tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35669750630845209042024-03-05T13:34:33.361-08:00.Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-28892240240497976052020-03-17T02:02:00.005-07:002020-03-17T02:03:22.796-07:00Just Thinking..... About Good News In A Whole Lot Of Bad<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a1rui" data-offset-key="1uiug-0-0">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="druks-0-0"><span data-text="true">Once again, a preface, I'm not looking for a debate. There is enough of that on nearly every other post above and below this one. I just wanted to offer a thought.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="una3-0-0"><span data-text="true">While our churches are fretting over cancelling some services, (and trust me I get it. It's a bit stressful and frustrating to put it mildly. I'm sitting here at 2:00 A.M.thinking about it) I think it is possible that we are missing some perspective. I believe we are being presented with an opportunity like we have never experienced before. What if, as the body of Christ, instead of being fretful, angry and anxious we began to leverage these circumstances into a push forward of God's Kingdom that is, as a fellow pastor put it, unprecedented. (By the way </span></span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="una3-1-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="una3-1-0"><span data-text="true">Daniel Fox</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="una3-2-0"><span data-text="true"> I watched every minute of your Sunday service. It was fantastic!!) You all should check it out right here https://www.riverviewcf.church/live</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="60raa-0-0"><span data-text="true">Anyway, our nation is confused, scared, unsure, angry, divided, lost and you name what else. It is a nation that knows not what to do and so hoards toilet paper to try and feel better. This is not good. I mean really! Come on!! So, what are we, as pastors, leaders and believers supposed to do about it?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="66t5c-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="892ld-0-0"><span data-text="true">What is needed now is a unified voice of a fearless group of believers who can offer salvation, hope, light, life and freedom. Our nation is in need of a voice of peace. We can be that voice!! If we choose to accept the challenge; But what does that fearless voice look like? </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="96a3u-0-0"><span data-text="true">Some would say that not having services shows that we, as a church, lack faith and trust in God. Respectfully, I disagree. I do not believe we show courage, leadership and hope by fighting against things that cannot stop the Gospel. The Coronavirus cannot stop the Gospel. Government restrictions cannot stop the Gospel. The temporary inability to gather in a building on a certain day or days cannot stop the Gospel! I contend that we show courage by continuing to innovate, adapt and overcome every barrier in an effort to continue preaching the Gospel until our dying breath. JUST LIKE THE CHURCH IN THE BOOK OF ACTS DID!! THIS IS WHAT COURAGE IS! As pastors, leaders and believers this is what we have been called to! This is why we were born! We were made for this!! Why do we have such a hard time seeing that? Are we really so caught up in the routine of how we do things, we can’t see the opportunity right in front of us? Don’t shoot me. I’m just thinking out loud here.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="b8ls7-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="56itm-0-0"><span data-text="true">I imagine that if Paul the Apostle were here, or Peter or any one of the disciples they would be ecstatic to have the resources that we have today to openly and boldly communicate the truth of Jesus Christ. I'm sure they would be live streaming the internet into absolute submission. Why should we not take the opportunities we have and use them to the best of our abilities? Understand, I’m not thrilled with what is happening anymore than anyone else, but instead of wasting time complaining about it, I am going to choose to try to kick it right in the teeth, overcome it and advance the Kingdom of God. Will I or we do it all perfectly? Most likely not, but if God breathes on our effort to persevere, we will succeed. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. No?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="81fug-0-0"><span data-text="true">I believe with the strongest of conviction that if we seek God, if we trust God, if we are faithful to our calling, He will work out our relationships. He will work out the finances. He will work out everything we are concerned about. He knows what to do. We simply need to be open to let Him do it through us....or we could just sit around wringing our hands and wait until we are told we can go back inside the four walls of our churches and preach to those who show up. (which by the way, does not include a whole lot of people we can reach during this time) I mean, I guess that’s a plan too.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="2aem0-0-0"><span data-text="true">To all of you that are fighting the good fight of faith whether you agree with me or not, I care about you, I am praying for you and I am trusting God to do great things through you.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="a38lu-0-0"><span data-text="true">Be Blessed,</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="5qadd-0-0"><span data-text="true">Tom</span></span></span></span></div>
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Pastor Tom Osbornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391394628254289168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-63497397524607996802020-03-12T00:24:00.005-07:002020-03-12T01:01:03.368-07:00Just Thinking.....About Coronavirus<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well
since everyone on social media fancies themselves to be part of a consortium of
medical experts, I figure I can join in too right? With the one caveat that I'm
not actually a medical expert at all and you probably aren't either….right? So,
here's my take anyway. I would appreciate if you would at least read and
consider what I have to say. Thanks!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is
the coranavirus real? Absolutely it is. You have to be an actual certified idiot
to call this a complete hoax. (If that offends you, not sorry, I have a bigger
point to make) People are dying! Is everyone dying? No, but the fact that
everyone doesn’t die isn’t an indicator that it isn’t real.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is
the coranavirus being overhyped? Yep! Our media wants views and clicks. It’s
all they care about and so they are going to overhype this thing as much as
possible to keep us tuning in. We are being lied to by our media about some
things. If you don’t understand that by now, I don’t know what to say. However,
that isn’t an indicator that coronavirus isn’t real.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
if two things can be simultaneously true? I know that seems an impossibility in
the toxic culture in which we find ourselves. Everyone thinks they are right
and there is no other view. However, it is possible for this virus to be
overhyped and at the same time a legitimate risk. Crazy I know, and yet, true!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
keep hearing and seeing those who justify downplaying this virus by saying
something like, “Well, the regular flu kills 400 bazillion people every year
and no one makes a big deal about that.” Hey guess what, the regular flu IS A
BIG DEAL! How is the fact that many people die from the flu a justification for
not taking seriously a lot of people dying from another sickness of some kind? There
is an absolute absence of logic in this argument. </span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also,
how about this? The Coronavirus is all Donald Trump’s fault! He is not trying
to stop it. He wants it to spread. He’s an idiot and must be impeached
immediately and Nancy Pelosi must be installed as the president, also immediately
or every person in the world will die. Or maybe you are of a different
persuasion. Maybe the coranavirus is actually completely overhyped and is
nothing more than a democrat attempt to take Donald Trump out of office. We
must immediately kill all democrat politician’s and constituents in order to
save the world…… What if it’s just a virus that is a threat to many people. What
if the coronavirus can’t recognize its victims by political party? I know this
is a radical concept but hey whatever. </span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PLEASE
don’t leave me yet, my big point is coming… but first….</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
couple more thoughts. If the Coronavirus isn’t actually real, then why did
DONALD J TRUMP cancel the flights from Europe? To get himself kicked out of
office? If it is well known that it is a hoax, why do that? It hurts the
economy that he certainly doesn’t want to hurt in an election season. This is
having a massively negative impact on the economy. Why do that for a hoax? Why
would the NBA suspend its season? Political reasons?? This is a multi, multimillion-dollar
organization coming into its most lucrative part of the season. Cancel for
political reasons? I don’t think so. Have you heard of a little thing called South
By Southwest? A huge music, media and whatever else festival that is a really
big deal. Millions of dollars’ worth of activity taking place. Let’s cancel for
political reasons? Even the WWE is going to potentially cancel Wrestlemania, by
far the biggest event and biggest money maker on their schedule. I know many
may not grasp what a big deal this is but I believe they are expecting about
90,000 people this year. 90,000 people’s worth of tickets, t-shirts, merchandise
and everything else. If you have the slightest amount of knowledge about the
owner of the WWE, Vince McMahon you can absolutely be assured he’s not going to
do anything to stop his money flow. I could go on with many other examples but
maybe you get my point. All of this for something that’s known to be fake? Overhyped?
Maybe. Fake? No!</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Which
brings me to my main point. One of the big talking points about this virus is
that most people won’t die. It’s just a little flu or maybe they won’t even
know they are sick. Honestly, I’m probably in this category. I’m personally not
worried that much about it for myself. (Even if I got the virus and died, I’m
not stressed. I know where I am going! Can I get a witness?) HOWEVER!!! This virus IS deadly for certain
groups. Groups like my parents who are older. My mom who has many health issues
and doesn’t need to get a virus because of some shmuck who was too cool, woke
and informed to take it seriously. There are people like my daughter in law who
have serious lung issues. The last thing she needs is a virus that affects her
lungs in any way! I have family, friends, church acquaintances of all ages and
health circumstances. They don’t need the coronavirus, the flu or any other
list of things that can be deadly for them even if it is not for you.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So,
here is my question. What if, instead of being so selfish and viewing things
from our own personal medical expertise, political persuasion or our own health
circumstances, WE THINK ABOUT OTHERS? </span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maybe
you could think about my family. Maybe you could think about my friends and
acquaintances who probably would not fair well if they were to get this virus?
What if you thought about the people in your life who are at risk? Is it really
that big of a deal to play it safe? To be a little more diligent about hygiene?
To listen to actual health experts? But but but but what if they aren’t telling
me the whole truth? What if? You need to wash your hands anyway! You need to
clean the house. We need to clean our workplaces, churches and everything else.
It’s the right thing to do anyway!! Good grief!! What have you lost by doing
these things? Nothing!!</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is
it possible for us to exercise wisdom and caution for others while at the same
time exercising wisdom and caution as things continue to get hyped beyond wisdom?
</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some
of what’s happening is frustrating. It’s inconvenient. It’s also temporary.
Couldn’t we just try to our best to protect the people around us and leave it
at that without complaining and whining? Couldn’t we just….oh I don’t know…. Love
our neighbor as ourselves? Being vigilant and paying a little more attention to
detail isn’t that big of a deal for me. How about you?</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
finally, keep this in mind. It’s all about arguments, political debate and
opinion until someone YOU know gets it and doesn’t recover. It’s at that point
everything gets very real. How about if we just do what we should do anyway to
try and make sure that doesn’t happen? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be
Blessed, Tom</span></span></div>
Pastor Tom Osbornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391394628254289168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-435776718230947822019-03-25T13:29:00.001-07:002019-03-25T13:30:15.544-07:00Just Thinking...... About Loving like I have been loved.<div data-contents="true">
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="23ib5" data-offset-key="16g9d-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="16g9d-0-0">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="16g9d-0-0"><span data-text="true">For the follower of Christ, showing love to those who do not believe like you or are "sinners" does not take away from your faith. It does not compromise truth or negatively affect your relationship with God. In fact, it makes you more like Jesus. It makes you obedient to Christ's new command to love others as He has loved you. Jesus really said that. It's in the book!</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="fatfk-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="9vgd8-0-0"><span data-text="true">You may actually find that an intentional effort to behave in a loving way opens more doors to speak real truth than our current version of faith which is more concerned about sharing "truth" than in seeing the love of God come alive in those who do not believe. We cannot be satisfied with proclaiming "truth" that never leads anyone to the knowledge of Christ's love. This is not the kind of truth that Jesus proclaimed. It is religious pablum.</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="2emm2-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="39s9l-0-0">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="39s9l-0-0"><span data-text="true">It is the love and kindness of God that leads others to repentance. That's actually in the Bible too....... New Testament even. You can look it up. :) </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="7lve6-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="8s2qt-0-0"><span data-text="true"> Let God use YOU to reflect that love and kindness to those who don't look like you, act like you or believe like you. You may be shocked at the result because a God-inspired love will be backed up by The Holy Spirit. Consequently, the same Holy Spirit will bring the fruit of changed lives. Simply because you chose to be good to someone who many may not consider to be worthy of your goodness. However, never forget that God was good to you before you were ever worthy of his goodness. In fact, we are still not worthy of his goodness. He extends it to us anyway. A thought worthy of consideration.</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7g816-0-0">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="7g816-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e646t-0-0">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span data-offset-key="e646t-0-0"><span data-text="true">There is a caveat to this though in that many who subscribe to the philosophy that forcing "truth" on sinners is more important than changed lives will not like your commitment to love. However, you are not obligated to please those folks. The only responsibility we have is to please God and show the love of Christ to the world. If you are good with God, you are good, period. No need to concern yourself with anything or anybody else. May the love of God reflected in our lives not only change the lives of the unbelievers but the believers as well. God Bless you today and I hope you have a Great day. </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="e646t-1-0" spellcheck="false" start="606"><span data-offset-key="e646t-1-0"><span data-text="true">#TRCLove</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="e646t-2-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><span class="_5zk7" data-offset-key="e646t-3-0" spellcheck="false" start="615"><span data-offset-key="e646t-3-0"><span data-text="true">#LoveIsGreater</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Pastor Tom Osbornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391394628254289168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-1423003739460512602019-02-24T19:11:00.001-08:002019-02-24T19:11:01.860-08:00Just Thinking...... About Living<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_2h">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So
I will try to keep this from being a book but I want to share for a
minute about my efforts to get myself in shape. Like you really care, am
I right?? Anyway, I’ve been posting a lot of pictures on social media of my daily runs
and I’ve received some really encouraging feedback. So thanks for that!
But I want to let you know why I’m doing what I’m doing. This may ramble
a little bit because there are several seemingly unrelated things I
want to share that brought me to a crossroads. So hang in there I’ll get
to the point. I Promise. It may also seem kind of over dramatic, but
the end result is good, so no worries.</span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="font-size: small;" title="smile emoticon"> <img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t4c/1/16/1f642.png" width="16" /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="font-size: small;" title="smile emoticon"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It all kind of started back in July. My family was camping and I
noticed something was up with my right ear. It felt like it was plugged
and there was a weird buzzing sound. The best I can explain is it sounds
like a refrigerator running in my ear all the time. Along with the
feeling and the sound I noticed that I couldn’t quite hear like normal
and when I would begin to lead worship at church, it felt like something
was hitting me in the side of my head. Not really a pain, but an
unexplainable pressure. If you understand my love for music both playing
and listening you can guess how frustrating that is. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I made
an appointment to talk to my doctor and, after checking some things, he
could not determine what the problem was. After three appointments he
referred me to an ear doctor. After several more appointments, the
hearing doctor could also not figure out the problem, but could tell
something was up because, after taking a hearing test, they found I had a
decent amount of hearing loss in my right ear. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the midst of
this, Ann went in for her surgery and if you follow our story at all,
you know how that has turned out. So, while being worried about her, my
doctor referred me for an MRI. I put it off for several weeks because I
was at the hospital with Ann and honestly didn’t care about much else. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, my doctor wanted to check to make sure there wasn’t any kind of
growth or tumor that was messing with my ear. He assured me that he
didn't believe this was the case but wanted to act in an abundance of
caution. So off to the MRI machine I went. Not a big fan of that to be
honest with you.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fast forward! When I came in to the appointment
to find out the results of the MRI, the hearing doctor confirmed there
was nothing noticeable causing my ear problems. So… no answers. The plan
for my ear is to continue to keep track of what’s going on and check
back after a period of time to see if there are any changes. Kind of a
bummer but, as they say, it is what it is.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although the doctor
didn’t find anything related to my ear on the MRI, he did find something
pretty unexpected that kind of knocked me for a loop. He showed me the
picture and pointed to a small dark spot and asked me if I had high
blood pressure. I confirmed that I did, but that I was on medication to
control it. He said “That’s good because somewhere along the way you had
a ‘mini’ stroke. He asked if I knew when it happened and I said I had
no idea. His advice was to make sure that I stay on my medication and
pay attention to my blood pressure so that something more catastrophic
wouldn’t happen. Wow!! Really!?!?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For just a moment let me put a
bookmark right there and switch gears. As I mentioned, at this
particular time I had been spending a lot of time at the hospital and at
the doctor with my situation and with Ann’s as well. I must have walked
around the hospital 100 times and I saw so many people who were sick,
young and old. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I realize that what I’m about to say is going to
seem indelicate and actually pretty rude, but please understand I’m not
saying it because of others, but because of ME. Did I say this wasn’t
about others but ME? ME ME ME ME! Not others ME!! O.K. here it goes.
Many of the people I saw were overweight. Some a little and some a lot.
I remember thinking; I wonder if they wouldn’t be here if they would
take a little bit better care of themselves. I know that’s horrible, I
get it, I have asked God to forgive me for my judgmental attitude, but I
have to be honest about it because it was part of my personal wake up
call. Why? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The “why” is because while I was thinking these
things, I myself was weighing in at a fit and trim 302 pounds. That’s
right! Mr. “They should lose some weight” was in the same position as
the ones I was thinking about. And guess what? Now I was facing MY OWN
medical complications because of MY OWN choices and although I have
skated through life thinking I’m fine because I’m young and strong, my
recent encounter with an MRI told me that I wasn’t all that invincible.
After all, nearly my entire family has a history of high blood pressure,
stroke and heart attack. What made me think I was any different? Cue
the “Lord please forgive me for being so stupid, and oh while you’re at
it please forgive me for looking at someone else’s speck while my view
is obscured by this log.” </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bookmark #2 Trust me I’m getting there. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To add one more layer to this story, during this same period of time I
had several conversations with different people about my ear. I remember
multiple times of there being a joke something to the effect of “that’s
just what happens when you get old.” Ha Ha. Yep, when you get older,
you should just resign yourself to a decrepit life of being overweight,
losing bodily functions and fading away into history. I mean, that’s how
it goes right?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or….</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I began to think to myself, maybe
it doesn’t have to go that way at all. Maybe, I thought, my situation
isn’t so much about getting older as it is about me being lazy and not
taking care of myself. Not so much the ear thing, but just in general.
Thanks for hanging in there with me, I’m about to get to the point. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was in this season of thinking and pondering that I had an
epiphany!! I’m 48 years old! What if, just what if, instead of facing 50
with a sad sack attitude about getting older, I punch 50 right in the
face. What if, when I turn 50 years old, I am in the best shape of my
life? What if, not just physically, but physically, spiritually,
mentally and emotionally, I’m hitting on all cylinders when I hit the
big Five O? Some of you might say 50!! Are you kidding me, I wish I
could go back to 50. Others might say good grief 50 is practically dead.
I can’t believe you’re that old! However, it’s not about being young or
old, it’s about ATTITUDE! I made a decision that when I hit 50 years
old which will be on May 13, 2020, I will, by God’s grace be in the best
shape of my life in every area. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So why the <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/fitby50?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG"><span class="_5afx"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz">#</span><span class="_58cm">FitBy50</span></span></a>
thing? 50 is roughly a year and a half away for me. I know in the next
year and a half there will be some ups and some downs. To be honest I
haven’t really lost any weight for about 4 weeks now. Exercising? Check!
Eating right? Check……….for the most part. Very frustrating!! However,
#FitBy50 is a goal that reminds me that I don’t have to do it all today.
It reminds me that if I have a bad day or two along the way all hope is
not lost. #FitBy50 reminds me that I have a goal in front of me and I
need to keep my eye on that ball and not on what’s happening just today.
#FitBy50 is attainable. It is not unrealistic. It is a lifestyle not a
momentary diet or a week of working out really hard and then quitting
when I didn’t lose 100 pounds….. in that week. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did I say 100
pounds? Actually from my epic starting weight of 302 pounds, I actually
need to lose 124 pounds to get to my goal weight. So far, so good. As of
today, I have lost 63 pounds. Pretty good. I’m excited, but I’m not
finished. My goal is not for today! My goal is to be #FitBy50</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So,
you may ask what does this have to do with you posting your exercise
pictures all over social media? Are you trying to be inspirational?
Well, maybe? I would not be opposed to being someone who inspires others
to make a change in their lives too. So, yeah… maybe?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However,
that’s not really the reason. The real reason is……………. I’m lazy! There I
said it. It’s out in the open. I have confessed my mess. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have
a history with weight loss. It may be frustrating for some to hear
this, but I don’t really have a hard time losing weight. I don’t have a
metabolism problem. I’m not big boned. My problem is that I eat too much
and I’m too lazy to exercise consistently. However, when I get my mind
set and focused I can do it. I can lose weight. I’ve done it! Over and
over and over…………..and over.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My problem is not that I can’t lose
weight. My problem is that I reach a certain level and I lose focus. I
get lazy and I fall back into my old unhealthy patterns. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have
been exercising now for about six months, but I haven’t really said much
about it. Why? Because I haven’t wanted people to know what I’m doing
because my history says that I will work hard, lose weight, get in shape
and then get lazy, quit and gain it all back. And in the end I’ll be
worse off than before I started. If others don’t know then they won’t
know when I crash and burn again. After all, that is my pattern and that
is my past.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, I have made a decision that my past is my
past. I have made a decision that my future is now what I’m fighting
for. I have a calling on my life to teach the word and make disciples of
all nations. I am a husband and a father. I need to be around for my
wife and my kids. I am an EXTREMELY proud PAPA!! I can’t imagine not
being around to see my grand kids grow up and pursue God’s calling on
their lives. I can’t miss that!! So, I’m making a change!!! This has to
be it. My time for messing around is over!! I’ve been playing with fire
for too long. Yee hawwww!!! Sounds Great!!!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I’m lazy!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I need accountability. I need to let others know what I’m doing.
Instead of hiding and banking on failure, I need to put it out there and
say this is what I’m doing. BY 50 YEARS OLD I AM GOING TO BE IN THE
BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE!! PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY, MENTALLY AND
EMOTIONALLY!! #FitBy50. There I said that too. I put it out there. Now
I’m accountable to it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So if you’re reading this I’m giving you
permission. If you don’t see me posting about my journey for awhile
please feel free to call me out. If you’re part of my church family, YOU
ARE MY FAMILY!! If you see me falling off call me out!! I’m good with
it! I need it! Maybe you would say “I don’t even know you” Doesn’t
matter. I need the accountability to not only reach the goal but to stay
there. I need encouragement, but I don’t just need encouragement.
Sometimes, I need someone to remind me that there are real life
consequences if I don’t stay focused. Sounds harsh? It is my
personality. I don’t need it sugar coated. Hit me with it! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maybe
you are in my spot and you know you need to make a change. Maybe it’s
weight, maybe not. Maybe you’re addicted. Maybe you’re not getting where
you need to get in life. If you need someone to encourage you or kick
you in the backside I’m here. I know making big changes is not easy, but
it is doable. Let me know. I’ll pray for you. I’ll talk with you. I’ll
help in whatever meager way I can. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So there it is….I guess it
did turn into a book. But I just needed to get that off my chest for
what it’s worth. Thanks for taking the time. Be Blessed #FitBy50</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Oh, By The Way... If you don't follow me on social media, I would love to invite you to do just that. You can find me at:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Facebook: facebook.com/pastortomosborne</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Twitter: @TRC3</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instagram: TRCTOM </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be Blessed, Tom</span></span></div>
Pastor Tom Osbornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391394628254289168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-4831234006256706812018-07-04T19:37:00.000-07:002018-07-04T19:37:29.819-07:00Just Thinking..... About Love And Hate<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our country has become accustomed to a certain level of hate. It is
accepted. It is expected. It is regrettable. It is spreading like a
disease.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Hate is tricky, however, because we are conditioned to
recognize hate only in those with whom we disagree. We, quite
conveniently fail to see it in ourselves. And the disease of hate
continues to spread.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> From a self perspective, hate is not hate.
It is “righteous indignation!” We are right, they are wrong.
Consequently, angry, divis<span class="text_exposed_show">ive and
arrogant attitudes and interactions are justified in order to win the
fight! And the disease of hate continues to spread.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
The highest success of our day is to “Own” someone we hate. Humiliate
them! Make them look like a fool! Destroy their reputation and character
at all costs! Then, like mighty kings and queens we too can rule the
world! And the disease of hate continues to spread.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> As one side
amps up the hate level, the other side must also amp up to keep pace.
You hit me, I’ll hit you back. You bring a knife, I’ll bring a gun. You
bring a gun, I’ll bring a bomb. It’s the way of the world. And the
disease of hate continues to spread.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The problem is, as the hateful rhetoric and actions amp up, no one’s thoughts are changed and problems are never solved. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Those who agree with us will cheer our hate. Those who disagree will
search for another way to win the next round of the hate war. And the
disease of hate continues to spread.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> In this environment, true
Christ-inspired love is revolutionary. No one knows what to do with it.
It is not what we are accustomed to seeing, experiencing or engaging
with. It cannot be tamed by hateful rhetoric, threat or action. It is
unstoppable. It is undefeatable. It is eternal.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Christ inspired
love is patient and kind. It is not envious; it is not arrogant or
proud. The Christ kind of love is not rude, self seeking or looking for a
fight. It does not assume evil in others or rejoice over sin. It seeks
the truth. Christ like love is the ride or die kind of love. It believes
the best about others hopes the best for others and is willing to go to
any length to believe in, hold onto, demonstrate and spread the message
of Christ’s love to others. Why? Because Christ's love is the only way
to salvation. It is healing for our nation and it is the only lasting
path out of the hate.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Christ-like love is unlike anything else we
see in culture, politics, entertainment, sports or any other aspect of
society. Perhaps it is time for us to reject the divisive message of the
politicians, entertainers, sports figures and cultural messengers and
look to a higher source of truth and love. The disease of hate does not
have to continue to spread. Why not me? Why not you? Why not now?</span></span>Pastor Tom Osbornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391394628254289168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-18709462403901650532018-05-23T23:54:00.001-07:002018-05-23T23:54:29.705-07:00Just Thinking..... About Taking A Stand<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true">Just Thinking...I suppose it should be clear at this point that the days of burying our heads and "standing" for a version of Christianity that will keep everyone happy are gone. JESUS HIMSELF SAID that following him means that you will risk losing your reputation, your career, your good name and even much more. If you're a Christian, are you ready for that? That time is coming. Some might say it's already here.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true"> Too often the only thing people, even in the church, can remember Jesus saying is, "judge not lest you be judged." We have been happy to sit by and let others who have a complete lack of understanding of that verse, use it beat us into a corner where, in all reality, we have to ask permission to follow Christ. Is that the Christianity that has been passed down to us from Jesus and His disciples? I don't think so! </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true">The Christianity of scripture is such that we are to live our lives to the best of our abilities to love God, love people and speak the truth about both. Our desire is NEVER to offend, but it will happen. The Gospel is offensive! Jesus is THE ONLY way to Heaven. What His Words says is true and cannot be changed. Sin will not go unpunished, but there is a way out through Jesus alone! There is no way that message will not offend. The church must come to grips with that or we can no longer call ourselves the church. Social club? Maybe. Church? NO!</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true"> At times you may be surprised that the ones who are standing against you are the very ones who claim to be your brothers and sisters. You will be lied about, misrepresented and painted as judgmental, hateful, intolerant and those are the nice words. When it comes down to it, we must make a choice between trying to be the all around good guy or girl who everyone likes, but who makes no real difference in the world or be someone who is willing to lovingly and firmly speak the truth without consideration of the consequence. Jesus NEVER called us to work hard to get people to like us. He called us to love everyone enough to tell the truth. He called us to be a faithful voice for Him as it is revealed in scripture. He has called us to be willing to risk it all for HIM and Him alone. Paul said, "</span></span><span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true">If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." That's the Christianity of the Bible. <span class="p"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true">Casual Christianity is over. It's been over for awhile but we have, at times, had our heads so buried in our own little world's we haven't noticed. Or maybe we haven't cared. It has been so long since the church in America has truly been persecuted to the point of loss, that we feel like something is wrong if everyone doesn't love us. This feels heavy on my heart to say that but I truly believe it is reality. It could be, however, that a little shot of persecution is what the church actually needs to cause us to stand up for something, or should I say someone, instead of constantly being pushed backwards by those who will hate God no matter what we do. Somewhere between the faithful remnant of God and those who hate God is a world that desperately needs to know the truth of the Gospel! Will we give it to them? Or will we just continue to post happy quotes, and say happy things that don't offend but most certainly will not help anyone to find salvation through the Gospel of Jesus? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="ussj-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, I was just thinking... </span></span></span></span>Pastor Tom Osbornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14391394628254289168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-77710280756044250422018-05-21T20:22:00.000-07:002018-05-21T20:22:12.734-07:00Just Thinking....About The Next Generation<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just
Thinking.... I have seen a fair share of Facebook posts lately from
"more mature" older generation pastors and believers who seem to have
nothing better to do than put down the younger generation of pastors,
worship leaders and leaders in general. Their song lyrics aren't good
enough. They don't preach the right way. They don't preach the "Real
Gospel." They don’t dress right. They don’t look right! Blah, Blah,
Blah. Generally speaking, I try to scroll right on by and ignore it.
However, it is really beginning to get on my last nerve...so to speak.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Are all of these criticisms true in some cases? Of course they are.
They are true just like the criticisms of the hyper holiness, suit
wearing, judgmental, preachers who don’t actually love people, but
simply want to beat them with the Bible are true in some cases. They are
true just like the preacher who is preaching repentance on Sunday and
sleeping with his secretary on Monday are true in some cases. HOWEVER,
most older generation pastors and leaders are loving, caring, go to the
ends of the earth for their people kind of folks. Is it fair to paint
the entire older generation with a broad brush of hate and immorality
because there are some? Absolutely not! I am exceedingly thankful for
the pastors I had growing up. Some have gone on to be with The Lord.
Some are still pressing forward preaching the Gospel. All of them have
had an amazing influence on my life. Were they perfect? NO! Did they
always say and do the right thing. NO! However, they loved God and
taught me to do the same. They SHOWED me the way to go. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> When I started preaching I was HORRIBLE! (Some may think I still am <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" title="smile emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f4c/1/16/1f642.png?_nc_eui2=AeEfc10PsgEB3FwBquYu-ofMUtWlnQu2eD5d8JtYC9zGGcp19sWB2bZBFQn_RjL3JflGg4pyjNJCyKAi2XCKVlTnetfCLc9KTJQjmWR9cH7xkQ" width="16" /><span class="_7oe">:)</span></span>
) I still have a cassette tape (Remember those?) of my first sermon. I
don’t know how anyone could have sat through that. I wouldn’t want to
sit through it. My pastor could have torn it apart and destroyed my
passion to do anything for the Kingdom. He did not. I am thankful.
Instead, I was encouraged and taught. Every once in a while my pastor
would say, hey you kind of missed that one. Or he would encourage me to
see something I didn’t realize before. In short, he helped me instead of
tearing me down. I have had several imperfect and yet amazing pastors
in my life. They have helped me to learn, to progress and to continue
growing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> What’s my point? It is DANGEROUS and I believe on the
border line of sinful to create straw men caricatures of uncaring,
unprincipled, ignorant young leaders who don’t love God like we did “in
the good ole days” when our doctrines and actions were absolute
perfection. (Strangely, I’ve been in the church for forty years and I
don’t remember the good ole days in that way.) Those ignorant
caricatures are then used to paint a broad brush picture of an entire
generation of leaders and believers. It Is WRONG and it needs to STOP!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Instead of using our voice to tear down and criticize, how about using
our voices to help mentor and teach? I realize it’s easier to sit “in
the balcony” and criticize from the sidelines like the two old guys from
the Muppets. Nonetheless, it is not helpful or productive for the
Kingdom. Come to think of it, I think the Bible actually says something
about the older generation teaching the younger. (Hmm, maybe we should
check on that.) Anyway, how about encouraging their passion and teaching
them how to better express it? If it’s not right teach them. If it’s
just not your “cup of tea” leave them alone and let them run for the
Kingdom. Pray, encourage, mentor, these are the things that matter. Not
criticism and belittling. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The world we live in now is not the
same world we lived in forty years ago. We MUST stop trying to push the
next generation into ministering the same way we did forty years ago.
The message doesn’t change, the methods do! We have to stop trying to
create “mini-me” preachers who would have torn it up in the sixties,
seventies and eighties. We aren’t living in the sixties, seventies and
eighties anymore. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> What the next generation needs from the older
generation (and like it or not I am part of it now) is guidance. Not
criticism! Not picking apart each word looking for reason to let them
know they aren’t quite as good. (By the way, why the need to criticize
so much? Could it be that the critic is really only trying to make
themselves look better by tearing others down?) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Personally, I
know several young leaders who love God, love worship, LOVE the Word of
God and want nothing more than to be vessels used to preach the gospel.
They don’t seem to fit into that whole straw man camp of ignorant
heretics and apostates. Those I know personally are just a small
sampling of young leaders all over the country and even the world who
want to make Jesus famous. They are not perfect, but they are being used
by God.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> It’s time to help, not tear down. Show the way like
somebody showed YOU the way! Sometimes it’s inconvenient. Sometimes it’s
hard. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. Sometimes it is all of those
things, but ALL the time it is worth it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> If you consider
yourself to be part of the “old guard” of the church, the younger
generation NEEDS your help, your knowledge, and your experience. Don’t
deprive them of that. Go out of your way to give it away.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Finally, Thank you to Deloy Pooler, Larry Odam, Paul Walker, Harold Westcott, Ron Moore, Larry Comer, Dave Scanlon, Tony Arnett
and all of the other pastors and teachers that didn't give up on me.
Thank you for encouraging me when I was right and calling me out when I
was wrong. I owe you all a debt of gratitude. I am who I am because of
your influence. I only pray that God would help me to lead others in the
same way. Imperfectly but sincerely.</span></span></div>
Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-62831302635462098322017-09-08T14:42:00.000-07:002017-09-08T14:42:47.784-07:00Just Thinking about being ready<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
all of my Coos County and surrounding area friends I have a question for you?
As you are watching the fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and etc. are
you secretly saying I'm glad it's them and not me? Are you secretly thinking
nothing like that could happen here? I’m not saying that in a negative
judgmental way, but in a real and serious way? Is there some sense of relief
that it is not you who is under threat right now? Well…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have a feeling that a month or so ago those in Houston didn't think it would
happen to them. Those in Florida know hurricanes can come, but one like this?
The hundreds even thousands who have been forced to run because of fires
probably didn't realize it would come so fast either. Last night there were
folks in Mexico that went to sleep like any other night and were blasted awake
with the shaking of an 8+ earthquake. Some lost their lives. They probably
didn't think that would happen either. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What's
my point? My point is that I am concerned. Seriously! I am concerned for my
family and for my church family. I am concerned for those who live and work
around me every day. Some of you may be my friends and some of you may not or
would not like me at all. I am still concerned for you. My concern is that if
something really catastrophic happened like a MAJOR storm or an earthquake, many
would have no plan or preparation to deal with it. I suppose, like many, we
believe the government will step in and fix it. What if they don’t? What if
they can’t? What if you and your family is all you have to count on? I am
concerned that we are so busy living our day to day lives that we don’t even
care enough to think about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
if there are no stores to go to for food or water? Can’t happen you say? It’s
happening right now in Houston Texas and is likely to be the case for, as it
looks at the time I am writing this, most of the state of Florida. In just a
few hours it may be that there is no food, water, gas or other supplies
available in large portions of two states. That doesn’t even include what is
going on in the Islands that have already been hit or those who have been
displaced because of the fires in our territory. I’m sure most of those involved
didn’t think it would happen a few weeks ago or even a few days ago.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have a plan? Do you have food and water
available to you should there be a time when all the stores are closed or
empty? Do you have an emergency bag that you can throw on your back and run if
a storm, earthquake, fire or some other emergency happens? Should you? Or is
this just a bunch of nonsense “prepper” talk?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am happy to say that there are some areas that my family and I are prepared. I
am equally bummed out to say there are some areas that we are not. However, we
are, even today, working to remedy that situation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
about you? Does it matter? Is everything always going to be as it has been?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
another and I believe more important note. I am a believer in Christ. I am a
pastor. One of the greatest passions of my life is to study the Bible and to
see what it has to say to us today, and it says a lot! Take these words for
instance. I have noticed they have been floating around the net for the last
couple days. Jesus said that in the final days:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">25
“there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the
nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26
People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers
in the heavens will be shaken. – Luke 21:25-26</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
know! I know! There have always been eclipses, fires, hurricanes, earthquakes
and more, but is it possible that there is significance to the fact that they
are all happening almost simultaneously? Aww never mind. This is all probably
just a bunch of religious silliness, right? Yeah, maybe. But what if it’s not?
What if what’s happening isn’t what all the “best and brightest” minds say is
happening? What if Jesus really did tell us 2000 years ago what we should look for before he came back? What if we really
are in the final days? Are you prepared for that? I think as important as it
is, AND IT IS, to prepare for a catastrophe, it is even more important that you
prepare spiritually. If, for any reason, catastrophic or not, your life were to
come to an end today do you know where you would go? Your eternity depends on
it. Trust Jesus. Ask him to come into your life and give you the wisdom to know
how to live in the days we are living in. If you need help knowing how to do
that hit me up. It would be my honor to help you get it figured out. I would never say I know it all, but I think I know enough to help you get started.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Whether
you know who I am or not, I want you to know that I care about you! PLEASE do
what you need to do to be ready if that thing you don’t think can happen really
happens? Be Blessed, Tom</span></div>
Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-89027618460128342162017-01-28T17:58:00.000-08:002017-01-28T17:59:02.729-08:00Just Thinking..... About Elections, Politics, Divisions and Real Love<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been an interesting few months hasn’t it?
I have tried my best to avoid the mindless political speak that I am constantly
bombarded with these days. I have friends who span the political spectrum from
the pretty far right all the way to the pretty far left. I like it that way. It
does get crazy sometimes though.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remain clear, to all my “righties” and “lefties”
what I believe and I try to leave it at that. Since my core belief is that hope
for our country and world is in Christ and not in politics, I try to steer
clear of political arguments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>However,
there is just this teeny-weeny little thing I want to point out to all of my
Christian brothers and sisters and also my very non-Christian friends as well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But first, some background.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">On
Election Day all of my friends on the left of the spectrum were simply glowing
with over confidence. The election was over before the voting even started. When
the results started to pour in they became apoplectic. The election was stolen,
there was fraud, the Russians did it, and on and on. That has continued to be
the posture of most. The protests of inauguration day and the woman’s march
only succeeded in stoking the rage and further proving to most of America that
those who so adamantly profess tolerance and love can also be some of the most
intolerant and hateful people around. (I’m really sorry, but it’s true) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">These
days my twitter, facebook, etc. timelines, as well as multiple personal
interactions are a constant barrage of hatred toward Trump, the republicans,
the stupid American idiots….. You get the point. I don’t say this to stoke
further division, I simply want to say that if you are on that side of the political
aisle, it may be helpful to look at yourselves and find out why you lost. Not
only have you lost the presidency, but you have lost 100’s of federal and state
legislature positions, governorships and so on. It has been going on for years.
The more you push, hate and divide the more you lose. I’m just sayin’….. Let’s
move on shall we?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
the last few days though, I have noticed a shift in the anger. Oh don’t get me
wrong, they still hate Trump and every other person who chooses not to bow down
to their intimidation, but now I notice all the hate being thrown at the
Christians. My question is why? Rhetorical, I already know the answer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Just
today, I have seen cartoons of overweight, hateful Christian women beating Syrian
children with Bibles, I have seen posts mocking Christians as the stupid white
guys who have all the privilege in the world and want nothing more than to take
everyone else’s rights away. (Who knew that every Christian is a white guy?
That will come as a surprise to a lot of my friends and… Hey wait a minute; I
thought it was angry women beating children with Bibles. I’m confused) I have
seen posts mocking the pro-life community for having the unmitigated gall to
say that murdering children in the womb is a bad thing. My favorite post today
at least, is the “America has become a theocracy” angle. Donald Trump??? A Theocracy???
(Pardon me while I clean up the orange juice I just spit out laughing) I pray
for President Trump but I think we’re a couple minutes out from a theocracy. In
the end, as I have come to understand, the Christians are the single biggest
problem in the world. If they could get rid of us I’m sure everything would be
perfect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">At
times I begin to get discouraged. I think to myself, “Man I must be surrounded
by a bunch of hateful, hayseed idiots. Maybe I should turn my back on
Christianity.” But then!!! I get punched in the face by reality!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You
see, I am surrounded by Christians on a daily basis. REAL CHRISTIANS! Not the buffoonish
caricatures that are being pushed by those who don’t like us. You know what I
see? I see folks who have little to no money sacrificing what they do have so
they can buy food to help feed a homeless person. I see people working their
tails off to create a place where food and clothes can be stored in order to
feed and clothe those who need it. (Excuse me a moment… Just got a text…..Ahh
yes it is from a lady in my church who, on her day off, is trying to organize
the food recently donated to give away in the “food room” that some other
church members have been trying to finish for two weeks….such deplorables) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Anyway,
I see people who work 40 hour a week jobs and then in their “off” time, they
minister in prisons and work to help people get out of abusive, negative
life-killing situations. I see people who sacrifice tirelessly to help people
find freedom from alcohol, drugs and whatever other addiction they may be
caught up in. I see people every day who take seriously the admonition of Jesus
that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind
and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. Do you know their names? No
you don’t! Why? Because they do not care if you know their names, they only
care that you find help and the love of God. And guess what? Keep hating them
and they will still try to help you when you need it. Weird huh?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s some real truth. Love is not shown by
sitting in front of a computer all day long mindlessly retweeting everyone else’s
thoughts. Love is not in the #resistance or the #revolution or whatever the
meaningfully meaningless hashtag is today. Love is shown when you get out from
behind your computer screen and actually help someone. I understand it though. It
is much simpler and conscience easing to sit behind a monitor and take shots at
people in the name of love and tolerance than it is to actually get out and love
people where they are. You can agree or disagree with building a wall on the
border, but hundreds of thousands have already built a wall between themselves
and the real needs in our country. That wall is their computer screen. Keep on
posting and you won’t have to see the real needs. It may make you feel better
but, in the end, 1000 tweets do not feed, clothe or help ANYONE! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not actually moved by any of this though,
because I have known since I was young that the world would hate those who
follow Christ. It may actually be beneficial. As long as folks are hidden
behind their hashtags, they won’t be in our way as we try our best to help
others and proclaim the love of God. My thanks for helping us win the culture
war.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">No
it doesn’t bother me that people who don’t know any better dislike me or my
Christian family. What bothers me most is when my Christian family gets wrapped
up in the back and forth. When Nehemiah was rebuilding Jerusalem, his enemies
mocked him and did their best to intimidate him. They sent a message and told
him to stop doing what he was doing and to come talk to them. Paraphrasing his
words, the response was “I’m doing a great work for God; I don’t have time to
come and talk to you.” We must realize that our job is to share love and truth.
If that is rejected, so be it. However, don’t stop doing the “great work” God
has called you to. Share the gospel, Love the unlovable, free the captives, and
be like Jesus! In Acts 10:38 it says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the
Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were
oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Church family, this is what we
need to do. Just keep “doing good,” speaking healing, and proclaiming <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the love of God. Don’t get caught up in
foolish arguments. It’s a waste of precious time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
the end, I see that much of the anger is coming because our enemy, our real
enemy, (Not people) knows that his facade of fake love and fake tolerance is
crumbling in the face of the real love that is being shown by the real church.
There are crazies, fakes and frauds who hate and shame the name of Christ, but
they are not us. We are those who are willing to lay it all down to love God
and love others and we are succeeding. In the end those who love in
the name of Christ will be shown to have had the truth all along. Just love. You
will most likely continue to be hated. Jesus told us what to do with that. Love
those who hate you and pray for those who persecute you. Show them all what
love really looks like. In the end Love really will win! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lastly,
it’s time to start bridging some of the gaps. What I know is that the
perception many have of Christianity is not the reality. I also know that every
ugly thing said about the non-Christian community is not true either. If there
is anyone who wants to do something to actually try and help people let me
know. We, as well as many churches and groups in the area could use the help.
Christian or not, turn your computer off and open your eyes. The opportunities
are all around you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">With
nothing but love to you all</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tom</span></div>
Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-84839866590467951392016-07-18T20:38:00.000-07:002016-07-20T21:04:35.775-07:00I Suppose<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I suppose I could complain <br /> About how tough my life can be<br /> About how I’ve been done wrong and hurt<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> About all those who were mean to me</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I suppose that I could grumble<br /> And blame my trouble on others<br /> And lament how much better it would be<br /> If not for that church of hypocritical sisters and brothers</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I suppose that I could fuss<br /> And refuse to look inside<br /> And realize my trouble is of my own making<br /> Instead of running away to hide</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I suppose that I could murmur<br /> And get others to feel bad for me<br /> To gently pat me on my back<br /> And illicit all their sympathy</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> But should I choose <br /> To cry and complain<br /> The bound will stay bound<br /> And the addicted the same</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And If I choose to take my ball<br /> and run away and caterwaul<br /> Broken families remain Broken<br /> Stuck with no hope at all</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The Devil will laugh</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The sinner stays lost<br /> Another life may leave this Earth<br /> Having never heard of Christ and His Cross</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Because while I moan<br /> While I selfishly grumble<br /> Christ cannot use me<br /> To reach a life that has crumbled</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> So instead of complaining<br /> And fussing and such<br /> I will choose to stay faithful<br /> And see that I’ve been blessed so much</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> For to live my life focused only on me<br /> Is a life that I refuse<br /> To die having wasted my very breath<br /> Instead of giving God my breath to use</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Because I have been chosen<br /> To shine a light<br /> To offer hope <br /> In the darkest night</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And on the day <br /> When my last breath I take<br /> I want to have given all I could<br /> To share the Love of God and for the Gospel’s sake</span>Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-60889365357896104112016-07-09T20:48:00.000-07:002016-07-20T21:05:32.281-07:00Just Thinking...About LaodiceaThe greatest problem in the American church is that we are the
Laodicean church! The most prominent message I hear today, especially by
Christian Television and media is the “Prosperity” Gospel. It’s all
about blessing, breakthrough and the pursuit of personal satisfaction.
Apparently the sign of God’s blessing is money, jet planes, impressive
homes and big buildings. Who Knew?<br />
<br />
We fear struggle more than we
fear The Spirit. We fear losing money more than we fear losing our
anointing. We fear losing our prestige more than we fear losing our
voice. We fear losing our tax exempt status more than we fear losing the
presence of God.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, race wars are breaking out, our
cities are being destroyed, our citizens are being murdered, our
officers are being mowed down in the streets and our babies are being
killed in the womb. Evil is redefined and legislated to be
righteousness and the righteous are viewed and portrayed as hapless
idiots.<br />
<br />
We stand as a Christian community, wringing our hands
and saying, “I don’t understand why we are not respected and honored
like we used to be. Why won’t anyone listen to us?” We attempt to
bolster our waning influence through boycott and forcing the legislation
of morality, instead of allowing God to create a moral revolution
driven by The Spirit of God, in us, through us and into the conscience
of our country. Political expediency is, seemingly, easier than
Spirit-driven transformation. (Oh, and hopefully it won’t affect our
bank accounts. Because, after all, calling sin sin and calling out for
repentance may negatively impact our finances, P.R. and very thorough
marketing plans.) Where do you suppose this is all heading? How’s it
working out?<br />
<br />
The media on the right and the left are putting forth a racist, evil
and deceptive narrative of events that seem designed, purposefully, to
stir up abomination, anger, hate and division. Sadly, the Christian
community is, by and large, getting sucked in hook, line and sinker. By
all means, we need a few more posts, articles, commentaries and sermons
from inside the Christian church that explain why the Whites are wrong,
the Blacks are wrong, the Latinos are wrong, the Bora Borians are wrong,
the Gilligans Islanders are wrong, the republicans, the democrats, the
government is wrong...and on and on. I know this is true because CNN,
MSNBC, Fox News, E.S.P.N. and that really smart guy on public access
told me so!<br />
<br />
What we really need is just a teeny weenie bit more
media parroting hatred and division from those who claim to be a voice
for Christ. (Oh and we need some more supposedly theologically sound
discussion of why the things God calls sin aren't REALLY sin. That one
news interview with that one college theology professor from that one
college explained to me how what the Bible says isn't really what it
says. I'm glad that confusion got cleared up. Also, eliminating the
truth of God's Word will bring the people running and the money
flowing. Woo Hoo!)<br />
<br />
Is all of this the message of The Gospel?
Does it matter? Is this the message that will facilitate revival and
release an awakening of The Spirit of God? Is this the message of The
Apostle Paul who said:<br />
<br />
<b> Galatians 3:26–29 (NLT)</b> <br />
<i>26 For you
are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who
have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting
on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free,
male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that
you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his
heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.”</i><br />
<br />
And yet, the
united voice of the Christian church seems to be more attuned to being
en vogue than being a voice. Jesus is knocking at the door church! It’s
time to let Him back in!Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-88807037125806563132016-07-08T21:03:00.000-07:002016-07-20T21:03:46.099-07:00Just Thinking.....About America<br />
What
can you say? How do you digest the devastating wounds that we are
inflicting on ourselves? At what point will we see that the culture that
we have created in this country is killing us from the inside. At what
point do we realize that our politicians are useless to help fix the
gaping wounds that are bleeding life out of America? At what point do we
realize that meaningless arguments and the hatred spread from social
media to the streets of our country is succeeding in nothing except for
driving a deeper wedge between “US” and “THEM?” We are all US! We are
citizens of the U.S. At what point do we realize that it’s not O.K. to
continue to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that we don’t know
our country is imploding? It’s not acceptable to say it’s not your
problem. It’s not reality to say “It’s not that bad.” At what point do
we quit blaming our broken condition on things that are irrelevant to
the real problems we face? At what point do we realize that we have to
turn to turn back to God if we have any hope at all of righting this
sinking ship. <br />
I have watched with incredible sadness and I admit
overwhelming anger, the events of the last several days, months and now
years. What I see is that death drives hate and hate drives death. What
I see is that when you create a culture that devalues life then lives
are lost because they are not valued. It is a natural, and seemingly
obvious, conclusion. Maybe not? From the abortion clinic to the nursing
home to the streets of our cities life doesn’t really mean much anymore.
Oh we say it does but in reality we watch people being shot, we watch
the news of officers being murdered, we debate whether our taxes should
be used to kill unborn babies in the womb and then we yawn as we go back
to posting selfies and discussing the Kardashians.<br />
<br />
I love our Police Officers! Let me say that again so there is no
confusion, I LOVE OUR POLICE OFFICERS! I can’t begin to imagine and I
won’t pretend to try and understand the pressure our law enforcement
officials are under. They have to deal with stuff every day that all of
us who sit on our high horses pretend to understand and feel free to
criticize. They are asked to walk in to situations that require split
second judgments and actions. Their job description is to run in while
you are running away. They see and experience on a regular basis what
many of us would not wish to experience even once in a lifetime. Those
who are so critical of law enforcement tell me, when was the last time
you put your life on the line for someone you don’t even know?
Hmm…awfully quiet out there. These individuals are husbands and wives,
sons and daughters, friends and family. They don’t have any desire to
die. They don’t look forward to being shot or stabbed our assaulted.
They don’t enjoy being criticized or hated, but they are willing to risk
all of these outcomes to protect you and me. All of you who are or have
been in some way involved with law enforcement THANK YOU!<br />
<br />
Having said that, we also must address what is real, not just what
we wish to be real. What is real is that there are bad police officers.
Not all officers are bad! A majority of officers are not bad! A lot of
officers aren’t bad! There are VERY FEW! The problem we face in our
country right now is these few give the whole community a bad name. As I
type this, I am broken to be watching the news of the Dallas Police
Officers who were inexplicably executed in cold blood. Their crime? I
guess their crime was to show up and protect the people who were
protesting them. I admit that I don’t know everything that is going on
in this situation, but it appears at this moment, they were killed as
some form of protest of what other officers supposedly did. Maybe this
information will change as the investigation proceeds. If it is true
then why are they paying the price for the bad apples who aren’t true
police officers, but thugs in a uniform? I can only believe that all of
the faithful and committed officers out there wish to get rid of these
criminals in uniform as much as anyone else. Why would they want their
names and reputations damaged by these frauds?<br />
<br />
It is so awful and
absolutely unacceptable that we seem to be constantly presented with
videos or accounts of young black men being shot by police officers.
When I see what I see, the evidence seems pretty convincing that they
are being shot down without legitimate cause. Do you know what the
problem with my opinion is? I don’t have any idea what I’m talking
about. I don’t know who is telling the truth because I wasn’t there. I
don’t know what happened before these recordings began. I don’t know
what the officers perceived to be happening. I don’t know if they were
threatened. I don’t really know anything.<br />
<br />
The sad truth is the loudest voices of hatred against the police
are emanating from people who don’t know a shred of information more
than I do. As hard and as dangerous as it seems to be to say some of
those who are killed are killed because of terrible choices they made.
It may not be politically correct to say, but it is true. Maybe we
could let each case be investigated and allow those with knowledge to
determine what really happened. If the evidence is as it seems to be,
these so-called officers are guilty of murder. When it is true that one
of our fellow citizens is gunned down, then justice must be served. If
it is shown that the one who was killed is at fault then we must face
that reality also and put the blame where the blame is justified.<br />
<br />
There are more than a few of my friends that look at these protests
that are happening related to these incidents and are quick to
criticize. They see anger and, at times, the destruction of cities. It
is easy to dismiss this as simply criminal behavior. However, just as it
is true that there are some criminal police officers, there are
criminal protesters. There are those who are willing to destroy their
own communities, not to truly protest anything, but just because they
can. Sensible people of any racial background cannot believe the
destruction of neighborhoods, businesses and property are productive
ways to make their voices heard. Murdering innocent police officers is
no more justifiable as a tactic as the incidents that are supposedly
being protested. Sometimes criminals are just being criminals.<br />
<br />
However, we CANNOT use the activity of criminals to outshine those who
are protesting for what may very well be a justifiable cause. If people
of any color are being shot unjustifiably then a protest at the very
least is in order. If my son or daughter was shot for no reason,
mistaken reason or even worse criminal reason, I would, most certainly,
protest as well. I would likely demand justice and not stand down until I
received justice. Why is that so hard to understand? We are all the
same and we would probably react in similar fashion. It’s true right? Be
honest.<br />
<br />
Here’s the thing. When all is said and done there is an answer for all
of this that very few are willing to hear. The answer is Jesus Christ.
Anyone who has truly studied the Word of God and understands what it
teaches about love, hope, reconciliation and peace knows that this is
the answer. I know this opinion is easily mocked and ridiculed. However,
what I also know is that in Christ there is no white, black, Hispanic
or any other racial separation. There are only sons and daughters of the
Living God. I love our country. I am praying that God will visit us
again and help us to pull out of the mess we have made. I am not
concerned with what anyone thinks about my answer to all of this. It is
reality. I think for the believer in Christ there is no more time to
worry about what people think, we must pray, we must love, we must
preach the good news of Jesus Christ. It is our only hope. <br />
<br />Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-81536069735193332602016-06-13T21:15:00.000-07:002016-07-20T21:15:57.637-07:00Just Thinking....About Orlando<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So while scrolling through all
of the responses to the shootings in Florida, I have found the typical
get rid of guns, get more guns, it's the Muslims, it's not the Muslims
banter. There are the various insults, profanities and the typical name
calling. None of which is actually helping anything. It does seem to
make people feel like they are important and accomplishing something
though. So maybe that is a good way for them to vent their anger.
However, once in a while some individual who seems to believe in the
greatness of their intelligence will bring up the supposedly brilliant
argument that Christians are just as violent as Muslims. This argument
is often strengthened by pointing out that Adolf Hitler and the Nazis
were "Christians." While I sit dumbfounded by the absolute ignorance of
this argument a couple of thoughts occur to me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> First, the truth
is Hitler did use Christianity in his evil. The Nazis did, in fact,
cause many of the churches to join Hitler in his perverted beliefs by
using German pastors as tools for his political aspirations. HOWEVER!!!!
There was a sizable group of Christian pastors and leaders from all
over the world who stood strongly, openly and vocally in opposition to
Hitler and his agenda. Men like Dietrich Bonhoeffer. (I would suppose
many reading this may not know this man. It would be wise for you to
look him up) These men and woman actually gave their lives attempting to
take down Adolf Hitler. They recognized the real problem and
sacrificially set out to do something about it. They realized that the
Christian faith was being perverted and used as an avenue for the
propagation of evil. They weren't quietly sitting on the sidelines but
boldly standing against, being imprisoned for and giving their lives for
the mission of stopping this tyrant. It was never the Christians who
were behind this evil, it was Hitler and the Nazis.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> It is true
that there will always be a perversion of the Christian faith, but there
will always be a strong outcry from those who truly know the Word of
God. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> So, my question is for those who claim Islam is a religion of
peace. Where is the huge groundswell of Muslim believers who are so
strongly standing against this perversion of their religion? Where is
the voice of the resistance? I don't see it. I do realize there are a
few voices here and there but where is the organized voice of the
peaceful Muslim? Most of what I see is an immediate running to a
microphone to tell people they are not allowed to believe that Islam is a
religion of hate and violence, while commenting on yet another act of
hate and violence perpetrated by someone who claims Islam as their faith
and yells “Allahu Akbar” while carrying out the act. The anger gets
directed at the victims, their families and all of the Americans and
others who are wondering why these Muslim believers keep killing us.
Somehow their actions are the fault of those who would even dare ask the
question. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Are ALL Muslims violent extremists? Absolutely not! I
do not believe, in any way, that all Muslims are violent extremists,
but the fact is, there are terrorist attacks occurring consistently that
are either directly linked to, or at least inspired by, the radical
Islamic belief system. Somehow and in some way those who believe their
religion is being hijacked need to stand up in mass and put an end to it
or at least vocally oppose it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Now, let’s move back to Hitler
the “Christian” and his Nazi “Christian” cohorts. When logic and good
sense ruled in the world, evil was met by a resolve to destroy it. No
one ran around blaming the weapons Hitler and the Nazis used to destroy.
MILLIONS of Jews were killed in the Nazi gas chambers. You did not see
people running around claiming there needed to be a ban on gas chambers.
Why? Gas chambers were not the problem. Hitler was the problem. The
Nazis were the problem. I want to be very clear about something. What
I’m about to say is not because I am either in favor of or against the
second amendment and the access to guns. So PLEASE keep the gun
arguments out of this. That is not the point of THIS post. If you wish
to argue about gun control there are many other posts that are not hard
to find today.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What I know is the problem is far bigger than guns. Not one single
person was killed on 9/11 because of a gun. In Israel, they are facing
terrorist attacks on a very regular basis. Many don’t know this because
they are, apparently, too busy to pay attention. What is the weapon of
choice in these attacks? A Knife. These attacks are happening often.
There aren’t as many people killed in these attacks, but the frequency
with which they are occurring is leaving just as much damage. Just last
week Yazidi woman were burned to death because they refused to be raped
by their captors. In the last few months a Jordanian pilot was placed in
a cage and burned to death. Others were placed in cages and lowered
into water. Christians were forced to kneel on top of bombs that were
buried in the ground. Bombs exploded! Christians dead! People EVERY DAY
are being crucified, burnt, blown up, thrown off of buildings, drown and
beheaded. These people are Christians, Muslims, Jews, Palestinians,
Hindus, Buddhists, gays, straights, woman, men and children. What is the
one thing all of these evil and disgusting acts have in common? It
wasn’t guns. I’ll leave it up to you to figure out the common
denominator. And another question; Why no massive outcry on facebook and
twitter in support of these lives? The silence is deafening. I think
the real answer to that question may be very telling. (Excuse me your
hypocrisy is showing)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also, the young man who attacked the nightclub was, apparently, known by
the F.B.I. since 2013 to be tied to terror and acquainted with a man
involved with suicide bombings. (When a background check was done for
his “so easy to purchase” guns, why wasn’t this information available to
the seller? A different question for a different post) How many people
have been killed by Islamic terrorist suicide bombings in, let’s say,
the last 5 years? HUNDREDS!! My point is that you can ban “assault”
weapons if you want. It won’t make a difference. You can ban all guns if
you want. It won’t make a difference. Those who have a core ideology of
killing people they hate will always find a way to kill people they
hate. While we argue about guns and things maybe we could take a moment
to remember that there is an entire branch of Islam that believes they
are called, not to prevent war and death, but to provoke a war in order
for their “Mahdi” or their Messiah to show up and rule over a new
Islamic kingdom. For those who think I don’t know what I’m talking about
please study it out yourself. If starting a war through violence and
hate is your core belief you cannot negotiate peace. They are going to
kill and believe they are doing it for God. All Muslims DO NOT believe
this way, but there are many that do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I realize the knee jerk reaction to ban guns is strong when emotions
are running high but we must honestly face the fact that the guns
weren't the cause of the senseless violence in Florida. The guns were
tools used to carry out an act based on the true cause which was a
theology of hate, probably reinforced in the mind of someone who wasn’t
mentally stable to begin with. This is not a pro or anti gun statement,
this is a statement of truth. His guns were tools just like gas
chambers, hijacked planes, bombs knives, fire and water. Again, this is a
much bigger problem than guns.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I’m not against peaceful Muslims
and their freedom to worship. America is, at least at the moment, a free
country with the freedom of religion. While I believe Islam is a false
and deceptive religion I will not oppose those who wish to practice it.
Muslims have every constitutional right to worship as they wish. At the
same time, I will boldly proclaim my belief that Jesus Christ is the
only way to Heaven and others can accept or reject that message. What I
do adamantly oppose is any ideology that condones the murder of
Americans or anyone else because they refuse to convert to their
perverted ideology. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Hitler and the Nazis had to be defeated. The
United States and the rest of the civilized world stood up and declared
we are going to put an end to them. The true Christian church stood up
and said Hitler and the Nazis need to be stopped. They unified and said
we are going to stand against evil in the world and eliminate it. We
cannot continue to use the actions of people who are determined to kill
in any way they can to justify political agendas that, at their core,
are not the problem. It is high time that America and the rest of the
world step up and with one united voice say enough is enough. I hear
politicians; both democrat and republican talk a big game about stopping
radical Islam in the world. However, at the end of the day they send
out a few “strongly condemn” tweets and then go back to their
fundraising and campaigning and fail to make a real stand. This is not
helping either</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> In the end though, it doesn’t matter what politicians do because the
real problem is not political. We can fight wars, kill terrorists and
imprison sympathizers. It is the number one job of our government to
protect the people. It is their responsibility and they must do that in
ways that are very difficult and costly. However, war, death and prison
will not stop hate. Why? Because our world is broken. The problem is
that men’s hearts are desperately wicked and full of sin. It may seem
like too simple of a thing to say but it is true. I am going to go to my
grave proclaiming that there is an answer for the sin and for the
destructive hate. The answer is Jesus Christ. In the Word of God He is
called the Prince of Peace. It is only in Christ that hearts can be
changed. Hatred is turned to love and war is overcome by peace. Most of
the world will mock and reject the gospel message of Christ. It doesn’t
change the truth of the message. However, there will be a day when
Christ comes and sets up a kingdom that will reign in worldwide peace.
That is the only time we will actually have an opportunity to see peace
on Earth. When you are overwhelmed by the circumstances of the times,
turn to Christ. He is your answer. Accepting Christ may not bring peace
to the world today, but it will bring peace to you and there will be a
day when you will see peace in the world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Finally, my heart goes
out to the families and friends of those who were lost at the hands of
this murderer. I choose not to see those who were killed as “those
gays.” These were real people with real families and friends who loved
them. We cannot allow them to be perceived as nameless and faceless
individuals. I see them as fellow Americans, as human beings, and as
people who were loved by God. I do not accept that this was an attack on
“The Gay Community.” There are times when we may discuss and debate our
different "communities" and beliefs, but there are times when we need
to stand together. This is one of those times. This was an attack on the
fellow citizens of my country. We are all Americans and this was an
attack on all of us. There is no excuse and no justification for what
happened to them and we should all do our own part to try our best to
keep it from happening again.</span>Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-38987350126318228832016-06-09T21:22:00.000-07:002016-07-20T21:31:46.543-07:00Just Thinking About.....ToleranceTolerance seems to be the buzzword of the current socially accepted,
politically correct, modern culture. We are told that everyone should
be tolerant of others. Seriously though, no one actually believes that.
You don't believe it and I don't believe it. It would be more accurate
to say that everyone must be tolerant of what THEY dictate. Am I Wrong?
Look at the comment section of any article or post relating to Biblical
values, traditional marriage, abstinence before marriage, the pro-life
position or anything that has to do with a strong Christian stand in
general. You will quickly find yourself immersed in the warm and loving
arms of the new and “tolerant” society. All of the sudden, differences
of opinion will, most definitely, not be tolerated. Wait one second! I
think that’s called hypocrisy. Don’t point that out though. That would
be intolerant of you. Manipulation, intimidation and control all in the
beautiful name of tolerance.<br />
<br />
Is the church immune to this?
Hardly! Every day my facebook, twitter, instagram and "conservative"
leaning news sites are filled with hateful and disrespectful articles,
posts and pictures about the “evil left,” “Those idiots,” and my
personal favorite “The demoncrats.” …......Demoncrats???? Really?? I bet
Jesus gets a good laugh out of "demoncrats" right? LOL Jesus probably
hates those people too right?? Uhh? Maybe not! I’m frustrated and
discouraged to say some of those people posting and commentating are
called “Pastor.” Sometimes I catch myself saying to myself, “Wow I
thought that person was a Christian. Oh wait! They are?! The devil must
have hacked their twitter account. I better pray about that.” Sometimes I
feel tempted to say the same things. Father, lead me not into
temptation!<br />
<br />
Wouldn’t it be better if we were ACTUALLY tolerant? And by tolerant
I mean intolerant. Huh? I’m just going to say it; I’m not very tolerant
about some things as it relates to my life and what I believe the
church is called to be. I have strong opinions on what's the best
direction for our country and our society. These beliefs are based on
strong foundations. I’m not just going to roll over and play dead
because someone doesn’t like what I believe.<br />
<br />
The thing is, I’m
willing to bet you are the same way. There are certain things that you
aren’t very tolerant of because you believe it. If you don't have things
that you believe in deeply, you are not tolerant, you are weak! So
here’s the thing, isn’t real tolerance being tolerant of others
intolerance. Wait! Don’t tune out on me now. Is it really tolerant to
only tolerate what it is that you believe? It’s not that hard for me to
tolerate people who believe like me. So, the only real way for me to
truly be tolerant is to tolerate people who don’t believe like me,
right? <br />
<br />
Let me put it this way, I believe that homosexuality is sin in the eyes
of God. I don’t, in any way, hate homosexuals. (This is the part where I
say I have people in my life that I care deeply about that are living a
homosexual lifestyle which will then cue those who will mock me for
saying I have people in my life that I care about that live a homosexual
lifestyle. Tolerance is awesome!) Anyway, I don't hate them, I just
disagree. I believe that abortion is the killing of an unborn child. I
don’t hate people who believe in abortion and I certainly do not hate
those who have had an abortion. I just disagree with them. I believe
that The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God. I don’t hate people who
disagree. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. You
don’t believe that? O.K. Guess what? I disagree with you, with very
strong and long thought out reason. However, I don’t hate you and I will
stand up for your right to disagree with me. We can discuss it. Put it
out there in the arena of ideas and see where it leads. No hatred, no
intimidation or belittling others beliefs, but a real robust,
uncompromised and respectful debate. If people don't have the guts to
discuss their beliefs without anger, hate and trying to shut the voice
of the other, as I have said before, maybe the argument is just not that
good. I am willing to stand in the arena of ideas because I believe
that I know what's true and real. I truly believe that I know what, or
should I say who, can fix our country and our society. I'm not ashamed
to put it out there.<br />
<br />
Why do I think this way? And maybe this is more for the church folk
reading this. I think this way because, believe it or not this is what
the Bible teaches. The Apostle Paul, who wrote a big chunk of the New
Testament, operated this way. He would go in to a place where they were
debating ideas and join the debate. When Paul spoke many believed him.
Some didn’t. Some tried to kill him. Not very tolerant, but hey,
whatever. No plan is perfect I suppose. The point is Paul would go into a
place that had 300 “gods.” He didn’t ridicule them. Instead, he said,
“Let me talk to you about that “unknown god” you have there. This is
what I believe about Him.<br />
<br />
Jesus, himself, hung out with the tax
collectors, the sinners, the prostitutes, and worst of all, he hung out
with the church people too. He had conversations on the ocean fishing,
at a well getting a drink and over in that part of the country where
that "other" race of people lived. He didn't care. He would listen to
them, love them and then tell them the truth. Again, some accepted him,
others didn't. The religious people and the government killed him
though. The thing is Jesus planned to die. He planned to die for the
same folks that were currently rejecting him and his ideas. I think
that's called love.<br />
<br />
In the end, what an individual believes is up to that individual and
that individual can live with the consequence of that choice one way or
another. If I’m not mistaken, that is the real definition of tolerance.
This mess we have going on, especially in The United States, is
ridiculous!! NO ONE can make a case for their beliefs one way or the
other because everyone is screaming and simultaneously covering their
ears saying, “nana nana nana I’m not listening to you.” Is it not
glaringly apparent that the direction our country is going is not
working? The only thing this whole tolerance thing has been successful
in doing is tearing our country apart. Racism is increasing. Hatred is
multiplying! Anger is on the rise! Our cities are being destroyed.
Injustice is prevailing. And guess what? Donald can’t fix it. Hillary
can’t fix it and even if you are really “feeling the Bern,” Bernie can’t
fix it either. Don't be so foolish as to believe that they can! Why,
because the problems are not political, they are spiritual. Just to be
clear, THE PROBLEMS ARE NOT POLITICAL THEY ARE SPIRITUAL!!! Spiritual
answers need a true spiritual answer. That’s what I believe. What if
there was a better way? What if we just talked about it? But what do I
know I’m just an idiot Bible-thumper right? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-23107948504627865622016-05-21T18:17:00.002-07:002016-07-20T21:05:58.763-07:00Just Thinking.....About Truth<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="d3rne-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d3rne-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d3rne-0-0"><span data-text="true">Truth cannot be changed by those who are offended by it, disagree with it, hate it or hate others over it. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="lct-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="lct-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="lct-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="csdgq-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="csdgq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="csdgq-0-0"><span data-text="true">Truth is unmoved by presidential decree, congressional approval or judicial justification. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="3nptu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3nptu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3nptu-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="d4qs3-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d4qs3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="d4qs3-0-0"><span data-text="true"> Truth cannot be shaped by cultural beliefs, trends, political correctness or childish intimidation.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="dn67o-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dn67o-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dn67o-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="1nho8-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1nho8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1nho8-0-0"><span data-text="true">You cannot friend or unfriend enough people to make a lie the truth. You cannot post enough on social media to justify falsehood.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="2hbdi-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2hbdi-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2hbdi-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="fc5i1-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fc5i1-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fc5i1-0-0"><span data-text="true"> Truth will not be affected by attacking the intelligence of those who stand for it. If you must insult others intelligence to try and force your opinion then your argument may not be as strong as you suppose. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="dk7k-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dk7k-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dk7k-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="9t7l8-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9t7l8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="9t7l8-0-0"><span data-text="true"> Contrary to popular belief, truth is not, and cannot by definition, be relative. If something is true then something that is opposed to that truth must, again by definition, be untrue. One's experience or upbringing does not define truth. It may be a factor in shaping a point of view but it does not define truth. Culture, experience, upbringing, education and a host of other factors may be relative, but truth never is.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="7rra5-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7rra5-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7rra5-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="7nqtu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7nqtu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="7nqtu-0-0"><span data-text="true">Therefore, those who know the truth have no need to be offended by, disrespect or hate those who choose to embrace a lie. To stand on the side of truth is its own justification. Hatred and disrespect only make you look like the one hating you. Hate will not overcome hate. The obligation of those who stand on the side of truth is to, without compromise, share that truth with anyone and everyone. Many will not believe.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="5rmc1-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5rmc1-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5rmc1-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="fj0fg-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fj0fg-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fj0fg-0-0"><span data-text="true">It is all but guaranteed that you will be hated for sharing the truth. Do not return hate for hate. This is not the Kingdom of God.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="e5u6i-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e5u6i-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="e5u6i-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="fi2ff-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fi2ff-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="fi2ff-0-0"><span data-text="true"> You will be in the minority of popular opinion if you stand for the truth. (It is also important to understand truth is not determined by how many people believe it.) Remain unaffected. Keep your focus on truth. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="5lria-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5lria-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5lria-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="f9akr-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f9akr-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="f9akr-0-0"><span data-text="true"> Truth will be the only thing that still exists when cultural trends and political correctness have all passed. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me." Jesus Christ is the unchanging truth. His word is truth and it will stand forever. This will never change.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="bjitu-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bjitu-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bjitu-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="6l6qm-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6l6qm-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="6l6qm-0-0"><span data-text="true"> In the end, it is each ones prerogative whether to accept Christ as the truth or not. However, Christ and His Word will remain standing whether they are accepted or not. All roads do not lead to Heaven. There is only one.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="77h8m-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="77h8m-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="77h8m-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="8i7dm-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8i7dm-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8i7dm-0-0"><span data-text="true"> Sin and unrighteousness will separate you from God. What is Sin? Sin is what God defines it to be, not what humanity wishes it to be. This cannot be changed by opinion either. It can only be known through the Word of God and it can only be remedied by accepting Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and asking him for forgiveness. Truth.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="5u7ul-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5u7ul-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5u7ul-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="cr0sv-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cr0sv-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cr0sv-0-0"><span data-text="true"> I invite anyone who would read this to accept that truth. You do not have to. It is your choice. If not, I as a believer in Christ can still have respect for you and care for you. I will pray that one day you will come to know and accept the truth. It really is a life and death decision. I would expect the same respect from you, but I am prepared for it not to be reciprocated. Speaking truth sometimes has that affect. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="dgchs-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dgchs-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dgchs-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="4npap" data-offset-key="8ht4s-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8ht4s-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8ht4s-0-0"><span data-text="true">I will end with this. If you really seek the truth, you will find it. When you find it you will discover that it is Jesus. He Loves you. He always has. God Bless, Tom</span></span></div>
</div>
Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-11316274663236597202016-04-30T12:48:00.001-07:002016-05-21T18:24:42.429-07:00DON'T JUDGE ME!!<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is inevitable! I am mindlessly scrolling through my facebooktwitterinstagrametc. page and I will run across a post from a Christian brother or sister or from a non-believing friend with a nice beautiful graphic of some kind saying something to the affect of "It's not my job to judge" or "It's not your job to judge" or "It's only God who is to judge me or others." It all sounds nice. It's even got a pretty picture of a flower, a beautiful little butterfly, or a person dancing on the beach to back up the sentiment.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Just as inevitably, the "theology" of the post will be backed up with the scripture that in our day and age may now be more well known than good ole' John 3:16. "Judge not that you be not judged." "SEE! SEE! screams the brother, sister or friend, "The book says you are not to judge." My question is, is it actually true that The Bible tells us that we are not to judge anything or anybody? The answer may come as a shock.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before we dive into that though, let's take a quick look at this whole judge not business. Matthew 7:1 says:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br />“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, there it is preacher!! I told you the Bible says not to judge me! O.K. hold on just a minute. Let's take a look at what this verse is really saying shall we?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> In order to spare you all of the theological mumbo jumbo, let me just say that the word translated in our Bibles as judge is a word that means to condemn someone. Essentially, it means to say to someone I have determined that you are worthy of condemnation to Hell and I, myself am pronouncing that judgment on you. A little word of advice to those who would feel they have this kind of power. YOU ARE NOT GOD! You have NO authority to condemn someone to Hell or to condemn someone because you deem them worthy of condemnation. Now wait a minute, you may be saying, "aren't you saying exactly what I'm saying. You are not to judge me. There it is, cut and dry!"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Keep holding on, let's continue on for a moment.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew 7:1 also tells us that we are not to judge others that we would not be judged. It goes on to say, "The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. So, what does this mean? It means that we are, first and foremost, not to judge another person for something that we ourselves are not taking care of in our own life. If I am a thief, Jesus says, it is not cool to run around condemning other thieves while I've got the same sin in my own life. Jesus teaches that we are to worry, first, about the sin that is going on in our own lives before we worry about what is going on in someone Else's life, or as Jesus also put it, get the log out of your own eye before you worry about the speck in your brothers eye. However, here is the question, are we NEVER supposed to say something about the speck in our brother's eye?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may be surprised to learn that in the very SAME CHAPTER where Jesus says, "Judge not," he then tells those present about some of the things that they are supposed to judge. Jesus warns his disciples and all who are there that they are to identify and judge the teaching of false prophets</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> Matthew 7:15-20(NKJV)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Did I mention this is the SAME CHAPTER, SAME CONVERSATION as the "Judge not" verse. Jesus says "Judge not" and then turns around and tells them to judge false teachers. Is this the only place where we are exhorted to judge others? Take a look at these scriptures:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Judge
Disputes between Believers:</b> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians
6:1-8(NKJV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>6 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! 7 Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? 8 No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! </i><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Judging
and addressing sin in the church: </b></span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians
5:9-13(NKJV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b><i>9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”</i><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Judging
the doctrine of teachers</b> : </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Matt.
7:15–20(We already read)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> 1 Corinthians 14:29(NKJV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.</i><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> 1 John 4:1(NKJV)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the one that may really tweak some in and out of the church world today. We are supposed to judge whether someone is a believer in Christ or not.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Judging
whether others are believers or not: </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2 Corinthians
6:14-18(NLT)</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>
</b></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><i><span lang="en-US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">14</span> </span><span lang="en-US">Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? </span><span lang="en-US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">15</span> </span><span lang="en-US">What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? </span><span lang="en-US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">16</span> </span><span lang="en-US">And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. </span><span lang="en-US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">17</span> </span><span lang="en-US">Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span lang="en-US">. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. </span><span lang="en-US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">18</span> </span><span lang="en-US">And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span lang="en-US"> Almighty.”</span></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">Do I not have to make judgments about certain things for these verses to be applied in my life? or yours? Let's continue.</span><i><span lang="en-US"> </span></i></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";"><b>Judging
qualifications for leadership:</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";"> <b>1
Timothy 3:1-13(NKJV)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";"><i> 3 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.</i><b><br /></b></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";"></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";"><b>Judging
the unruly:</b> <b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";"><b>1 Thessalonians 5:14(NKJV)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span lang="en-US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">14</span> </span><span lang="en-US">Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">I could go on but I will stop right here. As you can see, the blanket statement that we are not to judge anyone or anything is completely antithetical to what scripture really says. We are to judge. We aren't to judge anyone to condemnation because we are not qualified for that job. Only one is and his name is Jesus. However, we are to judge many things, not in order to condemn, but to warn and to challenge. Whatever anyone thinks about the validity of the words of The Bible one thing is true. Every word will last forever! Every word will prove true. It is up to us as believers to warn, to challenge, to encourage believers and to also proclaim the truth of the gospel to those who do not believe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US"> The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) We do not speak truth and we are not being honest when we tell others it is not our job to judge. In fact, we could very well be causing eternal damage to their lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">Last point for today. Just because we are told to make judgments about things does not mean that we are not to love. Love and judgment must go hand in hand or only harm can come of it. </span><span lang="en-US">Any judgments, rebukes, words of correction must come from a place of absolute love. It must be the love of God in us that compels us not to be silent when we see something that is going to lead someone to the eternal judgment that will come from Christ. God's love for every individual is without end and our love for them should be the same. It must be our love for others that compels us to speak when we see danger ahead. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US"><b>Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of every man's sin. What a disservice if we don't tell others they need that forgiveness. We must make judgments! However, that judgment must be for the purpose of reconciliation with God not for the condemnation of the soul. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">Don't be silenced by the voice of those who would say "Don't judge me," but instead with the love of God, speak The Word of God and let The Spirit of God do the rest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">Be Blessed, Tom </span><i><span lang="en-US"> </span></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US"> </span></span></span>
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<br />Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-28477314605302118362015-06-26T14:48:00.000-07:002016-05-21T18:24:56.401-07:00Where Do We Go From Here<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">I,
like everyone else was greeted with the news this morning that The Supreme
Court has decided that homosexual couples have the right to marry in The United
States. As I have scrolled through my news feeds and social media pages, I have
read a variety of opinions that are as wide as the Grand Canyon. Some people,
whom I love and care for are rejoicing that today is a “great day.” Others are
lashing out in anger. Still others are expressing grief and sadness over this
ruling. Add to this the name calling, personal attacks and venomous words that
are being spewed from every side and I wonder where should we go from here?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">I
feel like there are several things that we need to consider. I am sure that I
will anger some as I share my thoughts, but please hear my heart and simply
think about it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">1. Everyone is
allowed to have an opinion</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">There
is a lost principle in our culture today that needs to be found again. It IS possible
to fundamentally disagree with another person’s opinion without hating or
attacking them. It would seem from what I see and read that if I disagree with
someone or they disagree with me, we must hate each other. This is not
productive, nor helpful. I have read things today from individuals who,
knowingly or unknowingly are calling me all sorts of vile names. While not
saying my name directly, they have lumped together every person who believes as
I do into one very vulgar and disrespectful category. The trouble is these
individuals are people that I know and have relatively good relationships with.
I don’t believe they would ever say those things to my face directly, but it’s
not me they are speaking of. It is the “THEY” of idiotic people who disagree
and who are not “enlightened” enough to know what’s really going on. This
happens on all sides of the argument. I have also noticed people who agree with
my opinion completely that I am disgusted by. The hatred coming from some on
the “Christian” side of things is just as vile and repulsive in the eyes of God
as anything else. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";"> Does hatred, name-calling and disrespect
reflect the love that Christ has commanded us to show? I am not for one moment
speaking of compromising Biblical truth. I’m speaking of simple Christ-like love
and respect. It is easy to sit behind a computer screen or in our churches and
lash out at nameless and faceless people. It is much different when you are
engaged in a face to face relationship with someone, with whom you disagree,
but who still has hopes, dreams, feelings, hurts, struggles and sin. Jesus
truly loves and died for them as much as anyone else. We must reflect that to
our culture. As Christians, we must refuse to become the caricature of hateful,
uninformed Neanderthals that culture and media represent us to be. Don’t fuel
the fire with your own hate. Don’t be overcome with negativity but overcome the
negativity with the true, uncompromised love and compassion of Christ.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">2. The Bible does
not change based on the opinions of a court.</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">It
really makes no difference what the court, the president, the congress or anyone
else says or believes about the issue of homosexuality. In the end, we are not
beholden to any man. Martin Luther said, “My conscience is captive to the Word
of God.” I must confess I agree with this sentiment. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">With
much respect and love I must speak the truth of scripture. Homosexuality is a
sin. It can’t be made to not be sin because men and woman in black robes said
so. It doesn’t work that way. For thousands of years there have been attempts
to eliminate the influence of God and the Bible from society. Each time this
has been attempted, the society falls but the Word of God still stands firm.
This will never change.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">Yes,
the Bible says homosexuality is a sin. However, it must be recognized that we
are ALL sinners. The Bible says, “For ALL have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God.” We must ALL recognize that we are sinners and that we need to
turn to Christ and ask His forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said, “I am the way,
the truth and the life, NO MAN comes to the Father except through me.” My
response to someone who says I am a homosexual is the same as my response to
anyone else who tells me about their sin. You need Jesus. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">Some
will say this is judgment and hatred. This is not hatred. In fact, it is the
complete opposite of hatred. If I see a young child reaching their hand into a
fire, I would do whatever it takes to stop them. Is that hatred? Absolutely
not! It would be hatred to stand by and watch the child get burned. To say to
the homosexual or anyone else for that matter that they need to turn from their
sin and toward Jesus is not hatred at all. If I truly believe the Bible, then I
must believe that there will be an eternal consequence for sin. It would be
hate for me to stand by and say nothing. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">The
love of Christ is that He gave His life on the cross so that we could all find
forgiveness for all of our sin. There is freedom from sin for all who hear and
believe in what Christ has done. Jesus didn’t say I came to be angry and tell
everyone they are going to Hell. He said I have come to give life in all of its
fullness. However, this life can’t be accessed without admitting, and turning away
from our sin. We can’t judge our lives based on what a court or a society says.
We can only rightly judge our lives
according to what scripture says. What scripture counts as sin, we must count
as sin. Anything less that this is to deny what The Bible really says.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">3. We must carry on</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif";">Jesus
never promised that it would be easy to follow Him. He promised the opposite. He
told his disciples that there would be persecution for following him. Where does
the church go from this decision by the Supreme Court? We carry on! We continue
to pray. We continue to preach the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. We continue to love each other and reflect that love in our communities.
We continue to speak the words of scripture without compromise. It may very well
get more difficult to carry on, but we must carry on nonetheless. It is not the
time to shrink back, but to press forward. I will never purposely try to stir up
anger and controversy. We should never look to stir up trouble, but if trouble finds
us, then so be it. Our hearts are captive to the Word of God. </span></span></div>
Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-53970785760429018622015-04-07T20:48:00.001-07:002015-04-07T20:50:11.252-07:00Building Your Wings<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I
was talking to a young man recently. He was one of the core members of my youth
group back in my youth pastoring days. Since then he has gotten married, had a
child and started a successful small business. We spoke of his struggles
growing his business and knowing when to expand or to hold off. Where is that
fine line between faith and wisdom anyway? I was sharing about some of the
obstacles we have faced in building our church facility and pastoring a church
in general. Obviously there are differences between business and pastoring, but
there are some things that are the same no matter what you feel like your life’s
career or pursuit might be. One of those things is that nothing in life is certain
except for the fact that nearly everything is uncertain.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">During
the course of the conversation I was reminded of a plaque that usually sits on
my desk, although, at this moment, it is wrapped in newspaper and safely
sitting in a storage unit waiting for the completion of our church facility.
(Speaking of obstacles) The plaque was actually a gift from my wife. I don’t
remember now what the occasion was, but I do remember how those few simple
words impacted me and have helped guide me through some big and, at times,
scary decisions I have had to make. The plaque simply says, “SOMETIMES YOU’VE
JUST GOT TO TAKE THE LEAP AND BUILD YOUR WINGS ON THE WAY DOWN.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I’m
not too old….at least that’s what I keep telling myself. I am, however, older
than I’ve ever been, and in all of my years I’ve noticed a couple different types
of people. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">First,
there are those people who just live to make it through the day. Sure, there
was a time when they had a dream or a vision about where God would take them,
but that time has seemingly past. Now it’s just the same old job, the same old
routine, the same old everything. Often these same people will complain about
their job, circumstances or whatever, but never seem to do anything about it.
It’s like the man who opened his lunch box and said “bologna on white bread
again!” When his co-worker said, “why don’t you ask your wife to make something
different?” The man replied, “My wife doesn’t make my lunch I do.” If you don’t
like it, why not try something different? Often these people will say things
like, “It just is what it is” or “I used to have a dream but life got in the
way.” Maybe they will say something like, “I’ve got it pretty good here, I
should be happy.” Although while they are speaking you can palpably feel that
they are not where they want to be and they are most certainly not happy or
fulfilled.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">On
the other side of the coin, I’ve seen the faith-walking, risk takers. Last year
I had the opportunity to speak at a church that was founded by a friend, who
unfortunately for us, passed and went on to be with the Lord at a pretty young
age. Their facility is actually an old school that was purchased and turned in
to a church. This was no small undertaking, financially or practically. This is
also not some big mega-church congregation. Instead, it’s a small but dedicated
group of believers who were, up until his passing, led by one of the most faith-filled
people I have ever met. Since his passing, his wife and other members have picked up the
baton and continued to carry the vision instilled by Pastor Jeff.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">One
of those young men was showing me around the facility when he relayed to me a
story that I didn’t know. He said, “Pastor Jeff heard about another pastor, who
we all mutually know, who had a vision to buy a school and turn it in to a
church. That pastor did exactly that, and has built a beautiful facility." He
continued, “Pastor Jeff said, if God can do it for them, He can do it for us
too.” So they set out, with mostly faith and with very little in the way of
resources and managed to buy the school and convert it in to the church that it
is today. This place is now being used to worship God, preach the gospel, heal
the sick and set captives free. Has the journey been easy? Not so much. Was it
possible? Many would probably say no, but apparently it was, because they did
it. The last time I checked my Bible still says, “With God, All things are
possible.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">What
is the difference between the “it is what it is” folks and the risk takers? I
have learned from my own journey with God that it is simply a matter of faith
versus fear. Did I say simply? Yes! Did I say easy? No! There is a difference.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The
battle between faith and fear is a battle that we all will face. It makes no
difference what our vision, career, family situation, finances or anything else
may be. Faith will always be locked in a war with fear. Whichever one you
choose will determine whether you sit where you’re at or you take a leap of
faith and risk it all in pursuit of a God-given vision.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I
want to make something clear though. I’m not talking about some insane and
unwise leap into something that is not of God. I’m talking about those times
when something is pulling you to make a move and you know that it is God. The enemy
will begin to jump on you with fear, doubt and discouragement like, as they
say, a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew. These attacks can tempt you to
back off and maintain the status quo. Don’t do it! Step out and believe God. It
will not be easy, but it will be worth it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">As
I’m typing this, our church has been in the midst of a fourteen month battle to
renovate a building we purchased. One thing after another has come up and, at
times, has seemingly created an impassable barrier between what I have felt God
has said and the “reality” of our situation. Over the course of this time there
has been a price to pay. Some people have left the church. It has caused
financial stress, personal stress, church stress and any other kind of stress
you can imagine. At times people have wondered if we made the right move. Truth
be told, I’ve gone to God on more than one occasion and said, “Are you sure? Did
I hear you right?” Each time there is an assurance that comes over me and a
voice inside that says, “Just keep moving and trust me.” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In
the last couple of months things have finally started to move. Are all the
obstacles gone? Not yet. I doubt they will ever be gone, but there is a
mountain that is moving. Walls are being built, platforms are being constructed
and new plumbing is almost finished. I have never heard something as beautiful
as the sound of a nail gun and a skill saw. The gap between the vision in my
head and the building I’m looking at is getting smaller by the day. I can see
the finish line. It is still a little way off in the distance, but I can see
it. I can visualize the day when we walk in to a facility that is complete and
ready to be used to worship the King of Kings and spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">None
of this would have been possible if not for a decision that I made, along with
my family, our leaders and our congregation to jump ship from the facility that
had been our comfortable home for nearly seven years, purchase a building that
needed a ridiculous amount of work and set up church in a hotel conference room
while we try to get it renovated. From a strictly human point of view, we must
have been out of our minds. However, fourteen months of headaches later and I
can tell you with assurance that I see the end of the road, and at the end of
the road, I am going to say it was all worth it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">At
many points along the way, I have thrown up my arms and said, “God, I jumped in
faith and I feel like I’m crashing and burning.” Gently and with a great amount
of love and assurance, God keeps saying, “Just keep building your wings and you
will be alright.” By faith I am taking Him at His Word.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So,
what about you? Are you an “is what it is” person? Is God calling you out in to
some kind of adventure that seems ridiculous? Do you know it’s him? If so,
maybe it’s time to jump. From a fellow jumper who is furiously trying to build
my wings, I say Go for it! It is better to try and fail than to live life
without having tried at all. You just might find that, if God is in it, you won’t
fail at all. Instead you just might realize that you were born to fly.</span></span></div>
Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-77120025492220472692015-03-30T13:23:00.000-07:002016-07-20T21:09:55.812-07:00The World's Most Underappreciated<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Over
the years I have had a unique opportunity to see inside the ministry of the
church. From pretty much every perspective, I have noticed that there always
seems to be an unsung servant in the church. This individual may be up front in
ministry or may be one who sits back and quietly lives, to the best of their
ability, as an example of what it means to be an authentic Christian.
Sometimes, they do a great job. At other times mistakes and missteps happen. It
seems that this individual pays the price, more than almost anyone else, for the
mistakes, but at the same time is seldom recognized for the steady effort and
example they try to exhibit. It is also true that many of the
"mistakes" are nothing more than misunderstandings and
mischaracterizations leveled by people who are seldom aware of what's really
happening. Since confidentiality is often important in church ministry, this
individual must often take hits for things that are not true, but for the sake
of helping and protecting others, the truth remains confidential. Criticisms are
abundant, encouragements are few and the fish bowl is small. Who is this
individual? Stay tuned!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Growing
up, my parents were both very involved in multiple aspects of the church. My
dad was a Sunday school superintendent, board member, guitar player and all
around utility guy. When things needed to get done, he always tried to help if
he was able. My mom taught me in Sunday school, children's church and also in
what you might call the hand to backside discipleship program. If I wasn't
being a good disciple her hand would guide me from the backside. If church was
happening, we were there. Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday night Bible
study, work day, chicken dinner cooking day, church janitorial duty, you get
the point. My parents were and continue to be amazing examples of what it means
to have a servant’s heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">My
best friend in the world, at that time, was the pastor's son, Brian. The truth
is we were more like brothers than friends. I remember one particular summer,
that we hung out nearly every day. Either he was staying at our house, or I was
staying at the pastor's house. It was great. It was also revealing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Later,
I felt my own call into the ministry. Through the years, I've had the
opportunity to be youth pastor, board member, assistant pastor, and in the last
few years, the "senior" pastor. All of these positions have also
given me the opportunity to see ministry from every angle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I
share these things with you to give you some perspective that I feel like I know
of the things which I'm about to speak. I've seen the church from the Sunday
morning side when everything appears to be perfect, and I've witnessed it from
behind the scenes when it quickly becomes apparent that the church, from the
pastor, his family, and the members of the church are all imperfect people
trying to serve a perfect God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">And
yet, there is one individual who is often expected to be perfect at all times.
Some of you think I'm about to talk about your pastor, right? Although it's
true that a typical pastor is also under a lot of scrutiny as well, it's not
your pastor I'm talking about. I'm talking about your pastor's wife. No, I'm
not being sexist either. I realize that there are female pastors as well, but
for the sake of today's blog, I'm speaking about the faithful pastor's wives
that serve God, their husbands, their families and churches, oftentimes, with
very little recognition and under the magnifying glass of incredible scrutiny.
I can't speak for all pastor's wives, but I do want to say a few things that
may very well be true of your pastor's wife no matter what church you attend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b>1.
The calling of a Pastor's wife is very unique.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I
struggled with how to word this one without being misunderstood. I started to
write that the pastor's wife isn't necessarily a Biblical calling. I know how
that sounds and I don't mean it the way it sounds. What I mean to say is that
there are very few wives (I'm not sure if there are any) who get called to be a
pastor's wife and so the husband drops everything and becomes a pastor in order
for his wife to fulfill her call. Typically, it's the other way around. Usually
the husband is called into the ministry. This may or may not be something that
was known before the couple was married, but the point is, sometimes your
pastor's wife is just your pastor's wife. They weren't necessarily
"called" into what many expect the pastor’s wife to be. Usually it
sounds something like, “Well, God put the pastor and his wife together so she
must have been born to be a “pastor’s wife.” Often, they just happened to be the wife of
someone who was called into the ministry. (This applies to your pastor's kids as well. They
aren't your pastors, they are kids. Let them be kids.)This is a unique and
beautiful calling in and of itself. The problem is that a pastor's wife is
almost universally expected to be someone she may not be. This is not fair. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
pastor's wife is often expected to be the piano or keyboard player, the worship
leader, the children's church leader, woman's ministry director, the secretary,
the janitor, etc. etc. etc.....If she doesn't live up to all of those
expectations then she is somehow less than. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Add
to these things that the pastor's wife is also expected to keep the perfect
home so any church member can drop by anytime they feel like it. When they
knock on the door, the house must be perfect, the coffee should be on and the
snacks should be ready. After all, it's her duty to be "hospitable."
The Bible even says so, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Oh,
and lest I forget, the pastor's wife must always be in a perfectly happy mood.
No room for bad days. Church members are allowed to be grumpy, but not Mrs.
Pastor. Nope! No Way! It isn't relevant whether she got no sleep because she
was at the hospital with a member all night. It doesn't matter if some loving
saint has been gossiping about her husband, her kids or maybe herself. It doesn't
even matter if she's not feeling well, but shows up anyway. What really doesn't
matter is that she may just be struggling and feeling alone and no one seems to
notice. The happy face must be on. June Cleaver where are you when we need
you?? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Speaking
of feeling alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><b> </b></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b>2.
Chances are your pastor's wife struggles with friendship.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I
may be saying something here that your pastor's wife wouldn't necessarily want
me to say, but here goes. I'm sure there are exceptions, but the truth is your
pastor's wife may very well feel alone and isolated. How is that possible? How
can you be alone and isolated when you are surrounded by people all the time?
Turns out it's pretty easy. It happens when the pastor's wife puts herself out
there to "friends" in the church. There are those people who say
things like, "We are here for you." "We've got your back."
"You can trust me." So she opens up and shares her true heart,
feelings and struggles with someone she trusts only to find out that her heart
was shaped into a knife and placed directly in her back. Over the course of
time, it becomes easier to shove feelings down inside and walk alone rather
than risk getting hurt again. I know what some may be thinking, "That's not the
Christian thing to do. She shouldn't feel that way." "She should just know that
you have to be a friend to make a friend." Easy to say. Difficult to do when history shows you differently. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">3.
Your pastor's wife could probably use a thank you<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Most
pastor's wives are doing the best they can. Sometimes they are walking a path
that they aren't quite sure how to walk. Sometimes they are sure, but the path
isn't necessarily popular. It's not easy. I'll bet your pastor's wife could use
a thank you. I'd like to encourage you to take time and let her know you appreciate
her. You probably don't know how much it would mean to her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">And
so I would like to take my own advice and send out a huge thank you to the
pastor's wives who have been important in my life. Some have gone on to their
reward, some are retired and some are still going strong. Thank you for your
example. Thank you for remaining faithful, Thank you for staying the course
when it would have been easier to throw in the towel. Thank you for loving and
protecting your flock along with your husband despite the personal sacrifice to
you and your family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Thank
You, Beulah Pooler, Glenna Odam, Velda Walker, Sister Westcott, Debbie Moore,
Marilyn Scanlon, and Elizabeth Comer. Also, thank you to Peggy Olds. Although
you were never my local pastor's wife, you have been an amazing example of
grace, love and staying the course. You are amazing and I am thankful for the
place you have had in my life and in the life of my family. Thank you to anyone
who I may have left out. It wasn't intentional. You deserve the honor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Last,
but in no way least, thank you to my amazing wife, Ann Osborne. You have stood
by me through every up and down of ministry and you are still going strong.
Thank you for being there for me, our kids and for our church. I Love You.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Be
Blessed, Tom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-23785281961312982012015-03-16T05:30:00.001-07:002015-03-16T05:30:15.510-07:00Relevant or Ridiculous?I recently read an article about a ministry that decided they would begin holding services in a local bar. I suppose it is the hip and cool thing to do. After all it's important that the church remains "relevant" right? Nothing more "relevant" than inviting an alcoholic to a bar to tell him about how he can get free from alcohol, right? <br />
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The day after I saw this article, I saw another article about what used to be one of the strongest denominations in the country. The news was that they were just seven votes away from changing their definition of marriage to include same sex marriage. This same denomination has already embraced same sex ministers and has given their ministers the go ahead to perform same sex marriage. Why would this need to happen? Because, in their opinion, the church has to "get with the times." The church has got to stay "relevant." Interestingly enough, in their quest for "relevance" they are bleeding members in record numbers. I wonder why that is?<br />
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Another minister teaches about sex from a Biblical perspective, which is actually a much needed subject in the church today. However, when he is finished teaching, he hands out condoms to the members of the congregation. Single? Married? Marital status doesn't matter. Apparently scripture doesnt either. I've been looking, I still can't find where this one fits in the Bible. It does, however, fit in to the subject of "relevance." <br />
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The mantra of the leaders of more than a few "relevant" churches is that we don't really condone sin, but we choose to avoid talking about issues that are "controversial." It's not our "calling" to speak about sin. Instead, the focus is on self-improvement and a feel good sort of gospel that is sure to bring in big crowds, but fails to create real eternal change in the lives of their people. All in the name of, you guessed it, "relevance." <br />
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Before I proceed, I want to clarify something. I'm not opposed to the church being relevant. I believe wholeheartedly that the church should be completely relevant to the culture we live in. My issue is with the definition and the application of the whole relevance thing. Let's take a quick look at the definition of relevant.<br />
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<strong>Relevant</strong><br />
<span class="main-fl"><em>adjective</em></span> <span class="hw-syllables">rel<span class="middot">·</span>e<span class="middot">·</span>vant</span> <span class="pr">\<span class="unicode">ˈ</span>re-lə-vənt\</span><br />
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relating to a subject in an appropriate way</div>
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Aha! So relevance is when someone relates to something in an APPROPRIATE way! The next question, then, is what tools does the church have that would allow us to truly relate to our culture in an appropriate way? </div>
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If I'm to believe many of today's church gurus, it seems to be related to how we dress. A rock band T-shirt,(preferably a non-christian band so we can project that we are Christians but we can still totally rock out), add to that cool skinny jeans that slip inside the ultra-cool combat boots, untied of course, and a grande cafe' latte with a bean on top and BAM! WE HAVE ACHIEVED RELEVANCE! Weird though, because a few years back relevance looked like parachute pants and a karate kid muscle shirt. Relevance is really hard to keep up with.</div>
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Or maybe, relevance is about being short on scripture and big on making people feel happy. After all, I have heard that happiness is the truth. Clap along if you know what I'm talking about. </div>
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Or is it possible that relevance is the art of making people think they are O.K. with God while simultaneously not teaching anything that will actually show them how to be O.K. with God? I could go on, but I'm sure you have caught on to the fact that my tongue is firmly planted in my cheek.......sort of.</div>
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O.K. let's get to the point. I would like to submit that the only way the church can truly be relevant is if the church teaches with absolute love, the absolute truth of scripture. There is a great divide that has come to the church today. The line is not between verse by verse study verses topical study. The line is not between those who want hymns verses modern worship. The line is not between those who prefer pews verses those who like chairs. The line is certainly not between the first church of the Bible believing beautiful berean baptists verses the the church of the pretty cool, pew hoppin, peppy, prophesying pentecostals. (God please forgive us for this kind of insanity.) The line is between those who will teach the truth of scripture in order to change lives verses those wish to change the scripture to fit their chosen lifestyles. </div>
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Let me be very clear about something. We live in a free country. A person can live anyway they wish within the bounds of the law. (and sometimes outside the bounds, but i'm not talking about politicians......lighten up it was a joke.) As a believer in Christ, it is my responsibility to love and respect everyone. Believe it or not, it is possible to love someone and genuinely care about them while, at the same time, having disagreements about certain issues. This is a lost truth in our culture today. Unfortunately, a minority of so-called Christians have built a pretty formidable reputation for being the people that hate people who aren't like them. I don't want to be a part of that church and I will not. On the flip side, our culture has become increasingly hateful toward the church. The church is being painted only as a hate-filled group of people who want to supress people's rights and force people into their religion. This is an equally disgusting lie. The truth be told, most Christians I know are caring and loving people who respect and love others despite where they may be in their lives. What I'm talking about here is not about basic love and respect for everyone. This is what we should all do. </div>
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What we cannot do, however, is change the truth of scripture in order to be what is called "relevant." In fact, what many churches are doing defies the definition of relevance. Why? Because it is not APPROPRIATE to lie to people about what The Bible says. What I don't get about modern relevant christianity is that, for so many, there is a profession of belief in The Bible, while completely disregarding and changing what The Bible actually says. </div>
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The basic truth of scripture is very clear and easy to understand. </div>
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<strong>1. We are all born sinners.</strong> The payment for being born in sin is that we deserve the judgment of God and an eternity in a very real place called Hell. It is also not difficult to determine what sin is. I will spare you the list of activities the scripture deems to be sinful and simply say that since we are all sinners, we have all discovered at least one of them. Most of us have probably enjoyed the momentary joy and satisfaction that comes from participating in many of them.....many times. We are sinners and the bad news is that there is not a single thing we can do to fix our sin problem. Left up to our own efforts, our fate is sealed and Hell is our future. </div>
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<strong>2. God, the Father loves you. </strong>The scripture clearly teaches that although the payment for our sin is death and hell, it is God's desire that NO ONE would actually go there. I am so tired of hearing people say, "how could a loving God send people to Hell?" Blah, Blah, Blah!! The truth is God sends NO ONE to hell. God has done everything He can do to keep you out of Hell. If you happen to find yourself there, you got there because you chose to go there. God has provided a way for you to avoid this fate. This is good news because we can't fix our sin problem, but God can.</div>
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<strong>3. Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life and then laid down His life in your place. </strong>Jesus, the man, really did come to this Earth and live a perfect and sinless life so that He could die on the cross and pay the price for sin that you were supposed to pay. <strong>Jesus is the only way for you to be saved. All roads do not lead to the same God. Outside of Jesus Christ, all roads lead to judment, period!</strong></div>
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<strong>4. If you believe in what Jesus Christ has done for you and you repent(turn away) from your sin and ask Jesus to forgive you, He Will. </strong>You cannot be saved by any of your efforts. All you have to do is believe in Christ and ask him to forgive you. Really! It's that easy! Scripture says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."</div>
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Here's where things seem to get a little bit tricky. We are saved by the grace of God and nothing else. There is not a single thing we can do to earn salvation. However, if you are saved it will change what you do. When you come in to a true relationship with Jesus, your life will change. This is the mark of true salvation. The sinful habits and activities that you used to participate in must be removed from your life. This is not so that you can be saved, but because you are saved. It also does not mean that we are instantly perfect. No one will ever be perfect in this life. However, God will work in us to lead us closer to His image and in the places we are falling short, His grace will cover. The thing is, so many are being taught and believe that it is O.K. to embrace sinful lifestyles and still claim to be Christians. This is not the case. True salvation will change your life. If you're life is not changing, it may be time to talk to God and consult His Word about the reality of your salvation.</div>
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You may be reading this and not like what I'm saying. However, what I'm saying is true, and I'm saying it because I actually care about you. Despite current politically correct ideology, it is not possible to determine our own truth. Truth is truth whether it is believed or not. The person who steps in front of a car and claims they don't believe it will hit them will still get run over. Every person will eventually be judged according to The Word of God, whether they believe it or not.</div>
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The truth I'm sharing with you is is more "relevant" than anything else you are going to hear. There are many Christian leaders and Christians who do not want to speak the hard truth that your sin will bring you in to God's judgment. They only want to tell about the good stuff. The only want to tell you about the benefits and the blessings. I love teaching about that stuff too. The benefits and blessings of following Christ are beyond description. Jesus said, "I have come to give you life, and LIFE ABUNDANTLY." God desires to give you a life that is defined by righteousness, peace and joy. His promises are many and they are awesome but the truth that is exceedingly relevant to your life is that there is a path to those blessings that include repentance, submission to God's Word and transformation into God's image. This is the truth. This is what is appropriate. This is what is relevant. B blessed, Tom</div>
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Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-19089276732377362182015-02-26T16:38:00.000-08:002015-02-26T16:47:06.948-08:00Thoughts From a Grieving Pastor Part 2In my last blog, I began sharing some thoughts regarding the use of social media from a Christian perspective. If you haven't read that blog, I encourage you to take a moment and check that one out as well here: <a href="http://pastortoms.blogspot.com/2015/02/thoughts-from-grieving-pastor-part-1.html">Thoughts From a Grieving Pastor Part 1</a><br />
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I would also like to reiterate, as I did in my first blog, that I am not making an attempt to point fingers or be the "judgmental guy." I am only sharing, from my heart, what have been issues in the church, as it relates to our witness to those in the social media community. Does what we post on social media affect others opinions of individuals? Of Churches? Of Christianity itself? Above ALL of that, does what we post affect the way others view God Himself? I would submit that it absolutely does. I'm not saying this as an educated guess, but in response to situations that I have personally had to address in my life, in our church and situations I have observed in the life of other christians and other churches. My desire is that, in reading this, we would all be challenged to prayerfully consider whether our use of social media is an accurate reflection of who Christ wants us all to be. Maybe, in the end, there is an even bigger desire that I have. We'll get to that in a bit. B Blessed, Tom<br />
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<strong>Thoughts From a Grieving Pastor Part 2</strong><br />
Several years back I was a guest speaker at a really amazing church. After I finished speaking, I gave an invitation for anyone who wanted prayer to come up to the front so we could pray together. I was met by a very bubbly young lady who came up to the front and asked for prayer. My wife and I prayed for her and after we finished we talked for a short period of time. This young lady was excited about everything. She was new to the church and she loved it. She loved the pastor and was appreciative of everything he was doing in the church and for her and her family. She was excited to learn and to understand what God was going to do in her life. It was great to see someone so "on fire" for God. That night happened to be my last night speaking and so we made plans with the young lady to stay in contact after my wife and I headed home. <br />
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A few days later, there was a friend request on my facebook page from the young lady we had prayed for. I accepted and went about my business. Not long after, I found my facebook news feed blown up with the most incredibly angry posts. Posts about family, money, jobs and, honestly, just about everything. I thought to myself, "Is this the same person that we were praying with, or did I confuse her with someone else?" I checked and sure enough, it was the same person. I was, to say the least, suprised! It truly did not seem to be the same person. As I continued to scroll, I saw a post of a beautiful scripture from The Bible, from the same young lady. When anyone would look at her Facebook page, they would see these incredibly angry rants about everything and the kitchen sink followed by a scripture on the beauty of God in the Christians life. To say the least, it was a mixed message being sent. <br />
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I don't share this story to point a finger at the young lady. She was young in the faith and has grown a great deal since that time. I only share the story to relate that, at the time, it got me to thinking, WHAT'S WITH ALL THE ANGER? As I sometimes scroll through the news feed, the twitter time line and the instagram page, I still wonder the same thing, not about the young lady, but about Christians in general. <br />
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As a pastor.....or maybe I should say, as a human being, I get it. Trust Me, I really do! I know what it's like to be frustrated or irritated about something and you're just looking for an outlet. Twitter or Facebook are the perfect platforms for that right? I sit at my computer or on my super cool smart phone with the most perectly worded verbal beatdown ever typed. I sit with irritated self satisfaction about how I'm about to "be real." I mean that's what it's all about right? Being "Real." It seems to be a badge of honor in our culture today for an individual to "just tells it it like it really is." No need to think about the affect of what I'm saying. It's only important that it's said. At the time I couldn't agree more. So, there I sit with my finger on the post button ready to launch my poisonous missiles of anger at the world. However, it always seems to be, also in that moment, a still small voice whispers, Is this what God wants? Is this how the scripture tells you to react? Is this really what you want to represent to the world about who you are and what you believe? Immediately, almost miraculously, the delete button always seems to begin to shine like a star in the heavens. Click..post deleted..disaster averted. <br />
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As believers, we must ask ourselves some questions. Which is more important in the big scheme of things. Should we "tell it like it is" or should we tell it like it should be? Should we respond to how we FEEL in the moment or should we respond to what is REAL eternally? Should we respond with angry words from a broke, hurting or angry heart or respond with life-giving words of hope, healing and reconciliation? Should we respond with our words or with THE Word?<br />
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For a believer in Christ, there must come a time when we each realize that what we put out there for the world to see in the social media universe will never go away. A momentary act from a place of anger or hurt will be seed planted in the hearts of many that will take shape into opinions of the individual, the church and as mentioned before God Himself. It is not enough to say, if they don't like it they can ignore it. The truth is, it will not be ignored. Words are powerful and they affect lives. Don't take my word for it, look at what scripture tells us:<span lang="EN"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><em><strong>Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.--Proverbs 18:21(NLT)</strong></em><br />
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And see what scripture says here:<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><strong><em><span style="color: red;">And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.</span> <sup>37</sup><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="color: red;">The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." -- </span><span style="color: black;">Matthew 12:36(NLT)</span></em></strong><br />
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You may have noticed that last one was in those pesky red letters. Those are the words of Jesus Himself. Hmm, the thought occurs to me. I wonder if the "If you don't like it don't read it" argument will work when standing in front of God? But I digress.<br />
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Words are incredibly powerful and we need to be careful which words we communicate. Words of life can inspire and help to motivate and inspire others forward in their relationship with Christ. It could be that the words of life that you post can help someone who doesn't even have a relationship with Christ to find one. On the other hand, the same social media platforms that can be used to give motivation, inspiration and life can be used to tear down and destroy because of the angry and hurtful things that are posted. It truly is something that we should all think about very seriously.<br />
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I spoke in my earlier blog about the sensuality that so often invades the social media accounts of Christians. I also spoke about the need for more mature and "seasoned" believers to mentor and teach the younger in the faith. Today, I'm trying to address the anger that is so often present in the social media of many Christians. I could continue and address issues like, why are so man Christians so enamored with drinking alcohol and sharing it on social media. Why do some anoint themselves to be the ones to tell everyone how holy they are personally and how evil and hell bound everyone else is? Why is their an increased acceptance and participation in activities that scripture tells us to avoid. Why is that all over facebook? How about this one, Why are we wasting so much time on social media anyway? <br />
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You may ask why I'm choosing to focus all of this on social media. Aren't issues like sensuality, discipleship, anger, sinful activities and all the rest much bigger than just a post on a page? Aahhhh.. now we're getting somewhere. In the end, this is my point and the bigger desire I mentioned earlier. This is all way bigger than a social media account.<br />
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A young lady, or man for that matter, may be lacking in an understanding of their true identity. All they know is that they get attention for showing off their body. What better place than on facebook?<br />
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An individual may not even know what it means to truly live a holy and Godly life because they are not being taught. I'm not just talking about Sunday sermons either. I'm talking about when someone meets with them in a small group or one on one and shows them the scripture.<br />
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Many are hurt, broken and angry and they feel they have no outlet for those feelings. They don't know how to deal with them other than lashing out. Why not on twitter?<br />
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My point is that, oftentimes, social media can be a more accurate reflection of where someone's heart really is. In the verses previous to the one I posted earlier in the red letters, Jesus said, Out of the abuncance of the heart, the mouth speaks. In our modern era it may be said like this, Out of the abundance of the heart, the tweet is sent. <br />
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This is the source of my grief. It's not really a social media problem at all. It's a heart issue. The sensuality, the anger, the hurtful words, the things that we think are funny or entertaining all reveal a little bit about what's going on down inside of us. It's easy to put on a mask and pretend we are great when we're around each other. It's equally easy to unleash when we sit behind the perceived anonymity of a computer screen or a phone app. How's your heart? If you're not sure, you might be able to find out a little by looking at your social media pages. I realize this is not for everyone, but it is is for some.<br />
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My final questions are for everyone who may ever read this. Does something in the last couple of blogs relate to you? If the answer is yes, then you need to ask God for forgiveness and allow Him to come in and heal your heart. He wants to. You need Him to. God's intention is not for His sons and daughters to find their identity or their outlet through a computer screen or through an app. His intention is to bring wholeness through relationship with Him and through the direction of The Holy Spirit and The Word of God. Ask Him right now. He's waiting for your reply.<br />
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If what I'm talking about doesn't really apply to you, then it totally applies to you. God wants to take those who have already been healed and use them to help others to that same place. Can God use you? Are you willing to let Him do it in any way that He wants too? Are you ready to really make a difference in the lives of the hurting, broken and confused? Some of them may be closer than you think. If you're answer is yes then ask Him right now. He's waiting for your reply as well.<br />
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Maybe this year can be a brand new beginning for many in the church. Maybe, in some sense, it can be a new beginning for our churches as well. A new maturity, a complete healing, a step toward a new level of relationship with God and each other. What if?<br />
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<br />Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-73632348127789749512015-02-20T14:12:00.000-08:002015-02-20T14:12:41.674-08:00Thoughts From A Grieving Pastor Part 1Over the last month or so I have, unfortunately, found myself stuck in bed with the flu, strep throat and who knows what else. I hate being sick. There is nothing worse than laying around not really feeling able to do anything productive. So what is a guy to do? Check on Social Media Right?!......Well Anyway.<br />
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I have found myself grieved more and more over something that has bothered me for a long time. Why is it that for so many Christians, the "Christian" part seems to be irrelevant when it comes to social media? Now before everyone decides they want to mob my house and kill the judgmental preacher, just hear me out. I'm not writing this out of judgment, but out of a real sense of sadness and brokenness. I am truly grieved about what I'm about to say in the next couple of blogs.<br />
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I've never been one to automatically not be friends on facebook, twitter or whatever with people who aren't Christians like some feel the need to do. I like dialogue. I'm not afraid of the "arena of ideas." I'm not shaken that someone who doesn't believe in God would say things or post things that reflect their unbelief. I've never even unfriended someone because they would use language I don't like or post things that I don't care for. If I don't like it I can just scroll right on by. Some may ask why I would do that. Truthfully, I feel like, if I am going to see what others post, then they are going to see what I post as well. If I truly believe in what I'm saying and posting, then maybe, just maybe, I can have a positive affect on someone else's life for Christ. I see social media as an outlet FOR my faith, not an outlet FROM my faith.<br />
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I would also like to say, I'm not trying to say that everything we post has to be a scripture or a deep quote that we googled 30 seconds before we posted it. I've been known to post about the stuff that isn't necessarily theologically earthshaking. I love telling the world that the Oregon Ducks just scored another touchdown. As if they didn't already know by the other 500 people that posted the same thing. I love to share about the great batch of snickerdoodles that my wife just made or the cool new pair of shoes I just got. Thats part of the social media fun. Being Social.<br />
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What bothers me though is how little it seems that so many folks that I know to be Christian. Folks from baptist churches, pentecostal churches, catholic churches, methodist, episcopal, presbyterian.......you get the point, post so much stuff that is not only borderline, but downright contrary to what is taught in scripture. I love the church! I love Christians, but come on people it's time we get it together!<br />
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And so, I have a few questions I'd like to ask. This will be way too long for one post, so I'm going to take a couple of blogs and just ask some questions for our consideration. I pray that The Holy Spirit will shine a light on us and draw us all closer to The Father.<br />
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DISCLAIMER: PASTOR TOM IS ABOUT TO GET HIMSELF IN TROUBLE. IF YOU'RE AN EASILY OFFENDED CHRISTIAN OR IF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO YOUR LIFE PLEASE BE FOREWARNED.<br />
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<strong>1. Why do so many Christian young ladies find it so compelling to post pictures that are so sexualized?</strong> I will not take the time to describe, I think most know what I mean. (Before you ladies kill me, just wait, I'll get to the men in a moment) If I'm not mistaken, the scripture teaches that the young ladies need to be modest in their dress. This doesn't mean you have to wear a body length burlap sack either. Please hear me. You don't have to buy into the myth that style is determined by how little material is involved. Our culture has sold the lie that unless your shirts are cut low and your skirts are cut high that you cannot be "in style." This is garbage! All of you young ladies need to know that your beauty is from within because God created you beautiful. This is not religious rhetoric, it is Biblical truth. Beauty is not determined by how much skin you can show. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Many of the comments about how "beautiful" or "amazing" you look are not innocent observations. They are reactions to how much you are showing. I wish this was not true, but I've been in the ministry too long to know better. This is not what your beauty is about! <br />
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As I type this, I can hear some of the elder ladies in the church saying Amen preacher, preach it! To the Elder ladies of the church whom I love and respect with all of my heart, WHERE ARE YOU? Scripture teaches that the elder ladies of the church are to take the younger ladies of the church and teach them how to be good wives and mothers. The mandate continues that the young ladies are to be taught how to be "discreet, chaste and good." It's easy for all of us to point a finger and say, "why is it like this?" We cannot point a finger unless we are willing to take up the challenge to mentor and guide ourselves. "It's hard" is a refrain often heard. However, scripture didn't say do it if it's easy. Scripture says just do it.<br />
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To all of you young ladies, you are worth more than your body. PLEASE don't sell yourself short.<br />
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<strong>2. Why do so many Christian men take so much interest in the sexualized pictures being posted by the Christian woman?</strong> I've counseled and sat in men's studies with a lot of guys over 20 plus years of ministry. I've been to many a men's conference and men's retreat and in all of that I've learned one thing. Men battle with lust. It is not uncommon for me to see one of the aforementioned pictures a young lady posts followed by a string of comments from the men, as earlier stated, on how "beautiful" or "amazing" they look. Some of you ladies may say, "what's wrong with that?" I'll tell you. I have had many conversations over the years with men who say how difficult it is for them to not think inappropriately when they see a picture or see a lady dressed or looking provocatively. This is not just on social media but at church. What a shame that this is happening in the midst of a time that is supposed to be set aside for worshipping The Almighty God. As it relates to social media, on many occasions, the same guys who are commenting are the same guys talking to me. Does that mean all guys and all comments? Absolutely not! Some are absolutely innocent comments on nice pictures, but i've got to speak the truth when it's not.<br />
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Men, it is not ok to shift the blame and say "it's their fault." Lust is your problem. We have to understand something very important. The ladies in our churches are the daughters of The Living God. The way that we think about and treat them is of the utmost importance to their Father. I will say, as the father of a teenage daughter, if a young man steps out of line with her, I will have no issue responding to that young man. She is to be treated with the utmost respect, honor and protection at all times. How much more do you suppose Father God expects regarding his daughters? <br />
<br />
To the elder men of the church. I say to you as I said to the elder ladies. WHERE ARE YOU? As much as the elder ladies are to mentor the young ladies, we older men are charged to mentor the younger men. Scripture says to us, "Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." I want to note this is not an exhortation to the pastors, leaders, sunday school teachers, youth leaders or children's church teachers. It is an exhortation to the elder men of the church.<br />
<br />
We live in a culture that is increasingly sexualized in every area. We know this is true, and we are quick to point the finger at the world and tell them they need to get it together. Maybe we should start in the church. <br />
<br />
I want to comment on a few more things, but for now, Church, let's think and pray on this one<br />
To Be Continued...................Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-91586163204627478102014-06-13T16:47:00.000-07:002014-06-13T17:08:51.761-07:00The Journey Toward Understanding<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I</span>
</span><span style="font-size: small;">had been in ministry for about ten years. A series of events had occurred that
had led me and my wife to make the agonizing decision to resign from the church
that we had been ministering at for over a decade. I was wondering about my
future. Would I ever be in ministry again? Would I teach? Would I be able to
lead worship anymore? A part of me, at that moment, didn’t even care. However,
another part of me was grieving the loss of something that had been so important
to me for over a decade. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Soon after, my family and I attended several
churches trying to find a place to plug in. We met some really amazing people
and some of the most caring and loving pastors a family could ever come in
contact with. In all of our searching though, we never found the “right” place
and, as is often the case, we began to slowly fall away from church and
eventually our relationship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those ended up being some pretty dark
times. I had gone from being a youth pastor, worship leader, elder in our
church to pretty much falling back into the life I had come out of previous to
being called into the ministry. I can remember times when I literally told
people, “I don’t want to talk about church. I don’t want to talk about God. If
you want to just hang out that’s fine, but leave God out of it. The feelings of
hurt and betrayal that I was feeling because of what had happened at our former
church were blinding me to the truth of God’s love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A year passed by and I moved on with my
life. I found a new job that had good pay and great benefits. I thought I could
settle in and just live my life, raise my family and be a “normal guy.” The
thought of being a “minister” was anathema. Who needs church politics and all
of those “hypocrites” anyway. What’s the problem with just being a good person
and living a good life? The problem was there was something missing inside of
me. Something Big!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One evening I was laying on my bed. It was
pretty much like every other day. I worked, I came home, watched television,
all of the “normal” stuff. Something was tugging at me that night though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew what it was, or should I say who it was, but I really didn’t want
to go there. I knew it was God.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I lay there thinking about the
ramifications of coming back to a relationship with Jesus, my mind was flooded
with thoughts of what I perceived the church to be like. I thought to myself,
“I don’t want to deal with ministry, or with church. I certainly don’t want to
deal with those “hypocrites.” I had become so hard hearted because of hurt, and
also because of the sin I had allowed back into my life, that the thought of
being back in church was too much. But still, there was something missing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did something that night that I had not
done for a long time. I picked up my Bible. I walked out on our front porch and
sat down. Looking at the stars, I said, “God I know that you are real, I know
that you are there. I know that I need you, but I don’t want religion, I don’t
want church politics, I don’t want ministry! <o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am truly amazed at the patience and love
of God. He didn’t rebuke me. He didn’t try to explain to me my faulty thinking
about God’s people, the church or the ministry. He just let me continue to talk
to Him and like a caring friend, he listened.<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I sat there with my Bible in my hand, I said, “God if you want a relationship
with me, you’ve got to show me something.” Now, what I’m about to share with
you, I do not recommend as a way to study the scripture. I must also say that God
doesn’t always feel the need to respond to our demand that He “show us
something.” I believe that night, Jesus just understood where I was at, and was
willing to respond to his hurting child.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lifted my Bible in my hands and just
threw it open to wherever it may open. I looked down at the first scripture
that I saw and it said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Matthew
16:13-17(NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">13When Jesus came
into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do
men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14So they said, “Some say John the
Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to
them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered and said, “You are
the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed
are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but
My Father who is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i>As
I thought about those words, I felt like God spoke to me. It wasn’t an audible
voice, but just something on the inside of me that said, “Tom, Who do YOU say
that I am?” Those words broke through my thoughts as clearly as if God would
have spoken audibly! I paused for a moment, not really sure what to say to
that. God didn’t ask me what I thought about church. He didn’t ask me what I
thought about Christianity or denominations or politics in the church. He asked
me who I thought He was. All that I could say to that was the same thing Peter said.
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Again, although it is hard to
explain, I heard God speak, He said, “Let’s just start with that.” <o:p></o:p>
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew exactly what He meant by that. You
see, my relationship with God had been completely corrupted over the years.
When I answered the call to ministry in my life, it wasn’t a career choice. In
fact, the first time that I really knew that God was calling me to something
more in my life, I was studying for a test in my journey toward becoming a
paramedic. I had no intention of being a “minister.” <o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now don’t get me wrong, I loved to preach.
There was something that came alive inside of me, when I opened the Bible and
began to share with others about the freedom and love of God. I was passionate
about picking up my guitar and worshipping my Savior. I was alive when an
entire room full of people would join me on that journey. I loved talking to
people one on one about what it meant to have a relationship with Christ. I
wasn’t ministering to have a cool job. I was ministering because I had a
passionate love and an intimate relationship with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years, things slowly began to
change. Preaching became a routine. Worship became a job. I had slowly and
subtly allowed the work of church to take the place of my relationship with
God. I had unconsciously bought into the lie that working really hard for the
church meant that I had great passion for God. My focus went from a crazy love
and passion for relationship with God, to trying to prove my love for God by
doing more stuff. I wanted to impress people with my knowledge of the Bible and
my singing and playing skills. I wanted to have the position and title of a
“Youth Pastor” or “Worship leader” because I thought that brought value to my
life.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That house of cards had come crashing down
around me. I didn’t even realize how my thought process had become so skewed. I
was seeing my relationship with God through the eyes of people and programs and
events. As God spoke to me through scripture that night, I knew that He was
telling me to forget about all of that and get back to where it all started. I
needed to get back to relationship with Him.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a long journey back, but today, I
am pastoring again. I lead worship and I share my love for God with anyone that
will listen. I love the men and woman of the church that God has surrounded me
with. The call to ministry never left me, but now, it’s not because I have to.
It’s because I have rediscovered my love for God. I have reclaimed my passion
for His word and for the moving of His Holy Spirit. I have gained a fresh
understanding that God is not pursuing me because I can do so many things for him.
He pursues me because He is passionately in love with me. He created me. He
knows how to get the best out of me, because He designed me. Take my word for it;
life in real relationship with Christ is a great place to be. I highly
recommend it!<o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to understand that this is where
the journey toward freedom and a whole heart begins for everyone. It begins
with an understanding of who Jesus is, why he came and what he did. When you
have a true understanding of these three things, it will change your life. It
will begin to bring healing and freedom to areas of your life you may believe
can never be repaired. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Luke chapter 4, Jesus says something
that was a complete shock and was even believed to be blasphemy to most of
those who were present in the room with him. In verses 16-21, The Word of God
says:<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Luke 4:16-21(NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">16So He came to
Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the
synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17And He was handed the
book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place
where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has
anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the
brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the
blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable
year of the Lord.” 20Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant
and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
21And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your
hearing.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Why
was this such a controversial thing for Jesus to say? This scripture, quoted
from Isaiah, was a well-known prophetic scripture related to the coming of The
Messiah. The person who would fulfill this scripture would be God Himself. How
could this lowly carpenters son have the guts to stand up and proclaim that he
is the fulfillment of this scripture? <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer to that is really quite simple.
He could say it because it was true. Jesus was, and is, the Messiah. He is God
from Heaven, who was born into this world as a human being. He lived a
perfectly sinless life, died on the cross and rose again on the third day after
his death. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understanding that begs the
question, why in the world would God himself come down, insert himself into
this world and live as a human being? <o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s read on. Jesus says, through reading
the Prophet Isaiah, I have come to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the
broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, to give sight to the blind and
to bring freedom to the oppressed. Wait a minute! Did you catch what that just
said? Read over it again carefully. What does that mean for me and you? It
means that God’s intent is for us to never live our lives bound up, blind and
broken-hearted ever again.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s be honest, this life can tear us
apart. We take on so much baggage as we live our lives, that sometimes it can
be a miracle that we even function. Loss, abuse, bitterness, unforgiveness,
unresolved hurt, sexual sin, habitual sins, unhealthy or ungodly relationships
as well as a multitude of other factors, can leave us walking through life blind,
broken and bound. We can see, feel and understand our brokenness, but feel
powerless to do anything about it. If that’s you, I have great news for you!
Jesus came to heal you and set you free! Look at the words of Jesus in the book
of John:<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"></span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">John 10:10(NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">10“The thief does
not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they
may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Let
these words sink into your life right now. Let them move past your hurt, your
pain, your confusion and every other negative thought you may have. Jesus came
to give you life. Not just any life either. He came to give you abundant life.
That word abundant in the original language means over and above, superior,
extraordinary, surpassing, uncommon and more excellent! This is the life that
Christ has planned for you! <o:p></o:p>
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we have that kind of life when we
are carrying around all of the baggage of our past, our hurt, our bitterness
and our faulty thinking? We can’t. Beyond the fact that we can’t live this kind
of abundant life, is the realization that we cannot truly do anything to attain
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is good news. Jesus
came to GIVE you that kind of life. It is the reason he came. It is through
relationship with Christ that we being to walk out of our old life, our old
hurt, our old sin and our old beliefs. We begin to journey toward freedom and a
whole heart. It’s time for you to grab on to these promises of God and hold on
like a junkyard dog with a piece of steak. You’ve got to believe that the
promise is for you. Jesus came to set you free. He came to open your eyes. He
came to heal your heart. <o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always been into music. I grew up
watching my dad play guitar during “song service” at church. I was always
captivated watching him play different chords and sing all of those cool hymns.
I wanted to play like my dad. So, I found a, shall we say, unique way to learn
how to play the guitar.</span> <o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sister had a bunch of old records that
she left at our house when she got married and moved it. There was a bunch of
classic rock stuff like ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, The Eagles and many more. I
figured if they could play guitar like they did, then I could too. So, I would
put on a ZZ Top record and sit with my dad’s guitar and plink around until I
figured out what they were doing. Believe it or not, that is how I learned how
to play the guitar. Now, leaving all discussion aside as to whether I should
have listened to ZZ Top records, let me just say that I learned enough
listening to those old records to join a local band with some friends of mine.
We thought we were going to be the next big thing in Rock and Roll. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it might be a good idea to
actually learn how to play the guitar for real, so I enrolled in some college
courses to learn music theory. We learned time signatures, notes, sharps and
flats. We learned how to read music off a page and explain what key it was in.
We learned everything it takes to be a real musician. I did great in these
classes. In fact, I got all A’s in the courses I took. There was only one minor
problem. I could never figure out how to take the music off of the page and
translate it to what I was doing on the guitar. It seems silly. You would think
it would be easy to do, but I never figured it out. What I could tell you was
on the page never translated to what I was actually playing.</span></span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">There are many followers of Christ, and many
who don’t follow Christ, in this world who have a similar problem. They can
look at The Bible and tell you what it says. They can even tell you what it
means. Some can even break down the Greek and Hebrew meanings of key words, but
it is not translating into reality in their lives. Maybe you are in that place
in your life. How can you change that disconnect? It begins with accepting that
the promises are for you! Not just in concept, but in reality. Jesus came to
set you free. He came to open your eyes to see the abundant life that He has
purposed for you. It’s time to leave the past behind. It’s time to leave
religion behind and embark on the great adventure of abundant life in
relationship with the true life-giver. <o:p></o:p></span></span>
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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</span><br />Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-60649196163327525782011-06-01T17:50:00.000-07:002011-06-01T17:55:38.503-07:00What about the Change?I've been reflecting on a lot of things lately. I seem to have the gift of overanalyzing just about everything. Sometimes, that can be a good thing and sometimes it just gets me in trouble. Actually, this may be one of those times, but here we go anyway!<br /><br />I grew up in a pretty serious "pentecostal holiness" church. These people were serious about being holy. When I was a kid, there was a period of time when I even thought I had their holiness thing figured out. If it was fun or enjoyable, it was of the devil, so we weren't allowed to do it. In other words, sometimes in their zeal for being righteous, they may have gone overboard a bit, but their hearts were in the right spot.<br /><br />In those days there was no real room for gray. What was right was right, and what was wrong was wrong. As a kid and later as a teenager, I didn't always like what I was taught. In fact, there were times when I decided I not only didn't like it, but I wasn't going to do it. Let those old people have that "being holy" stuff. I'm going to have fun. You know what though? Even when I walked away from the church, I never tried to justify my sin. I never tried to open my Bible and find some out of context scripture to justify what I knew was wrong. I knew I was doing wrong. I may have done it anyway, but I knew it was wrong.<br /><br />Somewhere along the way there seemed to have been a pendulum swing in the church. As I said earlier, I believe there were times when the "holiness" movement may have gone a little bit too far. There were some that made holiness way less about the condition of a heart and more a bunch of rules and regulations. In an effort to correct some overly zealous teaching the next generation began preaching all about freedom and grace. This is good right. Well, yeah, but just like those who overdo holiness, there are those who overdo freedom and grace. What??? How could we possibly overdo freedom and grace?<br /><br />I know some of you are not going to like this but here we go. The line to let me know how ignorant I am will form on the right side, single file please.<br /><br />Somewhere along the way, it became O.K. to sin. In fact, it has gotten kind of trendy.The new mantra is Grace will cover it. I have freedom in Christ, so it's O.K. Isn't Jesus wooonnnnderful!!<br /><br />Now it's O.K. to drink, it's O.K. to do drugs. In the last two years, I have had more conversations about alcohol and drug consumption for Christians than I have ever in my life. Don't bother me with the Bible verses that tell me not to do this. Don't bother me with drug and alcohol consumption being like witchcraft. Never mind how what you're doing could affect others around you. I JUST DON"T CARE! Don't bother me, I'm more interested in being cool. Give me two shots of alcohol on Saturday, and a shot of Jesus on Sunday and we will be good to go. How about the Marijuana was created by God and it comes from the earth, so it's good. Puff puff. Yea man! Are Christians really becoming this ignorant?<br /><br />And then there's this. Somewhere along the line sexual promiscuity became O.K. Churches across the country are being packed out every week with couples that are living together outside of marriage.I recently saw an advertisement for a Television documentary on two couples that were planning on getting married. But wait here's the CRAZY part. They were going to get married and they hadn't....GASP!!!....LIVED TOGETHER FIRST. Sex outside of marriage? No Big Deal. God's grace covers it. I have freedom in Christ.<br /><br />Our churches are full of men AND woman who are caught up in pornography and have no conviction. They come to church and just want to be told that they are a champion and that God has a great plan for accelerating their lives, and making them rich and famous. Don't bother me with the repent from your sin stuff. God's grace covers me every time. I have freedom in Christ! Now what was that porn site again?<br /><br />How about when the ladies come to church dressed more like they are heading for the strip club than the altar. How about they dress that way because it makes the "Christian" men give them all the attention they are really looking for. Hey, I can dress anyway I want. I can look at anyone I want. I have freedom in Christ. God's grace covers me every time.<br /><br />How about the language that come out of the mouths of the people of God. Many think nothing of popping off with a few profanities, inuendos, and inappropriate jokes while standing in the sanctuary where they are about to "worship" God. I have people say stuff to my face as a pastor that would have gotten me a swift slap in the mouth by my parents when I was young............Hey wait a minute! That gives me an idea!<br /><br />I could go on, but you are probably getting the point. My question is this. What about the change? I'm pretty sure when i read my Bible it tells me that although God's gift of grace is free, and his freedom absolute, it comes with a change. It is natural. It is not something that is attached to rules and regulations, it has to do with pleasing the God that gave you the gift. If there is not a change going on in our life after we receive Christ, then we have to SERIOUSLY take a look at our lives and see if everything is as it should be.<br /><br />If no one has ever told you in your church, Sin is not O.K. In fact, The Bible says this:<br /><br /><strong>Hebrews 10:26-29<br /><br /></strong><em>Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received a full knowledge of the truth, there is no other sacrifice that will cover these sins. 27 There will be nothing to look forward to but the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. 28 Anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Think how much more terrible the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God and have treated the blood of the covenant as if it were common and unholy. Such people have insulted and enraged the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to his people.<br /><br /></em>Uh-Oh I just went all hell fire and brimstone on you. But seriously, All of the sin that is going on in the church today needs to stop. This is a serious passage of scripture. It is time for the church to reclaim real holiness. If you are currently entertaining some form of what you know in your heart is wrong, and haven't addressed it. Do it now!! We really don't know how much time we have in this life. Don't be a fool who is treating the blood of Christ as common and unholy. Get your life right now!!<br /><br />If you are a pastor and are reading this. Are you preaching the whole story. Are you preaching about being a champion and destiny and purpose and all of that, but leaving out the avenue to that life? GET A SPINE!! The Bible tells us that we will stand and give an account for what we taught. Are you ready for that? Or have you been "tickling ears" so you can try and get bigger offerings and more people? With a broken heart I have to say that I believe there are many pastors in the church who are currently in the process of gaining the whole world, but losing their soul. Many will stand before God and He will say "I don't know you."<br /><br />I'm not saying this stuff because I am trying to get a rise out of people or get more people to read my ramblings.In fact, this stuff is really not what I enjoy writing about. I want to write about being a champion too!! I'm writing this after being broken by God at the state of affairs in the church today. The church really does need to wake up. Time is short.<br /><br />.Pastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3566975063084520904.post-18831002944454499092011-05-24T15:07:00.000-07:002011-05-24T15:59:22.004-07:00Venting.........In love of courseUsually it doesn't bother me, but today I must vent:<br /><br />An Open Letter to the Christian Church......and everyone else.<br /><br />To Whom it may concern:<br /><br />Sometimes, I get really irritated when I hear people or I read posts by those who think they're particular denomination, or theological outlook is the only one that is correct. I'm no genius, I'll give you that, but I do understand that the Bible tells us that in order for us to be saved it can only come by GRACE THROUGH FAITH!!! Faith in what you might ask? Faith in JESUS CHRIST. Faith in the perfect sinless life HE lived. Faith in HIS death and resurrection. Faith that the blood HE shed covers our sins and brings us into right relationship with the Father. It is NOT faith in Jesus plus a list of rules and regulations that will determine salvation. They tried for a long time to live by the rules and regulations, but it wasn't really working out, so God came up with a better plan. There are quite a few verses in the Bible about this, you should check it out sometime.<br /><br /><br /><br />Let's list a few things then, that salvation does not come by shall we. Salvation does not come by our denomination, our church, the day of the week we worship, the songs that we sing, the version of the Bible we read, the food we eat, the color of our carpet or any of the other idiotic things that we see being spewed out by supposed "Leaders" and "Christians." (The fact that you may not like what I'm saying now doesn't mean it's not the truth.)<br /><br /><br /><br />There was a guy named Paul. In case you hadn't heard he wrote a good chunk of the New Testament. One time He said something pretty interesting. Paul said, "Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach ANY OTHER GOSPEL to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." It's time we start paying attention to that verse. Paul wasn't kidding<br /><br /><br /><br />As we sit by and smuggly push our pet doctrines and churches, looking down our long religious noses at everyone else, the world looks at us like we are a bunch of dopes who can't even figure out what we believe. Jesus said, "How terrible it will be for you teachers of the law and you pharisees. For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn him into twice the son of hell as you yourselves are." Whoops, I just quoted from the New Living translation so that verse probably doesn't count.<br /><br />How many more people are going to miss their opportunity to find a relationship with Christ because they couldn't fit into one particular brand of Christianity? THIS IS NOT A GAME. HEAVEN AND HELL ARE AT STAKE HERE!!<br /><br />If you are reading this and are not a Christian, please let me apologize for all the ignorance and stupidity. I want to let you know this one simple thing. Jesus died for you because He and the Father love you. You can have a relationship with Him by simply putting your faith in what He did for you. It's not about what you can do for Him. Yes, your life will change. You will do things differently, but that is a result of your relationship with Jesus, not an avenue into relationship. You can't do enough good things to make Him love you, He already does. He loves you enough to die for you. I apologize for those who have misrepresented the gospel. I apologize for those who have tried to manipulate you for financial gain. I apologize for those who have tried to push you into a long list of rules and regulations so you can satisfy their feeble attempts at religion. We have failed you, but please don't let our failures keep you from knowing the God who loves you with an infinite and unconditional love. Trust in Him today. There are many good churches out there that preach the simple and true gospel of Jesus Christ. Please find one of those and learn more about the purposes and plans that God has for your life. His plans will blow your mind.<br /><br />And to all of the Christians reading this KNOCK IT OFF!!!! PREACH THE REAL GOSPEL!!!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Tom<br /><br />P.S. For more information on this subject, please open your bible and read it for yourself. The book of John is a great place to startPastor Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396642167162118713noreply@blogger.com0