Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.Today I am a little conflicted. I find myself at times hurting, feeling pain as to the current situation I am in, but I have come to a place in my heart regarding certain theological truths I have alluded to in the past. That is the concept of free-will among people, even the free will to do stupid things that hurt others. In that understanding, I am not at the place where I blame God for bad things that happen in life but I am at the place where at times, I hurt.
While I believe in the concept of free-will, I have also seen God work at providing my, needs. It is the emotional struggles where I have problems and could depend more on God. While I have worked at having a great relationship with God, as mentioned yesterday, is often weakened by others. I don’t think they always intend it but I realize, I need to have my time with God and continue to have honest communication with Him where I share when I am upset, don’t understand, or need help moving forward. While I don’t have some material wants in life, I have all of my material needs. I need to recognize and trust God in the same way with my emotional needs.
Sometimes I want God to be what I call the Santa God where I can ask for what I want and get it. I don’t think God appreciates that, and to be honest, I wouldn’t either if that was all I ever did. I also know as a father of 2 grown children, I want my children to communicate to me their totality, despite what they are experiencing. Although grown, I still want to know their needs and bless them. If I want this from my children, maybe I need to get to the place where I realize that God is a more loving father. Just as my children would have nothing to worry about when being honest with me, I need to see God that way, but even better.
God, help me realize the importance of going to you in times of need. You have met my material needs; help me trust You with my emotional needs. Help me realize, You are a more loving father than I. I have many flaws and mistakes, you are perfect.
Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.
To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.
Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.
Click to subscribe to my blog
Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed
No comments:
Post a Comment