, and chopped cashews in it ("memory" foods). Try something different in in your study of the Bible. Read through an entire book, use a study guide to read through the Bible in a year, or alternate between the OT & NT. - Pastor Mike
Bulletin Board
The Converge bulletin board is simply a snapshot of what has gone on at our Saturday young adult movement. It show what we have eaten, discussions unfolding, worship experiences, discipling, gaming, and service projects. But a board cannot speak of new friendships, lives that have become better, and a deepening intimacy with God. Boards are 2-D. Life is 3-D. - Pastor Mike
Vision and Mission Statements
Yesterday I completed a vision and mission statement to share with the Converge Core team. A mission statement answers, "what do we do?" while the vision statement answers, "why are we here?" Jesus has answered those questions for us. He commands us to love God and love our neighbors, and to go and make disciples of all nations. Enough said! - Pastor Mike
Recycled Canvases
I painted over 7 canvases last evening, preparing them for an art class that will begin for young adults this Saturday at Converge. We are God's canvases. We take on the colors and shapes of this sinful world but when we turn our lives back over to Him, God makes into blank canvases that can be repainted in His image. Remember, He is the Master Artist! -Pastor Mike
Interruptions
How crazy-busy is your schedule? Do you feel that you can't fit in another appointment? I used to say, "Life is full, and that is a good thing!" I don't believe that anymore. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian once said, "We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God." Do you have room in your schedule for God today? - Pastor Mike
Falling Veneer
A building on Michigan Ave. is loosing more and more of its brick veneer with each passing day. On my walks I have to step aroung thin slabs of brick each morning and afternoon. Yesterday I met with a young adult who is doing the same. He is loooking at his life and allowing God to stip away the false facade that is covering up how God really created him. Praise God!
