Just Say No To Procrastination and Laziness

 

Procrastination:  believe me, this one has me pointing 4 fingers back at myself as I point one towards anyone else who has the tendency to, “put things off.”  This is troubling to some extent, at least for me especially as I consider this verse out of Colossians.

 

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” ~ Colossians 3:17

 

The author is clearly making it clear, do what we do well. Not halfway, not as unimportant, but do it well and while we are doing it, be grateful that we have a chance and opportunity to do it, doing it as if, because we are, doing it for God the Father. This isn’t all though, it is such an important theme to address in our lives, that being doing things well, that the author reiterates it just a few verses later saying.

 

“Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master” ~ Colossians 3:23

 

Unfortunately, many, again, including myself at times, have these habits unbecoming a follower of Jesus, poor planning, and laziness. We must realize that our lives are an example to the King of the Universe, the Savior of the World, and the one who ultimately gave His all to provide salvation for us. It’s not about a saved by works thing or anything of the sort. It is a recognition that our lives are an example to others, but our lives as followers of Jesus should also immolate Jesus and be of service to others, be they a spouse, child, co-worker, friend, whoever. Is that easy?  Of course not! That does not excuse us though of the call we are given as followers of Jesus. I would also strongly recommend a reading of all Colossians chapter 3. It has a lot to say as to why, and who we do what we do for.

 

Now in closing, does this mean we are to constantly be about work, doing the things we do?  I don’t think so. I am reminded of passages of relaxation in the Bible, even Jesus took time to be alone and take a break. One of my favorite verses in the Bible also has God telling a prophet to literally to, “go take a nap.”  We are humans, we must take care of our bodies, get enough rest, and yes, take time to enjoy life and reflect on God’s creation. We need to also make a priority time for our spouses if we are married, or in a relationship that leads to a lifelong commitment, our children, etc.…  God understands but we must also use what time we have wisely, not wasting it and putting ourselves in places where we can't effectively be the examples to others that God wants us to be.

 

So, what do we do? We take the time to plan, we pray, we do what we can to seek wisdom from God through the Bible, we speak with others who are rooted in their faith to seek guidance, (on this point, we must be careful to distinguish Biblical wisdom from secular wisdom. Many will say they are of God but are not, stay away from those people in the seeking out of wisdom.)

 

The thing is get started, let’s not put off until tomorrow what we should have been doing yesterday. May we serve and be like Jesus in all ways, not just in word, but also in deed and by our actions.

"Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for he winter." ~ Proverbs 6: 6-8

The following is information on how you can support the work of Mike through The Virtual Pew and his Movie Reviews that provide spiritual insights. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Every Knee WILL Bow or Kneel

 

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend on my social media accounts lately where it seems to be easier for some to mock Christianity and the beliefs surrounding Christianity. Not just a disagreement, but a mocking, or a reviling of a belief system that for many over the years has been held sacred. Yes, there are some “Christians,” over the years who have mocked as well, but an old morality concept that two wrongs don’t make a right I think still holds true. Unfortunately, we now live in a world Jesus addressed where He said an eye for an eye would leave everyone blind among other things., thus having little or no positive effects.

This afternoon, (I was a little late due to not feeling so well) when doing my study, I came across a compelling passage and thought from various places in the Bible, but I will quote from Romans 14:11,

 

¹¹ It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.” 

 

Another passage from Philippians 2:10-1,

 

¹⁰ So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
¹¹ And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “Jesus Christ is Lord!”

 

The bottom line, whether one likes it or not, every knee will bow and ultimately confess that Jesus is indeed, the Christ, Messiah, Savior, Lord, Son of God, in fact God! 

 

There is a question that arises from that though: the attitude of the one kneeling in the end?  You see, if the Bible is true, and I believe it is, and provable and reliable, what one thinks of Christ now, how they may mock Him, how they may perceive the reality of God, doesn’t matter. It is also very clear and Jesus Himself makes it clear, He is the only way to Heaven. Yet, many think it is their good works, (in reality as filthy rags, (used tampons) before God), or finding God in their own way, or that there are many ways to God that will get them into Heaven, but that clearly is not what the Bible says. Not liking what the Bible says does not make it wrong. In fact, it should cause one to ponder about their thoughts, "what if I’m wrong?"

 

It is important to also understand a misconception that many have, that is that we can earn our way into Heaven and into the good graces of God. That simply isn’t true. In fact, Christianity is a belief system that says we can’t do it on our own, it is what keeps it from being a religion and instead based on a relationship with and an acceptance of Jesus as God’s one and only begotten Son. It isn’t about what we can do, it is about what the Son of God, via the gift of God the Father in perfection, already did, Jesus Christ offering Himself up as a sacrifice, a substitute for our own wrong doings. It is through Him, an ultimate act of Love and sacrifice, that we accept, receive, and make the decision to follow Jesus as our Leader, Savior, Forgiver, and Lord.  Of course, that process is something I am more than willing through The Virtual Pew to talk more about with you, personally, one on one, even helping you find a local church and even providing some teaching and help in helping you understand the relationship with Christ Jesus that He wants to have with you.

 

God has also provided for us now, on this earth, The Holy Spirit as a guide to help us grow more in love with Jesus each day so much that we can’t help but tell more about Him to others tomorrow. That doesn’t mean we will always be happy and everything around us hunky dory and there is unfortunately a great deal of false teachings about Jesus out there. We can however, find a joy and a peace that passes all understanding even in tough times once we come to Christ.

 

Many misunderstand and see God as an Ogre, an evil entity. The truth is, God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. It is the choice, a free one, that He has given you the right to make in and for yourself. The question is, what decision will you make? 

 

So, realize, one can mock, put down God, be critical and so forth, but if God and the Bible are in fact true, every knee will ultimately bow before God. At that point, will it be too late? Will it be because you recognized through life on this earth that He was in fact God and you chose to follow Him, or, will it be because you realize you have one last grasp to claim him because you were wrong through life, and at that point, you realize it may in fact be too late?  I beg you to consider, making that decision now. For me, lately in life, I’ve seen too many friends and acquaintances dying to not at this point in my life, share what I believe to be truth, not because I am making a judgement on you as a person, but because I want to share the reality of a future that I believe awaits me, even with my problems and imperfections, an eternity with God the Father that will be beyond anything I could have ever imagined, where there will be no more pain, no more suffering, no more PTSD for me, no more heartache, no more tears, no more…. but instead, love, joy, and an eternity of life in incredibly wonderful ways I never imagined. I pray that God's Holy Spirit speaks to you through todays thoughts. 

The following is information on how you can support the work of Mike through The Virtual Pew and his Movie Reviews that provide spiritual insights. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Wasted Time

 

This morning I’m up early and decide to listen to some John Cougar Mellencamp music and discover that he has a new song out with Bruce Springsteen called Wasted Days. Well, right off the bat, let me admit, I’ve been a fan of Springsteen and Mellencamp for quite some time. There is an aspect to their music I can relate to. Forget the politics and various beliefs they may have, heck if I criticized and measured everything by personal beliefs in life related to politics or another religious believes life would be boring and I would have a lot less joy in life. Instead, I’ve learned to appreciate a variety, so, I really like these two guys music and the new song has me reflecting this morning.

 

Am I the only one that looks back on life as they get older, or I guess even youngsters do this and reflect on the wasted moments in life, whether they be spiritual, in practice, the decisions we’ve made and so forth? I realize that at least for me, I’ve wasted far more than I’ve achieved. It isn’t that I haven’t achieved anything, I know I have, even escaping homelessness to graduate high school was an accomplishment, but like Schindler in the movie Schindler’s List, I see how much more I could have done. As I get older, in likely my last years, that matters.

 

So, what do I/We do with the wasted moments in life?  One thing I’ve learned, is once a moment is wasted, we can’t go back in time and reclaim it, it is gone. If we are lucky, we can be given an opportunity to reclaim that which we lost, but the reality is, we’re not all so lucky.

 

I am reminded of Jesus words from The Sermon on the Mount, this from the Contemporary English Version of the Bible, Matthew 6: 31-34:

³¹ Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” ³² Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. ³³ But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.

 

³⁴ Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.

 

Are you like me, having a problem especially with verse 34, worrying about tomorrow?  Heck I worry about yesterday if truth be told, even the premise of this posting, what have I wasted in life?  Yet we do things like procrastinate and put things off, I do, but then there are clear verses, warns us to not procrastinate:

 Ecclesiastes 11:4 - If you worry about the weather and don’t plant seeds, you won’t harvest a crop.

 

Yet, knowing simple things like this, we still waste time and opportunities. Why?  Especially if we are seeking to serve a loving God with our all?

We must be willing to receive discipline, and discipline ourselves, no matter how difficult it is,  from the book of Wisdom. Proverbs 10:17

 

Accept correction, and you will find life; reject correction, and you will miss the road.

 

Yep, like I started off with, I have missed the road, I have wasted far more time than I should have in life. This is a confession as much as it is a lesson or teaching. Hopefully, I don’t waste so much time today and tomorrow, but even more so, hopefully, my expression of my own weaknesses inspires others to take full advantage of the time they have left in life. If you are younger, Praise God if this inspires you because you have life left. If you are older, that’s okay, together we can correct and not fret about yesterday, not be concerned with tomorrow, but make a difference today. After all, today is what matters for many, it matters for us. Let’s not waste anymore time.

The following link is of the video Wasted Days, it will definitely cause one to think about the content of this posting. 

 John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen - Wasted Days (Official Video) - YouTube

The following is information on how you can support the work of Mike through The Virtual Pew and his Movie Reviews that provide spiritual insights. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Do We Love Like Jesus?

Today’s commentary will be short. I have come to the realization in my life that being loved is a far different experience from feeling loved. I battle Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD) daily. One of the primary attributes is the desire to be loved, yet while I know I am loved, I don’t always feel it. I know, I am not the only one who experiences this feeling.

One of the last things Jesus said prior to being taken into custody by Roman soldiers prior to his torture and crucifixion was the following from John 13, verses, 34, 35.

But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.

 

We see Christ love for us through His sacrifice for us. There is no doubt that He loved us to the extent He did. The question today is simple, do others see and feel love by our actions?  That level of love requires commitment and sacrifice. It is rare and exceptional; when it does occur, it is a love that others will see and feel the seriousness of. 

 

In the last week’s I know of several deaths in the music world surrounding Wichita Kansas. One of those was suicide. We say we love each other, we say, if you ever need me let me know, we say all kinds of things. There is something to remember though; the one needing love should never have to be the one searching, the love from others should be obvious and unfortunately, it’s not always so. 

I challenge, not just for you, but for me, love others in the way Christ loved us. He didn’t wait for us to express our need, He was there from the git go, showing His love for us in an unconditional, perfect way. May we love like Jesus.  In that love, may we also understand there is at times a finality to the lack of love. For those feeling unloved, they often give up on life. May we never have to question if our actions could have shown more love towards someone we may love, but haven’t shown love to in the ways they need it.

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

 

That Roller Coaster Called Life

One of the things I often say, is life is like a rollercoaster.  Few things have been as true as the last 24 – 48 hours.  One of the guys who gave my band Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band our first break was Kenny Ballinger. Kenny was a local concert promoter and ran two venues, The Elbow Room and Barleycorn’s. The night before last as of this writing he was involved in a hit and run accident where he was killed. He was riding his motorcycle and the driver of a SUV left the scene. Kenny was always upfront with me and while running and cooperating with other venues had promised me, he would always try to work us in at The Elbow Room when we needed a show. To say the least, I’m still in a state of shock and after a few friends, at no fault of their own have been either killed or seriously hurt in motorcycle accidents, I as of today put my motorcycle up for sale. I have a reason to keep on living which gets me to the other end of the rollercoaster.

 

As many likely know I am engaged to be married to the beautiful Sheila T. Mitchell.  I have been so blessed to have her in my life due to such tragedy over the years. It is easy to be at a place of giving up with as much tragedy in life as there has at times seemed to have been. Frankly, I was ready to give up, being okay with dying, now, I want to live.  Well today Sheila sent me some things regarding the application of our marriage license.  As I was reading the information, she sent me I read a simple name, Sheila Tracey Mitchell Furches!  I must tell you, reading that name caused a rush of emotions that literally had tears streaming down my face. I was reminded once again at the love and grace of God.

 

Yesterday I was talking to a local disc jockey on a popular radio station. While we were friends on Facebook I had never to much recollection had contact with her.  Yet as we spoke, she brought me to tears as she told me how she had followed mine and Mary Jane’s (my late wife) journey with her pancreatic cancer and of how she was so happy for me that I had clearly found a new love. I was reminded that there are those around us, who we may not know, that follow our journey, look at our examples and in the meantime, offer prayers and well wishes.  As I spoke to this lady and she told me how happy she was and how she and so many others had followed my journey, I once again though, maybe, just maybe, in some way, God has used me.

 

Some people are often critical because I share my experiences online via social media and so forth.  It doesn’t bother me because it is a part of what I try to do, live an open life. I do so because it helps hold me accountable, but I also do so because I think it is a reminder, that if God cares for a dumb poor street kid like Mike Furches, who has made more mistakes and done as many stupid things as anyone on earth, that there is still hope for them.  I realize my many, numerous imperfections, yet I also realize the faithfulness of God to love and forgive despite this roller coaster of life many of us travel on.

 

My word, for all of you who like me, experience that ride, I would say, be patient, and understand I above most all people realize how difficult it is to be patient. There are times it seems as if there is no hope, but, in those times, be patient.  Now on this point, also understand, four fingers are pointing back at me because sometimes, being patient is the hardest thing to do when tragedy seems to surround us. How do I know that to be true? Because I am Mike Furches and I know, life is far from perfect or even at times positive, but in the end, God is there, He cares and is available to all of those, including me, who will but call on Him for help.

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

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You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

 

The Virtual Pew, Month End Report

I can’t say thank you enough for those who have supported The Virtual Pew. If I could get the monthly support like we got last month so much of the stress would be relieved.  I know I am to trust in the Lord, and I do, but sometimes when I don’t know how I am going to pay the bills it is tough. Then, as always, God comes through.  So, for those again, praying, and giving, I thank you so much, you are a reminder of God’s faithfulness and that He is indeed Jehovah Jireh. 

 As is often the case, things can change in an instant. If folks come through as they did last month things are going to be fine, otherwise, it will be another tough month.  It is still my desire that the monthly giving will stabilize so that this monthly concern is lessened. We do have a temporary contribution of $90 per month that is coming in through https://www.patreon.com/thevirtualpew.  Others can give from $5 on up monthly and this again helps tremendously.  I am not good at asking people specifically to help so this is about as good as I can get at it. Some people ask me if I would like them to donate, or if it would be okay to donate. I’ll be honest, I’m terrible about things like this, if you’re asking the question, just let me say, any donation amount is greatly appreciated.

As to the monthly ministry:  I have been making more of an effort promoting The Virtual Pew including making memes to be posted as well as increasing the number of posting teachings. There has also been more and more contact as these efforts are increased. This month I have had to as of today’s date, 8/20/2021 11 face to face contacts with persons receiving services, and some 175+ FB interactions and get this, this month, after a brief add campaign, over 10,000 online visitors.  Regarding the effectiveness of ministry; God is still using The Virtual Pew, there is no doubt that God is still using it to touch the lives of so many others on the fringes. There is also no doubt of the need of ongoing monthly support and help if it is to continue.

This month there were also some unexpected medical issues that came up, not having insurance made it concern but within 30 minutes of posting those concerns on Facebook those needs were met.  God continues to meet my needs and I am appreciative of that.  Sheila, my fiancé, and I are also moving closer to making a decision as to our wedding date. With that comes some extra pressure as to the continuation of ministry, our role in ministry together as well as the ways God will provide while at the same time allowing Sheila to thrive in the calling God has placed on her life. After so many years in ministry I feel compelled to make sure that she follows her heart in ministry. I want her to feel complete and believe that God can have us work together, and if that means me in a supporting role to assist her, I am open to that. Sheila I believe is in many ways a continuation of The Virtual Pew as her primary postings on FaceBook for example are Biblical Memes and such that uplift others. I have no doubt, God has put us together. 

Regarding calling, I must be honest. I have had several ministry opportunities over the last months and am looking at those as options. Sheila and I have visited one of the locations recently. With the three ministry opportunities I would be required to move for 2 of them, and the third an option to possibly stay here in Wichita and commute. Of course, a lot of prayer on this and more information as appropriate can be shared about this opportunity. Of course, there is also the possibility that The Virtual Pew could press on and beyond opening doors to teach, preach, and continue reaching out to those on the fringes.  On all of this, prayers are requested. 

Thankfully, this is another month that seems as if we will get by, for that, I am grateful. Of course, with your ongoing help and support we can do more than just get by, we can do more and relieve some of that stress. Of course ongoing support is required to get by.

Make sure to check out The Virtual Pew Facebook page and web site for ongoing articles and teachings, as well as recommending us to others who may need someone to lend a listening ear and heart to their troubles.

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit.

 If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

 Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

 Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

 If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal.

 You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

 Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

 Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.

1249 North Saint Francis

Wichita Kansas, 67214

 If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

 I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

 Blessings and thank you,

 Mike Furches