Mike Hoffman's blog
"Have we Met?" - God
Have you ever seen someone and thought that you knew them, but couldn't remember from where? Jesus said that unless we have a softened heart, are humble, and love God and humankind, then we are not in God's image. When Jesus comes again he will say, "Depart from me, I never knew you". It's time to get right with God! - Pastor Mike
Wind Sock
I was walking on Michigan Ave. when I saw a worn wind sock on the ground. At one time it proudly fluttered from someone's house. Now it appeared that it was useless. Kind of like us humans. Due to sin, we are tattered and dirty, but because we have a Savior, we are cleansed and raised from our old lives into a new, eternal life with Christ. Praise God! - Pastor Mike
Running on Empty
I met with a friend of mine to do a bit of pastoral counseling. He recently lost a 29 year old son to a drug overdose and his grandson was taken from his home and returned to the child's mother. He is just so empty and sad. I told him that like Job, he may feel like he has nothing left, but he does have God. And God is enough. - Pastor Mike
Meetings
Yesterday the Converge Young Adult Core Team got together. While we hammered out most everything without delay, one particular item could not be agreed upon. After some slightly heated debate, we realized that what we all had in common was the welfare of our program and the young adults who attend. Focus on what you have in common and leave the rest to God. -Pastor Mike
Lone Ranger
Do you tend to do everything yourself? I do. I blame it on the fact that I was a self-contained classroom teacher. "Do it yourself and it will get done" was my mantra. Yesterday, during Youth Group, I allowed two mid-highs to decorate signs that I made for an future sermon. They came out better than I could have done and two kids were blessed. - Pastor Mike
Coffee Shop
Recently I went with a friend to a funky coffee shop. We met to plan an upcoming worship and realized that God had really provided this opportunity for us to take time to re-connect. We live in a world that is jam packed with events that seek to put a squeeze on our relationships. Take time today to reach out to someone you haven't connected with in a while. - Pastor Mike
Morph
At Converge, a young adult told me that she thought that I originally had chosen the video/discussion instructor because I couldn't get anyone else to volunteer to teach. After seeing how much this young man had grown in confidence, she realized that it was the Holy Spirit who worked through Peter so that he could morph into exactly what God was calling him to do. - Pastor Mike
Pie Wrapper
On my walk today, I noticed a cat trying to get something out of a wrapper. The snow-covered cat quickly scampered away. I saw that the wrapper had a half-eaten pie that had been discarded. I opened the bag and placed the pie on the sidewalk. Think of the parable of scattering seeds. We do our part to "feed" others, and let God handle the rest! -Pastor Mike
Listening
Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -John 10:10. Yesterday I met individually with 3 young adults who were seeking pastoral counseling. Silencing myself, I realized how important the gift of listening is to those searching for what God has planned for them. Today, try to not drown out what God is saying to others. -Pastor Mike
Challenge
Many of you students have had this week off. I challenge you to reach out to someone you know that many call a "fringe person"...someone who has few friends, someone who looks different than the norm, someone who is a loner. Reach out with the love of Christ by inviting them to go out for cocoa, go sledding, or to come with you to 4:12 or CREW this Sunday. - Pastor Mike
