Mike Hoffman's blog
Stressed
Ugh! Preparing for this Disaster Relief Trip to Joplin has been stressful! Getting subs for Sunday School, Converge, Bible Study, and cancelling meetings with other individuals was consuming. Comfort is in Jesus, who told us, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full". -John 10:10. -Pastor Mike
United
Ever have someone tell you that they've "got your back"? I comforts us when we know someone else is watching out for us in our weaknesses. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." -Romans 8:26. -Pastor Mike
Dry
We live in a world where people are dry. The Holy Spirit works through us to invite people in for a drink of the water of life, salvation through Jesus Christ. "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." -Revelation 22:17. -Pastor Mike
Old Clothes
Time to go through our clothes. Some don't fit, are outdated, or worn out. This is like our new life after Christ. We have to replace our old self as well as make a daily decision to dress in Christ. "You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its decitful desires." -Ephesians 4:22. -Pastor Mike
Robe
Have you ever worn your dad's bathrobe to play a part in a Christmas pageant? Jesus has given us a much finer robe, one woven with strands of thread paid for by his own blood. "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness..." -Isaiah 61:10a. -Pastor Mike
Praise
We all worship. Some worship possessions, some physical beauty, some knowledge. Nothing deserves our worship more than God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation." -Psalm 95:1. Have you taken time to praise God today? Do it right now, with gladness! -Pastor Mike
Reconciled
Ever fight with a friend? That sin will block your relationship. Sin blocks our relationship with God. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand..." -Romans 5:1a. Reconcile with God today! -Pastor Mike
Sovereign
Sometimes we focus on our percieved limitations and we become discouraged. God wants us to lean on him and have faith that he will enable us to carry through. "The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." -Habakkuk 3:19. God is unlimited and will do what is right. -Pastor Mike
Direct
Don't you hate it when you call a company or organization and you get a continuous menu of numbers to press before you eventually get to the person you really need to speak with? As Christians, do we need a priest to go through to speak to God?. No! "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God..." -1 Peter 2:9. -Pastor Mike
Listening
Two of the young adults that I am friends with asked me how to hear God speak. I told them to keep their ears, eyes, and mind open to seeing, hearing or feeling the gentle touch of our Creator. "Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful."-Colossians 4:2. Look for God in nature, see God in acquaintences, and listen for God's directions. -Pastor Mike
