Mike Hoffman's blog
Mulch
I finished removing the groundcover that had invaded our flower beds. Much bare earth was exposed, so I covered it with cedar mulch to keep down the weeds. Sin is like groundcover in that it can invade our lives. Simply removing it is only the first step to a new life. Cover yourself with the "mulch" of prayer, Scripture, worship, and Christian friends. - Pastor Mike
Thorn
When I was washing my Transit, I dropped the hose between some rose canes. I went to retrieve it and got a huge thorn in my finger. It ached for a few days. The apostle Paul talked about a thorn in his side, but he was talking about those who persecuted him for preaching about Christ. Thorns can teach us patience & that our help comes only from God. -Pastor Mike
Soup Kitchen
I took CREW to work at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry's Soup Kitchen. We served 2 dinners to 150 hungry individuals. The young men, Bryce, David, Brad, Dane, and Griffin, along with my friend Rich and I, were all prayed over by the center's staff...it was a powerful moment! Take time to pray over someone, lifting up their talents to God. - Pastor Mike
Presentation
A young adult presented an idea for a class that he was thinking about. He met with 4 of the Core Team who had many comments and questions. The young man was nervous...this was not his favorite thing to have to do. But he was committed to his idea so it was worth the pain he had to go through. Kinda' like being a Christian. No pain, no gain! - Pastor Mike
Art Class
At Converge we offered up an alternative class to Apologetics. The class was constructing a collage using words from magazines as well as painting a canvas. I really didn't think that many people would be interested in the art class but we had 6 who were. God has gifted us all in different ways. Let's continue to provide outlets for Him to use us! - Pastor Mike
Wandering
I reconnected with a youth who had wandered away from CREW. I had been his youth advisor until I left for another position. Now that I am back, I have been attempting to have him rejoin. Jesus gave us a great role model of a shepherd who left the flock of 99 sheep to look for the one who had wandered. Know anyone who has wandered? Go after them! - Pastor Mike
Fog
It is really foggy out this morning. On my walk I noticed that even though the fog hid most everything, the street lights and stop lights lit up and through the fog, casting a glow. No matter how foggy and dark our world gets, the light of Christ, emitting from you, can be a glowing beacon and outreach to those who don't know Jesus. - Pastor Mike
Tornados
3 tornados landed in Dexter causing damage, but no injuries, praise God! While powerful, tornados are no match for the Holy Spirit. When one becomes a Christian, they are filled with God himself. That Holy Spirit leads one as an heir of Christ, free from fear and sin. Pray today that God uses you as a holy whirlwind to stir up & disciple a non-believer. - Pastor Mike
Checkbook
I found an out-of-state checkbook with no phone number on my walk early this morning. Ugh!, finding the owner will be difficult. This "find" reminded me that as followers of Christ, God has already "cashed the check" that paid for our sins through the death of his son, Jesus. Jesus overcame death to purchase Eternal Life for us. We have been paid for in full! - Pastor Mike
Tootsie Roll
Tootsie rolls happen to be one of my favorite candies, especially inside of Tootsie Pops. The Tootsie roll center is like a heart in a person. Not the pumping organ, but as in the ancient meaning: the center of the personality, including intelligence and will. What's your "center" like? Sweet and pleasing to God, or rock hard, like a dum-dum sucker? - Pastor Mike
