The Virtual Pew Daily

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 27

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 26

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Today’s topic on trust is one that has hit home for a number of years. I am pretty sure that I have learned to trust God, but I am far from being at a place where I can trust others. I have said many times, ‘The only one I can trust is God; others have done nothing but let me down and I have a hard time even trusting myself.’ I even had a pastor once ask me to trust him, I responded, ‘If you knew how many Christians and pastors have let me down, you would never ask me to trust you.’

I have to be honest about it, while I trust God; I think there is more trust I can have in Him Him. He has been faithful in all areas of my life and I have come so far from where I once was in life, all with the help of God. That said, I think I still have doubts based on the circumstances I may be going through at any moment of time. I know it isn’t God’s fault, I just need to come to the place where I believe 100% of what I say about God in regards to Him taking care of my families needs.

I wish people knew how much pain they create in another over a long period of time when they let others down, or don’t honor their word, thus, giving that person a reason to not trust. It is lonely place when one has come to the place that they can only trust God.

God I know you have been by and far the most faithful one in my life. Help me to develop more confidence, and more trust. God show me the people I can trust, let me experience through them the trust that lets me know I am not alone on this journey.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

Monday, May 9, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 25

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Today I am to contemplate my understanding of God and ask myself, who is God? Over the years I have tried to ponder this and the best answer I can come up with is that God is God. I know that on the surface this seems like a simplistic answer but in reality, it is actually a complicated concept. You see, while God is God, He is the creator, the all in all, the Holy one; I simply can’t comprehend the complexity of God.

I have learned to see God in a holy way, one that pays respect to His reality. That said, I still find myself at times taking far too lightly the complexity and holiness of God. One of the things that bother me is where some people seem to take the nature of God lightly. I can’t and don’t see Him as a buddy, a homeboy or any of the terms that take His holiness lightly. I believe that through the Holy Spirit, God communicates, and the nature of Christ can be loving, respectful and even easy going. That all changes though due to the situation and while there will I believe, ultimately is judgment, I don’t think God hates. I believe God understands. We may not see him this way, but it is the way He is.

I would ask God, through His Spirit to help me understand more about him. Then, as I better understand God, I will likely have a better understanding of how He sees me.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 24

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Over the years I don’t think I have respected myself. While I think I have a good relationship with God, it is obvious, something is going on in my spirit that keeps me from having the respect for myself that I do, otherwise, why would I let others hurt me so much? Why would it matter when they do? Why do I abuse myself in the ways I do by not giving myself time to exercise, eat right and all of the things where my body reflects the lack of respect? It is strange, prior to all of the ‘work’ for God, the ministry, there was an excitement to prove myself by working hard, being athletic and more, from running to lifting weights, I was in good shape. When I started dealing with the inner turmoil, trying to let God heal me, my focus, desire and all changed, and in regards to my physical appearance, not in a positive way.

I ask God to help me see what is up with this. My behavior is self-destructive, I don’t know why, other than the focus on my pain has me believing maybe inwardly, or self consciously that I deserve the pain. I pray that God will help me see myself as he does. It isn’t too late to get back to a place where I respect myself and show myself that by taking care of myself. God, help me to heal, not just in some ways, but all ways.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 22 / 23

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Over the years I have learned to believe that God is there, even in the tough times. I have taken some things wrong though. Mainly, how I react to people around me, and their intentions. Just like I assume many do with God, I have found myself driven by emotion more than reality. Assuming that someone intends, does or thinks something doesn’t make it true. Reality is reality, whether I accept it, believe it or not.

In working with others I have learned that while a person may not have their feelings based in reality, it doesn’t change that it is their reality. To understand the difference between reality and perception is important, whether dealing with God, and/or others.

I have learned that God is constant, there is always good and love regarding his children. I wish the same could be said regarding many of the people I come into contact with. I have learned the constant thing to have faith in, to check out my reality with, is not my fellow man or woman nearly as much as it is with God. God is with me, in the good times, and the bad. He loves me in my faults and my successes. While people will fail me, even hurt me, God desires to bless me, teach me, and help me. Like a good parent, there may be times of correction, but there are benefits to being a child of God.

Matthew 28:20, (CEV) - and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.

Psalm 139: 7-10, (CEV) – (7) Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight?

(8) If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there.

If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there.

(9) Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean.

(10) Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 21

pray that a year from now, I will be able to provide for my family all they need. I grieve and hurt due to the sacrifices my wife has made to enable the ministry I am involved in to take place, yet I don’t know if many have ever thanked her. I want her to have fulfillment and be at a place of joy in experiencing the blessings of touching others that God has provided me.

God can do these things; I think He wants to. I also believe others who have a free-will are a part of the process. I don’t think it was God’s will to hurt me through the abuse of others, but He did find a way to bring it to a place where good can happen. I know He can do the same thing with my current situation. God can turn that meant for evil and turn it around for good. I have to keep the confidence that if God will and has turned the bad around for good. It is my hearts desire to touch others, I know God will continue to bless, if not now certainly in my eternal future. Emotionally, God has worked miracles in my life. He has regarding finance but there are too many valleys to keep me happy all of the time. I have to grow in this area. I want to feel appreciated.

Dear God, I just want to be appreciated and take care of basic needs in my life, it is really hard. Please, let your Spirit work on my heart so I can be satisfied with what You have provided.

Today I will quote the two recommended passages from the book but I will use the CEV.

~ Psalm 25:15-17
(15) I always look to you, because you rescue me from every trap.

(16) I am lonely and troubled.

Show that you care and have pity on me.

(17) My awful worries keep growing.

Rescue me from sadness.

~ Genesis 50:19-20
(19) But Joseph told them, "Don't be afraid! I have no right to change what God has decided. (20) You tried to harm me, but God made it turn out for the best, so that he could save all these people, as he is now doing.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

Monday, May 2, 2011

Daily Journal for The Recovery From Religious Abuse Day 20

Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.

Over the last years I have been busy doing things for others. Despite what some may believe, helping others is what drives me. At times to the point of doing potential harm in not taking care of myself or my family. It is the one thing I struggle with, that is, being a better husband, provider, and family man. I don’t think others often consider or take seriously the time I have contributed or the proportionate amount of finance I bring in for the time I have spent. I try not to complain though but I know this an area I have to work on.

I have to ask myself; do I give what I do to escape my pain and hurt? Is what I give counter productive and do more harm than good? I honestly don’t know the answer. I do believe that my God has been valuable deserves my all. The willingness to give sacrificially has been one of the greatest areas of change in my life since starting my recovery from abuse. When I am sold on something, I am sold on it to its entirety. I honestly, believe in the work I do. As I get older, I know that while sacrifices have been made, there is still much work to do.

In an ideal situation I would have the man-power to help out on the things I am involved in, and at the same time, have the finances to enjoy life. My wife and I just had a car breakdown; we are down to one car, not knowing for sure if the other can be fixed or what it will cost us. To be able to take my family on a vacation, or have the means to either fix, or buy another car would be nice. To have the luxury of having a full day, weekend or week or two off for a vacation would be an incredible blessing. I have dreamed of so many things and places in life, yet never had the opportunity to do or see many of those things. Many of them are things I have wanted to share with my family. There is sacrifice for the salvation Christ has provided me, not because I have to give back, I know it was grace and faith in Christ that provided my salvation, yet, I want to do more. I also want to do less so I can do more but I seem to be in a Catch-22.

Oh God, help me understand, I long for those things and places in my life with my family and my wife. As I get older, I honestly don’t know if I am doing what I do out of guilt, a means of escape, or because I it is what is required of me. God, help me be happy to be at the place You want and have for me.

Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

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

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

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

Just For You

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