Mike Hoffman's blog
Peace
Christians should live in peace. That does not mean that we will never have differences in opinions. It means that we will work together in love to meet each other's needs. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:15. - Pastor Mike
Trust
When everything seems to be going wrong, say, "I trust you, Jesus!" Remember the "trust" exercise that you did in youth group? You closed your eyes and fell back into the arms of a couple of other youth. Do the same by falling into the arms of Jesus. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5. - Pastor Mike
Timing
When I decide to do something,...look out... there is usually no stopping me. This can lead to dispair, rebellion, or moving ahead without God's advice. The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate his perfect timing. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 -Pastor Mike
Waiting
I hate waiting. Waiting in line at the grocery store, waiting for a check to arrive in the mail, even waiting for our computer to boot up...I am an anxious guy! But waiting on the Lord means trusting him to do what needs to be done, in his timing. "I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." -Lamentations 3:24 -Pastor Mike
Thankfulness
Allow thankfulness to temper every one of your thoughts. A thankful attitude keeps you in touch with God, accepting his sovereignty. "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire". -Hebrews 12:28-29. -Pastor Mike
Release
Is it hard for you to release your fears and concerns? In order to do this one must rest in God's presence. What does that mean? It means to do your part, let God do his, and rest secure in the fact that the situation will turn out fine. "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." -Isaiah 41:13.
Leftovers
God gives in abundance when we offer up our time, talents, or treasure. "When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted. So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five bareley loaves left over by those who had eaten." - John 6:12-13. Let God use you! -Pastor Mike
Hamburgers
Yesterday Chris and I cooked up a bunch of hamburgers for the Youth Groups at Lake Erie Metro Park. We had a ball with the teens! At one point, I flipped a burger, the grease exploded, and a few drops painfully landed on my ankle. It made me realize that we need to keep alert to attacks from Satan, the author of evil, who is always trying to steal our joy. -Pastor Mike
Follow
Do you sometimes listen more to your own doubts than you do to God's voice? Do you ever compare your life to others in order to weigh who is more devoted to Christ? Jesus replied to Peter, when Peter asked him a question about John, "What is that to you? You must follow me." -John 21:22b God has a plan for us all. Listen and follow! -Pastor Mike
T & T
Trust in the Holy Spirit and thankfulness for what Jesus has done for us are two attributes that we need to practice each day. Trust allows God's peace to flow through us and thankfulness lifts us above our curcumstances. "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation." - Psalm 95:1. -Pastor Mike
