Mike Hoffman's blog
Comfort
I enjoy "comfort meals" that include mac and cheese, cream-based soups, and twice-baked potatoes. With God, we take comfort knowing that we are never alone, as he actually dwells within us. This causes me to be less anxious and allow my problems to melt away. "The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." -Exodus 33:14. -Pastor Mike
Leaders
Ugh! I hate this time of year when political ads begin. They get nasty. Human leaders often change. It seems like many get corrupt after being in office for a while. Christ is our ultimate leader. He never changes. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." -Hebrews 13:8. Praise God for his stability! -Pastor Mike
Play Dough
Remember Play Dough? I loved to fashion items from it and let it harden over night. Ever taste it? It was really salty! God is our potter. When our wills are in harmony, we are allowing God to mold us in the image that he has chosen for us to be. "...We are the clay, you are the potter. we are all the work of your hand." -Isaiah 64:8b. -Pastor Mike
Purify
Scouts purify river water for camp-outs. GrouPeru! has our water purified when we go on mission trips each year. The most important purification is that of Jesus' blood purifying us from every sin. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one anther, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." - 1 John 1:8. - Pastor Mike
Power
On the outside, human beings are vulnerable. God gives us his Holy Spirit, God's power dwelling in us, to spead the Good News. It is like a fountain, fueled by the passion and gifts that God has loaned us. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." -2 Corinthians 4:5 - Pastor Mike
Refreshed
A buddy of mine is going North today to spend time becoming refreshed. We all need to get away with God and spend time in full conversation. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restore my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." -Psalm 23: 2-3. Pastor Mike
Hope
Our ultimate hope is eternal life. When we face pain or troubles in this life, knowing that ultimately one day our lives will be without sin and suffering.we can get through the muck and mire we face. "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
Talk
Talk and listen to God every day, multiple times. Remember that your ultimate goal is not controling or fixing everything, it is communing with God. Consider it a successful day if you stay in touch with God, even if other things remain undone. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3:6 -Pastor Mike
Listen
Listen to Jesus more, and listen to your doubts less. God is leading you down a path that he has specifically designed for you. Since you have free will, choose the fork in the road after much prayer and listening. While it may seem like a lonely road, know that the Holy Spirit is always with you. "...You must follow me." -John 21:22b. -Pastor Mike
Fences
We build fences around our homes, fences around our "stuff", and even fences around our God. People tend to want to restrict God's blessings to their own group, but Jesus refuses to be limited. "I am the good shepherd...and i lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also..." -John 10:14-16 -Pastor Mike
