Mike Hoffman's blog
All Things
God works in all things, not just occasional instances, for our good. Not that everything that happens to us is good, but if we let him, God can show us a lesson that will be helpful in the future. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28. -Pastor Mike
Anticipate
Ever dream of a day when you go on vacation, leave the cell phone in the car, and lay on that sandy beach? But wait. The wind picks up, it gets cloudy, and begins to rain. Life happens! "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33. -Pastor Mike
Trust
Ever have trouble trusting someone or something? If we put our trust in God, we can experience real peace. Even if something starts to feel like it could fall apart, know that God can bring good out of every situation. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." -Psalm 23:4 -Pastor Mike
Pain
Managing pain can be hard, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual. When we come to the realization that this world is not all there is, that there is life after death, it helps us to live above the pain. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."-2 Corinthians 4:18. -Pastor Mike
Light
Chris has just worked on the lighting in our Youth Lounge to make it more appropriate for worship. Light makes a whole lot of difference in setting a mood. "...God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."-1 John 1:5. Light represents all that is good and reveals to us all that is in darkness and is evil. Be a light in a dark world! -Pastor Mike
Hoard
"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." -Psalm 29:2. The world teaches us to pursue riches and hoard them. We attain God's riches when we let go, worship him, and give ourselves away. Take time right now to worship God in prayer. Speak to him, but also listen for his voice. -Pastor Mike
Values
So, what do you value? Take a moment to list three things that you value. OK, did you list earthly things? Maybe not your car, house, or job. Even if you chose your family, marriage, or relationships with friends, these all are earthly. Jesus wants us to consider things that are eternal and lasting: Him! "No one can serve two masters..." - Matthew 6:24.
Abundance
Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of his overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. He promises us eternal life which begins the moment we accept him as our Lord and Savior. "The theif 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. Take Christ's offer of life. -Pastor Mike
Worry
What good did worrying about something ever do in your life? Worrying is pointless because it cannot fill any of our needs. Only God knows what our needs are and can fill them. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? -Luke 12:25. Bring your needs to Jesus and let him meet them. -Pastor Mike
Trials
We all will face trials of some kinds. It is never if, but when. Pain helps us to grow. "Considerate it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance." -James 1:2. We can't pretend to be happy when we are in pain, but we can have a positive attitude. -Pastor Mike
