Who am I? I am first and foremost a willing slave to Jesus
but I am more. I am a writer, speaker, author, I actually have 3 jobs although many
think I only have one. I write, often contribute to Hollywood Jesus and The
Virtual Pew, although I wish I was doing more for Hollywood Jesus, my own fault
though because of the time it takes to do other things.I operate an online ministry previously
referenced called The Virtual Pew which I started a number of years ago with
the help and advice from some rather respectable people in Christian Ministry,
that ministry, The Virtual Pew is also about helping people who are tired of
church, been hurt by the church, our focus of ministry has always been The
Lost, The Last, The Least and the challenge to those in the church to do the
things Christ has called us to do. There is a strong aspect of teaching with
The Virtual Pew but also helping people, one at a time, with love and
compassion. There has been everything done there from Evangelism, (actually speaking
with altar calls and street evangelism or one on one evangelism both face to
face and on line), to Suicide Prevention or Grief Counseling and because of my
own story, often times helping people who have gone through abuse in one form
or another, most often sexual abuse. I have worked with gangs, and troubled
youth through that ministry and despite what some believe I don't do homeless ministry 100% of the time
because the lost and hurting involves more than just the homeless.
I also pastor a church, albeit very small,
Mosaic Wichita. We have as a primary focus the charge of making disciples. We support other ministries and the work they
do, there are first line ministries and others that we like and support, some
like that of Breakfast Bob that is a front line meeting initial and immediate
needs of those he comes into contact with. We know of his intent to share Jesus and it is as mentioned in scripture, some water,
some plant, some cultivate, and ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who obtains
the harvest.
We don't try to make just Christians, or people saved by the skin of their
teeth but disciples, truly dedicated 100% willing to surrender all to Jesus. We are to make
Disciples, period. While we are to
reach, love and serve the poor among others, (Jesus ministry was not only to
the poor) his final words commanded us prior to departing this earth was to
make disciples. It is our belief at Mosaic that while our primary area of ministry
is to the poor, including the homeless, that does not negate the demand and
command of Jesus, that we make disciples among all people.
There are other things I used to be, a lifeguard, a factory worker, a
construction worker, a carpenter, a football player, a soccer player.I worked and did pretty well in the music
business and in the world of psychiatric mental health rehabilitation.While those are experiences and parts of me I
am appreciative of, have learned from, is still a part of me, they are not the
all of me.
Oh yeah there is something else I am besides all of this, something many of those
in ministry seem to forget about, I am a father and a husband. If those aren't
my first callings or priorities to ministry and I believe the first callings
for all of those in ministry, then the ministry one is involved in is not the
ministry God has endorsed.Think about
it, pray about it, search scripture for the truth on it. On those matters of
Biblical truth, I will not compromise. It is not always easy but if I can't
love and serve my own wife and children, how can I really love and serve those
I have come into contact with in my "ministry" life? Let all of us totally surrender to Jesus, not
the things we have heard about Jesus, but the Jesus we see in scripture, his
life, his example, let us be the people, doing the things, that God has called
us to, not our opinions, not our feelings, but God's callings.
To see the following video, simply click on video, if the video doesn't appear, click on the following link:
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions
of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this
work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no
ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly
a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to
help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most
realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that
comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any
material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and
a link to the original site with the materials provided.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can
also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at
mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
I used to despise Fathers Day for a number of reasons, mainly; I never knew what it was like to have a father. A couple of years ago Lisa Baker wrote a story about me that was used as a Father’s Day feature in Dr. Charles Stanley’s In Touch Magazine. Prior to the publication of that article, I had learned to appreciate Fathers Day.
This year I approach the day a little differently. I won’t go into a ton of detail as to why, just that with a granddaughter, and a grandson due any day now, I realize I have learned quite a bit over the years and there are things I wish I had known over the years.
Growing up without a father, I developed a lot of attitudes and opinions. I have come to recognize things that I don’t know if people will appreciate or not, but I know them as truth.
It is a sad that it seems many if not most kids grows up in single parent homes. There seems to be this obsession with children having children and it is an attitude that strays drastically from God’s plan for a family with a mother and a father. As a result, children suffer. As a child gets older, they want to know the truth. I was one of those children. Finding out the truth later in life will cause hardships and poor relationships with those who either withhold the truth, or distort the truth, especially when the child finds out that things weren’t as they had been presented. I wish I didn’t know this from experience in my own life, but I do.
Many will celebrate days like Mothers Day or Fathers Day and celebrate it with joy and the way God intended, a two parent, loving home. Others will observe it in a single parent way, not really in celebration but by trying to ignore it or just observing it. Let me assure you, the observation of a day does not take away the need for the child to celebrate. It was late in my life before I realized this but thankfully, I did.
Here is my question, are you observing these days or celebrating them? I would also ask, are you giving the example of a Godly parent? The Bible is clear in its instruction as to what is and is not a Godly parent. For a parent to attempt to present anything other than a Godly example shortchanges and ultimately hurts the child. If we truly love our children, and want what is best for them, the child has to become the purpose for living. In today’s society, when so many have children for selfish reasons, I can’t help but wonder what the damages are to the children. There are consequences when we go against God’s will. While God does forgive, the forgiveness process includes a call to change behavior; otherwise, we really haven’t sought forgiveness. Even with forgiveness, we must understand, there are consequences both spiritually and literally for our actions.
This Fathers Day, I pray that God will have me love my children in the way he loves us, a forgiving, caring way. I have to remember, it was Jesus who said if I can’t forgive those on earth I see, then he won’t be able to forgive me. He also stated that it is our obligation to forgive another 70 X’s 7. I am grateful that despite my own disagreements and conflicts with my wife, we realized the plan God had for us was greater than our disagreement. I am grateful that over the years we stuck it out for our children. Of course I am not saying every person should stick it out with each other, not every couple is compatible, but every person can, and should love sacrificially their children in the way God planned and instructed. I will say this, even with incompatible individuals, when surrendering to Jesus and his ways, healing and reconciliation is possible. The unwillingness to surrender and selfishness are more times than not, the reason people aren’t willing to surrender to God and continue living in the despair they are in.
What is the intent of this contribution? It is really quite simple, for those that will, pray for the broken homes, many of which exist where a single parent or a grandparent is raising the child alone. Pray that the family will be restored and that God will protect the child from the bitterness that is often displayed in the attitudes of the parents. May the Holy Spirit move parents to love their children in a Godly way by displaying Godly examples in their own behaviors and actions?
I unfortunately live in a world where I see the damages done to children. I have been blessed over the years to speak to high school students and at risk youth. I have worked with those who have raised their children alone, and I have lived the life of never knowing a father, and never knowing what many would call a loving mother. For many years, I prayed that I would know a mother and thankfully I was able to forgive and love my mother prior to her death. There were wasted years, and while my mother tried to be a wonderful grandmother, we didn’t work things out until the last year or so of her life. One of the worst things a person can do is to realize their selfishness hurt a child. Unfortunately I have seen many hurts in children that could have been prevented. I am reminded of Jesus hard words, ‘It is better for one to have a millstone tied around their neck and be thrown into the sea than to hurt a child.’ Those are harsh words, may all of us on this Fathers Day, and the next Mothers Day, do all we can to not hurt our children, but to love them in a way that is mirrored by God’s love for us.
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=cYDzY70Iu1A
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
Stan Hamm was one of the best guitar players I ever knew. He was without a doubt the best acoustic slide player I ever knew. After working for a number of years in the music business and hearing some of the great guitar players of my time it takes a lot to impress me. Stan impressed me, and the memory of seeing him play, still has a lasting impression.
Stan was tall, over six feet with dirty blonde hair. He was slim with decent muscle tone due to the years spent on his family’s farm and all of the carpentry work he had done. He had the tendency to wear a beard for a month or so and then change his look in some way, either by shaving, changing his hair style, something. He wasn’t overly handsome but he was far from ugly. He could have had many more girlfriends than he did, but he was complicated with a lot of deep thoughts and concerns he wasn’t afraid of discussing.
I first met Stan while attending Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. Hillsboro is a small town and Tabor is a small Mennonite Brethren college. When I first met him I didn’t know he was a musician. We were involved in some classes together and I found out that he enjoyed some of the same Christian artists I did. The one that brought us together was Larry Norman. I enjoyed how Larry Norman used Rock ‘N’ Roll to address social issues and Stan was of the same opinion. It didn’t take long before Stan showed up at my house one evening with guitar in hand.
At that time I was a frustrated musician who had not taken the time or made the effort to learn to play my bass guitar in an appropriate way. I dabbled with a harmonica and tried to sing but really wasn’t that good. I’ll never forget the first time I heard Stan play. I was amazed at how fast his fingers were and how good his music felt. When he brought out that old glass pop bottle neck and started playing slide guitar I was blown away. I had never heard anything like it. He could play everything from classic blues to gospel renditions which he often did at church. His slide version of Amazing Grace is still one of the best renditions I have ever heard. His fingering with both his left and right hand were so effortless, yet the music was without mistake and nothing short of incredible. On some of the things he would sing, and he wasn’t all that bad vocally either.
One of the things I always appreciated in my friends was their honesty and Stan was one of the most honest people I have ever known. I’ll never forget sitting out in the garage one evening, Stan playing guitar and me trying to play harmonica and sing some of those Larry Norman songs. It wasn’t long before Stan told me, "I don’t really think you should sing. It’s not that you can’t sing but you can’t sing the style we are playing." While those comments hurt a little I appreciated him for his honesty. His honesty also caused me to take my singing and playing more seriously. Through the brutality of his honesty I was challenged to be a better singer and a much better musician. I realized that Stan was good for me and would help me not only become a better musician, but a better person.
Over the years Stan and my family became close. For a year and a half we lived in separate attached apartments. We kept the doors between the apartments open and had a common room together that we called our family room. We lived in a community with other close Christian friends but while those families shared their own apartment space Stan and my family took it a step further. The television and our reading materials were in the family room. Our daughter was only 3 or 4 at the time and Stan would watch her as we went to the store or ran other errands. We looked after his things when he wanted us to. We shared most all possessions because we were like family. We even shared a meal together each evening. What was ours was his, and what was his was ours.
Over the years Stan became involved in the jail ministry I organized in college. He was among the first to care and respond to the people we tried to help and was there each week. There were four of us that were regulars in this ministry and we drew close over the four years we worked together. Stan was also involved at church, with student prayer groups on campus, and Bible studies. As far as I was concerned, he had it all together and we had a love for each other that was hard to describe.
Stan and I shared a number of heartaches together. We both had difficulties with our families and there were times we shared those heartaches with each other. He was having some troubles with his folks and their newfound "Charismatic" faith. I on the other hand had difficulty with my family who were all strict Republicans and very conservative. One Christmas Stan went home with me to Tennessee. That particular Christmas was unusual in Tennessee because the temperature was in the 70’s and the mountains were beautiful. We took a 4 mile hike up into the mountains to one of the beautiful waterfalls in the National Forest surrounding Erwin Tennessee. We found some popular tree leaves to cover ourselves with after we decided to strip down and get into the pools surrounding the waterfalls and take some photos.
Later that day we went home and spent time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It wasn’t unusual that when we got together my family would get into some deep philosophical or political argument, this time was no different. While I was so hurt that I was ready to leave and drive back to Kansas, Stan was among the first to be at my side, telling me that my family was worth more than any political view. It was important to make up and see to it that we didn’t have this type of separation, especially at Christmas. It was times like this that I knew Stan was a dear friend. I was there for him when he needed me and he was there for me when I needed him.
Some years later I ended up graduating from college and Stan and I went our separate ways. He spent time in Hillsboro, Oklahoma and Colorado and I was in South Carolina. It was almost 3 years later before I saw him again. My wife, daughter and I were visiting Hillsboro Kansas during Easter. While there we had decided to spend as much time with Stan as possible. I could see at the time that Stan was having some difficulties. He was focused more on the problems around him and didn’t seem happy. He was disillusioned with the church and the Christians around him. He was tired of seeing them talk about love while never showing love. I had not seen Stan like this before, at least not to this extent. We spent a good deal of time together and before I departed to go back to South Carolina I told him that if he ever needed anything to give me a call.
I had been back in South Carolina for almost a year when I received a phone call late one night. It was Stan on the other end of the line and he had awakened my wife and me. I was surprised to hear from him but was pleased. I quickly sat up in the bed and told my wife who it was on the other end. We had not been talking long when Stan began to ask questions about South Carolina. He wanted to know what the people were like, how hard was it to find a job and things of this nature. He than asked if I would be willing to let him move in with us if he moved there. My wife, Mary Jane and I were surprised because we still maintained a close relationship with him and considered him a part of our family. He would always be welcome, he should know that. He told us of his frustrations of living in a small town and living around “supposed Christians." The conversation lasted for close to an hour and I didn’t get much sleep that night due to the excitement of the conversation and the opportunity to talk to my old friend Stan. To be honest I was hoping that he would be moving in rather soon.
My wife was a little less optimistic after much of the discussion of the opportunity of Stan moving in with us in South Carolina. She had remembered his wonderful habit of eating raw garlic. She used to tell him that she could smell him coming up the stairs of the apartment before she heard him. Stan had also been experiencing some problems we were not to aware of and she felt it would be a good idea to find out what was going on in his life before having him move in. While there were several discussions between my wife and me, they were mute, Stan was welcome and we hoped to hear from him soon. Despite my effort to contact Stan over the next several months I was unable to do so. He was moving from one place to another and not many people knew where he was at or how to reach him.
A few months later I accepted a job in Hendersonville, North Carolina. It was only 35 miles from where we lived in Greenville, South Carolina but we moved none the less. I took the job as the Director of a Rehabilitation program in for mentally ill adults. We decided to go ahead and move despite it still being within commuting distance. Things were going great when I received a letter one day from an old friend back in Kansas.
My college had written a brief paragraph in its alumni newsletter regarding my new job. One of the mutual friends I had with Stan wrote me a letter. It was a surprise when I got the letter and I was excited. It started off in the traditional tone, "Hey Mike, it’s Mark here in Kansas. I recently read about you working in Mental Health and I am doing the same thing type of thing here in Newton, Kansas." There was more small talk, which was exciting to me, but then, the shocker, "By the way don’t know if you know or not, but do you know that Stan is dead?"
To say the least my emotions went from the high of hearing from an old friend to instant shock. I’ll never forget my wife who was with me that day at work. She could tell something was wrong from my silence and expression. "What’s wrong Mike?" she asked.
"Stan’s dead" was all I could say.
That evening I called Mark. I needed to know the details. It is hard to explain, that is to know the details, but I couldn’t control the urge. Mark was convinced that Stan was Bipolar and that he had difficulty with all of the things going on. Stan was in Colorado when he had killed himself and was by all evidence, alone. I couldn’t then and still have a hard time accepting that Stan is dead. I often wonder, dream and think about the possibility that maybe he really isn’t dead. I have had to come to accept over the years that he is dead and a dear friend is no longer around.
I have had many regrets, questions and thoughts over the years, "Is there anything I could have done?" "Why didn’t I see something after we had the phone conversation several months earlier?" Why did others put so much pressure on Stan?" "Dear God what a waste of a wonderful life." I thought these things and more but I finally realized that Stan was responsible for his actions. Did he think about the hurt he would create from his actions? I don’t think so if he would have he wouldn’t have killed himself. I have also thought about what was he thinking and going through.
The more I have thought and prayed about it the more I am convinced that the terrible disease of Mental Illness must be treated and understood. I have come to the conclusion that the church is to blame to a small extent for not fully understanding and addressing the needs of the mentally ill. Much of Stan’s confusion and hurt was the result of religious confusion. Many may say this is why you shouldn’t mix religion with the treatment of mental illness. After working in the field for some years I couldn’t disagree more. I am absolutely confident; this is why you must address religious thoughts, convictions, and delusions in the treatment of this disease. To refuse to do so will only allow the confusion to remain in the life of the person struggling.
It has been a number of years now since Stan left us. I still have the pictures we took on the mountain on that Christmas day when he provided me encouragement. I have the Testament our family gave him one Christmas when we lived together in Kansas. I have the recorded music he wrote and played. I listen to it often, still amazed at the ability of this individual who lost hope. This friend who was the best slide guitar player I ever heard play. I wish I could tell Stan one more time that I loved him. I wish I could be there to cry with him, but I can’t. I can only hope that others that need to hear this message will read it, and ultimately, respond to those they love.
The following video addresses the issue of suicide, just click on the video to view. If the video doesn't appear, click on the following link:
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
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Over the years The Virtual Pew has been on the forefront of online ministry. As a result I have been involved in various online social groups. One of the things I have seen is many debates on various issues. Near the top of those debates is the debate of Evolution VS Creation. Not many sources from the view of a Creationist have been available. With the release of The Mysterious Islands, this documentary may very well be the best exploration on the subject from a Creationist perspective.
Unfortunately, it seems as if most Christian filmmakers are satisfied with lack luster quality. I have personally seen many a documentary that isn’t worth the cost of the plastic it is pressed on. In regards to the technical quality of The Mysterious Islands I was more than pleasantly surprised at the quality of cinematography, sound, editing, and story. This top notch documentary accomplishes its purpose in providing a quality product beyond the typical lackluster ‘Christian’ film.
The Mysterious Islands follows the journey of the father son team of 16-year-old Joshua Phillips and with his father Doug. Also on the journey is Dr. John Morris, a noted Creationist. They travel with their team to the Galapagos Islands to search for evidence to refute many of the teachings and beliefs of Charles Darwin. The fact that this is done on Darwin’s 200th anniversary and 150th anniversary of the release of the book Origin of the Species is not lost in the production. It has been said that the Galapagos Islands are the birth place of evolutionary thought. While this is partially true, it is certain that many of the concepts espoused by Darwin were birthed on the islands.
The Mysterious Islands does a good job at following this road journey format as the exploration team searches out to discuss some of Darwin’s findings and conclusions regarding Evolution and the Origin of the Species. One of the concepts strongly challenged through out the journey is the belief in the Survival of the Fittest. Most documentaries start out with a premise supported by the film makers. Unfortunately, many don’t state their intent and present their film under the premise of fair journalism. The makers of The Mysterious Islands, from the get go, lets the viewer know of their intent and beliefs. There is no doubt their view will be presented from a Conservative Christian Creationist point of view. Thankfully on the exploration of the subject matter, they present their case in a logical way with the layman in mind. Most will understand the scientific material in a way that makes sense to them.
Unfortunately, I felt the action between the father and son was somewhat contrived and not needed. The story involving the two seemed to take away from the material being presented. The documentary would have been just as good without the preconceived concept of a father, son journey; I think it would have in fact been better.
This film respectfully explores the differences between Creationist and Evolutionists. From the start, they clearly point out that in their opinion; there were many things Darwin got right. They also point out that he got more wrong than right. They use the arguments of several well known individuals in the field who do not accept their faith to point this out. There is also respect and recognition given to many religions of the world that recognize and believe in creation. They also come to a place where they state that one who says they believe in God cannot believe any concept outside of creation. I would have liked to have seen more debate and openness on this subject. Especially from those who believe that God may have used parts of evolution, or even evolution as a means of creation. It is one of the things that Exposed by Ben Stein has over this film, a more open means of possibility. There are certainly far more beliefs than were presented by the makers of The Mysterious Islands, even from within a Christian perspective. One gets the opinion that if one doesn’t agree with a literal 6 day creation, then one can’t believe in the God of the Bible or be a Christian. It is these types of dogma that have the tendency to turn people away from a faith journey and honest discussion on the subject.
The Mysterious Islands does explore the concepts of transitional design within species. This is an interesting concept that was somewhat educational. As a lay person, I found this concept interesting and at times seemingly only a matter of semantics in regards to the differences between the two trains of thought. Concepts of transitioning, sounding like evolution seem to be accepted by the Creationists in the film. In this view however, the concept of transitions or changes outside of species is strongly attacked. There are compelling arguments and concepts presented that would have been interesting to hear from Evolutionists on. The documentary looks at the concepts presented in the Genesis account, specifically looking at the concepts of God created animals ‘in kind.’ From these various kinds of ‘in kind’ animals others came about.
Some other interesting views in the film look at the history of what they say have occurred as a result of Evolutionary thought. Here they present that the human species have been devalued. There are quotes provided by Darwin and others that accepted Evolution to promote their beliefs. These include people like Hitler and Margaret Sanger, the creator of Planned Parenthood. While it is debatable as to the role evolution played in supporting their perspectives and support of things like racism and prejudice, the quotes provided, seem to support these premises. They also seem to support the general notion that concepts held and presented from Darwin’s teachings were in agreement with the thought process of these individuals. There are additional interesting historical information presented including information regarding an affair between HG Wells and Sanger. It seems these are attempts to not just attack the various beliefs, but the character of these individuals.
While I greatly appreciated the technical quality of The Mysterious Islands, and the ability to communicate the message in layman’s terms I felt part of the story, while done to a small extent, could have been better developed with a more open exploration of the points. This would have taken this film from being widely supported by the Creationist community to a film widely used and effective to people in all belief systems. This could have effectively been used as a discussion point between Evolutionists and Creationists. This could have facilitated great discussions at Film Festivals, Churches, and Scientific Study Groups among others.
The Mysterious Islands is interesting and beautiful to watch. I appreciated that the makers recognize that their argument is an argument of faith, they also point out that the argument of the Evolutionist is also an argument of faith. When presenting the randomness and possibilities of evolution they ask the question of what it is greater to have faith in, random chance, or a God.
One of the things I like to comment on is the special features. I actually give them a mixed review. While there are ample features and information on how to obtain a study guide, much of the focus is more editorial. They vary from the history of the Galapagos to the history of Whaling in the area. It is certain; much of the features material will be controversial. I personally enjoyed The Flightless Cormorant, and their response to the findings of noted Atheist, Richard Dawkins as well as the history of the islands.
As stated earlier, while not perfect, this may be the best documentary on the subject from a Christian, Creationist perspective that has been made. While it will do little to change minds, it is done in such a way it can be understood and appreciated by audiences outside of Academia. I would have appreciated a more balanced approach, but I recognize this wasn’t the intent. It is worthwhile viewing and one Creationists will likely want to own.
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products for services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog, and in my reviews. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The following is the trailer for the movie, just click on the video, if the video doesn't appear, just click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwyteUF43d0
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 P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
(19) Later the disciples went to Jesus in private and asked him, "Why couldn't we force out the demon?"
(20-21) Jesus replied:
It is because you don't have enough faith! But I can promise you this. If you had faith no larger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mountain to move from here to there. And it would. Everything would be possible for you.
A friend of mine from Tulsa, Chuk Cooley recently did a song called Moving Mountains. I have listened to that song, over, and over, and over and over again. Chuk is a little different in his musical style. I would best describe it as Southern Acoustic Rock. We have lived a similar life and my hope is that he will be involved in much of the music for the movie on my life. Let me digress though regarding the concept of the Bible passage listed above.
First, there is an effort regarding smashing or hammering Demons used here and the followers of Jesus, the disciples, have this question as to why they can’t get rid of the demons in the lives of people. Jesus responds with a popular passage about having the faith the size of a mustard seed, if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, (very small), we can move mountains. There are some powerful implications here if we think about it, it is why the passage, and song from Chuk speaks to me.
First, when Jesus shared this there was a mountain the people could see and knew about that was virtually built by slaves of Roman leaders in the background. In other words, they knew that while faith was involved, so was action. It is kind of like the movie The Man That Went up a Hill and Came down a Mountain. It is a story of a town that hauled dirt up to the top of a large hill until that hill met the recognized height requirements to be a mountain.
That is what it is like for many of us, we have to take action to move the mountains that exist in our lives, whether drugs, alcohol, relationships, anger, pride, jobs, whatever the mountain is, we have to take action. While God does his part, we have to do our part. The act of us making change, believing in change, is the act of faith, the faith that if it is the size of a mustard seed, can move mountains.
I learned a long time ago, the challenge isn’t in getting something miraculous done in my life; it is in taking the first step to make change happen because I believe it is going to happen. Faith is getting up when you have been knocked down, not taking no for an answer when you know the answer is yes. Faith is walking alongside your maker as he works with you to move mountains.
Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t mean life and making change is easy, it’s not. There are times the detractors around us bring us down, make things harder, but we have to have faith, we have to walk alongside and realize our creator is beside us to help. Our faith, our confidence, our actions have to be based in what God can do through us, not on what we can do on our own, or on the obstacles around us.
Are there mountains in your life? Are there times the detractors influence you? Are you willing to walk alongside God to move the mountains in your life? Here is what I know, from personal experience, not from reading it in some book or on some web page, but again, experience. I can get up when I have been knocked down, God can and will prevail in my life despite the difficulties. I can overcome that which was meant for wrong or evil, and God can turn it around to where it can be used for good. I know the answers to these things; I have experienced these things enough to tell you it is why I do my best to walk with God from day to day. I fail at times, I get discouraged, but I have seen a little mustard seed of faith grow into a mighty plant that God has blessed and seen value in. I also know this, God don’t love any of us any more than the other, he wants as much for you as he does for me, or any other person on the planet. Personally, I can’t imagine going through life without going through it while walking next to Jesus. I also know some of us need to realize that if we are to move mountains, while we have faith, sometimes we have to believe in our own abilities because of the ability God has given us. That don’t mean it is us…as God is the giver of life, but we can’t forget our own need to be involved in the process. So, get up, walk with God, move mountains.
The following is the video Chuk recently did of Moving Mountains. To watch it, just click on the video, if the video don’t appear, click on the following link:
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 P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
I don’t know how to feel right now, in fact I don’t know if I even want to share how I feel about anything right now. There is the good stuff, heck that is easy, there is the hard stuff, shoot, even that is easy, but then there are the painful things, the confusion, frustration, hurt, anger and all. There is the feeling of how do I survive everything I am going through? Where are the friends? Has this ministry really helped anyone? Why do Christians still take advantage of others? I could go on and on. Please, understand, today is more for me than anyone, and I really don’t want any sympathy or anything like that, I am actually kind of sick of false or fake sympathy, but that is another story. I am busy, I know God has used me to bless, help and touch others, but I am tired, I need time for me, but when I take that time others suffer, even today, a 50 so year old woman was trying to justify to me why she wouldn’t involve the law when children were being abused. “God help those children, God teach those adults a lesson about the pain.” I know, hard words but it is how I feel. I won't even touch on the wrestling bruhaha here in Kansas at the moment. It is amazing though, people treat your son like crap and then expect him to come back and be treated like crap some more. People are users, you give and give, and then it seems like some, (far from all, thank God!) think some are dumb enough to walk back and be treated like crap again, like any of us enjoy that.
Let’s see, an explanation of what has gone on so far this week may be of benefit. There is this band SHEL who is staying with our family for around a week, and the blessings I have seen in this family have kept me going. More on this in a future article, but for now, I have a new brother, a new sister, Lynn and Andrew, and to the girls, know this, a middle age man has learned and been blessed not just from your music, although your music has been incredible, but your lives and relationship with each other is a real thing of beauty and a lesson you will teach and show so many people your career progresses, and rest assured, it will progress.
There is a need I have to go to Tennessee, mixed in with all kinds of other things. I have concerts to play with my wife on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday yet, and on top of that, realizing I may miss at least one of those dates. My sister and I, (mainly my sister because she has been there) had to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order with the hospital my mom is in. My emotions have been happy, sad, confused and more. I would be lying if I said I haven’t shed more tears this week than I have shed in a long time. It is likely my mom will not live more than a few weeks as of this writing. It would also be a lie to say I haven't been blessed more this week than I have in a long time. Let me explain.
Earlier in the week I got a certified letter in the mail, I wrote a little about that last week but it was an incredible blessing when I was expecting an incredible let down. I have spent time with my son; I have been so blessed to get to be with him. While I have expected and practiced tough love, at this point in time, I have never, repeat, never quit loving and wanting the most for my son. I also saw a movie yesterday; I know, I know, a movie? Yep a movie, I went to see UP a review on that later, but what a blessing to see art with an incredible message. This movie had all of that.
I have also had the privilege of working with my wife and her band, also with a loving, serving and caring wife and a wonderful son in law that is as much as any father could ever want for his daughter. Then there is the church where I have the absolute honor and blessing of serving. Let it be clear, while there are some kinks to work out for Mosaic Wichita, there is hope, there are people who clearly love God and want to serve. I find it such a blessing and honor to serve God’s people as their under shepherd.
That is about it for the moment, I wish I had more to say, I wish I had more “meaning: and “life lessons” in this but I just had to put a few words down on paper. I guess if I know anything, while my confidence in people is still strained at times, God finds ways of showing real people in my path that show real love. While I have been hurt, there has been love, while there has been doubt, there has been God. I know that because I have seen God in the lives of those who has shown me love, and been there, including some girls and their family from Colorado, a loving wife, two beautiful children, a son in law, and real friends from a real church. To those who groan, grieve and pray for me, thank you, thank you for allowing me to be real, and allowing me to be who God created me to be.
I have to play the video of the girls who have kept my week from being so tragic. The song is uplifting, but so are the girls. Their only fault is they don't like Mama Mia, but other than that, they would be perfect. To watch the video, just click, otherwise click on the following link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpaw8d_mtec
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 P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Do you realize you are a tool? The truth is, we are all tools whether we like it or not. But the question then becomes, who controls you. You see a tool is an instrument that is of little value unless it is in the hands of a skillful master and used in the way it was intended. I knew this, and believed it, but as usual, I needed a reminder of that and this last week has provided one. Please take the time to read this as it is a sincere effort to express thanks and gratitude, but it is also a chance to share something that I think we can all learn from. I have already shed tears today from this lesson in life, I want it to help others more than you will ever know.
As many know, my wife recently had foot surgery; they had to shave bone spurs off of four of her toes, cut off a bunion, and then stretch her Achilles tendon, all on her left foot. She has not been able to put weight on the foot for 2 weeks, and will be in a cast for a minimum of 4 months, and won’t be able to put a shoe on her foot for around 6 months. Needless to say, stressful and welcome Mr. Mom!
Then there was Monday of last week. We have been leasing our house with an option to buy. This method of purchasing a house is a necessity for an underground house. Thankfully we chose this option as there were some plumbing problems that came about. We were into our 2nd year of a 3 year option and we got notice that our landlord, who has been wonderful by the way, has had to file bankruptcy. We were told that his trustee, attorney had informed him to not let us know and we would just get an eviction notice within 3 – 6 months. For a family that has made the effort to develop a co-op for chickens and a garden for people in his church, and has started planning activities where the neighbors can start to get to know each other, the thought of having to move has made us sick. We have contacted a realtor about what we need to do to buy the house but haven’t heard anything back yet. I guess that with the economy, there is still a chance we could loose the house, we just don’t know.
Then there are the activities at church, we had a band stay with us the last couple of days from Battle Creek Michigan, and will have another stay with us next week for a week. Then there are the minimum of 6 concerts I will be playing in along with my wife, son in law, our band and another band over a 7 day period. Of course the band from Ft. Collins Colorado will be staying with us for 7 days.
Now don’t get me wrong, the bands with us, the concerts they are a great thing for us to do and all of the things centered on serving and ministering to people. The truth is I love the person of the Real St. Nicholas and the concept of Santa Claus for a reason. I love to give, and I can think of few other things in life that gives me that kind of joy.
Well all of this has been going on, and it has been a roller coaster week, I even celebrated my 50th birthday last week with a large number of friends, and there has been so many ministries taking place as a result of the article in Dr. Charles Stanley’s In Touch Magazine it has been unreal. But then on Friday, the nerves set in as we received notification that we had a certified letter to pick up at the post office. Now I don’t know about you, but I can think of very few things related to a certified letter that is good. All weekend, my wife and I stressed, even requesting prayer at church related to the only thing we could imagine, our home situation.
This morning, with my shirt put on backwards, inside and out and all, (hard to do for polo) I went to the post office early in the morning to pick up the letter. I walk in, nervous and anxious and picked up the letter from Chester’s. I had done a search over the weekend on a Chester’s in Wichita and could only come up with a steak house, I had no idea what that would have to do with anything. But sure enough, the certified letter was from a 4 star restaurant in Wichita with a top recognized chef. I opened up the letter once I got in the car and saw that a friend of my family, The Virtual Pew and our Church had given my wife and me a gift certificate for what was to us a significant amount to this fine restaurant. This was a blessing that I want to comment on to some extent if you will bear with me a little while longer.
Those who know me know that I don’t do the extravagant things any more, but this morning I kind of feel, maybe for the first time in a long time some of the thoughts that Jesus experienced when he had the expensive oil poured on his feet. People sometimes give gifts to the church I pastor or to The Virtual Pew. I am grateful for those gifts more than you know, but this morning, I experienced something personal. Something personal is something that you can’t ignore. Someone thought enough of my wife and me that they wanted to bless us with something extravagant. I realized this morning, that that personal touch is something that touches in ways we can’t even comprehend. This morning I shed tears over the gift, why? Because someone thought of me and someone thought of my wife.
Now here is the thing about all of this, for years I had issues with people with money, and the truth is I believe Jesus meant exactly what he said when he said it is as easy for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get into the kingdom of Heaven. Here is what I have come to realize from study and searching though; there are those with money who don’t see their money as their money. They see the importance of using their money for the Kingdom of God. God has hit me with this hard in the last 12 hours, once from a stranger, last night at a concert, who said, here is some money for you to use as you want. We gave a band $50 of that money last night, and put the rest in the offering for the church which looses money in its concerts to bless bands and many young people. I was touched by this random act of kindness, then this morning, to have that gift given to my wife and me, I can’t tell you how much I have thought of how some wealthy people, at least by my standard, are willing to give and bless others. One of those over the last 2 days realized and desired to bless my wife and me, how can you express gratitude for things like that.
Here is what I have come to realize, we are all tools, some cheap flea market tools that are used in the wrong way, and others a quality tool like a craftsman that has a lifetime guarantee that is used in the hands of a master. That master controlling the tool can be a carpenter, a mechanic, or any number of other craftsmen, but they are none the less masters. They know how to use their gifts, whether encouragement, loving, money or whatever in a most perfect way. They are willing to listen to the call of the Holy Spirit in how they use those gifts.
Here is a question for you, what kind of tool are you? Are you letting that tool be controlled by the master craftsman, God? Or are you allowing yourself to control that gift, or maybe even an enemy greater than any enemy you know who has no desire for that tool to be used for good?
I have been blessed today, I am so grateful that I felt the love of another human being, I had to pass the phone to my wife so she could say thank you to that person as I started to cry this morning. I realize, as does this individual, that they are a tool from God and are used by God. I realized a long time ago that people that have supported this ministry and the work my wife and me do are special, each gift has been special and needed, but it is rare that we get to experience the “personal” end of things and it feels good. I am reminded today, if it feels good for my wife and me, how good will it feel for someone else who are not so used to seeing the blessings of God? I am reminded of how God uses people in the area of gifts this morning from a passage of scripture, but before I say that, I want to say thanks to those who have given to not only Mosaic, and The Virtual Pew, but also my wife and me. May we all realize that God can use us in the giving of gifts? Now that passage of Scripture that I hope inspires all of us.
Matthew 7: 11 ~ As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
The following is a great video that illustrates a huge part of the teaching today. Just click on the video, if the video don’t appear, just click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxQTU0YCQdE
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 P.O. Box 17731 Wichita, KS 67217
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
I also pastor a church, albeit very small,
Mosaic Wichita. We have as a primary focus the charge of making disciples. We support other ministries and the work they
do, there are first line ministries and others that we like and support, some
like that of Breakfast Bob that is a front line meeting initial and immediate
needs of those he comes into contact with. We know of his intent to share Jesus and it is as mentioned in scripture, some water,
some plant, some cultivate, and ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who obtains
the harvest.
Oh yeah there is something else I am besides all of this, something many of those
in ministry seem to forget about, I am a father and a husband. If those aren't
my first callings or priorities to ministry and I believe the first callings
for all of those in ministry, then the ministry one is involved in is not the
ministry God has endorsed. Think about
it, pray about it, search scripture for the truth on it. On those matters of
Biblical truth, I will not compromise. It is not always easy but if I can't
love and serve my own wife and children, how can I really love and serve those
I have come into contact with in my "ministry" life? Let all of us totally surrender to Jesus, not
the things we have heard about Jesus, but the Jesus we see in scripture, his
life, his example, let us be the people, doing the things, that God has called
us to, not our opinions, not our feelings, but God's callings.
Click
here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew
There is a need I have to go to Tennessee, mixed in with all kinds of other things. I have concerts to play with my wife on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday yet, and on top of that, realizing I may miss at least one of those dates. My sister and I, (mainly my sister because she has been there) had to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order with the hospital my mom is in. My emotions have been happy, sad, confused and more. I would be lying if I said I haven’t shed more tears this week than I have shed in a long time. It is likely my mom will not live more than a few weeks as of this writing. It would also be a lie to say I haven't been blessed more this week than I have in a long time. Let me explain.
