The Virtual Pew Daily: September 2011

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 81

Today starts a new day; I realize I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before realizing 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 been abused. I admit, one of my concerns is I may have at times also 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.

One of the ways I am convinced God exists is that sometimes, things happen that just can’t be coincidence. Today is such an occasion. I have found myself speaking on a subject the last few weeks that isn’t all that typical, yet today, as an affirmation of those discussions and presentations, the reading today touches on the subject. There has to be divine intervention because the coincidences just can’t be coincidence.

It is so easy in life to place oneself above another, after all, there are foreman at factories, managers at department stores, bosses on construction sites, and it seems as if there is always someone in charge, exercising their ‘authority.’ Unfortunately, people of faith don’t seem to be any different, we have people who think they are in charge and take control, yet for those of us who have been at the bad end of their whipping stick, we wonder; ‘Where is the loving servant of Jesus in their attitude?’

I admit, there are times I find myself in a position of ‘authority.’ I am reminded of my faith tradition that sees one as an equal in the realm of God, one that says a follower of Jesus is called to servant leadership, that belief is called; ‘The Priesthood of Believers.’ Those who follow Jesus are in this together, as equal heirs. In that act of servitude to others, there is to be an attitude and act of love towards all people, no matter who they are.

The beauty of Jesus having the compassion towards the poor he did is that if he can love the least of these, he can love us all. There is another beauty though, that is that in our poverty, (whether spiritual or literal) we can find ourselves experiencing Jesus. We realize, the things that matter, are found in Jesus. If we love, the things we need and desire are easier to find. My hope and prayer today is this, I hope God reminds me that above all, I should love.

Beloved let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ~ 1 John 4:7

Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen ~ 1 Peter 4: 9-11

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

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Friday, September 9, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 80

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’s readings looks at concepts of witnessing and the importance of living a life in the way God wants and at the same time, realizing it is God who should be our focus. As we come close to God we are able to do more than we expected of ourselves.

I love the concepts that we are to live our lives in such a way that our lives do the teaching. I don’t know if I have always succeeded at this. I know the closer I get to Jesus, the more I love others with my actions and my life speaks. I am not a ‘tract’ kind of Christian who witnesses by tracts. I know I ultimately have to use words to give an explanation as to why I live the life I do. When I do that, I can’t ignore the role Jesus has played in my life. Ultimately, I need to use words, but those words carry more impact when my life supports them. I have to walk my talk, if my talk is to be effective.

God has done a lot for me over the years. I have learned to experience the joy and live in a way that results in people talking to me about my faith. I don’t spend my time preaching to them, it is a conversation, a respectful thing where I don’t compromise my beliefs, but I am respected for those beliefs.

Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are; immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and these things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit ~ Galatians 5:16

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

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 78/79

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 start the 11th and final step of the process within the journal process for the book, Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps To Spiritual Freedom. I started this journey some months back and am grateful that in many ways I had started my own journey to recovery earlier with the writing of my book, The Keystone Kid. I wish I would have had this book years ago when I struggled with my own recovery. I realize now, that the understanding of who God is, and relying and trusting on Him is critical, if not key to the recovery process.

As I think back on my walk with Christ over the years I reflect on things that have stuck with me like, ‘Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words,’ or ‘let my life be the light that shines on a hill,’ or even the recognition that when observing Jesus’ interactions with others, he didn’t beat them over the head with his message, and most of the time they actually initiated the conversation with him. I have realized, my life if lived in a loving way with God, will result in others asking me about my faith. For those that know the horrors of my life, they find it hard to believe because I have moved to where I am no longer the person I was. God lives in me and I have a loving, lasting relationship with the creator of the universe.

In that relationship I have found security that can’t be explained. While others seek to tear down, destroy, or ruin the ministry I am involved in, they simply don’t understand, I have peace with the creator because I have a relationship with him. With that relationship, comes an understanding that no matter what anyone else says or does, I have peace because I serve a creator who gives peace.

This process of living for, sharing Jesus with others has moved me over the years; it is the single thing that drives me to keep on doing what I do, not to proselytize of beat people over the head, but to share a love and forgiveness that awaits them that can’t be understood unless it is experienced. I am grateful that years ago I learned to surrender in order to experience the goodness of God. I make mistakes, I may even forget, but I am always drawn back to the goodness of God that sets me free.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ~ Philippians 2: 14, 15

Since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~ Hebrews 12: 1 – 3

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth.”

And after he had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ~ Acts 1: 7-9

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

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 77

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 look at the passage from two perspectives, one as a pastor, hoping and praying that in my willingness to confront others in the things I am called to do that I haven’t abused anyone, the other as one who has gone through experiences of judgment from others who have carried out their faith in an abusive way towards me. I have to realize and pray about the areas I have done wrong, and the wrongs that have been done towards me. I want to be the person God wants me to be as He still has a plan for me.

I have had to have a confidence in who I am because of Christ for a large part of my life, unfortunately, I have only begin to exercise that belief in the last 10 or so years. Even then, I still find myself in need of improvement in recognizing that God isn’t done with me. I need to live each day in the service of God, loving others, and doing something about the plight of those God has called me to minister to. I am grateful that in those areas, I still find excitement.

In areas where I am weak, quick to condemn, or quick to judge, I need to make sure I always step back, reevaluate the decision and action before me and make sure I behave and act as Jesus would have me. In some situations, it may mean a loving confrontation, in others; it may mean remaining silent and letting God, through His Holy Spirit do their job. In others, it may mean saying or doing something different than I initially thought.

I have come to realize, God is not done with me. While I am over the half way hump of life, God still has work to do through me. I am grateful for the work I do; it is possible that after my life on this earth, God can still use me through my writings or present actions. I pray what I do is done the way God desires, not just in my actions towards others as a pastor, but as a person who has a concern for those who have been abused.

‘I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ – Romans 8: 38, 39

You have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. – Romans 8: 15-17

We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and those whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? – Romans 8: 28-31

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

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 76

Truth is, and I know I have done it; sometimes it seems as if I think the world owes me a nice bottle of whine (pun intended) on a silver platter. I am glad I am not at this state as much as I used to be, I can’t help but think it may make me more likeable to those I come into contact with.

Unfortunately, there are many who still think that because of their situation, because of their environment, the world owes them. Abuse is a characteristic that doesn’t help this attitude, we know we have been done wrong, we know others are trying to exercise what they think is their spiritual wisdom or ‘authority.’ It is time to stand up though, not in the area of complaining, but in the area of challenging and moving forward, expecting, and knowing, it rains on the just and the unjust. In other words, yes it is true, bad crap happens to good people and sometimes there is nothing we can do about it because God loves us so much, he created us with a mind of our own that allows these things called humans to at times, do stupid things, even things that hurt other people. The alternative would have been for God to create robots, but if he had done that, we would have no freedoms of our own to do anything.

While others have done wrong to me, I have to get over it and move on; doing what I know is best and what God would have me do. I think the thing that helped me in regards to this was my mother. While she was one of my abusers, I always focused on myself. It wasn’t until close to her death that some things I had suspected were confirmed. It was as I looked at her life, her own abuse, that I considered the life she had led. I think the difference for me is I had God in my life. I am still working on areas of hurt, confusion and more. Yet, I needed to look at and consider my mother. It was as I was able to forgive and find a love for her that ultimately I begin to experience the fullness of God’s mercy and call on my life.

I am not saying any of us should forget the pain, nor should we ignore the situations, and hurt, or like those who have abused us. I am saying this, as I have learned to look at those who have hurt me through eyes of compassion and an attempt to understand them, I am able to find peace in my life and move on. It isn’t easy, heck at times it seems nearly impossible, but it is for my benefit.

I don’t expect God to ‘do everything for me’ and/or ‘make life wonderful.’ I realize the nature of the fallen world we live in and I appreciate the freedoms God has given me. That doesn’t mean it is easy though, the cross Christ calls for me to carry daily wasn’t easy for him either. Was it worth it though? I think that for the sake of relationship, and seeing others come to the place of salvation, it was absolutely worth it and I am grateful. I can only imagine, if I give in, I can see his message of love carried on to others with the forgiveness and sacrifice I offer them. I pray that God helps me do that, even in the hard times, and man oh man, I know there are places, with people I need to do that today because their intent on tearing my life apart, or hurting me isn’t God’s intent, but it is God’s intent that we love, even our enemies and those who would do us harm.

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. ~ Philippians 3: 10, 11

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Fr the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. ~ Romans 8: 18, 19

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you will rejoice with exultation. ~ 1 Peter 4: 12, 13

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

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 75

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:

Today there is a special video for those who would bring others down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RJPaj97H24

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

Just For You

You are important and I want you to know that you can feel free to contact me at any time. I always try to respond to comments posted here, when appropriate, and have learned from my work as a counselor and pastor that people need to know that they are important. My contact information is available and I encourage you to contact me when need be. The fact that you are a real person is not lost on me. While you are at it, if needing a place to plug in, you can also join and become a part of The Virtual Pew. Message boards and interaction are available there as well. Thanks for visiting and know that God loves you and so do I.