Mike Hoffman's blog
Falling Veneer
A building on Michigan Ave. is loosing more and more of its brick veneer with each passing day. On my walks I have to step aroung thin slabs of brick each morning and afternoon. Yesterday I met with a young adult who is doing the same. He is loooking at his life and allowing God to stip away the false facade that is covering up how God really created him. Praise God!
Chili
I entered a chili contest where the chefs were not disclosed because the organizers didn't want anyone voting for a friend's chili As a vegetarian, I looked to see which had meat. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out what is inside just by looking at the outside. People are like that. Take time to get to know someone from the inside. -Pastor Mike
Prayer Stations
Last night at Converge my message was on prayer. After the message, participants silently went through 5 different "prayer stations" that utilized different senses. People offered up participatory prayers that included lighting candles, writing, anointing, communion, and studying a huge Peruvian cross. Plan out your day to pray creatively several times. - Pastor Mike
Pussy Willow
Pastor Dave asked me to check on buying some saplings to use in an upcomming sermon. On my walk I noticed pussy willowbranches that had been put by the curb. Knowing how quickly they root, I cut off 25 stems or so and placed them in water. Today I noticed roots sprouting. Have you taken time to "root" in some ministry or are you always moving around? - Pastor Mike
Wind
Last night we had very high winds. This morning, on my walk, the winds were still up to 40 mph. I remembered a Dr. (Oz?) who once said that we should exhale as much air in our lungs every so often and refill them with fresh air. After exhaling, a huge wind blew and filled me. Wonder if Pentecost was like that for the disciples? Fresh wind, fresh fire! - Pastor Mike
Simmer
I had to make my chili for the Converge Chili Contest but I knew that my weekend was busy. I asked Lynn's advice. She said, "Good chili needs to simmer for hours. Make it today and let it simmer, keep it in the fridge, and simply reheat it on Saturday". Sound advice for any problem you may have. Take it to God in prayer, and let it simmer for a season. -Pastor Mike
Dead Plant
So, how's that Poinsettia from this past Christmas doing? Probably as well as ours...dead plant in a pot. Mark 11 contains the story of the cursed fig tree. Even thought the tree was fully leafed and should have ben bearing fruit, it was barrren. How about you? Are you bearing fruit for God's kingdom? If not, time to begin budding! - Pastor Mike
Skunk in Front
On my early morning prayer walk, I often encounter deer, rabbits, opossum, raccoons, and the like. Today, less than 3 feet in front of me, sitting on the sidewalk, was a huge skunk. I froze in my tracks until it skurried away. How silly! Satan is out in front of us every day and often we don't even notice. Stay alert, in prayer, and in the Word. - Pastor Mike
Experiential Prayer
While preparing for the worship portion of Converge, I decided to focus my message on the listening portion of prayer. God is Love and Love listens patiently to us when we pray. We must also listen for God's voice in return. For Converge this week I have developed 5 experiential prayer stations. Use your 5 senses to "listen" to God the next time you pray. - Pastor Mike
Board Game
I mentor a 2nd grade boy who is a shy, non-verbal child. I sometimes wonder if I am getting through to him. Today, as we created a board game together, he had to talk (almost non-stop!) in order to describe how he wanted the game to be designed. Today, create a pathway for someone that you know, to be able to open up to you. - Pastor Mike
