Mike Hoffman's blog
Baseball
Yesterday Jonathan and I went to a baseball game. Both Tony and Brad (CREW Youth Group) had a great game, and DHS won with ease. Jonathan and I were really busy working at church, but decided to follow Jesus' example (John 2) of taking time to celebrate the achievements of others. This really is our "important" work. - Pastor Mike
Mary
Mary Magdala was an early follower of Jesus who certainly deserves to be called a disciple. Her life was dramatically changed when Jesus performed a miracle of freeing her from 7 demons. Mary's faith was not complicated. It was direct and genuine. Jesus honored her childlike faith by appearing to her first after his resurrection. - Pastor Mike
Faith
Most people like to wait to do something until they have completely and successfully mastered it. Sharing your faith is different. Like Levi (Matthew) in Mark 2:13-17, we should begin to share our faith the minute we have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Use whatever knowledge, skill, or experience that you already have. More will follow! - Pastor Mike
Wounds
"Tell me your story, show me your wounds" is a line in a song from "The Story" CD by Mac Powell. Yesterday I was working with a gentleman I hardly knew. I shared my 2-word story with him and bared my wounds. Likewise, he shared his story with me and bared his wounds. Both of us agreed that Jesus' blood covers our wounds and heals them. - Pastor Mike
Control
Jesus came to forgive us for wanting to control our lives. Like the woman at the well (John 4), we often look to God to make our lives easier. When Jesus was talking about "living water", the woman thought her life could be easier. Jesus was talking about spiritual thirst, which challenges us to step out of the box and let God control our lives. - Pastor Mike
Scavenger Hunt
Last night Jonathan and I went on a photo/video scavenger hunt with CREW and 4:12. Jonathan did a great, creative job organizing the entire event and his reward was a huge group of happy teens! God rewards us for using our gifts and talents by bringing us great joy, when we bless others. "Well done, good and faithful servant!" -Pastor Mike
Cross
So what's up with the phrase, "Take up your cross, and follow me", said by Jesus? It means to publically identify with him, to experience almost certain opposition, and to be committed to suffering, all for the sake of glorifying our Savior, Jesus Christ. Never be ashamed to say that you pledge your life to the one and only God. - Pastor Mike
Story
Last night a young adult shared his story with me. It was heart-breaking. He had such a tough life and had tried to commit suicide at one point. I feel honored that he was so transparent with me. I am so fortunate that God has worked everything out so that I can work with young adults, helping them on their spiritual journey. Thank-you, Jesus! - Pastor Mike
Visitors
Last night at Converge we had 11 visitors. 10 were Moslem women and children. They asked to pray in our Sanctuary for one of the gals' father who was ill. They had prayed a year ago in the Sanctuary for a friend who had cancer and is now healed. Praise God that he is bringing in those who need to know Him and know where to find Him. -Pastor Mike
Cole Slaw
I love cole slaw. I am the only one in our house that does. I can eat it as a salad along with a meal and I can use it as a dip with nacho chips for an evening snack. I am glad that God made us all differently with different tastes and different talents. Be unique, step out of the box, and in all things, do them to bring glory to Christ! - Pastor Mike
