GPS, A Marital Relationship Improvement Tool Plus More

Yesterday I purchased something that was on sale at one of the local department stores. It is something that will benefit and improve the relationship with my wife. I am still learning new tricks and I have come to realize, technical advances can often work at improving relationships. On the way home from church I was talking to my wife about our new marital relationship improvement tool. I made mention of it in church, and this new tool is something that goes by another name. We were trying it out last night and today on the way home from church. I couldn’t believe how I used it as an illustration at church today. The other name this marital relationship improvement tool is known as is a GPS or Global Positioning System.

Now I know some are asking; “how is this a marital relationship improvement tool?’ The answer is actually quite simple, at least for me. I have always loved to travel and as a result my wife has been on many trips with me as a navigator, sometimes driver. Along the way on those trips we have followed maps or trip tickets from things like map quest or some other online directory. Needless to say, those things aren’t very accurate and wee have gotten into more than a few arguments with more than a few frustrations over our inability to read the maps or follow the directions. We realize the GPS won’t be perfect, but it will be better than the maps or trip tickets we have followed over the years. The voice on the GPS also makes it easier to yell at it than each other.

There was something else I noticed about the GPS I alluded to in church this morning. There are a number of features on the GPS that do things like inform me when I am going above the speed limit, where the closest business or gas station is, when I am entering a school or church zone, even when to turn, if there is construction ahead, or if there is an accident down the road. It is a road map to help in more ways than just giving directions. As I looked at the message and prepared it today for church I recognized that in many ways, Jesus is a road map to help us. He knows the way we should go, he has given us the warning signs that are ahead, and he can help us stay out of problem zones if we listen. In some ways, Jesus is also a GPS, but not a Global Positioning System, but Gods Positioning Savior.

You see it is quite simple, Jesus is there, he is in position and one who has gone through many of the conflicts we have gone through. While he is fully divine, he was also fully human. The Bible tells us he went through the same difficulties we do. He came to earth to help get to the relationship God wants to be in with us. It is up to us to listen. Jesus is much like the GPS in another way, we can go away from the directions we are given, but as soon as we go away from those directions, new instructions are given to help us get back on track, of course we can listen or not, but there is always someone there, willing to help us get back on course. We have a choice when we hear those directions, either listen, or continue on a course that leads us away from God. The course we take is up to us, while we have the voice, those directions; we still have control of the steering wheel, brake, gas pedal and in my case clutch. It is our decision, we can listen to the direction we know will get us to our destination, or we can choose to go our own way. Of course going our own way when we have a GPS seems to be a waste of a great, beneficial tool. I know some of us go our own way when we have a GPS, but I have to ask, is it any wonder some of us experience the tough road that robs us of joy, happiness and hope? If Jesus is your GPS, use him, he knows what he is doing, of course the instruction manual, the Bible will be of benefit to read to fully understand the directions we are given. Then the voice we hear, the Holy Spirit, will be a gentle voice, that even when we are off course will gently lead us back to the place that leads to the things God would have for us. We can charge each other to stay strong and make sure our batteries never die, but those responsibilities still lie with us. What will you do?

Some have asked me which GPS I purchased. Well the following is a video of one of the best on teh market. It is fairly new and not many people are aware of it. I highly recommend that you check out the video, just click on it, and if it doesn't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDaxjEu-Qck


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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

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Contemplating Over A Panini At Meads Corner

I sit here in a super nice coffee shop this morning, Meads Corner in Wichita on the corner of Douglas and Emporia like I normally do a few days a week. I sit here wondering about things while contemplating life. Things like why would a police officer not want to help a church reach out to kids or young adults in an impoverished community? Why would a government not look out for the people it represents? Why would a person you have loved unconditionally turn their back on you? Why would a pastor not have the desire to love children? Why would someone not make the effort to share with someone that is hurting that they care and are either thinking of them or praying for them? Today, I wonder about a lot of things.

The truth is, I am far from perfect, but I follow one I know is perfect. For those who spend any time with me they know I am not as much of a “talker” as I sometimes let on. Truth is, one of the things I like about coming to Meads is I can sit at my little table, work on my computer, and at times just sit back, watch and listen to people. I like to contemplate. I like to ponder. Maybe it is conceded, but I think I am a much deeper thinker than maybe some give credit for. There are the stereotypes that sometimes come about from the long hair, piercings or whatever. People are so quick to judge based on outward appearance, without ever really knowing the heart of the person they are making judgments about. I don’t think that is such an unusual thing we all do it at times, I know that.

As I sit here, getting ready now for what is in my opinion the best sandwich in Wichita Kansas, (the chicken panini) I look around as the Rotary Club is winding down their meeting. The place is hopping, busy, yet, here I still sit, at my own little table contemplating the world. I see another guy on his computer, I wonder, what is he going through? Does he have a relative who is having a tough time? I think I know the answer to that question. There is a lady eating her gelato, alone for now, but apparently going to her meeting. I see another hooking up their computer and then a lady holding a small child talking to someone behind the counter. What are their experiences? What are they going through? As a brother of the human species do I even care?

Today, like many others, I contemplate, I have to be careful though, and my friend Jeremy just told me my panini is coming up. That sandwich is too good to think about other things, my stomach tells me to enjoy the moment. I think I will, but then I see across from me at another table, a young lady enjoying her sandwich. Maybe we should talk about how good the sandwiches are at Meads, maybe we will discover something else that has value, and maybe we will share in this thing called life. What do you think?

Sometimes I think I have the answers but I am quickly reminded, I don't. I think I have things figured out but something comes along to show me things are different than I thought. I have a meeting coming up after my sandwich. What will it be like? Will it be boring? Will something positive come out of talking about death? I don't know! I do know life is full of surprises and I might just be in for one. How about you, ever give that thought an option or possibility? If we never try, we will never know.

Meads, thank God a place exists that allow for the possibility of the impossible. Thank God I have learned lessons like that if I am willing to sit back and listen, give life a chance, sometimes, especially the times I need it the most, I might just be blessed. I could only hope there is a Meads Corner on every corner of every city. For some reason I can't help but think the world would be a better place.

One of the fun events recently at Meads was doing a concert there with my wife, son in law, and the band SHEL. The place was so full they had to move out the tables, and it was packed standing room only and a great evening of music and entertainment. Here is a video of our concert with Shel, just click on the video, if the video don't appear, just click on the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hkFLQLQRvk


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

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 visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

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

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

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Why Stay Like A Baby?

I am a strange cookie, I know that. One of the things some know me for is my ability to be blunt. Some say, “You never have to worry about Mike stabbing you in the back.” Or; “Mike is a straight shooter, it is one of the things I like about him, he is real.” Of course over the years I have discovered something that will shock people. I have learned people lie.

I have discovered many people do like this attitude. I think it is part of growing up in a society that has people competing against each other. We are used to people using us like a broken down tool to get ahead, not for anything other than the satisfaction of self advancement. Along the way, many are hurt and others feel like used up trash thrown by the roadside.

There are those who like the honest, in your face approach when it is used on someone else, but when confronted with the truth of their own issues, they don’t like it; in fact, they may be among the first to turn on you. When one has invested so much time in the development of a relationship that encourages honest communication, few things hurt as much as someone who turns their back on you when they have stated you are a friend.

I have learned over the years when to be gentle, and when to be honest. When having a relationship with someone for a period of time, making serious sacrifice to serve and be with them, when having them request that you be honest, and then you confront them on something like their anger issues, their treatment of children or the way they treat people in a judgmental, condemning way, there should be a point of understanding. Often there isn’t a point of understanding because there isn’t a point of maturity that has developed.

I have learned something over the last weeks, something God is speaking to my heart about, that is the need for universal, uncompromising love, no matter what, but also an expectation that those of us who say we follow Jesus, or even those who don’t but consider themselves adult, recognize the need to grow up and develop maturity. I am not talking about never having fun. I am talking about serious issues, issues like growing in life, growing in understanding.

I can’t help but notice the immaturity in our society. While many do grow, one can’t help but notice there are some who don’t or won’t. I can’t help but notice immaturity when I turn on the television or listen to the radio and see the fighting and squabbling that takes place. It might be on a political point or a point of preference. It may be on an awards show where we see one jealous person take away from the moment of another who just won an award. We might see it when someone we know tries to get credit for something they either didn’t do or had a small part in it. The truth is, from temper tantrums, to the bickering and arguing, we see immaturity all around us, and the church is not excluded from this. In fact, sometimes, those in the church understand the concept of maturity less than other population groups because they have isolated themselves so much, they don’t always understand the real world and real world expectations. This isn’t just unique to the church though, this has permeated all reams of society.
I don’t know if people realize the prison they bind themselves in when they refuse to grow. Can a politician ever get back to the point of doing what is right for their country and constituency? Can a musician learn to joy in a special moment of someone even when their favorite artist didn’t win? Can a person of faith, really make the sacrifice to grow and be more than just a baby in their faith or life? Can they enjoy the growth process we call maturing?

I have a long way to go in my own life in certain areas. Let me make clear though, while I don’t always agree with the assumptions of others about me, I have learned that when people have invested their lives in me, when they have invested their honest to goodness friendship in me, that when they confront me, while I may not like their initial impression or thought, I have learned, they have earned the right to confront me and I am blessed that they are there to help me in my journey called life. Many times I realize that with some time, I learn points of growth, and I am grateful for that growth opportunity. While I have much growing to do, I have grown and I believe many of us need to be encouraged to continue that growth process.

To be honest, I want you to seriously look at your life. Are there areas you aren’t willing to grow, or haven’t grown? Are you willing to do what is necessary?

While this is an issue around the globe, it is a unique problem in the West, especially in the United States. Unfortunately, to many, we come off as more of a spoiled brat than we do someone who truly loves, and serves our community and our God. Thankfully there are those organizations, often Christian based who are doing great P.R. work for us, from Compassion International, to World Vision, and from The Mennonite Central Committee, to New Tribes Missions. These organizations are serving and loving others unconditionally and their impact can’t be ignored.

This week I use a line from William Shakespeare in my sermon, “Life is more than just an act.” I remember the song by Mike Johnson some years ago that followed this line of thought. Unfortunately, many of us need to remember, we can either go through life acting, or we can go through life living and growing. I want to grow in my spirit and in my wisdom until the day I die. I have hope, and I have joy through a leader and guide named Jesus. He is my Christ; he is my forgiver and everything. After all he did for me; I think I owe it to him to become the best man I can be. What about you?

The following is a video by former Yes Keyboard Player, Rick Wakeman. Watch it, listen to the music and contemplate, am I willing to mature and grow.

To view the video just click on it, if it don't appear, just click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrtTlx765cI


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Click here to visit Mosaic Wichita, the Church in Wichita Kansas where Mike is the pastor.

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

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 visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Click to visit Mary Jane Furches' new MySpace Page

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

Donations to The Virtual Pew

http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

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

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed -http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed –http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus