Pastor Tom's Community

tomsims

  • Wrestling with God

    This message centered on the theme of struggle in the context of faith, using the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God as a primary example. The discussion emphasized that struggle is an inherent and necessary part of living out… Continue reading

  • A Call for Peace Making

    Ceasefire Is not Peace, but it is an opportunity for peacemaking. I challenge three groups to invest in the rebuilding of Gaza, respecting the autonomy of the people. That means well-place financial investments. This is a time of opportunity for… Continue reading

  • Proactive Love

    Read More: It Is Not Enough Just Not to Hate Continue reading

  • Slow Down to Soak Up the Grace

    Sometimes slower gets you there sooner and better. Like slow food, grace must be savored. Life moves too quickly at best. The Long, Lingering, Meandering Way We meander and gather our thoughts. We stop here and there to taste and… Continue reading

  • Living in Exile

    Are you homesick? Do you feel disengaged, disoriented, and dispossessed in a world where nothing is familiar? Is there a feeling of hostility from or toward you as you confront the values and cultures around you? There is actually a… Continue reading

  • The Jehoiakim Factor

    We are not all that good at generational thinking. We are fairly well tuned to passing on truth to the next generation and to that of our grandchildren, but we are not often that concerned with the children unborn and… Continue reading

  • A Tip of the Hat to Roger Williams

    For Taking a Boot to the Butt On this day in 1635 – Roger Williams is banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony after religious and policy disagreements. This was a critical moment in American history and religious history, as well… Continue reading

  • Dog Whistles

    I’ve spent no small amount of time pondering this. How is it that people I respect, people of integrity, and people I presume to be intelligent, believe a lie. In fact, one lie leads to another and trust is developed… Continue reading

  • Let It Roll Down

    When do justice and righteousness roll down like streams of refreshing water? “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” – Amos 5:24 It is as if Amos were here with us today. His words… Continue reading

  • Resolve

    Care to Lead a Blameless Life I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.  –New International Version Psalm 101:2 Here is… Continue reading