Mike Hoffman's blog
Lightening
I encountered much heat lightening on my walk early this morning. Lightening in the Bible has been used to symbolize power, brilliance, and quickness. In the OT it was used in theophanies (appearences by God) and in the NT mostly found in apocalypic (end times or age to come) contexts. Next time you encounter lightening, think of just how great God is. - Pastor Mike
Groundcover
I was removing some groundcover in our garden that had gotten out of control. It had spread everywhere! Sin is like that. Once we let it take root it can continue to reappear in your life where you'd least expect it (and many times where you would expect it). Get an accountibility partner today and hold each other to a high standard of resisting sin. - Pastor Mike
Haircut
My recent haircut reminded me of the story of Samson. You know, the Biblical character with long hair who was betrayed by his wife, Delilah. She gave him to the Philistines who cut his hair, blinded him, shacked him and imprisioned him. He got vengence by asking God to give him enough strength to pull the temple of Dagon down on them. Defeat became victory! - Pastor Mike
Mr. Chicken
Yesterday I took a young adult out to Mr. Chicken for lunch. He was upset with another young adult and an encounter that they had had a couple of days ago. He thought that the other guy was being bossy, while I knew that he was really trying to show that he cared. Good communication is so important! Always take time to convey what you really mean. - Pastor Mike
Smoke Detector
The joke at the Hoffman's house is that if I am making toast, I know when it's ready when the smoke detector goes off. Having a detector is a good idea. We all should have someone in our life that will signal us when we are starting to go up in smoke. This accountibility partner keeps us on a Godly track and warns us when we stray. - Pastor Mike
Moldy Chili
Mike P. forgot about his chili. It started to get moldy in the fridge in the lower level kitchen. Our spiritual gifts are like that chili. If we don't use them they remain stagnant. lose their power to feed others, and may even get moldy and fade away. Rediscover your spiritual gifts and use them to make a difference in someone's life. - Pastor Mike
Cupcakes
Yesterday's cupcake sale was a success. The Peru Mission Team was complimented on the variety of cupcakes and frostings that were offered. How varied is your life? Do you continue to do the same things over and over and expect different results? That's the definition of insanity! Today, start your day with prayer and ask God what he wants you to do differently.
Time Change
Is it hard for you to give up an hour during the spring time change? Most people absolutely despise that they will lose an hour of sleep each March. I look at it as an opportunity to have more day light in the evening to garden, go for a walk, or just sit on the porch with a cup of tea and see what's going down in the hood. Half empty, or half full? -Pastor Mike
2 Word Story
Last night at Converge I shared my 2-word story about my life before totally accepting Christ and my life after accepting Christ. People , more than often, are brought to God by other people's stories. I challenge you today to practice your story, share it with a close friend, refine it, and then go out and tell someone how Jesus has changed your life! - Pastor Mike
Open Signs
The Corvette dealership and a gas station on Michigan Ave always have their "open" signs displayed, even when they are closed. I guess someone just forgets to turn the signs off or put them away. Isn't it good to know that God always has his sign turned on and he is there, right behind it, to help us with our burdens, 24/7? - Pastor Mike
