Mike Hoffman's blog
Unity
Jesus said, in John 17: 11, that he wanted his disciples to be united in harmony and love just as the 3 members of the trinity are united. The evil one wants nothing more than to have Christians begin to dislike each other, gossip behind each other's back and begin to back-stab each other. Are you living in harmony today? - Pastor Mike
Popcorn
Last night at Converge we had a movie night with popcorn. One could pick from cheesecorn, buttered popcorn, plain popcorn, and microwave popcorn. Each of us had a definete favorite. It takes a leap of faith to try something new. Today, try to speak with someone you normally wouldn't hang with. Share your stories. Be Christ to someone new. - Pastor Mike
Missionary
We are all called to become missionaries. Jesus gave us the Great Commission to "Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." You can be a missionary in your home, neighborhood, school, or place of employment. Go! - Pastor Mike
Mark-downs
I have to admit that I love mark-down bins. I love to get 1/2 price cookies and bread, a picture frame that can easily be restored, and cargo shorts at the end of the season. These are items that many see as having little worth, but are priceless to me. God is like that. He sees our value even though we are dirty and tattered sinners. Praise God! - Pastor Mike
Tape
I pass a signpost each day that has a huge piece of strapping tape stuck to it. High winds and heavy rains have not dislodged it. I removed it today when I was out running and threw it away. That is what Jesus said we should do in the parable of the unforgiving debtor. Throw away the sticky anger you have stuck on your brother and forgive him. - Pastor Mike
Justified
Justified means to be declared not guilty. When a judge declares a person not guilty, all the charges are removed from his record. Legally, it is like the person had never been accused. When Jesus forgives our sins, our record becomes as clean and white as snow. Jesus gave his life for us to purchase our freedom. - Pastor Mike
Faults
When we are not motivated by love, we become critical of others. We see only their faults and then the unity of believers is broken. Rather than focusing on someone's shortcomings, make a list of their strengths. Remember that Jesus commanded us to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22: 39) - Pastor Mike
Irritation
The Israelites did not drive out the wicked in Cannan (Numbers 33:55) as God told them to. Just like the Israelites, we are often hesitant to drive sin out of our lives. Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us to throw off "the sin that so easily entangles" us. We all have idols that will cause serious problems later if we just don't let them go. - Pastor Mike
Titus 2
Self-control is mentioned or implied in Titus 2 at least 5 times. In any congregation, we will have differing opinions about tradtitions, worship, dress, and musical styles that are not addressed in the Bible. Since we are a diverse group, we need wisdom and discernment to be discreet, and to master will, tongues, and passions, so that Christ is not dishonored. - Pastor Mike
Job Description
I have been working on the job descriptions of myself and those 4 young adults that I coordinate. These job descriptions will show what each of us is responsible for and who answers to whom. Christians have job descriptions given to us by Jesus. We are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them what Jesus taught. - Pastor Mike
