Mike Hoffman's blog
Quake
Just heard about the huge earthquake in Indonesia. While there may be much structural damage, as well as possible loss of human life, we need to give thanks to God that things were not worse than they could have been. "Be joyful always; praise continuously; give thanks in all curcumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Pastor Mike
Full
The boys we visit in Peru are never really full after they eat since they get small portions. Americans on the other hand usually eat too much or have enough extra that they throw food away. Author Greg Easterbrook cites that while Americans have doubled their incomes since 1960, the number that cite themselves as "happy" has not changed. We need repentance. -Pastor Mike
Closed
The sidewalk on Michigan in front of demolished building is closed. To get by you have to walk down a side street and pass the site completely like most people did, or walk on the narrow curb like a few of us did, trying to get by. Reminds me of Matt. 7:14, where Jesus talks about the small, narrow way that leads to life. Only a few will find it. - Pastor Mike
Relay
A few days ago I went to see Bryce run a relay at a Dearborn High track meet and Bryce ran like the wind, beating his opponent well over 1/4 of the track. 1 Corinthians 9:24 talks about winning the race. It boils down to faith, self-control, efficiency, and following the rules to gain eternal life. Run like your life depends on it, because it does! - Pastor Mike
Razed
The old President's Tuxedo building on Mich. Ave sideways across the street from Panera Cares in W. Dearborn was razed recently. The building was beyond renovation and will eventually be replaced by a new structure. Much like God's plan for us, we need our sinful self "torn down" and we must be born again, becoming a new creation in Christ (John 3:3) - Pastor Mike
Easter
He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Easter greetings to all of our CREW Youth group friends. Jonathan and I have really enjoyed working with you guys and gals this 2011/2012 year and continue to look forward to a summer of fun. Thanks for reaching out to friends and bringing them along on our journey of faith and mission. - Pastor Mike
Easter
He is risen, He is risen, indeed! Easter blessings to all my young adult friends from Converge. Your two-word testimonies have been incredible and I have been moved by the way you are reaching out in discipleship. God is moving in this place and I praise Him for the work He is doing in and through you. - Pastor Mike
Grass
Certain smells take me back to my childhood. Fresly cut grass reminds me of football practice at Stout Middle School. Snuffed candles remind me of the Lutheran church that I was brought up in. Cooked cabbage reminds me of the stuffed cabbage that my mom made in late August. Prayers are like that to God. They are as incense, rising up to heaven. - Pastor Mike
Crash!
Have you noticed that I haven't blogged for a couple of days? Our computer crashed (talk to Lynn about what I did to break it!) It's really tough to be without something that you depend so much on. I am really glad that God never crashes. You can count on Him being there 24/7, forever. - Pastor Mike
Mentoring
I mentor a second grade boy who is very shy and almost non-verbal. I try to come up with ways to get him to talk. We have done art projects together, created a board game, worked on math, and even written a story. I bet God places situations and activities in our lives to get us to talk to Him. Take some quiet time to pray to God today! - Pastor Mike
