Mike Hoffman's blog
Act
Jeff Imbach, in "The River Within", says, "When we accept the fact that God lives within and is emerging into our experiences, it changes the way we pray. We change from insisting that God fix things to realizing that God may be giving us the courage to act. Rather than becoming dependent on changing circumstances, we can act in a way that expresses God..." -Pastor Mike
Dig
Our young men's Bible Study is going to dig a fire pit today. I have a feeling that there will still be much theology discussed as we are working. I really love these guys who all came together with the inception of Converge Young Adults that meets every Saturday evening. I have seen miracles happen in many lives already. - Pastor Mike
Ask
Jesus said, "Ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find, knock and it shall be open to you." - Matthew 7:7. I asked two of my former CREW Youth Group members (now in college) if they would help me with youth group. They both said yes. Don't limit what God can do to further the Kingdom. Ask, seek, and knock! - Pastor Mike
Where?
Sometimes we wonder where God is. We know that God indwells us. Maybe we should ask, Where are we? St. Ausgustine said that God is at home within us and we are everywhere else. We are outside ourselves trying to satisfy ne deep needs of our hearts and making ourselves from the outside, in. Spend silent time in prayer to God today. -Pastor Mike
Spiritual
Which is more spiritual, to pray in a closet or to serve meals to the homeless? The first emphasizes the need to renounce everything in order to know God and the second emphasizes that God come to us thought many experiences. Should we withdraw or be engaged? Both! Listen to the Holy Spirit for your mission on this day. - Pastor Mike
Gospel
It is difficult for pastors to give a message that isn't too basic or too advanced. That is why relying on the Holy Spirit to lead us is so important. We must trust that the gospel message will be received by non-believers while not being too redundant for long-time believers. "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." -Luke 19:10 - Pastor Mike
Discouraged
Ever feel discouraged? Sometimes when I am coaching or mentoring someone, I feel like all that I have poured into them is not enough to make a difference. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -John 14: 27. That is comforting! - Pastor Mike
Ivy
I was able to secure a 2-3 day landscaping maintainance job for one of the young adults that I work with. He has a yard full of ivy to pull out. It will be a huge job and one that could be overwhelming if a person looks at the whole picture. Sometimes it is better to concentrate on just one square foot at a time. Get the job done inch by inch. - Pastor Mike
Alone
Do you ever fear that you are all alone, with no one to bounce ideas off of? Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Since God is always with us, bounce off any idea that you may have and see if they are in his will. - Pastor Mike
Coffeehouse
Yesterday CREW and 4:12 Youth Groups had their get-together in a coffeehouse setting. The Youth loung was set up in groupings of couches, tables, and chairs with an art center and creative writing area. Jonathan video-taped each teen talking about their mother. God loves it when we build up each other, using the gifts he has loaned us. - Pastor Mike
