An Alaskan Affair, A Short Story by Mike Furches

Charles was walking alone across the open tundra. He realized he was on ice. The vastness of the open sea pulled him. All around him he saw the mountains and their peaks covered or tipped with snow. They reached as high and as far as the eye could see, to the endless vastness of the sky and the borders of heaven.

As the sun shined on the peaks Charles saw the reflections of the shadows mixed with the glistening of the snow. The dull gray rocks seemed small, but Charles knew they were really quite large. He was after all, at least three miles from the nearest mountain and there were other mountains as far as the eye could see in all directions.

In the simplicity of the grayness of the rocks, Charles was amazed how much color the color of gray possessed. There were many tints, all of them seeming all the brighter and more brilliant next to the contrast of the white snow. There were blue tints; light and dark tints, as well as shades of brown and green. All of these colors, and more, positioned against a backdrop of deep royal blue sky sprinkled with white silky and fluffy clouds. All in all, it was a beautiful day.

Charles didn't know what it was that was driving him on in this course. He had a family back home that he deeply cared about, especially his three daughters. Charles could only think of enjoyable memories when it came to his children. They were and would always be mystically linked to him. He knew they were a part of him. They came from his roots and lineage, a part of the continuation of his soul and spirit. His children were something he had tried to cultivate in appropriate ways. Ways where they would be successful when they were grown. Success for his daughters would come from places other than wealth. It would come from relationships, family and morality. Charles wanted richness in the pleasures of life. He wanted wealth from the security of being involved in something where his children would leave their mark on those around them for an eternity.

Charles was growing further apart from his wife but he tried to keep their marriage together. As they grew older they were unlike some couples who grew more in love and found out how much they had in common. Charles realized how they were different. While raising the children Charles knew his wife had been a good mother. He was grateful for her.

Charles had not changed much since the wedding. He remained in many ways the kid he was while growing up. There were the simple and small ways his wife had changed. She didn’t take the time to care for herself like she once did. This impacted her physical appearance and her emotional makeup. Charles wasn't mad at her; he just realized how they had grown apart.

After arguments with his wife, Charles often took long walks to reflect on his life and to calm down. He was having an affair with the surroundings he had grown to love, the beautiful terrain of Alaska. He occasionally left home for long walks that lasted the day. His wife and children never understood or accepted him doing this. His family knew he was so caught up in his work through the week that he often times didn’t get home until late. His family just wanted him to spend more time with them.

Several times a week Charles went to the local pub to spend time with friends. He never drank alcoholic beverages, just coke or water. Going to the pub was a way of relaxing and spending time with his friends. It was a way of relaxing he had never experienced with his wife. This was something his wife never understood or accepted.

As Charles continued walking he got lost in the beauty of his surroundings. He accepted that he was enjoying the privacy and beauty of his surroundings more than he did his time at home. Here, there was no arguing, unless he decided to let loose and argue with God. This was a rewarding experience though, it was from the occasional arguments with God that he seemed to understand himself and God better. Charles had friends that knew him well and warned him about the dangers of taking his long walks without letting anyone know of his whereabouts. Alaska was still a wilderness and she possessed attributes that made her so.

The mountains and snows were unpredictable. There was the animals and ice. Animals got hungry and bears, especially if awakening during the spring hibernation, were known to stalk humans. One of the greatest dangers was the enormity of the lakes and seas. They would freeze in the winter and form barren tundra of frozen ground. The ice was so thick in some sections that large semi trucks drove over the ice to deliver items to various locations.

As thick as the ice got, in the spring it would began to thaw and often times took to the grave those on it at the time it broke apart. Charles reasoned with his friends that none of them knew the circumstances he was going through at home nor of the confusion he was constantly going through in his own mind. To him, this was a justification that blinded him to the reasoning presented by others.

Charles never got over being raised in the environment he was. He was raised in the country, the child of a farming family. This was difficult not just on Charles, but on every family and child growing up on a farm. The 1970's were rough and the grain embargo years of President Carter didn't help. Seeing families loose everything they had worked so hard for made it difficult for Charles’ mother and father. Eventually, the hard times hit home. When Charles grandfather and grandmother lost their farm of over 50 years Charles father started drinking and the alcohol shortened an already short temper. It was his observations of this that kept Charles from consuming alcohol throughout his adult life.

The years preceding the loss of the family farm took the greatest toll on Charles family. Charles did his best to lead a advantageous life, but there was the nightmares and flashbacks that shocked the past memories into the present. The nightmares had vivid images of his mothers and fathers last years together. Years of arguing, fighting, and taking the anger out on the children. The children were never physically abused but the spankings came more often and for things not always their fought.

It was not the recollection of these memories that Charles was having nightmares about. It was the time he walked in and found his father dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound. It was after this brutal discovery Charles mother moved to Des Moines. Des Moines wasn't a large city to most but to Charles, after growing up in the country it was as if he was visiting another planet. Charles was never willing to put the blame on anyone else other than himself. "Each person is responsible for their actions." He told his friends while discussing various topics after work at the pub. This opinion not only helped develop bar room friendships but it was a philosophy Charles accepted and believed. It was an idea that was rural America and a part of Charles most essential roots.

For a moment Charles was frightened and realized he was daydreaming again. On occasion he walked for miles just thinking and daydreaming. It was as if he was not aware of his surroundings.

It was the roar of a falling glacier, which awoke him from his stupor. A glacier had shifted and caused a small avalanche some ten miles away. He saw the powder starting to cascade down the mountain, growing in size as it fell down the steep frozen and sterile mountain. The snow was starting to melt now and as it melted the glaciers often shifted, and fell. They sounded like a loud, constant, thunder clasp. Even though Charles was a safe distance from the tons of falling snow, he could still distinguish the thunderous sound heard from miles away The avalanche momentarily took his attention away from the struggles he was going through regarding his relationship with his family, wife, and friends, but mostly with himself.

Charles watched the avalanche in the distance for what seemed like hours but it could not have lasted more than three minuets. It was here that Charles took a break and looked at the beautiful clouds. He could see many reflections and shapes as the sunlight shone through the clouds. It was as if God was using his fingers to point rays of light to the earth, highlighting points of the mountain and ice covered sea around him.

Charles lay down and looked at the large white delicate clouds and the designs. He recalled his childhood were he did the same thing in the fields of Iowa. It was there where Charles was taught by his father to use his imagination to distinguish various shapes and objects in the cloud formations. It was amazing to Charles, even as an adult, how imaginative the mind was and how it could be told something existed that was not in reality there. He knew for example that one of the clouds he was looking at could not be mans' profile, yet, he could convince his mind that what he saw was the profile of an elderly man.

The ice Charles lay on did not feel cold due to the down jacket he was wearing. It was a jacket his grandmother gave him when he had left Iowa to go to college in Wyoming. It was one of the last things his grandmother gave him before she died of a heart attack during his freshman year while on Christmas break. Charles was pleased that he had not grown much since college. He was now 38-years-old and out of college for 15 years. If anything, he was pleased that he was in many ways, in better shape now than he was then. While in high school and later on in college he was not that active. He concentrated mainly on his studies in agriculture. It was later, after realizing he would never make a decent living farming that he changed his area of studies to finance. After college he started taking long walks to get into shape.

While watching the clouds Charles closed his eyes and thought of some of the pleasant times he had had with his grandmother while growing up. He thought of the times when everyone in the family got together after church for dinner. They would watch the Bears of Chiefs play football on television. While Charles was not athletic it was fun having the men of the house enjoying the game and getting into ritualistic arguments about who the best players were in the history of the game. He recalled the fine meals his grandmother always prepared. There was always more food than they could eat during lunch but after snacking through the day there was never any left by the time the second televised game of the day was over.

On occasion He remembered his dreams but on others had no idea what he had dreamed. On this occasion he could not remember his dreams but knew he had a good nap by the way he felt. He felt good and started walking again. He could walk for another hour or so and still have time to get home to his family before dark. He was 15 miles from home and he had almost 5 hours to get to his jeep which was parked at the edge of the park. This was important even though it was early in the spring. The bears were still in the lowlands looking for food and it could get down to 20 below zero.

At times like this Charles realized how much he loved his surroundings. There was the mountains, sky, he even enjoyed in its own strange sort of way, the weather. It was also at these times that he didn't want to hear his wife complaining about taking a full day on the weekend to spend time alone, walking. It wasn't that she didn't want him doing the things he enjoyed. She just didn't understand the need for him to be alone or away from the family during his free time. He did this without letting them know where he was at.

To Charles, the mountains and spring of the year in Alaska was as if he were having an affair with a woman he deeply loved. He loved her aroma and never tired of looking at her. He remembered every little detail. There was her body, the curve of eyelashes, the darkness of her eyes and the small blemishes which were not really blemishes but small details to accent her overall beauty. He could be in her presence for an eternity, never wanting anything more than her companionship and the fullness of a conversation dipped in romance. To touch and caress while in conversation about anything from a movie to the way one felt about the other. Any conversation would be an easy conversation because it was not so much the subject matter of the conversation as much as it was the joy that came from being in her presence. Naturally, if on occasion more were to happen, then that would be something beautiful and enjoyed to the fullness of which God intended. Yet it would not be any one thing which would be the basis of the relationship but instead the magic of everything combined.

Charles felt all of these feelings about Alaska, yet, in the manner that resembled an affair. It was an affair which took from one aspect of Charles’ life in order to give to the other. This affair at times had him questioning, what, and who were right, and what, and who, were wrong. It was an affair were the love of youth had been lost to a new love of vigilance and challenge. Was one right while the other wrong? Charles didn't think so. He knew how he felt about his surroundings; he knew how he felt about his life and family. He didn't fully accept what others thought as right or wrong. He saw and lived life through his own perspective. He needed time to follow his own heart.

The spring was a time of growth and change; one never knew what would happen. For Charles, this lack of understanding was one of the beautiful things about Alaska. There were other things he loved and were drawn into. It was not unusual to see animals come out of hibernation. He could sit at a distance and watch the games of flirtation with the birds, bears, foxes and other animals that played with each other. The games of flirtation were in a good, clean, decent, sincerely pure way, as romantic as anything Charles had experienced for many years. He had the joy of seeing Gods creation at work and the joy and pleasure those things bought him were worth the risks he took. For Charles, to see nature replenish itself and go through the ceremonies and rituals of spring were a spiritually uplifting thing. To realize, that creation renews, forgives and seemingly forgets was a message which Charles needed.

Charles thought that the risk he was taking was something God wanted for him. This involved the risk of taking the long walks in environments where others did not know where he was. To others, it was as if reason had been lost. To Charles, reason was not lost, he knew he had a family and a responsibility to that family, yet, he also knew how much joy and pleasure the walks and time alone brought him. He was convinced; this could not be bad. Observing the beauty of Gods creation was something others should understand. To Charles it was not so much that he had changed over the years; his family had changed.

In the early days, Charles and his wife did things together; they loved the company they kept with each other. They took long walks and were involved in all types of activities. Yet, for a number of reasons, some his fault, he had become bitter towards those around him for not trying to understand him or his past. He blamed everyone but himself for the disintegration of their relationships, and he was tired of the confrontations. He was going to live his life, to the fullest and most satisfying way possible.

Charles had been daydreaming as he walked across the ice. He was now wide awake, it was starting to get cool, but he was within site of his jeep, some mile or so away. He was now whistling away the tune of Mr. Blue Sky by The Electric Light Orchestra. He was thinking about how beautiful it was, and how it was nice that it was starting to warm up. It wasn’t as cold as he had expected and he was looking forward to the spring and warm weather. As he walked across the frozen lake he began to feel and hear the ice beneath him began to crack, and break.

To see the video specifically created for this story, click on it below, if the video don't appear, click on the following link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2V6m34w9nc


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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.

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You Can Move Mountains

Matthew 17:19-21 (Contemporary English Version)

(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:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DZMSSor9PY



Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

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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.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

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

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Wichita, KS 67217

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Foggy Dreams?

Are your dreams and aspirations like the morning fog, evaporating and fading away before your very eyes? Sometimes you only have one chance to go for them, but it is your choice, there is no one to blame for the regrets except yourself.

The above is something I felt inspired to write this morning as the sound of thunder awoke me. Recent foggy mornings and events in my life have also caused me to think a lot lately. Am I satisfied with following after my own dreams of a unique and different ministry?

I have to tell you, I am, despite the difficulties, the uncertainties, the anxieties that sometimes exist, I know I and in essence, many of you have been a part of a work making a difference. I am excited about that; I am honored to know people have been touched by some of the things we have done.

I used to get the big head; I think a part of that came from my need of recognition. My book, The Keystone Kid talks some about that, but my Father in Law, Ed Erwin, (EW) reminded me once about the heavenly jewels and crowns we obtain from our work here on earth. He reminded me, that while our honors, recognition, lives, and people we touch and are a part of the blessings; they will result in stars in our heavenly crown, a crown we will lay at the feet of Jesus. Over the years, the more I have thought of this, the more I know the truth of that. It isn’t for us, it is for Jesus!

It’s all about Jesus. He loves each and every one of us. He loves enough to give us dreams, and aspirations. My dreams and aspirations involved making a difference in the lives of people who had a similar background as me. I am excited to see that take place, but it isn’t about me, it is about Jesus, because he loves the downtrodden, the hurting, the sick, the lonely, the abused, the person who needs a job, or a car, or the person we many may consider unlovable, God loves them, and through the sacrifice of his son, showed his love. It is for him because he gave all of those things to me; I want to give them back to him. I want to honor not just him, but the life he gave me. To have the opportunity to do that for the one who gave us life, then pass the opportunity off is something I just don’t understand, yet people do it all of the time. I think it is where we have to make the decision, who are we living for, and how far are we willing to go to share that love. It isn’t a requirement, it isn’t per say a mandate, but it is the place we find the reason of our being, the reason of why we were created. Life without knowing that for me wouldn’t be life, it would be existence, and at least for me, that wouldn’t be a place I want to be.

What are your dreams? What are your aspirations? Do you realize God wants you to experience those things? Despite the crazy attitudes people may have towards your dreams, why not go for them? Do you realize that place, that purpose, may be the very place God wants you to experience the totality of life? Talking about my Father in Law, EW who is in heaven with Jesus now, I write about his brash attitude in my book. He would tell you what he thought and have no hesitation about it, often times at the embarrassment of those around him. I remember one time in particular at Myrtle Beach South Carolina, he ordered a steak at a seafood restaurant, he went on to complain to the waitress and hostess how it was the worst steak he had ever eaten. I laugh now, but it was embarrassing then, after all it was a steak at a seafood house. He let me have it a few times, once in a pretty harsh way when Mary Jane, my wife, told him we were going to get married. Yet despite all of that, despite his demeanor, he was also the first and strongest supporter of me when I felt God calling me back to college in Hillsboro Kansas, and at a time that made no sense at all. ‘Boy, if you feel this is what God is calling you to do, you better do it!’ I appreciated those words of wisdom, especially when hearing Bill, his son once talk about his regrets of not going into the ministry like he felt God had called him to do.

Today, I guess I would challenge you, pray about, seek out appropriate wisdom, but by all means, don’t give up on your dreams. God has put a passion there; he has given you the ability and gifts to be the best at what he has called you to do. Maybe not in a comparative way with some other large ministry, but for someone out there, someone God loves with a passion, you may be the instrument that makes a huge difference. So after seeking out wisdom, praying about it, speaking to friends, and that type of thing, well then, remember the words of Ed Erwin, ‘Boy/Girl, if you feel this is what God is calling you to do, you better do it!’

There are many versions of this on YouTube, but I liked this one. To listen to the song Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown, just click on the following video. If the video don’t appear, just click on the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHW9FN6NOd4


Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

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.

You can also Help The Virtual Pew by shopping on our web site or at Amazon, click here to shop at Amazon and help The Virtual Pew, it won't cost you anything extra, but we get a small percentage of the purchase.

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

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

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To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

What If?

What if you opened up a letter in the mail, and found a legitimate check for $11,000 that you weren’t expecting, what would you do?

I know that for some $11,000 isn’t much money, for others it is. There was a time I had money, for most of my life, being involved in the work I do, I haven’t. For me, $11,000 is a lot of money. A little over a year ago, while I didn’t open up an envelope, I did suddenly get $11,000. I knew immediately what I would use the money for.

In 2001 I made a decision that changed my life and the life of my family. It was a decision where I was fortunate to have my wife support me. While that was a life changing decision, I had been though those types of things before.

Shortly after graduation from college in 1985 I started working in Christian Music on a full-time basis. I had actually worked in some capacity of Christian music since around 1978. I loved this experience and truly valued the bands I worked with, both Christian and non Christian, many of them bands you have likely heard of. While there was some things about this experience I loved, and some impact I had, some say I was for example the first person to successfully put Christian Bands into non Christian venues, (In 1988, Rob Cassels Band according to Performance Magazine, was the top grossing band in North America in theaters 2,500 and under, The Judd’s and Blue Oyster Cult was also in the top 3, and we had 3 of the top 10 Shows in North America in clubs 800 and under.) Then in early 1989 I left that work and decided to use my education, so I started working in mental health rehabilitation through a program called Fountain House Clubhouses.

While working in clubhouse, I did pretty well, but here, as opposed to with the bands; I actually did well financially. I assisted in writing the International Standards for Clubhouses, helped train programs in Australia, Japan, and in states from Mississippi to New Mexico. I also presented at International Conferences, and had articles published on mental health rehabilitation in various psychiatric publications. I started in a program I love with a passion to this day, Gateway House in Greenville South Carolina, became the director of a program in Hendersonville North Carolina, and eventually the Executive Director of a new program in Tulsa Oklahoma. I also became a member of the International Faculty for Clubhouses, appointed and recommended by one of the greats and legends in the field, Rudyard Propst, and did consultations and certifications of various programs across North America.

For those that know me, I have always been careful about giving respect in sharing my faith, that doesn’t mean my faith isn’t important to me. But in 2001 I begin to contemplate something that hit home. I was involved in a vocation helping others obtain their goals, obtain their dreams. I learned that most people at the time near death state there was something they always wanted to do and not doing it or trying it was by and far their number one regret. I had always wanted to work in full-time ministry. Early in my life I made the commitment to work in a ministry where I could share Jesus with people. I begin to explore this as a possibility. I knew I had done ministry, but due to the respect for the laws, I was cautious about sharing my faith. As I contemplated this, my former staff, and many in the field I worked would tell you, I was reluctant to proselytize on the job in any way, and in fact didn’t do it. If others started a conversation related to faith, and on private time, then yes I would talk about my faith, but always in a respectful way towards the other person. For those that have known me over the years I will let my reputation here stand on it’s on, characteristics like this don’t change easily, neither has my approach. Yet, I got a job evaluation that stated, and I quote: “In that faith is a personal issue, under no conditions shall Mike ever share his faith with members and staff of Crossroads, nor shall he invite them to his church.” For me, that was not only an illegal comment, it was a sign it was time to leave.

After receiving this evaluation, (the only negative comment I had ever received in an evaluation) I knew it was time to leave and pursue my dreams. I had spoken to my staff earlier than this about the reality that I was looking at the possibility of leaving, and this was the preverbal straw that broke the camels back. It was difficult as over the years I loved this organization, I still do, but there were some individuals who shared untruthful comments regarding what had happened and why I was leaving the organization. Every other single staff person at that organization was eventually either fired, or left employment after I left. I have maintained a good relationship with most of those former staff, and many of the individuals who were a part of the organization, but despite the difficulties, sometimes we must make the decision to move on. Seeing as I had made the decision, was exploring with my church and friends the option of moving on, I decided to give a 3 month notice to help the organization work through the change and eventually left employment to pursue my dream of going into ministry.

My church at the time, Westport Mennonite Brethren Church near Tulsa Oklahoma, now Discovery One, was wonderful in helping me make the transition. I actually worked as a full-time volunteer as a pastor of Reach-Out and Evangelism for a period of months. A lot transpired, a lot of experience was gained, and God begin to open up doors. Eventually, the pastor of the church left, which was hard, but doors opened up for me in the area of ministry in Merced California, Benkelman Nebraska, at Willow Creek near Chicago Illinois, and at the smallest church in the bunch, a little inner city Mennonite Brethren Church started by World Impact and the Mennonite Brethren in Wichita Kansas. After a great deal of prayer, my wife and I decided to accept the position at United at the Cross in Wichita Kansas.

It was amazing how God worked all of that out. I had put back enough money, and had enough retirement income in stocks, bonds and mutual funds that I figured I could live for about a year and a half. Then September 11, 2001 hit and as most will recall, the market took a huge dive. If I could have left the money in the accounts things would have been fine, but, I was living on that money, I suddenly only had enough income to provide for six months as opposed to a year and a half. The money was quickly gone, but God opened up new doors.

I could share a lot of beautiful things about the church in Wichita. I could share heartbreak from a variety of perspectives, but I loved this church which eventually had to close its doors. They initially offered me a salary of $20,000 a year and I quickly realized they didn’t have that much money so had them cut my salary to $15,000 per year. A lot happened over the years and despite some warnings, and a prophesy from one of the individuals in the church, I believe the enemy had his way and the church had to close down. I claim the victories of that church through Christ. There were some things that were said, but over the years, I have remained faithful, the story has never changed, and those that were involved know about the tragedy and beauty of that little church. I learned through this experience, I could say what I learned, but I will leave that for now.

It was shortly before this time I begin taking the steps necessary to start up The Virtual Pew, again, God was on time. I don’t know why at times in my life God opens up the doors during the times he does, but his time always seems to be perfect. The original plan was for me to continue working at United at the Cross and develop a team approach to ministry. It would allow me to be more of a bi-vocational pastor and to assist and train others in the church to take on leadership roles. I had one individual I truly believed in then, and still do, but things happened, some my fault, others not, that had an impact; as a result, the church had to close. I went from the $15,000 in income to almost nothing. I knew I needed to move on with The Virtual Pew. Then again, God was on time. The week I left the church, I unexpectedly got a check for $10,000 which assisted in getting The Virtual Pew going and through that ministry a ton of ministry has happened, much of it with people who were a part of that church.

As many may or may not know my personal story, especially while growing up is filled with tragedy, yet I haven’t let that stop me. I firmly believe, although at times it is hard, that greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world. My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do. I have found these simple truths of scripture and the songs of children to be reaffirming.

Almost 2 years ago now, my mother came down with cancer. I realized my own need to make things right with her, to forgive her and to tell her I loved her. For those that know my story, this could only be done with the power of God and the leading of his Spirit. Despite what people know, or think, a friend of mine a number of years ago, Glen Kaiser told me that I was only able to love to the measure of which God gave me the ability. Over the years God increased the ability, but it wasn’t a quick or fast process. Somehow I found the ability to love and forgive though and made a point to do that. It was truly one of the most liberating moments of my life.

My mother, almost a year ago now died. I was at home in time to be with her prior to her death, and was with my sister for a few weeks during the process. It wasn’t easy, but people again, came through to find a way to financially allow my wife and me to be there, I don’t think I will ever forget the kindness of people. You see while I am still working with The Virtual Pew, I took on the position almost 2 years ago now of Mosaic Wichita. While I didn’t think I would ever take a pastor position again, this was one I considered because I believed so strongly in the vision and mission of this church.

I could go on, but some time ago I started writing my story in a book called The Keystone Kid. I explored some possibility of publishing it but was just either too busy, or unwilling to change the language in it that made the story real, and the way it was. When my mother died I realized the need to tell my story. Shortly after her death I received almost $11,000 from her insurance policy. It was then, I made the decision, especially after finding out more of her story, and she would make it possible for me to tell my story. With the $11,000 from my mother, and an additional $4,000 from savings, I decided to make sure my book was done right, along with some money for promotions, and enough to get the script for a movie and a short done to eventually be turned into a feature. The book, The Keystone Kid will be in hand in the next month to 2 months, and the short for the movie is to be complete by the end of July. We will shop the short and book to raise approximately $50,000 to raise funds for the full-length movie. My hope, my prayer, is this will be multiplied like fishes and loaves in regards to financial needs, but more importantly, in regards to souls, hearts and emotions of people. My hope is the story inspires and provides hope to the hopeless that have been through similar situations.

So the question that I started with, what would you do if you opened up an envelope with $11,000 in it, or enough money to do something you have always wanted to do? For me, it is clear, I used it and all of my savings an additional $4,000 to get a book published and work towards having a movie made. While I am currently $50,000 for the complete purchase and making of the film, I know, God is always on time. God’s timing has been perfect, I am praying, and believing, it is perfect again. If as in the past, God uses this experience to touch someone, even if only one person that is fine as each and every single person is loved by God. Many of us say that, many of us allude to that, I am not so sure many of us believe that, but know this, I do, you are important, and if God uses this story, my story to touch you, I am eternally blessed.

What would you do though? How would you make a difference? What kind of sacrifice would you make? One of the blessings I have had regarding the book is the advance reviews that have come in, my hopes, my prayers, and my desire to see tragedy turned to beauty is coming true. Thankfully others have been a part of that, and others will be, but that is my story, what’s yours?

The following is a video we through together to help raise awareness to the story. Just click on the video to watch, and if the video don't appear, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7jX4gAFsiE


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Oh God Forgive This Bully

I have to admit, with great regret, I was a bully. I can recall to this day the idiocy I was engaged in. To those I bullied, I am so sorry. Unfortunately nothing can take away the cruelty of my own actions. Of all the things in my life I could change, this would be among the top. In my own life, I think this was a way to seek out recognition, to seek out love, I didn’t know what I was doing, my mind had been polluted, but despite that, on my own part, how stupid!

I don’t need much to remind me of my nightmares regarding bullying others; it was in my relationship with Jesus I recognized my own need of help in this area. In my late teens I was speaking at University Parkway Baptist Church in Johnson City Tennessee. I was sharing my story, when I see a guy I used to bully when I attended University High School. My heart broke; my mind realized the harm I had done. ‘Oh God forgive me,’ was the first thing that came to mind. He left before I could tell him I was sorry, I have yet to see him again to my knowledge, and now, some 30+ years sorry, I want to tell him, and others, I am so sorry. I am not the same person I once was, I am a new creature, but the memories haunt me of how unkind I was, of the hurt I perpetuated on others. I think it is one of the reasons I am so driven to try to make up for the horrors I perpetuated on others. I know that nothing I can do will do that, but I can’t help but try. I know my God has forgiven me but I can’t help but remember I am driven to address issues like this.

There are other ways I address this memory, I am an advocate for the abused, not just the sexual, but also the physical. I have stopped and intervened many times to help a woman getting beaten on the side of the road with a tire iron, a lady at the beach being beaten by her lover, or even a child being abused at a local department store or another at a movie theater. I speak up now, I stand up, and I run the risk of someday having this older body attacked by one of those I confront. I have said for many years, I suspect this could be one of the ways I meet God, standing up, speaking out, and intervening when one has to. The lady who was getting beaten by a tire iron, I could have just called the police, I could have waited for them to get there, to likely arrest the man who had murdered her, but she needed help, and she needed it then.

I only have to turn on the television, and look at the news to see this epidemic. Another student has committed suicide, another friend is reminded of his own bullying, his own abuse. ‘Oh God, send your love, let us who walk this earth learn to love.’ I pray that, I hope that, I know it won’t erase the memories through.

Now don’t take me wrong, I’m not trying to beat myself up, I’m not wallowing in pity, but I wonder, should I? I honestly don’t know the answer to that question, all I know is I have to do all I can to correct my own behaviors, yet I know that as much as I try, there are those whom I have hurt that I can’t change. The best I can hope for is that those who are like I was can hear what I say. I hope you will change your behavior. I know this; my relationship with Jesus is the ultimate change that occurred in me. I am a better person; I can’t comprehend ever doing what I used to do again. I can’t comprehend not standing up and speaking out against this behavior.

I wish I could say I’m sorry to each and every person I hurt. I wish I could go back and change my actions. I can’t, I can say to my friends like Rush, I’m so sorry, please forgive me. I can’t change what happened, but I will say; I will do my best to be a voice against bullying. I hope you can still love me, still respect me with the love only God can give. I wish all of those who have hurt you would know what I know, know of the pain they have caused to an unbelievable person created in the image of God.

In closing, here is a piece of advice, our actions, and our lack of actions has impact. It is time we learned to love and respect each other, no matter where the other person is coming from. We have to take into consideration how our actions, how our influences hurt others, whether from bullying or leading friends down the wrong path that would ultimately do them harm. I assure you, there will come a day, there will come a time, when you will regret your actions, if not now, certainly when you meet God. You may not believe in God, but is that a risk you can take? Is the possibility that you have hurt the very creature created in the image of God, something you are willing to face God on with no regret. Then there is something about when you will ultimately see your own loved ones bullied or led down the wrong direction by those who think only of themselves. I assure you there is a time that is coming, a time when you will realize, people matter, people need love, and that love starts with you.

The following is a video I encourage you to watch, just click on it and if it don't appear click on the link. The video was posted by my friend Rush on Facebook. It inspired me to write this posting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWYtkn_8D-g
 



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Easter Message, The Blood

Sometimes I don’t think I have much on my mind to write about, then, out of nowhere I see something that moves me, gets me thinking and inspired. I have a dear friend, Mark Hollingsworth of Compassion International who has a way of writing things that get me thinking. There are others like Jim Palmer and various others, who do the same thing, I am grateful for those who remind me of the things I need to be reminded of.

This last weekend was kind of different. I spent time doing my regular weekend homeless outreach and came across a man that reminded me of my own story. Fortunately I have a reminder of where I have come from because I have Jesus. This man I was speaking with has crystal meth and outside of that, he doesn’t have much else. As we spoke he showed me the scars on his legs from shooting up. It was as horrid a needle track scar as I have ever seen. We spoke for close to an hour, I tried to convince him of where I had come from and the answers I had found which could help him. He believed my story but was reluctant to accept my faith because of what he had seen in his life. He had an appreciation of Jesus, but was reluctant to accept him because he saw Christians as self consumed and not really caring about a homeless drug addict. I can’t help but believe that my Lord weeps when he knows that despite what so many Christians may believe, many on the streets, many facing struggles sees Christianity in such a negative way because of the examples of some. We can throw a lot of blame around, but we must accept that many of us, many of our organizations have to start mirroring the concerns and life of Christ to those around us. I know some people are critical of the answers I have heard from people like this gentleman, but I know what I have heard because I have put myself in a place to hear what people have to say. I wish more people who says they follow Jesus would get out of their comfort zone to show the people around them that Jesus tells us to love, that they are in fact, loved.

This man used The Virtual Pew cell phone to call his former landlord several times. He recently had a meth rage and did a lot of damage to his apartment. He was kicked out and worried about his violation of parole. He is looking at another 6 or 7 months of prison for the violation and is on the run. He has been spending the night wherever he can find. As I met with him, he was sober, but I was praying, praying he would get caught, praying he would turn himself in. I suggested that he turn himself in and get some help, but to no avail. We spoke for awhile before I gave him a ride to another part of town, encouraging him to turn himself in, to get into a detox center. I am concerned for this man, he is close to death, I won’t be surprised to get a phone call from someone informing me of his death because I gave him my card. He promised he would contact me if he needed to. I pray he will. Sometimes the answers seem so easy from the comfort of our easy chairs, but on the streets, in the reality of life, those easy answers are not always easy, and not always possible. Then again, we will never know that as long as we choose to live a life that provides ease to us, that provides what we want, as opposed to living a life where we give and become the hands and feet Jesus wants us to be to those who suffer.

I wonder sometimes, for those that say they follow Jesus, why are they not consumed with doing the same things he did? We say we love him, we say we follow him, but Jesus never seemed to care so much about obtaining a comfortable life as he was in serving those who were desperate for love. Many of our churches have become an example of everything that seems to be in direct contrast to the teachings of Jesus, and we wonder why we don’t have the impact on the lives of people any more than we do. We wonder why our lives don’t feel fulfilled. I can’t help but wonder, when meeting God face to face, will some of us be those that say we did all the right things only to hear the Son of God say, ‘Depart from me I never knew you.”

I have the same reminders of those who aren’t much different than me except for one thing. I have and know Jesus, I have accepted the blood that was shed and poured out for me. There is an old adage among many of the old time religious folks that talks a lot about the blood Jesus shed on the cross. They remind me of the adage that there is no forgiveness of sin outside of the blood. I am reminded by old songs like, Nothing but the Blood, or There is Power in the Blood, or even The Old Rugged Cross. There was a price to pay to provide me the forgiveness and life I now have.

The blood Jesus shed on the cross was so valuable. The author of Hebrews in the Bible tells us how important it is:

Hebrews 9:13-15 (Contemporary English Version)

(13) According to the Law of Moses, those people who become unclean are not fit to worship God. Yet they will be considered clean, if they are sprinkled with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a sacrificed calf. (14) But Christ was sinless, and he offered himself as an eternal and spiritual sacrifice to God. That's why his blood is much more powerful and makes our consciences clear. Now we can serve the living God and no longer do things that lead to death. (15) Christ died to rescue those who had sinned and broken the old agreement. Now he brings his chosen ones a new agreement with its guarantee of God's eternal blessings!

In the Old Testament people had to offer sacrifices. In fact, in many cultures around the world, their religions stress the importance of blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. So is the case in the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions, yet in Christianity, we have an answer that solves this problem. We have a solution to the problem because Jesus was perfect, and without sin. He offered his own life up as a sacrifice, not just in a symbolic way, but in a real and literal way. I love the wording in this Hebrews passage here, Jesus rescued us from our mistakes, from the things we did wrong. But he had to shed his blood for us to have this opportunity which this passage says, guarantees us of God’s eternal blessings.

Some often ask me where I get my strength. It is from the wonder working power, the wonderful power of the blood provided by my forgiver and leader also known as my lord and savior, Jesus Christ. I realize there is nothing more powerful I could introduce my dear friends to than the blood provided and poured out in the purest love ever known. The truth is, the blood, the love of Jesus has never failed me. I am confident, if giving him a chance, it won’t fail you either. Is the total surrender to Jesus worth it? It is worth it every day and will be worth it until the day I share an embrace with my Forgiver, my Leader, but not before I spend time on the ground, weeping at his feet, thanking him for all he has done for me.

I am amazed and know I will be weeping for a number of reasons. One of those is I know that Jesus knew what the cost of forgiveness was before he even made the sacrifice. He spoke about this the last day he was with his followers prior to his being taken into custody, beaten, stripped, and ultimately killed and crucified. Read the following here to see his own understanding.

Matthew 26:27-29 (Contemporary English Version)

(27) Jesus picked up a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. He then gave it to his disciples and said, "Take this and drink it. (28) This is my blood, and with it God makes his agreement with you. It will be poured out, so that many people will have their sins forgiven. (29) From now on I am not going to drink any wine, until I drink new wine with you in my Father's kingdom."

There are a lot of things we can read into this passage, but can you see where Jesus talks about the shedding of his blood so that people can have their sins forgiven? Again, remember, he is saying this prior to his own sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Jesus didn’t just go there though, he went beyond this, struggling, having difficulty with what was going to occur. We sometimes forget that while Jesus was fully God, he was also at this point a man. A man, who felt pain, knew of the events that lay ahead of him. One of the ways we can see this struggle is by what occurred when he went into the Garden after that last supper with his disciples. He went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and seek direction from God. Look at what occurred here:

Luke 22:43-45 (Contemporary English Version)

(43) Then an angel from heaven came to help him. (44) Jesus was in great pain and prayed so sincerely that his sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood. (45) Jesus got up from praying and went over to his disciples. They were asleep and worn out from being so sad.

We need to remember, Luke the author of this was also a physician, he knew of the medical aspects of what was occurring. It was a process that occurs due to there being webbed blood vessels around the sweat glands. Under great stress the vessels constrict and ultimately dilate until they rupture. While rare, this process known as hematohidrosis does naturally occur.

While praying over this message, while spending time in it, I realized that where many of us believe the shedding of blood begins with the cross, I realized that it actually begin with the prayers of Jesus. He was praying, realizing the sacrifice he was making for us. While this created a tremendous amount of stress to cause this phenomenon to occur, it was out of his love for us. While many may choose to not accept that love, it does not negate, or change the reality of the love Jesus offered. I often wonder due to my own weaknesses, have I really contemplated and reflected on that love. A love that was so pure the blood started to flow out of his concern for me and his willingness to put himself through the upcoming events, even prior to the cross, Jesus offered this love.

The following are passages that can help us understand the gift Jesus offered a little better. They can also help us appreciate the importance of the blood Jesus offered.

Romans 3:24-26 (Contemporary English Version)

(24) But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. (25-26) God sent Christ to be our sacrifice. Christ offered his life's blood, so that by faith in him we could come to God. And God did this to show that in the past he was right to be patient and forgive sinners. This also shows that God is right when he accepts people who have faith in Jesus.

In the above passage, understand that verse 3:24 shows us that God treats us much better than we deserve: The Greek word charis, traditionally rendered “grace," is translated here and other places to express the overwhelming kindness of God. Whether we accept that kindness or not is not a point of question, the reality is it was offered, to not accept it may not be appreciated, but it doesn’t change the heart of the one who offered this tremendous gift. Other verses follow:

Ephesians 1:6-8 (Contemporary English Version)

(6) God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. (7-8) Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,

Of course on the above, we have to accept that gift if we want to receive the hope, and ultimate freedom offered by Jesus.

Ephesians 2:12-14 (Contemporary English Version)

(12) At that time you did not know about Christ. You were foreigners to the people of Israel, and you had no part in the promises that God had made to them. You were living in this world without hope and without God, (13) and you were far from God. But Christ offered his life's blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God.

(14) Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body.

We so seldom see the lack of hatred in many who call themselves followers of Christians. It is one reason that living out the message is so important, it becomes evidence that the sacrifice offered by Jesus can provide hope and change in a life where both hope is needed. We have to understand, our actions have an impact that will help others accept the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. So many of us are so much more focused on things like politics that the message of the cross, the message of the blood shed on the cross is lost. I can’t help but wonder, who is doing more damage, those of political tenancies we may disagree with, or those who forget about the purpose of the cross or at the very least, by their words and actions, take the focus of the forgiveness and liberation of the sins of the world away from the true liberating power, the blood shed on that cross? Let’s all keep in our focus, the power of the blood and the eternal consequences of the acceptance or rejection of the one offering his blood.

Hebrews 9:11-13 (Contemporary English Version)

(11) Christ came as the high priest of the good things that are now here. He also went into a much better tent that wasn't made by humans and that doesn't belong to this world. (12) Then Christ went once for all into the most holy place and freed us from sin forever. He did this by offering his own blood instead of the blood of goats and bulls. (13) According to the Law of Moses, those people who become unclean are not fit to worship God. Yet they will be considered clean, if they are sprinkled with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a sacrificed calf.

We can’t look at how good or bad a person is. While we tend to think that people are limited by their situations, by their conditions, the reality is, the power of the blood of Christ has the power to provide more, more of everything. While we may be limited by the situations we live in and face on this earth, we have to be reminded again of that word, hope, hope of eternity provided by the blood of Jesus.

1 Peter 1:18-20 (Contemporary English Version)

(18) You were rescued from the useless way of life that you learned from your ancestors. But you know that you were not rescued by such things as silver or gold that don't last forever. (19) You were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, that spotless and innocent lamb. (20) Christ was chosen even before the world was created, but because of you, he did not come until these last days.

We tend to have so much confidence in the material possession of life. Yet when we look at this verse the Greek word used here often, though not always, means payment of a price to free a slave or prisoner. I am reminded, as a former lifeguard, those that need rescued are destined for doom. In fact, one who thrashes, who fights the rescue normally quickens their doom. They have to submit, surrender to the one doing the rescuing. Jesus was the ultimate lifeguard. He is the one who provides salvation for this life, but more importantly, for all of eternity. Again, salvation provided by what? The blood!

I realize I am no one special, if the Son of God loves and give so much to me, I know he has done it for you. Accept it, receive it, express gratitude for it, in all ways, and in all manners, then once you enter that special place where you can do this gladly, you are at a point of worship that will produce and give more than you ever imagined, not just in the things you receive, but in the glory, honor, and praise you give to the creator of the universe.

I am grateful, that despite my own failures, I have forgiveness and salvation offered by Jesus through his blood and my acceptance of him. I realize I have done wrong, I realize I will do wrong, but I also realize the perfection of the blood shed by Jesus and what that blood has done for me. The one who loved me, and loves you, freely offered that blood that life, so we can all have a relationship with God that will last forever. Not just one day a year, week, or two, like so many seem to observe at Christmas or Easter, but for all of eternity. Think about the following in this regard:

1 John 1:6-8 (Contemporary English Version)

(6) If we say that we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth. (7) But if we live in the light, as God does, we share in life with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus washes all our sins away. (8) If we say that we have not sinned, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth isn't in our hearts.

The truth is, all of us need the blood of Christ to wash our sins away, to correct the wrongs we have done. Jesus, even before the cross, offered himself for us, he did this out of love. Yet we sometimes lack showing that love to him. We have to understand, an amazing thing in this; we show our love to Jesus, to God, by loving others. It is a part of what Jesus meant when he said that loving God, loving others is the greatest of all of the commandments. When we have kept these two, we have kept them all. It is a part of what the Bible means when it says we will know who is, and is not followers of Jesus by their love of others.

Now read the piece from Mark Hollingsworth that challenged me today. Mark can be found at MySpace and Facebook, after you read the section from Mark, I challenge you, to watch and listen to the videos in the order they are provided with your eyes closed, in prayer contemplating on what Jesus has done for you. Now the article from Mark:

Ever looking for music that will help you contemplate or pray? Or perhaps even just set the tone for your day? Here is such a piece that has provided tremendous solace and perspective: “Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet.” It is a continual seventy minute piece of an aging English vagabond’s heartfelt declaration of love and acceptance in the form of an old hymn. He sang it in twenty-eight seconds. But artist Gavin Bryars then took that simple prayer and looped it with tender layers of orchestration that is, at turns, both reassuring and uplifting.

Tom Waits became a fan of the piece, which was circulating as an underground cassette back in the mid-70s. He claims it is his favorite piece of music ever. Tom played his copy so often that he wore the tape out, and through much research, was able to finally track down Bryars to ask for another one. Gavin kept Waits’ enthusiasm for the project in mind, and approached Tom in the early 90s about re-recording the piece with his voice added in to the final 20 minutes…singing as a duet with the elderly homeless man. The result is, to my ears, the most moving Tom Waits singing ever recorded. I’m sure the fact that Waits spent time on the streets and riding the rails as a hobo for a time earlier in his life only added to the pathos.

Here is an edited version to give you a taste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMZVZ5NBkpw


Seventeen years ago, not long after its formal re-release, I was introduced to “Jesus’ Love Never Failed Me Yet.” Part of the liner notes penned by Bryars gives more back-story…

In 1971, when I lived in London, I was working with a friend, Alan Power, on a film about people living rough in the area around Elephant and Castle and Waterloo Station. In the course of being filmed, some people broke into drunken song--sometimes bits of opera, sometimes sentimental ballads--and one, who in fact did not drink, sang a religious song "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet." This was not ultimately used in the film and I was given all the unused sections of tape, including this one.

When I played it at home, I found that his singing was in tune with my piano, and I improvised a simple accompaniment. I noticed, too, that the first section of the song--13 bars in length--formed an effective loop which repeated in a slightly unpredictable way. I took the tape loop to Leicester, where I was working in the Fine Art Department, and copied the loop onto a continuous reel of tape, thinking about perhaps adding an orchestrated accompaniment to this. The door of the recording room opened on to one of the large painting studios and I left the tape copying, with the door open, while I went to have a cup of coffee. When I came back I found the normally lively room unnaturally subdued. People were moving about much more slowly than usual and a few were sitting alone, quietly weeping.

I was puzzled until I realized that the tape was still playing and that they had been overcome by the old man's singing. This convinced me of the emotional power of the music and of the possibilities offered by adding a simple, though gradually evolving, orchestral accompaniment that respected the tramp's nobility and simple faith. Although he died before he could hear what I had done with his singing, the piece remains as an eloquent, but understated testimony to his spirit and optimism.

Taking Bryars’ cue, while I ran my management company back in the 90s, I would often play this over our sound system each morning, and it became a favorite of my staff. It brought a calm and intention to our work. Over the years, it has also served as a great refreshment to me in times of want, as well as a serenade in peaceful devotion. I have loaned it to many, and they have always become fans of the piece, too. We are not alone--as it has quietly sold over a million copies worldwide with no radio airplay, no glitzy marketing ploys, and no recommendations from Oprah.

It is a miraculous treatise that transcends art and becomes something even more rewarding to the soul. “Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet” is one of those God-breathed creations that are good medicine for any who are in need of its healing. Maybe you will become yet one more who succumbs to the curious affection emanating from this good news.

I want to thank Mark Hollingsworth for letting me share this. Mark recently lost his father, and as mentioned earlier he has been a real friend. This last year he was there for my wife and me when I lost my mother. I only pray that others will be blessed by this message, which was inspired by a dear friend who has been there for me and so many others over the years.

Now for something a little different: I am going to ask you again to watch in a prayerful, meditative state the following videos. You don’t have to watch, you can just sit back, listen and prayerfully ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you understand and contemplate on the meanings of the words to the songs.

To watch the videos just click on them, if they don’t appear, click on the link provided, I ask you to go through each video though, even though the first two may seem like duplicates, listen to them all in order:

Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMZVZ5NBkpw


Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet, Longer Version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZZPMPPD2cI


There is Power in the Blood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVKF7gt3Cak


Nothing but the Blood of Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhtppff37pY


The Old Rugged Cross
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-JyapQ9Ba4


Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMZVZ5NBkpw


Revelation 1:4-6 (Contemporary English Version)

(4) From John to the seven churches in Asia. I pray that you will be blessed with kindness and peace from God, who is and was and is coming.

May you receive kindness and peace from the seven spirits before the throne of God.

(5) May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler of all earthly kings.

Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins.

(6) He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

Asia was in the eastern part of the Roman Empire and is present day Turkey.

Revelation 12:10-12 (Contemporary English Version)

(10) Then I heard a voice from heaven shout, "Our God has shown his saving power, and his kingdom has come!

God's own Chosen One has shown his authority.

Satan accused our people in the presence of God day and night. Now he has been thrown out!

(11) Our people defeated Satan because of the blood of the Lamb and the message of God. They were willing to give up their lives.

(12) The heavens should rejoice, together with everyone who lives there. But pity the earth and the sea, because the devil was thrown down to the earth.

He knows his time is short, and he is very angry."

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